Molecular evolutionary #dynamics of #coxsackievirus A16 in #Shenzhen, #China, 2012–2022

 

Highlights

    • A decade of CV-A16 molecular epidemiology in Shenzhen was analyzed.

    • Bayesian methods estimated the molecular evolutionary rate of CV-A16.

    • Transmission risk and evolutionary dynamics of CV-A16 in Shenzhen were assessed.

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Shenzhen, China.

Methods

CVA16 was examined by a real-time RT-PCR method. Complete VP1 gene sequences of CVA16 strains were determined, and sequence analyses were performed using a series of bioinformatics programs.

Results

Of 6436 mild HFMD specimens collected between 2012 and 2022, 1395 (21.7%) were CVA16-positive, with annual detection rates ranging from 4.1% to 45.4% and peaking in 2018. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of three CVA16 sub-genotypes (B1a, B1b and B3) in Shenzhen, China. The major sub-genotype was B1b from 2013 to 2019, while the sub-genotype B1a predominated in 2020-2022. Phylogenetic and sequence homology analyses suggested that re-emerging CVA16 B1a strains in Shenzhen originated from Vietnam and Thailand. The mean evolutionary rate of CVA16 strains circulating in Shenzhen was estimated at 3.604×10-3 substitutions per site per year. Distinct amino acid mutations in VP1 correlated with temporal shifts in Shenzhen's dominant CVA16 sub-genotypes: N14S/L23M for B1b, and T164K/V251I for the 2017–2022 re-emergent B1a.

Conclusion

In the post-EV-A71 vaccine era, CVA16 remains one of the major pathogens of HFMD in Shenzhen. Over the study period, the CVA16 sub-genotype in Shenzhen underwent a B1a→B1b→B1a turnover, which was associated with both imported lineages and local adaptive evolution. This study underscores the critical importance of continuous molecular surveillance for CVA16.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2026.105998

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Descent from the Cross (right wing), Peter Paul Rubens (1612 - 1614)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/peter-paul-rubens/descent-from-the-cross-right-wing-1614

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In silico analysis of #pH stabilising #mutations of #hemagglutinin of #influenza A virus #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses are expanding their host range among mammals, raising concerns about their pandemic potential. Building on recently published deep mutational scanning data, we show that hemagglutinin retains structural plasticity to increase acid stability through independent mechanisms, including modulation of electrostatic interactions, hydrogen-bonding networks and hydrophobic packing that may facilitate human adaptation. These findings illustrate how structural analyses can strengthen genomic surveillance for pandemic risk assessment.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44298-026-00236-y

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Early insights into predicted efficacy of #Ebola monoclonal #antibodies for the 2026 #Bundibugyo virus disease #outbreak

 

Abstract

The 2026 Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak in the DRC and Uganda raises urgent questions about the efficacy of existing Ebola virus (EBOV) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). Here, we perform genomic and structural analyses of 44 BDBV sequences, including 12 from the 2026 outbreak, to assess mAb binding to the viral glycoprotein (GP). While the MBP134 cocktail epitopes remain conserved, mAb114 (Ebanga) binding is compromised by E112D and P116A mutations, causing off-target binding and reduced affinity. Structural modeling of Inmazeb shows that while Odesivimab maintains epitope binding, Atoltivimab and Maftivimab fail to bind their designated sites individually, though the complete trimeric cocktail demonstrates BDBV synergistic binding. These computational models predict mAb114 efficacy against BDBV may be compromised due to epitope mutations affecting binding affinity, whereas MBP134 retains conserved targeting and holds promise as a broadly protective therapeutic. The complex binding behavior of Inmazeb components points to the importance of antibody combinatorial effects for treatment efficacy. These observations warrant urgent experimental validation through neutralization assays.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78077-9

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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Viruses #H5N1 and #H5N5 in Red #Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in #Norway during 2022-2024

 

Abstract

Since 2020, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have spread globally, causing extensive outbreaks in domestic and wild birds. Increased circulation has resulted in frequent spillover to mammals, and occasional mammal-to-mammal transmission. Although human infections remain rare, the zoonotic potential of these viruses continues to be a public health concern. We investigated six cases of HPAI in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Norway during 2022-2024 and identified infections with H5N1 and H5N5 viruses. Pathological and virological investigations demonstrated systemic infection, with prominent lesions in the brain and/or lungs. Phylogenetic analyses showed high similarity between viruses detected in foxes and those concurrently circulating in wild birds. The mammalian adaptation marker PB2:E627K was identified in one H5N1 virus and as a minority variant in a second H5N1 virus.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 12314

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.25.754393

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

 {Extracts}

(...)

