Shifting tides: increased #severity despite fewer visits for #infant respiratory #infections across two consecutive post-pandemic winters in Northern #Italy

 

Abstract

This study compares infant (0–24 months) respiratory infection presentations to a Northern Italian paediatric emergency department across two post-pandemic winters (2022–2023 vs 2023–2024). Despite an approximate 44% reduction in visits in 2023–2024 (N=176 in 2023–2024 vs N=317 in 2022–2023), infants in the 2023–2024 season experienced significantly higher proportions of ventilatory support (51.1% vs 32.8%, p<0.001) and intensive care unit admission (15.9% vs 1.9%, p<0.001) than those presenting in 2022–2023, with a non-significant trend towards higher hospitalisation (88.1% vs 81.7%, p=0.052). Respiratory syncytial virus re-emerged as the dominant pathogen (43.2% vs 27.7%, p<0.001) in 2023–2024, alongside increased human metapneumovirus and influenza A H1N1. These findings highlight a concerning shift towards increased severity, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance.

Source: BMJ Paediatric Open, https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e003695

____

History of Mass Transportation: The FS Class E.402 Electric Locomotive

 

By Bahnfrend - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18053425

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FS_Class_E.402

____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, September 13 '25)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, September 13 '25)

 

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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Drug Saf

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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

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Effective #treatment of advanced #Oropouche virus, Rift Valley fever virus, and Dabie #bandavirus #infections with 4'-fluorouridine

 

ABSTRACT

Oropouche virus (OROV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and Dabie bandavirus (DBV) are significant re-emerging and emerging human pathogens with major public health implications. Notably, the ongoing OROV disease epidemic spanning South America, Central America, and the Caribbean now exceeds 11,000 cases, including several fatalities and reports of neurological disease and congenital abnormalities associated with infection. Rift Valley fever outbreaks continue to plague sub-Saharan Africa, and DBV, the etiologic agent of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), is expanding its reach throughout several Asian countries. No vaccines or approved therapies are available to prevent or treat these viral infections. Here, we report on the antiviral activity and protective efficacy of the ribonucleoside analog, 4′-fluorouridine (4′-FlU), against OROV, RVFV, and DBV in cell culture and murine models of infection and disease. In cell culture, the potency of 4′-FlU was in the low nanomolar (OROV) to low micromolar (RVFV and DBV) range. In vivo, prophylactic oral dosing of the compound was fully protective against all three viruses in their respective mouse infection models. Importantly, post-exposure and therapeutic interventions of advanced infections in mice also responded remarkably well to treatments. Our findings extend the broad-spectrum antiviral capacity of 4′-FlU and support the compound’s further development for treating severe bunyaviral infections.

IMPORTANCE

Re-emerging and emerging viral diseases, for which no approved vaccines or therapeutics exist, pose a significant public health threat in affected areas of the world. Antiviral drugs that are broadly active against multiple pathogenic viruses are much needed. Our findings demonstrating robust protection conferred by treatment with 4′-fluorouridine (4′-FlU) in viral infection models for Oropouche fever, Rift Valley fever, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome support the continuing development of this promising broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate for the treatment of these notable viral diseases.

Source: mBio, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.01467-25?af=R

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#Ebola virus’ hidden #target: virus #transmission to and infection of #skin

 

ABSTRACT

Ebola virus (EBOV), the causative agent of Ebola virus disease, remains one of the World Health Organization’s top 10 threats to global health. Infectious EBOV virions can be found on the surface of skin late in infection and may be transmitted to others through skin-to-skin contact. We investigate in vivo EBOV tropism and the kinetics of virus movement to and from the skin. Increasing viral loads were detected over time in the skin of EBOV-infected non-human primates and mice, with antigen detected in dermal stromal and immune cells. Epidermal cells within and surrounding hair follicles also harbored viral antigen, suggesting a novel mechanism of virus egress to the epidermal surface. During late infection, proinflammatory responses were elevated in infected visceral organs but minimal in the skin despite significant viral loads. We observed similar viral trafficking and cell tropism in the skin of mice intraperitoneally infected with a low containment EBOV model virus, rVSV/EBOV GP, allowing more detailed mechanistic studies. Sites of virus infection in the skin were patchy, with intense focal areas of infection surrounded by uninfected areas. To investigate virus entry into the body through skin, rVSV/EBOV GP was applied to the surface of gently abraded skin to remove the stratum corneum; epidermal keratinocytes were robustly infected with subsequent systemic viral dissemination observed in some mice. Optimal levels of infection within the skin required expression of the phosphatidylserine receptor, AXL. Collectively, our data demonstrate that skin serves as an important organ targeted by EBOV, facilitating virus entry into and egress from the body.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01300-25?af=R

