Genetic diversity of #H5N1 avian #influenza viruses isolated from #birds and #seals in #Russia in 2023

Abstract

Thousands of outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in birds and an increasing number of mammal infections are registered annually. In 2023, multiple avian influenza outbreaks were registered among wild birds, poultry and seals in Russia. The genetic characterization of seventy-seven avian viruses and three viruses from seals showed that they belonged to the 2.3.4.4b clade and represented four distinct reassortant genotypes. The majority of viruses represented genotype BB, which was widespread in Europe in 2023. Viruses from seals and four viruses from birds, isolated from outbreaks in the Far East region, belonged to the G1 (A3) genotype and had the amino acid substitution N319K in the NP protein, previously associated with an increased virulence for mammals. In addition, one virus of the G10 genotype and two viruses, representing a previously undescribed genotype (designated as Ru-23-G4) were identified. The viruses analyzed showed normal inhibition by neuraminidase inhibitors. Seven viruses had genetic markers of amantadine resistance. All the influenza A(H5N1) viruses studied showed a binding preference for α2-3-linked sialic acids, suggesting a low risk of transmission among humans. Nevertheless, monitoring of reassortment and mammalian adaptation mutations is essential for the timely identification of viruses with increased pandemic potential.

Source: Scientific Reports, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-00417-4

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#Investigation of #Influenza #H5N1 Virus #Neutralization by Quadrivalent Seasonal #Vaccines, #UK, 2021–2024

Abstract

We tested cross-neutralization against highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in adults vaccinated with 2021–2023 seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccine in the United Kingdom. Seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccines are unlikely to protect vulnerable persons against severe H5N1 disease during widespread transmission. Enhanced measures are needed to protect vulnerable people from H5N1 virus infection.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/6/24-1796_article

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Emergence of #Antigenic #Variants in #Bovine #H5N1 #Influenza Viruses

ABSTRACT

The recent emergence of the H5N1 influenza virus in dairy cattle has raised significant public health concerns. Using a previously established pseudovirus-based neutralization assay, we evaluated the impact of emerging hemagglutinin (HA) mutations on the efficacy of current candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs). Neutralization analysis revealed that the cow-derived H5N1 virus showed up to a 2.2-fold reduction in sensitivity compared to the CVV homologous neutralization titers. Among the 1,453 HA sequences analyzed from cow-derived H5N1 viruses, we identified four major mutations (E2K, D104G, V147M, and S336N) that emerged after the initial isolation, with 134 isolates (9.22%) harboring all four mutations. These multi-mutation variants exhibited up to a 3.3-fold reduction compared with the CVV homologous neutralization titers. Single-mutation analysis demonstrated that the D104G mutation, present in 47.8% of sequences, markedly contributed to antibody escape. Our findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance and antigenic evaluation of emerging variants for pandemic preparedness strategies.

Source: Journal of Medical Virology, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.70394

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Effects of #JAK #inhibitors in adults admitted to #hospital due to #COVID19: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Summary

Background

Evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors—compared with usual care or placebo—in adults treated in hospital for COVID-19 is conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the benefits and harms of JAK inhibitors compared with placebo or usual care and whether treatment effects differed between prespecified participant subgroups.

Methods

For this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA), we searched Medline via Ovid, Embase via Elsevier, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and the COVID-19 L·OVE Platform, including backward and forward citation searching (last search Nov 28, 2024), for RCTs (unpublished or published in any format and any language) that randomly assigned adults (aged ≥16 years) admitted to a hospital due to COVID-19 to receive either a JAK inhibitor (any type) or no JAK inhibitor (ie, received site-specific standard of care with or without placebo), and requested individual participant data (IPD) from the original trial teams. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at day 28 after random assignment. We used two-stage meta-analyses adjusting for age and respiratory support, and pooled estimates using random-effects models. The assessment of individual-level effect modifiers was based solely on within-trial information and continuous modifiers were investigated as both linear and non-linear interactions. We used the Instrument for Assessing the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses to appraise the subgroup analyses and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to adjudicate the certainty of evidence. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events and serious adverse events by day 28, and adverse events of special interest within 28 days, were assessed among secondary outcomes. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023431817).

