Case - #Fatality #Risk of #Norovirus, #England, 2022–2025

 

Abstract

Norovirus incidence increased in England during 2022–2025, when GII.17 replaced GII.4 as the dominant genotype. By using nationally linked norovirus testing and fatality data, we found age and care setting, but not genotype, were associated with case-fatality risk. Increased incidence might reflect changes in transmissibility or population immunity.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/8/26-0091_article

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (US CDC, July 17 '26)

{Excerpt}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week: Time Period: July 05, 2026 - July 11, 2026

    - A(H5) Detection: 4 site(s) (0.9%)

    - No Detection: 442 site(s) (99.1%)

    - No samples: 46 site(s)

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(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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#Spain, Ministry of Health is strengthening #prevention, #preparedness and response to #animal-borne #influenza with a national plan (Min. Health, July 16 '26)

 

    Madrid, July 16, 2026.- The Public Health Commission has approved the State Plan against infections by influenza viruses of zoonotic origin: Prevention, Surveillance and Control, which establishes a common framework for prevention, surveillance, early detection and response to influenza viruses that circulate in animals and can be transmitted to people.

    The Plan adopts the "One Health" approach and establishes a joint response across the fields of human health, animal health, and the environment. Its objective is to improve coordination among the different sectors at the national, regional, and local levels, and to ensure that epidemiological, microbiological, and environmental information is integrated, up-to-date, and readily available to facilitate the early implementation of control measures.

    The document has been coordinated by the Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) of the Ministry of Health and prepared jointly with the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the Carlos III Health Institute, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition and other units involved in the prevention and management of these risks.

    Zoonotic influenza viruses circulate among animals. Transmission to humans remains infrequent and is usually linked to direct contact with infected animals, their secretions, or contaminated environments. However, their ability to mutate and exchange genetic material necessitates continuous surveillance, especially given the increased detection of these viruses in various mammal species.

    The Plan organizes the actions into four scenarios , which allow the measures to be progressively adapted to the epidemiological situation of each territory.

    Scenario 0 corresponds to a situation with no detected infections in animals or people and focuses on ordinary actions of prevention, surveillance, training and maintenance of diagnostic capabilities.

    Scenario 1 is activated upon detection of outbreaks in wild or captive animals. It distinguishes between isolated outbreaks in birds, multiple outbreaks distributed across a territory, and detections in wild mammals.

    Scenario 2 considers outbreaks in domestic animals and also differentiates between isolated outbreaks in birds, multiple outbreaks, and detections in domestic mammals.

    Finally, scenario 3 applies when a human infection is identified. In this case, a distinction is made between cases with known exposure to animals or contaminated environments, those where no risk exposure is identified, and cases associated with contact with another infected person, which would imply possible limited human-to-human transmission.

    The scenarios are not mutually exclusive and may be applied simultaneously in the same territory. Each autonomous community will conduct its own risk assessment to determine the necessary measures in each affected province, community, or geographical area.

    The Plan envisions the creation of a Permanent State Committee for Coordination and Monitoring , chaired and technically coordinated by the CCAES, responsible for reviewing preparedness and response measures, promoting common protocols, conducting joint risk assessments, and evaluating the Plan's effectiveness. Furthermore, it recommends that the autonomous communities establish equivalent bodies to coordinate actions related to public health, animal health, the environment, food safety, and occupational health.

    This body will include representatives from the competent departments in public health, animal health, biodiversity, food safety, occupational health, medicines and health products and epidemiological and microbiological surveillance, as well as from the autonomous communities, the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and experts.

    Human health measures focus especially on people who, due to their professional activity, may come into contact with infected animals, their secretions or contaminated materials, such as livestock farm personnel, veterinary professionals, environmental agents or zoo workers.

    Companies must assess the risk, provide the necessary protective equipment, and ensure health monitoring. Occupational risk prevention services will identify and monitor exposed personnel in the event of outbreaks in animals and, where appropriate, may recommend PCR tests, preventive antiviral treatment, or vaccination against zoonotic viruses.

