#Mpox, Multi-country external #situation #report no. 54 published 27 June (#WHO)

{Summary)

KEY FIGURES 

{Area - Number of reported confirmed cases - Number of deaths among confirmed cases - Number of reporting countries}

-- Global (1 Jan – 31 May 2025)* - 24 672 - 82 - 75 

Key countries (01 Jan – 22 June 2025)

- Democratic Republic of the Congo - 12 208 - 22 - ...

- Uganda - 5636 - 31  - ...

- Sierra Leone - 4294 - 28 - ...

- Burundi - 1079 - 0 - ...

{*} Most recent global surveillance data available.

Highlights

• In May 2025, a total of 6823 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio: 0.2%) were reported from 49 countries across all WHO regions.

• The majority of mpox cases continue to be reported from the WHO African Region, with 18 countries currently experiencing active ongoing transmission.

• Since the last report, Ethiopia and Italy have reported their first cases of mpox due to clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV). In addition, North Macedonia, the Republic of the Congo, and Togo have reported their first cases of mpox clade IIb MPXV. Albania has reported its first mpox case, and genomic sequencing analysis is underway to determine the clade.

• Community transmission of clade Ib MPXV remains limited to countries in Central and East Africa.

• In Sierra Leone, the epidemic trend is consistently declining, although recent data should be interpreted with caution due to reporting delays.

• Eleven African countries have received mpox vaccines, of which seven have started mpox vaccination. More than 731 000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine have been administered to date.

• WHO has updated its guideline on clinical management and infection prevention and control for mpox.

• The WHO Director-General determined that the ongoing upsurge of mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), following the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on 5 June 2025.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-mpox--external-situation-report--54---27-june-2025

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#Evolution of #antibody cross-reactivity to #influenza #H5N1 #neuraminidase from an N2-specific germline

Abstract

The ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in animals and occasional spillover to humans have raised concerns about a potential H5N1 pandemic. Although recent studies have shown that pre-existing human antibodies can recognize H5N1 neuraminidase, there is a lack of molecular understanding of how this cross-reactivity develops. Using a phage display antibody library derived from 245 healthy donors, this study isolates an antibody, known as HB420, that cross-reacts with the neuraminidases of human H3N2 and avian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and confers protection in vivo. Cryo-EM analysis shows that HB420 targets the neuraminidase active site by mimicking sialic acid binding through a single Asp residue. Additionally, the inferred germline of HB420 is N2-specific but acquires cross-reactivity to H5N1 neuraminidase through somatic hypermutations. Overall, our findings provide insights into how neuraminidase antibody evolves breadth, which has important implications for the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.20.660733v1

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#USA, Monitoring for Avian #Influenza A(#H5) Virus In #Wastewater (US CDC, June 27 '25)

 

{Excerpts}

Time Period: June 15, 2025 - June 21, 2025

- H5 Detection: 3 sites (0.8%)

- No Detection: 367 sites (99.2%)

- No samples in last week: 55 sites

(...)

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

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#Global #update on susceptibilities of #influenza viruses to #neuraminidase #inhibitors and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor #baloxavir, 2020–2023

Highlights

• Antiviral susceptibility to NA inhibitors and PA inhibitor baloxavir was determined for seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses circulating globally during 2020–2023.

• Low global frequencies (0.1-0.2%) of seasonal influenza viruses with reduced or highly reduced inhibition by NAI inhibitors were observed as in previous years.

• Low global frequencies of seasonal influenza viruses (∼ 0.1%) with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir were observed, with the rate in Japan elevated (3.3%) in 2022–2023, as has been seen previously.

• For zoonotic viruses, 2.7% contained genetic markers associated with reduced or highly reduced inhibition to NA inhibitors and none contained markers associated with reduced susceptibility for baloxavir.

• For the treatment of influenza, NA inhibitors and baloxavir remain suitable.

