ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract Since 2020, the outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b has turned into the largest documented panzootic 1,3. Here, we describe its arrival into the Indian Ocean sub-Antarctic archipelagos of Crozet and Kerguelen , where we first detected the virus in October 2024 in dead southern elephant seals . While the panzootic is ongoing, it has already caused unprecedented mortalities of marine mammals and seabirds . We collected brain swabs from seal and seabird carcasses and obtained 25 novel HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b sequences . Using phylogeographic analyses, we show that there have been independent introductions of the virus to Crozet and Kerguelen islands , most likely from the distant South Georgia islands in the Southern Atlantic , and not from the more nearby coasts of South Africa . Our results point to a year-long gap in genomic surveillance in the sub-Antarctic region. Locally, our analyses show that the virus is transmitted between di...

  Abstract We describe isolation and characterization of a novel henipavirus , designated Salt Gully virus , from the urine of pteropid bats in Australia . We noted the virus to be most closely related to Angavokely virus, not reliant on ephrin receptors for cell entry, and of unknown risk for human disease. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/9/25-0470_article ____

Abstract Clinical progression and medium-long term morbidity from myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations remains an important but undefined public health concern . We conducted prospective follow-up of individuals with either confirmed or probable myocarditis following monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccination between 21 April 2021 and 5 July 2022 in Australia . Of 256 individuals who consented to follow up, mostly males following a second dose, 60% (133/221) had ongoing symptoms at 3-6 months and 35% (81/231) at 12-18 months. Self-reported ongoing exercise restrictions, medication requirements, and hospital re-presentations were associated with ongoing symptoms, as was a lower self-reported health status and quality of life. Clinical severity remained mild , with low hospitalisation rates and no deaths in the follow-up period and health-related quality of life improved over time. These findings support ongoing use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in at-ri...

Highlights •  Acute COVID-19 usually causes mild illness even in young and immunosuppressed children •  Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with more severe disease •  Concurrent serious bacterial infection is rare in children admitted with acute COVID-19. ABSTRACT Background Management and outcomes of children hospitalised with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may differ throughout the pandemic or with admission type (clinical COVID-19, incidental COVID-19 or nosocomial infection). Objectives Describe the severity, management and outcomes of hospitalised children with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in Australia across the first 4 years of the pandemic and compare between admission types, SARS-CoV-2 variants, age groups and immune status. Study design A multi-centre prospective cohort study of 6,009 children aged 0-16 years between January 2020 to June 2023. Results Most children (84.3%) did not receive respiratory support , 33.4% received antibiotics and 8% were admitted...

This is a confirmed case of H7N8 HPAI in a free-range commercial egg layer poultry farm . H7N8 virus is genetically related to strains detected in wild birds in Australia but different from the strains detected and eradicated in Australia in 2024. Biosecurity controls ( quarantine ) have been implemented on the farm. A detailed surveillance plan is being developed and epidemiological investigation and tracing is underway. Operational activities have commenced immediately. A Control Area (CA) and Restricted Area (RA) have been declared around the premises. Movement controls are being implemented in the CA and RA. A public information strategy has been employed. All coordinates provided are approximate to the nearest town location. Outbreak location: Victoria State. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6249 _____