Monday, March 31, 2025

#Influenza at the #human - #animal #interface - #Summary and #risk #assessment, from 21 January to 19 March 2025 {WHO}



Influenza at the human-animal interface Summary and risk assessment, from 21 January to 19 March 2025{1} 


New human cases{2}: 

From 21 January to 19 March 2025, based on reporting date, the detection of influenza A(H5N1) in five humans, influenza A(H9N2) virus in four humans, influenza A(H1N1) variant ((H1N1)v) virus in one human, and influenza A(H1N2)v virus in one human 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 interface has not changed remains low. The occurrence of sustained human-to-human transmission of these viruses is currently considered unlikely. Although human infections with viruses of animal origin are infrequent, they are not unexpected at the human-animal interface.  

Risk management

-- New candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for zoonotic influenza viruses for pandemic preparedness purposes were selected for development at the February 2025 WHO consultation on influenza vaccine composition for use in the northern hemisphere 2025-2026 influenza season. A detailed summary of zoonotic influenza viruses characterized since September 2024 is published here and updated CVVs lists are published here. 

IHR compliance

-- All human infections caused by a new influenza subtype are required to be reported under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).{6} This includes any influenza A virus that has demonstrated the capacity to infect a human and its haemagglutinin gene (or protein) is not a mutated form of those, i.e. A(H1) or A(H3), circulating widely in the human population. Information from these notifications is critical to inform risk assessments for influenza at the human-animal interface.


Avian influenza viruses in humans 

Current situation:  

Since the last risk assessment of 20 January 2025, one laboratory-confirmed human case of A(H5N1) infection was reported to WHO from Cambodia, one from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and three from the United States of America (USA).  

A(H5N1), Cambodia 

On 26 February 2025, Cambodia notified the WHO of a human case of influenza A(H5N1) in a boy from Prey Veng Province. The case had onset of fever, cough and fatigue on 17 February. He was initially seen at a local private clinic and given medication, but as his condition did not improve, he was transferred to Phnom Penh and hospitalized at a private hospital on 20 February. The case’s condition deteriorated, and he developed shortness of breath and was transferred on 24 February to a national hospital, which is a sentinel surveillance site for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Upon admission the case was isolated, nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swab specimens were collected and oseltamivir administered. On 25 February, the specimens tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Institute of Public Health of Cambodia. The results were later confirmed by the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) on 26 February. Sequence analysis of the HA gene revealed the virus belongs to clade 2.3.2.1e (previously classified as clade 2.3.2.1c){7}, and is similar to viruses circulating among birds, including poultry, and detected in human cases since late 2023 in Cambodia. The case was reported to have had exposure to sick and dead backyard chickens. Samples collected from the backyard chickens tested positive for A(H5N1). The case died on 25 February. No further cases were detected among the contacts of the case. This case is the second human infection with influenza A(H5N1) reported in Cambodia in 2025. 

A(H5N1), United Kingdom  

On 25 January 2025, the United Kingdom reported to WHO the detection of A(H5N1) in one individual in England who was sampled as part of a zoonotic influenza surveillance study launched by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in March 2023 to monitor people with close contact to infected birds. The individual was recruited to the surveillance study while working at a farm where birds were infected with A(H5N1) viruses and was found to be symptomatic. A sample collected on 23 January was confirmed A(H5)-positive at the national reference laboratory on 24 January. One symptomatic household contact tested negative. Sequencing of virus from the infected birds the case had contact with were determined to be of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b and the DI.2 genotype, which is prevalent within Europe at the current time. The DI.2 genotype is distinct from the A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4b genotypes that have been detected in North America.{8}  The UKHSA has previously notified WHO (in May, June, and July 2023) about four individuals who tested positive for influenza A(H5) virus as part of the UKHSA Zoonotic Influenza Surveillance Study.{9} 

A(H5N1), USA{10,11,12,13} 

In the USA, one laboratory-confirmed A(H5) infection was reported in an adult from the state of Ohio who worked at a commercial poultry facility where HPAI A(H5N1) virus had been detected in birds and was involved in depopulation activities. The individual had respiratory symptoms, was hospitalized, discharged and recovering at the time of the update. Genetic sequencing of the virus from this individual identified an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from clade 2.3.4.4.b belonging to the genotype D1.3 genotype and no markers known that would impact the effectiveness of influenza antivirals or existing candidate vaccine viruses or changes associated with mammalian adaptation were identified.  Another laboratory-confirmed A(H5) infection was reported in an adult from the state of Wyoming who had direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza A(H5) virus that died on their property. The individual was reported to have underlying health conditions that can be risk factors for severe influenza illness. This person has been discharged from the hospital and was recovering at the time of the update. Initial upper respiratory specimens were negative for influenza viruses; a lower respiratory specimen collected several days later in the hospital was positive for avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Genetic sequencing of the virus from this individual identified an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from clade 2.3.4.4.b belonging to the genotype D1.1, and the genetic mutation in the polymerase basic 2 (PB2) protein (E627K) that has previously been associated with more efficient virus replication in people and other mammals and has been detected in viruses from past human infections with A(H5) viruses.  Additionally, one laboratory-confirmed case was reported in an adult from the state of Nevada who worked at a commercial dairy cattle farm in an area where HPAI A(H5N1) viruses had been detected in cows. This individual developed conjunctivitis and recovered. Genetic sequencing of the virus from this individual identified an avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from clade 2.3.4.4.b also belonging to genotype D1.1, with a sequence nearly identical to that of the viruses that USDA reported from dairy cows in Nevada that the person worked with.{14} Sequencing also identified the D701N genetic mutation in the PB2 protein that has previously been associated with more efficient virus replication in mammalian cells and has been detected in viruses from past human infections with A(H5) viruses. Low pathogenicity and high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses have been detected in birds in the United States.  Since 2022, the HPAI A(H5) virus has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in 48 states, impacting over 100 million birds. To date, 71 people have tested positive for A(H5) virus in the United States since 2022, with all but one of these cases occurring in 2024. All cases have been associated with exposure to either A(H5N1)-infected poultry or dairy cattle, except for two cases where the exposure source could not be identified.{15} To date, no human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has been identified in the USA. A(H5N1) virus infections in dairy cattle and wild and domestic birds continue to be reported in the USA.{16} According to reports received by WOAH, various influenza A(H5) subtypes continue to be detected in wild and domestic birds in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Infections in non-human mammals are also reported, including in marine and land mammals.{17} A list of bird and mammalian species affected by HPAI A(H5) viruses is maintained by FAO.{18}


Risk Assessment for avian influenza A(H5) viruses:  

1. What is the current global public health risk of additional human cases of infection with avian influenza A(H5) viruses?  

