ETIDIOH - NEW

  "Thanks to the epidemiological surveillance network active in the region , the first European {imported} case of avian influenza of the H9 subtype has been identified in a patient arriving from abroad ," said the Regional Councilor for Welfare. The Lombardy Region immediately activated coordination procedures with the Ministry of Health and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) to ensure the utmost rigor in managing the case and monitoring contacts. The councilor added :  "The patient is currently hospitalized in isolation at San Gerardo Hospital in Monza . In addition to treatment for the viral infection, the medical team is managing other comorbidities the patient is suffering from. The epidemiological investigation was promptly conducted by ATS Brianza , while the molecular analyses that allowed for the precise identification of the virus were performed by the University of Milan and confirmed by the Regional Center for Infectious Diseases (composed of the Director...

  Abstract The global expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A(H5N1) underscores the need for rapid surveillance at high-risk wildlife interfaces. Taiaroa Head (45.7828 S, 170.7333 E) in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand hosts a plethora of aquatic wildlife including a large red-billed gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus) colony as well as the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross (Diomedea sanfordi). The Royal Albatross Centre is also a major nature tourism destination , attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, thereby creating a dense ecological and human-wildlife interface vulnerable to viral incursion. We evaluated the GeneXpert II platform using the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV cartridge as a field-deployable tool for avian influenza virus detection in environmental and wildlife-associated samples . The assay detected synthetic influenza A viral RNA and multiple endemic low pathogenic avian influenza virus subtypes...

  {Excerpt} (...) Daily case figures -- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when: - a case is laboratory confirmed - when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available - when further epidemiological information is available __ The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases. Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026 [Date - Total outbreak confirmed cases - Outbreak confirmed MenB cases (subset of total outbreak confirmed cases) - Outbreak confirmed MenB cases with outbreak strain (subset of outbreak confirmed MenB cases) - Outbreak probable cases - Total outbreak cases ] * 24 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 17 - 2 - 22 * 23 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 17 - 3 - 23 * 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19  -  [note 1] - 9 - 29 * 21 March 2026 - ...

  Significance The rising global numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections highlight the need to assess potential neurodevelopmental and psychiatric impact in children born to infected mothers. Human cohorts have provided conflicting conclusions , while mouse studies have focused on moderate-to-severe infection despite most infections in pregnant women being mild or asymptomatic. Our study shows that mild, respiratory tract–restricted SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant mice was sufficient to cause placental inflammation and transient changes in offspring brain gene expression , without altering gross brain structure or behavior under our experimental conditions. These findings suggest that soluble factors induced by maternal respiratory infection mediate placental inflammation and changes in offspring brain gene expression during the fetal and neonatal periods, which resolve in later childhood. Abstract Maternal viral infection during pregnancy has been identified as a risk factor for psychia...

  Abstract Introduction Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are critical tools for elucidating viral evolution , informing vaccine design, and developing antiviral therapeutics . Large-animal models, such as the pig , that closely mirror human immune responses are essential for understanding influenza immunity. Methods Pigs were either infected or sequentially immunized with influenza viruses and monoclonal antibodies directed against H3, H5, and H7 influenza virus haemagglutinins were isolated. Antibody specificity, breadth, epitope targeting (head versus stem), neutralizing capacity, and Fc-mediated activity were assessed across influenza subtypes. Results Pigs generated both strain-specific and broadly reactive mAbs targeting haemagglutinin head and stem epitopes . An H3-specific mAb (H3–57) selectively recognized the egg-adapted L194P mutation associated with reduced human vaccine effectiveness . H5 and H7 immunization induced neutralizing antibodies , including cross-group stem mAbs ...

