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

Unspecified wild species sample from Jeollabuk-do Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6967

____

Reconstructing the early spatial #spread of #pandemic respiratory #viruses in the #USA

 

Abstract

Understanding the geographic spread of emerging respiratory viruses is critical for pandemic preparedness, yet the early spatiotemporal dynamics of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in the United States (US) remain unclear. While mobility and genomic data have revealed important aspects of pandemic spatial spread, several key questions remain: Did the two pandemics follow similar spatial transmission routes? How rapidly did they spread across the US? What role did stochastic processes play in early spatial transmission? To address these questions, we integrated high-resolution disease data with a robust, data-efficient inference framework combining air travel, commuting flows, and pathogen superspreading potentials to reconstruct their spatial spread across US metropolitan areas. The two pandemics exhibited distinct transmission pathways across locations; however, both pandemics established local circulation in most metropolitan areas within weeks, driven by several shared transmission hubs. Early spatial spread was more strongly associated with air travel than with commuting, though stochastic dynamics introduced substantial uncertainty in transmission routes, creating challenges for timely detection and control. Simulations indicate that broad wastewater surveillance coverage beyond top transmission hubs coupled with effective infection control may slow initial spatial expansion. Our findings highlight the rapid, stochastic spread of pandemic respiratory pathogens and the difficulties of early outbreak containment.

Competing Interest Statement

JS and Columbia University disclose partial ownership of SK Analytics. Other authors declare no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study was supported by funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China 12371516 (RZ), National Science Foundation DMS-2229605 (SP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U01CK000592 (JS, SP) and 75D30122C14289 (JS), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases R01AI163023 (JS), Princeton Catalysis Initiative (BTG), Princeton Precision Health (BTG), and High Meadows Environmental Institute (BTG). The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the US National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.24.25340792v1

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Emergence of a novel #reassorted high pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N2 virus associated with severe #pneumonia in a young #adult

 

Abstract

Background 

Infection of backyard and poultry with low pathogenicity avian influenza LPAI A(H5N2) viruses has occurred in Mexico since 1994, and the first human infection caused by this influenza virus was detected in 2024. Since its emergence in the Americas, frequent reassortments between high pathogenicity avian influenza HPAI A(H5N1) and LPAI viruses has occurred. In September 2025, the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias of Mexico City identified an unsubtypeable influenza A virus infection in a young adult patient later determined to be a reassortant HPAI (H5N2) virus with a clade 2.3.4.4b HA. 

Methods 

We analyzed clinical and epidemiologic data from this patient. Respiratory samples were tested for influenza RT-qPCR assays. Genomic sequence and phylogenetics analyses were performed to provisionally assign a new genotype to the novel HPAI A(H5N2) reassortant virus. 

Results 

The patient presented with fever and tachypnea, later developed hemoptysis and thoracic pain, with oxygen saturation decreasing to 70%. CT scan showed bilateral ground-glass opacities consistent with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and zones consistent with consolidation. Clinical improvement was observed and the patient was discharged. Through viral complete genome analysis, we identified an HPAI A(H5N2) virus with genes from both clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses similar to those detected in North America during 2022-2023 and genes from the LPAI A(H5N2) viruses detected in Mexico during 2024. 

Conclusions 

This is the first ever laboratory-confirmed human infection caused by an HPAI A(H5N2) virus infection, suggesting a new genotype provisionally classified as B3.14. The relationship of the virus with the severity of illness remains unknown.

Competing Interest Statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. The sponsors had no role in the design, execution, interpretation, or writing of the study. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Funding Statement

Funding: This work was financially supported by Secretaria de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnologia e Innovacion (SECIHTI), Grant CBF-2025-I-3693 to J.A.V.-P.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.21.25340167v1

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#Antibody responses to #SARS-CoV-2 #variants #LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, #XFG, and BA.3.2 following KP.2 monovalent #mRNA #vaccination

 

ABSTRACT

The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in antigenically distinct variants that challenge vaccine-induced immunity. The KP.2 monovalent mRNA vaccine was deployed in 2024 to address immune escape by emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariants. We assessed neutralizing antibody responses in 56 adults with varied exposure histories following KP.2 vaccination against emerging variants including LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG, and BA.3.2. While KP.2 vaccination enhanced neutralization against homologous variants, substantial reductions in neutralizing activity were observed against emerging Omicron variants across all exposure groups. Exposure history showed some influence on neutralization breadth, with self-reported vaccination-only participants exhibiting better cross-neutralization compared to individuals with hybrid immunity. Antigenic cartography revealed substantial antigenic distances between KP.2 and emerging variants, highlighting significant immune escape potential that threatens vaccine protection.

