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

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

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    ° 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.

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Source: 

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

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

 

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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.

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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)

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Source: 

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

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

 

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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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#MERS-CoV in #Africa: a One Health #review of the silent #reservoir

 

Summary

Africa harbours more than 80% of the world’s dromedary camels, with a pooled MERS-CoV seroprevalence of 73·7%; however, no autochthonous outbreak in humans has been documented. In this Review, we weigh five interacting explanations for the absence of documented human outbreaks based on the strength of the evidence for each explanation. The primary explanation is virological; many, although not all, African clade C MERS-CoV strains show reduced replication competence in human respiratory tissues, and clade C strains have not become established in Arabian camels or humans despite decades of large-scale export from the Horn of Africa into the world’s most intensively monitored MERS-CoV surveillance system. Environmental contexts, including dry-season herd aggregation, drought, and calving-linked shedding, influence when MERS-CoV exposure occurs in humans. Surveillance limitations, dispersed exposure among the African population particularly pastoralists, lower comorbidity burden than that in affected populations in the Arabian regions, and absent nosocomial amplification are secondary explanations, largely downstream of the primary factors. Although longitudinal cohort studies using enhanced diagnostics detected sporadic spillover in Africa, these infections were asymptomatic. The presence of clade B strains and interclade B×C recombinants in Egyptian camels are surveillance priorities and not evidence of MERS-CoV emergence in humans. Africa’s silent reservoir is therefore not a safe one: continued clade C circulation, alongside emerging clade B introductions and interclade recombinants, could shift this balance, underscoring the need for sustained genomic and human surveillance of the reservoir.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101530

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, October 1 '26)

 

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Event data

    ° 676 Positive events

    ° 55,246 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 30 September 2026, Australia has 676 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 321 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 228 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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#Andes Virus — A Clinical #Review

 

Summary

Andes virus (ANDV) is the sole orthohantavirus with documented human-to-human transmission. We summarize the epidemiology and clinical features of ANDV infection and review best practices in clinical management, as based on published expert consensus guidelines, field experience, and clinical trials. We also evaluate currently available and investigational treatments (including the use of antiviral agents), assess emerging monoclonal antibody therapies, and outline prospects for vaccine development. Finally, we discuss important infection prevention and control measures.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2606651

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#SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal #antibody AER002 in #LongCOVID: an exploratory randomized phase 2a mechanistic trial

 

Abstract

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 has been proposed as a biological driver of Long COVID, a disabling chronic illness with no proven treatments. We conducted an exploratory, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 2:1 randomized mechanistic trial (NCT05877508) of the SARS-CoV-2-specific monoclonal antibody AER002 in 36 participants who met the World Health Organization case definition of Long COVID. After baseline characterization, participants received a single infusion and were followed for 360 days. The primary endpoint was the PROMIS-29 Physical Health Summary Score (PHSS) at 90 days; secondary and exploratory endpoints included patient-reported and objective measures of physical and neurocognitive function as well as blood-, imaging-, and tissue-based biomarkers. While AER002 was safe and well tolerated, no significant differences in physical health, quality of life, objective measures of physical function or cognition, or blood-based biomarkers were demonstrated between the treatment and control arms. In a post-hoc analysis, participants with a lower baseline SARS-CoV-2 antibody level and higher drug exposure were more likely to perceive treatment benefit based on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale (p < 0.05 for anti-S, S1, and RBD). Although AER002 was not efficacious in this proof-of-concept study, our findings could inform future trials using monoclonal antibodies to target viral persistence in Long COVID.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-77925-y

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

 

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    - Latest laboratory testing (RT-PCR) performed at the Central Laboratory of the Buro of Public Health 

    - Samples shall be sent to a WHO Collaborating Centre 

    - Wild Life Authorities (LBB) in Suriname were notified of the event 

    - The Buro of Public Health involved in further analysis of samples collected during surveillance and of humans

    - {A Poultry Farm in Paramaribo.}

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Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7867

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N70S/Y155H Combined #Mutation of #Neuraminidase of Avian #Influenza #H9N2 Virus confers #oseltamivir and #zanamivir #resistance and pathogenicity to Mice

 

Highlights

    • H9N2 viruses recently circulating in China harbors novel N70S/Y155H dual mutations in N2;

    • H9N2 viruses with N70S/Y155H mutations exhibit high pathogenicity to BALB/c mice.

