#USA, APHIS Confirms {Avian #Influenza #H5N1} #D11 #Genotype in Dairy #Cattle in #Nevada

On January 31, 2025, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed by whole genome sequence the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle. 

This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection on silo testing under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in Nevada. 

USDA APHIS continues to work with the Nevada Department of Agriculture by conducting additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread. 

This is the first detection of this virus genotype in dairy cattle (all previous detections in dairy cattle have been HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13). 

Genotype D1.1 represents the predominant genotype in the North American flyways this past fall and winter and has been identified in wild birds, mammals, and spillovers into domestic poultry. 

The detection does not change USDA’s HPAI eradication strategy and is a testament to the strength of our National Milk Testing Strategy (NTMS). In the interest of sharing information of import to the scientific community, APHIS will publish a technical brief on the findings on our website and post the sequence data on GenBank in the coming week. 

Source: Department of Agriculture, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/aphis-confirms-d11-genotype-dairy-cattle-nevada-0

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Differential #protection against #SARS-CoV-2 #reinfection pre- and post- #Omicron

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved over short timescales, leading to the emergence of more transmissible variants such as Alpha and Delta. The arrival of the Omicron variant marked a major shift, introducing numerous extra mutations in the spike gene compared with earlier variants. These evolutionary changes have raised concerns regarding their potential impact on immune evasion, disease severity and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. In this epidemiological study, we identified two distinct patterns in the protective effect of natural infection against reinfection in the Omicron versus pre-Omicron eras. Before Omicron, natural infection provided strong and durable protection against reinfection, with minimal waning over time. However, during the Omicron era, protection was robust only for those recently infected, declining rapidly over time and diminishing within a year. These results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 immune protection is shaped by a dynamic interaction between host immunity and viral evolution, leading to contrasting reinfection patterns before and after Omicron’s first wave. This shift in patterns suggests a change in evolutionary pressures, with intrinsic transmissibility driving adaptation pre-Omicron and immune escape becoming dominant post-Omicron, underscoring the need for periodic vaccine updates to sustain immunity.

Source: Nature, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08511-9

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

 A wild Barnacle Goose in Rogaland Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6244

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#Italy - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (a domestic #cat) (2017-) - Immediate notification

The Database of Global Administrative Boundaries (GADM) used by WAHIS, provides Crespellano as the municipality corresponding to the given coordinates. As a matter of fact the location of the infected premises is the municipality of Valsamoggia Domestic cat found dead on 13 January 2025 at a family poultry farm located in the municipality of Valsamoggia (BO). As expected, the virus has the highest genetic similarity to the H5N1 virus sequenced from poultry from the same farm that tested positive on December 31st. These results confirm that the cat likely became infected following direct exposure to infected poultry at the same site where it was found dead.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6243

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#KP2 - based monovalent #mRNA #vaccines robustly boost #antibody responses to #SARS-CoV-2

{Excerpt}

In response to the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine manufacturers have released updated COVID-19 vaccines annually since 2022. For much of 2024, the global spread was dominated by the JN.1 lineage of viruses,1 which are antigenically quite distant from the XBB.1.5 variant that was used in the previous vaccine booster.2 In August 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration authorised two updated mRNA vaccines (Pfizer–BioNTech and Moderna) based on the spike sequence of KP.2, a subvariant in the JN.1 lineage.3 In the UK and the EU, a KP.2-based mRNA vaccine (BioNTech) was also authorised later in the year.4,5 We have now provided the first indication of the acute boosting effect of updated KP.2 monovalent mRNA vaccines (KP.2 MV) on serum SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies in humans. Since the authorisation of the updated vaccine boosters, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved beyond KP.2, with the subvariant KP.3.1.1 becoming dominant globally and the subvariant XEC now gaining traction rapidly.1 KP.2 contains Arg346Thr, Phe456Leu, and Val1104Leu mutations in spike, in addition to those present in the parental JN.1 (figure A). Both KP.3.1.1 and XEC share Phe456Leu and Val1104Leu mutations found in KP.2, along with Gln493Glu, which is absent in KP.2. In addition, KP.3.1.1 harbors the Ser31del mutation, whereas XEC carries Thr22Asn and Phe59Ser mutations; neither KP.3.1.1 nor XEC possess the Arg346Thr mutation (figure A). The effectiveness of the updated KP.2 MV boosters on neutralising antibodies in human serum against recently dominant subvariants has yet to be reported.

(...)

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00058-1/fulltext?rss=yes

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Modeling suggests #SARS-CoV-2 #rebound after #nirmatrelvir-ritonavir #treatment is driven by target cell preservation coupled with incomplete viral clearance

ABSTRACT

In a subset of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals treated with the antiviral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, the virus rebounds following treatment. The mechanisms driving this rebound are not well understood. We used a mathematical model to describe the longitudinal viral load dynamics of 51 individuals treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, 20 of whom rebounded. Target cell preservation, either by a robust innate immune response or initiation of N-R near the time of symptom onset, coupled with incomplete viral clearance, appears to be the main factor leading to viral rebound. Moreover, the occurrence of viral rebound is likely influenced by the time of treatment initiation relative to the progression of the infection, with earlier treatments leading to a higher chance of rebound. A comparison with an untreated cohort suggests that early treatments with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be associated with a delay in the onset of an adaptive immune response. Nevertheless, our model demonstrates that extending the course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment to a 10-day regimen may greatly diminish the chance of rebound in people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and who are at high risk of progression to severe disease. Altogether, our results suggest that in some individuals, a standard 5-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir starting around the time of symptom onset may not completely eliminate the virus. Thus, after treatment ends, the virus can rebound if an effective adaptive immune response has not fully developed. These findings on the role of target cell preservation and incomplete viral clearance also offer a possible explanation for viral rebounds following other antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01623-24?af=R

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Highly pathogenic avian #influenza virus (#H5N5) detected in an Atlantic #walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in the #Svalbard Archipelago, #Norway, 2023

ABSTRACT

We present the first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N5 in an Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). The animal was found dead in Svalbard, Norway, in 2023. Sequence analysis revealed the highest genetic similarity with virus isolates from different avian hosts.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2456146

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#Japan - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 Three wild Hooded Cranes in Izumi Region, Kagoshima city.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6239

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Groundbreaking #Ebola #vaccination #trial launches today in #Uganda

{Excerpt}

In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency.

