History of Mass Transportation: The Renault ZO Diesel Autorial

 

Par Auteur inconnu — old image Collection Jean-Pierre Vergez-Larrouy, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23989637

Source: 

Link: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault

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History of Mass Transportation: The Diesel Locomotive Brissoneau & Lotz from Chemins de fer de Provence (1951, metric gauge), at Nice-Lingostière Workshop

 

By Eric.Coffinet~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10366620

Source: 

Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, November 22 '25)

 

Clin Infect Dis

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2. ZUGER A
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16. LUO Y, Gong Q-C, Yao Y-L, Chen Y, et al
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    JAMA

17. PANT S
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    Lancet

18. ZIEGLER AG, Achenbach P, Weiss A, Berner R, et al
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    Lancet Infect Dis

19. MENTZER AJ, Smith GD, Lambe T, Knight JC, et al
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20. ZHANG L, Chen N, Eichmann A, Nehlmeier I, et al
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21. ANYWAINE Z, Serwanga J, Ggayi AM, Abaasa AM, et al
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Nature

22. HAUSDORFF WP
    How COVAX raced to protect the world from COVID-19.
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    Travel Med Infect Dis

23. HEDRICH N, Lovey T, Bernhard J, Grobusch MP, et al
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24. LEI Z, Lei Z, Wang Q
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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, November 22 '25)

 

Ann Intern Med

1. QASEEM A, Wilt TJ, Harrod CS, Obley AJ, et al
   Influenza Vaccines for 2025-2026 in Adults Who Are Not Pregnant or Immunocompromised: Rapid Practice Points From the American College of Physicians.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-04056.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
2. 
   Web Exclusive. Annals Video Summary - Comparative Effectiveness and Harm of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in Adults Who Are Not Pregnant or Immunocompromised: A Rapid Review for the American College of Physicians.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 Nov 18:e2504658VS. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-04658.
   PubMed        
   
   
3. DOBRESCU AI, Sharifan A, Sommer I, Neubauer-Bruckner CIA, et al
   Comparative Effectiveness and Harm of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in Adults Who Are Not Pregnant or Immunocompromised: A Rapid Review for the American College of Physicians.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-04028.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMC Pediatr

4. LIN YF, Fang SY, Huang SC, Wu ET, et al
   Severe myocardium suppression in two congenital heart disease patients after remdesivir use - a case report.
   BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:934.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Gen Virol

5. OHRNBERGER S, Meyer Zu Natrup C, Clever S, Schunemann LM, et al
   Strong immunogenicity and protection against SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters induced by heterologous boost vaccination with an MVA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
   J Gen Virol. 2025;106:002180.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. ENTRIKEN CG, Bruce KL, Coyne BM, Kruyer SH, et al
   Improved efficacy of an influenza DNA vaccine through high-density microarray patch delivery.
   J Gen Virol. 2025;106:002179.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

7. HAN S, Liu Y, Xing B, Yang Y, et al
   Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use with Risk of Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
   J Infect. 2025 Oct 29:106645. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106645.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
8. BORROW R, Caugant DA, Clark SA, Dinleyici EC, et al
   Current global trends in meningococcal disease control, risk groups and vaccination: Consensus of the Global Meningococcal Initiative.
   J Infect. 2025 Oct 17:106635. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106635.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect Dis

9. TENFORDE MW, Garg S, Chung J, Adams K, et al
   The role of antiviral treatment of influenza in reducing hospitalizations and other severe outcomes: A need for more evidence.
   J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 14:jiaf573. doi: 10.1093.
   PubMed        
   
   

   
   MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep

10. OLMSTED KE, Ramsey-Omonua T, Thomas ES, Lee JT, et al
    Notes from the Field: Expanding Birthing Hospital Enrollment in the Vaccines for Children Program to Increase Infant Immunization Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus - United States, October 2023-March 2025.
    MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74:589-591.
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    N Engl J Med

11. FITZ-PATRICK D, McVinnie DS, Jackson LA, Crowther G, et al
    Efficacy, Immunogenicity, and Safety of Modified mRNA Influenza Vaccine.
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12. EL SAHLY HM, Atmar RL
    An Early Look at mRNA Vaccines to Prevent Influenza.
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    PLoS Comput Biol