Findings

We identified 16 eligible trials. IPD were obtained from 12 trials, corresponding to 12 902 adults admitted to hospital between May, 2020, and March, 2022. These trials represented 12 902 [96·1%] of 13 423 participants from all eligible trials worldwide. Seven trials evaluated baricitinib, three evaluated tofacitinib, and two evaluated ruxolitinib. Overall, 755 (11·7%) of 6465 participants in the JAK inhibitor group died by day 28 compared with 805 (13·2%) of 6108 participants in the no JAK inhibitor group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·67 [95% CI 0·55–0·82]; high-certainty evidence; 39 fewer per 1000 [95% CI 55 fewer to 21 fewer]). JAK inhibitors decreased the need for new mechanical ventilation or other respiratory support and allowed for faster discharge from hospital by about 1 day. We observed fewer grade 3 and 4 adverse events and serious adverse events in the JAK inhibitor group (14 fewer per 1000 [95% CI 24 fewer to 4 fewer]; moderate-certainty evidence). The rates of adverse events of special interest were similar across both groups. No credible subgroup effect on mortality at day 28 was found for ventilation status, type of JAK inhibitor, presence of comorbidities, timing of treatment initiation after symptom onset, C-reactive protein concentration, or concomitant use of dexamethasone or tocilizumab. We found a moderately credible effect modification by age, with younger participants showing larger relative treatment effects than older participants, but similar absolute treatment effects due to higher baseline risk for older participants.

Interpretation

This IPDMA of RCTs in adults admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 found that JAK inhibitors reduced mortality across all levels of respiratory support, independent of dexamethasone or tocilizumab, and probably decreased serious and severe adverse events compared with no JAK inhibitors.

Source: Lancet Respiratory Medicine, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(25)00055-4/fulltext?rss=yes

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#Measles - #Morocco (#WHO D.O.N., May 13 '25)

{Summary}

Situation at a glance

Since late 2023, Morocco has been experiencing a widespread measles outbreak. Cases have been recorded across all regions of the country, particularly among children and people who are unvaccinated. In response, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MOHSP), in collaboration with relevant sectors, activated the National Center for Public Health Emergency Operations, launched urgent catch-up vaccination campaigns, and strengthened surveillance, case management, and risk communication and community engagement efforts. Measles is a highly transmissible viral disease that can lead to severe complications and death. While Morocco has made significant progress toward measles elimination, the disease remains endemic in the country. The overall risk is assessed as moderate at the national level and moderate at the regional level, particularly given the risk of cross-border transmission in areas with low vaccination coverage.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON568

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#China reported eight new #human cases of #Influenza A #H9N2 and one new case of Influenza A #H10N3 (HK CHP, May 13 '25)

 

{Excerpt}

Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

-- New Cases (New Deaths): 8 (0) 

- Chongqing Municipality: 

- 1) A 67-year-old man with onset on April 18, 2025. 

- Guizhou Province: 

- 2) A one-year-old girl with onset on April 7, 2025. 

- 3) A one-year-old girl with onset on April 15, 2025. 

- Hunan Province: 

- 4) A five-year-old boy with onset on April 1, 2025.

- 5) A seven-year-old girl with onset on April 1, 2025. 

- 6) A one-year-old girl with onset on April 3, 2025. 

- 7) A five-year-old boy with onset on April 19, 2025

- Yunnan Province:

- 8) A one-year-old girl with onset on April 2, 2025

Avian influenza A(H10N3): 

- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 

- 1) A 68-year-old woman with onset on April 13, 2025. 

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk19.pdf

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#Philippines - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N9 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

The affected population are ducks grazing in a rice field situated within Camaligan, Camarines Sur where they may have come into contact with wild birds carrying the virus.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6473

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Effectiveness of integrated #vector #management on the incidence of #dengue in urban #Malaysia: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Summary

Background

Malaysia is one of the southeast Asian countries hardest hit by dengue. We implemented a proactive integrated vector management (IVM) approach in a large non-blinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial to quantify its effectiveness on dengue incidence in urban settings.

Methods

In this cluster-randomised controlled trial we enrolled low-cost and medium-cost residential housing blocks in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with recurrent dengue outbreaks. Of the 329 eligible sites, 139 were randomly allocated to receive IVM measures (community engagement, targeted outdoor residual spraying using K-Othrine Polyzone, and deployment of autodissemination devices to target both larval and adult mosquitoes) and 141 received routine vector control activities, stratified by block housing cost. The primary outcome was the comparison of dengue incidence between the two groups using information provided by the national e-Dengue surveillance system. Routine vector control activities continued in both control and intervention sites. The trial was retrospectively registered (ISRCTN81915073).

