#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics Weekly #Update (CDC, September 15 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominated

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    The CDC pointed out that the domestic influenza epidemic is rising and in its epidemic season. 

    In the 36th week (September 6th-12th), there were 136,796 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, an increase of 16.5% compared to the previous week. 

    Additionally, last week (September 8th-14th), there were 92 new cases of severe influenza complications (79 H1N1, 5 H3N2, and 8 untyped A cases) and 21 deaths (18 H1N1, 2 H3N2, and 1 untyped A case). 

    Laboratory monitoring data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is mainly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 82.2%. 

    This flu season has seen a cumulative total of 1,421 severe cases (800 H1N1, 503 H3N2, 28 untyped type A, and 90 type B) and 274 deaths (149 H1N1, 104 H3N2, 9 untyped type A, and 12 type B). 

    The majority of severe cases are among those aged 65 and above (65.0%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (82.7%). 68.3% of those affected have not received the flu vaccine this season.

    According to data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the COVID-19 epidemic in Taiwan is declining, but it is still in its epidemic period. 

    In week 36 (September 6-12), there were 17,847 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, a 13.3% decrease compared to the previous week (August 30-September 5). 

    Last week (September 8-14), there were 53 new severe cases and 18 local deaths. 

    Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative total of 675 locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 complicated by severe illness, of which 124 have died. 

    Severe cases are predominantly among those aged 65 and above (73.3%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (82.8%). 83.6% of these cases have not received the COVID-19 vaccine this season. 

    In the past four weeks, the most prevalent local variants have been NB.1.8.1 and PQ.16.1.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/CqW5UAMFqpDkwJWfWG-WGw?typeid=9

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (DAFF, as of September 14 '26)

 

{Excerpt, Summary}

(...)

Event data

    ° 542 *Positive events

    ° 44,354 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 14 September 2026, Australia has 542 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

    ° 10 in Western Australia (WA)

    ° 295 in South Australia (SA)

    ° 32 in New South Wales (NSW)

    ° 2 in Queensland (QLD)

    ° 165 in Victoria (VIC)

    ° 37 in Tasmania (TAS)

    ° 1 in Other Territories*

    ° * Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government as at 17:00 AEST daily. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the relevant state or territory government. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

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{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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Co-occurrence #networks from #wetland #bird #surveys predict #H5N1 genetic similarity between wild birds with strong effects of time, space and viral clustering

 

Abstract

The emergence of zoonotic and epizootic diseases has had devastating consequences for human and animal health, including wildlife conservation. Yet, surveillance of multi-host disease systems is particularly challenging due to complex transmission pathways across many species. Social network analysis has been applied to simple transmission systems, but empirical applications to wild, multi-species systems are scarce. Here, we combined high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viral genomes, a zoonotic virus of pandemic potential, with a large citizen-science database of wild bird co-occurrence to test how multi-species social network structure predicts transmission dynamics. We linked viral genetic distance, 20,103 pairwise comparisons between 214 unique genomes from 172 dyads of 20 host species, to co-occurrence network metrics for those species. Both relative species association and raw co-occurrence frequency predicted lower maximum viral genetic divergence, more similar viruses between more associated species, beyond what would be expected through random mixing and independently of sequencing effort. Time and space between samples were also strong predictors of genetic similarity. Our results suggest that network models can be used to detect pathogen transmission through communities of wild birds, offering real prospects for wildlife disease surveillance and prediction.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.17.659947v5

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#Pathogenesis and natural history of the #Bundibugyo species of #Orthoebolavirus in nonhuman #primates

 

Abstract

The current outbreak of Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in Africa is a global public health concern particularly as there are no licensed medical countermeasures (MCM). Well characterized animal models that accurately replicate human BDBV infection are needed to develop effective MCM. We exposed 21 cynomolgus monkeys (CM) to BDBV to examine the progression and natural history of BDBV disease (BVD). BVD was more protracted than reported for Ebola and Sudan infection in CM with a lower lethality rate of 67% consistent with lower human BVD mortality rates. IHC and spatial proteomics identified CD209+, CD68+, and/or HLA-DR+ macrophages and dendritic cells as early targets of BDBV. These infected cells frequently colocalized with fibrin and infiltrating MPO+ neutrophils and S100A9+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells, consistent with the development of an active inflammatory response and early coagulopathy. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the circulating immune response correspondingly reflected a cytokine-driven hyperinflammatory state in CM that succumbed to disease. Surviving animals resolved systemic inflammation by the study endpoint; however, BDBV antigen was identified in immune privileged tissues with lesion-associated inflammation aligning with known post-Ebola sequela in humans. This data should assist in identifying weaknesses in the disease course that can be exploited to develop new MCM.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, https://ror.org/043z4tv69, U19AI109945