13. PARKER NT, Hong V, Davis GS, Pomichowski M, et al
    Clinical progression parameters associated with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus infections in a large US integrated healthcare population.
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14. BILLINGS WZ, Ge Y, Skarlupka AL, Miller SL, et al
    Different antigenic distance metrics generate similar predictions of influenza vaccine response breadth despite moderate correlation.
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    PLoS One

15. HARRIS R, Kolahdooz F, Omidimorad A, Wagg A, et al
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16. NALEWAJ M, Sliwiak J, Zielinska K, Zmora P, et al
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17. ADDAE EA, Adjei M, Anaduaka US, Wuollah-Dire DK, et al
    A mediation model explaining the impact of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19- induced changes in multiple life domains on adolescents' subjective well-being in sub-Saharan Africa.
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18. LEE L, Diallo F, Shiman LJ
    The intersection of food insecurity and child health: Implications for policy and practice in the Bronx.
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19. DZOMBA A, Mataboge P, Kelly NK, Oladimeji KE, et al
    Concern for severe COVID-19 disease during the initial two years of pandemic in a rural South African community: A population-based study.
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20. DAI D, Gois PF, Wainstein M, Ghadimi M, et al
    Omicron surge impact on acute kidney injury in ICU patients: A study using the ISARIC COVID-19 database.
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21. YUAN M, Liang M, Xu J, He D, et al
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22. IBRAHIM N, Jones S, Rich K, Alvarez L, et al
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23. HOSP JA, Schroter N, Reisert M, Frase S, et al
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26. HOLEC PV, Breuckman KC, Leddy O, White FM, et al
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    Vaccine

27. WILLIAMS LR, Voysey M, Pollard AJ, Grassly NC, et al
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28. DONAHUE JG, Cocoros NM, Kieke BA, Hanson KE, et al
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29. RUSSO L, Farina S, Macri RA, Pentecost WA, et al
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Effects of #LP81 - adapted #mRNA #vaccination on #SARS-CoV-2 variant #neutralisation

 

{Summary}

SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, with successive variants evading immunity established by previous infection or vaccination. In mid-2024, a vaccine tailored to the JN.1 variant was authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which boosted neutralising antibody responses and provided substantial protection against severe disease and hospitalisation.1–3 Around 6 months later, in January 2025, LP.8.1 (of the JN.1 lineage) was classified as a “variant under monitoring” by WHO, due to its epidemiological importance and enhanced transmission fitness relative to contemporaneous strains. After emerging in late 2024, LP.8.1 rapidly overtook the XEC variant, establishing dominance throughout the Americas and Europe by early 2025. In the USA, LP.8.1 and its sublineages represented more than 50% of all sequences in May, 2025 (appendix p 9). Although vaccines adapted to JN.1 or its derivative KP.2 generated neutralising antibodies against LP.8.1, these titres were reduced compared with earlier JN.1 lineage variants, indicating continued antigenic drift.4 By mid-2025, the XFG lineage emerged and began replacing LP.8.1 across multiple geographical regions (appendix p 9), indicating further adaptive evolution within the JN.1-derived clade. Subsequent investigations confirmed robust immune evasion coupled with diminished angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding efficiency for the XFG variant.4

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00690-5/fulltext?rss=yes

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#USA, #Washington State: Grays Harbor County resident dies from #complications of avian #influenza #H5N5 virus (DoH, Nov. 22 '25)

 

The person was infected with the H5N5 virus; the risk to the public remains low

OLYMPIA – A Grays Harbor County resident who was undergoing treatment for H5N5 avian influenza died today. 

The Washington State Department of Health offers its heartfelt condolences to the person’s family and friends.

The person was an older adult with underlying health conditions. 

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing their name, gender, or age. 

The person had been hospitalized in King County since early November.

Testing at the UW Medicine Clinical Virology Lab identified the virus as H5N5, making this the first recorded infection with this variant in a person globally. 

The result was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The risk to the public remains low. 

No other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza. 

Public health officials will continue to monitor anyone who was in close contact with the patient for symptoms to ensure that human-to-human spread has not occurred. 

There is no evidence of transmission of this virus between people.

The person had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. 

DOH testing identified avian influenza virus in the environment of the flock, making exposure to the domestic poultry, their environment, or wild birds the most likely source of exposure for this patient. 

People who had exposure to the backyard flock and environment are also being monitored for symptoms.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by influenza type A viruses, which naturally occur in wild aquatic birds around the world. These viruses can infect other bird species, and occasionally mammals, and can be deadly to domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. On rare occasions, avian influenza viruses can infect people and make them sick.

