ETIDIOH - NEW

  February 2026  WHO convenes technical consultations {1} in February and September each year to recommend viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines {2} for the northern hemisphere (NH) and southern hemisphere (SH) influenza seasons, respectively.  This recommendation relates to the influenza vaccines for use in the NH 2026-2027 influenza season .  A recommendation will be made in September 2026 relating to vaccines that will be used for the SH 2027 influenza season.  WHO guidance for choosing between the NH and SH formulations for countries in tropical and subtropical regions is available on the WHO Global Influenza Programme website {3}.   National or regional authorities approve the composition and formulation of influenza vaccines used in each country.  National public health authorities are responsible for making recommendations regarding the use of the vaccine.  WHO has published recommendations on the prevention of influenza {4}....

  {Excerpt} Avian Influenza Report - Reporting period: February 1, 2026 – February 7, 2026 (Week 6) (Published on February 10, 2026)   -- Avian influenza A(H9N2) :  1) Guangdong Province :  - A 73-year-old woman with onset on January 17, 2026.  2) Hunan Province :  - A 2-year-old boy with onset on December 29, 2025.  -- Avian influenza A(H10N3) : 1) Guangdong Province :  - A 34-year-old man with onset on December 29, 2025.   (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk06.pdf ____

  Highlights •  Nonspecific early signs hinder prompt diagnosis of H10N3 infection. •  H10N3 human infection remains rare but with high clinical severity. •  All patients had bird exposure and developed fever, cough, and dyspnoea. •  Diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing; imaging revealed viral pneumonia. Abstract Background Since the first human case of H10N3 Avian Influenza in Jiangsu, China (April 2021), three cases have been reported globally. However, clinical and treatment data remain limited. Therefore, we describe the fourth patient’s epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, treatment. Case presentation A 23-year-old woman, previously well , presented on 12 Dec 2024 with fever, dry cough and breathlessness after pig and chicken contact . CT showed bilateral pneumonia . Despite high-flow oxygen and broad-spectrum antibiotics she deteriorated , requiring intubation, lung-protective ventilation and VV-ECMO . Bronchoalveolar lavage isolated H10N3 ...

  Abstract We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province , China , in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province . H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events. {From Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, US CDC.} Sources:  Link:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41237415/ ____

  Abstract We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province , China, in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province . H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/11/25-0847_article ____

  Abstract The poultry industry faces a constant threat from the mutation and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While waterfowl and wild birds are natural hosts of H3N3 AIV , reports of H3N3 infections in chickens are limited. However, in 2023, a decline in egg production among laying hens in the Yancheng Region of Jiangsu Province prompted a study. This research aimed to diagnose the aetiology in laying hens through molecular virological methods and characterise the biological properties of the causative pathogens. An H3N3 AIV subtype strain, A/chicken/China/YC01/2023(H3N3), was isolated from chickens exhibiting lesions. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed a novel genetic makeup : the HA gene originated from an H3N8 AIV, the NA gene from an H10N3 AIV, and the internal genes from an H9N2 AIV, all circulating in China. Chickens experimentally infected with the isolate showed signs of Harderian gland haemorrhage, nasal mucus, tracheal circumferential bleeding , and ...

  Context and significance The avian influenza A virus subtype H10N3 is a possible candidate for causing a fatal flu and may present a serious public health threat . Research increasingly shows that the avian influenza virus H10N3 can be transmitted from birds to humans , causing severe viral pneumonia and potentially leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure . Researchers at the Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning (China) provide evidence supporting the cross-species transmission of the avian influenza virus H10N3 to humans, which can give rise to severe pneumonia. The authors report that a female patient with avian influenza virus H10N3 infection, who was suffering from severe pneumonia , respiratory failure, pneumothorax , and numbness and dysesthesia in her feet , recovered after receiving appropriate therapy and was discharged from the hospital. Highlights •  A young woman contracted the avian influenza virus H10N3 •  Secondary infections...

  New human cases {2}:  -- From 28 May to 1 July 2025 , based on reporting date, the detection of influenza A( H5N1 ) in nine humans , influenza A( H9N2 ) in three humans and influenza A( H10N3 ) in one human were reported officially. Additionally, one human case of infection with an influenza A(H5N1) virus was detected.  Circulation of influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals :  -- High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) events in poultry and non-poultry continue to be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).{3} The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also provides a global update on avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.{4}  Risk assessment {5}:  -- Sustained human to human transmission has not been reported from these events.  -- Based on information available at the time of the risk assessment, the overall public health risk from currently known influenza viruses circulating at t...

{Excerpt} Epi-Week 25 2025 Avian influenza A(H9N2) :  - Henan Province :  -- 1) A 52-year-old woman with onset on May 10, 2025.  - Hunan Province :  -- 2) A 72-year-old woman with onset on May 14, 2025.  - Sichuan Province :  --3) A six-year-old boy with onset on May 14, 2025. Avian influenza A(H10N3) :  - Shaanxi Province :  -- 1) A 70-year-old woman with onset on April 21, 2025.  (...) Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR,  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk25.pdf ____

Abstract Since 2021, the novel H10N3 has caused four cases of human infection in China, the most recent of which occurred in December 2024 , posing a potential threat to public health. Our previous studies indicated that several avian H10N3 strains are highly pathogenic in mice and can be transmitted between mammals via respiratory droplets without prior adaptation. By analyzing the genome sequence , we found that these H10N3 viruses carry the PB2-E627V mutation , which is becoming increasingly common in several subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV); however, its mechanism in mammalian adaptation remains unclear. Using a reverse genetics system , we investigated the role of PB2-E627V in the adaptation of H10N3 to mammals and poultry. Our findings demonstrate that the PB2-E627V mutation is critical for the high pathogenicity of novel H10N3 in mice and its ability to be transmitted through the air among mammals . Additionally, we found that the role of PB2-627 V in promoting AIV adap...

  New human cases {2}:  -- From 23 April to 27 May 2025, based on reporting date, the detection of influenza A( H5N1 ) in three humans, the detection of influenza A( H9N2 ) virus in eight humans and the detection of influenza A( H10N3 ) in one human were reported officially.  -- Circulation of influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals:  - High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry and non-poultry animals continue to be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).{3}  - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also provides a global update on avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.{4}  -- Risk assessment {5}:  - Sustained human to human transmission has not been reported in these events. Based on information available at the time of the risk assessment , the overall public health risk from currently known influenza viruses circulating at the human-animal interface has not c...