A lethal #human #H5N5 #influenza virus isolate exhibits low #pandemic #risk traits

 

Abstract

In fall of 2025, a fatal infection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N5 occurred. To define the risk of this emerging virus to humans, we performed a comprehensive analysis based on our established triage. Serological analysis revealed that humans across all birth years had no detectable neutralizing antibodies to this H5N5 isolate. Further characterization revealed a lack of phenotypic signatures associated with epidemiologically successful influenza viruses in humans, including reduced replication in human airway cells and an avian-like pH of inactivation. Additionally, assessment of H5N5 in ferrets revealed a lack of direct contact transmission and moderate disease severity. H5N5 infection in ferrets with prior immunity against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain resulted in fewer clinical signs and reduced viral shedding. Together our data suggest that the current H5N5 HPAI lineage poses a low pandemic risk.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.739507v1

____

#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak, #DRC & #Uganda (Africa CDC, data as of 18July 2026): 2344 cases and 930 deaths in DRC

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    ° TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES: 2,364

        § DRC 2,344

        § Uganda 20

    ° TOTAL DEATHS: 932

    ° CFR: 39.4%

        § DRC 930

        § UG 2

    ° TOTAL RECOVERIES: 484

        § DRC 466

        § Uganda 18

    ° CONTACTS FOLLOWED: 85.8%

    ° HCW INFECTIONS: 123

        § DRC 119 

        § Uganda 4

    ° HCW DEATHS: 36

        § DRC 36 

        § Uganda 0

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STATUS

    ° The outbreak remains concentrated in the DRC, accounting for 99% (2,344/2,364) of confirmed cases and deaths (930/932) —within the country, Ituriis the epicentre, while Nord-Kivu (230) is the main second hotspot

    ° The overall case-fatality ratio (39.4%) remains high, reflecting late presentation and constrained access to care.

    ° Uganda remains in the 42-day countdown to outbreak closure following the discharge of last case on 16 July

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RISK

    ° A high rate of community deaths is the clearest warning sign in an Ebolavirus response, indicating that transmission chains are detected late or not at all, and that safe-burial and case-finding systems are not yet adequate. Each community death involves multiple high-risk exposures during the deathbed and funeral.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-situation-report-issue-no-62-july-18-2026

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Elicitation of #stem-directed #antibodies in rhesus #macaques by a conventional #hemagglutinin immunogen

 

Abstract

Because they can bind many strains of influenza, antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin (HA) stem have been attractive targets for vaccine development. Many monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed at the HA stem have been isolated from humans, and these mAbs have mediated broad protection in animal models. We describe here HA stem-directed mAbs isolated from rhesus macaques immunized with an "ordinary" H1 HA trimer. All immunized rhesus macaques developed high serum titers with broad reactivity to diverse H1N1 and H5N1 viruses, and 7 isolated mAbs strongly blocked canonical stem antibody CR6261 binding to H1. MAb DH726.1 robustly protected mice from lethal challenge with H1N1 and H5N1 viruses, and cryo-EM showed the binding footprint overlapped that of some human mAbs. These findings suggest that vaccination with the standard, trimeric HA immunogens may be sufficient to elicit stem antibodies at titers adequate to protect against zoonotic H5N1 influenza.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

NIH NIAID, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, P01-AI089618

NIH NIAID Division of AIDS, Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, U19-AI067854

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.16.738984v1

____

#UK, Precautionary #medical #evacuation following a potential healthcare related #exposure to #Ebola (UKHSA, July 21 '26)

 

    Medical evacuation has been arranged as a highly precautionary measure following a potential healthcare related exposure to Ebola. 

    UKHSA works with international partners to ensure that any British residents who may be at risk can be safely returned home and given the treatment and care required. 

    The individual is a UK resident who has been working with a humanitarian organisation in DRC supporting the Ebola outbreak response.

    The individual is not currently displaying any symptoms and remains well, but as a precautionary measure they have been evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation. 

    They are now being assessed and monitored in isolation by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital. 

    The incubation period of Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days and the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout this period.

    There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK and the risk to the general public remains low. UKHSA will provide further updates if there is any change to the current situation.

    Richard Pebody, Director, Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said:

        ''The risk to the general public remains low. This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.''

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/precautionary-medical-evacuation-following-a-potential-healthcare-related-exposure-to-ebola

____

Avian #Influenza #Report: July 12 - 18 '26 (Wk 29) (HK CHP, July 21 '26): 1 New #Human Case of Infection with #H5 virus in #Bangladesh

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    ° Avian influenza A(H5): 

        § Bangladesh: 

            - Sylhet Division: A child with onset on May 17, 2026. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk29.pdf

____

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

 

Poultry farms in the Maritime Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7714

____

Loss of #hemagglutination ability by #H3N2 #influenza A virus, subclade K.