    The Plan also maintains the recommendation for seasonal flu vaccination for those who work in direct contact with animals, with the aim of reducing the risk of coinfection by human and animal flu viruses.

    In the animal sector , the Plan strengthens surveillance of wild and domestic birds and mammals, as well as genomic analysis of viruses to detect changes that could increase their transmissibility. In the event of outbreaks on farms, biosecurity measures, movement controls, confinement, and, where appropriate, vaccination will be implemented.

    In parks and urban or peri-urban areas, protocols will be established to safely remove sick or dead animals, clean and disinfect affected areas, and inform the public. It is recommended not to touch or handle them and to report their presence to the appropriate authorities.

    The Plan incorporates risk communication and community participation as one of its five main components. To this end, an inter-institutional communication group will be established, websites with updated information will be created, and campaigns will be developed targeting both the general public and the professional sectors with the greatest exposure.

    Media and social media will also be monitored to detect and respond to rumors, false content, or unverified information. In higher-risk scenarios, an official spokesperson will be appointed, information will be updated daily, and, when necessary, a citizen hotline will be activated.

    The Permanent State Committee will develop the indicators that will allow the evaluation of preparedness and response, as well as compliance with the Plan in its various components and at the state and regional levels.

    In the last year, more than 150 outbreaks of avian influenza have been detected in Spain, mostly in wild birds, although outbreaks have also been recorded in poultry, leading to the culling of thousands of animals. Despite the increased circulation of the virus among birds, Spain has not registered any human cases of avian influenza to date. Regarding swine influenza, three human cases of infection have been identified in Spain since 2009.

    The new Plan will strengthen prevention, early detection and coordinated response to any changes in the epidemiological situation.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?id=6965

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Long-Term #Monitoring of #Influenza A Viruses in Wild #Waterfowl: Evidence from the Lake #Baikal Basin (2018–2024)

 

Abstract

Wild waterfowl constitute the primary natural reservoir of influenza A viruses, and wetlands at the convergence of major migratory flyways serve as critical hubs for viral genetic exchange. Baikal Siberia, situated at the intersection of the East African–West Asian, Central Asian, and East Asian–Australasian flyways, represents a unique yet understudied region in this context. Here we report the results of long-term virological surveillance of wild birds in the Lake Baikal basin conducted between 2018 and 2024. A total of 1036 cloacal swab samples from 28 bird species were screened, yielding 42 influenza A virus isolates belonging to 12 HA/NA subtype combinations: H1N1, H3N1, H3N2, H3N5, H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H6N1, H6N2, H6N3, H6N8, and H12N5. Among the detected subtypes, H6 viruses—identified with four distinct neuraminidase combinations (N1, N2, N3, N8)—are of particular public health relevance owing to their documented capacity for dual-receptor binding and potential for zoonotic transmission to mammals, including humans. Full-genome sequencing followed by cluster analysis of internal gene segments identified 16 distinct segment constellations, indicating extensive reassortment. BLAST searches against the GISAID database revealed closest genetic relatives in Mongolia, South Korea, Japan, China, and Western Siberia, with more distant links to Bangladesh, Europe, and a possible intercontinental connection via the Pacific flyway. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA segments confirmed that all isolates belong to the Eurasian genetic lineage, yet they are distributed across multiple clades rather than forming a single monophyletic group, reflecting the role of Buryatia as a mixing zone for genetically diverse viral populations. These findings substantially expand the understanding of influenza A virus ecology in the Lake Baikal basin and underscore the importance of continued surveillance at this key migratory crossroads in Northern Asia.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/7/761

____

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 10 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: June 28, 2026 - July 04, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 4 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection: 439 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 49 site(s)

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(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

____

Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Update (ECDC, July 10 '26): #Italy reported 6 cases, #Macedonia 2, #Romania 2, #Greece 1, #Spain 1

 

Week 28, 2026 | Produced on 9 July 2026 at 08:45, based on data submitted up to 8 July 2026.