Findings

Between Feb 10, 2020, and Sept 30, 2022, we carried out our IVM approach in the 139 randomly selected intervention sites. 903 834 individuals (447 149 intervention, 456 685 control) were living in the study areas. Dengue was reported in 1434 individuals in the intervention group (mean incidence per 100 person-years of 0·16 [SD 0·18]) compared with 1663 in the control group (0·18 [0·19; risk ratio 0·86, 95% CI 0·70–1·06; p=0·17). No adverse effects were reported.

Interpretation

Our study did not show an effect on the primary endpoint of the overall dengue incidence. Several factors such as substantial decrease in dengue incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic could have reduced the statistical power to detect significant differences between the two groups. Preventive and long-lasting approaches such as our IVM should be further tested to see if targeted interventions could help limit the number of cases in high-risk transmission areas.

Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00086-6/abstract?rss=yes

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Dose response comparison of #Nipah virus #strains #Malaysia and #Bangladesh in #hamsters exposed by the intranasal or intraperitoneal route

Abstract

Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen, can cause debilitating disease and death in humans. Currently, countermeasures are limited, with several in various stages of testing but none yet FDA-approved for human use. Evaluation of countermeasure candidates requires safety testing in humans, as well as efficacy testing against lethal challenge in animal models. Herein, we describe the characterization and comparison of the intraperitoneal and intranasal Syrian golden hamster models for Nipah virus strains Malaysia and Bangladesh. Overall, the intraperitoneal route of exposure resulted in a more consistent lethal outcome, regardless of virus strain. Therefore, the IP model was subsequently used to evaluate the use of Favipiravir as a potential positive control for future studies investigating NiV countermeasures. In contrast to prior reported results regarding Favipiravir in Nipah virus-infected hamsters, Favipiravir was only fifty percent effective at preventing death following lethal challenge, regardless of Nipah virus strain. The data suggest that Favipiravir is only partially protective against Nipah virus in hamsters, and, thus, would likely not be an ideal candidate as a positive control in future efficacy studies.

Source: PLoS One, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318912

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Pregnant Dairy #Heifers Express #Influenza A Virus #Receptors in the Mammary #Gland

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus emerged in lactating dairy cattle in March 2024, causing mastitis-related disease and infections in other farm animals and workers. Recent work identified α2,6 and α2,3-linked sialic acids (SA), which serve as influenza virus receptors, in the lactating bovine mammary gland; however, their distribution across stages of mammary growth and development remains unknown. We compared the distribution of tissue sialylation in mammary glands of prepubertal dairy calves, pregnant dairy heifers, and lactating cows. Mammary glands at all physiological stages expressed both α2,6 SA, the preferred receptor linkage for human influenza viruses, and α2,3 SA, the preferred receptor linkage for avian influenza viruses. Importantly, mammary glands of pregnant dairy heifers exhibited the highest overall expression of α2,3 SA, observed in both tissue and alveolar lumens. Our results suggest that pregnant dairy heifers, like lactating dairy cows, are susceptible to H5N1 infection in the mammary gland.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.08.652757v1

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Clade 2.3.4.4b Highly pathogenic #H5N1 #influenza viruses from #birds in #China replicate effectively in #bovine cells and pose potential public health #risk

Abstract

In February 2024, H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b were first reported in dairy cows in the USA. Subsequent multiple outbreaks on dairy farms and sporadic human infections have raised substantial public health concerns. In the same year, four H5N1 HPAIVs of clade 2.3.4.4b were isolated from ducks and geese in live poultry markets (LPMs) spanning seven provinces in China. Evolutionary analysis demonstrated that these viruses had undergone two genetic reassortments with H5 influenza viruses from wild birds in different countries. Except for 565/H5N1, the other three viruses exhibited over 99% genetic homology with avian-origin H5N1 HPAIVs from South Korea and Japan. Notably, 571/H5N1 demonstrated high replication efficiency in bovine-derived cells, particularly in bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells, and caused 16.7% (1/6) mortality in mice at a dose of 10⁵ EID₅₀/50 μL, indicating its zoonotic potential. Given the potential cross-species transmission risk of H5N1 HPAIVs to cattle herds, we collected 228 serum samples from 12 cattle farms across five provinces and conducted serological testing to investigate seroprevalence of H5N1 HPAIVs in Chinese cattle herds. All tested samples were negative, indicating no widespread infection in the sampled cattle populations. However, infections in cattle from other regions cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, due to the high mutability of H5N1 HPAIVs, enhanced surveillance of avian influenza viruses is critical to ensure timely responses to potential outbreaks.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2505649

