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{Valparaíso} The birds shared a pond with wild birds. All birds were culled and buried on the property under strict biosecurity protocols. Cleaning and disinfection measures are being carried out. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7357 ____

  {Excerpts} On March 10, 2026, at 12:03 AM Italian time, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Campania .  The seismic event occurred at an  extremely deep depth , approximately  414 km , well below the common seismogenic depths of Italian earthquakes, which predominantly occur in the upper crust. This deep event, quite rare for this geographical area , can be traced back to a geological process typical of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea  due to the presence in the Earth's mantle of a " slab " of oceanic lithosphere that has been sinking for several million years beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea. This phenomenon is accompanied by  frequent seismicity along the Calabrian and Sicilian coasts – less frequent off the Campanian coast – , with earthquakes that in the last 40 years have reached  magnitude ML 5.8 on 28 October 2016 ,  at a depth  of  481 km ,  and magnitude Mw 5.8 on 29 October 2006,  at a depth  of  2...

  Abstract Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses of the H5 subtype continue to diversify worldwide through mutation and genetic reassortment , generating novel variants with unpredictable consequences under the One Health approach . Between 2024 and 2025 , five outbreaks of avian influenza A viruses were detected in backyard poultry across Michoacán, Estado de México , and Ciudad de México . We conducted molecular and genetic characterization of five highly pathogenic H5N2 viruses isolated from these events. All cases tested positive for influenza A virus and the H5 hemagglutinin , exhibiting high pathogenicity with intravenous pathogenicity index values ranging from 2.88 to 3.0. Whole-genome sequencing revealed novel reassortants containing hemagglutinin from Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and neuraminidase from the endemic Mexican H5N2 lineage . The viral genome of the isolate from Michoacán contained six segments derived from Eurasian H5N1 viruses introduced into North America in ...

  Summary Background The expanding mpox outbreak in Africa and travel-associated cases in other continents have increased efforts to vaccinate populations at high risk. This study aimed to assess serological immune responses 5 years after individuals received a primary vaccination (two-dose series) with the smallpox and mpox vaccine modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN), as well as to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a third dose (booster). To date, there are no data for immunological memory or third-dose-induced immunity for MVA-BN at these long-term timescales. Methods In this open-label, prospective cohort extension, we re-enrolled health-care workers from a 2017 vaccination study in Bokungu Health Zone, DR Congo, to receive a third dose of MVA-BN. All previous participants were offered the opportunity to re-enrol. Participants were grouped according to whether they had received a childhood smallpox vaccination with a replication-competent vaccine strain (hi...

  Summary Background Mpox is a public health concern in eastern DR Congo . It continues to cause substantial numbers of hospital admissions , with changing demographics including children and adolescents , requiring comprehensive clinical and epidemiological investigation . In this study, we aim to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalised participants infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV) subclade Ib/2023sh in the Kabare Territory in South Kivu , DR Congo. Methods This observational cohort study included patients admitted with suspected mpox to the reference centre of mpox treatment at Lwiro Hospital, South Kivu , DR Congo. Eligible participants must have had, at the time of inclusion, skin lesions compatible with the infection. Individuals who did not present lesions compatible with MPXV infection were also eligible if they had at least one of the following symptoms: fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, or pharyngitis , provided they had been in contact with someone with s...

  {Excerpt} (...) Results NAb geometric mean titers against H1N1 WI/22, H3N2 BA/22, H3N2 CR/23, H3N2-K BA/25, and H3N2-K NY/25 were 200, 231, 119, 50, and 60 at baseline and increased to 582, 661, 356, 85, and 119 at peak immunogenicity, respectively (...), reflecting a significant 2.86- to 2.99-fold increase in NAb titers against the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains but a lower 1.70- to 1.98-fold increase in NAb titers against the H3N2-K strains . Baseline antibody titers to the H3N2-K strains were 2.0- to 4.6-fold lower than to the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains (P < .001), and peak antibody titers to the H3N2-K strains following vaccination were 3.0- to 7.8-fold lower than to the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains (P < .001). (...) Source:  Link:  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2846268?guestAccessKey=10f1c0a1-4189-438d-9f71-a588fdd0db53&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postup_jn&utm_campaign=article_alert-jama&utm_content=olf-tfl_&utm_term=0309...