Event data

    ° 652 Positive events

    ° 51,840 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 25 September 2026, Australia has 652 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 319 in South Australia (SA)

        § 67 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 208 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 45 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

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

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

Data disclaimer

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

{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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History of Mass Transportation: The Class 46 219.2 Electric Locomotive of Bulgarian Railways

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By HotMusicFan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61645678

Source: 

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

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#Ebola disease caused by #Bundibugyo virus - #DRC (WHO D.O.N., September 25 '26): 7,890 cases and 3,799 deaths so far

 

{Extracts}

Situation at a glance

    Since the last Disease Outbreak News was published on 11 September 2026, the Bundibugyo virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded further, with two additional health zones affected. 

    These include Bulu health zone in a new province, Sud Ubangi, located on the north-west part of the country and Dungu health zone in Haut-Uélé province, bordering South Sudan. 

    This brings the total number of affected health zones to 63 across seven provinces out of 26 provinces of the country: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud Ubangi and Tshopo. 

    This latest geographic expansion increases the risk of cross-border transmission. 

    As of 23 September 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 7890 confirmed cases, including 3799 deaths, resulting in a crude case fatality ratio (CFR) of 48.1%. 

    At the national level, the number of new cases reported each day remains high. However, the situation varies across the country, with some provinces and health zones experiencing much higher levels of transmission than others. 

    The continuously high CFR, and especially the continuous high rate of deaths occurring in communities, highlights the seriousness of the disease and the persistent challenges in timely case detection and access to early and adequate patient care. 

    These delays can contribute to preventable illness and deaths among people in affected and newly affected areas, while also allowing transmission to continue within households, communities, and healthcare settings.

Description of the situation

    Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 11 September 2026, an additional 1133 confirmed cases, including 532 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    The seven-day moving average shows a resurgence in early September followed by a decline over the most recent reporting days. 

    However, the aggregate national trend conceals substantial variation in transmission intensity across affected provinces and health zones. 

    As of 23 September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 7890 confirmed cases, including 3799 deaths (CFR 48.1%). 

    A total of 1966 patients have recovered to date. 

    Confirmed cases have been reported from 63 health zones across seven provinces, with 48 health zones from six provinces reporting at least one case in the last 21 days. 

    Ituri remains the most affected province, with 28 of its 36 health zones reporting cases, followed by North Kivu (16/34), Tshopo (7/23), Haut-Uélé (7/13), Bas-Uélé (3/11), South Kivu (1/34), and Sud Ubangi (1/16). 

    No new cases have been reported from South Kivu province since 29 May 2026.  

    Dungu Health Zone in Haut-Uélé province and Bulu in Sud Ubangi are the most recently affected areas. 

    As of 23 September, 70 new confirmed cases had been reported in the preceding 24 hours from 26 health zones located in Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas Uélé and Tshopo provinces.  

(...)

    Ituri continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 6032 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak, including 868 new confirmed cases reported in the previous 21 days, as of 23 September. 

    North Kivu is the second most affected province, with a cumulative number of 1480 confirmed cases, including 567 reported in the last 21 days, as of 23 September. 

    North Kivu province continues to report the highest CFR (59.7%) observed in this outbreak; and investigations are ongoing to better understand the factors contributing to this elevated mortality rate. 

    In Ituri, case incidence continues to decline gradually from the peak observed in mid-August, although transmission remains at elevated levels. 

    North Kivu, in contrast, has experienced a substantial increase in incidence, reaching its highest reported level in mid-September, followed by a decline in recent reporting days. 

    Haut-Uélé continues to demonstrate sustained transmission, albeit at levels below the peak recorded in late August, while Tshopo is showing renewed transmission activity following a period of low incidence. 

    In Bas-Uélé, transmission remains sporadic, whereas no recent evidence of transmission has been reported in Sud-Kivu. 

    Sud Ubangi is the seventh province to report a confirmed case of BVD, with one case that was reported on 10 September (Figure 2). 

    The number of individuals requiring follow-up as contact has also risen considerably with the expansion of the outbreak. 

    As of 23 September, 83.4% of identified contacts were successfully monitored during the previous 24 hours with 26 980 contacts seen out of 32 342 requiring follow up. 

    The large volume of contacts under surveillance highlights the extent of potential exposure within affected communities and the substantial demands placed on response operations. 

    The response is being implemented in a challenging humanitarian environment, where conflict, insecurity, displacement, and limited access to basic services continue to affect outbreak control.  These constraints continue to hamper surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and timely access to appropriate care, thereby limiting the overall effectiveness of response activities. 

