#Germany - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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A poultry farm (geese (20), ducks (40), chicken (30)) in the Brandenburg Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7972

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

 

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By Martin Mecnarowski (http://www.photomecan.eu/) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12814916

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A Wild Eurasian Eagle-Owl in the Länsi- ja Sisä-Suomen aluehallintovirasto Region.

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Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7970

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Avian #Influenza #Report: November 1 - 7 '26 (Wk 45) (HK CHP, November 10 '26): 2 New #Human Infections with #H9N2 virus in #China

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Avian influenza A(H9N2):

    ° Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region:

        § A nine-year-old girl with onset on October 13, 2026.

    ° Liaoning Province:

        § A seven-year-old boy with onset on September 20, 2026.

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk45.pdf

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Rare recovery of #reassortants between contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 viruses and #human #influenza A viruses in vitro

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) pandemics can arise when animal-derived and human-adapted IAVs exchange genome segments; however, whether contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses can generate viable reassortants with human IAVs is unclear. Here, we tested the reassortment potential of two clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses with human-adapted H1N1 and H3N2 IAVs using a biosafe reassortment system. Across multiple coinfection conditions, we genotyped 2,698 plaque-purified viral clones and recovered 20 reassortants (0.74%). Polymerase assays identified human IAV subunits, particularly H1N1 PA or H3N2 PB2, that increased H5N1 polymerase activity. Thus, contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses can reassort with human IAVs, but factors beyond polymerase compatibility may limit their recovery.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2631654123

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics, Weekly Situation Update (CDC, Nov. 10 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus still predominated

 

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    The CDC explained that in week 44 (November 1-7), there were 91,879 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a 6.4% decrease from the previous week. 

    However, last week (November 3-9), there were still 103 new cases of severe influenza complications and 38 deaths. 

    This season (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) has seen a cumulative total of 645 severe cases and 124 deaths. 

    The majority of severe cases are among those aged 65 and above (69.6%) and those with a history of chronic illness (85.1%). 

    97.1% of those affected have not received the seasonal influenza vaccine. 

    Laboratory monitoring data shows that H1N1 influenza viruses are currently predominantly circulating in the community, accounting for 94.7%. 

    

    According to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), although the COVID-19 epidemic in Taiwan ended its peak in mid-October and continues to decline, last week (November 3-9) saw 2 new severe cases and 1 death. 

    50% of severe cases have not received the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine. 

    This season (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) saw a cumulative total of 77 severe cases, including 14 deaths. 

    The majority of severe cases were among those aged 65 and above (61.0%) and those with a history of chronic illnesses (84.4%). 98.7% of these cases were not vaccinated against COVID-19 this season.

(...)

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiwan, https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/HHbAdjZ5sQg8nHVyP5QXSQ?typeid=9

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. Agriculture, Nov. 10 '26)

 

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Event data

    As of 4pm AEST, 9 November 2026, Australia has 738 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 342 in South Australia (SA)

        § 81 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 249 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)^

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {^} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

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(...)

Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

(...)

{England}

    Poultry premises 67,000 duck meat farm with birds of 35 weeks of age. 

    Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N1. 

    Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing.

(...)

Source: World Animal Health Organization, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7964

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Broad #vaccine #protection against globally diverse #influenza #H5Nx viruses

 

Summary

Influenza A/H5Nx viruses continue to diversify and undergo gene reassortment as they infect avian and mammalian hosts worldwide. The severity of human infections varies substantially between different H5 clades and neuraminidase (NA) reassortants, creating unpredictable pandemic risk. Existing H5 vaccines, typically based on a single hemagglutinin (HA) strain, cannot keep pace with this natural variation. To address this problem, we computationally engineer HA, NA, and M2 antigens representing the global antigenic space of circulating H5Nx viruses, prioritizing N1 and N6 subtypes associated with the highest threat in humans. The resulting digitally immune-optimized mRNA vaccine, DVX-panH5Nx, elicits broad HA neutralization and NA inhibition across divergent clades in mice and ferrets. Compared to WHO candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs), DVX-panH5Nx confers superior protection against antigenically distinct H5N1 challenges spanning two decades of viral evolution, demonstrating that computationally designed multivalent antigen vaccines can overcome natural influenza diversification and provide a scalable strategy for pre-pandemic preparedness.