    • N70S/Y155H linked mutations in N2 confer resistance to oseltamivir and zanamivir, rather than peramivir.

    • Neuraminidase inhibitors exhibited limited efficacy on H9N2 virus with novel N70S /Y155H dual mutations.

Abstract

Recently, H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) poses a significant threat to both the poultry industry and public health. Therefore, investigating the impact of its neuraminidase mutations on susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) is of great importance for clinically preventing potential cross-species transmission of H9N2. In this study, our results revealed that NAI resistance-related mutations of most H9N2 viruses isolated from China during 1998 to 2024 mainly occurred at positions N70S, E119A/D/G/V, Q133K, Q136A, D151E, Y155H, I222V, R224K, E276D, R292K, N294S, and R371K. Among them, the combined N70S and Y155H mutations are common characteristics of H9N2 viruses circulating in recent years. In vivo experiments demonstrated that these H9N2 viruses harboring the combined N70S and Y155H mutations exhibit high pathogenicity to BALB/c mice without prior adaption. In vitro neuraminidase inhibition assays confirmed that these H9N2 viruses bearing the N70S/Y155H mutations exhibited greater reduced inhibition than their counterparts bearing the N70S or Y155H single mutation to oseltamivir and zanamivir, but remained highly sensitive to peramivir. Notably, the in vivo protective effect of NAIs against H9N2 virus with combined N70S and Y155H mutations is limited, possibly due to the restricted ability of these drugs to ameliorate the excessive inflammatory responses. Therefore, there is an urgency to strengthen research on epidemiological surveillance and prevention strategies for avian influenza H9N2 harboring these mutations.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106540

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#Maternal #vaccination against #COVID19, #influenza, #pertussis, and #RSV: a scoping review

 

Abstract

Pregnancy and early infancy are periods of heightened vulnerability, with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections potentially linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. Maternal vaccination provides direct protection to mothers by active immunisation
and to infants by passive immunisation. This scoping review mapped and described published literature on maternal vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It includes information on the outcome domains studied and if timing of vaccination was examined, with the aim of identifying evidence gaps and supporting decision-makers in choosing priority areas for subsequent systematic review topics. A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases of studies published from January 2000 to October 2025 identified 635 publications (540 publications of primary studies, 95 evidence syntheses). Studies on COVID-19 (260 publications of studies, 45 reviews), influenza (161 publications of studies, 29 reviews), pertussis (113 publications of studies, 20 reviews), and RSV (20 publications of studies, 11 reviews) were analysed. Available evidence on COVID-19, influenza, and pertussis vaccination on efficacy, effectiveness, safety and immunogenicity outcomes is considerable. RSV vaccination evidence is limited. Updated systematic reviews would be helpful to clarify the optimal timing of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination and the effectiveness and safety of the coadministration of influenza and pertussis vaccines.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-026-01545-2

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Substitutions affecting the HA–NA– #receptor #balance preceded the emergence of the #pandemic 2009 #H1N1 virus

 

Abstract

Swine are a crucial species in influenza A virus (IAV) ecology, capable of supporting replication and consequently evolution of human, avian, and swine strains. They are also the source of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus (H1N1pdm09). Understanding how swine IAV breach the species barrier is essential for detection of potentially pandemic viruses, but is often overlooked compared to avian IAV. We hypothesize that the HA–NA balance of (pre)pandemic swine viruses is a key feature that needs adjustment as swine and humans differ in their sialoglycome. We focused on a set of (pre)pandemic swine viruses collected in Mexico following the H1N1pdm09 emergence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the emergence was preceded by substitutions in HA and NA predicted to affect their function. Thus, HA acquired substitution A227E, previously shown to reduce receptor binding in H1N1pdm09, while NA obtained substitution S369N in the 2nd sialic acid binding site (2SBS) predicted to reduce NA cleavage. The substitutions’ effect on the HA–NA balance, was confirmed with biolayer interferometry using recombinant proteins attached to nanoparticles. Engineering recombinant attenuated influenza viruses with swine HA and NA with/without the mentioned substitutions, showed that the 2SBS substitution negatively affected replication in primary human and swine cultures. Interestingly, replication was restored by the HA substitution. Overall, we show that the emergence of H1N1pdm09 in humans was preceded by substitutions in HA and NA that were acquired in swine and adjusted the HA–NA balance. We hypothesize that adjustment of the HA–NA balance was a critical step for crossing the host–species barrier.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2609870123

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Sept. 30 '26)

 

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Event data

    ° 668 Positive events

    ° 54,551 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 29 September 2026, Australia has 668 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 321 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 221 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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#WHO reports latest global #trends in #cholera, #meningitis and #plague (WHO, Sept. 29 '26)

29 September 2026 | News release 

    Cholera deaths increased by 30% in 2025, despite fewer cases being reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).  