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Middle East respiratory syndrome #coronavirus {#MERS-CoV} - Kingdom of #Saudi Arabia (#WHO D.O.N., May 12 '25)

Situation at a glance

Between 1 March and 21 April 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported nine cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. Two of these cases died. Among the nine cases, a cluster of seven cases were identified in Riyadh, including six health and care workers who acquired the infection from caring for a single infected patient. The cluster was identified through contact tracing and subsequent testing of all contacts, with four of the six health and care workers being asymptomatic and two showing only mild, nonspecific signs. The notification of these cases does not change the overall risk assessment, which remains moderate at both the global and regional levels. These cases show that the virus continues to pose a threat in countries where it is circulating in dromedary camels and spilling over into the human population. WHO recommends implementation of targeted infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to prevent the spread of health-care-associated infections of MERS-CoV and onward human transmission.

Description of the situation

Between 1 March and 21 April 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported nine cases of MERS-CoV infection. 

The cases were reported from the Hail (1) and Riyadh (8) regions of Saudi Arabia (Figure 1). Of the reported cases, five were male and four were female.

Among these cases, a cluster of seven was identified in Riyadh, including six health and care workers who acquired a nosocomial infection from one single infected patient they had cared for. 

Of the six health and care workers, four remained asymptomatic, while two developed mild, nonspecific symptoms including myalgia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting (...). 

Laboratory confirmation of the cases was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between 1 March 2025 and 16 April 2025. 

Of the cases, only one had indirect contact with camels and is not a part of the reported cluster. The rest of the patients had no known history of contact with camels or camel products.

Since the first report of MERS-CoV in KSA in 2012, a total 2627 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, with 946 associated deaths (Case Fatality Rate or CFR of 36%), have been reported to WHO from 27 countries, across all six WHO regions. 

The majority of cases (2218; 84%), have been reported from KSA, including these newly reported cases (...). Since 2019, no human MERS-CoV infections have been reported from countries outside the Middle East.

(...)

Epidemiology

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The fatality rate among confirmed cases is around 36%, though this may be an overestimate since milder cases often go undetected. The CFR is calculated based solely on laboratory-confirmed infections, which may not reflect the correct mortality rate.

Humans contract MERS-CoV through direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels, the virus’s natural host and zoonotic reservoir. 

Human-to-human transmission occurs via infectious respiratory particles mainly at close distances and also through contact transmission, it has mainly occurred in close-contact situations, particularly in health-care settings. 

Outside these environments, there has been limited documented human-to-human transmission to date. 

MERS can present with no symptoms, mild respiratory issues, or severe illness leading to acute respiratory distress and death. 

Common symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, with pneumonia frequently observed, though not always present. 

Some patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea. 

Severe cases may require intensive care, including mechanical ventilation. Those at higher risk of severe outcomes include older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or lung disorders.

The number of MERS-CoV infections reported to WHO has substantially declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Initially, this was likely the result of epidemiological surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 being prioritized. 

The similar clinical picture of both diseases may result in reduced testing and detection of MERS-CoV infections. 

However, the Ministry of Health of KSA has been working to improve testing capacities for better detection of MERS-CoV since the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, with MERS-CoV included into sentinel surveillance testing algorithms since the second quarter of 2023, for samples that test negative for both influenza and SARS-CoV-2. 

In addition, measures taken to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission (e.g., IPC measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving the ventilation of indoor spaces, respiratory etiquette, stay-at-home orders, reduced mobility) also likely reduced opportunities for onward human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV. 

Potential cross-protection conferred from infection with or vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and any reduction in MERS-CoV infection or disease severity and vice versa has been hypothesized but requires further investigation.

No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, although several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and therapeutics are in development. Treatment remains supportive, focusing on managing symptoms based on the severity of the illness.

Public health response

The Ministry of Health of KSA implemented the following response measures

-- Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in healthcare settings:

- Regular training of health and care workers on IPC measures.

- Implementation of stringent IPC measures, including triage protocols, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation procedures for suspected cases.

- Prompt isolation of cases and quarantine of contacts.

-- Surveillance and testing:

- Rigorous contact tracing and testing of high-risk contacts, including healthcare workers.

- Inclusion of MERS-CoV in sentinel surveillance testing algorithms since 2023.

