ETIDIOH - NEW

{Excerpt} Highlights •  A new strain of Lassa virus (LASV) was successfully isolated and characterized. •  The combination of ribavirin and LHF-535 has been demonstrated to exhibit synergistic effects in inhibiting LASV. •  The findings provide new directions for the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines for Lassa fever. Dear Editor, Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of the acute viral hemorrhagic Lassa fever (LF), which is classified into Mammarenavirus within the Arenaviridae family , with a single-stranded, negative-sense, bi-segmented RNA genome. Due to its high pathogenicity and lethality , LASV is considered as a priority threat to public health , with an estimated cases of 300,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually . LASV was first isolated and described as a clinical entity in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria (Garry, 2023). LASV isolates of different geographic and host origins are highly diverse in genomic sequences and phylogenetically classified into up t...

Abstract We report 1.3% (19/1,511) of Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) in Uganda and Sierra Leone were co-infected with different combinations of Marburg, Sosuga, Kasokero, or Yogue viruses . To prevent infection by those viruses, we recommend avoiding ERB-populated areas, avoiding ERBs and ERB-contaminated objects, and thoroughly washing harvested fruits before consumption. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/5/24-1669_article ____

Abstract In February 2023, the government of Equatorial Guinea declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease . We describe the response structure and epidemiologic characteristics , including case-patient demographics, clinical manifestations, risk factors , and the serial interval and timing of symptom onset, treatment seeking, and recovery or death . We identified 16 laboratory-confirmed and 23 probable cases of Marburg virus disease in 5 districts and noted several unlinked chains of transmission and a case-fatality ratio of 90% (35/39 cases). Transmission was concentrated in family clusters and healthcare settings . The median serial interval was 18.5 days ; most transmission occurred during late-stage disease . Rapid isolation of symptomatic case-patients is critical in preventing transmission and improving patient outcomes; community engagement and surveillance strengthening should be prioritized in emerging outbreaks. Further analysis of this outbreak and a One Health surveillan...

Abstract Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) are zoonotic filoviruses that cause hemorrhagic fever in humans . Correlative data implicate bats as natural EBOV hosts , but neither a full-length genome nor an EBOV isolate has been found in any bats sampled. Here, we model filovirus infection in the Jamaican fruit bat (JFB), Artibeus jamaicensis, by inoculation with either EBOV or MARV through a combination of oral, intranasal, and subcutaneous routes . Infection with EBOV results in systemic virus replication and oral shedding of infectious virus. MARV replication is transient and does not shed. In vitro, JFB cells replicate EBOV more efficiently than MARV, and MARV infection induces innate antiviral responses that EBOV efficiently suppresses. Experiments using VSV pseudoparticles or replicating VSV expressing the EBOV or MARV glycoprotein demonstrate an advantage for EBOV entry and replication early , respectively, in JFB cells. Overall, this study describes filovirus species-sp...

Situation at a glance On 13 March 2025, the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania declared the end of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak.  This declaration came after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with MVD died on 28 January 2025 and was given a safe and dignified burial, in accordance with WHO recommendations.  No new confirmed cases were reported since then.  The outbreak was declared on 20 January 2025 . As of 12 March 2025, two confirmed and eight probable cases were reported by the Ministry of Health from Biharamulo district in Kagera region. All 10 cases died (case fatality ratio 100%), including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak. A total of 272 contacts that were listed for monitoring completed their 21-day follow-up as of 10 February 2025. WHO, through its country office, and partners provided technical, operational and financial support to the government to contai...

The UK Health Security Agency has been informed under the International Health Regulations that an individual travelled to England from Nigeria while they were unwell with Lassa fever at the end of February. The individual returned to Nigeria where they were diagnosed . We are now working to identify people who were in contact with the affected individual while they were in the country. Lassa fever does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the public is very low . If you have not been contacted by UKHSA then you are very unlikely to have had any exposure to Lassa fever and do not need to take action. Lassa fever causes acute infections which can range from very mild symptoms through to a severe viral haemorrhagic fever. People usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected rats – present in some West African countries where the disease is endemic. The virus can also be spread between...