-- Most human cases so far have been infections in people exposed to A(H5) viruses, for example, through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments, including live poultry markets, and occasionally infected mammals and contaminated environments. While the viruses continue to be detected in animals and related environments humans are exposed to, further human cases associated with such exposures are expected but unusual. The impact for public health if additional cases are detected is minimal. The current overall global public health risk of additional human cases is low. 

2. What is the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission of currently circulating avian influenza A(H5) viruses?  

-- No sustained human-to-human transmission has been identified associated with the recent reported human infections with avian influenza A(H5). There has been no reported human-to-human transmission of A(H5N1) viruses since 2007, although there may be gaps in investigations. In 2007 and the years prior, small clusters of A(H5) virus infections in humans were reported, including some involving health care workers, where limited human-to-human transmission could not be excluded; however, sustained human-to-human transmission was not reported.  Available evidence suggests that influenza A(H5) viruses circulating have not acquired the ability to efficiently transmit between people, therefore the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission is thus currently considered unlikely at this time.  

3. What is the likelihood of international spread of avian influenza A(H5) viruses by travellers?  

-- Should infected individuals from affected areas travel internationally, their infection may be detected in another country during travel or after arrival. If this were to occur, further communitylevel spread is considered unlikely as current evidence suggests these viruses have not acquired the ability to transmit easily among humans.  


A(H9N2), China 

Since the last risk assessment of 20 January 2025, four human cases of infection with A(H9N2) influenza viruses were notified to WHO from China on 7 February 2025. All four cases were detected through the influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance system. The cases were detected in Guangdong (one), Hunan (two) and Sichuan (one) provinces. One case, in an adult, had underlying conditions at the time of illness and was hospitalized with pneumonia. The other cases (two children and one adult) had mild illnesses. Each case had a known history of exposure to poultry prior to the onset of symptoms. Environmental samples collected from areas associated with two cases (live poultry markets) tested positive for influenza A(H9) virus while samples from the environments associated with the other two cases (backyard areas) tested negative. No further cases were detected among contacts of these cases and there was no epidemiological link between the cases.  


Risk Assessment for avian influenza A(H9N2):  

1. What is the global public health risk of additional human cases of infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses?  

-- Most human cases follow exposure to the A(H9N2) virus through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments. Most human infections of A(H9N2) to date have resulted in mild clinical illness in most cases. Nearly 130 human infections with A(H9N2) cases have been reported to date since 2003, and six of these have been severe or fatal and three of these were known to have underlying medical conditions. Since the virus is endemic in poultry in multiple continues in Africa and Asia{19}, further human cases associated with exposure to infected poultry are expected but remain unusual. The impact to public health if additional cases are detected is minimal. The overall global public health risk of additional human cases is low

2. What is the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses?  

-- At the present time, no sustained human-to-human transmission has been identified associated with the event described above. Current evidence suggests that influenza A(H9N2) viruses from these cases have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans, therefore sustained human-to-human transmission is thus currently considered unlikely.  

3. What is the likelihood of international spread of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus by travellers?  

-- Should infected individuals from affected areas travel internationally, their infection may be detected in another country during travel or after arrival. If this were to occur, further community level spread is considered unlikely as current evidence suggests the A(H9N2) virus subtype has not acquired the ability to transmit easily among humans.  


Swine Influenza Viruses   

Current situation:    

Since the last risk assessment of 20 January 2025, one detection of an influenza A(H1N1)v virus was reported from China and one detection of an influenza A(H1N2)v was reported from the USA.  


Influenza A(H1N1)v, China 

On 7 February 2025, China notified WHO of a human case of Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A(H1N1) virus in a child from Yunnan Province. She developed mild upper respiratory tract symptoms on 12 November 2024 and a respiratory sample was collected on 13 November 2024 as part of routine influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance. Close contacts remained asymptomatic and tested negative for influenza. She had exposure to backyard pigs however samples collected from the pigs tested negative for Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A(H1N1) viruses. The virus from this case was a clade 1C.2.3 virus. 


Influenza A(H1N2)v, USA  

A laboratory-confirmed human infection with an influenza A(H1N2)v virus was reported in an adult from the state of Iowa. The individual sought health care during the week ending 18 January 2025, was hospitalized, and recovered. An investigation by public health officials did not identify direct or indirect swine contact. No further cases were identified associated with this case. The virus from this case belonged to clade 1B.2.1 which is known to circulate in swine in the USA. 


Risk Assessment:   

1. What is the public health risk of additional human cases of infection with swine influenza viruses?    

-- Swine influenza viruses circulate in swine populations in many regions of the world. Depending on geographic location, the genetic characteristics of these viruses differ. Most human cases are exposed to swine influenza viruses through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Human infection tends to result in mild clinical illness in most cases. Since these viruses continue to be detected in swine populations, further human cases are expected but remain unusual. The impact for public health if additional cases are detected is minimal. The overall risk of additional human cases is low.    

2. What is the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission of swine influenza viruses?    

-- No sustained human-to-human transmission was identified associated with the events described above. Current evidence suggests that contemporary swine influenza viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans, therefore sustained human-to-human transmission is thus currently considered unlikely.     

3. What is the likelihood of international spread of swine influenza viruses by travelers?    

-- Should infected individuals from affected areas travel internationally, their infection may be detected in another country during travel or after arrival. If this were to occur, further community level spread is considered unlikely as current evidence suggest that these viruses have not acquired the ability to transmit easily among humans.   

For more information on zoonotic viruses, see the report from the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2025-2026 Northern Hemisphere Influenza Season held on 24-27 February 2025 at the following link: Antigenic and genetic characteristics of zoonotic influenza A viruses and development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness in the 2025-2026 northern hemisphere influenza season.  


Overall risk management recommendations

Surveillance and investigations 

• Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continues to stress the importance of global strategic surveillance in animals and humans to detect virologic, epidemiologic and clinical changes associated with circulating influenza viruses that may affect human (or animal) health. Continued vigilance is needed within affected and neighbouring areas to detect infections in animals and humans. Close collaboration with the animal health and environment sectors is essential to understand the extent of the risk of human exposure and to prevent and control the spread of animal influenza. 

• As the extent of influenza virus circulation in animals is not clear, epidemiologic and virologic surveillance and the follow-up of suspected human cases should continue systematically. Guidance on investigation of non-seasonal influenza and other emerging acute respiratory diseases has been published on the WHO website. 