-- Public health awareness and hygiene practices:

- Public health awareness campaigns to prevent human-to-human transmission.

- Advising people with underlying chronic medical conditions to avoid close contact with animals, particularly dromedaries.

WHO risk assessment

As of 21 April 2025, a total of 2627 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection have been reported globally to the WHO, with 946 associated deaths. 

The majority of these cases have occurred in countries within the Arabian Peninsula, with 2218 cases (84.4%) and 865 related deaths (CFR 39%) reported from the KSA. 

A notable outbreak outside the Middle East occurred in the Republic of Korea, in May 2015, during which 186 laboratory-confirmed cases (185 in the Republic of Korea and 1 in China) and 38 deaths were reported. However, the index case in that outbreak had a travel history to the Middle East. 

The global case count reflects laboratory-confirmed cases reported to WHO under IHR (2005) or directly by Ministries of Health to date. These numbers may underestimate the true number of cases if some were not reported. The total number of deaths includes those that WHO has been officially informed of, based on follow-up with affected Member States. 

Humans are infected with MERS-CoV from direct or indirect contact with dromedaries who are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection. MERS-CoV has demonstrated the ability to be transmitted between humans. 

So far, the observed non-sustained human-to-human transmission has occurred among close contacts and in health care settings. Outside of the healthcare setting there has been limited human-to human transmission.  

The notification of these cases does not change the overall risk assessment. The reported cluster of six secondary cases among health and care workers is the result of rigorous contact tracing and testing performed by KSA, with four of the six cases being asymptomatic and two showing only mild, unspecific signs. 

WHO expects that additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported from the Middle East and/or other countries where MERS-CoV is circulating in dromedaries, and that cases will continue to be exported to other countries by individuals who were exposed to the virus through contact with dromedaries or their products (for example, consumption of raw camel milk), or in a healthcare setting. 

WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and conducts risk assessment based on the latest available information.  

WHO advice

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO reemphasizes the importance of strong surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory infections, including MERS-CoV where warranted, and to carefully review any unusual patterns. 

Delays in recognizing the early symptoms of MERS-CoV infection, slow triage of suspected cases and delays in implementing IPC measures have been linked with human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV in health-care settings in past outbreaks. IPC measures are therefore critical to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections of MERS-CoV. Health and care workers should always apply standard precautions consistently with all patients, at every interaction in healthcare settings.

Ventilation rates in general patient care rooms should meet or exceed 60 litres per second per patient (or 6 air changes per hour). 

In addition, contact and droplet precautions, which include patient placement in single rooms with dedicated care equipment, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as clean non-sterile gown, gloves, eye protection and a well-fitting medical mask, should be added to standard precautions when providing care to patients with suspected or confirmed MERS-CoV. 

Airborne precautions should be added when performing aerosol-generating procedures or in settings where aerosol-generating procedures are conducted, including the use of procedure rooms with ventilation rates meeting or exceeding 160 litres per second (or 12 air changes per hour). 

Early identification, case management and prompt isolation of cases, quarantine of contacts, together with appropriate IPC measures in health care settings and public health awareness can prevent human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV. 

MERS-CoV appears to cause more severe disease in people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised persons. Therefore, people with these underlying medical conditions should avoid close contact with animals, particularly dromedaries, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus may be circulating.

General hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to. 

In addition to contact with animals, hygiene practices should be observed when dealing with food items of camels; people should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine or eating meat that has not been properly cooked. 

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.

(...)

Citable reference: World Health Organization (12 May 2025). Disease Outbreak News; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON569

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON569

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#Pathogenesis Induced by #Influenza Virus #Infection: Role of the Early Events of the Infection and the Innate Immune Response

Abstract

Infections by influenza A virus (IAV) are a significant cause of global mortality. The pathogenesis of the infection is usually studied in terms of direct viral-induced damage or the overreactive immune response that continues after the virus is cleared. However, factors such as the initial infectious dose, the early response after infection in different cell types, and the presence of autoantibodies for relevant antiviral cytokines like type I IFNs seem to influence the course of the infection and lead to fatal outcomes. In this article, we address the current knowledge about the early events during influenza virus infection, which are important for their participation in influenza-derived pathogenesis.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/5/694

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Identification & #genetic & #virological characterisation of a #human case of avian #influenza A #H9N2 virus from Eastern #India

Abstract

Background & objectives

A three-year-old male child from West Bengal, India, with severe acute respiratory symptoms, was confirmed in the laboratory with LPAI H9N2 virus infection under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - Pan India Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) / Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) surveillance through the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories network.

