History of Mass Transportation: The BDŽ class 75 006-7 Diesel Locomotive at Belitsa station (Bulgaria)

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By Reneman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32904861

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BD%C5%BD_class_75#/media/File:Diesellokomotive_der_Rhodopenbahn_BDZ_Henschel_75006-7_in_Beliza_IMG_5990.jpg

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By the townwall, Caspar David Friedrich (1800)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/caspar-david-friedrich/by-the-townwall

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The #Environmental Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) #Benzopyrene (BP) Alters #SARS-CoV-2 #Pathogenesis in a Mouse #Model of Disease

 

Abstract

Since emerging in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 7 million deaths globally and remains a public health concern. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is vital, especially as factors like environmental exposures are still poorly understood. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), like benzo[a]pyrene (BP), found in pollutants like cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, and charcoal-broiled steaks, are known to injure the lungs. We aimed to evaluate if BP exacerbates SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in a mouse model of disease. One day following intranasal administration of BP (20 mg/kg) or vehicle control, we infected male and female K18-hACE2 mice with ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and assessed lung viral load, weight change, clinical scores, immune cell recruitment, and survival in the presence and absence of BP exposure. We found that BP-exposed mice had decreased survival compared to mock-exposed mice. Additionally, BP did not alter innate or adaptive immune cell populations in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. These findings suggest that PAH exposure exacerbates severe COVID-19 outcomes by unknown mechanisms, highlighting the need to further explore environmental impacts on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/8/823

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4. ZHOU W
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    Virus Res

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#Development and Characterization of a Recombinant #Bundibugyo Virus Expressing a Fluorescent Reporter Protein

 

Abstract

Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, with previous outbreaks reporting case fatality rates of 30%–50%. The ongoing BDBV outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda highlights the urgent need for virus-specific research tools and medical countermeasures. Unlike Ebola virus disease caused by Zaire ebolavirus, no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics are currently available for BVD. The lack of research tools has limited studies with BDBV. To facilitate antiviral testing and neutralization studies, we developed the first recombinant BDBV expressing the fluorescent reporter protein ZsGreen (rBDBV-ZsG). As a proof of concept, we tested a set of previously characterized antiviral compounds and demonstrated comparable inhibitory profiles between rBDBV-ZsG and the wild-type BDBV parental strain. Furthermore, the utility of rBDBV-ZsG was successfully evaluated in neutralization assays, demonstrating robust sensitivity and specificity using monoclonal antibodies and convalescent serum samples.

Source: 

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2026.2709847

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#WHO Rapid #Risk #Assessment - #Heatwave, WHO European Region v.1 (July 25 '26, summary): 10,650 excess deaths estimated so far

{Excerpts}

Risk statement  

    ° This rapid risk assessment aims to assess the overall public health risk posed by the 2026 heatwaves in the WHO European Region.  

    ° It considers the potential health impact, particularly among vulnerable population groups, the geographic scope and severity of the event, population vulnerabilities, available prevention and control capacities, and seasonal and environmental factors that may exacerbate heat-related morbidity and mortality.  

    ° The 2026 European heatwave is assessed as presenting a moderate public health risk across the WHO European Region, with high confidence. 

    ° Widespread and prolonged extreme temperatures across Europe, affecting large parts of Western, Central and Southern Europe, have resulted in substantial population exposure and are associated with increased heat-related morbidity and mortality, including reported excess deaths. 

    ° Several countries have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C and activated high-level heat-health warnings and emergency response measures. 

    ° Preliminary European Mortality Monitoring network (EURO MOMO) data indicate substantial excess mortality associated with the 2026 heatwaves. 

    ° Approximately 10,650 excess deaths were estimated during 22–28 June 2026, including more than 9,000 among adults aged 65 years and older. 

    ° Across the two-week period of peak temperatures, European mortality surveillance estimates indicated more than 14,000 excess deaths, highlighting the substantial mortality impact of prolonged and extreme heat exposure.  

    ° The public health impacts of the current heatwaves are expected to vary across and within countries. 

    ° The greatest adverse health impacts are expected in severely affected countries and subnational areas, particularly in densely populated urban settings, where extreme daytime temperatures persist, night-time cooling is limited, population vulnerability is increased, and heat-health response measures are insufficient or not fully implemented. 

    ° Existing healthsystem preparedness and response capacity, including early warning, public health measures, outreach to vulnerable groups and continuity arrangements, can reduce impacts; however, healthcare facility capacity alone is insufficient to mitigate heat-related health risks. 

    ° The likelihood of significant health impacts is high wherever extreme temperatures persist, especially in the absence of comprehensive preparedness and response measures.   

    ° Extreme heat may also interact with other environmental and meteorological hazards, creating compound and cascading risks. 

