ETIDIOH - NEW

  {Summary} The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) is hereby transmitting the report of the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee (Committee) regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024 , held on Thursday, 5 June 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CEST. Concurring with the advice unanimously expressed by the Committee during the meeting, the WHO Director-General determined that the upsurge of mpox 2024 continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and, accordingly, on 9 June 2025, issued temporary recommendations to States Parties, available here.   The WHO Director-General expresses his most sincere gratitude to the Chair, Members, and Advisors of the Committee. (...) Source: World Health Organization,  https://www.who.int/news/item/10-07-2025-fourth-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-upsurge-of-mpox-2024 ____

  By Alexis Lours - Own work, CC BY 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138694692 ___ A Yellow-legged Gull in Leiria Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6609 ____

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are highly pathogenic henipaviruses without approved human vaccines or therapies . Here, we report on a highly potent bispecific therapeutic that combines an anti-fusion glycoprotein nanobody with an anti-receptor-binding glycoprotein (RBP) antibody to deliver a dual-targeting biologic that is resistant to viral escape. We show that the nanobody, DS90, engages a unique, conserved site within the fusion glycoprotein of NiV and HeV and provides neutralization and complete protection from NiV disease . Bispecific engineering of DS90 with the anti-RBP monoclonal antibody m102.4 results in neutralization, elimination of viral escape and superior protection from NiV disease compared to leading monovalent approaches. These findings carry implications for the development of cross-neutralizing immunotherapies that limit the emergence of henipaviral escape mutants. Source: Nature Structural and Molecular Biology,  https://www.nature.com/artic...

Abstract In 2024, we sequenced highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genomes isolated from 5 brown skuas from James Ross Island , Antarctica . Phylogenetic analysis suggested the virus reached Antarctica through South America . Continued genetic surveillance will be critical to elucidate H5N1 virus transmission dynamics within Antarctica and surrounding areas. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0186_article ____

Abstract We analyzed 15 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infections detected in wild birds in South Korea during September 2023–March 2024. We isolated and sequenced 8 H5N1 and 7 H5N6 viruses . We investigated spatiotemporal transmission dynamics by using a Bayesian discrete trait phylodynamic model that incorporated geographic and host species information. Our source–sink dynamics support introductions of H5N1 viruses from northern Japan to South Korea and subsequent spread through multiple regions in South Korea. The H5N6 viruses were most likely introduced into southwestern South Korea and spread northeastward. Wild waterfowl, especially wild ducks , played a key role in transmission of both H5N1 and H5N6 viruses. Our data showed multiple introductions and extensive spread of HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and bidirectional transmission between Japan and South Korea. Our results highlight the value of enhanced active surveillance for monitoring HPA...

Summary Background Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) (HPAI H5N1) viruses have spread prolifically in dairy cattle in the US , resulting in dozens of human infections , some without well-established links to animal contacts. Many wild mammals have also been affected, including peridomestic house mice. Methods Here, we evaluated susceptibility, tissue tropism, and shedding in female PWK/PhJ and BALB/cJ mice , two laboratory strains derived from house mice that differ in expression of the antiviral restriction factor Mx1. PWK/PhJ mice, which were selected for their natural expression of Mx1, better reflect the antiviral capacity of most wild house mice, whereas BALB/cJ mice lack functional Mx1. Findings We found that, regardless of Mx1 expression status, mice are susceptible to infection by dairy cattle HPAI H5N1 viruses , that infection leads to systemic spread to non-respiratory sites, and that infected animals shed virus into the environment via urine. Shed virus...

Abstract The November 2021 introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b into North America triggered a devastating outbreak , affecting more than 180 million domestic birds and spreading to more than 80 wildlife species across Canada and the US . From this outbreak, we have sequenced 2955 complete A( H5N1 ) viral genomes from samples collected in Canada and, in conjunction with previously published data, performed multifaceted phylodynamic analyses. These analyses reveal extensive diversification of A(H5N1) viruses via reassortment with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. We find evidence of repeated ancestral strain replacement by direct descendants, indicative of compounding viral fitness increases . Spatiotemporal modeling identified critical geographic areas facilitating transcontinental spread and demonstrated genotype-specific host dynamics, offering essential data for ongoing control and prevention strategies. Source: Science Advances,  https:...