Characterization of #Nipah Virus Strains #Malaysia and #Bangladesh in a #Hamster #Aerosol-Exposure Model

 

Abstract

Nipah virus (NiV) is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense virus that causes severe respiratory distress and neurological disease in humans. While NiV disease is associated with high mortality rates (40–70%), no FDA-approved medical countermeasures (MCM) against NiV currently exist. Phylogenetic analyses have clustered isolates from Malaysia (NiV-M) and Bangladesh (NiV-B) into two distinct circulating strains associated with unique transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and lethality rates in humans. Predominantly spread by zoonotic transmission, NiV-M yields lower case-fatality rates, mild respiratory symptoms, and severe neurological manifestations. In contrast, NiV-B showcases higher case-fatality rates, marked respiratory disease, and human-to-human transmission via respiratory secretions. NiV hamster models utilizing aerosol, oronasal, intranasal, intracranial, and intraperitoneal inoculations exist. However, aerosol infection of NiV-B in hamsters remains poorly understood, while direct strain comparisons using aerosolization as an inoculation route have yet to be performed. To establish a Syrian golden hamster model comparing NiV strain-specific disease presentations and pathologies following aerosol exposure for downstream MCM characterization, we infected SGHs with a range of NiV-M and NiV-B aerosol inocula, determined the median lethal dose (LD50) and survival curves, and further elucidated both histopathological changes and viral antigen distribution within the brain and lungs. We found increased NiV-M lethality, respiratory distress, and neurological disease, in addition to more severe pathologies and viral signal within both the brain and lungs compared to NiV-B-infected animals. Our study serves as the first to compare aerosol exposure of NiV-B versus NiV-M in a hamster model, which can subsequently be used for crucial strain-specific MCM characterizations.

Source: Viruses Journal,  https://doi.org/10.3390/v18111263

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Post-pandemic #immunity #debt and environmental decoupling reshape #urban #influenza transmission

 

Abstract

Relaxation of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions was followed by a global resurgence of respiratory infections, yet how accumulated population susceptibility interacts with environmental forcing and human mobility remains unclear. Here we analyse ~1.88 million clinical influenza tests from Macau (2010-2025) alongside meteorology, air quality, digital information-seeking, and independent surveillance and time-resolved viral genomes from Hong Kong, benchmarked against global surveillance data. Counterfactual inference indicates a post-pandemic excess in influenza activity consistent with immunity debt, mirroring global resurgence patterns, and an independently parameterised susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered–susceptible model reproduces this excess (best-fit debt fraction 42%; approximate Bayesian computation posterior 58%, 95% uncertainty interval 32-77%). Susceptibility rises disproportionately in adults rather than children, whereas vaccination coverage in high-risk groups does not decline, arguing against reduced uptake as the driver. Time-varying models and convergent cross mapping reveal environmental decoupling, whereby high susceptibility weakens meteorological constraints and sustains influenza A transmission, and asymmetric suppression of influenza B. Spatiotemporal and phylogenetic evidence supports travel-linked reintroduction from ports of entry into dense neighbourhoods, and digital information-seeking shifts from lagging to leading clinical burden. These findings indicate a post-pandemic regime shift in influenza dynamics rather than a return to historical baselines, motivating adaptive, multi-source surveillance in high-density cities.

Source: Nature Communications,  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-79600-8

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Long-term local #circulation of an #Andes virus lineage in northern #Patagonia is linked to the M/V #Hondius #outbreak

 

Abstract

In 2026, a hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) outbreak caused by Andes virus (ANDV) occurred on a cruise ship. Analyses revealed an unexpected relationship to an outbreak in Argentina in 2018. Retrospective investigation clarified the 2018 outbreak could involve person-to-person transmission and a common ANDV lineage spanned HPS cases from 2018 to 2025 in a geographically defined area in northern Patagonia, without widespread community transmission of ANDV. Route reconstruction for the index cases in the cruise ship outbreak identified geographically plausible exposures to viruses of this lineage in Argentina, but their timing was inconsistent with the expected ANDV incubation period. The infection source for the cruise ship outbreak cannot be resolved with current information, highlighting the need to expand viral surveillance in the ANDV endemic region.