The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in 4 days since the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus. The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements.

The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General.  

“This is possible because of the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, the involvement of communities, the Ministry of Health of Uganda, Makerere University and UVRI, and research efforts led by WHO involving hundreds of scientists through our research and development Filoviruses network. We thank our partners for their dedication and cooperation, from IAVI for donating the vaccine, to CEPI, EU HERA and Canada’s IDRC for funding, and Africa CDC for further support. This massive achievement would simply not be possible without them.”

In 2022, during the previous outbreak of Ebola disease (also from the Sudan species of the virus) in Uganda, a randomized protocol for candidate vaccines was developed. Principal investigators were designated under the leadership of the Minister of Health, and teams were trained to allow such a trial to take place during an active outbreak.

The randomized vaccine trial to assess the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) candidate vaccine was launched at a ceremony in Kampala today by the Minister of Health of Uganda. WHO is co-sponsoring the trial. WHO was represented by Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and Deputy Director-General, and the WHO representative to Uganda Dr Kasonde Mwinga, along with other colleagues.

Three vaccination rings were defined today. The first ring involves about 40 contacts and contacts of contacts of the first reported and confirmed case, a health worker who has died.

Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are progressing through clinical development, as of now, there is no licensed vaccine available to effectively combat a potential future outbreak of Ebola disease from the Sudan species of the virus. Licensed vaccines exist only for the disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaïre ebolavirus. Likewise for treatments, approved treatments are only available for Ebola virus.

The vaccine for the trial was recommended by the independent WHO candidate vaccine prioritization working group. If the candidate vaccine is effective, it can contribute to controlling this outbreak and generate data for vaccine licensure.

In 2022, the research teams were trained in good clinical practice (GCP) and standard operating procedures for such trials. They completed refresher training in recent days. WHO colleagues experienced in trials and in ring vaccination arrived in Uganda over the weekend to support the trial implementation and GCP compliance.

The vaccine doses were pre-positioned in the country. WHO worked with the principal investigators and national authorities and the vaccine developer to review cold chain documentation and ensure the doses were stored correctly over the previous years. As part of the signed agreement with the Ministry of Health, WHO has a signed agreement with IAVI for additional doses of the candidate vaccine to be made available shortly.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news/item/03-02-2025-groundbreaking-ebola-vaccination-trial-launches-today-in-uganda

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Development of avian #influenza A(#H5) virus #datasets for #Nextclade enables rapid and accurate clade assignment

Abstract

The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses is the largest in history, with unprecedented transmission to multiple mammalian species. Avian influenza A viruses of the H5 subtype circulate globally among birds and are classified into distinct clades based on their hemagglutinin (HA) genetic sequences. Thus, the ability to accurately and rapidly assign clades to newly sequenced isolates is key to surveillance and outbreak response. Co-circulation of endemic, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A(H5) lineages in North American and European wild birds necessitates the ability to rapidly and accurately distinguish between infections arising from these lineages and epizootic HPAI A(H5) viruses. However, currently available clade assignment tools are limited and often require command line expertise, hindering their utility for public health surveillance labs. To address this gap, we have developed datasets to enable A(H5) clade assignments with Nextclade, a drag-and-drop tool originally developed for SARS-CoV-2 genetic clade classification. Using annotated reference datasets for all historical A(H5) clades, clade 2.3.2.1 descendants, and clade 2.3.4.4 descendants provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/World Organisation for Animal Health (FAO/WHO/WOAH) H5 Working Group, we identified clade-defining mutations for every established clade to enable tree-based clade assignment. We then created three Nextclade datasets which can be used to assign clades to A(H5) HA sequences and call mutations relative to reference strains through a drag-and-drop interface. Nextclade assignments were benchmarked with 19,834 unique sequences not in the reference set using a pre-released version of LABEL, a well-validated and widely used command line software. Prospective assignment of new sequences with Nextclade and LABEL produced very well-matched assignments (match rates of 97.8% and 99.1% for the 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4.4 datasets, respectively). The all-clades dataset also performed well (94.8% match rate) and correctly distinguished between all HPAI and LPAI strains. This tool additionally allows for the identification of polybasic cleavage site sequences and potential N-linked glycosylation sites. These datasets therefore provide an alternative, rapid method to accurately assign clades to new A(H5) HA sequences, with the benefit of an easy-to-use browser interface.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.07.631789v2

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

 A wild cygnus species birds in Sachsen-Anhalt Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6234

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

Forty Mute Swans in Lviv Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6232

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The Emergence of #Coxsackievirus A16 Subgenotype B1c: A Key Driver of the #HFMD #Epidemic in #Guangdong, #China

Abstract

Background: 

In 2024, mainland China witnessed a significant upsurge in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases. Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) is one of the primary causative agents of HFMD. Long-term monitoring of theCVA16 infection rate and genotype changes is crucial for the prevention and control of HFMD. 

Methods: 

A total of 40,673 clinical specimens were collected from suspected HFMD cases in Guangdong province from 2018 to 2024, including rectal swabs (n = 27,954), throat swabs (n = 6791), stool (n = 5923), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 3), and herpes fluid (n = 2). A total of 24,410 samples were detected as EV-positive and further typed by RT-PCR. A total of 872 CVA16-positive samples were isolated and further sequenced to obtain the full-length VP1 sequence. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on viral protein 1 gene (VP1). 

Results: 

In the first 25 weeks of 2024, reported cases of HFMD were 1.36 times higher than the mean rates of 2023. In 2024, CVA16 predominated at 75.42%, contrasting with the past etiological pattern in which the CVA6 was predominant with the detection rate ranging from 32.85 to 77.61% from 2019 to 2023. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP1 gene revealed that the B1a and B1b subtypes co-circulated in Guangdong from 2018 to 2022. The B1c outbreak clade, detected in Guangdong in 2023, constituted 68.24% of the 148 strains of CVA16 collected in 2024, suggesting a subtype shift in the CVA16 virus. There were three specific amino acid variations (P3S, I235V, and T240A) in the VP1 sequence of B1c. 