ABSTRACT

Antiviral susceptibility of influenza viruses is monitored by the World Health Organization Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. This study describes a global analysis of the susceptibility of influenza viruses to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (NAIs, oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir) and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor (CENI, baloxavir) for three periods (May to May for 2020–2021, 2021–2022 and 2022–2023). In particular, global influenza activity declined significantly in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 when compared to the pre-pandemic period of COVID-19. Combined phenotypic and NA sequence-based analysis revealed that the global frequency of seasonal influenza viruses with reduced or highly reduced inhibition (RI/HRI) by NAIs remained low, 0.09% (2/2224), 0.12% (27/23465) and 0.23% (124/53917) for 2020–2021, 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, respectively. As in previous years, NA-H275Y in A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses was the most frequent substitution causing HRI by oseltamivir and peramivir. Sequence-based analysis of polymerase acidic (PA) protein supplemented with phenotypic testing revealed low global frequencies of seasonal influenza viruses with reduced susceptibility (RS) to baloxavir, 0.07% (1/1376), 0.05% (9/18380) and 0.12% (48/39945) for 2020–2021, 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, respectively; commonly associated substitutions were PA-I38T/M/L. In Japan, the rate was 3.3% (16/488) during 2022–2023, with 11 A(H3N2) viruses having PA-I38T/M substitutions. For zoonotic viruses, 2.7% (3/111) contained substitutions, one each NA-H275Y, NA-S247N and NA-N295S, associated with RI/HRI NAI phenotypes, and none contained PA substitutions associated with RS to baloxavir. In conclusion, the great majority of seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses remained susceptible to NAIs and CENI baloxavir.

Source: Antiviral Research, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166354225001433?via%3Dihub

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#Mycoplasma pneumoniae #Infections in Hospitalized #Children — #USA, 2018–2024

Summary

- What is already known about this topic?

-- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in school-aged children. In the United States, M. pneumoniae infection prevalence decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low through 2023.

- What is added by this report?

-- The number of hospital discharges of children with M. pneumoniae–associated CAP from U.S. pediatric hospitals increased sharply in 2024, accounting for approximately one half of hospitalized children with CAP. This number included children aged <5 years, a group in which M. pneumoniae infections have historically been less commonly reported. Data on length of hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions indicate that M. pneumoniae infections in 2024 were not more severe than 2018–2023 infections.

- What are the implications for public health practice?

-- Increased awareness among health care providers might improve diagnosis and could guide treatment of M. pneumoniae infections among children of all ages, especially during periodic increases in M. pneumoniae circulation and among children requiring hospitalization.

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common bacterial cause of respiratory infection and a leading cause of childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Increases in M. pneumoniae infection occur every 3–5 years. In the United States, M. pneumoniae prevalence decreased during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. Information from 42 U.S. children’s hospitals that provided information to the Pediatric Health Information System, a database of clinical and resource use information, was used to identify discharge diagnostic codes for 2018–2024 indicating M. pneumoniae infection. M. pneumoniae–associated CAP incidence among children aged ≤18 years was significantly higher in 2024 (12.5 per 1,000 hospitalizations) than during 2018–2023 (2.1). During the study period, an M. pneumoniae diagnostic code was listed in 11.5% of pediatric CAP hospitalizations, peaking at 53.8% in July 2024. Among pediatric M. pneumoniae CAP cases, the highest percentage occurred among children aged 6–12 years (42.6%), followed by children aged 2–5 years (25.7%) and 13–18 years (21.1%). The lowest occurred among those aged 12–23 months (6.4%) and 0–11 months (4.2%). M. pneumoniae infections in 2024 were not more severe than 2018–2023 infections, as assessed by length of hospitalization and percentage of patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The increase in M. pneumoniae infections in the United States in 2024 might be higher than previous periodic increases because the susceptible population was larger after sustained low incidence during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers should be aware of the periodicity of M. pneumoniae CAP and consider testing for this pathogen as a cause of respiratory illness among children of all ages.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7423a1.htm?s_cid=mm7423a1_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM147954&ACSTrackingLabel=Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20June%2026%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM147954

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#UK {#Wales} - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

{Pembrokeshire, Wales} A backyard flock of 120 laying hens. Increased mortality and other clinical signs consistent with avian influenza (AI) were reported. Samples were collected and tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6579

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Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A(#H5N1) Virus: How Far Are We from a New #Pandemic?

Simple Summary

The present commentary deals with the pandemic risk brought about by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus. Such a pandemic alarm is justified, among others, by the progressively and rapidly expanding range of virus-susceptible hosts, including humans alongside a significant number of domestic and wild avian and mammalian species, several of which appear to be geographically and phylogenetically distant from each other. Despite its well-established zoonotic potential, no clear-cut evidence of a sustained and efficient HPAI A(H5N1) virus interhuman transmission has thus far been reported. Should this happen in a more or less near future, it could pave the way for a new pandemic. Based upon the above, a “One Health, One Earth, One Ocean”-focused, holistic approach would be the necessary prerequisite to deal in an appropriate way with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus-associated zoonotic and pandemic risk.

