Apse, Domenico Ghirlandaio (c.1471)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/domenico-ghirlandaio/apse

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#UK, Avian #influenza (bird flu) #H5N5 Virus: Ness, Isle of Lewis, #Scotland (AIV 2026/20) (Dir. of Agriculture, Oct. 4 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

    Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis on 2 October 2026.

    A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) are in place.

    Check if your premises is affected by using the interactive map.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-flu-bird-flu-ness-isle-of-lewis-aiv-2026-20/

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#Antibodies targeting a conserved cryptic epitope at the #influenza hemagglutinin head-stem interface via distinct binding modes

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus continues to pose pandemic threats, as demonstrated by the recent global spread of highly pathogenic H5N1 strains. Consequently, the development and characterization of vaccines targeting zoonotic influenza subtypes have become a major focus of the field. In this study, we characterize two broadly reactive antibodies previously isolated from H5N1 vaccinees. Although they have distinct immunoglobulin germline gene usage and binding modes, cryo-EM analysis shows that both antibodies share a highly conserved cryptic epitope at the interface of the hemagglutinin (HA) head and stem domains. The antigenicity of this epitope is influenced by natural amino acid variation at residue 293 of HA subunit 1, and its access is facilitated by acid-induced conformational change of HA. Nevertheless, both antibodies are non-neutralizing and possess only marginal protective efficacy against seasonal and H5N1 viruses in vivo, thus representing suboptimal vaccine responses. Overall, our findings expand the interactions of cross-reactive antibodies with an under-characterized HA epitope and provide insights for next-generation influenza vaccine design.

Competing Interest Statement

N.C.W. consults for HeliXon. All authors declare no other competing interests.

Funder Information Declared

Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, HKU C7053-24G

Health and Medical Research Fund, no. 24230352

NIH/NIGMS, GM158411

Vallee Scholars Program

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.24.754278

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Establishment of an avian #influenza #surveillance program in #Australia's largest #river basin

 

Abstract

To-date Australia has had mostly coastal occurrences in a small but growing number of species of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential impacts of expected spread are the focus of significant preparation activities. Here we report on early surveillance undertaken in 2025-26 in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's largest river system, which contains internationally important wetlands that support large multi-species aggregations of waterbirds vulnerable to mass mortality. We detected two low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of Australian origin in wild waterbirds. Ongoing surveillance will aid in early detection and rapid response in the case of a major inland outbreak of H5N1.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.09.750291

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Cross-clade #protection against #human #H5N1 isolates by a clade 2.3.4.4b HA #mRNA #vaccine in mice

 

Abstract

The recent spread of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses into mammals, despite limited human infections to date, has raised serious public health concerns and highlights the need for rapidly deployable vaccines, such as mRNA-based platforms, to strengthen pandemic preparedness. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of an mRNA vaccine encoding the HA of NIID-002, a WHO-recommended H5 candidate vaccine virus (CVV) derived from A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (clade 2.3.4.4b) against A/Texas/37/2024 (TX37; clade 2.3.4.4b) and A/Cambodia/2311257/2023 (Cam23; clade 2.3.2.1e). The mRNA was formulated with ssPalmO, a low-inflammatory self-degradable ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP). BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly twice with the mRNA-LNP vaccine containing either 1 μg or 10 μg of H5 HA mRNA. After boosting, strong, dose-dependent serum IgG responses against NIID-002 HA were detected by ELISA. The mice were then challenged with a lethal dose of homologous TX37 or heterologous Cam23. All mice in the 10-μg group survived both challenges, demonstrating robust cross-clade protection. In the 1-μg group, complete protection without significant body weight loss was observed against TX37, whereas partial protection was observed following Cam23 challenge. Viral titers were significantly reduced in multiple tissues of the vaccinated mice compared to the unvaccinated controls. Our findings demonstrate that the NIID-002-HA mRNA vaccine confers protection against homologous and heterologous zoonotic H5N1 strains in a mouse model. This low-inflammatory ssPalmO-LNP platform thus supports safe, rapid vaccine development against emerging H5N1 viruses with pandemic potential.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129215

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Increased circulation of #influenza #H1N1pdm09 viruses with reduced susceptibility to #oseltamivir, #Germany 2024–2026

 

Highlights

    • The National Influenza Center for Germany (Germany NIC) detected an increase in the prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses carrying the neuraminidase substitution NA-S247N, rising from 1.16% circulating in the 2024/25 influenza season to 56.8% in the 2025/26 season.