  Within the epidemiological surveillance carried out by the Colombian Agricultural Institute aimed at the early detection of clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, an outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in the village of Porvenir, in the municipality of Puerto Concordia in the department of Meta . The event concerns non-poultry in a backyard , for which respiratory and neurological signs were observed. The National Veterinary Authority activated epidemiological tracing and epidemiological monitoring actions in the area of origin of the affected birds. As a control measure, the stamping out of the birds in the epidemiological unit was carried out, and, as a complementary measure, epidemiological surveillance was strengthened in the surrounding area to identify other possible cases and prevent the spread of the disease. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7345 ____

  Abstract Background :  The emergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in North America , beginning in February 2022, has highlighted the dynamic, unpredictable, and regionally variable risk of infections . Studies are needed to assess the spatiotemporal clustering of HPAI H5 at the interface between wild waterfowl and commercial poultry to understand and mitigate this risk .  Methods :  Publicly available data on HPAI H5 detections in wild birds and commercial poultry from January 2022 to January 2026 were analyzed at the county level. Retrospective space-time permutation models were used to identify and scan for clusters with higher than expected detection rates.  Results :  A total of 17,091 HPAI H5 detections were reported in wild birds across 1,467 county-level locations. Four species , Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) (2,848 detections, 16.66%), Canada goose ( Branta canadensis ) (1,496, 8.75%), Green-winged teal ( An...

  Abstract A human infection with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 influenza A virus in Canada revealed minority variants E190D and Q226H in the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor-binding site (RBS). Because mutations at positions 190 and 226 have been associated with altered receptor specificity in other influenza subtypes, we investigated their impact on receptor binding in H5 HA . Using a recombinant protein approach and an ELISA-based glycan-binding assay , we assessed binding to representative avian- and human-type sialylated glycans . Both single mutations and their combination resulted in a complete loss of detectable binding to the tested glycans . To evaluate whether this phenotype was background-dependent, Q226H was additionally introduced into two other H5 HA proteins , each representing a distinct clade . In both cases, the mutation similarly abolished receptor binding . These findings independently validate recent glycan microarray observations and demonstrate that the patient-derived E19...

  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/claude-monet/the-grenouill%C3%A8re ____

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, are spreading worldwide , posing a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans . In 2025, a multidisciplinary collaboration for HPAI H5N1 surveillance among birds within Galveston County, Texas , was initiated. Between November and December 2025, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from wild and domestic birds reported as dead or dying by Galveston County residents . Specimens were studied with molecular assays, Sanger sequencing, virus isolation, and next-generation sequencing. Molecular evidence of HPAI H5N1 was detected in 7 of 10 (70%) birds, and the virus was successfully cultured in MDCK cells . Next-generation sequencing analysis of eight influenza A genome segments demonstrated a 4:4 gene segment reassortant constellation within clade 2.3.4.4b, consistent with genotype D1.1. Community members exposed to HPAI were offered antiviral prophylaxis . No human infections were identi...

  By Alphageekpa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47213787 Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works ____

  Abstract Since 2020, H5Nx high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused widespread disruptions not only to global agriculture and trade but also to the health of free-ranging wildlife . Pinnipeds have experienced greater mortality from H5Nx HPAIV than any other mammalian taxa . Emergent virus strains, persisting over long time periods and vast geographic distances , have repeatedly triggered large-scale mortality events in pinniped populations. Of particular concern is the spread of H5Nx HPAIV to the Southern Hemisphere —including the emergence of a marine mammal-adapted clade in South America and detections in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic —and to other remote locations such as the Hawaiian Islands . These developments elevate concern for the world’s endangered, isolated and endemic pinnipeds . While managing HPAIV in any animal population is a formidable task, working with free-ranging marine mammals poses unique challenges. In this review and perspective pi...

  Ann Intern Med LIM SY, Lee J, Chang E, Kwon JS, et al Neither Metformin nor Ursodeoxycholic Acid Effectively Treats Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19 : A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Mar 3. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-04883. PubMed           Abstract available Antiviral Res ZUO X, Xiao X, Dong X, Wang J, et al Direct-acting antivirals and beyond: emerging approaches to targeting viral RNA and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Antiviral Res. 2026;249:106383. PubMed           Abstract available RUDRAMURTHY GR, Gudla CS, Harisha R, Selvam V, et al FNDR-11124, a broad-spectrum small molecule inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase, restricts replication of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza virus in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res. 2026 Mar 2:106382. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106382. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis RIERA MT, Prato R, Perez-Rubio A, Ec...