IMPORTANCE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve, producing variants that escape vaccine-induced immunity. The current work shows that KP.2 monovalent vaccination provides limited protection against antigenically distant Omicron variants (LP.8.1, LF.7.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG and BA.3.2). These findings highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining vaccine effectiveness against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants and argue for continuous updating of vaccines.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.02901-25?af=R

____

Structural #insights into #MERS and #SARS #coronavirus #membrane proteins

 

Abstract

The membrane (M) protein of coronaviruses is essential for maintaining structural integrity during membrane virion budding and viral pathogenesis. Given its high conservation in lineages within the betacoronavirus genus, such as sarbecoviruses, the M protein presents as an attractive therapeutic target; however, developing broad-spectrum antivirals targeting coronaviruses such as MERS-CoV is challenging due to lower sequence conservation and limited structural information available beyond that of the SARS-CoV-2 M protein. In this study, we report 3-3.2 Å resolution structures of MERS-CoV M protein, engineered with a SARS-CoV-2-like antibody interface, representing the first human merbecovirus M protein structure, and SARS-CoV M protein structures, with and without a previously identified SARS-CoV-2 M protein inhibitor, JNJ-9676. We highlight the structural differences between the MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 M proteins, and present insights into the conservation of the JNJ-9676 binding pocket as well as key differences that could be targeted to accelerate the design of specific MERS-CoV and broad-spectrum antivirals targeting coronavirus M proteins.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-09042-3

____

#USA, #Influenza A #H5: #Situation #summary of confirmed and probable #human cases since 2024 (as of Nov. 25 '25)

 

{Summary}

Confirmed Cases at National Level

[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 at National Level

[National - Total Cases: 7 {no change}]

[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

(...)

{§} A case from Washington State, see more at: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-dies-complications-avian-influenza

Source: 

Link: 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

____

Avian #influenza virus #H5N1 genotype D1.1 is better adapted to #human nasal and #airway organoids than genotype B3.13

 

Abstract

Three critically ill or fatal avian influenza A(H5N1) human infections have been reported in North America since November 2024. Notably, all were infected with genotype D1.1 instead of B3.13, the dominant genotype before November 2024. Here, we demonstrated that D1.1 could replicate to higher titers in human nasal and airway organoid-derived transwell monolayers from 6 donors. D1.1 exhibited a better binding to α2,3- and α2,6-linked SA than B3.13. No significant differences in most inflammatory or antiviral cytokines/chemokines was observed. These observations suggest that D1.1 is better adapted to both the upper and lower human respiratory tract epithelium than B3.13.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaf598/8341570#google_vignette

____

Direct #airway delivery of a humanized anti - #H7N9 neutralizing #antibody broadly protects against divergent #H7 #influenza viruses in the mouse model

 

ABSTRACT

Passive administration of broadly neutralizing anti-influenza monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) before or after virus infection can prevent or alleviate disease. Unlike seasonal influenza, infection with zoonotic avian influenza viruses can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and high mortality in humans. Respiratory tract-targeting antibody delivery appears to be more clinically relevant and effective for zoonotic influenza treatment. In this study, the efficacy of an anti-H7N9 murine mAb 4B7 and its humanized form (chi4B7) against H7 subtype influenza viruses administered through the intranasal route was investigated in mice. 4B7 recognizes critical residues in the vestigial esterase domain and receptor-binding sites in the hemagglutinin of H7N9 virus. The antibody had cross-H7 binding, hemagglutination inhibition, and neutralizing activities. In particular, the dose of 4B7 required for prophylactic protection against H7N9 infection was significantly reduced in mice treated locally (intranasal) compared with those treated systemically (intraperitoneal). Intranasal delivery of the antibody also enhanced therapeutic efficacy against H7N9 infection compared to intraperitoneal administration. Chi4B7 generated by grafting the variable regions onto the human IgG1 backbone sustained cross-reactivity with different H7 viruses of the parental murine antibody. Airway-delivered chi4B7 provided broad prophylactic and therapeutic protection against divergent H7 viruses in mice. Moreover, intranasal administration of chi4B7 had a long effective prophylaxis window against H7N9 infection. Our results suggest that airway delivery of the humanized anti-H7 antibody is a favorable approach for broad-spectrum prophylaxis and therapy against the H7 subtype influenza.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.01327-25

