Abstract
We describe histopathologic findings from a fatal case of Powassan virus lineage 2 (deer tick virus) in an immunosuppressed liver transplant patient in Pennsylvania, USA. We confirmed infection in postmortem brain, lung, and kidney by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription PCR, demonstrating infection of pulmonary and renal tissues.
Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3212.260193
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Extract}
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Event data
As of 4pm AEST, 3 November 2026, Australia has 734 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.
§ 10 in Western Australia (WA)
§ 341 in South Australia (SA)
§ 78 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)
___
(...)
Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{From the social media page of the Kenya's Ministry of Health}
MINISTRY OF HEALTH REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE
FIRST CONFIRMED PATIENTS DISCHARGED AS MORE CONTACTS GO HOME
Nairobi, 3rd November 2026
The Ministry of Health is pleased to share encouraging news in the national response to Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus disease outbreak.
Five (5) male patients, two (2) from the Kenyatta National Hospital and three (3) from The Nairobi Hospital, have completed their treatment, have been free of symptoms, and are being discharged today, Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, after laboratory tests confirmed that they have cleared the virus.
Their recovery is a tribute to the skill and dedication of our health workers.
Further, forty-six (46) more contacts who have completed their monitoring and are in good health have been released from quarantine and reunited with their families, in addition to the twenty (20) contacts who returned home on 25th October 2026.
The remaining 52 contacts are expected to be released by 11th November, 2026, on completing 21 days since their last exposure. Contacts who complete this quarantine period without developing any symptoms cannot transmit the disease and pose no risk to anyone.
Every patient and contact goes home only after meeting a strict public health criterion and will receive psychosocial support from our multi-disciplinary team of health experts.
We ask families, employers, neighbours and communities to welcome them home warmly, treat them with respect, dignity and compassion and shun stigma.
The total number of confirmed cases remains nine (9), with two (2) deaths giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 22.2%.
No new case has been recorded since 19th October 2026.
All the confirmed cases belong to a single cluster linked to the first imported case, and there is no community transmission of the disease.
The remaining two (2) patients, one each at KNH and The Nairobi Hospital continue to receive treatment and will be released upon meeting the established discharge criteria.
These milestones bring us closer to the end of the outbreak but are not the end itself.
Once our final patient has recovered or been laid to rest with full dignity and care, Kenya will begin a 42-day countdown, and the outbreak will be declared over only if no new case is recorded in that period. Until then, heightened surveillance continues without pause.
The Ministry is aware of the recent travel measures announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait in relation to travel into or outside the country.
Kenya will continue to be guided by science and by the International Health Regulations (2005), which require that health measures affecting international travel be proportionate and based on scientific evidence.
Through IHR channels, we have shared Kenya's data with these countries and requested the public health basis for these extreme measures, while the broader matter is handled through established diplomatic channels.
Kenya remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
The Ministry continues to appeal to anyone experiencing any symptoms suggestive of Ebola to come forward and seek medical evaluation immediately.
Seeking healthcare early is critical to surviving the virus and preventing its spread to loved ones and the community. Call 719 free of charge, or use our WhatsApp chatbot number 0700 719 719 to send an alert.
Together, we are bringing this outbreak to an end.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL
Source: Facebook Page of the Kenya's Ministry of Health, https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
International swine trade can disseminate influenza A viruses across borders, creating opportunities for reassortment with endemic swine viruses and the emergence of novel strains with zoonotic potential. Here, we characterize a novel H1N2 reassortant, A/swine/Korea/1030–3/2023 (1030–3), detected in South Korea and spatiotemporally associated with European swine lineages and international pig movement. 1030–3 harbors seven gene segments (PB2, PB1, PA, HA, NP, M and NS) closely related to a recent Danish zoonotic H1N1 virus of the 2009 pandemic (pdm09) lineage, and an N2 segment derived from an endemic Korean HxN2. In vitro assays demonstrated that 1030–3 preferentially bound human-type α2,6-linked sialic acid receptors and replicated efficiently in polarized human airway epithelial cells, although these properties were also observed in the endemic Korean H1N2 comparator 1027–1. In mice, 1030–3 caused moderate clinical signs and respiratory replication comparable to an early pdm09 reference strain NL09. In guinea pigs, 1030–3 transmitted to a subset of direct-contact animals but showed no detectable aerosol transmission under the conditions tested. In pigs, the natural host, 1030–3 replicated efficiently and transmitted to all direct-contact animals, with high respiratory shedding and a greater cumulative shedding burden in contact pigs than NL09. Contemporary human sera showed reduced neutralizing activity against 1030–3 relative to both human seasonal H1N1 and 1027–1, while antiserum against a recent H1N1 vaccine antigen also neutralized 1030–3 less efficiently. These findings identify a European-associated H1N2 swine influenza reassortant detected in South Korea that combines a distinct pdm09-derived genomic and antigenic background with efficient replication and transmission in pigs, α2,6-linked receptor preference, and reduced neutralization by human sera, underscoring the need for trade-aware surveillance of swIAVs and continued monitoring at the swine-human interface.
