Gordale Scar, James Ward (c.1812 - 1814)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-ward/gordale-scar-a-view-of-gordale-in-the-manor-of-east-malham-in-craven-yorkshire-the-property-of-1814

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History of Mass Transportation: #Autorail Renault VH preserved a the City of Trains Museum

 

Par ignis — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1256653

Source: Wikipedia, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault

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#Ethiopia confirms first #outbreak of #Marburg virus disease (#WHO AFRO, Nov. 15 '25)

 

14 November 2025

Addis Ababa—Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Ethiopia Region, the first of its kind in the country, following laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever.

Genetic analysis by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute revealed that the virus is of the same strain as the one that has been reported in previous outbreaks in other countries in East Africa. 

A total of nine cases have been reported in the outbreak that has affected Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region.

The national authorities are scaling up response including community-wide screening, isolation of cases, treatment, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the Marburg virus, which is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola virus disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are supporting the government as it intensifies response to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak. A team of responders with expertise in viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak response has been deployed along with medical supplies and equipment.  

Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. The disease is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among people through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.

Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Many patients develop severe bleeding within a week of onset. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed therapeutic or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to supportive treatment and care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.  

In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, https://www.afro.who.int/countries/ethiopia/news/ethiopia-confirms-first-outbreak-marburg-virus-disease

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, Nov. 15 '25)

 

Int J Infect Dis

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3. VAN HOLLE L
   Observed Versus Expected Analysis-How Does It Fit in the Pharmacovigilance Toolkit?
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Drugs

4. LEE A
   Onradivir: First Approval.
   Drugs. 2025;85:1609-1612.
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   J Clin Microbiol

5. HOGAN CA, Le AT, Khan A, Su LD, et al
   Comprehensive metabolomics combined with machine learning for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses directly from upper respiratory samples.
   J Clin Microbiol. 2025;63:e0204224.
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   J Gen Virol

6. GIOVANETTI M, Cella E, Soliani L, Prosperi A, et al
   From North to South: transmission dynamics of H1N1pdm09 swine influenza A viruses in Italy.
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
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7. CRAWFORD-JONES D, Charlett M, Downs L, Jeffery K, et al
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   J Infect Dis

8. BUCHAN SA, Alessandrini J, Drover SSM, Andrew MK, et al
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9. DESCHENES NM, Perez-Vargas J, Zhong Z, Thomas M, et al
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10. NAITO T, Ushirogawa H, Kunishio M, Yano H, et al
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12. KOPETZKY J, Mansour SC, Floyd R, Byrne L, et al
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13. REHM J, Assanangkornchai S, Hendershot CS, Franklin A, et al
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14. ROY M, Clapham HE, Mishra S
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    PLoS One

15. FU K, Jackson DB, Testa A
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16. POURSHABAN M, Allahbakhshian A, Hasankhani H
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17. BASU S
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    Virology

37. SEEKINGS AH, Billington E, Mahmood S, Thomas SS, et al
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History of Mass Transportation: The BBÖ 1070, BB Brissonneau e Lotz Vollert SNCF Y 8000 Shunters

 

By Smiley.toerist - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52071432

Source: Wikipedia, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives

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#Human #Infection with Avian #Influenza #H10N3 Virus, #China, 2024

 

Abstract

We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province, China, in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province. H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/11/25-0847_article

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#USA, #Washington State: #H5N5 Avian #influenza confirmed in Grays Harbor County resident (DoH, Nov. 15 '25)

 

For immediate release: November 14, 2025   (25-138)

First detection of this strain in a human, risk to the public remains low

Contact: DOH Communications

A Grays Harbor resident who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November has been confirmed to have influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. 

Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an avian influenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low.

The person is an older adult with underlying health conditions and remains hospitalized. 

The affected person has a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds. 

The domestic poultry or wild birds are the most likely source of virus exposure; however, public health investigation is ongoing. 

The Washington State Department of Health is working with the local health department and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to complete exposure and animal health investigations.  

Public health disease experts have not identified any increased risk to the public.  

(...)

