#Nigeria, Government Provides Update of #Abuja #Ebola Case As #Genetic Analysis Shows Virus Is Related to that Identified in #Kenya (MoH, Oct. 24 '26)

{From Social Media Page of Nigeria's Ministry of Health}

PRESS RELEASE | Abuja, Nigeria | 23 October 2026

FG PROVIDES UPDATE ON FCT EBOLA  CASE AS GENETIC ANALYSIS SHOWS VIRUS IS RELATED TO VIRUS IDENTIFIED IN KENYA

    The Federal Government has provided an update on the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reporting  that genomic analysis indicates that the virus identified in Nigeria is genetically related to the virus identified in a case in Kenya. 

    Further investigations are, however, required to establish whether the two  cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad  Ali Pate, said the findings provide important scientific information,  while emphasising that further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global  Health (IGH) at Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian  Happi. Prof. Pate commended both institutions for their speed  and scientific rigour, while reiterating that genetic relatedness between viruses  does not, in itself, establish a direct transmission link between cases.

    Prof. Pate stated that identified contacts of the confirmed case remain  under active monitoring. 

    Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending.

    The Coordinating Minister said the Federal Government was  strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk  communication and infection prevention and control. Healthcare facilities have  been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health  authorities, while additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers will  support the effective implementation of response protocols.

    In a related announcement, the Director General of the NCDC stated that  the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from 24 October  2026, in line with its public health guidelines. The updates will provide regular  information as the situation evolves.

    The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe all  recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid  spreading misinformation or unverified reports. He advised the public to obtain  updates from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the  outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission,  while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all relevant stakeholders.

Ado Bako | Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations 

Source: 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/De4DBG2t2nE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&psln=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Can #Hantavirus cruise into the next #pandemic?

 

Abstract

Despite concerns arising from a recent ship-associated outbreak on the M/V Hondius cruise, current evidence suggests that Andes virus (ANDV) poses a low pandemic risk. Nevertheless, viral evolution, ecological changes, and reservoir host dynamics could drive future emergence of ANDV, underscoring the need for improved surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine preparedness.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1590/0074-02760260231

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 24 '26)

 

{Extract}

(...)

Event data

    ° 722 Positive events

    ° 68,587 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 23 October 2026, Australia has 722 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 335 in South Australia (SA)

        § 75 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 246 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)^

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {^} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} 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 since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

{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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#Kenya's Ministry of Health Announced One Additional #Fatality among the Nine Cases of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease Confirmed so far (MoH, Oct. 24 '26)

 

{From the Social Media Page of the Kenya's Ministry of Health}

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH MOURNS THE LOSS OF A PATIENT UNDER EBOLA  TREATMENT

Nairobi, 23th October 2026 | 2200Hrs

    

    The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of a 65-year-old  female patient, the third confirmed case of Ebola  (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) in Kenya. 

    She was a direct contact and close family member of the first case  (deceased) and was under quarantine when she developed symptoms on  13th October 2026.

    She was  admitted to the infectious disease unit on the same day and had  been receiving supportive care from our dedicated medical teams, who did  everything possible to save her life.

    Sadly, she succumbed to the disease early this evening.

    Her family has been formally informed of this sad event. On behalf of the  Government friends and community, and stands with them at this very difficult  moment. We kindly and the people of Kenya, the Ministry extends its heartfelt  condolences to her family, ask the public and the media to respect the family's  privacy as they mourn their loved one.

    The Ministry in consultation with the family is facilitating a safe and dignified  burial in accordance with our established public health protocols. 

    Trained teams will conduct the burial with respect for the family's wishes and  beliefs, while protecting the family and the community from further possible  infection.

    This loss brings the number of deaths to two (2) among the nine (9) confirmed  cases. 

    The remaining 7 patients continue to receive care in the two isolation facilities. 

    All cases remain within one cluster of known contacts, and there is no  evidence of community spread.

    Her passing is a painful reminder that Ebola is a serious disease that can  be fatal, and patients can change condition suddenly without warning. We urge all  Kenyans to continue upholding public health measures: avoid contact with the  blood or body fluids of a sick person, do not touch or handle the body of anyone  who has died of a suspected illness, wash hands regularly with soap and water,  and seek help immediately if you develop fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting,  diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding. 

    Call 719 free of charge or use the WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.