Current situation

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as of 8 July, 11 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in five countries across Europe {1}.

    ° These areas are located in: 

        - Italy (five), 

        - North Macedonia (two), 

        - Romania (two), 

        - Greece (one) and 

        - Spain (one).

    ° The five countries have reported 12 locally acquired {2} human cases of WNV infection: 

        - Italy has reported six, 

        - North Macedonia two, 

        - Romania two, 

        - Greece one and 

        - Spain one case.

    ° This week, five areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. 

(...)

Table 1. Areas affected by West Nile virus during the 2026 transmission season as of 8 July, by country and NUTS3 or GAUL1 area

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

__

{*} ‘First reported this week’ indicates that the affected area was not included in the previous weekly overview.

{1} European Union/European Economic Area countries and selected EU-neighbouring countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo**, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye).

{**} This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.↩︎

{2} Cases acquired within the reporting country.↩︎

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-fever/surveillance-and-disease-data/disease-data-ecdc

____

#Filovirus #Surveillance in Communities Bordering Equatorial Guinea, #Marburg #Outbreak, #Cameroon, 2023

 

Abstract

After the 2023 Equatorial Guinea Marburg virus (MARV) outbreak, surveillance of 181 persons in southern Cameroon detected MARV antibodies in 3 persons and Ebola virus antibodies in 7. Testing of 289 captured bats, including 158 Rousettus aegyptiacus bats, did not detect MARV RNA. Enhanced surveillance for regional filovirus spillover risks is warranted.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/8/26-0117_article

____

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 6 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 6 site(s) (1.3%)

    -- No Detection: 453 site(s) (98.7%)

    -- No samples: 33 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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Clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 #influenza virus and #SARS-CoV-2 #seroprevalence among owned and feral #cats in #Philadelphia and surrounding communities

 

Abstract

Clade 2.3.4.4b H5NX influenza viruses have spread widely in birds since 2020. In addition to causing disease in birds, these viruses have infected a variety of mammals, including humans. Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses are currently causing an outbreak among dairy cattle in the United States, and it is important to determine if other mammals have been exposed to H5NX viruses. Cats, specifically outdoor and feral cats, frequently predate wild birds. Recent studies have shown that cats living on dairy cattle farms can be infected with H5N1. Here, we completed serological studies to determine if owned and feral cats living in an urban environment in the United States have evidence of past H5N1 exposures. We used multianalyte bead-based assays to measure clade 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin (HA) antibody levels in serum samples collected in July 2023 to June 2025 from 417 feral and 228 owned cats from the greater Philadelphia area. We also measured antibody levels against a panel of HAs from other human and non-human influenza viruses, and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We completed additional H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays using samples that had detectable antibodies in the multianalyte bead-based assays. One cat (0.16%) was positive for H5 antibodies and twenty cats (3.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in both binding and neutralization assays. These data suggest that cats in the Philadelphia area have not been routinely exposed to clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses but have been more commonly exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.03.736283v1

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Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Weekly Report (ECDC, Week 27, 2026, July 4 '26): Six cases reportes so far in total {#Italy, #Romania, N. #Macedonia}

 

Week 27, 2026

Produced on 2 July 2026 at 12:00 based on data submitted up to 1 July 2026

Epidemiological summary

    Since the beginning of 2026, and as of 1 July, three countries in Europe reported six human cases{1} of West Nile virus (WNV) infection: Italy (three cases), Romania (two cases) and North Macedonia (one case).

    The current report in Table 1 includes the number of probable and confirmed cases of WNV infections per NUTS3 region. However, these figures are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution as they may be revised by the countries as more information becomes available. 

    For further details on case numbers, please refer to the joint monthly report, which offers a more detailed analysis.

    Please note: The table and map in this report contain countries and areas where human West Nile virus infection cases were reported to EpiPulse Cases.

(...)

Overview of West Nile virus cases in EU/EEA and EU-neighbouring countries

Table 1. Countries and regions with locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus infections in 2026 as of 1 July.