People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report illness in poultry to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) by calling 1-800-606-3056 or reporting online. 

Veterinarians should report sick or dead domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza to WSDA. 

Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other animals to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. 

Never handle or allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife.

Avoid eating raw or undercooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, and don’t feed these products to pets.

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to domestic or wild birds get a seasonal flu vaccine. 

While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time. 

Though unlikely, infection with both viruses could result in the emergence of an avian influenza virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person. 

Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Our website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Get updates by following us on social media.

Source: 

Link: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-dies-complications-avian-influenza

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#Diphtheria - #Africa Region (#WHO, D.O.N., Nov. 21 '25)

{Excerpt}

Diphtheria is a major public health problem in the WHO African Region despite substantial efforts on immunization activities over the past three decades. 

Between 2000 and 2024, 75 789 suspected diphtheria cases were reported in the Region, with the majority reported from 2023 to 2024, when Algeria, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and South Africa reported a resurgence of diphtheria outbreaks with approximately 57 000 suspected cases and 2 000 deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 3.5%) recorded. 

The countries most affected were Guinea, Nigeria and Niger. 

Most cases reported were in children under fifteen years and female. 

Over 50% of suspected cases were non-vaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. 

In 2025, as of 19 October 2025, over 17 000 suspected diphtheria cases and about 900 deaths with an average CFR of 5.1% have been reported across eight Member States in the African Region; Algeria, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Of these suspected cases, 7 886 were confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical compatibility. 

Laboratory-confirmation has been conducted in 6.8% (n=1181) of the suspected cases. 

Women, children aged between 5 and 18 years and young adults less than 30 are the most affected groups. 

The situation seems to have worsened in Mali, Mauritania and Niger in recent weeks with increasing trends and geographic expansion of the outbreaks reported in these countries. 

In addition, high CFRs (up to 24%) have been reported across all affected countries.   

The overall public health risk posed by the diphtheria event in the African Region is classified as ‘’high’’ due to:

-- Significant risks of further widescale spread:

- The humanitarian profile of some of the affected countries (Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria): fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, with low vaccination coverage often recorded among displaced populations.

- Outbreak hotspots are sometimes located in hard-to-reach areas with security constraints. 

- Crowded, unsanitary living conditions in displacement camps in humanitarian settings.

- Low routine immunization coverage in most affected countries and important heterogeneity in coverage at subnational level in a number of countries - with pockets of under-vaccination leading to outbreaks (e.g. Nigeria, Chad etc.).

- Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing significant drop of vaccination coverage between the first and the third dose across all affected countries. Although in response to declining immunization coverage, global partners launched The Big Catch-up, a coordinated effort to restore and strengthen immunization services and close immunity gaps, especially for vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria.

- Weak health system capacity in most affected countries (shortage of health professionals, low clinical management capacity, etc.). 

- Shortage of laboratory supplies reported by most affected countries, leading to delays in case reporting and laboratory confirmation. 

- Global shortage of diphtheria anti-toxin (DAT) necessary for the treatment of affected persons. 

- High case fatality ratio observed in many of the affected countries.

- High internal and cross-border movements of susceptible individuals (unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated). 

- Insufficient resources to control the outbreaks across most affected countries.

The overall public health risk posed by the diphtheria event at the global level is classified as ‘’low’’ due to:

-- The global risk of diphtheria outbreaks from the ongoing multi-country diphtheria outbreak in the African Region is assessed as low, given the existence of routine immunization programs in most countries. 

- Nonetheless, the risk posed by international travel of susceptible populations from the African Region cannot be overlooked, highlighting the need to strengthen risk communication and surveillance globally. 

(...)

Source: 

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

____

#USA, Novel #Influenza A Virus #Infections: 1 case of #H5N5 and 1 case of #H1N2v detected (CDC, Nov. 21 '25)

 

{Excerpt}

Novel Influenza A Virus Infections

Two confirmed human infections with novel influenza A viruses were reported to CDC this week. 

One infection with an influenza A(H5N5) virus was reported by the Washington State Department of Health and one infection with an influenza A(H1N2) variant (A(H1N2)v) virus was reported by the Vermont Department of Health.

One infection with an influenza A(H5N5) virus was reported by the Washington State Department of Public Health. 

-- The case occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years. 

-- This individual developed symptoms during the week ending October 25, 2025 (Week 43) and was hospitalized with their illness during the week ending November 8, 2025 (Week 45). 