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, https://ror.org/016tfm930, N/A

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.10.743937

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Staircase in Capri, John Singer Sargent (1878)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/john-singer-sargent/staircase-in-capri-1878

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Assessment of immune #response induced by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Sputnik V, and BNT162b2 #vaccines during #COVID19 #outbreak in #Mexican population: Gene expression of the #cytokine storm

 

Highlights

    • The molecular immune response triggered by vaccines against COVID-19 was analyzed.

    • The evaluated genes were ACE2, CD79B, TMPRSS2, CTSB, FCGR3A and MB-1.

    • These vaccines induce a protective immune response through various mechanisms.

    • Vaccines regulate the immune response through pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract

Introduction

COVID-19 vaccines using different technological platforms may induce distinct molecular responses. Characterizing gene-expression patterns after vaccination and in fatal COVID-19 may identify pathways associated with vaccination and severe disease.

Objective

To compare immune-, inflammatory-, and SARS-CoV-2-entry-related gene expression after AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Sputnik V vaccination and with unvaccinated fatal COVID-19.

Materials and methods

Eighty Mexican adults were included: AstraZeneca (n = 19), Pfizer (n = 20), Sputnik (n = 21), and unvaccinated fatal COVID-19 (n = 20). Expression of 11 genes was measured by qPCR at days 30 (D30) and 60 (D60) after vaccination.

Statistical analysis

Longitudinal differences were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Comparisons with fatal COVID-19 were exploratory. Benjamini–Hochberg correction controlled false discovery rate at 5%.

Results

No differences among vaccines were detected at D30. At D60, IL-10, IL-2, and CD79A differed among selected vaccine groups. Longitudinally, FCGR3A decreased in AstraZeneca and Sputnik, ACE2 decreased in Pfizer and Sputnik, and TMPRSS2 increased in Sputnik. Fatal COVID-19 showed predominantly higher expression of several genes than vaccinated groups. Notably, IL-2 and ACE2 were consistently higher in fatal COVID-19 than in all vaccinated groups at both time points.

Discussion and conclusions

Post-vaccination transcriptional profiles were dynamic, with selected differences emerging at D60, whereas fatal COVID-19 exhibited a distinct profile characterized predominantly by higher expression of immune-, inflammatory-, and viral-entry-related genes. Consistent IL-2 and ACE2 differences highlight molecular pathways potentially associated with severe disease. The observational design, however, precludes causal attribution to vaccination.

Perspectives

Longitudinal studies with appropriate controls are needed to establish the biological significance of these transcriptional patterns.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2026.106025

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (DAFF, as of September 13 '26)

 

{Excerpt, Summary}

(...)

    As of 4pm AEST, 11 September 2026, Australia has 521 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

    ° 10 in Western Australia (WA)

    ° 286 in South Australia (SA)

    ° 25 in New South Wales (NSW)

    ° 2 in Queensland (QLD)

    ° 162 in Victoria (VIC)

    ° 36 in Tasmania (TAS)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government as at 17:00 AEST daily. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the relevant state or territory government. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

(...)

Positive events by species

{As of September 13 2026}

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

____

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44. ALMUKHTAR S, McWhirter N, Mendiola A, Samuel S, et al
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Respiratory #pandemic #risk in the #Anthropocene: A #OneHealth #framework and #GISRS+ agenda

 

Highlights

    • Respiratory pandemics are now a structural feature of the Anthropocene.

    • H5Nx and SARS-related CoVs are identified as leading pandemic candidates.

    • A geographic mismatch exists between spillover risk and surveillance.

    • A multidimensional GISRS+ agenda is proposed for proactive One Health.