Conclusions: 

The new emergence of the CVA16 B1c outbreak clade in Guangdong during 2023–2024 highlights the necessity for the enhanced surveillance of the virus evolution epidemiological dynamic in this region. Furthermore, it is imperative to closely monitor the etiological pattern changes in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in other regions as well. Such vigilance will be instrumental in guiding future vaccination strategies for HFMD.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/219

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The Madonna of the Pesaro Family, Titian (1519-26)

 Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/titian/pesaros-madonna-1526

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Distal #protein-protein #interactions contribute to #nirmatrelvir #resistance

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, is responsible for processing the viral polyproteins into individual proteins, including the protease itself. Mpro is a key target of anti-COVID-19 therapeutics such as nirmatrelvir (the active component of Paxlovid). Resistance mutants identified clinically and in viral passage assays contain a combination of active site mutations (e.g., E166V, E166A, L167F), which reduce inhibitor binding and enzymatic activity, and non-active site mutations (e.g., P252L, T21I, L50F), which restore the fitness of viral replication. To probe the role of the non-active site mutations in fitness rescue, here we use an Mpro triple mutant (L50F/E166A/L167F) that confers nirmatrelvir drug resistance with a viral fitness level similar to the wild-type. By comparing peptide and full-length Mpro protein as substrates, we demonstrate that the binding of Mpro substrate involves more than residues in the active site. Particularly, L50F and other non-active site mutations can enhance the Mpro dimer-dimer interactions and help place the nsp5-6 substrate at the enzyme catalytic center. The structural and enzymatic activity data of Mpro L50F, L50F/E166A/L167F, and others underscore the importance of considering the whole substrate protein in studying Mpro and substrate interactions, and offers important insights into Mpro function, resistance development, and inhibitor design.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56651-x

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#Pandemic #preparedness: analyzing national #plans for respiratory #pathogen pandemics in the #Americas region

Abstract

Background

The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), requires that States Parties develop their capacities to detect, assess, and respond to public health threats and report to the World Health Assembly through the States Parties Annual Report (SPAR). The National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plans (PPRP) contribute to countries capacities however there are some discrepancies between both tools. To identify gaps and define priority actions to strengthen pandemic plans, we assessed the concordance between national pandemic preparedness and response plans for respiratory pathogens against the pandemic checklist published in 2023 and the SPAR.

Methods

In this retrospective, semi-quantitative study, conducted in August 2024, we reviewed the most recent respiratory pandemic plans for 35 PAHO member states and assessed their concordance with (1) actionable guidelines in the World Health Organization pandemic checklist and (2) IHR (2005) core capacities using the latest SPAR tool. We developed 25 tracking questions to identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities for improvement in the pandemic plans, using the pandemic checklist built on the capacities and capabilities described in the WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Module 1. We used a five-point scale (from 1, when the subcomponent was not mentioned, to 5, when the subcomponent was described at all levels), and we calculated the average pandemic plans score (PP score) for each component. Data from pandemic plans (2005–2024) were compiled, selected, analyzed, and scored. We compared the average SPAR score and the PP score to assess areas of convergence and variance between preparedness and capacities. The analysis was carried out using R and Excel.

Results

We analyzed 35 respiratory pandemic plans: 29 were influenza-specific, five were COVID-19-specific, and one was not pathogen-specific. Most current national plans showed limited alignment with the content recommended in the PRET pandemic checklist. At regional level, the lowest concordance between plans and pandemic checklist was in the following subcomponents Public Health and Social Measures (80% of the plans had a score of 1); Emergency, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (74%); and Research and Development (71%). Conversely, the strongest subcomponents (≥40% of plans with a score of 4 or 5) were: Policy, Legal, and Normative Instruments (45%); Coordination (46%); and Surveillance: early detection and assessment (43%). In most countries, the SPAR scores tended to be higher than PP scores, except for Argentina (the newest plan reviewed) for which the pattern was reversed, and the PP scores exceeded the SPAR scores.

Conclusion

Given the gaps identified between current plans and the global standards espoused by the PRET Module 1 initiative, it is recommended that countries build on the strengths of their national pandemic preparedness and response plans and update them using PRET module 1. This will support countries advance the capacities required by the IHR.

Source: Journal of Infectious Diseases, https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaf047/7994597

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Structurally convergent #antibodies derived from different #vaccine #strategies target the #influenza virus HA anchor epitope with a subset of VH3 and VK3 genes

Abstract

H1N1 influenza viruses are responsible for both seasonal and pandemic influenza. The continual antigenic shift and drift of these viruses highlight the urgent need for a universal influenza vaccine to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). Identification and characterization of bnAbs elicited in natural infection and immunization to influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) can provide insights for development of a universal influenza vaccine. Here, we structurally and biophysically characterize four antibodies that bind to a conserved region on the HA membrane-proximal region known as the anchor epitope. Despite some diversity in their VH and VK genes, the antibodies interact with the HA through germline-encoded residues in HCDR2 and LCDR3. Somatic mutations on HCDR3 also contribute hydrophobic interactions with the conserved HA epitope. This convergent binding mode provides extensive neutralization breadth against H1N1 viruses and suggests possible countermeasures against H1N1 viruses.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56496-4

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#Sudan virus disease - #Uganda

Situation at a glance

On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories. 

The case presented with signs and symptoms between 20 and 21 January and died on 29 January at the National Referral Hospital in Kampala. 

As of 30 January 2025, 45 contacts have been identified, including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members. 

Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks. 

In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. 

Early supportive patient care and treatment may increase the chance of survival from severe disease.

Description of the situation

On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories.

The confirmed case was an adult male nurse who initially developed fever-like symptoms and sought treatment from a traditional healer as well as at multiple health facilities.