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

* An ‘affected area’ or ‘risk area’ is defined as ‘a risk area with ongoing transmission of WNV to humans’. This means that at least one autochthonous human case of WNV has been reported as a result of local transmission in the area according to the agreed, standardised and disease-specific case definition. In exceptional circumstances, a probable case can be used to determine transmission, however, this should only apply in specific and agreed situations when a case cannot be confirmed within a reasonable time.

** Compared to the previous weekly report.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-fever/surveillance-and-disease-data/disease-data-ecdc

____

#Genomic #Surveillance Uncovers the Silent #Spread of Avian #Influenza Virus #H5N1 2.3.4.4b Among Wild #Birds and #Mammals Along #Brazil’s Southern Coast

 

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are widely distributed and have a wide range of hosts. Recently, the number of cases of infection associated with the circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 2.3.4.4b has raised concerns about its high transmission capacity in birds and mammals. This study analyzed swabs from bird and mammal species from the coast of Paraná and the northwest region of São Paulo, Brazil, for the presence of AIV in animals that did not present clinical or histopathological lesions of infection that indicated the need for molecular characterization during monitoring. Of the 661 animals analyzed, three tested positive, two of which were birds (Sula leucogaster and Thalasseus acuflavidus) while one was a mammal (Otaria flavescens) (0.45%, CI 95%: 0.16–1.33). A complete genome sequence of H5N1 AIV was obtained from a brown booby (Sula leucogaster) from the Paraná coast (GISAID accession number: EPI_ISL_1897537). Our study reinforces the importance of continuous genomic surveillance, especially in AIV hosts that do not show signs of infection, to enhance the One-Health assessment approach.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/7/738

____

Seasonal #surveillance in #humans and #animals in 2026 for West Nile virus (#WNV) (ECDC, Monthly Report, Summary)

 

June 2026 | Produced on 30 June 2026 at 07:15 based on data submitted up to 24 June 2026

Epidemiological summary

    As of 24 June, two countries in Europe reported three locally acquired1 human cases of WNV infection: 

        ° Italy reported two cases and 

        ° North Macedonia one case. 

    Dates of onset ranged from 12 to 27 May 2026. 

    No deaths have been reported.

    The cases were reported from three regions across the two countries. Although no cases had been reported by this time in 2025, some cases with onset dates in May and June were subsequently notified with a delay. Therefore, the current situation remains consistent with the early phase of the seasonal reporting pattern observed in previous years.

    This year, human cases of WNV infection were reported for the first time ever in one affected area: North Macedonia in Vardarski (MK001).

    Among the three cases reported this year, one person was aged 65 years or older, one was aged under 65 years, and the age of one person was unknown. All three cases were hospitalised. 

    Neurological manifestations were reported in two individuals; information on clinical presentation was unavailable for the remaining case. 

    As only three cases have been reported to date, comparisons with demographic or severity patterns observed over the previous decade are not yet meaningful. Further updates will be provided in subsequent monthly reports.

    From the veterinary perspective, five WNV outbreaks have been reported in Europe in 2026: one among equids and four among birds. 

    The equid outbreak was reported by France and started on 30 March 2026. The four bird outbreaks were reported by Italy, with start dates ranging from 31 March to 4 May 2026.

    No information was available on the equid species involved in the outbreak reported in France in the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS). For birds, species information indicated that the four outbreaks reported in Italy involved hooded crows (three outbreaks) and a golden eagle (one outbreak).

    Outbreaks in birds and/or equids have been reported in three regions across two countries. Both countries that reported outbreaks in 2026 had previously reported WNV outbreaks in birds and/or equids in the same regions, indicating that WNV is endemic in these areas.

    The number of outbreaks in birds and equids reported during this first period of 2026 is similar to the mean monthly outbreak count for the same time of year, calculated for 2022–2025 for birds and for 2016–2025 for equids.

    Italy reported both locally acquired human WNV cases and WNV outbreaks in birds; however, the human cases and bird outbreaks were reported from different regions.