Source: Science Journal, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aej1679

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#Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome #outbreak linked to cruise #ship #travel in April–May 2026

 

Abstract

In April 2026, a hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) outbreak caused by Andes virus (ANDV) occurred on a cruise ship. ANDV genome sequences were obtained for 10 of the 13 identified cases during a cross-country investigation established to share initial raw data for joint analysis with reciprocal quality control. The genomic data, symptom onsets, and plausible contact patterns strongly support a tightly linked outbreak cluster compatible with a single or very few zoonotic spillover events prior to embarkment followed by human-to-human transmission onboard. The outbreak represents the international displacement of a virus already known to be capable, under specific conditions, to transmit among humans, and does not suggest emergence of a unusual viral strain.

Source: Science Journal, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aej1376

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#Measles resurgence in #Italy: analysis of temporal patterns of viral transmission, #surveillance #performance, and #vaccination coverage at national and regional levels, October 2023 to March 2025

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Following substantial progress towards measles elimination after the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy experienced a marked increase in measles cases in 2024.

AIM

Our aim was to describe measles epidemiology in Italy, October 2023–March 2025, and assess vaccination coverage, surveillance performance at national and regional levels, and temporal patterns of transmission.

METHODS

Numbers of measles cases and outbreaks were reviewed. Vaccination coverage and surveillance indicators were described at national and regional levels. Measles variants were classified by genotype and Distinct Sequence Identifier (DSId). Temporal transmission patterns of measles variants were assessed nationally and regionally to identify sustained transmission chains (≥ 12 consecutive months).

RESULTS

In total, 1,311 measles cases were reported, with 178 outbreaks. Cases’ median age was 30.9 years (IQR: 15.6–39.8); 601 were female (45.8%) and 710 male (54.2%). Only 3.1% (38/1,230) were fully vaccinated. In 2024, the first-dose vaccination coverage increased to 94.77% (95% CI: 94.70–94.84%) nationally, while second-dose coverage declined to 84.45% (95% CI: 84.35–84.55%). Among all cases, 12.1% (n = 158) were imported/importation-related, 64.1% (n = 841) were of unknown origin and 52.8% had DSId data available (n = 692), with high regional heterogeneity. Twenty-five measles variants were identified. One variant (D8–5963) showed sustained national transmission for over 12 months, meeting criteria for re-established endemic transmission, although no single region showed uninterrupted ≥ 12-month circulation.

CONCLUSION

Measles resurgence in Italy was marked by persistent immunity gaps, heterogeneous surveillance performance, and sustained national circulation of a D8 variant, indicating loss of near-elimination status. Strengthening vaccination strategies and enhancing molecular surveillance is urgently needed to restore progress towards measles elimination.

Source: Eurosurveillance Journal, https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.45.2600090

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Detection of #Shamonda virus in field-collected #Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), #Switzerland, August to September 2026

 

Abstract

In August–September 2026, we detected Shamonda virus (SHAV) (genus Orthobunyavirus) RNA in 15 of 34 pools of 610 field-collected Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of C. obsoletus group, C. circumscriptus and C. festivipennis on cattle farms in Switzerland. The overall minimum infection rate was 24.59 per 1,000 females tested. Further investigations of the role of local biting midge species in virus transmission and the potential implications for animal and human health are needed, considering possible zoonotic concerns.

Source: Eurosurveillance Journal, https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.45.2600927

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#Baloxavir and #molnupiravir protect against severe #influenza #H5N1 #infection in immunosuppressed hamsters