The patient presented with a history of high fever, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing with symptoms onset between 20 and 21 January, which later progressed to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites. The patient experienced multi-organ failure and died at the National Referral Hospital on 29 January.

Samples taken post-mortem were confirmed for Sudan virus (SUDV).

Forty-five contacts have so far been identified, including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members.

Epidemiology

Sudan virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever disease, belonging to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality. 

It is typically characterized by acute onset of fever with non-specific symptoms/signs (e.g., abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, myalgia, sore throat) usually followed several days later by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and occasionally a variable rash. 

Hiccups may occur. Severe illness may include hemorrhagic manifestations (e.g., bleeding from puncture sites, ecchymoses, petechiae, visceral effusions), encephalopathy, shock/hypotension, multi-organ failure, spontaneous abortion in infected pregnant women. 

Individuals who recover may experience prolonged sequelae (e.g., arthralgia, neurocognitive dysfunction, uveitis sometimes followed by cataract formation), and clinical and subclinical persistent infection may occur in immune-privileged compartments (e.g., CNS, eyes, testes). 

Person-to-person transmission occurs by direct contact with blood, other bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials with risk beginning at the onset of clinical signs and increasing with disease severity. 

Family members, healthcare providers, and participants in burial ceremonies with direct contact with the deceased are at particular risk. 

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, but typically is 7–11 days. 

Public health response

Health authorities are implementing public health measures, including but not limited to the following:

-- The Ministry of Health (MoH) has activated the Incident Management Team and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to the affected district. The MoH team has also listed contacts at the National Reference Hospital.

-- Regional Emergency Operation Centers are being activated in Kampala and the affected district.

-- Facilities have been identified for quarantine of all listed contacts.

-- MoH is organizing to carry out a safe and dignified burial of the patient. 

-- In their official press statement, the MoH provided recommendations to health workers, district leaders, and the public to strengthen detection of suspected cases and implement appropriate infection, prevention and control measures.

-- MoH set up a hotline for notification of suspected cases.

WHO is supporting the national authorities, including through:

-- Risk assessment and investigation.

-- Providing operational, financial and technical support to the Ministry of Health to ensure swift response.  

-- Facilitating access to candidate vaccines and therapeutics

WHO risk assessment

Sudan virus disease (SVD) is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans. Sudan virus (SUDV) was first identified in southern Sudan in June 1976. Since then, the virus has emerged periodically and up to now and prior to this current one, eight outbreaks caused by SUDV have been reported, five in Uganda and three in Sudan. The case fatality rates of SVD have varied from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks.

SUDV is enzootic and present in animal reservoirs in the region. Uganda reported five SVD outbreaks (one in 2000, one in 2011, two in 2012, and one in 2022).  The current outbreak is the sixth SVD outbreak in Uganda. Uganda also reported a Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in 2007 and an Ebola virus disease outbreak exported from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019. The latest SVD outbreak in Uganda was declared over on 11 January 2023. A total of 164 cases with 77 deaths were reported in nine districts.

Uganda has experience in Ebola disease outbreaks including SVD, and necessary action has been initiated quickly.

In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. Community deaths, care of patients in private facilities and hospitals and other community health services as well as at traditional healers with limited protection and infection prevention and control measures entail a high risk of many transmission chains. 

An investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of the outbreak and the possibility of spread to other districts and potential exportation of cases to neighbouring countries cannot be ruled out at this stage.

WHO advice

Effective Ebola disease outbreak, including SVD, control relies on applying a package of interventions, including case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, implementation of infection prevention and control measures in health care and community settings, safe and dignified burials and community engagement and social mobilization. Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Raising awareness of risk factors for infection and prevention measures that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce human transmission.

Early initiation of intensive supportive treatment increases the chances of survival. All above-mentioned interventions need to be thoroughly implemented in affected areas to stop chains of transmission and decrease disease mortality. Cases, contacts and individuals in affected areas who present signs and symptoms compatible with case definitions should be advised not to travel and seek early care at designated facilities to improve their chances of survival and limit transmission.

Collaboration with neighbouring countries should be enhanced to harmonize reporting mechanisms, conduct joint investigations, and share critical data in real-time. Surrounding countries should enhance readiness activities to enable early case detection, isolation and treatment.

A range of candidate vaccines and therapeutics are under different stage of development. In 2022, WHO convened expert deliberations to review candidate products prioritization and trial designs. 

One candidate vaccine and two candidate therapeutics (a monoclonal antibody and an antiviral) are available in country and will be made available through clinical trial protocol.

The two vaccines licensed against Ebola virus disease will not provide cross protection against SVD and cannot be used in this outbreak.

WHO advises against any restrictions on travel and/or trade to Uganda based on available information for the current outbreak. 

Further information

-- WHO African Region press release: WHO accelerates efforts to support response to Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda. https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/who-accelerates-efforts-support-response-sudan-virus-disease-outbreak-uganda

-- The Ministry of Health Uganda confirms the outbreak of Sudan virus disease: https://www.health.go.ug/cause/uganda-confirms-outbreak-of-sudan-ebola-virus-disease/

-- Ebola virus disease fact sheet: http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease

-- Optimized Supportive Care for Ebola Virus Disease. Clinical management standard operating procedures. WHO. 2019. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515894#:s 

-- Ebola: technical guidance documents for medical staff (2014-2016). https://www.who.int/teams/health-care-readiness/ebola-clinical-management 

-- Safety of two Ebola virus vaccines: https://www.who.int/groups/global-advisory-committee-on-vaccine-safety/topics/ebola-virus-vaccines

-- Personal protective equipment for use in a filovirus disease outbreak: rapid advice guideline: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/251426

-- Framework and toolkit for infection prevention and control in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at the national level: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-and-toolkit-for-infection-prevention-and-control-in-outbreak-preparedness--readiness-and-response-at-the-health-care-facility-level

-- ICD-11 2022 release: https://www.who.int/news/item/11-02-2022-icd-11-2022-release