Source: Department of Health, State of Washington, https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/h5n5-avian-influenza-confirmed-grays-harbor-county-resident

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#USA, #H5N1 #Birdflu: Current #Situation (#CDC, as of Nov. 14 '25): One new human case confirmed, total now: 71

 

{Excerpt}

National situation summary

Person-to-person spread: None

-- There is no known person-to-person spread at this time.

Current public health risk: Low

-- The current public health risk is Low.

Cases in the U.S.: 71 cases

Deaths in U.S.: 1 death

(...)

Situation summary of confirmed and probable human cases since 2024

{Confirmed Cases}: 

-- National: Total Cases: 71 {+1}

[Cases - Exposure Source]

-- 41 - Dairy Herds (Cattle){*}

-- 24 - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations{*}

-- 3 - Other Animal Exposure{†}

-- 3 - Exposure Source Unknown{‡}

{Probable Cases}: 

-- National: Total Cases: 7

[Cases - Exposure Source]

-- 1 - Dairy Herds (Cattle){*}

-- 5 - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations{*}

-- 0 - Other Animal Exposure{†}

-- 1 - Exposure Source Unknown{‡}

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. Louisiana reported the first H5 bird flu death in the U.S.

{*} Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations

{†} Exposure was related to other animals such as backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals

{‡} Exposure source was not able to be identified

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Favianflu%2Favian-flu-summary.htm&cove-tab=1

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#Africa #CDC #Statement on Suspected Viral #Haemorrhagic #Fever in Jinka, Southern Region, #Ethiopia (Nov. 14 '25)

 

13 November 2025, Addis Ababa – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is closely monitoring reports of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) in Jinka, Southern Region, Ethiopia.

On 12 November 2025, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) notified Africa CDC of eight suspected cases, with clinical samples collected and submitted to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing. As investigations continue, no confirmed aetiology has yet been established.

From London where he was on official mission, the Director General of Africa CDC, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya had a call the same day with the Ethiopian Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba to congratulate her for early detection and the transparency that characterized Ethiopia when there is a public health event, and to extend the support from Africa CDC and the entire continent to quickly contain that.

During the Africa CDC Weekly Press Briefing on Health Emergencies held on 13 November 2025, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, highlighted this event and briefed Member States on preliminary information and response readiness.

The Africa CDC in-country team continues to engage closely with national authorities and provide technical support. Africa CDC will continue working with the Government of Ethiopia and partners and will issue timely updates as more information becomes available and laboratory results are confirmed, and additional assistance will be mobilised as required

###

Source: ReliefWeb, https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/africa-cdc-statement-suspected-viral-haemorrhagic-fever-jinka-southern-region-ethiopia

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

 

{Scotland}

Broiler breeder flock of 28-week-old birds. Increased mortality and other clinical signs reported. Samples taken were found positive for HPAI H5N1.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7013

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Phylogenetic and Molecular Characterization of a Novel #Reassortant High-Pathogenicity Avian #Influenza #H7N6 Virus Detected in #NZ #Poultry

 

Abstract

H7 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus outbreaks can cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in poultry flocks, leading to devastating impacts on poultry industries. In December 2024, an HPAI virus was detected on a poultry farm in New Zealand, being the first time a case of HPAI was reported in the country. Whole-genome sequencing, subtyping, phylogenetic, and mutation analyses were performed to characterize the virus. Results indicated a novel high-pathogenicity H7N6 avian influenza virus arose through a reassortment event between endemic low-pathogenicity H4N6 and H7 viruses, followed by two mutations at the H7 gene cleavage site. Mutation analysis suggests the novel H7N6 virus exhibits increased risk of host specificity shift, but further work is required to fully understand the functional impacts of the detected mutational events. In this instance, a timely biosecurity response was effective in eliminating the virus and preventing its transmission to secondary poultry flocks in New Zealand. However, the event underscores the critical importance of continued surveillance of commercial poultry and other potential avian carriers to facilitate early detection of low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses, which may undergo reassortment or de novo mutation into high-pathogenicity variants.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases, https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/21/10623

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#USA, #Human Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Cases in #Washington State Residents (as of November 14 '25)

Human Avian Influenza Cases in Washington State Residents{*}

[Exposure - Probable - Confirmed - Total human cases (H5)]

-- Poultry - 3 - 11 - 14

-- Unknown- 1{^} - 0 - 1

-- Total - 15

{*} Washington residency could not be confirmed for one case with exposure to poultry in Washington.