Source: Cell Reports Medicine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.103131

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Immunogenicity and #safety of two priming doses of an MF59-adjuvanted cell-based #H5N8 #influenza #vaccine in healthy persons aged ≥18 years

Abstract

Background

Increased transmission of avian influenza from animals to humans has elevated the risk of an H5 pandemic.

Methods

This phase 2, randomized, observer-blind, multi-center trial assessed the immunogenicity and safety of homologous priming with an MF59-adjuvanted, cell-based H5N8 A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 clade 2.3.4.4b vaccine (aH5N8c). We enrolled adults age ≥18 years, equally stratified into 18–64 (including a poultry-worker subset) and ≥65 year cohorts. Primary and secondary outcomes were homologous antibody responses against H5N8 measured in all participants by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and in a subset by microneutralization (MN) assays on Days 1, 22, and 43. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were monitored for 7 days post-vaccination, with unsolicited AEs tracked throughout Day 43.

Results

239 participants were vaccinated (18–64 years, n = 121; ≥65 years, n = 118). At Day 43 (21 days post second aH5N8c dose), geometric mean fold increases (GMFI) were 13.7 for the 18–64 cohort and 10.2 for the ≥65 cohort. HI seroconversion rates were 75.8% (95% CI 66.1–83.8%) for the 18–64 cohort and 71.0% (61.1–79.6%) for the ≥65 cohort. HI titers ≥1:40 were achieved in 75.8% (66.1–83.8%) and 73.0% (63.2–81.4%) of participants, respectively. MN seroconversion rates were 80.6% (68.6–89.6%) and 70.0% (56.8–81.2%), while MN titers ≥1:40 were 83.9% (72.3–92.0%) and 86.7% (75.4–94.1%), respectively. No notable differences in immune responses by poultry worker status were observed. Most solicited AEs were mild or moderate, resolving within 3 days. Unsolicited AEs were reported by 16.7% participants by Day 43.

Conclusion

These data support the use of the MF59-adjuvanted, cell-based monovalent H5N8 vaccine as a public health intervention against H5 influenza.

Source: Vaccine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129279

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Prince Baltasar Carlos, Diego Velazquez (1632)

 

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Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/diego-velazquez/price-baltasar-carlos-1632

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#Antigenic #landscape of a highly mutated #SARS-CoV-2 #spike in ongoing viral #evolution

 

Abstract

The ongoing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in an increasingly immune-experienced population is largely enabled by the plasticity of the Spike protein, which lies at the frontline of host immune pressure. Here, we investigated how extensive remodeling of the N-terminal domain (NTD) in Spike influences its antigenic properties. Using BA.2.87.1, a variant heavily mutated in this domain, we found that even large deletions do not substantially disrupt overall Spike structure or pseudovirus infectivity. However, our structural and binding analyses revealed that the NTD exhibits increased flexibility and that interaction with a heme–metabolite, known to facilitate the exposure of an immunodominant epitope, is lost. These conformational effects, coupled with 33 NTD mutations, compromised the ability of human convalescent antibodies to engage this domain, contributing to their reduced neutralizing capacity. Consequently, BA.2.87.1-like variants may escape recognition by the preexisting NTD-targeting antibodies, potentially reducing protection. Together, our results highlight the intrinsic adaptability of the Spike beyond the receptor-binding domain, with implications for immune escape during viral evolution.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2608185123

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Structure of #influenza D virus #NS1 reveals a novel Zn-binding site and ssRNA-binding activity

 

Abstract

Influenza D virus (IDV) is an emerging pathogen associated with bovine respiratory disease and has potential for zoonotic transmission. Although nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a major virulence factor in influenza A and B viruses, the structure and function of IDV NS1 remain poorly defined. Here, we determined crystal structures of the IDV NS1 N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) and C-terminal effector domain (CTD). The NTD retains the conserved homodimeric six-helix fold, whereas the CTD adopts a distinct architecture containing a novel Zn²⁺-binding site. IDV NS1 CTD preferentially binds single-stranded RNA, and mutagenesis identified lysine and arginine residues critical for this activity. Single-residue substitutions disrupting either the Zn²⁺-binding site or RNA-binding interface prevented recovery of infectious recombinant IDV. These findings reveal distinct structural and functional features of IDV NS1 and establish the importance of CTD integrity for viral replication. Conservation of key CTD residues in influenza C virus NS1 suggests shared structural features that distinguish influenza C and D virus NS1 proteins from their influenza A and B counterparts.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Welch Foundation, https://ror.org/00np6vq88, C-1565

Source: BioRxIV, https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.29.760789