-- New filovirus disease classification and nomenclature: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637750/#SD1

-- Sudan Ebolavirus – Experts deliberations Candidate treatments prioritization and trial design discussions, 2022: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/sudan-ebolavirus---experts-deliberations.--candidate-treatments-prioritization-and-trial-design-discussions

-- Considerations for border health and points of entry for filovirus disease outbreaks: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/considerations-for-border-health-and-points-of-entry-for-filovirus-disease-outbreaks

Citable reference: World Health Organization (1 February 2025). Disease Outbreak News; Sudan virus disease in Uganda. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON555

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Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON555

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, February 1 '25)

 

Antiviral Res

1. WU Q, Wu H, Hu Y, Zheng X, et al
   Immune evasion of Omicron variants JN.1, KP.2, and KP.3 to the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 convalescents and vaccine recipients.
   Antiviral Res. 2025 Jan 24:106092. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106092.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol

2. HANKINS RJ, Handke L, Fey PD, Cavalieri RJ, et al
   Prospective, crossover, comparative study of two methods of chlorhexidine bathing.
   Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Jan 30:1-6. doi: 10.1017/ice.2024.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
3. PISCHEL L, Aguolu OG, Ahmed N, Campbell MM, et al
   Social mixing patterns of United States healthcare personnel at a quaternary health center: a prospective observational study.
   Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Jan 30:1-9. doi: 10.1017/ice.2024.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

4. ZSIGMOND B, Trecchi N, Ladhani SN, Doerholt K, et al
   Early outpatient treatment of SARS-COV-2 infection in non-hospitalised high-risk paediatric patients in London, UK.
   J Infect. 2025;90:106425.
   PubMed        
   
   
5. BENNETT C, Chau G, Clayton E, Chu L, et al
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Med Virol

6. LI J, Yan H, Li J, Ling F, et al
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7. 
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   PubMed        
   
   

   
   J Virol

8. WANG Y, Xia B, Gao Z
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    JAMA

13. ANDERER S
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    PubMed        
    
    

    
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18. DUNCAN CJA
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    PubMed        
    
    

    
    Nature

19. RAHARINIRINA NA, Gubela N, Bornigen D, Smith MR, et al
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20. MORALES AE, Dong Y, Brown T, Baid K, et al
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, February 1 '25)

 

Biochemistry (Mosc)

1. KOROLEVA ON, Kuzmina NV, Tolstova AP, Dubrovin EV, et al
   Effect of C- and N-Terminal Polyhistidine Tags on Aggregation of Influenza A Virus Nuclear Export Protein.
   Biochemistry (Mosc). 2024;89:2238-2251.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMC Pediatr

2. ZHANG P, Xin M, Bai Y, Ren X, et al
   Severe central nervous system injury in 9 children with COVID-19.
   BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:63.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Epidemiol Infect

3. BEDNARSKA NG, Smith S, Bardsley M, Loveridge P, et al
   Trends in general practitioner consultations for hand foot and mouth disease in England between 2017 and 2022.
   Epidemiol Infect. 2025;153:e22.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Virol

4. KIRKPATRICK ROUBIDOUX E, Meliopoulos V, Livingston B, Brigleb PH, et al
   Intraductal infection with H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus.
   J Virol. 2025 Jan 31:e0192724. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01927.
   PubMed        
   
   
5. SADLER HL, Rijal P, Tan TK, Townsend ARM, et al
   A locally administered single-cycle influenza vaccine expressing a non-fusogenic stabilized hemagglutinin stimulates strong T-cell and neutralizing antibody immunity.
   J Virol. 2025 Jan 27:e0033124. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00331.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. ZHAO B, Sun Z, Wang S, Shi Z, et al
   Structural basis of different neutralization capabilities of monoclonal antibodies against H7N9 virus.
   J Virol. 2025;99:e0140024.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
7. CAI Z, Ni W, Li W, Wu Z, et al
   SARS-CoV-2 S protein disrupts the formation of ISGF3 complex through conserved S2 subunit to antagonize type I interferon response.
   J Virol. 2024 Dec 19:e0151624. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01516.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
8. KAKIZAKI M, Hashimoto R, Nagata N, Yamamoto T, et al
   The respective roles of TMPRSS2 and cathepsins for SARS-CoV-2 infection in human respiratory organoids.
   J Virol. 2024 Nov 27:e0185324. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01853.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
9. BOLLAND W, Marechal I, Petiot C, Porrot F, et al
   SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion are independent of ACE2 localization to lipid rafts.
   J Virol. 2024 Nov 21:e0182324. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01823.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   JAMA

10. BOCK A
    CDC Advises Expedited Influenza Subtyping in Hospitalized Patients to Help Identify Bird Flu Cases Sooner.
    JAMA. 2025 Jan 31. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.0679.
    PubMed        
    
    

    
    Lancet

11. MUMFORD L, Hogg R, Taylor A, Lanyon P, et al
    Impact of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody positivity on infection and hospitalisation rates in immunosuppressed populations during the omicron period: the MELODY study.
    Lancet. 2025;405:314-328.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS Biol

12. MEARS HV, Young GR, Sanderson T, Harvey R, et al
    Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNAs that enhance viral fitness and immune evasion.
    PLoS Biol. 2025;23:e3002982.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS One