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#USA, #Wastewater #Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, September 12 '25)

 

{Summary}

Time Period: August 31, 2025 - September 06, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 4 sites (0.9%)

-- No Detection: 418 sites (99.1%)

-- No samples in last week: 43 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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#Vaccination against #H5 HP #influenza virus leads to persistent immune response in wild king #penguins

 

Abstract

Since 2021, the panzootic of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) represents an increasing threat to wild vertebrate populations. In this context, recent vaccines developed for poultry could provide tools for the conservation of wild endangered birds populations. The king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus), a long-lived seabird breeding in dense colonies with an extended chick-rearing period, was identified as a possible surrogate species for a vaccination trial in a sub-Antarctic natural setting. We investigate here the immune response of king penguin chicks to a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine against a H5 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b protein. Thirty chicks were vaccinated (primo- and boost-injections), 20 were kept as controls. Along 250 days of monitoring, vaccinated chicks showed a high and persistent immune response, granting a strong seroneutralisation capacity against the virus, up to fledging. No adverse effects were observed. The screening for antibodies against unspecific avian influenza viruses suggested that no natural infection occurred over the entire trial. The emergence of HPAI in the Southern Indian Ocean in October 2024 highlights the timeliness of such experimental tests. Our results show the vaccine could provide a powerful tool for mitigation and emphasises the need for studies considering ethical and practical issues of vaccination for wildlife conservation.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors declare as only conflict of interest that the work was partially funded by Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, an endowment fund created by Ceva Sante Animale, whose objective is to support applied animal health research projects contributing to wildlife conservation. Ceva Wildlife Research Fund had no role in the conceptualization, design, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Funder Information Declared

French Polar Institute (IPEV), Project ECOPATH-1151, Project ECOENERGY-119

Agence Nationale de la Recherche, https://ror.org/00rbzpz17, ECOPATHS ANR-21-CE35-0016, WILDFLU ANR-2025-CE35-00XX

Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, CWRF2

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.06.674613v1

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#Transcontinental Spread of HPAI #H5N1 from South #America to #Antarctica via Avian #Vectors

 

Abstract

Our study has for the first time identified H5N1 strains (clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2) in brown skuas from the Fildes Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. These findings indicate that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses is now actively circulating in Antarctic ecosystems, representing a significant expansion of its geographic range.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

National Key Research and Development Program of China, 2024YFC2813605, 2023YFC2605504

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.06.674605v1

____

Investigating high pathogenicity avian #influenza virus #incursions to remote #islands: Detection of #H5N1 on Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean

 

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the emergence and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is critical for tracking its global dissemination, particularly via migratory seabirds, given their role in transmission over long distances. Scavenging seabirds, such as skuas, may act as both reservoirs and vectors, and have been linked to multiple outbreaks since 2021. Here, we report the detection of HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 in three Tristan skua (Stercorarius antarcticus hamiltoni) carcasses on Gough Island in the central South Atlantic Ocean. To investigate potential incursion routes, we combined genomic analyses with year-round tracking data from global location sensors. Although migratory movement patterns suggested southern Africa as the most obvious pathway, the strain detected on Gough Island was more closely related to that found in South Georgia, suggesting infection may have occurred during the pre-laying exodus when skuas disperse into frontal waters south of the island. No further cases have been confirmed for Gough, but further systematic monitoring is needed to understand the dynamics of virus infection. The detection of HPAIV H5N1 in skuas on Gough Island highlights the importance of continued vigilance, coordinated surveillance, and proactive biosecurity across the South Atlantic and Southern Ocean, alongside efforts to reduce other pressures on globally important seabird populations to help strengthen their resilience.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, UK) and the Devolved Administrations of Scotland and Wales, SV3006, SV3032 and SE2227

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, UK) research initiative FluTrailMap, BB/Y007271/1

European Union (EU), 101084171

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.06.674618v1

____

#Spain closes several #parks and #attractions due to #birdflu #outbreak (Xinhua)

{Automatic translation from Chinese, edited}

[Xinhua News Agency Micro Special] Due to the outbreak of avian influenza in many places, the Andalusia Autonomous Region in southern Spain has temporarily closed a number of parks and other attractions in recent days, including two attractions included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the infected animals have been killed at relevant locations.