-- Respiratory specimens collected at the healthcare facility tested positive for influenza A and were presumptive positive for influenza A(H5) at the University of Washington. 

-- The specimens were sent to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory where influenza A(H5) was confirmed using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay. 

-- Sequencing conducted at the University of Washington and at the CDC indicated this was an influenza A(H5N5) virus.

-- The investigation by public health officials identified that the patient kept backyard poultry that had exposure to wild birds. 

-- The patient remains hospitalized. 

-- This is the twelfth confirmed influenza A(H5) case in Washington overall. 

-- Prior confirmed cases in Washington were associated with commercial poultry exposure. 

-- This is the 71st confirmed human case of A(H5) in the United States since early 2024 and the first human case reported in the United States since February 2025.

One infection with an influenza A(H1N2)v virus was reported by the Vermont Department of Health in an individual aged ≥18 years. 

-- The individual developed symptoms and sought healthcare during the week ending October 4, 2025 (Week 40), was hospitalized but discharged on the same day, and has recovered from their illness. 

-- The investigation conducted by state public health officials was unable to determine whether the individual had exposure to swine or other animals, or whether the patient's close contacts exhibited any illness. 

-- No human-to-human transmission has been identified associated with this case.

-- When an influenza virus that normally circulates in swine (but not people) is detected in a person, it is called a “variant” influenza virus. Most human infections with variant influenza viruses occur following exposure to swine, but human-to-human transmission can occur. It is important to note that in most cases, variant influenza viruses have not shown the ability to spread easily and sustainably from person to person.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-46.html

____

#Marburg virus disease - #Ethiopia (#WHO, D.O.N., Nov. 21 '25)

 

{Excerpts}

Situation at a glance

On 12 November 2025, WHO noted a press release from the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), announcing suspected viral hemorrhagic viral fever (VHF) in Jinka town, South Ethiopia Regional State, Ethiopia. 

On 14 November 2025, the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia confirmed that the cases previously reported as suspected VHF were Marburg virus disease (MVD). 

Molecular testing conducted by the National Reference Laboratory at EPHI identified Marburg virus (MARV) in patient samples. 

As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. 

Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. 

In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. 

A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. 

The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves. 

The source of the infection has not yet been identified. 

This marks the first confirmed outbreak of MVD in the country. 

Initial investigation by the one health team in Ethiopia show the presence of the natural host of the virus, fruit bats, in the area. 

MVD is a severe, often fatal illness, transmitted from bats to humans, and clinically similar to Ebola virus diseases. 

The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88%, but it can be much lower with good and early patient care. 

Under the leadership of the MoH, WHO is working alongside the Ethiopian response teams to enhance coordination, surveillance (including outbreak investigation, contact tracing, and alert management), case management, infection prevention and control measures, laboratory capacity, risk communication and community engagement. 

WHO assesses the public health risk posed by the outbreak as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level. 

Ethiopia is facing concurrent emergencies and multiple disease outbreaks, including of cholera, measles, dengue, which results in stretched health capacity.

Description of the situation

As of 20 November 2025, 33 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which six confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported. Of the six confirmed cases, three are currently alive and on treatment. In addition to the lab-confirmed cases, a further three epidemiologically linked cases could not be tested; all three are deceased and recorded as probable cases. A total of 206 contacts have been identified, and contacts are under active follow-up. The number of contacts will continue to change as the response evolves.

Clinically, patients have presented with high-grade fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery or bloody diarrhoea. Haemorrhagic manifestations, including nose bleeding and vomiting blood were observed in five cases, consistent with multi-organ failure.

As this is the first time Ethiopia is reporting MVD, WHO recommends that samples be shared with a reference laboratory for inter-laboratory comparison.

(...)

WHO risk assessment

This is the first confirmed MVD outbreak in Ethiopia.  The public health risk posed by the MVD outbreak is assessed as high at the national level due to several concerning factors:

-- The outbreak involves six laboratory-confirmed cases; there have been a total of six deaths and there are three confirmed cases under treatment.

-- All deaths involved unsupervised burials, posing a risk of potential additional community transmission.

-- The presence of healthcare workers among the confirmed cases suggests potential occupational exposure risks within health facilities.

-- Although investigations are ongoing, information on the source of the outbreak, geographical extent and epidemiology is limited.