• Countries should increase avian influenza surveillance in domestic and wild birds, enhance surveillance for early detection in cattle populations in countries where HPAI is known to be circulating, include HPAI as a differential diagnosis in non-avian species, including cattle and other livestock populations, with high risk of exposure to HPAI viruses; monitor and investigate cases in non-avian species, including livestock, report cases of HPAI in all animal species, including unusual hosts, to WOAH and other international organizations, share genetic sequences of avian influenza viruses in publicly available databases, implement preventive and early response measures to break the HPAI transmission cycle among animals through movement restrictions of infected livestock holdings and strict biosecurity measures in all holdings, employ good production and hygiene practices when handing animal products, and protect persons in contact with suspected/infected animals.{20}  

• When there has been human exposure to a known outbreak of an influenza A virus in domestic poultry, wild birds or other animals – or when there has been an identified human case of infection with such a virus – enhanced surveillance in potentially exposed human populations becomes necessary. Enhanced surveillance should consider the health care seeking behaviour of the population, and could include a range of active and passive health care and/or communitybased approaches, including: enhanced surveillance in local influenza-like illness (ILI)/SARI systems, active screening in hospitals and of groups that may be at higher occupational risk of exposure, and inclusion of other sources such as traditional healers, private practitioners and private diagnostic laboratories. 

• Vigilance for the emergence of novel influenza viruses of pandemic potential should be maintained at all times including during a non-influenza emergency. In the context of the cocirculation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, WHO has updated and published practical guidance for integrated surveillance. Notifying WHO 

• All human infections caused by a new subtype of influenza virus are notifiable under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).{21} State Parties to the IHR (2005) are required to immediately notify WHO of any laboratory-confirmed{22} case of a recent human infection caused by an influenza A virus with the potential to cause a pandemic{23}. Evidence of illness is not required for this report. 

• WHO published the case definition for human infections with avian influenza A(H5) virus requiring notification under IHR (2005): https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenzaprogramme/avian-influenza/case-definitions. 


Virus sharing and risk assessment 

• It is critical that these influenza viruses from animals or from people are fully characterized in appropriate animal or human health influenza reference laboratories. Under WHO’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, Member States are expected to share influenza viruses with pandemic potential on a timely basis{24} with a WHO Collaborating Centre for influenza of GISRS. The viruses are used by the public health laboratories to assess the risk of pandemic influenza and to develop candidate vaccine viruses.  

• The Tool for Influenza Pandemic Risk Assessment (TIPRA) provides an in-depth assessment of risk associated with some zoonotic influenza viruses – notably the likelihood of the virus gaining human-to-human transmissibility, and the impact should the virus gain such transmissibility. TIPRA maps relative risk amongst viruses assessed using multiple elements. The results of TIPRA complement those of the risk assessment provided here, and those of prior TIPRA analyses will be published at http://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza/toolfor-influenza-pandemic-risk-assessment-(tipra).  


Risk reduction 

• Given the observed extent and frequency of avian influenza in poultry, wild birds and some wild and domestic mammals, the public should avoid contact with animals that are sick or dead from unknown causes, including wild animals, and should report dead birds and mammals or request their removal by contacting local wildlife or veterinary authorities.  

• Eggs, poultry meat and other poultry food products should be properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. Due to the potential health risks to consumers, raw milk should be avoided. WHO advises consuming pasteurized milk. If pasteurized milk isn’t available, heating raw milk until it boils makes it safer for consumption. 

• WHO has published practical interim guidance to reduce the risk of infection in people exposed to avian influenza viruses. 


Trade and travellers 

• WHO advises that travellers to countries with known outbreaks of animal influenza should avoid farms, contact with animals in live animal markets, entering areas where animals may be slaughtered, or contact with any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with animal excreta. Travelers should also wash their hands often with soap and water. All individuals should follow good food safety and hygiene practices.  

• WHO does not advise special traveller screening at points of entry or restrictions with regards to the current situation of influenza viruses at the human-animal interface. For recommendations on safe trade in animals and related products from countries affected by these influenza viruses, refer to WOAH guidance.  


Links:  

-- WHO Human-Animal Interface web page https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza 

-- WHO Influenza (Avian and other zoonotic) fact sheet https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic) 

-- WHO Protocol to investigate non-seasonal influenza and other emerging acute respiratory diseases https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-WHE-IHM-GIP-2018.2 

-- WHO Public health resource pack for countries experiencing outbreaks of influenza in animals:  https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076884 

-- Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Reported to WHO  https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza/avian-a-h5n1-virus 

-- Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Information https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-a-(h7n9)virus 

-- World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) web page: Avian Influenza  https://www.woah.org/en/home/ 

-- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) webpage: Avian Influenza https://www.fao.org/animal-health/avian-flu-qa/en/ 

-- OFFLU http://www.offlu.org/ 

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{1} This summary and assessment covers information confirmed during this period and may include information received outside of this period. 

{2} For epidemiological and virological features of human infections with animal influenza viruses not reported in this assessment, see the reports on human cases of influenza at the human-animal interface published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record here.  

{3} World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Avian influenza. Global situation. Available at: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/#ui-id-2. 

{4} Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Global Avian Influenza Viruses with Zoonotic Potential situation update. Available at: https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-withzoonotic-potential. 

{5} World Health Organization (2012). Rapid risk assessment of acute public health events. World Health Organization. Available at: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/70810. 

{6} World Health Organization. Case definitions for the 4 diseases requiring notification to WHO in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005). Case definitions for the four diseases requiring notification in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005).   

{7} Ort JT, Zolnoski SA, Lam TT, Neher R, Moncla LH. Development of avian influenza A(H5) virus datasets for Nextclade enables rapid and accurate clade assignment. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Feb 3:2025.01.07.631789. doi: 10.1101/2025.01.07.631789. PMID: 39829835; PMCID: PMC11741357. 

{8} UKHSA. Human case of avian flu detected in England, 27 January 2025. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/human-case-of-avian-flu-detected-in-england. 

{9} UKHSA. Investigation into the risk to human health of avian influenza (influenza A H5N1) in England: technical briefing 5, Updated 14 July 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenzainfluenza-a-h5n1-technical-briefings/investigation-into-the-risk-to-human-health-of-avian-influenza-influenzaa-h5n1-in-england-technical-briefing-5. 

{10} US CDC. Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 6, ending February 8, 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-06.html. 

{11} US CDC. Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 7, ending February 15, 2025. Available at:  https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-07.html. 