    In 2025, 47 countries reported 451 499 cholera cases and 7870 deaths to WHO. This is the highest number of annual cholera deaths reported to WHO since 1999. These figures reflect surveillance data reported to WHO and not the actual global burden of cholera, which is estimated to be substantially higher as many cases go unreported.  

    Seven countries – Angola, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen – accounted for around 90% of all reported cholera cases and deaths globally. The WHO African Region reported the largest burden, with a 34% increase in cases and a 58% increase in deaths compared with 2024. 

    These findings are published in the latest edition of the Weekly Epidemiological Record alongside updates about two other epidemic-prone bacterial diseases: meningitis and plague.  

    "The rise in cholera deaths is a reminder of the challenge ahead,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme. 

    “No one should be dying from cholera today when we have the tools to prevent and treat this disease. The concentration of cases and deaths in a small number of countries shows where targeted investments in safe water, sanitation and hygiene could have the greatest impact. Combined with stronger disease surveillance, community engagement, vaccination and access to quality care, these investments can help turn this trend around." 

    Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The disease spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces, especially in areas without safe water and sanitation. 

    While cholera is preventable and treatable, it can be fatal if severe dehydration is not rapidly treated. More than one in five reported cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, highlighting that too many patients are still not reaching care in time. Among patients treated in health facilities, the fatality rate was below 1% – a threshold for adequate care – globally. However, the rate exceeded 1% in 12 countries in 2025. 

    Global production of oral cholera vaccines more than doubled between 2022 and 2025, increasing from around 30 million to approximately 80 million doses annually, significantly improving vaccine availability. Last year, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision approved 71 million doses for use in affected countries, including 20 million doses for preventive vaccination, which resumed earlier this year after being suspended for more than three years. 

Vaccination is advancing the fight to defeat meningitis by 2030  

    Bacterial meningitis continues to place a substantial burden on countries in the African meningitis belt, an area extending from Senegal to Ethiopia where epidemics occur regularly. In 2025, 24 of the 26 countries in the region reported 21 526 suspected cases and 971 deaths to WHO, corresponding to a fatality rate of 4.5%. Among countries reporting data for both years, cases declined by 5.9% compared with the previous year.  

    Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, with bacterial meningitis being the most serious type. Four types of bacteria account for most cases of bacterial meningitis worldwide. 

    Vaccination has transformed the efforts to combat meningococcal meningitis, one of the main causes of bacterial meningitis. Since the introduction of the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine in 2010, cases of serogroup A have declined by more than 99% among vaccinated populations, and no confirmed case has been reported since 2017 in countries that introduced the vaccine. 

    A vaccine offering broader protection against five meningococcal serogroups, Men5CV/MMCV, is now being introduced in the region for both outbreak response through the ICG and preventive vaccination campaigns. In 2025, Niger became the first country to carry out a country-wide campaign using this vaccine.  

Surveillance remains essential to control plague 

    Plague is a bacterial disease that usually spreads between animals through fleas and can sometimes infect people. 

    Between 2019 and 2025, 10 countries reported suspected human plague cases to WHO, six of which reported confirmed cases. Overall, 3847 suspected cases and 423 deaths were reported to WHO, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 11%. Most cases were reported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, where plague remains endemic in some areas. Plague may also occur in countries that do not report cases, and annual case numbers fluctuated depending on the timing, location and magnitude of outbreaks. 

    Continued surveillance of rodent and other animal populations, together with rapid response to outbreaks, remains essential to detect plague early, reduce transmission and prevent larger outbreaks.  

About WHO 

    Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, WHO leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the United Nations’ agency for health that connects nations, partners and people in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to support all countries to promote, provide and protect health. “Together for health. Stand with science”, the theme of World Health Day 2026, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.

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Link: https://www.who.int/news/item/29-09-2026-who-reports-latest-global-trends-in-cholera--meningitis-and-plague

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