Methods

Common respiratory viruses were detected by real-time PCR, followed by subtyping of Influenza A for seasonal and avian viruses. The identified H9N2 virus was isolated and further characterised, including whole genome sequencing. Antibody response was performed in serum samples of the case and family members.

Results

Complete genome sequencing revealed a G1 lineage (Middle East B sub-lineage). Bayesian evolutionary analyses of the HA gene of Indian H9N2 poultry strains showed three clusters of multiple introductions at the estimated node age of 1999 based on the Human strain A/India/NIV/1519/2024(H9N2) and the other poultry viruses from India evolved with 4.49 × 10–3 substitutions per site per year. The isolated H9N2 virus showed a high EID50 titre of 108.25/200 µl with avian-type receptor specificity. The antibodies against the H9N2 virus were only detected in the study case and not in close contacts confirming limited human-to-human transmission. The virus was found to be sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Interpretation & conclusions

Systematic avian influenza surveillance in both birds and humans is required for the early detection of newly evolved viruses.

Source: Indian Journal of Medical Research, https://ijmr.org.in/identification-genetic-virological-characterisation-of-a-human-case-of-avian-influenza-a-h9n2-virus-from-eastern-india/

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A Lady Standing at a Virginal, Johannes Vermeer (c.1670 - c.1672)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/johannes-vermeer/a-lady-standing-at-a-virginal

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#Statement of the 41rst #meeting of the #Polio #IHR Emergency #Committee (#WHO, May 11 '25)

{Excerpts}

The 41st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 6 March 2025 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat.  

The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. 

Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: 

- Afghanistan, 

- Algeria, 

- Chad, 

- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), 

- Djibouti, 

- Ethiopia, 

- Germany, 

- Pakistan, 

- Poland and 

- the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

(...)

Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV.  

The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 9 April 2025.

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news/item/10-04-2025-statement-of-the-forty-first-meeting-of-the-polio-ihr-emergency-committee

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History of Mass Transportation: The FS ALn 556 Autorail

 

Di B.Zsolt - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, source: WikiPedia.

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, May 10 '25)

 

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Characterization of the avian #influenza viruses #distribution in the #environment of live #poultry #market in #China, 2019–2023

Abstract

Background

The prevalence and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the live poultry market (LPM) is a serious public health concern. This study was to investigate the prevalence of different subtypes of avian influenza viruses in environment of LPM, and to analyze the differences and seasonality of the nucleic acid positive rate (NAPR) of A type, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes in feces, sewage, drinking water, breeding cages, and chopping boards.

Methods

Feces, breeding cages swabs, drinking water, sewage and chopping boards swabs were collected from live poultry market during 2019–2023 from southern and northern China. Real-time PCR was used to screen for virus subtypes. Viruses were isolated, and deep sequencing was performed to obtain whole-genome sequences. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of categorical variable, GraphPad Prism software were used to construct graphs.

Results

A total of 64,599 environmental samples were collected from live poultry markets in the southern China and northern China between 2019 and 2023. The average NAPR of the A type was significantly higher in the samples collected from the southern China than in those collected from the northern China (P < 0.05). The NAPR of H5, H7, and H9 subtypes carried by the five types of environmental samples in the southern China were significantly different (P < 0.05), and a higher NAPR was detected in chopping boards (10.84%), breeding cages (0.28%), and drinking water (40.97%) respectively. The average NAPR of the H9 and H5 subtypes displayed seasonality, reaching a peak in January and February in the southern China, while the peak of the H9 subtype was from October to February in the northern China. A total of 19 subtypes were identified. The H5 subtype significantly decreased, the H7 subtype was almost undetectable, and other subtypes, such as the H3 subtype, increased.

Conclusions

The highly pathogenic H5 subtype has significantly decreased in the live poultry market in China since 2022. However, the proportion of some subtypes, such as the H3 subtype, with low pathogenicity to poultry, has increased, while the H9 subtype remains at a high level. It must be noted that these low pathogenic avian influenza viruses often have no obvious symptoms, can circulate asymptomatically in infected poultry, and are highly pathogenic to humans. Our findings provide insights into the control and prevention of avian influenza viruses and the risk of pandemics associated with avian influenza viruses in the live poultry market.

Source: Infectious Diseases of Poverty, https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-025-01304-w

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