13. KUMOSANI TA, Abbas AT, Basheer B, Hassan AM, et al
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
14. TAT VY, Drelich AK, Huang P, Khanipov K, et al
    Characterizing temporal and global host innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-1 and -2 infection in pathologically relevant human lung epithelial cells.
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
15. BIDHENDI-YARANDI R, Biglarian A, Karlstad JL, Moe CF, et al
    Prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide tendency among individual with long-COVID and determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0312351.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
16. CLANCY P, Cassarino M
    Burnout and organisational stressors among healthcare staff working with adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0313767.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
17. HEGAZI MA, Sayed MH, Butt NS, Alahmadi TS, et al
    Navigating the shots: Parental willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia explored through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0317983.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
18. YIN J, Xu J
    Intellectual capital, digital transformation and firms' financial performance: Evidence from ecological protection and environmental governance industry in China.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0316724.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
19. SUCHANEK P, Bucicova N
    The customer satisfaction model in the mobile telecommunications sector after Covid-19 pandemic.
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
20. MORBEY RA, Todkill D, Moura P, Tollinton L, et al
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    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0292829.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
21. LIU H, Zhao M, She C, Peng H, et al
    Classification of CT scan and X-ray dataset based on deep learning and particle swarm optimization.
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
22. GOPALAN N, Viswanathan VK, Srinivasalu VA, Arumugam S, et al
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
23. LEE I, Park H
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
24. SOLANKI G, Cleary S, Little F
    Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on hospitalization, hospital utilization and expenditure for COVID-19: A retrospective cohort analysis of a South African private health insured population.
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25. MOHARRAM FA, Ibrahim RR, Mahgoub S, Abdel-Aziz MS, et al
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26. BIOTTI F, Barker M, Carr L, Pickard H, et al
    The effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on self-reported interoception and mental health.
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27. TOBITA Y, Diagne M, Bassama J, Ndong M, et al
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28. AUDIGE A, Amstutz A, Schuurmans MM, Amico P, et al
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    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0317965.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
29. ROMANO ME, Buckley JP, Li X, Herbstman JB, et al
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    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0317358.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
30. WEN Z, Wang T, Luo S, Liu Y, et al
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    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0316893.
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31. BOS I, Bosman L, van den Hoek R, van Waarden W, et al
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32. SANTACROCE LA, Appiah R, Sullivan MD, Spaniol J, et al
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33. RO G, Lyngstad TM, Seppala E, Naerland Skodvin S, et al
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34. RAZAI MS, Ussher M, Goldsmith L, Hargreaves S, et al
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35. BONSAKSEN T, Price D, Lamph G, Kabelenga I, et al
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36. WANG W, Zhu W, Hajagos J, Fochtmann L, et al
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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

38. NAKAMURA S, Tanimura Y, Nomura R, Suzuki H, et al
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39. YAN S, Schlick T
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40. LE N, McMann TJ, Wenzel C, Li Z, et al
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41. CASPERSEN IH, Skodvin SN, Blix K, Robertson AH, et al
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47. DUAN Y, Suo L, Li X, Bai C, et al
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Emergence of a novel #reassortant highly pathogenic avian #influenza clade 2.3.4.4b A(#H5N2) Virus, 2024

ABSTRACT

Reassortant highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N2) clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses were detected from ducks and environmental samples in Egypt, June 2024. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel genotype produced by the reassortment of an A(H5N1) clade 2.3.3.4b virus with an A(H9N2) G1-like virus. Monitoring the spread of this virus is important.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2455601#abstract

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No #Evidence of Anti - #influenza #Nucleoprotein #Antibodies in Retail #Milk from Across #Canada (April to July 2024)

Abstract

Following reports of HPAI H5N1 infections of dairy cattle in the United States (US) in March 2024, we established a Pan-Canadian Milk network to monitor retail milk in Canada. Milk samples from across Canada that had previously tested negative for influenza A virus (IAV) RNA were tested for the presence of anti-IAV nucleoprotein (NP) antibodies, as an indicator of past infection of dairy cattle. None of the 109 milk samples tested had evidence of anti-IAV NP antibodies. This is consistent with previous findings from our academic group as well as others including federal testing initiatives that have not found any IAV RNA in milk. Although not surprising given that no cases of H5N1 in cattle have been reported in Canada to date, this work further supports that the extensive outbreak in dairy cattle in the US has not extended northward into Canada, and the integrity of the Canadian milk supply remains intact.

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.31.25321461v1

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Intraductal #infection with #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b #influenza virus

LETTER

In March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 of the clade 2.3.4.4b was detected in dairy cows in Texas and has since been detected in several other U.S. states (1). Virus has been detected within cow’s milk, indicating that the mammary epithelium may support viral replication (2). Virus has also been detected on milking machines, leading to a hypothesis that influenza is spreading through fomites from udder to udder instead of the intranasal route (3, 4). There have been studies using cows to better understand mammary infections; however, the cow model is costly and limited (1, 5). We sought to establish a model for intramammary infections of H5N1 and H1N1 influenza virus in mice.

(...)

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01927-24?af=R

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Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater, January 19-25 2025

{Excerpt}

Time Period: January 19 - January 25, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 33 sites (10.1%)

-- No Detection: 295 sites (89.9%)

-- No samples in last week: 61 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html

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

The laboratory diagnosed type H5 on Thursday, January 23 in one of the sick birds that was sampled in the framework of passive surveillance, on January 24 all birds were culled, on January 29 the laboratory confirmed the detection of Neuraminidase 1 and identification of hemagglutinin genes found in the cleavage site of avian influenza virus type A lineage Goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) subtype H5, clade 2.3.4.4. highly pathogenic.

Out of the 408 backyard birds, one died and two became sick in Chiriquí Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6225

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#Hungary - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification, 2nd

A  foie gras goose holding in Heves Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6227

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#Hungary - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

 A breeding goose holding in Pest Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6228

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

 A wild Eurasian Jackdaw in Lounais-Suomen aluehallintovirasto Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6229

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#Mexico’s Laboratory-Confirmed #Human Case of #Infection with the #Influenza A(#H5N2) Virus

Abstract

In April 2024, the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias of Mexico City identified a case of unsubtypeable Influenza A in a 58-year-old immunocompromised patient with renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy and bacterial peritonitis. Through sequencing the M, NS, NA, NP, and HA complete segments, we identified an H5N2 influenza virus with identity of 99% with avian influenza A(H5N2) from Texcoco, Mexico, in 2024. This case is the first reported with direct evidence of human infection caused by the H5N2 influenza virus; the relationship of the virus with the severity of his condition remains unknown.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/205

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Suspected and confirmed #mpox cases in #DRC: a retrospective #analysis of national epidemiological and laboratory #surveillance data, 2010–23

Summary

Background

DR Congo has the highest global burden of mpox, a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The incidence has risen since 1980, but recent analyses of epidemiological trends are lacking. We aimed to describe trends in suspected and confirmed mpox cases in DR Congo using epidemiological and laboratory mpox surveillance data collected from 2010 to 2023, and provide insights that can better inform the targeting and monitoring of control strategies.