{12} US CDC. CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update, February 26, 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/birdflu/spotlights/h5n1-response-02262025.html. 

{13} US CDC. CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update March 19, 2025. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/birdflu/spotlights/h5n1-response-03192025.html. 

{14} USDA. The Occurrence of Another Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Spillover from Wild Birds into Dairy Cattle. Available at:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/dairy-cattle-hpaitech-brief.pdf 

{15} United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situationsummary/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fphp%2Favian-flusummary%2Findex.html. 

{16}  United States Department of Agriculture. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock, 19 July 2024. Available at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpaidetections/livestock. 

{17}  World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Avian influenza. Global situation. Available at: https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/#ui-id-2. 

{18} Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Global Avian Influenza Viruses with Zoonotic Potential situation update. Available at: https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-withzoonotic-potential/bird-species-affected-by-h5nx-hpai/en. 

{19} Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Global Avian Influenza Viruses with Zoonotic Potential situation update. Available at: https://www.fao.org/animal-health/situation-updates/global-aiv-withzoonotic-potential. 

{20} World Organisation for Animal Health. Statement on High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Cattle, 6 December 2024. Available at: https://www.woah.org/en/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-hpai-in-cattle/. 

{21} World Health Organization. Case definitions for the four diseases requiring notification in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005).    

{22} World Health Organization. Manual for the laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance of influenza (2011). Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44518 

{23} World Health Organization. Pandemic influenza preparedness framework for the sharing of influenza viruses and access to vaccines and other benefits, 2nd edition. Available at: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/341850 

{24} World Health Organization. Operational guidance on sharing influenza viruses with human pandemic potential (IVPP) under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework (2017). Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/25940 

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/influenza-at-the-human-animal-interface-summary-and-assessment-19-march-2025

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A #Human #H5N1 #Influenza Virus Expressing Bioluminescence for Evaluating Viral #Infection and Identifying #Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract

A multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 in dairy cows was first reported on March 25, 2024, in the United States (US), marking the first discovery of HPAIV H5N1 in cattle. Soon after, a dairy worker on an affected dairy farm became the first human case linked directly to this outbreak. Studies with influenza A virus (IAV) require secondary methods to detect the virus in infected cells or animal models of infection. We modified the non-structural (NS) genome segment of the human A/Texas/37/2024 (HPhTX) H5N1 virus to create a recombinant virus expressing nanoluciferase (HPhTX NSs-Nluc), enabling the tracking of virus in cultured cells and mice via in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo imaging systems (IVIS). In vitro, HPhTX NSs-Nluc showed growth and plaque characteristics similar to its wild-type (WT) counterpart. In vivo, HPhTX NSs-Nluc allowed tracking viral infection in the entire animals and in the organs of infected animals using in vivo and ex vivo IVIS, respectively. Importantly, the morbidity, mortality, and replication titers of HPhTX NSs-Nluc were comparable to those of the WT HPhTX. In vitro, HPhTX NSs-Nluc was inhibited by Baloxavir acid (BXA) to levels observed with WT HPhTX. We also demonstrate the feasibility of using HPhTX NSs-Nluc to evaluate the antiviral activity of BXA in vivo. Our findings support that HPhTX NSs-Nluc represents an excellent tool for tracking viral infections, including the identification of prophylactics or therapeutics for the treatment of the HPAIV H5N1 responsible of the outbreak in dairy cows.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.28.646035v1

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A Live Attenuated #Vaccine Candidate against Emerging Highly Pathogenic #Cattle-Origin 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 Viruses

Abstract

Influenza viruses present a significant public health risk, causing substantial illness and death in humans each year. Seasonal flu vaccines must be updated regularly, and their effectiveness often decreases due to mismatches with circulating strains. Furthermore, inactivated vaccines do not provide protection against shifted influenza viruses that have the potential to cause a pandemic. The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is prevalent among wild birds worldwide and is causing a multi-state outbreak affecting poultry and dairy cows in the United States (US) since March 2024. In this study, we have generated a NS1 deficient mutant of a low pathogenic version of the cattle-origin human influenza A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1, namely LPhTXdNS1, and validated its safety, immunogenicity, and protection efficacy in a prime vaccination regimen against wild-type (WT) A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. The attenuation of LPhTXdNS1 in vitro was confirmed by its reduced replication in cultured cells and inability to control IFNβ promoter activation. In C57BL/6J mice, LPhTXdNS1 has reduced viral replication and pathogenicity compared to WT A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. Notably, LPhTXdNS1 vaccinated mice exhibited high immunogenicity that reach its peak at weeks 3 and 4 post-immunization, leading to robust protection against subsequent lethal challenge with WT A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. Altogether, we demonstrate that a single dose vaccination with LPhTXdNS1 is safe and able to induce protective immune responses against H5N1. Both safety profile and protection immunity suggest that LPhTXdNS1 holds promise as a potential solution to address the urgent need for an effective vaccine in the event of a pandemic for the treatment of infected animals and humans.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.28.646033v1

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Sunday, March 30, 2025

Couple with Parrot, Pieter de Hooch (1668)

 


Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/pieter-de-hooch/couple-with-parrot-1668

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 30 '25)

 


    Ann Intern Med

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    CBT and rehabilitation improved long COVID symptoms.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    BMJ

  2. WISE J
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    PubMed        


    Clin Infect Dis

  3. ALLAN-BLITZ LT, Klausner JD
    Shifting the Focus in Acute SARS-CoV-2 Management to Include Prevention of Long-COVID.
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    PubMed        


    Emerg Infect Dis

  4. SANDER B, Mishra S, Swayze S, Sahakyan Y, et al
    Population-Based Matched Cohort Study of COVID-19 Healthcare Costs, Ontario, Canada.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    Intensive Care Med

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    Rapid clinical effects of convalescent plasma therapy in severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
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    PubMed        


    J Infect

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    Increased Circulation of Adenovirus in China During 2023-2024: Association with an Increased Prevalence of Species B and School-Associated Transmission.
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    Co-infection dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory viruses in the 2022/2023 respiratory season in the Netherlands.
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    Rapid spread of Candida auris in China after COVID-19.
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    PubMed        


    J Med Virol

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    J Virol

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    Role of N-linked glycosylation sites in human ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 and hCoV-NL63 infection.
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    Human long noncoding RNA VILMIR is induced by major respiratory viral infections and modulates the host interferon response.
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    SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody specificities differ dramatically between recently infected infants and immune-imprinted individuals.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    JAMA