    Let us honour her memory by standing together, supporting affected families  with respect, dignity and compassion. Verily we belong to Allah and to him we shall return.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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History of Mass Transportation: The ASR Class at Hua Lamphong in the Regional Railways Livery

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By SChirapant - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8874221

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Railway_of_Thailand_ASR_class

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#Vector competence of #Aedes albopictus and #Culex quinquefasciatus for #Oropouche virus

 

Abstract

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted mainly by Culicoides paraensis midges in Latin America and the Caribbean, though evidence suggests occasional transmission by mosquitoes. Oropouche fever has been reported primarily in the Amazon Basin since the 1950s. In 2024, the number of Oropouche fever cases rose sharply and spread beyond the Amazon region, which has been associated with the emergence of a new reassortant OROV strain. We assessed whether increased case numbers could be explained by enhanced replication or transmission of the reassortant strain in peri-urban Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus. Laboratory colonies established from Salvador, Brazil were orally exposed to the ancestral OROV strain BeAn 19991 or the contemporary strain 240023 (10⁴–10⁶ PFU/mL), and viral replication was quantified in bodies, legs, and saliva. To evaluate the influence of mosquito genotype on infection outcomes, infection rates were compared between Ae. albopictus from Salvador City (Brazil) and Houston (USA). In Cx. quinquefasciatus, the outbreak strain replicated less efficiently than the historical strain at low viral doses but not at high infection doses. Regardless of strain or dose, vector competence was extremely low, with only 0–1% of mosquitoes exhibiting infectious OROV particles in their saliva after extrinsic incubation. Conversely, Ae. albopictus showed consistently higher body infection rates for the 240023 strain than for BeAn 19991 at both low and high doses. However, overall transmission potential remained limited: only 0–6.4% of leg or saliva samples were positive across OROV strains and doses. The higher infection rates of the 240023 strain was consistent across both Ae. albopictus genotypes, but infectious saliva was detected only in mosquitoes from the Salvador line (up to 20%) and not in the Houston line (0%). Taken together, this suggests that the recent geographic expansion of OROV is unlikely to be driven by a vector shift from midges to these mosquitoes. Importantly, our findings do indicate higher infectivity of the 240023 strain in Ae. albopictus across different mosquito lines which may have future implications for further adaptation to OROV.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0014656

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#Ebola disease caused by #Bundibugyo virus - #DRC, #Kenya and #Nigeria (#WHO D.O.N., Oct. 23 '26)

{Extracts}

Situation at a glance

    Since the publication of the previous Disease Outbreak News on 8 October 2026, the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak has expanded geographically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in the African Region, with Kenya and Nigeria reporting imported cases. 

    Sustained, high-level transmission continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of 9704 confirmed cases, including 4687 deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 48.3%), have been reported across 66 health zones in eight provinces. 

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

    Of the 482 deaths reported since the previous update, 307 occurred in communities and 175 in treatment centres. 

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported the first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in Kenya in an individual who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kenya via Uganda. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases of BVD including one death, has been reported in Kenya. 

    The eight additional cases are all known contacts of the first imported case. 

    There is currently no evidence of wider community transmission. 

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria confirmed an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in a patient who had travelled from Uganda to the country. 

    The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Further investigations are ongoing to better understand the complete travel history and the possible source of exposure. 

    These developments underscore the need for sustained readiness in the region, including cross-border surveillance, points of entry monitoring, timely case detection and coordinated preparedness and response measures. 

    WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries.

Description of the situation

    Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 8 October 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Cases have been reported in five countries since the declaration of the outbreak on 15 May 2026: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, France, and more recently, Kenya and Nigeria. 

    Nigeria is the fifth country affected by the ongoing outbreak, highlighting the continued risk of cross-border transmission.  

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    An additional 976 confirmed cases, including 482 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published.

    In the most recent 24-hour period, as of 20 October, 67 new confirmed cases were reported, with Ituri accounting for 37 cases, Nord Kivu for 29, and Tshopo for one case. No new cases were reported in Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Nord Ubangi, Sud Kivu or Sud-Ubangi during that period.

    As of 20 October, cumulative confirmed cases have reached 9704, including 4687 deaths and 2595 recoveries. The overall crude CFR is 48.3%.

    Confirmed cases have now been identified in 66 health zones across eight provinces. Fifty of the 66 affected zones reported at least one new case during the preceding 21 days, while 16 reported no recent cases. Mandima, Beni and Bunia have reported the highest number of cases and deaths in the preceding 21 days. 

    Ituri remains the most extensively affected province, with 28 of 36 health zones reporting cases during this outbreak, followed by Nord Kivu (17/34), Haut-Uélé (7/13), Tshopo (7/23), Bas-Uélé (4/11), Sud Kivu (1/34), Sud-Ubangi (1/16) and Nord-Ubangi (1/11). Nord-Ubangi is the most recently affected province reporting three confirmed cases including one death and Dakwa in Haut-Uélé is the most recently affected health zone.

(...)

    Ituri remains the epicentre, with 7040 cumulative confirmed cases and 3271 deaths. 

    Nord Kivu follows with 2146 confirmed cases and 1199 deaths, and continues to record the highest provincial CFR, at 55.9%. 