    • The NA-S247N substitution reduced oseltamivir susceptibility slightly; combined NA-S247N/NA-I223V/T substitutions showed reduced inhibition according WHO criteria.

    • Continuous molecular and phenotypic surveillance is essential for public health and the early detection of viruses with reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.

    • Rapid pyrosequencing supports the routine surveillance of neuraminidase substitutions associated with reduced susceptibility to antivirals.

    • The findings illustrate the Germany NIC's 30-year contribution to antiviral susceptibility monitoring.

Abstract

Background

Oseltamivir is still considered to be the first-line antiviral treatment for severe seasonal influenza. However, resistance to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors poses significant challenges to influenza management. Since the 2023/24 season, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses carrying neuraminidase substitutions (NA-I223V and/or NA-S247N) have emerged in Germany, other EU/EEA countries, and some of the World Health Organization (WHO) regions. These viruses have been linked to reduced oseltamivir susceptibility.

Methods

A rapid RT-PCR/pyrosequencing assay was developed and validated to detect NA-I223X and NA-S247X substitutions. Subsequently, a total of 765 A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses detected in Germany during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 influenza seasons were characterized phenotypically using fluorometric NA inhibition testing and/or genotypically using next-generation sequencing and pyrosequencing.

Results

The prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses bearing the NA-S247N substitution increased from 1.2% in the 2024/25 season to 56.8% in the 2025/26 season, accounting for up to 80% of analyzed viruses by March 2026. Viruses carrying NA-S247N exhibited higher oseltamivir IC50 values than wild-type viruses. Combinations of NA-S247N with substitutions at position 223 demonstrated an additional increase. In viruses carrying the combined NA-S247N and NA-I223V/T substitutions oseltamivir showed reduced inhibition with increased IC50 values of up to 17-fold compared to wild type viruses.

Conclusions

The accumulation of NA substitutions in A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses, particularly NA-S247N in combination with NA-I223V/T, substantially reduces susceptibility to oseltamivir. The marked increase in NA-S247N prevalence suggests that this substitution is becoming persistent rather than transient. Targeted pyrosequencing is a practical tool for the early detection of emerging resistance-associated substitutions.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2026.151745

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History of Mass Transportation: The Class 477 498 Electric Locomotive of Romanian Railways

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By TrainSimFan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59999296

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFR_Class_47#/media/File:CFR_477_498_at_Sinaia.jpg

____

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    Radiology

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Antiviral Res

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   Antiviral Res. 2026 Sep 29:106540. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106540.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

2. NAZARETH J, Martin CA, Pan D, Barr IG, et al
   Ethnic differences in inactivated influenza vaccine immunogenicity in UK Healthcare Workers: A two-year prospective longitudinal study.
   J Infect. 2026 Sep 29:106862. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106862.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
3. DUAN Q, Jin X, Fu X, Zhu A, et al
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4. ZHOU S, Liu C, Liu W, Cai K, et al
   Cross-Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Diverse Coronaviruses in the Human Population.
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5. LI X, Mercade-Besora N, Lam AS, Barboza C, et al
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6. QUINOT C, Lunt R, Kirsebom F, Andrews N, et al
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7. KYAW NTT, Foote MMK, Lo Piccolo AJ, Wallach AB, et al
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Pediatrics

8. FRINTNER MP, Freed GL, Byrne BJ, Gottschlich EA, et al
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   PLoS Biol

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 3 '26)

 

{Extracts}

(...)

Event data

    ° 682 Positive events

    ° 56,224 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 2 October 2026, Australia has 682 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 325 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 230 in Victoria (VIC)

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

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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{By Giacomo Cimino (@giacomociminoph) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=200731939}

{Extracts}

(...)