-- Although no international transmission has been confirmed to date, the potential risk for spread remains. The affected area, Jinka, while distant from Ethiopia’s capital or major international airports, is connected by road transportation networks, including to neighbouring Kenya and South Sudan. Therefore, the public health risk posed by this event is assessed as moderate at the regional level. It is considered low at the global level.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON585

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#USA, #Wastewater #Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, Nov. 21 '25)

 

{Summary}

Time Period: November 09, 2025 - November 15, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 1 site(s) (0.3%)

-- No Detection: 382 site(s) (99.7%)

-- No samples in last week: 75 site(s)

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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#China (People's Rep. of) - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Wild Species (unspecified) in Xinjiang Uygur Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6978

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Effectiveness of high-dose #influenza #vaccine against #hospitalisations in older #adults (FLUNITY-HD): an individual-level pooled analysis

 

Summary

Background

Two large-scale trials comparing high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV) versus standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (SD-IIV) against hospitalisation outcomes have been conducted in Denmark and Spain. We aimed to analyse the pooled data from these trials to enhance generalisability and assess the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of HD-IIV versus SD-IIV against severe clinical outcomes in older adults.

Methods

FLUNITY-HD was a prespecified, individual-level pooled analysis of two methodologically harmonised pragmatic, individually randomised trials comparing HD-IIV with SD-IIV in older adults. DANFLU-2 included adults aged 65 years or older and GALFLU included community-dwelling adults aged 65–79 years. DANFLU-2 was conducted during the 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25 influenza seasons in Denmark, whereas GALFLU was conducted during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons in Galicia, Spain. In both trials, participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either HD-IIV (60 μg of haemagglutinin [HA] antigen per strain) or SD-IIV (15 μg of HA antigen per strain) and followed up for the occurrence of endpoints from 14 days after vaccination to May 31 the following year in each season. Routine health-care databases were used as primary data source. The primary endpoint of both the pooled analysis and the individual trials was hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia. Secondary endpoints were tested hierarchically, and consisted of hospitalisation for any cardiorespiratory disease, laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisation, all-cause hospitalisation, all-cause mortality, hospitalisation for influenza (ICD-10), and hospitalisation for pneumonia. The pooled analysis is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06506812.

Findings

The analysis included 466 320 individually randomised participants (233 311 were randomly assigned to HD-IIV and 233 009 to SD-IIV). Mean age was 73·3 years (SD 5·4); 223 681 (48·0%) were female and 242 639 (52·0%) were male. 228 125 (48·9%) participants had at least one chronic condition. The primary endpoint of hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia occurred in 1312 (0·56%) of 233 311 participants in the HD-IIV group compared with 1437 (0·62%) of 233 009 participants in the SD-IIV group (rVE 8·8%, 95% CI 1·7 to 15·5; one-sided p=0·0082). HD-IIV also reduced the incidence of cardiorespiratory hospitalisation (4720 [2·02%] participants in the HD-IIV group vs 5033 [2·16%] participants in the SD-IIV group; rVE 6·3%, 2·5 to 10·0; p=0·0006), laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisation (249 [0·11%] participants vs 365 [0·16%] participants; rVE 31·9%, 19·7 to 42·2; p<0·0001), and all-cause hospitalisation (19 921 [8·54%] vs 20 348 [8·73%]; rVE 2·2%, 0·3 to 4·1; p=0·012). All-cause mortality occurred with similar frequency in both groups (1421 [0·61%] vs 1437 [0·62%]; rVE 1·2%, –6·3 to 8·3; p=0·38). ICD-10-coded hospitalisation for influenza occurred in 164 (0·07%) participants in the HD-IIV group and 271 (0·12%) participants in the SD-IIV group (rVE 39·6%, 26·4 to 50·5) and hospitalisation for pneumonia occurred in 1161 (0·50%) participants in the HD-IIV group and 1187 (0·51%) participants in the SD-IIV group (rVE 2·3%, –6·0 to 10·0). The incidence of serious adverse events was similar between groups (16 032 events in the HD-IIV group and 15 857 events in the SD-IIV group).

Interpretation

In this prespecified pooled analysis, HD-IIV demonstrated superior protection compared with SD-IIV against hospitalisation for influenza or pneumonia and also reduced the incidence of the secondary endpoints of cardiorespiratory hospitalisation, laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisation, and all-cause hospitalisation. Given wide eligibility for influenza vaccination, implementing HD-IIV could result in substantial public health benefits.