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses continue to expand their geographic and host range, raising concerns about zoonotic transmission and pandemic preparedness. Immunocompromised individuals often develop severe and prolonged disease, yet evidence guiding antiviral therapy remains limited. Here, we characterized the pathogenesis and assessed direct-contact transmission of an influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1 virus recently isolated from a human case in British Columbia, Canada, in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed hamsters, with normal hamsters included for comparison of infection outcomes and viral shedding kinetics. We also evaluated the antiviral efficacy of oseltamivir (20 mg/kg twice daily for 5 days), baloxavir (50 mg/kg, 2 doses), and molnupiravir (50 or 200 mg/kg twice daily) as monotherapies or in combination (oseltamivir with low-dose molnupiravir) in immunosuppressed hamsters. While normal hamsters showed no mortality and achieved viral clearance, infection in immunosuppressed hamsters caused severe disease characterized by prolonged viral replication, neuroinvasion, and 75% mortality, with no direct-contact transmission detected. In the antiviral efficacy experiment, placebo-treated hamsters exhibited 50% mortality. Baloxavir resulted in 100% survival, shortened viral shedding, reduced viral replication and pulmonary inflammatory responses, and prevented neuroinvasion. High-dose molnupiravir also prevented mortality and achieved viral clearance in lung and brain tissues. Combination therapy resulted in 75% survival and similarly achieved viral clearance in both tissues, with reduced morbidity compared with oseltamivir and low-dose molnupiravir monotherapies. Oseltamivir resulted in 75% survival but failed to prevent severe clinical signs or reduce tissue viral titers, whereas low-dose molnupiravir showed outcomes comparable to placebo. These findings demonstrate the high pathogenicity of a human A(H5N1) isolate in immunosuppressed hamsters, support baloxavir as an effective therapeutic option, and identify molnupiravir-based regimens as promising strategies for severe influenza A(H5N1) infection.

Source: PLoS Pathogens, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1014796

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#Maternal and perinatal #outcomes in pregnant women with #Lassa fever: analysis from the LASCOPE prospective cohort study

 

Summary

Background

Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic in west Africa, is usually described as associated with severe maternal and perinatal outcomes. Previous studies reported maternal mortality of 33% (whereas overall mortality is about 14% in Nigeria for patients admitted to hospital) and fetal mortality is up to 60%. However, most evidence derives from small case series with substantial limitations. We aimed to assess maternal death and perinatal outcomes in a prospective cohort study with standardised medical care protocols.

Methods

We analysed data from the LASCOPE cohort from the Federal Medical Centre Owo, Nigeria, which included all patients with PCR-confirmed Lassa fever. In this analysis, non-pregnant women of childbearing age (15–45 years) were compared with pregnant women, defined as having an ongoing pregnancy during Lassa fever. The primary maternal outcome was all-cause mortality 28 days after admission and the primary pregnancy outcome was fetal death. Mortality at 28 days was compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates and a Cox proportional-hazards model, the cumulative incidence of fetal death was estimated with livebirth as a competing event, and the association between gestational age at symptom onset and fetal death was assessed by logistic regression.

Findings

Between April 4, 2018, and Feb 18, 2023, of 1006 patients in the LASCOPE cohort admitted with PCR-confirmed Lassa fever, 703 were excluded for not being of childbearing age, and 303 were women of childbearing age, of whom 45 were pregnant. The median age of pregnant women was 28 years (IQR 24–32). The 28-day mortality was comparable between pregnant and non-pregnant women (four [9%; 95% CI 2–21] of 45 vs 19 [7%; 95% CI 4–11] of 258; hazard ratio 1·19 [95% CI 0·41–3·50]; log-rank p=0·75). Fetal case-fatality rate was 60% (27 of 45), with higher risk of fetal death if infection occurred early in the pregnancy (100% for the first trimester, 82% for the second trimester, and 25% for the third trimester). Each additional week of gestation at symptom onset was associated with a reduction in the odds of fetal death (odds ratio 0·77 [95% CI 0·61–0·90]). Among 15 liveborn infants, three (20%) died within 30 days.

Interpretation

Although the fetal prognosis was poor, as previously reported, maternal fatality was lower than previously indicated, potentially reflecting improved supportive care and patient monitoring. These findings suggest that maternal mortality might be lower than historically reported, while confirming the urgent need for specific therapeutic interventions to improve fetal outcomes.

Funding

INSERM/REACTing; the African Coalition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training consortium; the University of Oxford; the UK Department for International Development; the Wellcome Trust; the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les hépatites virales; and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development.

Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00524-4

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#Transmission #dynamics of #Nipah virus in #Bangladesh and India, 2001–2026: Systematic review and inference on reproduction number, offspring dispersion, and serial interval

 

Abstract

Background

Nipah virus (NiV) is a priority zoonotic pathogen causing high-fatality outbreaks. Early NiV outbreaks in Malaysia and Singapore had limited transmission beyond spillover events. However, since 2001, NiV outbreaks with person-to-person transmission have occurred in Bangladesh and India, driven by the NiV-Bangladesh genotype and NiV-India genotype. Our study aims to estimate the reproduction number, offspring dispersion, and serial interval governing NiV transmission in Bangladesh and India during 2001–2026.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of NiV outbreak investigations in Bangladesh and India, searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature through 28 February 2026. Case-level offspring counts from 27 sources (323 cases across 67 outbreaks) were used as input to a hierarchical Bayesian negative binomial offspring distribution model. The serial interval was estimated by parametric distribution fitting to 137 transmission pairs. We conducted country-specific analysis and performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of estimates.

Results

Pooling across 67 outbreaks, we estimated a median reproduction number of 0.43 (95% CrI: 0.26–0.75), an offspring dispersion parameter of 0.04 (0.03–0.06), and a serial interval of 13.3 days (95% CI: 12.8–13.8). Country-specific median reproduction numbers were 0.47 (0.22–0.98) for India and 0.35 (0.19–0.63) for Bangladesh, and dispersion parameters were 0.03 (0.02–0.06) and 0.05 (0.03–0.09), respectively, indicating marked overdispersion in both settings.

Conclusion

NiV transmission is self-limiting on average and highly overdispersed, suggesting that a disproportionate share of onward transmission arises from a small number of cases. This epidemiological profile supports targeted containment measures, including contact tracing and quarantine, for effective NiV outbreak control.

Source: Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0014876

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Cross #Protection against #Influenza #H5 Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses after #H1N1pdm09 Infection

 

Abstract

We challenged ferrets previously infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus with H5N1 or H5N5 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses to assess cross-protection. Results show that previous A(H1N1)pdm09 virus immunity conferred partial protection against both viruses, with slightly reduced protection against H5N5 compared with H5N1, potentially reflecting the absence of cross-reactive N5 neuraminidase antibodies.

Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3212.261032

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Rare recovery of #reassortants between contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 viruses and #human #influenza A viruses in vitro

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) pandemics can arise when animal-derived and human-adapted IAVs exchange genome segments; however, whether contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses can generate viable reassortants with human IAVs is unclear. Here, we tested the reassortment potential of two clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses with human-adapted H1N1 and H3N2 IAVs using a biosafe reassortment system. Across multiple coinfection conditions, we genotyped 2,698 plaque-purified viral clones and recovered 20 reassortants (0.74%). Polymerase assays identified human IAV subunits, particularly H1N1 PA or H3N2 PB2, that increased H5N1 polymerase activity. Thus, contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses can reassort with human IAVs, but factors beyond polymerase compatibility may limit their recovery.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2631654123

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Broad #vaccine #protection against globally diverse #influenza #H5Nx viruses

 

Summary

Influenza A/H5Nx viruses continue to diversify and undergo gene reassortment as they infect avian and mammalian hosts worldwide. The severity of human infections varies substantially between different H5 clades and neuraminidase (NA) reassortants, creating unpredictable pandemic risk. Existing H5 vaccines, typically based on a single hemagglutinin (HA) strain, cannot keep pace with this natural variation. To address this problem, we computationally engineer HA, NA, and M2 antigens representing the global antigenic space of circulating H5Nx viruses, prioritizing N1 and N6 subtypes associated with the highest threat in humans. The resulting digitally immune-optimized mRNA vaccine, DVX-panH5Nx, elicits broad HA neutralization and NA inhibition across divergent clades in mice and ferrets. Compared to WHO candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs), DVX-panH5Nx confers superior protection against antigenically distinct H5N1 challenges spanning two decades of viral evolution, demonstrating that computationally designed multivalent antigen vaccines can overcome natural influenza diversification and provide a scalable strategy for pre-pandemic preparedness.