 

Abstract

Seasonal human H3N2 influenza viruses, subclade K (J.2.4.1), have been the predominant influenza A viruses in the Northern hemisphere influenza season of 2025/2026. Since 2024, the vaccine virus A/Darwin/6/21 has emerged in different antigenic variants. Antigenic changes are frequently caused by amino acid substitutions near the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor-binding pocket, which can also affect receptor binding properties, such as hemagglutination. Hemagglutination is crucial for assessing antigenicity using the hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, and a loss of binding to turkey erythrocytes could significantly hamper this process. In this study, we explored how substitutions in or around the HA receptor-binding site affect binding to glycans at the molecular level. We employed ELISA, glycan array, flow cytometry, hemagglutination assays, and tissue staining. Substitutions at positions 140, 192, and 223 establish clade J viruses that emerged in 2024. Computational analysis of HA in complex with an elongated glycan reveals that mutation F192 forms a CH-Pi interaction to stabilize the binding. Based on this background, substitutions in antigenic sites A and B within subclade K viruses exhibit a binding preference for elongated glycans, which are not displayed on turkey erythrocytes. Conversely, our previously established glyco-remodeled erythrocytes are efficiently bound by these subclade K H3N2 viruses and could support influenza surveillance and vaccine development.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

CSC fellowship, (202209120001)

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, R01 AI165692

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.739523v1

____

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N5 in a Polar #Bear and Atlantic #Walrus, #Svalbard, 2026, with Widespread Seroconversion in Polar Bears

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N5 was detected in a one-year-old polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and an adjacent adult Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus), both found deceased in Raudfjorden, Svalbard. This represents the first confirmed case of HPAI in a European polar bear and the second in an Atlantic walrus. Viral genomes were nearly identical and harbored PB2-E627V, a marker associated with mammalian adaptation. Several polar bears, including the deceased individual, had previously been observed feeding on the walrus carcass. Antibodies against H5 were detected in 75% of polar bears in 2023 (n=36) and 97% in 2024-2025 (n=65), suggesting extensive circulation of HPAIV in the population following the first detections in birds in Svalbard in 2022, whereas no antibodies were detected in samples from 2014-2022 (n=243).

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Project OH4Surveillance, funded by the European Union, Grant Agreement No 101132473

Morris Animal Foundation, Grant ID# D25ZO-430; KJB

Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 12311 SvalVilt

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.739480v1

____

#Taiwan, Domestic #COVID19 activity continues to rise, population is urged to get vaccinated (CDC, July 21 '26): NB.1.8.1 variant dominant

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    According to data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 epidemic in Taiwan continues to rise and has reached the epidemic threshold, entering its epidemic period. 

    In week 28 (July 12-18), there were 4,766 outpatient and emergency room visits, a 66.5% increase compared to the previous 7 days (July 5-11). 

    Last week (July 14-20), there were 25 new locally transmitted severe cases and 5 new locally transmitted deaths. 

    Since October 2025, a total of 161 local cases of COVID-19 complicated with severe illness have been reported, including 23 deaths. 

    The majority of severe cases were among those aged 65 and above (74.5%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.9%). 

    92.5% of these cases were not vaccinated against COVID-19 this season. 

    Clinical manifestations were mainly upper respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. 

    A very small number of cases experienced temporary loss or dullness of smell or taste. 

    In the past four weeks, the dominant local variant strain has been NB.1.8.1. 

    The global positivity rate has recently increased slightly, with the exception of the Western Pacific Region, which is showing an upward trend, while other regions have shown a downward or stable trend. 

    The epidemic is rising in neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. 

    Currently, the dominant global variant strain is NB.1.8.1 (58.76%), followed by XFG (19.07%) and JN.1 (15.46%).

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/u3YrvIQXQrOtbJXDXxFxQg?typeid=9

____

Detection of #H5N1 HPAIV Clade 2.3.4.4b Avian #Influenza Virus in Backyard #Chickens in #CostaRica

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus is a segmented, negative-sense RNA virus. Since the early 2020s, H5 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have spread widely across Europe, Africa, and Asia, affecting wild birds and poultry. Costa Rica reported its first H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza virus (AIV) case on 19 January 2023. This study describes an outbreak in backyard chickens and ducks. Initial serum samples collected on 24 January showed three chickens negative for AIV, while one duck tested positive by ELISA and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID). During a second visit on 27 January, three of four chicken sera collected tested positive by ELISA and AGID. Tissue samples were positive for influenza A by qRT-PCR. Next-generation sequencing recovered five of the eight viral genomic segments, and the hemagglutinin cleavage site sequence (REKRRKR↓G) confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5 strain. The samples were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmation. Serological testing showed reactivity to North American low pathogenic H5 antigens, and qRT-PCR amplified influenza A and N1 genes. Virus isolation and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of all eight viral genome segments were successfully performed at the WHO Collaborating Centre at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH).