Funding

Sanofi.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01742-8/abstract?rss=yes

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Rebalancing viral and immune #damage versus repair prevents #death from lethal #influenza #infection

 

Abstract

Maintaining tissue function while eliminating infected cells is fundamental, and inflammatory damage plays a major contribution to lethality after lung infection. We tested 50 immunomodulatory regimes to determine their ability to protect mice from lethal infection. Only neutrophil depletion soon after infection prevented death from influenza. This result suggests that the infected host passed an early tipping point after which limiting innate damage alone could not rescue lung function. We investigated treatments that could have efficacy when administered later in infection. We found that partial limitation of viral spread together with enhancement of epithelial repair, by interferon blockade or limiting CD8+ T cell–mediated killing of epithelial cells, reduced lethality. This finding highlights the importance of rebalancing repair and damage processes in the survival of pulmonary infections.

Source: 

Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr4635

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#Pathogenesis and Transmissibility of #MERS #Coronaviruses of African Origin in #Alpacas

 

Abstract

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains a highly significant threat to global public health. Dromedary camels are the zoonotic source of human infection. All cases of zoonotic Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) have occurred in Middle Eastern countries despite MERS-CoV infection of camels being widespread in Africa. This disparity in the geographic burden of the disease may be due to genomic differences between MERS-CoV circulating in Middle Eastern countries (clades A and B) versus those infecting camels in Africa (clade C), although the precise genetic determinants of virulence remain to be elucidated. The objective of the studies reported here was to evaluate differences in the magnitude of virus shedding and in transmissibility of clades A/B and C viruses using alpacas as a surrogate for dromedary camels. We found that two of three African-origin, clade C strains of MERS-CoV induced very reduced levels of virus shedding and were transmitted inefficiently to contact control animals as compared to one other clade C virus and representative viruses from clade A and B. Lower virus titers in the nasopharynx may be associated with lower zoonotic transmission and human disease severity and may explain the observed epidemiology of MERS-CoV in Africa where zoonotic disease appears rare. These results add to our understanding of the transmission of different lineages of MERS CoV in camelids and zoonotic transmission.

Source: Viruses, 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/11/1524

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

 

A poultry farm in Oberösterreich Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7024

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#Korea (Rep. of) - #Influenza A #H5N9 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

A wild Common Teal in Jeollabuk-do Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6983

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Post #COVID19 #resurgence of #Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in French #children (ORIGAMI): a retrospective and prospective multicentre cohort study

 

Summary

Background

Following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections resurged in several countries. We aimed to characterise the clinical presentation of paediatric patients admitted to hospital for M pneumoniae during 2023 and 2024 in France.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective, and prospective observational study across 37 French paediatric hospitals (September, 2023–September, 2024). Children younger than 18 years who were hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed M pneumoniae infection (PCR or serology) were included. Demographics (excluding race), clinical features, laboratory and radiological findings, management, and outcomes data were described and analysed. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06260371) and is complete.

Findings

We included 969 children and adolescents with M pneumoniae infection (7·3 years [SD 4·5], 426 [44%] of 966 patients were female and 540 [56%] of 966 were male). 936 (97%) of all patients were positive by PCR for M pneumoniae. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 628 (87%) of the 726 patients with respiratory involvement, and cutaneous manifestations were reported in 132 (14%) of 969 patients, including 56 (42%) of 132 who had erythema multiforme. Macrolides were prescribed in 884 (95%) of the 931 patients who were prescribed antibiotics, primarily azithromycin (563 [64%] of 884). Macrolide resistance was detected in one (5%) of the 21 tested samples. In total, 57 (6%) of 969 patients required PICU admission and four (<1%) died. Factors significantly associated with PICU admission included being older than 11 years (adjusted odds ratio 2·0 [95% CI 1·1–3·6]; p=0·023), asthma (2·2 [1·2–4·0]; p=0·0072), other underlying conditions (2·1 [1·2–3·7]; p=0·013), and erythema multiforme (3·7 [1·6–8·8]; 0·0025).

Interpretation

The 2023–2024 M pneumoniae epidemic in France resulted in a substantial paediatric hospitalisation burden. Although severe cases were uncommon, children older than 11 years, those with asthma, other comorbidities, and erythema multiforme were at increased risk of PICU admission. Ongoing surveillance and targeted management strategies are warranted for future epidemics.

Funding

Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val de Marne (ACTIV).