{^} Currently under investigation; case classification and source of infection may be updated.

Note: Updates to national public health reporting and notification of novel influenza A infections were approved by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) in June 2024 and enacted in September 2024. Whether a case is counted as confirmed or probable is determined after completion of a public health case investigation and takes into account a person's exposure to avian influenza virus, whether confirmatory testing at the CDC was negative or positive, and whether a person experienced symptoms of illness. The specific criteria used to determine if a case is confirmed, or probable is based on a standardized case definition for public health surveillance which allows states to apply the same criteria and to count cases in the same manner for national reporting.

(...)

Source: Department of Health, State of Washington, https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza

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#USA, State of #Washington: Grays Harbor County resident tests preliminarily positive for avian #influenza { #H5N1 }

For immediate release: November 13, 2025   (25-136)

Contact: DOH Communications

If confirmed, this would be the first human case of avian influenza reported in Washington in 2025

OLYMPIA – A Grays Harbor County resident has tested preliminarily positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Confirmatory testing through the Washington State Public Health Laboratories is pending.

Health officials are working to determine the potential sources of the infection, including contact with wild or domestic birds. 

The person, who is an older adult with underlying health conditions, developed a high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress and was hospitalized in early November. 

They are currently receiving treatment in King County after previously being treated in Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.

Public health disease experts have not identified any risk to the public. The Washington State Department of Health is working with the local health departments and healthcare facilities to support the investigation.

About Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a disease caused by influenza type A viruses, which naturally occur in wild aquatic birds around the world. These viruses can infect other bird species, and, occasionally mammals, and can be deadly to domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. On rare occasions, avian influenza viruses can infect people and make them sick. Most cases have occurred in people who were exposed to sick or infected animals. Reported human cases of avian influenza in the United States have typically been mild, with symptoms such as conjunctivitis (red eyes), fever, and respiratory symptoms. 

The risk of avian influenza increases in the fall and winter because migratory birds can carry the virus and spread it to domestic animals including commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks.

Transmission of avian influenza between humans is extremely rare and has never been documented in the United States. To ensure that human-to-human spread is not occurring, public health officials are contacting anyone who has been in close contact with the patient to monitor for symptoms and provide testing and treatment as needed.

Public Health Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently considers the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low. However, people who work with or have recreational contact with infected birds, cattle, or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals, are at higher risk and should take precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and fluid-resistant coveralls or other outerwear.

People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with  sick or dead birds and report illness to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) by calling 1-800-606-3056 or reporting online. Veterinarians should report sick or dead domestic animals or livestock suspected of having avian influenza to WSDA. Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and report sick or dead wild birds or other animals to the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.  Never handle or allow pets near dead birds or other wildlife.

Avoid eating raw or undercooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, and don’t feed these products to pets.

It is especially important that people who may have exposure to sick birds get a seasonal flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent bird flu infection, it reduces the risk of becoming sick with both human and avian influenza viruses at the same time. Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Our website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Get updates by following us on social media. 

###

Source: Department of Health, State of Washington, https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-tests-preliminarily-positive-avian-influenza

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#Epidemiological and #virological #update on the emerging #SARS-CoV-2 #variant BA.3.2

 

{Excerpt}

The constant emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants has driven the COVID-19 pandemic and sustains the current endemic. Saltation variants, such as BA.2.86,1 encode highly mutated spike (S) proteins that efficiently evade neutralising antibodies. In November, 2024, a potential saltation variant, BA.3.2, was detected in South Africa but its spread remained uncertain. Early studies on BA.3.2 did not include comparisons among its subvariants or with dominant variants NB.1.8.1 and XFG.2,3 Moreover, the effect of the often overlooked S protein insertion of Ala-Ser-Asp-Thr at position 214 remained unexamined. In this Correspondence, we provide an epidemiological and virological update on BA.3.2, with the use of BA.3 (parental lineage) and NB.1.8.1 and XFG (currently prevalent) as references.