  Ann Intern Med SACKS HS In older adults, high- vs. standard-dose influenza vaccine reduced hospitalization for influenza or pneumonia in those with CKD. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Mar 3. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-26-00324. PubMed           Abstract available ANAND R, Glatt AE In healthy adults, a modified RNA vs. inactivated influenza vaccine reduced laboratory-confirmed influenza-like illness at >/=14 d. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Mar 3. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-05681. PubMed           Abstract available Antiviral Res RUDRAMURTHY GR, Gudla CS, Harisha R, Selvam V, et al FNDR-11124, a broad-spectrum small molecule inhibitor of viral RNA polymerase, restricts replication of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza virus in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res. 2026 Mar 2:106382. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106382. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol DUTTA M, Sarmah N, Siddique AI, Borah...

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 has recently expanded its mammalian host range ; in 2024, genotype B3.13 emerged in U.S. dairy cattle with pronounced mammary tropism . In the past, Influenza A virus immunology has been characterized primarily in respiratory infection models , whereas this study delineates immune responses after intramammary infection . An intramammary H5N1 challenge in Jersey cows in the early dry-off period enabled integration of dose- and compartment-resolved (alveoli versus teat cistern) cytokine and chemokine profiles with peripheral leukocyte dynamics and H5/N1-specific antibody responses. Infection-induced quarter-restricted, monophasic inflammatory networks peaking at 3 to 7 days post-infection , coordinated peripheral myeloid expansion and IFN gamma competent lymphocyte activation, and rising antibody titers across quarters. Competing Interest Statement The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies,...

  Abstract Background West Nile Virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus maintained in a transmission cycle between Culex mosquitoes and birds , occasionally spilling over into humans. The impact of avian biodiversity on WNV circulation remains debated, with studies reporting both negative and positive correlations (dilution and amplification effects respectively) across different settings. In Europe, this relationship remains largely unexplored, particularly in regions with high WNV transmission, such as Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy. Methods We explored the association between avian biodiversity and WNV circulation in Culex mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna using 11 years (2013–2023) of entomological surveillance data paired with two avian data sources . We calculated avian biodiversity indices (Shannon’s, Simpson’s, and Chao2) from observation records from the Farmland Bird Index project and applied linear regression models to assess their relationship with WNV detection frequency. Mor...

  {Summary} Risk Statement   -- This Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) evaluates the global public health risk posed by Nipah virus (NiV), considering the distinct epidemiological profiles of  - i) enzootic countries , where recurrent zoonotic spillover and limited human‑to‑human transmission continue to occur, and  - ii) non‑enzootic regions , where the risk remains primarily associated with infected travellers or importation of infected livestock.  -- The assessment considers the ecological and seasonal drivers of spillover , the constrained efficiency of human‑to‑human transmission , and the capacity of health and community systems to detect, confirm, and rapidly contain outbreaks.  -- Given that NiV has not demonstrated sustained transmission beyond outbreak settings and no human cases have ever been reported outside Asia , the global risk is largely determined by localized outbreaks in endemic areas and the very low likelihood of onward transmission fol...

  Abstract Wastewater monitoring enables non-invasive, population-scale tracking of community infections independent of healthcare-seeking behavior and clinical diagnosis. Metagenomic sequencing extends this capability by enabling broad, pathogen-agnostic detection, genomic characterization , and identification of novel or unexpected threats . Here, we present data from CASPER (the Coalition for Agnostic Sequencing of Pathogens from Environmental Reservoirs), a U.S.-based wastewater metagenomic sequencing network designed for deep, untargeted pathogen monitoring at national scale. This release includes 1,206 samples collected between December 2023 and December 2025 from 27 sites across nine states , covering 13 million people . Deep sequencing (~1 billion read pairs per sample) generated 1.2 trillion read pairs ( 347 terabases ), enabling detection of even rare taxa , with CASPER representing 66% of all untargeted wastewater sequencing data currently available on the NCBI Sequence ...

  {Excerpt} (...) COVID-19 current vaccine safety status and insights   -- Since 2021, GACVS has regularly reviewed the safety of COVID-19 vaccines , including through global pharmacovigilance data and dedicated reviews of myocarditis, pregnancy outcomes and other adverse events of special interest (AESI).  -- The most recent updates reaffirmed that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks across all groups and advised continued monitoring for younger males and follow-up of persons who have reported vaccine-associated myocarditis .  -- Many individuals have received three or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine.  -- Some adverse events – such as myocarditis – seem to occur mainly after the second dose of mRNA COVID- 19 vaccines.  -- However, the outcomes were less severe in persons who developed myocarditis after vaccination compared to those unvaccinated and following infections, including SARS- CoV-2.  -- Also, children under six months of age seem t...