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/7/799

____

Multiorgan #Outcomes Following #BNT162b2 #mRNA #Vaccination vs #SARS-CoV-2 #Infection: A 30-Million-Person Real-World Cohort Analysis

 

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination carry distinct cardiovascular risk profiles, yet direct comparative evidence across all immunological exposure groups and both sexes remains limited. Using the TriNetX Research Network (December 2020–December 2024), we stratified 30.3 million individuals into four mutually exclusive cohorts: uninfected/unvaccinated controls (G1), infected/unvaccinated (G2), vaccinated-only (G3), and hybrid immunity (G4). Fifty prespecified cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and mortality outcomes were evaluated across four temporal windows (0–3, 3–6, 6–9, and >9 months) with analyses stratified by biological sex. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with 3- to 5-fold increases in cardiovascular events during the acute phase, including myocarditis (males: RR 4.44; females: RR 5.59) and all-cause mortality (males: RR 4.53), with risks persisting beyond nine months. BNT162b2 vaccination conferred 65-76% reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (0–3 months). Post-infection vaccination (hybrid immunity) provided an additional 36–38% MACE reduction; males exhibited late pericarditis elevation beyond nine months. Completing the two-dose primary series maximally reduced mortality (by 77%) and myocarditis (by 62%) versus single dosing. In this US cohort, SARS-CoV-2 infection confers substantially greater and more sustained cardiovascular risk than BNT162b2 vaccination across all comparisons and both sexes, consistent with a favorable cardiovascular risk-benefit profile for vaccination.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-026-01528-3

____

Excess #mortality attributable to the 2025 #Iberian Peninsula #blackout

 

Abstract

On 28 April 2025, a widespread power outage affected mainland Portugal and Spain for around ten hours, causing major disruptions and eight reported deaths. Health impacts of blackouts range from direct effects, such as medical equipment failure, to indirect effects such as disrupted healthcare. Here we show that the 2025 Iberian blackout is associated with increased mortality in Spain, but not in Portugal. We find little evidence of excess mortality on the day of the event itself. In Spain, however, mortality rises over the next two days (+167 deaths; 95% credible interval: +28 to +300; +2.4% relative increase), particularly among women aged 85+. We also observe regional differences, but their drivers remain uncertain and may include variation in outage severity, underlying vulnerabilities, or local health-system and infrastructure conditions. These findings highlight the underestimated health burden of blackouts and the need for improved preparedness in a changing climate.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-75581-w

____

#Genomic Characterization of #SARS-CoV-2 #NB.1.8.1 and #PQ.2 from the #Infants and Young #Children with #Gastrointestinal Symptoms

 

Abstract

Purpose: 

This study investigated the viral genomic characteristics of infants and young children who presented to our hospital with gastrointestinal symptoms during a local COVID-19 epidemic and were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Patients and methods: 

Between May and August 2025, pharyngeal swab samples were collected from four infants and young children who presented to the outpatient department of Meizhou People’s Hospital in Meizhou, with gastrointestinal symptoms. Nucleic acid testing and whole-genome sequencing were performed. The viral mutation profile was analyzed, and the potential impact of mutations on protein function was predicted.

Results: 

Pangolin typing identified the NB.1.8.1 variant in three patients and the PQ.2 variant in one patient. Genome sequences from three of the four viral variants displayed varying degrees of mutation. The nonsynonymous mutations for both variants were concentrated in the spike protein. A comparison with the parental XDV.1.5.1 lineage revealed 14 specific mutations, with 7 nonsynonymous sites conserved across all gene sequences. Five of these mutation sites, NSP12: D284Y, ORF3a: L46F, ORF3a: F207C, N: Q9H, and N: Q384H, were predicted to be functionally deleterious and structurally destabilizing.

Conclusion: 

SARS-CoV-2 variants from specimens obtained from four infants and young children exhibited varying degrees of mutation, providing evidence for the ongoing evolution of emerging variants in pediatric patients. However, monitoring genomic changes of circulating variants requires further clinical specimens, which contributes to understanding the dynamic changes at mutation sites, thereby supporting epidemic prevention and control.