Source: Cell Reports Medicine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2026.103131

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Immunogenicity and #safety of two priming doses of an MF59-adjuvanted cell-based #H5N8 #influenza #vaccine in healthy persons aged ≥18 years

Abstract

Background

Increased transmission of avian influenza from animals to humans has elevated the risk of an H5 pandemic.

Methods

This phase 2, randomized, observer-blind, multi-center trial assessed the immunogenicity and safety of homologous priming with an MF59-adjuvanted, cell-based H5N8 A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 clade 2.3.4.4b vaccine (aH5N8c). We enrolled adults age ≥18 years, equally stratified into 18–64 (including a poultry-worker subset) and ≥65 year cohorts. Primary and secondary outcomes were homologous antibody responses against H5N8 measured in all participants by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and in a subset by microneutralization (MN) assays on Days 1, 22, and 43. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were monitored for 7 days post-vaccination, with unsolicited AEs tracked throughout Day 43.

Results

239 participants were vaccinated (18–64 years, n = 121; ≥65 years, n = 118). At Day 43 (21 days post second aH5N8c dose), geometric mean fold increases (GMFI) were 13.7 for the 18–64 cohort and 10.2 for the ≥65 cohort. HI seroconversion rates were 75.8% (95% CI 66.1–83.8%) for the 18–64 cohort and 71.0% (61.1–79.6%) for the ≥65 cohort. HI titers ≥1:40 were achieved in 75.8% (66.1–83.8%) and 73.0% (63.2–81.4%) of participants, respectively. MN seroconversion rates were 80.6% (68.6–89.6%) and 70.0% (56.8–81.2%), while MN titers ≥1:40 were 83.9% (72.3–92.0%) and 86.7% (75.4–94.1%), respectively. No notable differences in immune responses by poultry worker status were observed. Most solicited AEs were mild or moderate, resolving within 3 days. Unsolicited AEs were reported by 16.7% participants by Day 43.

Conclusion

These data support the use of the MF59-adjuvanted, cell-based monovalent H5N8 vaccine as a public health intervention against H5 influenza.

Source: Vaccine Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129279

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#Antigenic #landscape of a highly mutated #SARS-CoV-2 #spike in ongoing viral #evolution

 

Abstract

The ongoing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in an increasingly immune-experienced population is largely enabled by the plasticity of the Spike protein, which lies at the frontline of host immune pressure. Here, we investigated how extensive remodeling of the N-terminal domain (NTD) in Spike influences its antigenic properties. Using BA.2.87.1, a variant heavily mutated in this domain, we found that even large deletions do not substantially disrupt overall Spike structure or pseudovirus infectivity. However, our structural and binding analyses revealed that the NTD exhibits increased flexibility and that interaction with a heme–metabolite, known to facilitate the exposure of an immunodominant epitope, is lost. These conformational effects, coupled with 33 NTD mutations, compromised the ability of human convalescent antibodies to engage this domain, contributing to their reduced neutralizing capacity. Consequently, BA.2.87.1-like variants may escape recognition by the preexisting NTD-targeting antibodies, potentially reducing protection. Together, our results highlight the intrinsic adaptability of the Spike beyond the receptor-binding domain, with implications for immune escape during viral evolution.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2608185123

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Structure of #influenza D virus #NS1 reveals a novel Zn-binding site and ssRNA-binding activity

 

Abstract

Influenza D virus (IDV) is an emerging pathogen associated with bovine respiratory disease and has potential for zoonotic transmission. Although nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a major virulence factor in influenza A and B viruses, the structure and function of IDV NS1 remain poorly defined. Here, we determined crystal structures of the IDV NS1 N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) and C-terminal effector domain (CTD). The NTD retains the conserved homodimeric six-helix fold, whereas the CTD adopts a distinct architecture containing a novel Zn²⁺-binding site. IDV NS1 CTD preferentially binds single-stranded RNA, and mutagenesis identified lysine and arginine residues critical for this activity. Single-residue substitutions disrupting either the Zn²⁺-binding site or RNA-binding interface prevented recovery of infectious recombinant IDV. These findings reveal distinct structural and functional features of IDV NS1 and establish the importance of CTD integrity for viral replication. Conservation of key CTD residues in influenza C virus NS1 suggests shared structural features that distinguish influenza C and D virus NS1 proteins from their influenza A and B counterparts.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Welch Foundation, https://ror.org/00np6vq88, C-1565