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A single–amino acid difference between #rodent and #human #Andes virus affects viral #glycoprotein trafficking

 

Abstract

Andes virus (ANDV) causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), with rare outbreaks involving person-to-person transmission. A human ANDV isolate from one such outbreak and a rodent isolate from the same region differ in lethality in Syrian golden hamsters. Genomic analysis revealed 25 nonsynonymous substitutions, including one leading to a T641I change in the human ANDV glycoprotein precursor near its cleavage site. Although the isolates differed in growth kinetics, strand-specific RT-qPCR did not support major differences in viral RNA synthesis, whereas virion release was delayed in the case of the human isolate. In human cell expression systems, a single I641T substitution in the human ANDV glycoprotein resulted in decreased Golgi retention and faster release of virion-like particles relative to wild-type glycoprotein. Since ANDV egress takes place at the Golgi, the T641I change present in the human ANDV isolate may represent a human adaptive mutation influencing glycoprotein trafficking and virus particle release.

Source: Science Advances Journal, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aek2522

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History of Mass Transportation: The Class 80 power car No. 69 in preservation at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Milepost98 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90062190

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIR_80_Class

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Six Recoveries and Eighteen Days Without a New #Ebola #Bundibugyo Virus Case As #Kenya Nears the Finish Lile (MoH, Nov. 6 '26)

 

Ministry of Health REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL FOR  HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

DAY 32: SIX RECOVERIES AND EIGHTEEN DAYS WITHOUT A NEW CASE AS KENYA NEARS THE FINISH LINE

Nairobi, 6 November 2026

    Today marks Day 32 since Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola  (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) on 6th October 2026. 

    The Ministry of Health is pleased to report that the measures put in place  are working, and the country is firmly on the path to ending this outbreak.

    A sixth (6th) male patient has recovered and is being discharged today,  after testing negative and meeting all the criteria for discharge. 

    Only one (1) patient remains under care and continues to receive treatment  and close monitoring. 

    No new case has been recorded for eighteen (18) days, since 19th October  2026. 

    The total number of confirmed cases remains nine (9), all from one  known chain of transmission, and there has been no spread in the community. 

    Sixty-six (66) contacts have completed their 21 days of monitoring and  returned home, and the remaining fifty-two (52) are expected to complete their  quarantine by 11th November 2026.

    These results did not happen by chance. Kenya followed the proven steps  that stop Ebola: 

        ° find every case early, 

        ° isolate and treat the sick, 

        ° trace and monitor  everyone they came into contact with, 

        ° protect health workers, and 

        ° bury the dead  safely and with dignity. 

        ° Every person who fell ill after the first case was already  under quarantine, which meant the virus had nowhere to go.

    The outbreak will end in a clear, internationally agreed way. When the  last patient leaves the treatment centre free of the virus, Kenya will begin a 42- day countdown, twice the longest time it takes for the illness to appear. If no new  case is recorded in those 42 days, the outbreak will be declared over. Until that  day, we must not let down our guard. 

    The Ministry sincerely thanks everyone who has made this progress possible: 

        ° our doctors, nurses, laboratory, surveillance and burial teams, who worked  at great personal risk; 

        ° Community Health Promoters, Public Health Officers and county  governments; 

        ° the Kenyatta National Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital; the security agencies; religious and

        ° community leaders; and 

        ° the media, for sharing accurate information. 

    We are grateful to the patients and their families, and to the contacts who  stayed in quarantine for the sake of their neighbors and the entire country. We  also thank our partners, including WHO, Africa CDC, UNICEF, IGAD and friendly  governments, for standing with Kenya. 

    Staying free of Ebola, and of any other outbreak, is everyone's responsibility.  

    We ask every Kenyan to: 

        ° know the signs (fever, weakness, muscle  pain, vomiting, diarrhea or  unexplained bleeding) and seek care early; 

        ° report any sick person or unexplained death in the community; 

        ° avoid touching the blood or body fluids of a sick person, or the body of anyone who has died of an unexplained illness; 

        ° wash hands regularly with soap and water; 

        ° avoid handling sick or dead wild animals or their meat; and 

        ° welcome recovered patients and released contacts without stigma.

    Ebola is still active in the region, and outbreaks in one country can quickly  reach another. Kenya will keep screening travelers at all twenty-six (26) points of  entry, where to date more than 760,000 travelers have been screened, and will  keep its emergency operations centers and rapid response teams on alert in every  county. 