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00598-5/abstract?rss=yes

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Efficacy, Immunogenicity, and Safety of Modified #mRNA #Influenza #Vaccine

Abstract

Background

Influenza remains a major health burden despite the use of licensed vaccines. Nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA) influenza vaccines have shown promising immunogenicity against influenza and an acceptable safety profile in a phase 1–2 trial.

Methods

In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years to receive either a quadrivalent modRNA influenza vaccine (modRNA group) or a licensed inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (control group) during the 2022–2023 influenza season in the United States, South Africa, and the Philippines. The primary end point was relative efficacy, defined by the reduction in the percentage of participants with laboratory-confirmed influenza associated with influenza-like illness at least 14 days after vaccination with the modRNA vaccine, as compared with the control vaccine, and analyzed for noninferiority and superiority. Immunogenicity was evaluated by means of a hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay. We assessed reactogenicity within 7 days after vaccination, adverse events through 1 month, and serious adverse events through 6 months. We assessed vaccine efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety in the modRNA group.

Results

A total of 18,476 participants underwent randomization: 9225 were assigned to receive the modRNA vaccine and 9251 to receive the control vaccine. The relative efficacy of the modRNA vaccine as compared with the control vaccine against influenza-like illness was 34.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.4 to 53.9) on the basis of 57 cases in the modRNA group and 87 cases in the control group, a finding that met the criteria for both noninferiority and superiority. Cases of influenza-like illness were caused by A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 strains but almost no B strains. The noninferiority of the antibody response on HAI assay was shown for influenza A strains but not for B strains. Primarily mild or moderate reactogenicity was observed in both vaccine groups but was reported more frequently in the modRNA group (overall local reactions, 70.1% vs. 43.1%; overall systemic events, 65.8% vs. 48.7%). Fever occurred in 5.6% of the participants in the modRNA group and in 1.7% of those in the control group. Adverse event profiles were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

The modRNA vaccine had statistically superior efficacy over the control vaccine, with greater immune responses to A/H3N2 and A/H1N1 strains, but was associated with more reactogenicity events. (Funded by Pfizer; C4781004 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05540522.)

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine

, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2416779?query=TOC

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Swine acute #diarrhea syndrome #coronavirus-related viruses from #bats show potential #interspecies infection

 

ABSTRACT

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a bat-originated virus causing severe diseases in piglets. Since the 2016 outbreak, diverse SADS-related CoVs (SADSr-CoVs) have been detected in Rhinolophus bats in China and Southeast Asia, but their potential interspecies infection and pathogenicity remain unknown. Herein, we sequenced the spike (S) genes of bat SADSr-CoVs and classified them into four genotypes. We constructed an infectious SADS-CoV cDNA clone (rSADS-CoV) and nine recombinant viruses by replacing the SADS-CoV S gene with that of bat SADSr-CoVs. Recombinant SADSr-CoVs could replicate efficiently in respiratory and intestinal cell lines and human- and swine-derived organoids and caused varying tissue damage and mortality in suckling mice. These viruses can be classified into at least five serotypes based on cross-neutralization assays. Our findings highlight the potential risk of interspecies infection and provide important information for future surveillance of these bat viruses.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.02240-24?af=R

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#Spike conformational and glycan heterogeneity associated with #furin cleavage causes incomplete #neutralization of #SARS-CoV-2

 

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 Spike - the sole neutralization target, is highly resilient to the immune pressure driving genetic evolution. While potency and breadth of neutralization are widely studied, the incomplete neutralization - the mechanism of resistance without needing genetic change - remains unexplored. Several monoclonal antibodies, although potent, showed incomplete neutralization of genetically homogeneous pseudovirus suggesting the existence of distinct spike conformations. The residual infectivity at high antibody concentration indicates a viral fraction with intrinsic resistance to the antibody. Although the published studies on spike glycosylation, structure, and conformations provide evidence of spike heterogeneity the precise mechanism for the incomplete neutralization has not been established. In this study, we devise a method to separate the un-neutralized virion population, called as persistent fraction of infectivity (PF), and characterize the viral spike protein. The neutralization resistance of PF is stable and unrelated to the conformational equilibrium that exists in the pseudovirus stock. The spike on the PF is highly cleaved between S1 and S2, adopts the closed conformation, and express more mannosidic glycans on RBD than the total virus population. Our study provides possible explanations for the incomplete neutralization by antibodies and delineates the association between furin cleavage of spike, its conformation and glycosylation.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65099-y

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