    ° Heatwaves may contribute to atmospheric instability that can be followed by severe thunderstorms, intense rainfall, flash flooding, landslides and windstorms.   

    ° Heat events may coincide with drought, water stress, high ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and air pollution, including vegetation fire smoke. 

    ° These hazards can further increase morbidity and mortality, disrupt essential services, damage infrastructure, and complicate emergency response. 

    ° Recent observations across Europe, including repeated episodes of vegetation fires and severe convective storms following heat events, underscore the need for integrated multi-hazard preparedness and response. 

    ° As the event continues, heat-related morbidity, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and mortality are expected to increase further in affected areas, particularly among populations at increased risk. 

    ° Heatwaves may place additional pressure on healthcare delivery through increased demand for emergency and medical services, overheating of healthcare and long-term care facilities, increased energy demand, potential disruption of cooling systems, impacts on medicine and vaccine storage, and heat stress among healthcare workers. 

    ° Heat-related impacts extend beyond the health sector and may affect energy, water, transport, food systems, workplaces, schools and social services. 

    ° Power disruptions may compromise cooling, medical equipment and healthcare operations, while water stress may affect hydration, hygiene and cooling access. 

    ° Transport disruptions may limit access to healthcare, cooling centres and social support.   

    ° Despite broad population exposure across Europe, the health impacts of heatwaves are not evenly distributed and are largely determined by individual vulnerability, living conditions, occupational exposure and access to protective measures. 

    ° Populations at increased risk include: 

        § older adults, 

        § persons with underlying cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, diabetes-related or mental health conditions, 

        § infants and young children, 

        § pregnant women, 

        § migrants, refugees and displaced populations, 

        § homeless persons, 

        § informal and outdoor workers, 

        § people living in poor-quality or overcrowded housing and socially isolated individuals.  

    ° Although heatwaves are typically acute events lasting days to weeks, their direct health impacts can be immediate and severe, with short-term increases in heat-related morbidity, emergency medical calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and mortality. 

    ° Heat can also exacerbate chronic diseases, increase dehydration and heatstroke, worsen mental health and sleep disruption, and increase indirect risks such as drowning, occupational injuries, foodsafety problems and disruption to essential services. 

    ° Longer-term public health consequences, such as changes in the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases, are less likely to arise from a single heatwave event but warrant continued surveillance, particularly when extreme heat is accompanied by environmental changes, water scarcity, altered human behavior, or shifts in vector distribution and activity. 

    ° Importantly, the public health significance of heatwaves extends beyond their immediate effects, as these events are increasing in both frequency and intensity across Europe. 

    ° Consequently, repeated and more severe heatwave episodes may contribute to cumulative health risks and broader environmental and ecological changes.  

    ° Heatwaves are predictable hazards, and timely implementation of heat-health action plans can substantially reduce their impact. 

    ° Weather forecasts and early warning systems should support targeted heat-health alerts, risk communication, outreach to vulnerable groups, workers' protection measures, continuity planning for health and social care services, access to cooling spaces and drinking water, and coordination across relevant sectors. 

    ° Response planning should also consider co-occurring environmental factors, including high humidity, poor air quality, ozone, wildfire smoke, water stress, elevated night-time temperatures, and storms, which may further increase health risks and complicate public-health messaging.  

    ° The public health risk associated with the 2026 heatwaves is heterogeneous across the WHO European Region, reflecting differences in climatic conditions, population vulnerability, exposure patterns, infrastructure, and public health preparedness:  

        • The highest risk is assessed in areas where prolonged extreme heat coincides with high vulnerability and limited adaptive capacity, particularly densely populated urban areas with persistent high daytime and night-time temperatures, poor housing conditions, limited access to cooling, high levels of social vulnerability, substantial occupational heat exposure, and insufficient heat-health response mechanisms. 

        • Moderate risk is assessed in areas experiencing less intense heat where preparedness and response measures are stronger. However, northern and traditionally cooler countries may still experience significant increases in heat-related morbidity and mortality during unusually high temperatures because populations, buildings and services are generally less adapted to extreme heat. (e.g., the 2018 Scandinavian heatwave saw notable mortality despite lower absolute temperatures).  

        • In Central Asia, the risk is moderate but expected to increase as the summer progresses, as extreme heat events typically intensify later in summer season. Early warning systems and timely implementation of heat-health response measures may help mitigate the expected health impact. 

    ° Based on the current meteorological, epidemiological and public health information, the overall risk associated with the 2026 heatwave is assessed as “Moderate” in the WHO European Region, and as “Low” at the global level,  with a high level of confidence in both assessments. The rapid risk assessment will be updated as additional information becomes available. 

(...)

{1} Confidence refers to the level of confidence in the data/information or the quality of the evidence available at the time the RRA is conducted. Poor quality information may increase the overall perceived risk due to the incertitude in the assessment.  