Abstract

Recent epidemics and pandemics caused by respiratory viruses, alongside the animal panzootic spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5Nx), have become a structural feature of the Anthropocene, yet responses remain largely reactive. This review integrates findings from WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and related surveillance data (2000–2024), epidemiological studies of influenza A virus, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and H5Nx, and One Health literature. We examine major groups of respiratory viruses and identify mismatches between risk and surveillance by focusing on spillover potential from animal hosts, human-to-human transmission and its controllability, and Anthropocene characteristics that increase epidemic risk. The analysis indicated that SARS-related coronaviruses and influenza A viruses, particularly H5Nx, are among the leading candidates based on currently available evidence because they have large reservoirs in animal hosts and spillover to humans is highly probable. The previous presymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 and recent mammalian adaptation in H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highlight limitations of the traditional symptom-based and pathogen-specific surveillance system. Spillover events tend to occur in tropical and subtropical regions in low- and middle-income countries, but most genomic surveillance is in high-income countries. We propose interventions that address the upstream, midstream, downstream processes of epidemics. Upstream interventions are primary prevention measures related to land use, livestock, wildlife, and urban environments; midstream interventions are GISRS+-based pathogen-agnostic genomic and metagenomic early warning systems triggered by One Health; and downstream interventions include vaccines, antivirals, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and engineering with equity-centred global governance and sustainable financing.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2026.101553

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History of Mass Transportation: The CP Class 0350 ''Allan'' Diesel Multiple Unit

 {Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Nelso Silva - CP 0371, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31917236

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comboios_de_Portugal#/media/File:CP_0371_(9738376728).jpg

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Divergent #antibody-mediated population #immunity to #H5, #H7 and #H9 subtype potential #pandemic #influenza viruses

 

Abstract

Influenza continues to cause significant mortality globally and possesses substantial pandemic potential. Assessing pandemic risk requires a clear understanding of existing population immunity. Leveraging a unique large-scale cohort of human sera, we evaluated total and neutralising antibody-mediated immunity to multiple haemagglutinin (HA) proteins, including those from subtypes with high pandemic potential. Our analysis reveals that population immunity is heterogeneous, with distinct age-dependent differences in responses to H5, H7, and H9 avian influenza subtypes. These shifts align with historical circulation patterns of seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 human viruses. Notably, H7 viruses are primarily neutralised through head domain epitopes, while H5 viruses are targeted mainly via stem epitopes, although in both instances some neutralisation occurred via receptor binding site-adjacent epitopes. Furthermore, H7 responses were dominated by non-glycan-targeted IgG2 antibodies, whereas H5 responses were primarily IgG1-mediated. These findings highlight varying levels of susceptibility to influenza across the population, supporting vaccination approaches informed by exposure history.

Competing Interest Statement

CPT has received lecture fees from Moderna.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.25335309v2

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#Usutu virus promotes #WNV #replication in #Culex pipiens biotype molestus during simultaneous and sequential #coinfections

 

Abstract

The epidemiological co-circulation of the two flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in several European countries poses the risk of co-infections in vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors. WNV is an important human pathogen, whereas USUV is primarily relevant in veterinary and wildlife health. Co-infections have been detected in birds and, occasionally, in humans. To determine the potential consequences of co-exposure and co-infections in mosquitoes on viral transmission, lab-reared Culex pipiens biotype molestus were orally infected with both viruses either simultaneously or sequentially at 7-day intervals with German isolates of WNV lineage 2 and USUV lineage Europe 3. Simultaneous exposure resulted in a significantly increased WNV infection rate, while infection and transmission of USUV were inhibited at the same time. During sequential exposure, prior WNV exposure also had a negative effect on susceptibility to USUV, whereas conversely, WNV infection rates were not altered by prior USUV exposure. Furthermore, mosquitoes with established co-infections after simultaneous co-exposure exhibited higher WNV viral loads than those infected exclusively with WNV. The study reveals complex interactions between WNV, USUV, and the mosquito vector, which could influence vector competence and vector capacity of Culex pipiens biotype molestus in areas with co-circulation of WNV and USUV.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1014601

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Characteristics and #Superspreading #Potential of #Andes Virus Person-to-Person #Transmission

 

Abstract

By using historical contact tracing data, we estimated that 23.4% of case-patients caused 80% of Andes virus (ANDV) person-to-person transmission. We demonstrated a low but nonnegligible probability of observing a large-scale ANDV infection outbreak in a rodent-free setting consisting of close contacts, despite the historically self-limited person-to-person transmission of ANDV.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3210.260908

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (US CDC, Sept. 11 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: August 30, 2026 - September 05, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 8 site(s) (1.9%)