  17. HANLON P, Butterly E, Wei L, Wightman H, et al
    Age and Sex Differences in Efficacy of Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis.
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    Nat Ment Health

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    Dynamic effects of psychiatric vulnerability, loneliness and isolation on distress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    Nature

  19. KOZLOV M
    Exclusive: NIH to cut grants for COVID research, documents reveal.
    Nature. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-00954.
    PubMed        

  20. VAN DAMME E, Abeywickrema P, Yin Y, Xie J, et al
    A small-molecule SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor targeting the membrane protein.
    Nature. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08651.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  21. WANG X, Huang Z, Xing L, Shang L, et al
    STING agonist-based ER-targeting molecules boost antigen cross-presentation.
    Nature. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08758.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  22. LAPORTE M, Jochmans D, Bardiot D, Desmarets L, et al
    A coronavirus assembly inhibitor that targets the viral membrane protein.
    Nature. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08773.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Science

  23. COHEN J
    U.S. cuts hamper disease surveillance worldwide.
    Science. 2025;387:1336-1337.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Travel Med Infect Dis

  24. PFAAR H, Lopez-Medina E, Escudero I, Hutagalung Y, et al
    Operational challenges and lessons learned from conducting febrile surveillance in a long-term randomized dengue vaccine trial in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.
    Travel Med Infect Dis. 2025 Mar 20:102840. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102840.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  25. BOGACKA A, Wroczynska A, Grzybek M
    Polish travellers on the move: a study of knowledge of travel health and associated practices among Polish travellers abroad.
    Travel Med Infect Dis. 2025 Mar 20:102842. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102842.
    PubMed         Abstract available

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 30 '25)

 


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    BMC Pediatr

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    Epidemiol Infect

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    J Gen Virol

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    J Virol

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    Restriction of influenza A virus replication by host DCAF7-CRL4B axis.
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    Detection of antibodies against influenza A viruses in cattle.
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    Lancet

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    PLoS One

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  15. ANDERSON D, Chapman J, Domingues J, Bobadilla G, et al
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  16. SARKER MJA, Hasan M, Kabir A, Haque A, et al
    Leveraging artificial intelligence to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the teacher-student relationship in higher education.
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  18. IMAI H, Suzuki J, Mizuno T, Takahashi S, et al
    The effect of antibiotic prescription in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A Japanese inpatient database study.
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  19. ALKHARABSHEH A, Alshurafa S, Alhanbali S, Garadat S, et al
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    Adapting new norms: A mixed-method study exploring mental well-being challenges in dental technology education.
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    The impact of self-isolation on psychological wellbeing in adults and how to reduce it: A systematic review.
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    Effect of lymphocyte miRNA expression on influenza vaccine-induced immunity.
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    Virology

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    Virus Res

  36. MYERS ML, Conlon MT, Gallagher JR, Woolfork DD, et al
    Analysis of polyclonal and monoclonal antibody to the influenza virus nucleoprotein in different oligomeric states.
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Modeling the #impact of early #vaccination in an #influenza #pandemic in the #USA

Abstract

We modeled the impact of initiating one-dose influenza vaccination at 3 months vs 6 months after declaration of a pandemic over a 1-year timeframe in the US population. Three vaccine effectiveness (VE) and two pandemic severity levels were considered, using an epidemic curve based on typical seasonal influenza epidemics. Vaccination from 3 months with a high, moderate, or low effectiveness vaccine would prevent ~95%, 84%, or 38% deaths post-vaccination, respectively, compared with 21%, 18%, and 8%, respectively following vaccination at 6 months, irrespective of pandemic severity. While the pandemic curve would not be flattened from vaccination from 6 months, a moderate/high effectiveness vaccine could flatten the curve if administered from 3 months. Overall, speed of initiating a vaccination campaign is more important than VE in reducing the health impacts of an influenza pandemic. Preparedness strategies may be able to minimize future pandemic impacts by prioritizing rapid vaccine roll-out.

Source: npj Vaccines, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01081-5

____

Saturday, March 29, 2025

#Molecular #epidemiology of #Kyasanur Forest Disease employing ONT-NGS a field forward #sequencing

Highlights

• The present analysis addresses the paucity of genetic information available for the recently emerged KFDV strains.

• As the virus is classified as a highly dangerous pathogen, it is essential to expand the existing genetic information.

• Continuous surveillance of the virus is essential for the development of a vaccine.

• The present study presents new findings on the KFD virus strains that were introduced into circulation in the period 2018-2020.

• The nanopore sequencing technology is presented as a proof of concept for the provision of early warnings in the field.


Abstract

The future of infectious agent detection and molecular characterization lies in field-forward, on-site strategies. The lack of genomic information for recently circulating Kyasanur Forest Disease virus strains is critical. Kyasanur Forest Virus Disease virus PCR-positive samples from 2018 to 2020 were selected for sequencing. Detailed molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed. In this study, we deciphered KFDV whole genomes using the ONT-NGS technique to analyze targeted KFD surveillance from 2018-2020. This study is the first to report recently circulating KFDV strains employing a simple on-site field-forward approach for viral surveillance. Altogether, 19 KFDV genomes were sequenced, and 28 non-synonymous variants were detected in the viral strains circulating from 2018-2020 in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka state in India. The prevailing Variant was detected in more than 10 changes in 80% of the samples in the viral envelope protein. Recently, circulating KFDV has been the predominant lineage over the past years. India reports seasonal outbreaks almost every year from the Karnataka state of the KFD. The genomic sequences deciphered here belong to the period (2018-2020) that covers the KFDV sequences as the first information. This will contribute to the development and revisiting of diagnostic and vaccine strategies.