    Travelers should truthfully complete the electronic traveler surveillance form on the UHAI Chatbot before arrival, declare any symptoms  honestly, and report any illness within 21 days of arrival. 

    Health workers should ask every patient with fever about travel and  contact history and always keep up infection prevention and control measures. 

    We  will continue to work with our neighbors, the East African Community  and Africa CDC, because no country is safe until the whole region is safe.

    Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings. To report a suspected case or seek information, call 719 free of charge  or use the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.

    We are close to the finish line. Let us stay alert, report early and keep  working together until Kenya is declared Ebola-free and stays that way.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR-GENERAL FOR HEALTH

Source: Facebook Page of Kenya's Ministry of Health, https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
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3. LU M, Qiao M, Chen S, Zhu J, et al
   Human metapneumovirus-associated ARI hospitalisation rates in comparison to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in eastern China, 2020-2024: a time-series analysis.
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4. COLOSI E, Calmon L, Fassli M, Koch KN, et al
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    Nature

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    The surprising reason women in academia do more parenting than men.
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   Arch Virol

2. DANILENKO AV, Svyatchenko SV, Bragina MK, Goncharova NI, et al
   Characterization of influenza A(H3N2) viruses detected on a pig farm in Russia in 2017-2018.
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   BMC Pediatr

3. ESTEVES L, Raymundo CE, de Andrade Medronho R
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4. CHEN T, Guo X, Tang W, Liu F, et al
   Clinical characteristics and risk factors for poor prognosis of RSV lower respiratory tract infection: a two-center study.
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5. LAU JY, Pan WC, Ji DD
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Yellow fever - #WHO #African Region, 6 November 2026 (WHO D.O.N., summary)

 

{Summary}

Situation at a glance

    Yellow fever transmission continues in the WHO African Region, with recent outbreak activity concentrated in parts of West Africa. 

    Between 1 January and 12 October 2026, 67 confirmed cases, including 18 deaths, were recorded in nine countries in the Region: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo. 

    The most recent outbreak activity has been concentrated in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Liberia, including in areas close to international borders. 

    Occupational and environmental exposures, including work in or near forested areas, mining activities, and other outdoor occupations, are important risk factors for yellow fever infection. 

    Frequent cross-border population movement, the presence of competent mosquito vectors, and uneven vaccination coverage increase the risk of further transmission and geographic spread. 

    Countries in the Region, supported by WHO and partners, are implementing response activities including enhanced surveillance and case investigation, laboratory testing, active case finding, risk communication and community engagement, and vaccination activities in affected and at-risk areas. 

    On 27 October 2026, WHO assessed the overall public health risk associated with the current yellow fever situation as moderate at the regional level. 

    The global risk remains low.

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Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON624

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#Ebola disease caused by #Bundibugyo virus - #DRC, #Kenya and #Nigeria, 6 November 2026 (WHO D.O.N., Summary)

 

{Summary}

Situation at a glance

    Since the publication of the previous Disease Outbreak News on 23 October 2026, the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak has expanded geographically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    While some areas have seen a slight decline in cases, sustained, high-level transmission continues overall in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    As of 3 November 2026, a total of 10 668 confirmed cases, including 5198 deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 48.7%), have been reported across 67 health zones in eight provinces, with active transmission ongoing in 51 health zones. 

    The high proportion of deaths occurring in communities, especially among young children, continues to highlight challenges in early case detection and timely access to appropriate care. 

    Of the 512 deaths reported since 21 October, 335 occurred in communities and 177 in treatment centres. 

    Since the last Disease Outbreak News, no new cases have been reported from Kenya or Nigeria. 

    However, the high-level transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo indicates a continued need for readiness in the region, including cross-border surveillance, points of entry monitoring, timely case detection and coordinated preparedness and response measures. 

    No new country has reported cases since the last Disease Outbreak News was published, however, two countries have medically evacuated confirmed cases among citizens: Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

    Based on the currently available information, WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, States Parties experiencing and/or responding to the public health event.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON625

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak - #DRC, #Kenya, #Nigeria - Sit. #Report No. 24, Data as of 1 Nov. '26 (WHO, summary): 10,532 cases & 5,126 deaths in DRC

  

{Summary}

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{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Event description

    The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic  of the Congo passed 10 000 confirmed cases during the reporting period and  continues at a high, sustained level of transmission, driven increasingly by  Nord-Kivu while Ituri remains the largest contributor. 