    Owing to delays in diagnosis and reporting, and because most WNV infections are asymptomatic or subclinical, the reported case numbers likely underestimate the true number of infections. Seasonal surveillance in humans primarily captures laboratory-confirmed cases, which may further contribute to reporting delays.

    Given the favourable weather conditions for WNV transmission in Europe, ECDC and EFSA expect further human cases and outbreaks in equids and birds to be reported in the coming weeks and months. In previous years, transmission has typically peaked in August and September.

    ECDC and EFSA will continue to closely monitor the situation in Europe.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/west-nile-virus-infection/surveillance-and-disease-data/monthly-updates

____

#Taiwan, As the #COVID19 #epidemic continues to rise, CDC calls the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible (June 30 '26)

 

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated today (June 30) that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rise both domestically and internationally, and with the summer travel season approaching, the risk of virus transmission is increasing. 

    The publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Taiwan still provide protection against the existing circulating strains. 

    Those planning to travel who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to seize this opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as possible to obtain sufficient protection.

    According to CDC statistics, the COVID-19 pandemic is rising domestically. 

    In the 25th week (June 21-27), there were 1,452 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, an increase of 43.8% compared to the previous week. 

    Last week (June 23-29), there were 8 new local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, with no new local deaths. 

    Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative total of 105 local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, of which 16 have died. 

    The majority of severe cases are among the elderly aged 65 and above (71.4%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (81.9%). 94.3% of these cases have not received the COVID-19 vaccine this season. 

    The global COVID-19 positivity rate has recently shown a slight increase, with a significant rise in the Western Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions. 

    Neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan are experiencing rising cases, while South Korea's situation is fluctuating at a low point. 

    Currently, the predominant circulating variant globally is NB.1.8.1, followed by BA.3.2 and JN.1. 

    Neighboring countries such as China and Hong Kong have a higher proportion of NB.1.8.1. 

    Furthermore, as of June 28, 2026, approximately 1.728 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered this season, with vaccination rates among those aged 65 and above at 20.97% for the first dose and 0.48% for the second dose.

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminds the public that the nationwide rollout of publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines to those who are 6 months (180 days) or older will continue until July 31st of this year. 

    Approximately 461,000 doses remain in stock (including 455,000 doses of the single-dose Moderna vaccine and 6,000 doses of the Novavax vaccine). 

    The public is urged to seize this opportunity and get vaccinated as soon as possible. 

    High-risk groups, such as those aged 65 and above, who have not yet been vaccinated or have received their first dose with a 6-month interval, are also urged to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their immune protection. 

    Furthermore, the multi-dose Moderna vaccine for young children has been exhausted. 

    Following discussions and approval by the Advisory Committee on Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare on June 24th of this year, it has been agreed that for children aged 6 months to 11 years who require vaccination, the remaining doses of the single-dose Moderna vaccine (after deducting half the dose) can be used for their vaccination.

    The CDC urges the public not to be complacent about the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and to take necessary precautions such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated. 

    Individuals with severe risk factors (such as those over 65 years of age, pregnant women, those with chronic diseases, or those with weakened immune systems) are at high risk of developing severe complications. 

    If they experience suspected symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

    A doctor will assess their condition and prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the risk of severe complications or death after infection. 

    The public can also purchase home rapid testing kits at convenience stores or pharmacies that sell them for self-testing to facilitate subsequent medical diagnosis and treatment. 

    Currently, there are sufficient reserves of antiviral drugs. There are 113,000 doses of oral antiviral drugs (Beravir and Remdesivir) and 156,000 doses of injectable Remdesivir in stock. 

    Health bureaus in various counties and cities will manage and allocate resources according to the usage at each distribution point. The public can rest assured.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/I6r18LGy_-Y1I2Fj72gO2w?typeid=9

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (US CDC, June 26 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: June 14, 2026 - June 20, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 4 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection:  455 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 32 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

____

Avian #influenza #overview March–May 2026 (ECDC, Summary, June 26 '26)

26 June 2026

Publication series: Avian influenza overview

    

    Between 28 February and 4 June 2026, 949 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus detections were reported in domestic (186) and wild (763) birds in 30 countries in Europe.