    -- No Detection: 422 site(s) (98.1%)

    -- No samples: 95 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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#Chile - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Backyard captive birds in Los Ríos Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7819

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#Bundibugyo virus gp seroreactivity following recombinant VSV–Zaire Ebola virus gp #vaccination in #outbreak-affected populations of #DRC: a longitudinal cohort study

 

Summary

Background

There are currently no licensed vaccines for disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). The recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus–Zaire Ebola virus glycoprotein (rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP) vaccine has been widely deployed during Ebola virus disease outbreaks caused by Ebola virus (EBOV). Human studies have shown cross-reactive BDBV antibody responses following licensed Ebola virus disease vaccine administration, but the durability and longitudinal kinetics of these responses in populations vaccinated during outbreaks remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate BDBV glycoprotein seroreactivity following rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccination in two longitudinal cohorts from regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo affected by Ebola virus disease outbreaks.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study was done in Mbandaka, Equateur Province, and Beni, North Kivu Province. Individuals aged 1 year and older who received the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccine under the WHO ring-vaccination protocol were eligible for enrolment. These populations were defined as: people with confirmed Ebola virus disease, contacts of people with Ebola virus disease or contacts-of-contacts, and health-care or front-line workers in areas affected by Ebola virus disease. Participants were enrolled from June 2 to July 3, 2018, in Mbandaka and from Aug 15 to 29, 2018, in Beni. Serum samples were collected from vaccine recipients and antibody reactivity was assessed using a multiplex pan-filovirus immunoassay. Both cohorts were followed up over 5 years, with seven data collection periods in each province. We evaluated longitudinal trends in EBOV and BDBV glycoprotein seroreactivity using a pan-filovirus multiplex immunoassay across follow-up visits.

Findings

We analysed 5849 serum samples from 1081 participants. 715 (66%) of 1081 participants were male and 366 (34%) were female. BDBV glycoprotein seroreactivity differed substantially between study sites. At baseline, 16 (3%) of 482 participants in Mbandaka and 62 (10%) of 599 in Beni were seroreactive to BDBV glycoprotein. In Mbandaka, BDBV glycoprotein antibody reactivity remained stable through to 6 months after initial vaccination before increasing from a mean median fluorescent intensity (MFI) of 1238 (SD 1599) at 2·5 years, with 16 (5%) of 355 seroreactive, to 4845 (5881) at 3·5 years and 116 (35%) of 329 seroreactive (p<0·0001), followed by waning at later visits. In Beni, BDBV glycoprotein antibody reactivity increased rapidly after the initial vaccination, with seroreactivity peaking at 21 days to a mean MFI of 6678 (SD 6997) with 283 (52%) of 541 participants seroreactive and at 6 months to an MFI of 6852 (6560) with 270 (54%) of 501 seroreactive. Although antibody levels decreased after 6 months, EBOV glycoprotein and BDBV glycoprotein antibody reactivity remained above baseline through to 5 years after vaccination.

Interpretation

The differing patterns of BDBV glycoprotein seroreactivity observed between Beni and Mbandaka warrant further investigation into the epidemiological and immunological factors associated with this seroreactivity, including the epidemiological significance of baseline seroreactivity observed before vaccination. To our knowledge, these findings provide the first longitudinal human data describing BDBV glycoprotein seroreactivity following licensed Ebola virus disease vaccination in populations living in regions now affected by the current outbreak of disease caused by BDBV. They add to the growing body of human evidence describing cross-reactive antibody responses following licensed Ebola virus disease vaccination and support rigorous clinical evaluation of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP during the ongoing outbreak while BDBV-specific vaccines continue to be developed.

Funding

The US Food and Drug Administration, the Gates Foundation, and the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)01608-9

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Establishment of an avian #influenza #surveillance program in #Australia's largest #river basin

 

Abstract

To-date Australia has had mostly coastal occurrences in a small but growing number of species of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential impacts of expected spread are the focus of significant preparation activities. Here we report on early surveillance undertaken in 2025-26 in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's largest river system, which contains internationally important wetlands that support large multi-species aggregations of waterbirds vulnerable to mass mortality. We detected two low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of Australian origin in wild waterbirds. Ongoing surveillance will aid in early detection and rapid response in the case of a major inland outbreak of H5N1.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.09.750291v1

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