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-rapid-risk-assessment---heatwave--who-european-region-v.1

____

#USA, #Cyclospora #outbreak linked to iceberg #lettuce expanded to four new states (CDC, July 25 '26)

 

A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections has been updated at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.

Key Points:

    ° Since the last update on July 18, 2026, 4 states have been added to the multistate outbreak, and the total case count is now 1,947. The 4 additional states are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

    ° Illnesses have now been reported from: 

        § Illinois, 

        § Indiana, 

        § Kansas, 

        § Kentucky, 

        § Michigan, 

        § Ohio, 

        § Pennsylvania, 

        § Oklahoma, and 

        § West Virginia.

    ° At least 98 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

    ° Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and has made people sick.

    ° This alert only includes illnesses that are lab confirmed and have been linked to this product, not all cyclosporiasis illnesses being reported to and by CDC.

    ° CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.

What You Should Do:

    ° Do not eat any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Throw it away or return it.

    ° If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider to receive care and report symptoms.

    ° You may need to request that your healthcare provider tests you for Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis Symptoms:

    ° Some people may not experience symptoms.

    ° Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

    ° Symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected.

    ° Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.

    ° If you have symptoms, stay well hydrated.

    ° If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state's health department.

    ° If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

Thank you, CDC News Media Branch

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/cyclospora-outbreak-linked-to-iceberg-lettuce-expanded-to-four-new-states.html

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History of Mass Transportation: The ''Donáto'' Class 184 Electric Freight Locomotive of Czech Railways

 

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By Petr Štefek - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 cz, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11929031

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Czech_locomotive_classes#/media/File:184_503_SDKD_T3_-_T2.jpg

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Mapping Reported Modes of #Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 to #Humans: A Scoping Review

 

Abstract

Background

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (subtype H5N1) poses a threat to human health, and its pandemic potential emphasizes the need to better understand detailed reported transmission pathways to humans. Existing literature is outdated or lacks detailed, comprehensive analysis of the range of transmission routes and how the virus may enter the human body.

Objective

To comprehensively map all reported H5N1 transmission pathways to humans, as well as viral entry routes.

Methods

CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, grey literature, and reference lists (of included studies) were searched up to October 29th, 2025, with no language restrictions. Observational studies and grey literature reporting H5N1 transmission evidence to humans were included. Two reviewers conducted duplicate screening independently (two of three reviewers per record). One reviewer completed data extraction, which was cross-verified for accuracy by a second. Findings were summarized narratively.

Results

120 sources met inclusion criteria (70 studies, 50 grey literature). Reported H5N1 transmission pathways were classified into animal-to-human (109 of 120 sources, 90.8%; including poultry-to-human in 100 sources [83.3%] and cattle-to-human in nine sources [7.5%]), environment-to-human (32 of 120 sources, 26.7%), and human-to-human (14 of 120 sources, 11.7%). Reported transmission pathways were further classified as direct or indirect contact, synthesized, and linked to suspected routes of human entry, including mucosal entry (eyes, nose, mouth), inhalation of aerosols or droplets, ingestion, and percutaneous exposure. Entry routes are biologically plausible and do not imply relative likelihood or causal attribution.

Conclusions

There are multiple reported pathways of H5N1 exposure, and a single pathway may involve multiple ways to infect humans. Further research is needed to determine causal mechanisms, identify specific risk factors and measures of association, and strengthen evidence-based prevention strategies.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235277142600176X?via%3Dihub

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 24 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: July 12, 2026 - July 18, 2026

    ° A(H5) Detection: 10 site(s) (2.4%)

    ° No Detection: 414 site(s) (97.6%)

    ° No samples: 89 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 (West Nile Virus) (ECDC, July 24 '26): 81 confirmed cases so far of which 46 in #Italy

 

{Excerpt}

Week 30, 2026 | Produced on 23 July 2026 at 09:45, based on data submitted up until and including 22 July 2026.

Current situation

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 22 July, 35 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in six countries across Europe.

    ° These areas are located in: 

        § Italy (20), 

        § Greece (six), 

        § Romania (four), 

        § North Macedonia (two), 

        § Spain (two) and 

        § France (one).

    ° The six countries have reported 81 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 

        § Italy has reported 46, 

        § Greece 21, 

        § North Macedonia five, 

        § Romania five, 

        § Spain three and 

        § France one case.

    ° This week, nine areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. The affected areas identified as at 22 July 2026 are listed in Table 1 and shown in Map 1 below.

(...)

Table 1. Areas affected by West Nile virus during the 2026 transmission season at 22 July, by country and NUTS3 or GAUL1 area

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(...)

Source: 

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

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

 

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By Manuel González Olaechea y Franco - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12026471

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These occurrences were detected through passive surveillance conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy along the entire coast of mainland Ecuador.