According to AFP, Seville City Hall announced on social media on the 11th that the Maria Luisa Park in the city center was closed due to the discovery of dead birds. The park will clean up the dead animals and disinfect them.

The city recently closed three other parks where dead birds were found, including a World Heritage site.

Catalina Garcia, an environmental official for the Andalusian autonomous region, said on social media that three outbreaks of avian influenza were detected in wild birds in Doñana National Park, a World Heritage site, and the affected birds were culled. The national park, located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its diverse ecosystems, with more than 500,000 waterfowl wintering there each year.

The Andalusian Autonomous Regional Government issued a statement on the 9th saying that after an outbreak of avian influenza on two farms in Huelva Province, relevant parties are taking measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic and have killed the infected poultry, but did not disclose the specific number.

Europe is currently experiencing a peak season for avian influenza, with outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza reported in countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Portugal.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health, migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of avian influenza viruses, contributing to their widespread geographical spread. Avian influenza outbreaks are also a major public health concern. Previous outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry have been linked to sporadic cases of human infection. When an outbreak occurs, the typical response is to cull all affected birds, regardless of infection, to contain the virus. (End) (Qiao Ying)

Source: Xinhua, https://www.163.com/dy/article/K98N72NP05346RC6.html?spss=dy_author

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#Italy, Integrated #Surveillance for #WNV & #USUV - Weekly Bulletin No. 9, 11 September '25 (summary): 80 new cases

{Summary}

-- During current epidemiological week (4 to 10 September), eighty new confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus infection have been reported in Italy.

-- Since the beginning of the epidemic season, there have been a total of 582 confirmed cases (they were 502 last week), of these: 

- 260 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND): 14 in Piedmont, 24 Lombardy, 22 Veneto, 1 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 1 Liguria, 20 Emilia-Romagna, 3 Tuscany, 77 Latium, 2 Molise, 74 Campania, 1 Apulia, 2 Basilicata, 5 Calabria, 1 Sicily, 13 Sardinia, 

- 48 asymptomatic cases among blood donors, 

- 262 cases of West Nile Fever (1 imported from Kenya), 

- 4 asymptomatic cases, 

- 8 unspecified cases. 

-- A total of 39 fatal cases have been reported so far this season: 5 in Piedmont, 2 Lombardy, 1 Emilia-Romagna, 15 Latium, 14 Campania, 2 Calabria. 

- The Case-Fatality Rate among WNND cases is thus far at 15% (during 2018 season it was 20%, in 2024 14%). 

-- During current surveillance week there were 7 new confirmed Usutu Virus infection cases: 2 in Piedmont, 2 Lombardy, 1 Veneto, 2 Latium.

(...)

Source: High Institute of Health, https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2025_09.pdf

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First #Evidence of #Mammarenavirus in the Giant Fruit #Bat (Artibeus lituratus) in #Mexico

 

Abstract

Background: 

In Mexico, two Mammarenavirus genotypes have been identified: Real de Catorce virus and Ocozocoautla de Espinosa virus (OCEV), which are found in rodents (Neotoma leucodon and Peromyscus mexicanus). Mammarenaviruses from clade B cause mild to severe infectious diseases in humans, particularly in South America. A 1967 outbreak in Chiapas, Mexico, was potentially linked to the OCEV.

Materials and Methods: 

Between 2017 and 2020, we collected bats across southern/southeastern Mexico to identify Mammarenavirus reservoirs. We analyzed 81 liver samples from 14 bat species using nested PCR. For quality control, we synthesized and OCEV S-region fragment into an ampicillin-resistant pUC57 plasmid, cloned in One Shot Stbl3 chemically competent E. coli.