    The importation events in Kenya and Nigeria have so far remained  contained: no new case has been reported in Kenya since 19 October and all  secondary cases occurred among contacts already in quarantine, while no  secondary case has been identified in Nigeria. 

    However, a one new death was reported in Kenya, bring the total number of  deaths to two. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, insecurity, health-worker strikes  in Bas-Uélé and Tshopo and the suspension of response activities in Bafwasende  Health Zone continue to constrain surveillance and response operations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As of 1 November 2026, the BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of  the Congo has affected 67 health zones across eight provinces; Yakoma  Health Zone in Nord-Ubangi Province was added to the list of affected zones on 28  October.

    Since External Situation Report #23, an additional 895 confirmed cases and 480 confirmed deaths have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to  10 532 confirmed cases, including 5 126 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality  ratio (CFR) 48.7%]. 

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across affected areas. Ituri  continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed cases  (70.6%), although its relative contribution is declining, while Nord-Kivu (23.9% of cumulative cases; CFR 55.4%) accounted for 60.0% of the cases reported on 1 November. 

    Transmission persists at lower levels in Haut-Uélé and Tshopo.

    National daily incidence rose steadily from May to its highest levels in late  July and mid-August, declined through late September and has fluctuated at  a high plateau since early October. 

    The seven-day moving average ranged between 67 and 76 confirmed  cases per day during the reporting period, peaking at 76 cases per day on 29–30  October before easing to 67 on 1 November, still below the mid-August peak of  94. 

    Provincial trends diverge. Ituri continues its gradual decline from the late- July peak (seven-day average of 31 cases per day on 1 November, down from 38  on 19 October), while Nord-Kivu is rising again (30 cases per day, up from 26)  and now reports almost as many cases as Ituri each day. HautUélé remains stable  at four to five cases per day, Tshopo shows low-level but sustained transmission,  and Nord-Ubangi reported its first cases in October. Bas-Uélé, Sud-Kivu and Sud-Ubangi have reported no case in the last 21 days (Figures 1 and 2).

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Trend Analysis (21-day comparison):

    During the most recent 21-day period (12 October – 1 November 2026), a  total of 1 466 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared with 1 333  cases during the preceding 21 days (21 September – 11 October), representing  an increase of 133 cases (+10.0%). 

    Provincial trends remain heterogeneous. Cases in Ituri decreased slightly  from 748 to 736 (−1.6%), accounting for 50.2% of national cases during the  latest period. 

    In Nord-Kivu, cases increased from 486 to 607 (+24.9%), accounting for  41.4% of national cases, while in Haut-Uélé cases increased from 72 to 84  (+16.7%), accounting for 5.7% of national cases. Tshopo reported 33 cases  compared with 20 in the preceding period (+65.0%), and Nord-Ubangi reported  its first six cases. Bas-Uélé and Sud-Ubangi, which reported six and one cases  respectively in the preceding period, reported none.

    During the same period, a total of 745 confirmed deaths were reported  nationally, compared with 649 deaths during the preceding 21 days (21  September – 11 October), representing an increase of 96 deaths (+14.8%). 

    Deaths increased from 377 to 393 (+4.2%) in Ituri, from 230 to 303  (+31.7%) in Nord-Kivu and from 34 to 43 (+26.5%) in Haut-Uélé and decreased  from eight to five in Tshopo; Nord-Ubangi reported its first death. The rise in  deaths, concentrated in NordKivu, outpaced the rise in cases, reflecting a  worsening mortality burden in the province where transmission is now intensifying.

(...)

    Transmission remained active in two-thirds of all health zones affected  since the start of the outbreak. Of the 67 health zones affected to date,  45 (67.2%) reported at least one new confirmed case during the most recent 21  days(12 October – 1 November 2026). 

    Case incidence increased in 26 health zones, decreased in 27 and was  unchanged in one when the two periods are compared. 

    

    The largest absolute increase occurred in Beni, Nord-Kivu (177 to 262  cases; +48.0%), followed by Mambasa, Ituri (22 to 62; +181.8%), Mandima,  Ituri (199 to 233; +17.1%), Mutwanga, Nord-Kivu (14 to 43; +207.1%), Oicha,  Nord-Kivu (28 to 51; +82.1%) and Wamba, Haut-Uélé (26 to 49; +88.5%).  Bafwasende in Tshopo (11 cases), Wapinda and Yakoma in Nord-Ubangi (three  cases each) and Damas and Mahagi in Ituri (one case each) reported cases after  none in the preceding period (Figure 4).