Source: PLoS Pathogens, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1014779
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{From social media page of Kenya Ministry of Health}
MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA
EBOLA RESPONSE UPDATE - KENYA. 3 NOVEMBER 2026
° 5 PATIENTS DISCHARGED, First group to complete treatment
§ + 2 PATIENTS STILL RECEIVING MORE TREATMENT
° 46 CONTACTS RELEASED
° 52 CONTACTS REMAINING UNDER MONITORING
° 9 TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES
§ 2 DEATHS
NO NEW CASES SINCE 19 OCTOBER 2026.
FOR GUIDANCE, CALL 719
Stay calm. Follow official Ministry of Health updates.
Source: Facebook Page of Kenya's Ministry of Health, https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a swine coronavirus with zoonotic potential. We detected PDCoV-neutralizing antibodies in 10 of 300 human serum samples; positive sample sources included 1 adult and 9 juveniles. Our findings provide evidence of human exposure to PDCoV and highlight the importance of monitoring animal coronaviruses with zoonotic potential.
Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3212.260303
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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A Poultry Farm in the Niedersachsen Region.
(...)
Source: World Animal Health Organization (WOAH), https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7950
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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A wild Mute Swan in the Niederösterreich Region.
(...)
Source: World Animal Health Organization (WOAH), https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7951
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Excerpts}
(...)
Avian influenza A(H5N1)
° Washington State:
§ The Washington State Department of Health reported the second and third human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) from Yakima County.
§ The second case, who had underlying health conditions, was hospitalised with severe illness and passed away on November 1, 2026.
§ The third case has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalised.
§ Both cases had exposure to dairy cattle infected with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus at local dairy farms.
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Avian influenza A(H9N2):
° Hubei Province:
§ A two-year-old boy with onset on September 22, 2026.
° Jiangxi Province:
§ A 77-year-old woman with onset on September 16, 2026.
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Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk44.pdf
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
In hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV), virus-specific CD8+ T cells mediate both viral clearance and immunopathology. Here, we characterized a CD8+ regulatory T cell (Treg) subset restricted by HLA-E (and its murine ortholog Qa-1) in HFRS patients and in a murine HTNV infection model. CD8+ Tregs (CD122+Eomes+CD49dloKIR+), a subset substantially enriched for HLA-E-restricted T cells, were significantly reduced in peripheral blood of HFRS patients and displayed a terminally differentiated profile with elevated expression of KLRG-1, NKG2A, CTLA-4, and Fas-L, correlating with disease severity. Two HTNV glycoprotein-derived nonapeptides that bound Qa-1 were identified. Following immunization with the identified HTNV peptides and subsequent HTNV challenge, wild-type (WT) mice showed attenuated renal immunopathology, whereas D227K knock-in mice (with disrupted Qa-1-CD8/TCR interaction) showed enhanced viral clearance in the spleen and kidney but exacerbated renal immunopathology. Mechanistically, Qa-1-restricted CD8+ Tregs from WT mice suppressed effector CD8+ T cell proliferation in a peptide-specific, CD8/TCR-dependent manner via enhanced TGF-β secretion. Strikingly, D227K mutation dichotomously reshaped Treg phenotype: bulk polyclonal CD8+ Tregs displayed compensatory upregulation of inhibitory receptors (NKG2A, CTLA-4, PD-1) and TGF-β, whereas epitope-specific CD8+ Tregs showed impaired antigen-specific suppressive function and attenuated TGF-β production. Collectively, these findings indicate that HLA-E/Qa-1-restricted CD8+ Tregs can restrain immunopathology during HTNV infection, potentially at the cost of delayed viral elimination. Modulation of this axis may provide insights for therapeutic strategies in HFRS and related viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2536836123
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Excerpts}
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The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) pointed out that while the domestic influenza epidemic is declining, it is still in its prevalent period.