Results: 

Here, we report the first detection of a Mammarenavirus (OCEV) in an Artibeus lituratus bat from Sabancuy, Campeche, southeastern Mexico. This finding represents the third Mammarenavirus recorded in this bat species in the Americas, suggesting it may harbor multiple Mammarenavirus species (OCEV and Mammarenavirus tacaribeense).

Conclusions: 

While this represents the first documentation of OCEV in a bat, it remains unknown whether environmental stressors could facilitate potential transmission to humans, particularly given the close association between Artibeus bats and human populations.

Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15303667251377563

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#Marburg Virus #Disease in #Rwanda, 2024 — Public Health and Clinical Responses

 

Abstract

Background

On September 27, 2024, Rwanda reported an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), after a cluster of cases of viral hemorrhagic fever was detected at two urban hospitals.

Methods

We report key aspects of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of MVD during this outbreak, as well as the overall response to the outbreak. We performed a retrospective epidemiologic and clinical analysis of data compiled across all pillars of the outbreak response and a case-series analysis to characterize clinical features, disease progression, and outcomes among patients who received supportive care and investigational therapeutic agents.

Results

Among the 6340 patients with suspected MVD who underwent testing, 66 had laboratory-confirmed MVD, 51 (77%) of whom were health care workers. The median estimated incubation period was 10 days (interquartile range, 8 to 13), and symptom onset occurred a median of 2 days (interquartile range, 1 to 3) before hospital admission. The results of epidemiologic investigations were highly suggestive of a zoonotic origin of the outbreak: an index patient was identified who had been exposed to Egyptian fruit bats at a mining site. The case fatality rate in the outbreak was 23% (15 deaths among 66 patients). Remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody MBP091 were used under expanded access and clinical trial protocols. In addition, 1710 frontline workers and high-risk contacts received the chimpanzee adenovirus 3–vectored vaccine ChAd3-MARV under emergency use authorization in a phase 2 clinical trial.

Conclusions

Implementation of containment measures, advanced supportive care, and access to investigational countermeasures may have contributed to reduced mortality from MVD in this outbreak. Enhancing surveillance, improving infection prevention and control in health care settings, and ensuring timely deployment of medical countermeasures will be critical for mitigating the effects of future filovirus disease outbreaks.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2415816?query=TOC

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Public #Health #Situation #Analysis - occupied #Palestinian territory-September (#WHO, Sept. 10 '25)

 

Overview

Starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at the highest levels ever since the conflict began almost two years ago. 

Deliberate blocking and delay of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid has cost many lives.

Malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory in the Gaza Strip, marked by a spike in deaths in July. 

As of 5 September 2025, 361 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition, including 130 children. 

As of 15 August 2025, Famine (IPC Phase 5)—with reasonable evidence—is confirmed in Gaza Governorate. 

After 22 months of relentless conflict, over half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic conditions characterised by starvation, destitution and death. 

Another 1.07 million people (54%) are in Emergency (IPC Phase 4), and 396 000 people (20%) are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).

More broadly, since 7 October 2023, as reported by Ministry of Health (MoH), the number of casualties include 63 746 fatalities and 161 245 injuries.7 

As of 5 September 2025, there have been 2 339 reported fatalities among aid seekers near militarized distribution sites and along convoy routes since 27 May.

Ongoing attacks and resource shortages have severely weakened the health system – damaging or destroying 94% of hospitals, overwhelming remaining partially functional ones, and disrupting essential health service delivery. 

The Health Cluster reports that hospitals are overwhelmed by mass casualty incidents, with an average of eight incidents per day. 

Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli hospitals, in Gaza city, are operating at nearly 300% over capacity, with a constant influx of complex trauma injuries. 

Every hospital is overrun. If the Israeli-announced offensive on Gaza city goes ahead, the Gaza Strip could lose half of its hospital bed capacity. 

On 20 July, the WHO’s main warehouse in Deir Al-Balah was destroyed due to attacks, amid MoH reports that 52% of essential drugs and 68% of medical disposables are at zero stock.

In the West Bank, escalating settler violence, with the acquiescence, support, and in some cases participation, of Israeli security forces, has worsened the coercive environment in the occupied West Bank, resulting in several Palestinian casualties and the forcible displacement of Palestinian communities in the last month.