Methods

We analysed aggregated national epidemiological surveillance data and individual-level laboratory data from 2010 to 2023. We calculated incidence based on suspected cases, case-fatality ratios, and percentage of laboratory-confirmed cases and assessed geospatial trends. Demographic and seasonal trends were investigated using generalised additive mixed models.

Findings

Between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2023, a total of 60 967 suspected cases and 1798 suspected deaths from mpox were reported in DR Congo (case-fatality ratio 2·9%). The number of reporting provinces increased from 18 of 26 provinces in 2010 to 24 of 26 provinces in 2023. The annual incidence increased from 2·97 per 100 000 in 2010 to 11·46 per 100 000 in 2023. The highest incidence (46·38 per 100 000) and case-fatality ratio (6·0%) were observed in children younger than 5 years. Incidence was higher in rural compared with urban areas. PCR testing was performed for 7438 suspected cases (12·2%), with 4248 (57·1%) of 7438 samples testing positive. Median age of confirmed cases (13·0 years [IQR 6·0–25·0]) remained stable, although the 95th percentile of age increased over time.

Interpretation

The incidence and geographical distribution of suspected mpox cases have increased substantially since 2010. Improvements in surveillance and decentralised testing are essential to monitor mpox trends and direct interventions effectively, to address the public health emergency declarations issued in August, 2024.

Funding

Belgian Directorate-General Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid; European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership; Research Foundation–Flanders; European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations; Department of Economy, Science, and Innovation of the Flemish Government; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; and the International Development Research Centre.

Source: Lancet, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02669-2/abstract?rss=yes

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Structure of a #zoonotic #H5N1 #hemagglutinin reveals a #receptor-binding site occupied by an auto-glycan

Summary

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has spilled into many mammals, most notably cows and poultry, with several dozen human breakthrough infections. Zoonotic crossovers, with hemagglutinins mutated to enhance viral ability to use human α2-6-linked sialic acid receptors versus avian α2-3-linked ones, highlight the pandemic risk. To gain insight into these crossovers, we determined the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the hemagglutinin from the zoonotic H5N1 A/Texas/37/2024 strain (clade 2.3.4.4b) in complex with a previously reported neutralizing antibody. Surprisingly, we found that the receptor-binding site of this H5N1 hemagglutinin was already occupied by an α2-3-linked sialic acid and that this glycan emanated from asparagine N169 of a neighboring protomer on hemagglutinin itself. This structure thus highlights recognition by influenza hemagglutinin of an “auto”-α2-3-linked sialic acid from N169, an N-linked glycan conserved in 95% of H5 strains, and adds “auto-glycan recognition,” which may play a role in viral dispersal, to the complexities surrounding H5N1 zoonosis.

Source: Structure, https://www.cell.com/structure/abstract/S0969-2126(25)00001-2?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0969212625000012%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

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Pre-exposure #antibody #prophylaxis protects #macaques from severe #influenza

Abstract

Influenza virus pandemics and seasonal epidemics have claimed countless lives. Recurrent zoonotic spillovers of influenza viruses with pandemic potential underscore the need for effective countermeasures. In this study, we show that pre-exposure prophylaxis with broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) MEDI8852 is highly effective in protecting cynomolgus macaques from severe disease caused by aerosolized highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. Protection was antibody dose–dependent yet independent of Fc-mediated effector functions at the dose tested. Macaques receiving MEDI8852 at 10 milligrams per kilogram or higher had negligible impairment of respiratory function after infection, whereas control animals were not protected from severe disease and fatality. Given the breadth of MEDI8852 and other bnAbs, we anticipate that protection from unforeseen pandemic influenza A viruses is achievable.

Source: Science, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado6481

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#Pasteurisation temperatures effectively inactivate #influenza A viruses in #milk

Abstract

In late 2023 an H5N1 lineage of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) began circulating in American dairy cattle. Concerningly, high titres of virus were detected in cows’ milk, raising the concern that milk could be a route of human infection. Cows’ milk is typically pasteurised to render it safe for human consumption, but the effectiveness of pasteurisation on influenza viruses in milk was uncertain. To assess this, here we evaluate heat inactivation in milk for a panel of different influenza viruses. This includes human and avian influenza A viruses (IAVs), an influenza D virus that naturally infects cattle, and recombinant IAVs carrying contemporary avian or bovine H5N1 glycoproteins. At pasteurisation temperatures of 63 °C and 72 °C, we find that viral infectivity is rapidly lost and becomes undetectable before the times recommended for pasteurisation (30 minutes and 15 seconds, respectively). We then show that an H5N1 HPAIV in milk is effectively inactivated by a comparable treatment, even though its genetic material remains detectable. We conclude that pasteurisation conditions should effectively inactivate H5N1 HPAIV in cows’ milk, but that unpasteurised milk could carry infectious influenza viruses.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56406-8

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#WHO accelerates efforts to support response to #Sudan {hemorrhagic fever} virus disease #outbreak in #Uganda

Brazzaville/Kampala – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Sudan virus disease – which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease – in Uganda today, World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing efforts to support the national health authorities to swiftly contain and end the outbreak. 

WHO is deploying senior public health experts and mobilizing staff from the country office to support all the key outbreak response measures. In addition, the Organization has allocated US$ 1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help accelerate early action, and is readying medical supplies, including personal protective equipment to deliver to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi. 

While there are no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus disease, WHO is coordinating with developers to deploy candidate vaccines as an addition to the other public health measures. The vaccines will be deployed once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtained. 

So far one confirmed case – a nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital in the capital Kampala – has been reported. No other health workers or patients have shown symptoms of the disease.  A total of 45 contacts, including health workers and family members of the confirmed case (deceased) have been identified and are currently under close monitoring. The identification of the case in a densely populated urban requires rapid and intense response. 