Abstract

The focus of this commentary is represented by the pandemic risk associated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b. More in detail, the herein dealt pandemic alarm appears to be primarily justified by the huge and progressively growing number of virus-susceptible domestic and wild birds and mammals, including threatened marine mammal species like South American sea lions and elephant seals as well as harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and polar bears. Of major concern is the susceptibility of dairy cattle to HPAI A(H5N1) virus, particularly the documented and unprecedented colonization of host’s mammary gland tissue, resulting in viral shedding through the milk alongside a large series of cases of infection in dairy farm workers in several USA locations. Despite well-documented zoonotic capability, no evidences of a sustained and efficient HPAI A(H5N1) viral transmission between people have been hitherto reported. If this were to happen sooner or later, a new pandemic might consequently arise. Therefore, keeping all this in mind and based upon the lessons taught by the COVID-19 pandemic, a “One Health, One Earth, One Ocean”-centered approach would be absolutely needed in order to deal in the most appropriate way with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus-associated zoonotic and pandemic risk.

Source: Veterinary Sciences, https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/6/566

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#Denmark - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Credit: Wikipedia. By Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden - Larus canus 2203, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49877446

___

On the 16th of January 2025, a herring gull was found dead near a wildlife care station. The gull was received at National Reference Laboratory on the 13th of May 2025, and samples from the bird tested positive for HPAI H5N1 on the 20th of June 2025.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6574

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Metabolomic Profiling of #Plasma Reveals Differential #Disease Severity #Markers in avian #influenza A(#H7N9) infection Patients

Highlights

• The characteristics of plasma metabolome in H7N9 patients were first revealed.

• It was discovered that lipid-like molecules were downregulated in death group.

• Metabolites of the tryptophan metabolic pathway were elevated in death group.

• The metabolite-based machine learning achieved an AUC of 0.929 on the test set.

Abstract

Objectives

Avian influenza such as H7N9 is currently a major global public health risk, and at present, there is a lack of relevant diagnostic and treatment markers.

Methods

We collected plasma samples from 104 confirmed H7N9 patients, 31 of whom died. Plasma metabolites were detected by UHPLC-HRMS, and a survival prediction model based on metabolites was constructed by machine learning models.

Results

A total of 1536 metabolites were identified in the plasma samples of H7N9 patients, of which 64 metabolites were up-regulated and 35 metabolites were down-regulated in the death group. The enrichment analysis of Tryptophan metabolism, Porphyrin metabolism and Riboflavin metabolism were significantly up-regulated in the death group. We found that most Lipids and lipid−like molecules were down-regulated in the death group, and Organoheterocyclic compounds were significantly up-regulated in the death group. A machine learning model was constructed for predicting mortality based on Porphobilinogen, 5-Hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, L-Kynurenine, Biliverdin, and D-Dimer. The AUC on the test set was 0.929.

Conclusions

We first revealed the plasma metabolomic characteristics of H7N9 patients and found that a machine learning model based on plasma metabolites could predict the risk of death for H7N9 in the early stage of admission.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases, https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(25)00181-X/fulltext

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Infectome analysis of #bat #kidneys from #Yunnan province, #China, reveals novel #henipaviruses related to #Hendra and #Nipah viruses and prevalent bacterial and eukaryotic microbes

Abstract

Bats are natural reservoirs for a wide range of microorganisms, including many notable zoonotic pathogens. However, the composition of the infectome (i.e., the collection of viral, bacterial and eukaryotic microorganisms) within bat kidneys remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we performed meta-transcriptomic sequencing on kidney tissues from 142 bats, spanning ten species sampled at five locations in Yunnan province, China. This analysis identified 22 viral species, including 20 novel viruses, two of which represented newly discovered henipaviruses closely related to the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah viruses. These henipaviruses were found in the kidneys of bats inhabiting an orchard near villages, raising concerns about potential fruit contamination via bat urine and transmission risks to livestock or humans. Additionally, we identified a novel protozoan parasite, tentatively named Klossiella yunnanensis, along with two highly abundant bacterial species, one of which is a newly discovered species—Flavobacterium yunnanensis. These findings broaden our understanding of the bat kidney infectome, underscore critical zoonotic threats, and highlight the need for comprehensive, full-spectrum microbial analyses of previously understudied organs to better assess spillover risks from bat populations.