{Excerpt} Situation at a glance As of 20 February 2025, a total of nine confirmed cases of Sudan virus disease, including one death have been reported from Uganda , since the outbreak was declared on 30 January 2025. Eight cases received care at treatment centres in the capital Kampala and in Mbale and were discharged on 18 February after two negative tests 72 hours apart.  As of 20 February 2025, 58 contacts that have been identified are still under follow up in designated quarantine facilities located in Jinja, Kampala,and Mbale .  Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease . It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality ranging from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks. In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high. Early detection, diagnosis, and optimized supportive care may increase the chance of survival. Desc...

 {Excerpt} Situation at a glance Since the declaration of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak on 20 January 2025 in the United Republic of Tanzania, one additional confirmed death was reported by the Ministry of Health from the epicentre of the outbreak in Biharamulo district in Kagera region .  As of 10 February 2025, a cumulative of two confirmed and eight probable cases were reported by the Ministry of Health.  All 10 cases have died , including eight who died before the confirmation of the outbreak.  As of 10 February 2025, all 281 contacts that were listed and under monitoring have completed the 21-day follow-up.  The Ministry of Health developed a national response plan to guide activities. Additionally, a national rapid response team was deployed to the affected region to enhance outbreak investigation and response, with technical and operational support from WHO and health partners. Description of the situation Since the previous Disease Outbreak Ne...

{Excerpt} On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV). The outbreak was declared just 3 hours after laboratory confirmation at two national reference laboratories, consistent with International Health Regulations. The index case was detected at Mulago Specialized National Hospital in Kampala, Uganda1. (...) Source: Nature Medicine,  https://www.nature.com/articles/d41591-025-00012-0 _____

{Excerpt} In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency . The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in 4 days since the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus . The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements. The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI , with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and...

Situation at a glance On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease (SVD) following confirmation from three national reference laboratories.  The case presented with signs and symptoms between 20 and 21 January and died on 29 January at the National Referral Hospital in Kampala.  As of 30 January 2025, 45 contacts have been identified , including 34 healthcare workers and 11 family members.  Sudan virus disease belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease. It is caused by Sudan virus (SUDV). It is a severe disease with high case fatality from 41% to 70% in past outbreaks.  In the absence of licensed vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of SVD, the risk of potential serious public health impact is high.  Early supportive patient care and treatment may increase the chance of survival from severe disease. Description of the situation On 30 January 2025, the Ministry of Health of Uganda de...

Brazzaville/Kampala – Following the confirmation of an outbreak of Sudan virus disease – which belongs to the same family as Ebola virus disease – in Uganda today, World Health Organization (WHO) is mobilizing efforts to support the national health authorities to swiftly contain and end the outbreak .  WHO is deploying senior public health experts and mobilizing staff from the country office to support all the key outbreak response measures. In addition, the Organization has allocated US$ 1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to help accelerate early action, and is readying medical supplies, including personal protective equipment to deliver to Uganda from its Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi.  While there are no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus disease , WHO is coordinating with developers to deploy candidate vaccines as an addition to the other public health measures. The vaccines will be deployed once all administrative and regulatory approvals are obtai...

Situation at a glance On 7 January 2025, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point for the Plurinational State of Bolivia notified WHO of a laboratory-confirmed case of Chapare virus infection in an adult male from La Paz Department .  Chapare haemorrhagic fever is an acute viral illness caused by Chapare virus .  The virus was first identified in 2003 in Bolivia and has been associated with five documented outbreaks to date, all occurring within the country.  These outbreaks have primarily affected rural areas in the La Paz Department, with the most recent case.  There is no significant risk of international spread of the disease, as person-to-person transmission of the Chapare virus is possible but remains rare in the general population.  As of 13 January 2025, no secondary cases have been reported, and all contacts remain without symptoms.  Public health measures , such as disinfection and rodent control, have been implemented. Descriptio...

Description of the situation Introduction On 13 January 2025, WHO informed its Member States and IHR State Parties of an outbreak of suspected Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania using our secure web-based platform—the Event Information Site (EIS). Under the International Health Regulations, the EIS is used to issue rapid alerts to Member States of acute and rapidly developing public health risks and events with possible international implications. Summary of the situation On 10 January 2025, WHO received reliable reports from in-country sources regarding suspected cases of MVD in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Six people were reported to have been affected , five of whom had died . The cases presented with similar symptoms of headache, high fever, back pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis (vomiting with blood), malaise (body weakness) and, at a later stage of disease, external haemorrhage (bleeding from orifices). As of 1...