    There were also 22 health zones without a new case in the last 21 days.  These include Adja, Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Drodro, Fataki, Gety, Kambala and  Logo in Ituri; Goma and Kayna in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé;  Lubunga, Mangobo and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; Buta, Dakwa, Ganga and Viadana in BasUélé; and Bulu in Sud-Ubangi.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths (Figure 6) rose to 286 during 19–25 October 2026,  the highest weekly total since late August, before declining by 16.4% to  239 during 26 October – 1 November. Community deaths decreased from 184 to  155 (−15.8%) and deaths in treatment facilities from 102 to 84 (−17.6%), so  that the proportion of deaths occurring in the community was essentially  unchanged at 64.9% (64.3% the previous week). 

    On 1 November alone, 20 of the 23 confirmed deaths (87.0%) occurred in  the community. Close to two-thirds of confirmed deaths continue to occur outside treatment facilities, highlighting persistent challenges in early case  detection, timely referral and access to treatment.

(...)

Kenya

    Since the previous report, Kenya has reported no new confirmed case of BVD. The cumulative total remains nine confirmed cases, including two deaths (CFR 22.2%): the imported index case, who died on 5 October, and a  65-year-old family member who died on 23 October. All eight secondary cases  (four family members and four hospital staff) were epidemiologically linked to the  index case and were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    The last confirmed case was reported on 19 October 2026; the 42-day  countdown to the end of the outbreak will start once the last confirmed patient  has been discharged after two negative tests.

    Of the nine confirmed cases, seven were male and two were female, with  ages ranging from 24 to 65 years. Seven patients remain under treatment in  isolation at designated facilities, which have 211 isolation beds (scalable to 241), 

corresponding to a bed occupancy of 3.3%.

    A total of 135 contacts have been listed, comprising 46 airport staff, 45  hospital staff, 26 passengers, 14 relatives and four flight crew members. Of these,  eight (5.9%) tested positive for BVD during quarantine (four relatives and  four hospital staff), one of whom has died. 

    As of 28 October, 98 contacts remained  in quarantine in Kenya (41 hospital staff, 33 airport staff, 14 passengers  and 10 family members), all of whom were followed up in the  previous 24 hours (100%); 20 contacts (13 airport staff, four flight crew and three  passengers) had completed follow-up and been discharged from quarantine; and nine passengers who travelled outside Kenya are being  followed up through bilateral engagement with their Countries of destination.

(...)

Nigeria

    Nigeria reported a single confirmed case of BVD, announced by the  Federal Ministry of Health on 20 October 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory,  Abuja. The case, a 42-year-old woman, arrived in Abuja from Uganda via Addis  Ababa on 3 October, developed symptoms on 7 October and was admitted to a  private health facility on 11October. 

    The patient was clinically stable and received supportive care before  being medically evacuated to Switzerland on 26 October 2026. 

    As of 31 October, no additional confirmed cases had been reported. As of  29 October, 62 contacts had been identified in Abuja Municipal Area Council, none  of whom had developed symptoms, and 18 samples had been tested, of which one  was positive. 

    No secondary transmission has been detected; the 12-day  interval  between symptom onset and notification, eight days of which were spent in  private-facility care, remains the main concern for undetected exposures.

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The BVD outbreak remains at a critical juncture. In the Democratic  Republic of the Congo, transmission is not declining:  the cumulative count  passed 10 000 confirmed cases, the national seven-day average has held between  67 and 76 cases per day for three weeks, and the epicentre is shifting  towards Nord-Kivu, where cases rose by a quarter and deaths by a third over the  last 21-day period, where one in three patients is managed outside dedicated  treatment centres, and where contact follow-up and safe burial performance are  the weakest. 

    Health-worker strikes in Bas-Uélé and Tshopo, insecurity in Beni and Nizi and  the suspension of activities in Bafwasende further increase the risk of  undetected transmission. 

    The absence of new cases in Kenya since 19 October and of secondary  transmission in Nigeria is encouraging and indicates that the exported chains have  so far been contained, although continued surveillance is essential until the  end-of-outbreak criteria are met. 

    Priorities should focus on reinforcing response capacity in NordKivu,  particularly in Beni, Mutwanga, Oicha and Mabalako, restoring operational access  in insecure and strike-affected areas, improving the timeliness of isolation of  suspected cases and the completion of safe burials, and maintaining coordinated  cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent further international  spread.

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/publication/bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-kenya-nigeria-weekly-external-situation

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