Source: Journal of Clinical Virology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386653225000253?dgcid=rss_sd_all

____

Heterogeneity across #mammalian- and #avian-origin A(#H1N1) #influenza viruses influences viral infectivity following incubation with host #bacteria from the human respiratory tract

Abstract

Influenza A viruses (IAV) are primarily transmitted between mammals by the respiratory route, and encounter bacteria in the respiratory tract before infecting susceptible epithelial cells. Previous studies have shown that mammalian-origin IAV can bind to the surface of different bacterial species and purified bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), but despite the broad host range of IAV, few studies have included avian-origin IAV in these assessments. Since IAV that circulate in humans and birds are well-adapted to replication in the human respiratory and avian gastrointestinal tracts, respectively, we investigated the ability of multiple human and avian A(H1N1) IAV to associate with bacteria and their surface components isolated from both host niches. Binding interactions were assessed with microbial glycan microarrays, revealing that seasonal and avian IAV strains exhibited binding diversity to multiple bacterial glycans at the level of the virus and the bacterium, independent of sialic acid binding preference of the virus. Co-incubation of diverse IAV with LPS derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a respiratory tract bacterium, led to reduced retention of viral infectivity in a temperature dependent manner which was not observed when co-incubated with LPS from Escherichia coli, a gut bacterial isolate. Reduction of viral infectivity was supported by disruption of IAV virions following incubation with P. aeruginosa LPS using electron microscopy. Our findings highlight that both human and avian IAV can bind to bacterial surface components from different host sites resulting in differential functional interactions early after binding, suggesting the need to study IAV-bacteria interactions at the host range interface.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.28.645935v1

____

Friday, March 28, 2025

#Cholera - #Angola {WHO D.O.N. March 28 '25}

{Summary}

Situation at a glance

Since January 2025, Angola has been experiencing a substantial cholera outbreak. As of 23 March 2025, a total of 8543 cases and 329 deaths (Case Fatality Rate (CFR) 3.9%) have been reported, with one-third of the deaths occurring in the community. The outbreak has rapidly spread to 16 out of Angola’s 21 provinces, affecting individuals of all age groups, with the highest burden among those under 20 years old. The Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, is managing the cholera outbreak response through case detection, deployment of rapid response teams, community engagement and a vaccination campaign. Given the rapidly evolving outbreak, ongoing rainy season, and cross-border movement with neighbouring countries, WHO assesses the risk of further transmission in Angola and surrounding areas as very high.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON562

____

Avian #Influenza Virus #Surveillance Across #NZ and Its Subantarctic #Islands Detects #H1N9 in Migratory #Shorebirds, but Not 2.3.4.4b HPAI #H5N1

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 has never been detected in New Zealand. The potential impact of this virus on New Zealand's wild birds would be catastrophic. To expand our knowledge of avian influenza viruses across New Zealand, we sampled wild aquatic birds from New Zealand, its outer islands and its subantarctic territories. Metatranscriptomic analysis of 700 individuals spanning 33 species revealed no detection of H5N1 during the annual 2023-2024 migration. A single detection of H1N9 in red knots (Calidris canutus) was noted. This study provides a baseline for expanding avian influenza virus monitoring in New Zealand.

Source: US National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40148670/

____

#Genetic and #antigenic characteristics of #zoonotic #influenza A viruses and development of candidate #vaccine viruses for #pandemic preparedness {WHO, March 28 '25}

February 2025 

The development of influenza candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs),  coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global  strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness. Selection and development of  CVVs are the first steps towards timely vaccine production and do not imply a  recommendation for initiating manufacture. National authorities may consider the  use of 1 or more of these CVVs for pilot lot vaccine production, clinical trials and  other pandemic preparedness purposes based on their assessment of public health  risk and need. Zoonotic influenza viruses continue to be identified  and evolve both antigenically and genetically, leading to the need for additional  CVVs for pandemic preparedness purposes. Changes in the antigenic and genetic  characteristics of these viruses relative to existing CVVs and their potential risks  to public health justify the need to develop new CVVs. This document summarizes  the antigenic and genetic characteristics of recent zoonotic influenza viruses and  related viruses circulating in animals1 that are relevant to CVV updates.  Institutions interested in receiving these CVVs should contact WHO at gisrs-whohq@who.int or the institutions listed in announcements published on the WHO website.{2}


Influenza A(H5) 

Since their emergence in 1997, high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5)  viruses of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 haemagglutinin (HA) lineage  have become enzootic in many countries, have infected wild birds  and continue to cause outbreaks in poultry and sporadic human and  other mammalian infections across a wide geographic area. In the United  States of America (USA), an outbreak of HPAI A(H5N1) in dairy cattle has been  reported since March 2024 with 2 additional introductions from wild birds  detected in February 2025. A(H5) HA gene segments have paired with a  variety of neuraminidase (NA) subtypes (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N8 or N9).  These viruses have diversified genetically and antigenically, leading to the need  for multiple CVVs. This summary provides updates on the characterization of  A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage A(H5) viruses and the status of the  development of influenza A(H5) CVVs. 


Influenza A(H5) activity from 24 September 2024  to 24 February 2025 

Since 2003, 16 A(H5), 7 A(H5N8), 93 A(H5N6) and 956 A(H5N1) human  infections or detections have been reported. Since 24 September 2024, 60  human infections with A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage viruses have been  reported to WHO. A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage A(H5) viruses have been  detected in both domestic and wild birds with spillover to mammals in many  countries, and sustained circulation in dairy cattle in the USA (...). The  nomenclature for phylogenetic relationships among the HA genes of  A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage A(H5) viruses is defined in consultation with  representatives of WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United  Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and academic  institutions.{3} There has been a recent update to this nomenclature to reflect  the genetic diversification of the A(H5) viruses, particularly clade 2.3.2.1c, to add  2.3.2.1d, e, f, and g.{4} Where relevant, updated clade nomenclatures have been  adopted in this report. 