Abstract

    The downward trend in the number of detections observed at the end of the previous reporting period continued and is expected to persist throughout the summer. 

    While the number of HPAI A(H5N1) outbreaks in domestic birds remained at a low level, except in a few countries, A(H9N2) virus of clade G5.5 was detected in poultry in Europe for the first time. 

    Following the intense circulation of HPAI viruses in waterfowl in recent months, sporadic detections were reported in mammals, particularly in wild carnivores, including the detection of A(H5N5) virus in a polar bear and a walrus in Norway. 

    Outside Europe, the focus of HPAI virus detections shifted from North to South America, where a large number of outbreaks and mortality events in swans were reported. 

    Between 28 February and 4 June 2026, 19 cases of avian influenza virus infection were publicly reported in humans (including three fatal cases) in six countries and territories: Bangladesh (two cases with A(H5N1), one fatal), Cambodia (three cases with A(H5N1), one fatal), India (one case with A(H5N1)), Italy (one imported case with A(H9N2)), China (10 A(H9N2) cases and one fatal A(H5N6) case), and Taiwan (one A(H7N7) case). 

    Most human cases reported exposure to poultry or a poultry environment prior to detection or onset of illness. 

    Human infections with avian influenza viruses remain rare and no sustained human-to-human transmission has been documented. 

    The risk posed by avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses currently circulating in Europe remains low for the general public in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and low-to-moderate for those occupationally or otherwise exposed to infected animals or contaminated environments.

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/avian-influenza-overview-march-may-2026

____

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, June 22 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: June 07, 2026 - June 13, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 4 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection: 442 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 47 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

____

#Spain reported a locally acquired Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (#CCHF), according latest ECDC report (June 22 '26)

 

(...)

Epidemiological summary

    This is the first report of the weekly seasonal surveillance reports on Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) infections in 2026.

    Since the beginning of 2026 and as of 17 June 2026, one country in Europe has reported locally acquired cases of CCHF: 

        ° Spain (one case).

    The case in Salamanca (Spain) is not unexpected as Hyalomma spp. – the main vectors of CCHF virus – are widely distributed across the region. 

    In addition, CCHF virus is known to circulate in local animal populations, and human cases have previously been reported there. 

    The timing of this case aligns with the expected seasonal pattern of CCHF in Spain, and is probably linked to increased tick activity.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/crimean-congo-haemorrhagic-fever/surveillance-and-updates/seasonal

____

#Surveillance of West Nile Virus {#WNV} #Human #Infections in #Europe, Weekly Report (ECDC, Jun. 18 '26): First two cases reported in #Italy

 

Epidemiological summary

    Since the beginning of 2026, and as of 17 June, 2 countries in Europe reported 3 human cases of West Nile virus infection: Italy and North Macedonia.

    The current report in Table 1 includes the number of probable and confirmed cases of WNV infections per NUTS region. 

    However, these figures are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution as they may be revised by the countries as more information becomes available. 

    Consequently, no totals are provided. 

    For further details on case numbers, please refer to the joint monthly report, which offers a more detailed analysis.

    Please note: The table and map in this report contain countries and areas where human West Nile virus infection cases were reported to EpiPulse Cases.

Introduction

    The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides a weekly overview of human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection to support the competent authorities responsible for blood safety. 

    This overview can aid decisions on the deferral or testing of blood donors who may have been exposed to the virus, in accordance with Commission Directives 2004/33/EC and 2014/110/EU.

    West Nile virus infection in humans is a notifiable disease at the EU level and cases are reported in accordance with the EU case definition. 

    The table and map in this report show the countries and areas where human cases of WNV infection have been reported to the European surveillance portal for infectious diseases (EpiPulse Cases).