“We welcome the prompt declaration of this outbreak, and as a comprehensive response is being established, we are supporting the government and partners to scale up measures to quicky identify cases, isolate and provide care, curb the spread of the virus and protect the population,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Uganda’s robust expertise in responding to public health emergencies will be crucial in ending this outbreak effectively.”

There have been eight previous outbreaks of the Sudan virus disease, with five occurring in Uganda and three in Sudan. Uganda last reported an outbreak of Sudan virus disease in 2022. 

“Banking on the existing expertise, we are accelerating all efforts, including expertise, resources and tools to save lives and bring the outbreak to a halt swiftly,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. 

Sudan virus disease is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates that is due to Orthoebolavirus sudanense (Sudan virus), a viral species belonging to the same genus of the virus causing Ebola virus disease.  Case fatality rates of Sudan virus disease have varied from 41% to 100% in past outbreaks. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for Sudan virus. Early initiation of supportive treatment has been shown to significantly reduce deaths from Sudan virus disease. 

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/uganda/news/who-accelerates-efforts-support-response-sudan-virus-disease-outbreak-uganda

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

A tiger and three leopards in the Widlife Rescue Centre, Gorewada Zoo, Maharashtra State.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6218

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#Perpetuation of Avian #Influenza from Molt to Fall #Migration in Wild Swan #Geese (Anser cygnoides): An Agent-Based Modeling Approach

Abstract

Wild waterfowl are considered to be the reservoir of avian influenza, but their distinct annual life cycle stages and their contribution to disease dynamics are not well understood. Studies of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have primarily focused on wintering grounds, where human and poultry densities are high year-round, compared with breeding grounds, where migratory waterfowl are more isolated. Few if any studies of avian influenza have focused on the molting stage where wild waterfowl congregate in a few selected wetlands and undergo the simultaneous molt of wing and tail feathers during a vulnerable flightless period. The molting stage may be one of the most important periods for the perpetuation of the disease in waterfowl, since during this stage, immunologically naïve young birds and adults freely intermix prior to the fall migration. Our study incorporated empirical data from virological field samplings and markings of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) on their breeding grounds in Mongolia in an integrated agent-based model (ABM) that included susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered (SEIR) states. Our ABM results provided unique insights and indicated that individual movements between different molting wetlands and the transmission rate were the key predictors of HPAI perpetuation. While wetland extent was not a significant predictor of HPAI perpetuation, it had a large effect on the number of infections and associated death toll. Our results indicate that conserving undisturbed habitats for wild waterfowl during the molting stage of the breeding season could reduce the risk of HPAI transmission.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/2/196

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#NASA Shares #Observations of Recently-Identified Near Earth #Asteroid {2024 YR4}

NASA analysis of a near-Earth asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, indicates it has a more than 1% chance of impacting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032 – which also means there is about a 99% chance this asteroid will not impact. Such initial analysis will change over time as more observations are gathered.  

Currently, no other known large asteroids have an impact probability above 1%. 

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first reported on Dec. 27, 2024, to the Minor Planet Center– the international clearing house for small-body positional measurements – by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System station in Chile. 

The asteroid, which is estimated to be about 130 to 300 feet wide, caught astronomers’ attention when it rose on the NASA automated Sentry risk list on Dec. 31, 2024. 

The Sentry list includes any known near-Earth asteroids that have a non-zero probability of impacting Earth in the future.  

An object that reaches this level is not uncommon; there have been several objects in the past that have reached this same rating and eventually dropped off as more data have come in. 

New observations may result in reassignment of this asteroid to 0 as more data come in. 

More information about asteroids, near-Earth objects, and planetary defense at NASA can be found at: https://nasa.gov/planetarydefense

Source: NASA, https://blogs.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/2025/01/29/nasa-shares-observations-of-recently-identified-near-earth-asteroid/

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The #hospital and #mortality #burden of #COVID19 compared with #influenza in #Denmark: a national observational cohort study, 2022–24

Summary

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been on a downward trend since May, 2022, but it continues to cause substantial numbers of hospital admissions and deaths. We describe this burden in the 2 years since May, 2022, and compare it with the burden of influenza in Denmark.

Methods

This observational cohort study included residents in Denmark from May 16, 2022, to June 7, 2024. Data were obtained from national registries, including admissions with COVID-19 or influenza (ie, having a positive PCR test for either virus from 14 days before and up to 2 days after the hospital admission date), deaths, sex, age, COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status, comorbidities, and residence in long-term care facilities. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) to compare rates of hospital admissions between COVID-19 and influenza. To compare the severity of COVID-19 versus influenza among patients admitted to hospital, we used the Kaplan–Meier estimator to produce weighted cumulative incidence curves and adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) of mortality at 30 days between COVID-19 and influenza admissions.

Findings

Among 5 899 170 individuals, COVID-19 admissions (n=24 400) were more frequent than influenza admissions (n=8385; aIRR 2·04 [95% CI 1·38–3·02]), particularly during the first year (May, 2022, to May, 2023) versus the second year (May, 2023, to June, 2024; p=0·0096), in the summer versus the winter (p<0·0001), and among people aged 65 years or older versus younger than 65 years (p<0·0001). The number of deaths was also higher for patients with COVID-19 (n=2361) than patients with influenza (n=489, aIRR 3·19 [95% CI 2·24–4·53]). Among patients admitted in the winter (n=19 286), the risk of mortality from COVID-19 was higher than for influenza (aRR 1·23 [95% CI 1·08–1·37]), particularly among those without COVID-19 and influenza vaccination (1·36 [1·05–1·67]), with comorbidities (1·27 [1·11–1·43]), and who were male (1·36 [1·14–1·59]).

Interpretation

COVID-19 represented a greater disease burden than influenza, with more hospital admissions and deaths, and more severe disease (primarily among non-vaccinated people, those with comorbidities, and male patients). These results highlight the continued need for attention and public health efforts to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2.

Funding

Danish Government.

Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00806-5/fulltext?rss=yes

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