Author summary

Although extensive investigations have been conducted on the bat virome, most studies have focused on fecal samples, leaving other tissues, such as the kidney, largely unexplored. However, the kidney can harbor important zoonotic pathogens, including the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah viruses, and genomic evidence of henipaviruses in bats from China has remained undocumented. In this study, we report the first detection of two novel henipavirus genomes from bat kidneys in China, one of which is the closest known relative of pathogenic henipaviruses identified to date. Beyond virome analysis, our study also examined highly prevalent bacteria and eukaryotic microbes, identifying those potentially relevant to bat infections. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the infectome of the bat kidney, highlighting the need for broader microbial surveillance beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

Source: PLoS Pathogens, https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1013235

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#Investigation of #human #infection with #H5N6 avian #influenza cases in #Sichuan from 2014-24: a retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: 

The objective is to examine the epidemiology and clinical features of human cases infected with H5N6 avian influenza in Sichuan Province from 2014 to 2024, and to offer guidance for the prevention and management of human infections with H5N6 avian influenza.

Methods: 

Epidemiological survey reports of H5N6 avian influenza cases in Sichuan Province from 2014 to 2024 were compiled, and the epidemiological context and characteristics of 16 human cases infected with H5N6 avian influenza in the province were summarized and analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods.

Results: 

From 2014, when the initial human case of H5N6 infection was documented in Sichuan Province, to 2024, there have been 16 human cases of H5N6 avian influenza in the region, resulting in 12 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 75%. The instances were predominantly located in the Chengdu Plain, eastern Sichuan, and southern Sichuan.

Conclusion: 

Human instances of H5N6 avian influenza in Sichuan Province exhibit no discernible periodicity, and entail significant fatality rates. It is essential to enhance the early diagnosis and treatment of avian influenza cases in medical facilities, prioritize farmers with preexisting conditions who have been in contact with deceased poultry, conduct influenza virus testing promptly, and administer antiviral medications at the earliest opportunity. Simultaneously, we must effectively engage in public awareness and education for the populace, manage poultry scientifically, and prevent direct contact with deceased poultries.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603158/full

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Sixth #Update on #Developments in #Iran (#War) (#IAEA, June 24 '25)

 

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has welcomed today’s announcements regarding the situation in Iran and stressed the need for a resumption of the IAEA’s indispensable safeguards verification work in the country following a 12-day military conflict that severely damaged several of its nuclear sites.

In a letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Abbas Araghchi, Director General Grossi also proposed that they meet soon.

“Resuming cooperation with the IAEA is key to a successful diplomatic agreement to finally resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities. I’ve written to Foreign Minister Araghchi stressing the importance of us working together and proposing to meet soon,” he said.

IAEA inspectors have remained in Iran throughout the conflict and are ready to start working as soon as possible, going back to the country’s nuclear sites and verifying the inventories of nuclear material – including more than 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% - which they last verified a few days before the Israeli air strikes began on 13 June.

Even though the conflict interrupted safeguards inspections in the country, the IAEA has been closely monitoring the impact of the military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at Arak, Esfahan, Fordow and Natanz as well as the possible consequences for human health and the environment, based on relevant information received from Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

“As I have repeatedly stated – before and during the conflict – nuclear facilities should never be attacked due to the very real risk of a serious radiological accident,” Director General Grossi said.

“During these attacks, we have seen extensive damage at several nuclear sites in Iran, including its uranium conversion and enrichment facilities. Our assessment is that there has been some localized radioactive as well as chemical release inside the affected facilities that contained nuclear material – mainly uranium enriched to varying degrees – but there has been no report of increased off-site radiation levels,” he said.  

Still, the IAEA is aware of concerns in the region regarding any radiological consequences as a result of the strikes on nuclear facilities.

“Based on the data available to us, the IAEA can provide assurances that there has been no radiological impact to the population and the environment in neighbouring countries. Crucially in terms of nuclear safety, Iran’s research and power reactors were not targeted,” Director General Grossi said.

In addition to the detailed assessment that Director General Grossi provided to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, the IAEA has identified additional impact points at nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz as a result of strikes carried out before today’s announcements on the situation in Iran.

Regarding the additional strikes to Fordow that were reported early on Monday – after the U.S. bombing of the facility early on Sunday – the IAEA assesses that access roads close to the underground facility and one of its entrances were hit.

At Natanz, the IAEA has identified two impact holes from the U.S. strikes above the underground halls that had been used for enrichment as well as for storage. Based on its knowledge of what these halls contained, the IAEA assesses that this strike may have caused localized contamination and chemical hazards.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-6

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#China reported three new #human cases of #infection with #H9N2 #influenza and one case of #H10N3 virus (#HK CHP, June 24 '25)

{Excerpt}

Epi-Week 25 2025

Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

- Henan Province: 

-- 1) A 52-year-old woman with onset on May 10, 2025. 