____

#Nomenclature #updates to the hemagglutinin gene #clade designations resulting from continued #evolution of high pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5 virus clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4

 

Abstract

The evolutionary divergence of the A(H5) hemagglutinin (HA) gene of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses (A/goose/Guangdong/96 lineage) was analyzed by phylogenetic and average pairwise distance methods to identify clades that merit nomenclature updates. Based on this assessment, 12 new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4 viruses, which were reported in Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Oceania since the most recent WHO/WOAH/FAO H5 Evolution Working Group update.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.23.690055v1

____

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

 

A poultry farm in Opolskie Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7037

____

#Concern for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #Spillover into #Cetaceans

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) has a wide range of avian and mammalian hosts, leading to disease outbreaks and increasing the risk of panzootics and pandemics. Subtype H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b is causing the current high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) panzootic. Environmental changes are fuelling the spread of HPAI H5N1 in wildlife worldwide, with occasional spillover events from seabirds to cetaceans. Sampling difficulties and limited tests available for diagnosis are a challenge to cetacean virology research. Understanding the risk of HPAI outbreaks in cetaceans requires a comprehensive examination of events of IAV infection. Documented cases relate to IAV subtypes H1N3, H13N2, H13N9, and H5N1 and have been reported in cetaceans sampled in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. The number of H5N1 IAV isolated from cetaceans is increasing and affects six host species of the families Delphinidae and Phocoenidae of the suborder Odontoceti. The analysis of 40 molecular markers of viral adaptation to mammals in 21 H5N1 cetacean isolates reveals mutations are present in three viral proteins: hemagglutinin (HA), polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2), and nucleoprotein (NP). Phylogenetic analysis of HA and PB2 sequences isolated from cetaceans and co-occurring cases in seabirds and marine mammals do not support sustained transmission of the virus between cetaceans. IAV H5N1 appears to be reaching cetaceans after spillover from seabirds and other marine mammals. Increasing worldwide surveillance of IAV infection of cetaceans is crucial, as these marine mammals are sentinel species for human pandemic preparedness and key species for marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/12/1536

____

A Church among Trees, Samuel Palmer (1830)

 

Public domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/samuel-palmer/a-church-among-trees-1830

____

#Rat #Coronavirus Epizootiology in Wild Rattus norvegicus

 

Abstract

From 2006 through 2008, 543 synanthropic Rattus norvegicus were sampled from 20 alleys clustered in five high-density human neighborhoods throughout Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Results indicated that rat coronaviruses (RCV) circulated endemically and infected most rats in the region. Collected animals were tested by serology and RT-PCR for evidence of exposure to RCV and the results were used to characterize the epizootiology of natural infection. Serology showed that 71.8% of rats had IgG antibodies to RCV, indicating previous exposure, while only 3.0% showed evidence of recent infection based on positive PCR results. Incidence was estimated at 16% per month. Antibody and PCR results were uniformly distributed throughout the city. Consistent with historical laboratory studies, RCV appeared to be horizontally transmitted and generated an acute infection with a short period of infectiousness. Evidence of past infection increased with rat age but did not differ significantly between males and females. The low incidence (6/1000) of infectious rats (PCR positive/IgG negative) limits the risk of spillover to nearby species, including humans. These results encourage surveys for other wildlife agents to collect sufficient samples to estimate the power to detect the agents and use serological surveys as a screening tool if active infection is of short duration. Otherwise, substantial efforts may be expended with a low likelihood of detection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15303667251396375

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Renault ZO Diesel Autorial

 

Par Auteur inconnu — old image Collection Jean-Pierre Vergez-Larrouy, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23989637

Source: 

Link: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Diesel Locomotive Brissoneau & Lotz from Chemins de fer de Provence (1951, metric gauge), at Nice-Lingostière Workshop

 

By Eric.Coffinet~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10366620

Source: 

Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives

____

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Effects of #LP81 - adapted #mRNA #vaccination on #SARS-CoV-2 variant #neutralisation

 