  ABSTRACT Marine mammals, particularly seals, are susceptible to both avian and human influenza A viruses (IAVs), making them potential intermediates for zoonotic virus emergence . In recent decades, repeated transmissions of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) from wild aquatic birds , their natural reservoir, have caused significant mortality in seals . Defining the molecular determinants of viral adaptation in marine mammals , and their implications for replication in human cells , is therefore essential. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of AIV, a key antagonist of the interferon (IFN) response , plays a central role in host adaptation . Here, we analyzed NS1 proteins from seal influenza viruses ( H3, H4, H5, H7 , and H10 subtypes) and their closest avian relatives isolated between 1980 and 2023 , and evaluated their function in seal, avian, and human cells . Phylogenetic analysis confirmed multiple bird-to-seal transmission events . Seal-derived NS1 proteins generally contained f...

  {Excerpt} (...) Daily case figures -- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when: - a case is laboratory confirmed - when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available - when further epidemiological information is available -- The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases. Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026 [Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases] * 23 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 3 - 23 * 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29 * 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29 * 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34 * 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29 * 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27 * 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20 * 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15 __ Note 1 : The...

  Highlights •  A detailed phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 HPAIV isolated from humans was performed. •  All strains infecting humans have acquired substitutions in several key proteins. •  All strains have gained specific substitutions to better adapt to the human host. •  Substitutions in key proteins involved in replication and immune evasion were found. •  A significant degree of polymorphic sites was found in the polymerase complex. •  Substitutions in hemagglutinins and neuraminidases from different clades were found. Abstract Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs) pose today a very significant risk to global health given the widespread circulation of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV). After decimating the avian population all over the world, these viruses spill over to many different mammal species , causing also fatal outbreaks. As the virus continues to evolve increasing human cases of H5N1 HPAIV have been reported, causing concern t...

  Significance Influenza remains a major global health threat . We introduce oseltamivir-based aziridines that unite transition-state mimicry for tight binding with aziridine-enabled covalent capture of the catalytic tyrosine . This dual function yields potent, mechanism-based neuraminidase inhibition and enables activity-based quantification of active enzyme directly in complex samples. Across N1, N2, and influenza B enzymes , selected compounds show high potency against diverse viral neuraminidases and in live virus replication assays. By combining a clinically grounded scaffold with a reactivity handle, these molecules bridge therapeutic and diagnostic needs and offer a practical platform for neuraminidase imaging and antiviral development. Abstract Influenza neuraminidase (NA) is a critical target for seasonal and pandemic antivirals , including the strains of current concern. Current treatments, such as Zanamivir and Oseltamivir , are limited by noncovalent binding and emergin...

  Abstract Introduction   Increasing occurrence of epidemics and pandemics and concurrent emergence of different pathogens calls for multi-sectoral, multi-pathogen preparedness actions. Data on various factors that drive emergence of diverse pathogens can inform evidence-based preparedness by identifying geographies at-risk. When leveraging evidence within a One Health approach , multiple pathogens can be addressed simultaneously, thereby strengthening countries pandemic preparedness efforts.  Methods   For seventeen priority pathogens ( avian influenza viruses, zoonotic coronaviruses including COVID-19, hemorrhagic fever viruses including Ebola , Henipaviruses , and arboviruses including yellow fever and Zika ), we identified global evidence on animal reservoirs, vectors, environmental suitability , and reported human cases . We discriminated geospatially recorded pathogen detections from a background sample and constructed maps using these datasets to generate an e...

  There is an observation of death of several numbers (30) of crows in the jungle of Tribhuvan University premises. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7387 ____

Frequent sightings of wild birds were reported in the vicinity of the farm. The farm comprises multiple poultry sheds having birds of different age (4-56 weeks) groups. On 15 March, a sudden mortality event occurred in one shed, where approximately 100 commercial layer birds died acutely. Since that incident, mortality has been observed across all sheds on the farm. Commercial Layers of various age (4-56 weeks) group affected since 15 March, 2026 and a large number of chicken appear slightly droopy or depressed, and die suddenly. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7386 ____

  {A black headed gull. By © Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5548312 } __ 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 A wild black-headed gull. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7385 ____

  {Excerpt} (...) Daily case figures -- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when: - a case is laboratory confirmed - when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available - when further epidemiological information is available -- The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases. Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026 [Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases] * 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 -9 - 29 * 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29 * 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34 * 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29 * 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27 * 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20 * 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15 __ Note 1 : The distinction between a confirmed case and a p...