    Haut-Uélé has reported 421 cases and 183 deaths, while Tshopo has recorded 76 cases and 27 deaths. 

    The less-affected provinces continue to report substantially fewer cases, but transmission persists in several of them. 

    The continued occurrence of cases across multiple provinces shows that the outbreak remains geographically active even as intensity varies between health zones.

    Out of 30 130 contacts under follow-up across six provinces, 24 017 were seen in the last 24 hours corresponding to a follow-up rate of 79.7%, up from 77.8% the previous day, but remaining below the required threshold of 95.0%. Two provinces were at or above the 95.0% threshold: Bas-Uélé (98.9%; 740/748) and Sud-Ubangi (97.3%; 109/112). Four provinces were below the threshold: Haut-Uélé (89.9%; 1286/1430), Ituri (92.8% (6382/6879), with 7 contacts becoming suspected cases, Tshopo (83.7%; 1077/12 086) and Nord-Kivu (73.3%; 14 423/19 675), with performance in Nord-Kivu remaining insufficient. Strengthened contact follow-up is required, particularly in provinces below the target, to achieve the minimum threshold of 95%.

(...)

Kenya

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported its first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in an adult male who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo via Uganda by road and arrived in Nairobi on 3 October by air. The case had been ill with other comorbidities for approximately one month and received care at several hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was isolated upon arrival at a hospital in Nairobi. Samples collected on 5 October tested positive for Bundibugyo virus at two national laboratories. Despite supportive care, the patient died on 5 October and was given a safe and dignified burial on 6 October.

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases, including one death, has been reported in Kenya.  All eight secondary cases are epidemiologically linked to the imported index case and associated with one cluster. They include four family members and four health and care workers. All new cases were under quarantine at the time of symptom onset and are currently in isolation and receiving appropriate supportive care and treatment at two designated facilities.

    There is currently no evidence of transmission outside this cluster.

    As of 20 October, all of the 135 contacts have been traced and quarantined.

(...)

Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since the outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May 2026. The case developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arriving in Nigeria, sought care in Abuja on 11 October and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on 20 October 2026. The case is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

    As of 20 October, 44 contacts had been identified and are being monitored. National authorities, with support from WHO and partners, have intensified contact tracing, case investigation and infection prevention and control measures, including the provision of essential supplies and personal protective equipment for health workers. Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct the travel and exposure history. WHO has urged countries across the region to strengthen surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, rapid response readiness and cross-border preparedness to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

(...)

WHO risk assessment

    On 14 August 2026, WHO reassessed the risk of the outbreak of BVD. The risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was separated from the risk for other countries in the African Region.

    The risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as very high, the risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as high, and the risks for the rest of the African region and at the global level was again assessed as low. For further information, please see WHO Rapid Risk Assessment-Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo v4.

    In light of the evolving situation and newly available information, the rapid risk assessment is currently being revised to reassess the risk in affected countries, the African region and globally.  

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON622

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#Threat #assessment brief – Importation of #Ebola disease cases caused by #Bundibugyo virus to #Kenya and #Nigeria – 23 October 2026 (ECDC, edited)

 

{Extract}

23 October 2026

Kenya and Nigeria have recently reported imported Ebola disease cases in their countries. In Kenya, the detection of an imported case was reported in Nairobi, where secondary cases were also reported. In Nigeria, a case in a person with travel history to Uganda was detected in Abuja. This has occurred in the context of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and cases reported in Uganda this spring. 

    This Threat Assessment Brief assesses the risk for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to the newly affected areas, and the overall risk for the general EU/EEA population. It is intended for public health authorities in the EU/EEA.

Epidemiological situation

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one confirmed Ebola disease case caused by BDBV in a person who travelled from Uganda via an international flight on 3 October 2026. 

    Symptom onset was on 7 October and the person was admitted to hospital on 11 October. 

    The confirmation of Ebola disease caused by BDBV was made on 20 October. 

    Contact tracing is currently under way, with 44 contacts being followed up.

    As of 23 October 2026, Kenya has reported nine confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including one death. 

    The first individual, reported on 6 October, developed symptoms while in DRC and travelled to Kenya via Uganda on 3 October. 

    All eight secondary cases (four relatives and four healthcare workers) were linked to the first imported case and were in quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Kenya, with all listed contacts (135 people) being followed up as of 22 October 2026.

    As of 21 October 2026, 9 704 confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including 4 687 deaths, have been reported from eight provinces in DRC (data until 20 October 2026), where community transmission is still ongoing. 

    In Uganda, a total of 20 cases, including two deaths were reported since 15 May 2026. 

    The last confirmed case in Uganda was reported on 21 June 2026.

Risk assessment

    The likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is assessed as low, providing they adhere to recommended precautionary measures. 