    More information on the occurrence of WNV infection among humans in Europe, as well as WNV outbreaks among equids and birds, is available in the joint monthly report produced by ECDC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

    Here we present the weekly report as of 17 June 2026.

Overview of West Nile virus cases in EU/EEA and EU-neighbouring countries

Table 1. Countries and regions with locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus infections in 2026 as of 17 June.

[Country

    ° Affected Region

        § Newly Affected Region

           * No. of Probable / Confirmed / Total Cases]

Italy

    ° Caserta

        § Yes

            * 0 / 1 / 1

    ° Firenze

        § Yes

            * 0 / 1 / 1

Macedonia

    ° Vardarski

        § No

            * 0 / 1 / 1

(...)

Source: 

 Link: https://wnv-weekly.ecdc.europa.eu/

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Mass #mortality of southern elephant #seals during multi-species #outbreak of HPAI #H5N1 on sub - #Antarctic Heard Island

 

Abstract

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has spread across the sub-Antarctic, causing significant wildlife impacts. We report its first detection in an Australian external territory, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, which supports over one million breeding seabirds and seals. Drone and ground surveys (October 2025, January 2026), combined with viral genome analysis, confirmed infection with Influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b at Heard Island. Drone surveys revealed mass mortality in southern elephant seals, with 8,573 pups (62%) recorded dead across Heard Island by the final surveys. Mortality increased at an average rate of 5.6% per day in a subset of harems, and the highest observed mortality in a harem was 97%. Based on the average (76%) mortality in the final surveys, total estimated pup mortality at Heard Island was 13,359 (from a total population of 17,364 pups), though this may be an underestimate as mortality was ongoing at this time. HPAI was detected in six of nine species tested and, we suspect, led to elevated mortality in king and gentoo penguins. Phylogenetic analysis indicates the virus was introduced from Crozet Islands, with an estimated arrival around August 2025. These data show the continued easterly spread of HPAI around the sub-Antarctic, with severe but heterogeneous impacts across taxa. Our results demonstrate the value of drones for large scale monitoring, underscoring the need for continued and enhanced HPAI surveillance across the Southern Ocean.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.16.732752v1

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#Genomic #wastewater #surveillance of seasonal and #zoonotic #influenza A viruses in #California during the 2024-2025 flu season

 

Abstract

Wastewater genomic surveillance provides an opportunity to detect human and animal influenza A virus (IAV). We aimed to implement an IAV genomic surveillance framework agnostic to subtype, which enables recovery of IAV from multiple hosts and estimation of proportions across subtypes. We conducted IAV genomic surveillance in wastewater during the 2024-2025 flu season at multiple sites in California and compared these data with available human clinical IAV sequences and test positivity. We applied a custom whole-genome, multi-host IAV probe enrichment panel and adapted our custom expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm to deconvolute IAV mixtures in wastewater and infer subtype relative abundances. Absolute IAV concentrations were quantified using RT-PCR-based assays. H5N1 wastewater and clinical sequences were further characterized by constructing a whole-genome maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree. Finally, we performed variant analysis to examine amino acid substitutions detected in wastewater. Our IAV probe enrichment method and EM algorithm successfully enriched all eight segments of three circulating IAV subtypes and accurately estimated subclade relative abundances for mixed IAV samples. Seasonal human H1N1pdm09 and H3N2 were detected throughout the study period from both wastewater and clinical sequencing data, with H1N1 subclades 6B.1A.5a.2a.1 and 6B.1A.5a.2a co-circulating, and H3N2 dominated by subclade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1. Wastewater surveillance consistently detected H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b across three monitored wastewater sites, while clinical H5N1 detections, from anywhere in CA, were sporadic and rare. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis revealed that wastewater H5N1 sequences clustered with reference sequences associated with dairy cow and avian infections, while all human clinical H5N1 sequences clustered exclusively with reference sequences associated with dairy cow infections. Amino acid substitutions were identified across viral segments, and no mutations associated with mammalian adaptation were observed from wastewater samples.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.10.26355323v1

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