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/public-health-situation-analysis---occupied-palestinian-territory-September

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#Infection of #ratites with clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV #H5N1: Potential implications for zoonotic #risk

 

Abstract

We detected H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza in captive Greater Rhea (Rhea americana). Viral genetic analysis revealed the mammalian associated PB2-E627K mutation, indicating selection of mammalian-relevant mutations in ratites. Pathologic investigation of available tissues demonstrated severe multifocal necrotising inflammation, and a strong vasculotropism.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674895v1

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Divergent #antibody-mediated #population #immunity to #H5, #H7 and #H9 subtype potential #pandemic #influenza viruses

 

Abstract

Influenza continues to cause significant mortality globally and possesses substantial pandemic potential. Assessing pandemic risk requires a clear understanding of existing population immunity. Leveraging a unique large-scale cohort of human sera, we evaluated total and neutralising antibody-mediated immunity to multiple haemagglutinin (HA) proteins, including those from subtypes with high pandemic potential. Our analysis reveals that population immunity is heterogeneous, with distinct age-dependent differences in responses to H5, H7, and H9 avian influenza subtypes. These shifts align with historical circulation patterns of seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 human viruses. Notably, H7 viruses are primarily neutralised through head domain epitopes, while H5 viruses are targeted mainly via stem epitopes, although in both instances some neutralisation occurred via receptor binding site-adjacent epitopes. Furthermore, H7 responses were dominated by non-glycan-targeted IgG2 antibodies, whereas H5 responses were primarily IgG1-mediated. These findings highlight varying levels of susceptibility to influenza across the population, supporting vaccination approaches informed by exposure history.

Competing Interest Statement

CPT has received lecture fees from Moderna.

Funding Statement

J.S.B. was supported by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) doctoral training programme grant [grant number BB/M011224/1]. R.S. is funded by a Medical Research Council Impact Accelerator Account grant [grant ref MR/X502674/1]. RG was funded by The Institute for Global Pandemic Planning at the University of Warwick, UK, as part of a philanthropically supported doctoral programme. K.C. was funded via the Medical Research Council doctoral training programme grant [MC_UP_A025_1011]. L.H. was funded by a Defence and Science Technology Laboratory grant [grant ref RQ31692]. U.O. and C.P.T. acknowledge funding from the British Council ISFP scheme [grant number 47650215]. N.C.R. is supported by a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellowship [grant number DHR00620].

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.25335309v1

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#Norway - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 1

 

A poultry farm in Nordland Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6767

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#China reported four additional #human pediatric cases of #infection with avian #influenza #H9N2 virus (HK CHP, September 9 '25)

{Summary, excerpts}

-- Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

- Anhui Province: 

1) A two-year-old boy with onset on August 5, 2025. 

- Chongqing Municipality: 

2) A six-year-old boy with onset on July 30, 2025. 

- Hunan Province

3) A two-year-old boy with onset on August 21, 2025. 

- Sichuan Province: 

4) A one-year-old boy with onset on July 28, 2025. 

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk36.pdf

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#Autoantibodies in #longCOVID: a systematic #review

 

Summary

Post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) affects a substantial proportion of individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, profoundly affecting their daily lives and work. Diagnosis and prognosis of long COVID are complex and hindered by heterogeneous symptoms and the absence of validated biomarkers. This systematic review synthesises current evidence on the association between autoantibodies and long COVID, with the goal of evaluating their prognostic and diagnostic utility. Studies published in the PubMed and MEDLINE databases between Jan 1, 2020, and June 10, 2025, were considered. Study selection and quality assessment were done independently by two researchers. Of the 1113 publications screened, 44 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 7571 participants, including 3372 individuals with long COVID. 31 (71%) studies reported an association between autoantibodies and long COVID; however, there was substantial heterogeneity in study design, type and timing of antibody measurements, and long COVID definitions. Several autoantibodies have been associated with long COVID occurrence, symptoms, and severity. Antinuclear antibodies, and autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors and chemokines, have emerged as potential biomarkers for aiding in the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of disease severity in long COVID. However, larger studies are needed to confirm the diagnostic and prognostic utility of these autoantibodies in the context of long COVID.

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00411-6/abstract?rss=yes

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