Source: BioRxIV, https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.29.760789

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A single–amino acid difference between #rodent and #human #Andes virus affects viral #glycoprotein trafficking

 

Abstract

Andes virus (ANDV) causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), with rare outbreaks involving person-to-person transmission. A human ANDV isolate from one such outbreak and a rodent isolate from the same region differ in lethality in Syrian golden hamsters. Genomic analysis revealed 25 nonsynonymous substitutions, including one leading to a T641I change in the human ANDV glycoprotein precursor near its cleavage site. Although the isolates differed in growth kinetics, strand-specific RT-qPCR did not support major differences in viral RNA synthesis, whereas virion release was delayed in the case of the human isolate. In human cell expression systems, a single I641T substitution in the human ANDV glycoprotein resulted in decreased Golgi retention and faster release of virion-like particles relative to wild-type glycoprotein. Since ANDV egress takes place at the Golgi, the T641I change present in the human ANDV isolate may represent a human adaptive mutation influencing glycoprotein trafficking and virus particle release.

Source: Science Advances Journal, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aek2522

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#Hantavirus #Outbreak Caused by #Andes Virus Linked to International Cruise #Ship #Travel — #USA, 2026

 

Abstract

Andes virus (ANDV), the only hantavirus known to be transmitted person-to-person, is endemic to areas of South America and can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which has a case-fatality rate of approximately 40%. On May 4, 2026, CDC was notified of seven cases of severe acute respiratory illness, including three deaths, among 147 persons aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean; the illnesses were later confirmed to be caused by ANDV. No cases occurred among passengers who were U.S. residents. Ten of 28 U.S. resident passengers disembarked before ANDV infection was confirmed aboard the ship. On May 10, the remaining 18 U.S. resident passengers were repatriated to the National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, for risk assessment and monitoring, and where optimized advanced care was available, should symptoms develop. CDC and U.S. health departments monitored 60 additional U.S. residents potentially exposed on flights involving a passenger with symptomatic ANDV infection from the cruise, totaling 88 contacts across 27 jurisdictions. All 88 contacts completed 42 days of monitoring, with no secondary ANDV infections identified. Worldwide, local health authorities assessed and monitored approximately 653 potentially exposed persons from 33 countries. This response highlights the value of rapid coordination among partners to locate and monitor potentially exposed persons during an international outbreak to reduce the risk for ANDV transmission. Prompt notification to public health authorities can facilitate testing, patient care, contact identification, and implementation of measures to limit secondary transmission.

Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7543a1

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#Andes virus on cruise #ships: An #evidence-stratified #review of #transmission risks and #biosecurity strategies

 

Abstract

The 2026 Andes virus (ANDV) cluster associated with the merchant vessel (MV) Hondius cruise ship highlights the limitations of hantavirus control strategies that have traditionally focused on rodent-source exposure alone. No evidence supports heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)-mediated long-distance ANDV spread. Such strategies are insufficient for ecologically sensitive cruise routes, enclosed ocean-going environments, international passenger movement, and limited onboard medical capacity. Current evidence indicates that ANDV has limited but documented potential for person-to-person transmission. Transmission is most plausibly associated with acute-phase viremia, exposure to body fluids or short-range droplets, prolonged close contact, caregiving, and specific contextual conditions; it should not be equated with sustained community transmission by highly efficient respiratory viruses. On the basis of epidemiologic investigations, clinical shedding studies, animal models, viral genetic evidence, and environmental stability data, this review analyzes how high-consequence pathogens may have their public health impact amplified in cruise-ship settings. It further proposes prevention and control measures covering pre-voyage ecological exposure assessment, embarkation screening, early onboard recognition, tiered isolation, rapid shipboard testing, medical evacuation, and cross-border coordination. The central lesson from the MV Hondius event is that cruise ships operating on ecologically sensitive routes should move beyond conventional sanitation-centered management toward a whole-of-journey biosecurity model based on evidence stratification and graded response.

Source: Biosafety and Health Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bsheal.2026.07.006

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