Figure 2: Number of confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by date of notification, as of 23 September 2026

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Figure 3: Number of deaths among confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by date of notification, as of 23 September 2026. 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

WHO risk assessment

    On 14 August 2026, WHO reassessed the risk of the outbreak of BVD, incorporating newly available information on the evolving situation. 

    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. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www/who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak.news.item/2026-DON618

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#Recommendations announced for #influenza #vaccine composition for the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season (WHO, extract)

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    From February to August 2026, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses circulated in varying proportions across all regions of the world, causing disease. 

    Influenza A viruses were the most common in most regions, except Northern and Western Africa, North America and Eastern Asia, where influenza B viruses dominated.

    WHO recommends that vaccines for use in the 2027 southern hemisphere influenza season contain the following:

Egg-based vaccines

    ° an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;

    ° an A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like virus; and

    ° a B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.

Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines

    ° an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;

    ° an A/Darwin/1415/2025 (H3N2)-like virus; and

    ° a B/Pennsylvania/14/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.

    As part of the review, experts also looked at influenza viruses circulating in animals, particularly those that have caused infections in humans. These animal or zoonotic influenza viruses remain a significant concern because of their potential to cause pandemics.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/25-09-2026-recommendations-announced-for-influenza-vaccine-composition-for-the-2027-southern-hemisphere-influenza-season

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Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Weekly Report (ECDC, Sept. 25 '26): 1,569 cases so far of which 696 in #Italy

 

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Week 39, 2026 | Published on 25 September 2026, based on data submitted up until and including 23 September 2026.

Current situation

    Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 23 September, 186 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in 16 countries across Europe.

    These areas are located in: 

        § Italy (65), 

        § Greece (22), 

        § Romania (22), 

        § France (21), 

        § the Netherlands (13), 

        § Serbia (8), 

        § Spain (6), 

        § Croatia (5), 

        § North Macedonia (5), 

        § Belgium (4), 

        § Hungary (4), 

        § Austria (3), 

        § Germany (3), 

        § Kosovo (3), 

        § Albania (1) and 

        § Cyprus (1).

    This week, six areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. The affected areas identified as at 23 September 2026 are listed in Table 1 and shown in Map 1 below.

    The 16 countries have reported 1 569 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 

        § Italy (696 cases), 

        § Greece (355 cases, of which 8 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § Spain (125 cases), 

        § France (102 cases), 

        § Romania (91 cases), 

        § North Macedonia (69 cases), 

        § Serbia (46 cases), 

        § the Netherlands (28 cases), 

        § Croatia (13 cases), 

        § Cyprus (13 cases), 

        § Belgium (9 cases), 

        § Austria (7 cases), 

        § Hungary (5 cases), 

        § Germany (4 cases), 

        § Kosovo (4 cases) and 

        § Albania (2 cases)

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Source: 

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

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Modelling #assessment of the different #paths of between-farm #transmission of avian #influenza HPAI in Northern #Italy in 2021--2022

 

Abstract

We propose a stochastic epidemic model to describe the spread of avian influenza in a network of poultry farms. We consider three main paths of infection transmission between poultry farms: from nearby farms, mainly through airborne diffusion; from farms belonging to the same company, through shared veterinarians, forage providers and similar; from undetected small farms or wildlife. From the parameter estimation, based on a modified Expectation-Maximization algorithm, we infer that approximately 63% of the farms were infected from nearby ones, with an infection force declining with distance; of these, more than one third belonged to the same company of the estimated infector. About 20% were infected from premises belonging to the same company but farther away than the distance threshold of 2 km; the remaining ones from wildlife or unidentified sources. These estimates have been validated by a comparison with genetic data, available for a subset of the farms: the genetic distance between two farms identified, with high probability, as an infector-infectee pair is much lower than between random pairs. These results may help in the implementation of tailored prevention and control measures for future outbreaks.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Fondazione Caritro (Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto), Post-Doc 2024 project ``Modelli matematici di malattie infettive piu` ospiti e popolazioni eterogenee: applicazioni all'influenza aviaria''

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.19.752832

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Sept. 25 '26)

 

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Event data

    ° 650 Positive events

    ° 51,361 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 24 September 2026, Australia has 650 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 318 in South Australia (SA)

        § 66 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 208 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 45 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

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

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

Data disclaimer

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

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Source: 

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

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#Italy, Seasonal #Human Cases #WNV & #Usutu Virus #Surveillance - Weekly Report No. 9 (ISS, Sept. 24 '26): 700 cases with 54 deaths so far

 

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Summary

    ° Since the beginning of arboviral infection season and as of Sept. 23 '26, 700 confirmed human cases of WNV have been recorded (they were 657 in last week update). 