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Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00658-9/fulltext?rss=yes

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#Poland - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

 

A Slaughter geese operation in Mazowieckie Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7008

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

 

Highlights

• Human antibody HB420 cross-reacts with neuraminidases from H3N2 and H5N1

• HB420 engages the neuraminidase active site via a single Asp residue

• Germline HB420 is N2 specific but gains reactivity to N1 through somatic mutation

• HB420 provides in vivo protection against both H3N2 and H5N1

Summary

The ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in animals and its 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, the molecular basis of how this cross-reactivity develops remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a phage display antibody library derived from 245 healthy donors to isolate an antibody, HB420, that cross-reacts with neuraminidases of human H3N2 and avian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and confers protection in vivo. Cryogenic electron microscopy analysis reveals that HB420 targets the neuraminidase active site by mimicking sialic acid binding through a single Asp residue. Furthermore, the inferred germline of HB420 is N2 specific but acquires cross-reactivity to H5N1 neuraminidase through somatic hypermutation. Overall, our findings provide insights into how neuraminidase antibody evolves breadth, which has important implications for the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines.

Source: Cell Host & Microbe, https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/abstract/S1931-3128(25)00381-6?rss=yes

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Monitoring #zoonoses to prevent future #outbreaks and #pandemics

 

Abstract

Most emerging human infectious diseases are derived from animals, and monitoring such zoonoses is imperative to help prevent future outbreaks. In this Forum, we discuss the knowledge gaps in our current understanding of viral ecology, global disparities in virus discovery, and the applications of artificial intelligence in infectious disease monitoring.

Source: Cell Host & Microbe, https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/abstract/S1931-3128(25)00429-9?rss=yes

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#Hostilities in the occupied #Palestinian territory (oPt) - 11 November 2025 - Public Health #Situation #Analysis (PHSA) (#WHO, summary)

 

SUMMARY OF CRISIS AND KEY FINDINGS 

The fragile Gaza ceasefire announced on 9 October 2025 marked a momentous but precarious juncture in the ongoing conflict.{3} 

The ceasefire remains in place but is fragile, and violations from both sides continue.{4} 

When the ceasefire was agreed in mid-October, the UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher outlined a 60-day plan to deliver vital aid to people in Gaza, stressing that full implementation requires more crossings, rapid and unimpeded access, sustained fuel entry, restored infrastructure, protection of aid workers, and adequate funding.{5}  

While humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza offering a measure of relief, uncertainty persists. Meanwhile, the Rafah Crossing as well as other crossings in the north remain closed, limiting efforts to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.{6} 

According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, the casualty toll among Palestinians since 7 October 2023, as reported by MoH, is 67 938 fatalities and 170 169 injuries.{7} 

Following the announcement of the ceasefire, large-scale population movements have been observed across Gaza as families attempt to return home after months of displacement. Over 533 000 people have moved from south to north since 10 October.{8} 

Most people in Gaza reside in inadequate shelters that fail to meet basic emergency standards, leaving them exposed to harsh winter conditions.{9} 

The UN Satellite Centre reported that as of 23 September, the extent of damage in Gaza City encompassed approximately 83% of all structures.{10}  

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) report diseases directly linked to poor living condition (such as skin infections, eye infections, aches and pains) account for 70% of all outpatient consultations in health care centres in southern Gaza.{11} 

According to Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS) reporting, acute watery diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are 17.5% of all consultations in Gaza as of October 2025.{12} 

Ongoing attacks and resource shortages have severely weakened the health system. Every hospital is overrun.{13} 

A total of 50% (18 out of 36) of hospitals are functional, all partially.{14} 

Many health facilities have been shut down in Gaza City and in the North, leaving hundreds of thousands of people with limited access to lifesaving medical services. As of 15 August 2025, Famine (IPC Phase 5)—with reasonable evidence—was confirmed in Gaza Governorate. Access constraints severely limit the quantity of aid that agencies can bring in to stabilize the markets and address people’s needs. 