Source: 

Link: https://www.dovepress.com/genomic-characterization-of-sars-cov-2-nb181-and-pq2-from-the-infants--peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR

____

#Bovine-derived #H5N1 #influenza virus efficiently infects lactating #swine via the #mammary gland

 

Abstract

Since 2024, highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) viruses have spread extensively among U.S. dairy cattle, where they replicate efficiently in the mammary gland and are shed at high titers in milk. To directly assess susceptibility of commercial swine populations to bovine-derived H5N1 virus, lactating sows with prior influenza virus vaccination histories representative of U.S. commercial swine production systems were inoculated via the intramammary route and co-housed with their 1-week-old piglets to evaluate disease outcomes, viral replication, and potential for vertical transmission. Intramammary inoculation of lactating sows resulted in sustained viral RNA shedding in milk, while piglets exhibited sporadic oral viral RNA positivity that mirrored viral kinetics in milk. Lesions in mammary tissue and viral antigen staining, as well as development of neutralizing antibody responses and changes in milk color and consistency, further confirmed infection in the sows. Despite these molecular findings, none of the animals developed overt clinical disease, and respiratory involvement was not noted during the study period. Collectively, we demonstrate that intramammary exposure results in productive influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in lactating sows despite their vaccination histories, indicating the potential threat of viral spillover into commercial swine populations. The clinically inapparent nature of infection presents a risk of subclinical spread and underscores the importance of expanding viral surveillance to swine.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Swine Health Information Center, 25-020

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), 2025-39601-44639

National Institutes of Health, P30 CA016058

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.18.739312v1

____

#Canada, New Temporary #Border #Measures in Response to the #Ebola Disease #Outbreak (PHAC, July 19 '26)

 

Statement | July 19, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

    In response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Government of Canada is taking decisive action and implementing new temporary border measures to reduce the risk of the disease entering and spreading within Canada. 

    As of Monday, July 20, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT, any foreign national who was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days will be prohibited from entering Canada. 

    To support this measure, an Interim Order under the Aeronautics Act is also in place, requiring commercial and private air carriers to not permit foreign nationals to board a flight to Canada.

    The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) previously introduced temporary border measures under the Quarantine Act to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of Ebola disease in Canada. 

    These measures came into effect on May 30 at 11:59 p.m. EDT and are in effect until August 29, 2026. 

    These temporary border measures are out of an abundance of caution, as the health risk to Canadians from Ebola disease is considered low, and no travel-related cases have been reported in Canada to date.

    Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in the the DRC in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians and is intended to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of border measures that can safely process travelers arriving in Canada, including our returning humanitarian workers.

    There is no change for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and persons registered under the Indian Act entering Canada who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. 

    They will continue to be able to travel to Canada, will receive a health assessment upon arrival and be required to quarantine on arrival for 21 days. 

    This and all other measures from the previous Order in Council remain in place until August 29, 2026.

    Anyone planning to travel internationally should review the Travel Advice and Advisories page for their destination(s) before travelling. PHAC updated a level 2 travel health notice for Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 19. Any travellers to Uganda should refer to the Outbreak Monitoring alert on the Travel Advice and Advisory page for that destination.

Source: 

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2026/07/new-temporary-border-measures-in-response-to-the-ebola-disease-outbreak.html

____

Standard Bearer, Aztec Art (c.1450 - c.1521)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

__

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/aztec-art/standard-bearer-1521

____

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History of Mass Transportation: The Czech Vagónka Studénka Class 451 Electric Multiple-Unit ''Pantograf''

 {Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Dezidor - Self-photographed, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9778201

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Czech_locomotive_classes#/media/File:Jednotka_451_v_Praze_(10).jpg

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Characterization of #bovine-derived #H5N1 viruses expressing fluorescent and luminescent reporter #proteins

ABSTRACT

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses present a broad host range, with recent spillover and sustained transmission in dairy cattle reported in the USA. Replication-competent reporter viruses are critical tools that enable real-time monitoring of virus replication, facilitating high-throughput screens. In this study, we engineered three recombinant H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b reporter viruses expressing nanoluciferase (NLuc) and two fluorescent reporter proteins, miniGFP2 and UnaG within the open reading frame of the nonstructural gene of the bovine A/Cattle/Texas/063224-24-1/2024 (TX2/24) virus. All reporter viruses replicated efficiently in vitro, presenting replication kinetics comparable to the parental rTX2/24 virus, but exhibited smaller plaque sizes, suggesting reduced cell-to-cell spread. In vivo infection studies in mice showed comparable pathogenicity among all four viruses, although rTX2/24-miniGFP2 and rTX2/24-UnaG exhibited decreased virus shedding relative to rTX2/24 and rTX2/24-NLuc. Virus titrations and in situ localization of virus replication sites demonstrated robust replication in respiratory tissues, with slightly attenuated systemic dissemination of all three reporter viruses. Fluorescent virus neutralization assays using miniGFP2 and UnaG reporter viruses accurately quantified neutralizing antibody titres in sera from naturally infected dairy cattle, consistent with wild-type virus assays. Additionally, the utility of the NLuc reporter virus for antiviral screening was validated against oseltamivir in vitro. Collectively, these results establish the H5N1 TX2/24-based reporter viruses as versatile and biologically relevant tools for investigating H5N1 pathogenesis and for use in serological and antiviral drug screens.

Source: 

Link: https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jgv/10.1099/jgv.0.002298

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