Genetic and antigenic characteristics  of influenza A(H5) viruses 

Sixty new human infections or detections with  A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage viruses were reported. Most infected individuals had recent exposure to  birds or dairy cattle. One fatal human infection with a clade 2.3.2.1e A(H5N1)  virus was identified in Cambodia in this period. The HA of the virus recovered  from this individual, A/Cambodia/KSH250004/2025, had 2 amino acid  substitutions relative to the A/Cambodia/ SVH240441/2024 CVV and antigenic  data are pending. One human A(H5) infection from Viet Nam was detected;  no genetic or antigenic data were available for this case. One A(H5N1) virus  detection was reported in the United Kingdom of Great Britain  and Northern Ireland in an individual with recent exposure to infected commercial  poultry. This virus was confirmed as belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b and was  genetically and antigenically similar to existing clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs. One case of  clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection was detected in Canada in a severely ill  individual that ultimately recovered. Although a source of exposure was not  identified, the virus was genetically related to other clade 2.3.4.4b viruses  detected in wild birds and poultry in the region. The HA of the virus had 4 amino  acid substitutions relative to the  A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 CVV. Antigenic analysis  showed the virus reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised against the  A/Astrakhan/3212/2020,  A/American Wigeon/South Carolina/22-000345-001/2021, A/chicken/Ghana/AVL-763_21VIR7050-39/2021 and  A/Ezo red  fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 CVVs (Table 2). Fifty-six clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5) human  infections were identified in the USA. All but 2 cases reported exposure to dairy  cattle or poultry in backyard or commercial settings, and most reported mild  illness. One case where underlying comorbidities were present was hospitalized  with pneumonia but recovered. A second case, with prolonged, unprotected  exposure to infected birds in a backyard setting developed severe respiratory  disease leading to a fatal outcome. The HAs of viruses detected in human cases in  the USA and Canada were genetically similar to viruses detected in either dairy  cattle or birds (...) and had between 1 and 6 amino acid substitutions  relative to existing clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs. Most of the viruses tested antigenically  reacted well with ferret antisera raised to the clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs (...). A(H5)  viruses from birds and non-human mammals belonged to the following clades:  Clade 2.3.2.1a viruses were detected in poultry in Bangladesh and in wild birds  and poultry in India. Detections in captive tigers, a captive leopard, and domestic cats were also reported in India. The circulation of clade 2.3.2.1a  viruses in these countries has continued despite the introduction of clade 2.3.4.4b  viruses. The viruses from Bangladesh had HAs genetically similar to those of  viruses detected previously and reacted well with post-infection ferret antisera  raised against the A/duck/Bangladesh/19097/2013 CVV. The HA of viruses  detected in India were genetically related to A/Victoria/149/2024, a virus isolated  from a traveller returning to Australia from India{5} (...). No antigenic data are  available for the viruses collected in India; however, many of the HA amino acid  substitutions they contained were shared  with A/Victoria/149/2024, which  reacted poorly with post-infection ferret antisera raised against available CVVs  (...). Clade 2.3.2.1e viruses were detected in poultry in Cambodia, Lao People’s  Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam and in captive tigers and a captive leopard in  Viet Nam. The HAs of these viruses were similar to viruses detected in previous  periods in the region. Viruses from Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam  were characterized antigenically. The viruses from Lao People’s Democratic  Republic reacted well with post-infection ferret antisera raised against  A/Vietnam/KhanhHoaRV1-005/2024, a A/Cambodia/SVH240441/2024-like virus  that is under development as a CVV. The viruses from Viet Nam reacted better  with post-infection ferret antisera raised against the  A/duck/Vietnam/NCVD1584/2012 CVV. Clade 2.3.2.1g HA sequences from  viruses circulating in multiple islands of the Republic of Indonesia in the previous  reporting period were analysed. Currently, there is no CVV proposed for  this clade. These viruses accumulated many amino acid substitutions when  compared to the sequences of CVVs of closely related clades previously classified  as clade 2.3.2.1c (...). No antigenic data were available from recently detected  viruses and will require further monitoring. Clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were  detected in birds in many countries, areas and territories in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. A(H5N1) viruses have  continued to circulate in birds in most regions; A(H5N6) viruses have been  detected in Eastern Asia; A(H5N5) viruses have been detected in Europe and North America; and A(H5N9) viruses were detected in poultry in the USA.  Infections in wild and captive mammals have continued to be reported, as well as  the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle with subsequent spread to poultry, peri- domestic birds, and mammals in the USA. During this period, 2 additional  spillovers from wild birds to dairy cattle were reported in the USA. Since March  2024, the ongoing dairy cattle outbreak has spread to over 970 herds in 17  states. The majority of HAs from the characterized 2.3.4.4b viruses had less than  10 amino acid substitutions compared to the 2.3.4.4b CVVs, and most tested  viruses from dairy cattle reacted well to at least 1 of the post-infection ferret  antisera raised against the 2.3.4.4b CVVs. Ongoing circulation of virus in wild  birds in North America resulted in numerous outbreaks in commercial and  backyard poultry in the USA and Canada. Viruses tested reacted well with post- infection ferret antisera raised against at least 1 of the 2.3.4.4b CVVs (Table 2).  A(H5N6) and A(H5N1) viruses identified in China had only 3-7 HA amino  acid substitutions compared to 2.3.4.4b CVVs. Most viruses tested reacted well  with post-infection ferret antisera raised to viruses related to the current CVVs,  albeit with some A(H5N6) viruses showing reduced reactivity. Viruses detected in  wild birds and/or poultry in multiple countries in Europe and Asia reacted well with  post-infection ferret antisera raised to at least 1 of the available CVVs.  Several viruses identified in poultry in Egypt showed reduced reactivity to post- infection antisera raised to CVVs and require further monitoring. Clade 2.3.4.4h A(H5N6) viruses were detected in poultry in Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China. Detections of 2.3.4.4h viruses have been infrequent over recent years  but have been noted in the last 2 reporting periods, including 2 human infections  reported in 2024. The A(H5N6) viruses had accumulated up to 14 HA amino acid  substitutions relative to available CVVs and reacted poorly to post-infection ferret  antiserum raised against a surrogate of the A/Guangdong/18SF020/2018 CVV.  Similarly, 1 of the 2 human cases detected in 2024 reacted poorly to post- infection ferret antiserum raised against the A/Guangdong/18SF020/2018 CVV, the other reacted well, likely due to a single HA amino acid substitution (...). 


Influenza A(H5) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on current genetic, antigenic and epidemiologic data, new CVVs that are antigenically like A/Victoria/149/2024 (clade 2.3.2.1a) and A/Fujian/2/2024  (clade 2.3.4.4h) are proposed. The available and pending A(H5) CVVs are listed in  Table 5. 


Influenza A(H9N2) 

Influenza A(H9N2) viruses are enzootic in poultry in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East with the majority of viruses belonging to either the B  or G HA lineage.{6} Since the late 1990s, when the first human infection was  identified, sporadic detections of A(H9N2) viruses in humans and pigs have been  reported, with associated mild disease in most human cases and no evidence for  sustained human-to-human transmission. 


Influenza A(H9N2) activity from 24 September 2024 to 24 February 2025 

Sixteen A(H9N2) human infections have been identified in China, 1 of which  had an illness onset date in the previous reporting period. Twelve of the infections  were in individuals under the aged <10 years and all infected individuals  recovered. 