In week 43 (October 25-31), there were 95,916 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a 7.3% decrease from the previous week.
Additionally, last week (October 27-November 2), there were 151 new cases of severe influenza complications (146 H1N1, 2 H3N2, 2 unidentified A cases, and 1 B case) and 46 deaths (all H1N1).
Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 92.7%.
This season (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) saw a cumulative total of 542 severe cases (531 H1N1, 2 H3N2, 6 unclassified A cases, and 3 B cases) and 95 deaths (92 H1N1 and 3 unclassified A cases).
The majority of severe cases were among those aged 65 and above (69.0%) and those with a history of chronic illnesses (85.4%). 98.3% of those affected had not received the seasonal influenza vaccine.
According to data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 epidemic in Taiwan continues to decline.
In week 43 (October 25-31), there were 1,834 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, a 28.7% decrease compared to the previous week (October 18-24).
Last week (October 27-November 2), there were 11 new severe cases and 3 new deaths.
This season, there have been a total of 75 severe cases, including 13 deaths.
The majority of severe cases are among those aged 65 and above (60.0%) and those with a history of chronic illness (84.0%), none of whom had received the COVID-19 vaccine this season.
In the past four weeks, the most common variant strain in locally transmitted cases is PQ.16.1.1, followed by NB.1.8.1.
(...)
Source: Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/57M9H7NQtbjNyO5ygCgNiA?typeid=9
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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Event data
As of 4pm AEST, 2 November 2026, Australia has 732 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.
§ 10 in Western Australia (WA)
§ 341 in South Australia (SA)
§ 76 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)
___
(...)
Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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Human Bird Flu Cases in Washington State Residents
[Case - Classification - Known Exposure - 2024 - 2025 - 2026 - Total]
° Confirmed - Commercial Poultry - 11* - 0- 0 - 11
° Confirmed - Backyard Flock - 0 - 1 - 0 - 1
° Confirmed - Dairy - 0 - 0 - 3 - 3 {+2}
° Probable - Commercial Poultry - 3 - 0 - 0 - 3
§ Total - 14 - 1 - 3 - 18
{*} Washington residency not confirmed for one case in 2024.
(...)
Source: US State of Washington Department of Health, https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/bird-flu/current-situation-and-data
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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A wild Laridae species bird in the Schleswig-Holstein Region.
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Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7945
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
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A wild Mallard in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Region.
Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7946
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
For immediate release: November 1, 2026 | Contact: Stephanie Ruiz, Communications Specialist (509) 941-7364
Yakima County Resident Dies from Complications of Avian Influenza
Yakima, WA - The Yakima County resident who was hospitalized with severe illness after contracting avian influenza (bird flu) following exposure at a dairy with infected cattle died today.
The Yakima Health District offers its heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
The individual had underlying health conditions. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the Yakima Health District is not releasing their name, gender, or age.
The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low.
People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus.
Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States.
Public health officials are continuing to monitor individuals who had close contact with the patient for symptoms.
Third Confirmed Human Case of Avian Influenza
The Yakima Health District is reporting a third confirmed human case of avian influenza in a Yakima County resident who was exposed to infected dairy cattle at a Yakima County dairy.
The individual has not experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.
The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the person to monitor for symptoms.
Ongoing Public Health Updates
To keep the public informed, Yakima Health District plans to update its avian influenza webpage every Monday and Thursday at 2:00pm with the latest available information, including confirmed human case counts in Yakima County.
Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
For the latest information, visit www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.
Quote
“Our hearts go out to the individual's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Avian influenza can cause severe illness, particularly among people who have underlying health conditions. While this is a serious and heartbreaking outcome, the risk to the general public remains low. We continue to work closely with our public health partners to monitor the situation and protect the health of our community.” -Dr. Dave Atteberry, Health Officer, Yakima Health District
Source: US State of Washington, Yakima County Department of Health, https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/46819
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
{Click on Image to Enlarge}
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Public Domain.
Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/francisco-goya/still-life-with-golden-beam-1812
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Abstract
In November 2025, the first global H5N5 infection was reported in a person in Washington State. Previously, these viruses had only been detected in seabirds and shorebirds near the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting potentially distinct ecology from dominant H5N1 strains. Using 354 global H5N5 genomes, we show that H5N5 viruses have been carried by high latitude seabirds and shorebirds across the Atlantic at least 9 times, with introductions more frequent in the fall and spring. We reconstruct a plausible path of cross-continental movement via Arctic or sub-Arctic regions, followed by a year of cryptic circulation prior to human spillover. These data show that H5N5 viruses have undergone far more intercontinental movements than previously recognized, and exhibit host and geographic patterns that are fundamentally distinct from dominant H5N1 lineages. The distinct host ecology, geography, and movement, paired with the capacity to infect a person, suggest that enhanced surveillance may be warranted.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Funder Information Declared
National Institutes of Health, https://ror.org/01cwqze88, R01AI195533, 1F31AI202942-01, 75N93021C00016, U19AI181767
United States Department of Agriculture, SA-MZT-2023-065b
Source: BioRxIV, https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.29.762228
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Yakima, WA- The Yakima Health District (YHD), in coordination with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), is reporting a second human case of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a Yakima County resident after exposure at a dairy with infected cattle.
The individual is currently hospitalized with severe illness and has underlying health conditions.
The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public remains low. People at greater risk include dairy workers and others who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals or environments contaminated with the virus.
Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States.
The Yakima Health District is working with public health partners to identify and contact individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms.
YHD is also continuing to work with impacted dairies and public health partners to identify people who may have been exposed to infected cattle, monitor their health, and provide guidance and resources to help protect exposed individuals.
This includes providing testing for exposed individuals who develop symptoms to support prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care.
Symptoms and When to Seek Guidance
Symptoms of avian influenza in people can include eye redness or irritation, fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue.
Illness can range from mild to severe
If you work on a dairy farm and develop symptoms after potential exposure to infected cattle, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your exposure or the Yakima Health District at (509) 480-3770 for guidance.
Updated Information on Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle
As of October 29, 33 dairy herds in Yakima County have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) maintains updated information on confirmed dairy herd detections through its website. The Yakima Health District will also share public health updates and prevention guidance on its webpage: www.YakimaHealthDistrict.org/BirdFlu.
How to Reduce Your Risk
The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public is low. However, people who work with or have contact with potentially infected animals are at higher risk and should follow workplace safety guidance and use recommended personal protective equipment.
Residents should avoid touching sick or dead animals, animal waste, and surfaces that may be contaminated.
Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume. Pasteurization inactivates avian influenza virus and other harmful pathogens.
People should avoid raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products because they may contain harmful germs, including avian influenza.
Do not feed pets raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, or raw meat, including raw pet foods.
Cats are especially susceptible to avian influenza (H5N1), and exposure can lead to severe illness or death.
Feeding cats raw milk or raw poultry can put them at risk of infection.
It is especially important that people get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. Talk to your primary care provider to see if the flu vaccine is recommended for you.
About Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is caused by Type A influenza viruses that occur naturally in wild birds. The virus can spread from wild birds to other animals, including poultry and mammals such as dairy cattle. It can also spread to humans following close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time.
Reporting Sick or Dead Animals
Domestic Birds:
• Report sick/dead domestic birds using the online form, or call the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program: 1-800-606- 3056. Visit Avian Influenza | Washington State Department of Agriculture for more information about how to protect backyard flocks.
Wild Birds:
• Use an online form to report sick/dead wild birds suspected of avian influenza to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Livestock
• To report sick livestock, isolate affected animals and contact your veterinarian and WSDA at 360-902-1878 or email ahealth@agr.wa.gov.
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“The risk to the general public remains low, but we are taking this situation seriously. We encourage dairy workers to answer calls and respond to text messages from public health officials so we can check on their health, provide guidance, and connect them with care if needed. Early communication helps us support workers who may have been exposed.” - Dr. Dave Atteberry, Health Officer, Yakima Health District
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Source: US State of Washington, Yakima County Department of Health, https://www.yakimacounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/46817
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I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
Antiviral Res
I am an Italian blogger, active since 2005 with main focus on emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza, SARS, antibiotics resistance, and many other global Health issues. Other fields of interest are: climate change, global warming, geological and biological sciences. My activity consists mainly in collection and analysis of news, public services updates, confronting sources and making decision about what are the 'signals' of an impending crisis (an outbreak, for example). When a signal is detected, I follow traces during the entire course of an event. I started in 2005 my blog ''A TIME'S MEMORY'', now with more than 40,000 posts and 3 millions of web interactions. Subsequently I added an Italian Language blog, then discontinued because of very low traffic and interest. I contributed for seven years to a public forum (FluTrackers.com) in the midst of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014, I left the site to continue alone my data tracking job.