    ° In accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Article 10.4.1, point 4, this outbreak does not change the disease-free status of Sweden as these are wild birds or birds kept in a single household, and therefore do not fall within the WOAH definition of poultry.

    ° {Kristianstad Region}. A Grey heron was found dead. It was sent to the Swedish Veterinary Agency for laboratory analysis as part of the national surveillance program for avian influenza.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7871

____

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (US CDC, Oct. 2 '26)

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

Notice

    CDC competitively awarded a new wastewater testing contract to Verily Health, Inc. (Verily) on September 28, 2026. There will be a brief gap in wastewater data affecting ~200 sites as sampling, testing, and reporting are restarted.

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: September 20, 2026 - September 26, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 7 site(s) (1.9%)

    -- No Detection: 363 site(s) (98.1%)

    -- No samples: 239 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

____

Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Weekly Report (ECDC, Oct. 2 '26): 1,765 cases so far, of which 721 in #Italy

 

{Extract}

Week 40, 2026 |  Published on 2 October 2026, based on data submitted up until and including 30 September 2026.

Current situation

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 30 September, 202 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in 16 countries across Europe.

    ° These areas are located in: 

        § Italy (67), 

        § France (25), 

        § Greece (24), 

        § Romania (24), 

        § the Netherlands (15), 

        § Serbia (10), 

        § Spain (6), 

        § Belgium (5), 

        § Croatia (5), 

        § North Macedonia (5), 

        § Hungary (4), 

        § Kosovo (4), 

        § Austria (3), 

        § Germany (3), 

        § Albania (1) and 

        § Cyprus (1).

    

    ° This week, 16 areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. (...)

    ° The 16 countries have reported 1 765 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 

        § Italy (721 cases), 

        § Greece (420 cases, of which 6 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § Spain (131 cases), 

        § France (128 cases), 

        § Romania (117 cases), 

        § North Macedonia (70 cases), 

        § the Netherlands (57 cases, of which 2 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § Serbia (53 cases), 

        § Croatia (15 cases), 

        § Belgium (14 cases), 

        § Cyprus (13 cases), 

        § Austria (8 cases), 

        § Kosovo (7 cases), 

        § Hungary (5 cases), 

        § Germany (4 cases) and 

        § Albania (2 cases)

(...)

Source: 

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

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

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{By Estormiz - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90634774}

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    ° According to article 10.4.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Member Countries should not impose bans on the trade in poultry commodities in response to notification on the presence of any influenza A virus in birds other than poultry.

    ° Nine Wild Common pheasants in Guldborgsund area.

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Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7870

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Multi-Country #Human-to-Human #Andes Virus #Outbreak on a Cruise #Ship: A Disaster #Report on Prehospital, Health Care Facility, and Public Health System Challenges – Essential Knowledge for Frontline Clinicians

 

Abstract

The Andes Virus (ANDV) outbreak reported on May 2, 2026, aboard a luxury vessel departing from Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina, was caused by an Orthohantavirus unique in its person-to-person transmissibility in contrast to zoonotic transmission characteristic of better-known hantaviruses. Containment required coordinated international management because passengers and crew embarked and disembarked at several international ports-of-call prior to outbreak recognition, resulting in cross-border transmission potential. Among those who disembarked, several traveled on flights to various destinations. Cases subsequently manifested in multiple countries, including Tristan da Cunha, Spain, France, Switzerland, South Africa, Canada, and The Netherlands. Upon notification, international health authorities implemented containment measures, such as contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation. Uniquely, ANDV poses distinctive risks due to its immediately prodromal presymptomatic transmission potential, initial non-specific flu-like symptoms, prolonged incubation period, conceivable long-term neurologic and endocrinologic sequalae, high case fatality rates (CFRs), and possibility of international dissemination. This report describes the successful management of a multi-national outbreak associated with cruise-ship travel, a setting with unique challenges. It also examines implications and challenges for prehospital, health care facility, and public health systems for future ANDV outbreaks. The event was characterized by delayed recognition, international spread, and complex coordination across multiple jurisdictions and sectors, including medical and public health authorities, policy- and decision-makers, crisis and emergency risk-communication experts, media, logistics, transportation, and security. Rapid implementation of public health measures coupled with clinician implementation of the Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) model, a clinical framework to detect and prevent the spread of infectious disease, at the prehospital and health care facility levels are critical actions that can contain future ANDV outbreaks.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X26109108