  Abstract Although seasonal influenza vaccination programs are effective at a population level, our data from inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) cohorts in years 2015-2022 reveal that 50-60% of individuals do not seroconvert following immunization. The underlying mechanisms of vaccine non-responsiveness are far from understood. In this study, we sought to define key determinants of optimal B cell immune responses elicited by seasonal influenza vaccination, and to explore why some individuals fail to elicit humoral immunity following immunization. Immune responses associated with seroconversion and vaccine failure from individuals immunized with IIVs were compared at cellular and molecular levels using single-cell transcriptomics . We analyzed HA-specific B cell immunity across vaccine-responders, breakthrough infections and patients hospitalized with acute influenza. Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing and VDJ-sequencing of influenza-specific B cells from stored PBMCs was pe...

  Highlights •  mAbs could enhance our armamentarium against H5N1 in support of pandemic preparedness •  Several mAbs have shown prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against H5N1 in animal models •  Anti-IAV mAbs that have advanced in clinical trials could be evaluated against H5N1 •  Resistance emergence during mAb treatment was infrequent in pre- and clinical studies Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 continues to pose a serious zoonotic and pandemic threat due to its increasing cross-species transmission and high virulence in humans . Despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals for seasonal influenza , effective prophylactic and treatment options for H5N1 remain limited . Herein we explore the potential action of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H5N1, focusing on those with demonstrated efficacy in animal models . Most of these mAbs target conserved hemagglutinin epitopes and function as broad neutralizing fusion/entry inhibitors ; n...

  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/francesco-guardi/the-doge-on-the-bucintoro-near-the-riva-di-sant-elena-1770 ____

{Excerpt} (...) Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026 [Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases] * 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29 {-5}  * 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34 {+5}  * 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29 {+2} * 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27 {+7} * 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20 {+5} * 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15 __ Note 1 : The distinction between a confirmed case and a probable case was not reported Note 2 : A case initially classified as a confirmed case may be reclassified or discarded when further laboratory results and clinical information is available, that is: -  where there are other negative results, for example, reference unit results  and  -  where there is an alternative diagnosis or where the clinical picture is no longer consistent with meningococcal infection The ...

  Abstract High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 reached the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica in 2023 , subsequently spreading to remote locations within this region where it had devastating impacts on seal, penguin and albatross populations . The threat to marine wildlife over this broad area exemplifies the need to understand H5N1 long-distance dispersal and evolution . We obtained 104 novel viral genomic sequences from samples that we collected at South Georgia, Kerguelen, Crozet, Prince Edward, Falklands/Malvinas Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula in a region spanning 8,000 kilometers . Using recent phylogeographic modeling advances we show that H5N1 spread encompassed numerous transmission events between distant locations, accumulating mammalian-adaptive mutations in the process. Seals are the most affected species, but we reveal that the long-distance eastward virus dispersal better aligns with the long-distance movements of large petrels and albatrosses . The ri...

  Overview -- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been investigating an invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreak first detected in March 2026. -- This release provides an up-to-date count of confirmed or probable notified cases connected to the incident, and will be updated regularly. -- Case numbers will be recorded at 12:30pm each day, and will include only those defined as either confirmed or probable. These figures will be published the following day at 9:30am. -- As this is a live incident, there will be additional suspected cases notified to UKHSA , which need to be actively investigated. These will not be reported until the investigation determines that they should be included as either confirmed or probable cases, or discarded as not related to the incident. -- Case counts attached to the incident are provisional and subject to change (upwards or downwards) as intelligence about their connection to the incident improves, clinical assessment changes, or further mi...