    ° Of these: 

        § 368 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, of which 5 imported: 1  from Maldives, 1 France, 1 Belgium, 1 Greece and 1 the Netherlands, 

        § 88 were asymptomatic cases among blood donors, 

        § 239 were West Nile Fever cases, 

        § 4 were unspecified cases, 

        § 1 was an asymptomatic case (Table 1).

    ° The number of affected Provinces has risen to 83 in 19 Regions.

    ° Among confirmed cases, 54 deaths have been reported. The Case-Fatality Rate in WNND cases is now 14.6% (in 2025 it was 14.9%).

    ° So far this season, 15 human cases of Usutu virus have been reported (8 in Lombardy, 1 Emilia-Romagna, 1 Marche, 2 Latium, 1 Piedmont, 2 Veneto).

Figure 1. Weekly Confirmed Human Cases of WNV, Italy: 2025 & 2026 Seasons

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Source: 

Link: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2026_9.pdf

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Field #Investigation of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BDBV) #Outbreak in Ituri Province, #DRC: ... An Outbreak Investigation Review

 

Abstract

Background: 

The 2026 outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease (BDBV) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), centered in Ituri Province, represents the largest documented outbreak caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus since its discovery in Uganda in 2007. The outbreak evolved within a complex humanitarian setting characterized by armed conflict, population displacement, mining-related migration, weak health systems, extensive population mobility, and an infodemic environment marked by misinformation and reduced public trust. We conducted a field investigation to assess epidemiological, operational, laboratory, infection prevention and control (IPC), community engagement, risk communication, and infodemic management challenges and identify priority interventions to strengthen outbreak control. 

Methods: 

A rapid field assessment was conducted between 12–15 June 2026 in Bunia, Rwampara Health Zone, and the Ituri Provincial Public Health Laboratory. Data were collected through direct observation, review of surveillance and laboratory reports, health facility assessments, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of outbreak response indicators. Epidemiological trends, surveillance performance, laboratory capacity, clinical care, IPC activities, logistics, risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management approaches were evaluated. 

Results: 

As of 12 July 2026, the outbreak had resulted in 1926 laboratory-confirmed cases and 702 deaths, corresponding to an overall case fatality rate (CFR) of 36.4% across affected provinces. Ituri Province remained the epicenter, accounting for 90.8% of confirmed cases (1705/1877) and 85.5% of reported deaths (577/675). During the preceding 24 h, 53 new confirmed cases and 30 deaths were reported, including 20 community deaths (66.7%), highlighting persistent delays in detection, referral, and access to care. Surveillance systems identified 766 alerts, of which 678 (88.5%) were investigated, resulting in 235 suspected cases. Contact tracing remained a major challenge, with only 64.4% (4171/6475) of registered contacts successfully followed, below the recommended ≥95% target. Laboratory activities included testing of 137 specimens, with 29 positive results and an overall positivity rate of 21.2%. Decentralized molecular diagnostic platforms improved access to testing; however, data inconsistencies, delayed investigations, and gaps in outcome classification affected response monitoring. Major operational challenges included limited treatment capacity, high occupancy of Ebola treatment centres, shortages of trained personnel and IPC supplies, insecurity affecting response teams, and insufficient preparedness in newly affected areas. Community resistance, attacks on burial teams, detention of frontline responders, misinformation, and rumors contributed to delayed care-seeking, reduced acceptance of public health measures, and incomplete cooperation with contact tracing. Risk communication and community engagement efforts were constrained by limited outreach capacity, language barriers, low trust, and inadequate systems for rumor detection and infodemic response. 

Conclusions: 

The ongoing BDBV outbreak in eastern DRC demonstrates the difficulty of controlling Ebola transmission in conflict-affected and socially complex settings. Sustained transmission, community deaths, geographic expansion, and operational constraints highlight the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory systems, IPC capacity, clinical care, and integrated risk communication and infodemic management strategies. Building trust through community-centered approaches, proactive misinformation management, and engagement of trusted local actors will be essential to accelerate outbreak containment and strengthen preparedness across the Great Lakes region.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18050100

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (DAFF, September 24 '26)

 

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Event data

    ° 640 Positive events

    ° 50,755 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 23 September 2026, Australia has 640 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 317 in South Australia (SA)

        § 66 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 199 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 45 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

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

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

Data disclaimer

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

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Source: 

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

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