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 2 '26)

 

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Event data

    ° 680 Positive events

    ° 55,850 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 1 October 2026, Australia has 680 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 323 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 230 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 46 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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Notes from the Field: #Fatal Pneumonic #Plague — Coconino County, #Arizona, July 2025

 

Summary

    ° What is already known about this topic?

        § Pneumonic plague is a rare and often fatal disease that can be transmitted by respiratory droplets from animals or persons infected with Yersinia pestis bacteria.

    ° What is added by this report?

        § In July 2025, Arizona reported its first pneumonic plague death since 2007, in a man with occupational exposure to ill cats. Two days after the patient’s death, preliminary diagnostic test results supported a suspected pneumonic plague diagnosis, prompting immediate identification of potentially exposed persons for postexposure prophylaxis.

    ° What are the implications for public health practice?

        § In areas with endemic plague, preliminary diagnostic test results combined with clinical suspicion for pneumonic plague can result in timely public health interventions.

Abstract

Pneumonic plague is transmitted through inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the bacterium Yersinia pestis and has a nearly 100% case-fatality rate when untreated. Although Y. pestis is endemic among rodents in northern Arizona, only eight human plague cases were reported in Arizona during 2000–2024. In July 2025, Arizona reported its first pneumonic plague death since 2007.

Source: 

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7538a2

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

 

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    ° On 18 September 2026, Cologne Zoological Garden received 28 birds from an EU Member State. 

    ° These birds were housed in the zoo’s quarantine facility. 

    ° Current investigations suggest that the introduction of avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) occurred as a result of the movement of these animals. 

    ° Only birds in the quarantine facility are affected by avian influenza.

    ° {Species involved: Mandarin Duck (WILD), Anatidae (unidentified) (WILD), Anserinae (unidentified) (WILD), Greater Scaup (WILD), Hooded Merganser (WILD), Wood Duck (WILD), Smew (WILD), Swan Goose (WILD)}

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Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7860

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#Italy, 2026 Season #Surveilance for #Human Cases of #WNV & #Usutu Virus, Weekly Report (ISS, Oct. 1 '26): 700 cases & 54 deaths so far

 

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Summary

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 epidemic season and as of 23 September2026, 700 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus infection have been reported (they were 657 in the last week report).

    ° Of these: 

        § 368 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) (among them, there were five imported cases: 1 from Maldives, 1 France, 1 Belgium, 1 Greece and  1 the Netherlands), 

        § 88 were asymptomatic cases in blood donors, 

        § 239 were West Nile Fever cases, 

        § 4 were unspecified cases, 

        § 1 was an asymptomatic case.

    ° The number of affected regions rose to 83 in 19 Regions.

    ° Among confirmed cases, there were 54 deaths.

        § Case Fatality Rate in Neuroinvasive cases is now 14.6% (it was 14.9% in 2025).

    ° This season so far 15 cases of Usutu virus have been reported: 8 in Lombardy, 1 Emilia-Romagna, 1 Marche, 2 Latium, 1 Piedmont, 2 Veneto.

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Source: 

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

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Two incursions, two viruses: emergence of a second novel #Shamonda virus clade, #Germany, 2026

 

Abstract

Following the emergence of Shamonda virus (SHAV) in Europe in 2026, we identified a second, genetically distinct SHAV clade in cattle in Germany. Consistent differences across all three genome segments together with divergent regional distribution patterns indicate independent introductions. We have designated the two clades as SHAV Europe 1 (SHAV-EU1) and SHAV Europe 2 (SHAV-EU2). The unexpected co-circulation of these two clades has important implications for diagnostics, surveillance, host range assessment, risk evaluation and control measures.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.39.2600756

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