    Although infection with BDBV leads to severe disease at an individual level, the impact for people from the EU/EEA living in and travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low at the population level. 

    Therefore, overall, the current risk for people from the EU/EEA living or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low.

    Based on the experience from the current and previous Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa, it is expected that the importation of cases to Europe will remain rare events and will mainly concern medical evacuations for treatment. 

    The likelihood of secondary transmission of BDBV and sustained transmission within the EU/EEA following an imported case is considered very low, as cases are likely to be promptly identified and isolated, and recommended control measures would be implemented. 

    The population-level public health impact in the EU/EEA is expected to be very low as only very few cases are expected. 

    Therefore, the overall risk of BDBV for the general population in the EU/EEA is assessed as very low.

Recommendations

    EU/EEA countries should remain vigilant, strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities for detecting and managing potential imported Ebola disease cases, and provide travel advice to people living in and travelling to/from affected areas.

    ECDC does not recommend any travel restrictions for travellers to or from Kenya and Nigeria. Exit screening from the affected areas and countries, including symptom checks and exposure assessments is an important measure that contributes to reducing the risk by identifying symptomatic travellers before they board, and preventing them travelling while symptomatic.

    Entry screening of incoming travellers from areas affected in the current outbreak is not proven to be an efficient measure to detect imported cases, and is also a highly complex public health intervention.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/threat-assessment-brief-importation-ebola-disease-cases-caused-bundibugyo-virus

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, Oct. 23 '26)

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(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: October 11, 2026 - October 17, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 3 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection: 331 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 260 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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Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Weekly updates (ECDC, Oct. 23 '26): 1,965 cases of which 770 in #Italy

{Summary}

(...)

Current situation

    Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 21 October, 229 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in 20 countries across Europe.

    These areas are located in: 

        § Italy (70), 

        § France (30), 

        § Greece (25), 

        § Romania (24), 

        § the Netherlands (16), 

        § Serbia (11), 

        § Bulgaria (7), 

        § Belgium (6), 

        § Croatia (6), 

        § Germany (6), 

        § Spain (6), 

        § North Macedonia (5), 

        § Hungary (4), 

        § Kosovo (4), 

        § Austria (3), 

        § Albania (2), 

        § Cyprus (1), 

        § Moldova (1), 

        § Slovakia (1) and 

        § Slovenia (1).

    This week, seven areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. (...)

    The 20 countries have reported 1 965 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 

        § Italy (770 cases), 

        § Greece (457 cases of which 6 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § France (173 cases), 

        § Spain (145 cases), 

        § Romania (125 cases), 

        § North Macedonia (71 cases), 

        § the Netherlands (63 cases of which 1 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § Serbia (59 cases), 

        § Cyprus (21 cases), 

        § Croatia (18 cases), 

        § Belgium (15 cases), 

        § Austria (8 cases), 

        § Bulgaria (8 cases), 

        § Kosovo (8 cases), 

        § Albania (7 cases), 

        § Germany (7 cases), 

        § Hungary (5 cases), 

        § Slovenia (3 cases), 

        § Moldova (1 case) and 

        § Slovakia (1 case).

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-fever/surveillance-and-disease-data/disease-data-ecdc

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

 

{Extract}

(...)

    The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has established a 3 km and 10 km zone around the poultry holding and is implementing the necessary measures in accordance with the European Union Animal Health Law.

    On 22 October 2026 a clinical suspicion was reported to the Danish Veterinary and Food Authority. 

    The affected poultry holding consist of 40.000 turkeys. 

    On 23 October 2026 highly pathogenic avian influenza sub. H5N1 was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. 

    A 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone has been established.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7932

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First #human case of #Shamonda virus reported in #France as patient dies (UN News Centre, Oct. 23 '26)

 

The virus is mainly found in livestock, especially cattle, sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.

    It is thought to be spread by the bites of midges – tiny biting flies – though the World Health Organization (WHO) has said further studies are needed to understand how it is transmitted.

    There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus, according to the internationally recognised World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Vulnerable patient

    The unidentified patient, who died in early October, had been receiving treatment for a serious illness and was immunocompromised, making him more vulnerable to infection than the general public, according to a statement from the French health and agriculture ministries.

    French authorities say that no health risk to the general public has been identified so far.

    He had been in an area where the virus was circulating among animals and where Culicoides midges were present, WHO said.

    The UN health agency’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his condolences to the man’s loved ones.

    He said WHO was working with French authorities to establish how the patient became infected, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/10/1168652

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 23 '26)

 

{Extract}

(...)

Event data

    ° 720 Positive events

    ° 68,254 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 22 October 2026, Australia has 720 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 335 in South Australia (SA)

        § 73 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 246 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)^

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {^} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} 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 since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

{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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