Anticipation of food inflows upon the ceasefire drove food prices down. However, liquidity constraints persist, with cash withdrawal fees still between 20-24%.{15} 

While attention has been fixed on Gaza, violence and restrictions in the West Bank have intensified. Military operations in Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm refugee camps have displaced over 30 000 people, yet humanitarian groups remain barred from assessing the full scale of destruction.{16} 

More broadly, oPt has endured a protracted cycle of conflict, hunger and despair for over five decades. In 2023, this cycle reached unprecedented new peaks as tensions escalated in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank on 7 October, resulting in civilian fatalities, widespread destruction, massive displacement, rising food prices and a declining currency.{17} 

The unprecedented impact of the current war on Gaza demands a transformative shift in addressing mounting immediate needs, revaluating long-term systemic challenges to relief efforts, and confronting the root causes of the conflict by ending the occupation and upholding international law.{18} 

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{1} UNDSS (2024), Security Travel Advisory, available at: https://dss.un.org/Welcome-to-UNDSS?returnurl=%2f 

{2} Inform Risk Index 2025 (2024), available at: https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/inform-index 

{3} United Nations (2025), Fragile Gaza ceasefire marks ‘a momentous but precarious juncture,’ UN envoy tells Security Council 

{4} WFP (2025), WFP Palestine’s Emergency Response External Situation Report #71 (7 November 2025) 

{5} OCHA (2025), Humanitarian Situation Update #331 | Gaza Strip [EN/AR/HE] 

{6} WFP (2025), WFP Palestine’s Emergency Response External Situation Report #71 (7 November 2025) 

{7} OCHA (2025), Humanitarian Situation Update #331 | Gaza Strip [EN/AR/HE] 

{8} WFP (2025), WFP Palestine’s Emergency Response External Situation Report #71 (7 November 2025) 

{9} UNRWA (2025), UNRWA Situation Report #192 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem [EN/AR] 

{10} UNRWA (2025), UNRWA Situation Report #192 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem [EN/AR] 

{11} MSF (2025), Post-ceasefire, Palestinians in Gaza are still living in dire conditions 

{12} WHO (2025) EWARS Unified Disease Surveillance Dashboard - The Gaza Strip · Dashboard · Metabase 

{13} MSF (2025), “Medicine is being strangled”: MSF doctor on the collapse of Gaza's health system 

{14} WHO (2025), HeRAMS occupied Palestinian territory: Gaza infographics September 2025 https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjI3ODU4N2YtZmE4Yi00NzcwLTgwMmQtN2JhOTU2YjZkNTQ1IiwidCI6ImY2MTBjMGI3LWJkMjQtN GIzOS04MTBiLTNkYzI4MGFmYjU5MCIsImMiOjh9 

{15} WFP (2025), WFP reaches families most at risk with food assistance as post-ceasefire scale-up gathers pace  

{16} NRC (2025), West Bank: Impunity deepens the occupation amid increasing restrictions on aid 

{17} WFP (29 March 2024),  State of Palestine Annual Country Report 2023 - Country Strategic Plan 2018 - 2028 

{18} ESCWA (2 January 2024), October 2023 in Gaza: the deadliest month in a twenty-first century war? [EN/AR] 

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/emergencies-trauma-care/who-phsa-opt-111125-final.pdf?sfvrsn=efa97590_1&download=true

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#Antigenic Mapping of #H2 #Influenza Viruses recognized by #Ferret and #Human Sera and Predicting Antigenically Significant Sites

 

Abstract

Influenza viruses cause hundreds of thousands of infections globally every year. In the past century, seasonal influenza viruses have included H1N1, H2N2 or H3N2 strains. H2N2 influenza viruses circulated in the human population between 1957-1968. Previously, our group demonstrated a lack of H2N2 influenza virus immunity in individuals born after 1968, as well as the effectiveness of hemagglutinin (HA) based vaccines for multiple influenza virus subtypes. In this study, H2 antigenic maps and radial graphs were generated using previously published data from H2 HA vaccinations of ferrets and seasonal influenza vaccinations of humans. The antigenic maps revealed a stark difference in clustering of HA antigens between the ferrets and humans, and the radial graphs showed specific antigen recognition varies greatly between different influenza preimmune ferrets. These maps also revealed the significant impact that different pre-existing immunities have on antigenic recognition and clustering of antigens after vaccine boost. From these data, we predicted two possible antigenically significant sites containing various mutations that have not been previously reported and showed that one of these sites relevant using mouse anti-sera.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.12.687988v1

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