ETIDIOH - NEW

ABSTRACT H1 and H3 influenza A viruses (IAVs) circulating in European pigs are markedly distinct from those circulating in other global swine populations . These viruses exhibit significant genetic diversity , further expanded by periodic interspecies transmission of IAVs from humans into pigs , followed by sustained circulation. Several zoonotic IAV infections in humans in Europe have been associated with the 1C lineage of H1 IAVs . Given the predominance of H1 detections in pigs and their zoonotic potential, we quantified antigenic evolution of H1 viruses in European pigs using ferret and pig models and assessed diversity relative to swine IAV vaccine strains. Ferret and swine antisera comparisons revealed no significant differences in antibody responses . Viruses of the 1A.3.3.2 clade exhibited reduced cross-reactivity to human seasonal vaccine strains from 2009. Viruses of the 1B.1.2.2 clade showed no cross-reactivity to the 1978 human seasonal influenza viruses nor to candidate va...

  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...

  Situation at a glance Since mid-February 2025, according to data available from sentinel sites, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that have not been observed since July 2024.  This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions .  Since early 2025 , global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), is increasing , reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.  Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year, however, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited.  Continued monitoring is essential . WHO advises all Member States to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing C...

  Key points -- Vaccination remains an important public health countermeasure against COVID-19 . As per the WHO Director General’s standing recommendations for COVID-19, Member States are recommended to continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination based on the recommendations of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). -- SARS-CoV-2 continues to undergo sustained evolution since its emergence in humans, with important genetic and antigenic changes in the spike protein. -- The objective of an update to COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition is to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses to circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. -- The WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) advises manufacturers that monovalent JN.1 or KP.2 vaccines remain appropriate vaccine antigens ; monovalent LP.8.1 is a suitable alternative vaccine antigen . -- In accordance with WHO SAGE policy, vaccination should not be delayed in anticipation of access to vacci...

Influenza at the human-animal interface Summary and risk assessment, from 20 March to 22 April 2025 {1}  • New human cases {2}:  From 20 March to 22 April 2025 , based on reporting date, the detection of influenza A( H5N1 ) in four humans and influenza A( H9N2 ) virus in three humans were reported officially.  • 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 the human-animal inter...