Genetic and antigenic characteristics of influenza A(H9N2) viruses 

The HAs of the 11 human viruses that were sequenced belonged to the B4.7  clade. Ten of these viruses had HAs that clustered phylogenetically, having  at most 10 amino acid substitutions relative to A/Anhui-Tianjiaan/11086/2022,  from which a CVV is being developed. The other virus had a genetically distinct HA  that was more similar to the A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018 CVV with 12 amino  acid substitutions relative to this CVV. All of the human viruses tested antigenically  reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised to A/Anhui-Tianjiaan/11086/2022 or A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018. A(H9N2) viruses from birds  belonged to the following clades: Clade B4.5 viruses were detected in Republic of  Indonesia, although from samples collected in the previous period, and from Viet  Nam. The HAs of the viruses from Republic of Indonesia had at least 19 amino  acid substitutions compared to available CVVs. No viruses were available for  antigenic characterization. The viruses from Viet Nam, despite having  accumulated over 20 HA amino acid substitutions, reacted well to post-infection  ferret antiserum raised against the A/chicken/Hong Kong/G9/1997 CVV. Clade  B4.7 viruses continued to predominate in poultry in China, and similar viruses  were detected in poultry in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Viet  Nam. Viruses from this clade continued to diversify genetically but reacted well  with post-infection ferret antiserum raised against the A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018- like CVV. Clade G5.6 viruses were detected in poultry in Egypt. Despite the  accumulation of up to 24 HA amino acid substitutions relative to the  A/Oman/2747/2019 CVV, post-infection ferret antiserum raised against this CVV  reacted well with the viruses from Egypt. Clade G5.7 viruses were detected in  Bangladesh and in a sample from India collected in the previous reporting period.  The HAs of recent viruses fell into phylogenetically distinct clusters differentiated  by country. The recent viruses from Bangladesh reacted well with post-infection  ferret antisera raised against the A/Oman/2747/2019 and  A/Bangladesh/0994/2011 CVVs. The virus from India was not available for  characterisation. 


Influenza A(H9N2) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available antigenic, genetic and epidemiologic data, no new  CVVs are proposed. The available and pending A(H9N2) CVVs are listed in Table  6. 


Influenza A(H10) 

A(H10) viruses are frequently detected in birds in many regions of the world  and are considered endemic in poultry in China, with rare human infections  reported. Prior to this reporting period, 3 A(H10N3), 1 A(H10N5), 4 A(H10N7) and  3 A(H10N8) human infections were detected in China and A(H10N7) viruses  were detected in individuals with conjunctivitis or mild upper respiratory tract  symptoms in Australia (n=2) and Egypt (n=2). 


Influenza A(H10) activity from  24 September 2024  to 24 February 2025 

An A(H10N3) virus infection was identified in China in an adult with severe  illness who recovered. Antigenic and genetic characteristics  of influenza A(H10N3)  viruses The HA of the human virus was similar to those of the  A(H10N3) viruses previously detected in humans in China, but distinct from that  of a previously identified A(H10N5) human virus in China, in 2024. The internal  gene segments of the A(H10N3) virus were most similar to those of A(H9N2)  viruses circulating in chickens in China and its HA had 13 amino acid substitutions  compared to A/Jiangsu/428/2021, from which a CVV has been proposed. Antigenic data are pending. A(H10N7) viruses have been identified in poultry in Cambodia. The HAs of these viruses were most closely related to sequences of  A(H10) viruses detected in wild birds in East Asia, Southeast Asia and North  America and related to A(H10N3) viruses detected in humans in China. However,  the internal genes of the A(H10N7) viruses detected in Cambodia were unrelated  to the internal genes of the A(H10N3) viruses from humans in China. 


Influenza  A(H10N3) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available genetic and epidemiologic data, no new CVVs are proposed. The pending A(H10N3) CVV is listed in Table 7. 


Influenza A(H1)v{7} 

Influenza A(H1) viruses are enzootic in swine populations in most regions  of the world. The genetic and antigenic characteristics of the viruses circulating in  different regions are diverse. Viruses isolated from human infections with swine  influenza A(H1) viruses are designated as A(H1) variant ((H1)v) viruses and have  been previously detected in the Americas, Asia and Europe. 


Influenza A(H1)v  activity from 24 September 2024  to 24 February 2025 

Multiple clades of A(H1) viruses were detected in swine populations globally  with 1 A(H1N1)v virus infection detected in China and 1 A(H1N2)v virus infection  detected in the USA (...). Genetic and antigenic characteristics of influenza A(H1)v  viruses The virus from the A(H1N2)v case detected in the USA belonged  to clade 1B.2.1 which is known to circulate in swine in the USA. The virus from the  case detected in China was a clade 1C.2.3 virus. Antigenic analysis of the  viruses from these cases were not performed because viruses could not be  recovered from the samples. Influenza A(H1)v candidate vaccine viruses Based on  the available antigenic, genetic and epidemiologic data, no new A(H1)v CVVs  are proposed. The available and pending A(H1)v CVVs are listed in Table 9.


Influenza A(H3N2)v 

Influenza A(H3N2) viruses with diverse genetic and antigenic characteristics are enzootic in swine populations in most regions of the world.  Human infections with influenza A(H3N2)v viruses originating from swine have  been previously documented in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas.  


Influenza A(H3N2)v activity from 24 September 2024 to 24 February 2025

A(H3N2) viruses were detected in swine in Canada and the USA (...). No  cases of infection with A(H3N2) v viruses were detected in this reporting period. 


Acknowledgements 

Acknowledgement goes to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) which provides the mechanism for detection and monitoring of zoonotic influenza viruses. We thank the National Influenza Centres (NICs) of GISRS who contributed information, clinical specimens and viruses, and associated data; WHO collaborating centres of GISRS for their in-depth characterization and analysis of viruses and preparation of CVVs; and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories of GISRS and WHO H5 Reference Laboratories for their complementary analyses and preparation of CVVs. We acknowledge the WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU) laboratories for their in-depth characterization and comprehensive analysis of viruses and other national institutions for contributing information and viruses. We also acknowledge the GISAID Global Data Science Initiative for the EpiFluTM database, and other sequence databases which were used to share gene sequences and associated information. 

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{1} For information relevant to other notifiable influenza virus infections in animals refer to https://wahis.woah.org/#/home 

{2} See https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/vaccines/who-recommendations/zoonotic-influenza-viruses-and-candidate-vaccine-viruses 3 See https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irv.12324 4 See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39829835/ 

{5} See No. 43, 2024, pp.–621-640.

{6} See https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/8/23-1176_article 

{7} Standardization of terminology for the influenza virus variants infecting humans: Update https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/influenza/global-influenza-surveillance-and-response-system/nomenclature/standardization_of_terminology_influenza_virus_variants_update.pdf?sfvrsn=d201f1d5_6

Source: World Health Organization, https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/380900/WER10013-14-eng-fre.pdf

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#USA, Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater {US CDC, March 28 '25}



{Excerpt}

Time Period: March 16 - March 22, 2025

-- H5 Detection5 sites (1.2%)

-- No Detection401 sites (98.8%)

-- No samples in last week211 sites

(...)




Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html

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