{Peruvian Pelican} Wild bird population in situ in Guayas Province (bird morbidity history). Out of eight birds, one tested positive.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7717

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#Oseltamivir #Resistance in #Human #Influenza #H5N1 and #H7N9 Infections: A Mini Review

 

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been reported to cause infections in humans following avian-to-human transmission, resulting in a range of clinical outcomes. A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infections, which constitute the majority of human AIV cases, are responsible for severe infections leading to high mortality. The neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir is expected to play a major role for the control of AIV infections in humans. However, the emergence of resistance may compromise the impact of antiviral therapy. The objective of this article is to review human cases of A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infections for which mutations of oseltamivir resistance were detected. Neuraminidase mutations rapidly occurred in a subtype-specific manner, with H274Y and N294S substitutions predominating in A(H5N1) cases and the R292K substitution in A(H7N9) cases. Serious clinical outcomes and mortality were seen in most A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) cases despite oseltamivir therapy, thus highlighting the need for improving antiviral strategies against these AIVs.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/13/7/ofag393/8722865

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Evolving #dynamics of #H5Nx avian #influenza in #China revealed by long-term wild bird #surveillance

 

Abstract

H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses pose persistent threats to poultry, wildlife, and public health. Over the past two decades, their geographic and host ranges have expanded across migratory networks whose epidemiological connectivity has become increasingly apparent through recent surveillance and genomic analyses. To elucidate these dynamics, we conduct long-term nationwide wild-bird surveillance in China, integrating active and passive monitoring. Our analyses reveal the maintenance, reassortment, and transmission of H5Nx viruses in wild birds, highlighting the value of sustained surveillance in capturing viral evolution. We identify distinct ecological patterns among major clades, with 2.3.4.4b showing the widest distribution and acting as the main lineage mediating intercontinental spread. Since 2020, most 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in wild birds in China have clustered with lineages originating outside China, consistent with repeated reintroduction rather than sustained local circulation. This shift underscores the growing role of migratory connectivity in shaping global viral exchange and the need for coordinated international active surveillance.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76039-9

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Identifying the viral and #epidemiological factors behind the apparent global #extinction of #influenza B/Yamagata

 

Abstract

Until 2020, two lineages of the influenza B virus had co-circulated globally. Measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic led to a near-absence of influenza infections. While B/Victoria reemerged in late 2021, there have been no reports of B/Yamagata since the pandemic. To investigate which epidemiological and immunological factors were primarily responsible for the extinction of B/Yamagata, we developed a global model for the two influenza B lineages. To mimic the transmission impacts of the pandemic, we implemented a transient reduction in contacts and identified parameter values that recapitulated viral coexistence dynamic before the pandemic and the qualitative post-pandemic outcomes of B/Victoria (reemergence in late 2021) and B/Yamagata (extinction). Our results suggest that, rather than immunological or evolutionary mechanisms, the extinction of B/Yamagata was mainly driven by its lower basic reproduction number making the virus particularly vulnerable during the early phase of the pandemic. Stochastic simulations of our best-fitting model suggest that B/Victoria was also close to extinction during this period. We investigate the model to assess the feasibility of B/Victoria eradication through vaccination and the potential for a sustained re-emergence of B/Yamagata in the 2026-27 flu season, thus highlighting important considerations for biosafety.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.22.26358639v1

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Characterization and evolutionary history of novel #SARS-CoV-2-related viruses in #bats from #Cambodia

 

Abstract

Circulating bat coronaviruses present a significant pandemic threat, yet our understanding of their genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics remains limited. Over 3 years, we sampled 1,462 bats in Cambodia’s Steung Treng province, identifying extensive and diverse coronaviruses co-circulation. Using metatranscriptomic and amplicon sequencing, we generated 33 complete sarbecovirus genomes sequences, revealing novel lineages that cluster into four distinct groups, each associated with different Rhinolophus bat species. Our analysis highlights rapid migration and recombination of sarbecovirus lineages over short distances and timescales. Of note, the receptor-binding domains of two novel viral groups exhibit high similarity to SARS-CoV-2, and pseudovirus assays confirmed the ability of this spike protein to mediate entry into cells expressing human ACE2, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. The observed genetic diversity underscores the urgent need for continuous surveillance to identify high-risk animal-to-human interfaces and inform pandemic preparedness.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-75954-1

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#Mexico - #Influenza A #H7N3 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

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By Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnwWildlife - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150451071

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    ° As a result of efforts to promote reporting, an outbreak of HPAI H7N3 was detected in a wild bird in the State of Chiapas. 

    ° Active epidemiological surveillance continues nationwide in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks, and slaughterhouses, as well as monitoring of wild birds.

    ° A wild bird {a Plain chachalaca} that was not part of the zoo's collection, found in the vicinity of the zoo.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7716

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