- Hunan Province: 

-- 2) A 72-year-old woman with onset on May 14, 2025. 

- Sichuan Province: 

--3) A six-year-old boy with onset on May 14, 2025.

Avian influenza A(H10N3): 

- Shaanxi Province: 

-- 1) A 70-year-old woman with onset on April 21, 2025. 

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk25.pdf

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Increased #contact #transmission of contemporary #Human #H5N1 compared to #Bovine and Mountain Lion #H5N1 in a #hamster model

Abstract

The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the U.S. poses a significant public health threat. To date, 70 human cases have been confirmed in the United States, including two severe cases and one fatality. While suitable animal models are crucial for predicting the potential pandemic risk of newly emerging pathogens in humans, studies investigating contemporary HPAIV H5N1 transmission dynamics remain limited. Here, we investigated the pathogenicity and transmission efficiency of three recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses isolated from a bovine, mountain lion, and a human case using Syrian hamsters. Intranasal inoculation with 104 TCID50 resulted in productive virus replication in the respiratory tract and shedding for all three isolates. Transmission studies showed limited efficiency via direct contact and airborne routes for all three isolates. Although overall transmission was inefficient, the human H5N1 isolate demonstrated relatively greater contact transmissibility than the bovine and mountain lion isolates. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the Syrian hamster model complements existing animal models for influenza A virus research and expands the resources available for investigating the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and efficacy of countermeasures against HPAIV H5N1.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.661180v1

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#Cambodia records 7th #human case of #H5N1 avian #influenza in 2025

 

PHNOM PENH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A 41-year-old woman from northwestern Cambodia's Siem Reap province has been confirmed for H5N1 human avian influenza, raising the number of cases to seven so far this year, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Monday night.

"A laboratory result from the National Institute of Public Health showed on June 23 that the woman was positive for H5N1 virus," the statement said.

"The patient has the symptoms of fever, cough, and dyspnea, and she is currently in critical condition," it added.

According to queries, there were sick and dead chickens at the patient's home and her neighbor's homes, and the patient had been in contact with sick and dead chickens and cooked them for food five days before she felt ill.

Health authorities are looking into the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the victim in order to prevent an outbreak in the community.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug to prevent the bird flu from spreading, was also given out to people who had direct contact with the patient, the statement said.

So far this year, the kingdom recorded a total of seven human cases of H5N1 bird flu, with five deaths.

From 2003 to date, there were 79 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza, including 48 deaths in the Southeast Asian country, according to the ministry.

Source: Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250624/fc3675e7b5cc4a47bd9c9bd5786edd18/c.html

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Genomics insights reveal multi-year maintenance of a new #Deltacoronavirus infecting #Seabirds from Cagarras Island Archipelago Natural Monument, #Brazil

Abstract

Previous studies have identified various pathogens in seabirds, notably coronaviruses (CoVs) and influenza A viruses (IAVs), due to their potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Cagarras Island Archipelago Natural Monument, located near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serves as nesting site for two species, the magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) and the brown booby (Sula leucogaster). Despite its ecological importance, no prior studies have investigated viral infections in these species, which share habitat interfaces with densely populated human areas. To address this gap, we sampled and tested seabirds for CoVs and IAVs from January 2022 to April 2024. Birds were captured and identified by species, age, and sex. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs, as well as blood samples, were collected. Viral RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit, and the presence of IAVs was screened via real-time RT-PCR, while CoVs were screened using semi-nested RT-PCR. Sanger and metatranscriptomic sequencing were performed to identify viral strains and assess phylogenetic relationships. Of the 153 seabirds sampled, CoVs were detected in 6 individuals (9.1%) of F. magnificens and 16 individuals (18.4%) of S. leucogaster. No IAVs were found in either oropharyngeal or cloacal swabs, and all serum samples were negative for the presence of antibodies against the virus. We recovered two full deltacoronavirus genomes and eight additional draft genomes from S. leucogaster samples obtained from distinct sampling expeditions and additional enteroviruses, passeriviruses, and picornaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected CoVs are closely related to avian deltacoronaviruses from environmental samples of S. leucogaster in the Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago, indicating potential viral exchange between these seabird populations living at these distant islands. Moreover, multiple detections in different individuals at different time points are associated with specific Spike NTD deletions that have been shown to accumulate in immune escape lineages, supporting the long-term maintenance through new infections and reinfection of this virus in these bird populations. This is the first detection of CoVs in F. magnificens, highlighting their circulation in marine ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand the ecological and epidemiological implications, including potential cross-species transmission

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.19.660416v1

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Fifth #Update on #Developments in #Iran {#War} (#IAEA, June 22 '25)

 

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can confirm that the Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan have been hit, following U.S. aerial attacks overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Based on an analysis of the information available to it, the IAEA assessed that there has been extensive additional damage at the sprawling Esfahan site, which had already been struck several times by Israel since it began targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities on 13 June, Director General Grossi said.

The IAEA had previously reported that several buildings at the Esfahan complex were damaged, some of which may have contained nuclear material.

“The latest attacks early this morning damaged other buildings in Esfahan. In addition, we have established that entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” Director General Grossi said.

The extent of damage to the Fordow uranium enrichment facility – built deep inside a mountain in central Iran – was not immediately possible to assess in view of its underground location and the penetrating nature of the bombs used.

“It is clear that Fordow was also directly impacted, but the degree of damage inside the uranium enrichment halls can’t be determined with certainty,” Director General Grossi said.

Iran’s other enrichment site, Natanz, which has previously been extensively damaged, was again attacked during the strikes last night with ground-penetrating munitions.

The Director General said the IAEA has been informed by the Iranian regulatory authorities that there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels after the latest attacks on the three Iranian nuclear sites.

Director General Grossi stressed the paramount importance of the countries involved urgently embarking on a diplomatic path aimed at ending the hostilities.

This would also enable the IAEA to resume its crucial verification activities in Iran, including of its stockpile of more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium, which Agency inspectors last verified a few days before the military conflict began.

“We need to try to go back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. We have to allow the IAEA inspectors to return. The IAEA is ready to play its indispensable role in this process. We have been talking to Iran, we have been talking to the United States. We have to work for peace,” Director General Grossi said.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-5

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Solly Madonna, Raphael (c.1502)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/raphael/solly-madonna

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Fourth #Update on #Developments in #Iran [War] (#IAEA, June 22 '25)

 

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he will call an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday in light of the “urgent situation” in Iran following the latest attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities.

“In view of the increasingly serious situation in terms of nuclear safety and security, the Board of Governors will meet in an extraordinary session tomorrow, which I will address,” Director General Grossi said.

The Director General said the IAEA has been informed by the Iranian regulatory authorities that there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels after the recent attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordow uranium enrichment site.

“As of this time, we don’t expect that there will be any health consequences for people or the environment outside the targeted sites,” he said. “We will continue to monitor and assess the situation in Iran and provide further updates as additional information becomes available.”

According to the most recent information verified by the IAEA before the attacks on Iran began on 13 June, the three sites targeted by the United States – also including Esfahan and Natanz – contained nuclear material in the form of uranium enriched to different levels, which may cause radioactive and chemical contamination within the facilities that were hit.

As he did in his statement to the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Director General Grossi reiterated his call for military restraint and “indispensable work towards” a diplomatic solution.

“I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” he said.

There is a need for a cessation of hostilities so that the IAEA can resume its vital inspection work in the country, including the necessary verification of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, he added.

Director General Grossi also stressed the importance of a continued and timely exchange of information with Iran regarding issues related to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-4

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Third #Update on #Developments in #Iran {War} (June 22 '25)

A large nuclear complex in Esfahan has been targeted for a second time during Israel’s attacks on Iran over the past nine days, with several more buildings struck, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The site in central Iran was first hit on 13 June when four buildings were damaged: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion facility, a reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and an enriched uranium metal processing facility under construction. No increase of off-site radiation levels was reported.

Based on information available to the IAEA today, six other buildings at the same site have now also been attacked: a natural and depleted uranium metal production facility which had not yet begun operations, a fuel rod production facility, a building with low-enriched uranium pellet production as well as a laboratory and nuclear material storage, another laboratory building, a workshop handling contaminated equipment and an office building with no nuclear material.

The same Esfahan complex includes a centrifuge manufacturing workshop that the IAEA earlier today reported had also been hit by Israel.

The facilities targeted today either contained no nuclear material or small quantities of natural or low enriched uranium, meaning any radioactive contamination is limited to the buildings that were damaged or destroyed.

“This nuclear complex in Esfahan – one of the key sites of the Iranian nuclear programme – has repeatedly been attacked and extensively damaged. Based on our analysis of the nuclear material present, we don’t see any risk of off-site contamination. Nevertheless, as I have repeatedly stated, nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” Director General Grossi said.   

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency,  https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-3

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