{Summary}

SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, with successive variants evading immunity established by previous infection or vaccination. In mid-2024, a vaccine tailored to the JN.1 variant was authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which boosted neutralising antibody responses and provided substantial protection against severe disease and hospitalisation.1–3 Around 6 months later, in January 2025, LP.8.1 (of the JN.1 lineage) was classified as a “variant under monitoring” by WHO, due to its epidemiological importance and enhanced transmission fitness relative to contemporaneous strains. After emerging in late 2024, LP.8.1 rapidly overtook the XEC variant, establishing dominance throughout the Americas and Europe by early 2025. In the USA, LP.8.1 and its sublineages represented more than 50% of all sequences in May, 2025 (appendix p 9). Although vaccines adapted to JN.1 or its derivative KP.2 generated neutralising antibodies against LP.8.1, these titres were reduced compared with earlier JN.1 lineage variants, indicating continued antigenic drift.4 By mid-2025, the XFG lineage emerged and began replacing LP.8.1 across multiple geographical regions (appendix p 9), indicating further adaptive evolution within the JN.1-derived clade. Subsequent investigations confirmed robust immune evasion coupled with diminished angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding efficiency for the XFG variant.4

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00690-5/fulltext?rss=yes

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#USA, #Washington State: Grays Harbor County resident dies from #complications of avian #influenza #H5N5 virus (DoH, Nov. 22 '25)

 

The person was infected with the H5N5 virus; the risk to the public remains low

OLYMPIA – A Grays Harbor County resident who was undergoing treatment for H5N5 avian influenza died today. 

The Washington State Department of Health offers its heartfelt condolences to the person’s family and friends.

The person was an older adult with underlying health conditions. 

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not releasing their name, gender, or age. 

The person had been hospitalized in King County since early November.

Testing at the UW Medicine Clinical Virology Lab identified the virus as H5N5, making this the first recorded infection with this variant in a person globally. 

The result was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The risk to the public remains low. 

No other people involved have tested positive for avian influenza. 

Public health officials will continue to monitor anyone who was in close contact with the patient for symptoms to ensure that human-to-human spread has not occurred. 

There is no evidence of transmission of this virus between people.

The person had a backyard flock of mixed domestic birds. 

DOH testing identified avian influenza virus in the environment of the flock, making exposure to the domestic poultry, their environment, or wild birds the most likely source of exposure for this patient. 

People who had exposure to the backyard flock and environment are also being monitored for symptoms.

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.

People with backyard poultry should avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report illness in poultry 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 domestic or wild 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. 

Though unlikely, infection with both viruses could result in the emergence of an avian influenza virus that is more easily transmitted from person to person. 

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: 

Link: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/grays-harbor-county-resident-dies-complications-avian-influenza

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#Diphtheria - #Africa Region (#WHO, D.O.N., Nov. 21 '25)

{Excerpt}

Diphtheria is a major public health problem in the WHO African Region despite substantial efforts on immunization activities over the past three decades. 

Between 2000 and 2024, 75 789 suspected diphtheria cases were reported in the Region, with the majority reported from 2023 to 2024, when Algeria, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Niger, and South Africa reported a resurgence of diphtheria outbreaks with approximately 57 000 suspected cases and 2 000 deaths (case fatality ratio (CFR) of 3.5%) recorded. 

The countries most affected were Guinea, Nigeria and Niger. 

Most cases reported were in children under fifteen years and female. 

Over 50% of suspected cases were non-vaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. 

In 2025, as of 19 October 2025, over 17 000 suspected diphtheria cases and about 900 deaths with an average CFR of 5.1% have been reported across eight Member States in the African Region; Algeria, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Of these suspected cases, 7 886 were confirmed through laboratory testing, epidemiological linkage, or clinical compatibility. 

Laboratory-confirmation has been conducted in 6.8% (n=1181) of the suspected cases. 

Women, children aged between 5 and 18 years and young adults less than 30 are the most affected groups. 

The situation seems to have worsened in Mali, Mauritania and Niger in recent weeks with increasing trends and geographic expansion of the outbreaks reported in these countries. 

In addition, high CFRs (up to 24%) have been reported across all affected countries.   

The overall public health risk posed by the diphtheria event in the African Region is classified as ‘’high’’ due to:

-- Significant risks of further widescale spread:

- The humanitarian profile of some of the affected countries (Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria): fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings, with low vaccination coverage often recorded among displaced populations.

- Outbreak hotspots are sometimes located in hard-to-reach areas with security constraints. 

- Crowded, unsanitary living conditions in displacement camps in humanitarian settings.

- Low routine immunization coverage in most affected countries and important heterogeneity in coverage at subnational level in a number of countries - with pockets of under-vaccination leading to outbreaks (e.g. Nigeria, Chad etc.).

- Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing significant drop of vaccination coverage between the first and the third dose across all affected countries. Although in response to declining immunization coverage, global partners launched The Big Catch-up, a coordinated effort to restore and strengthen immunization services and close immunity gaps, especially for vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria.

- Weak health system capacity in most affected countries (shortage of health professionals, low clinical management capacity, etc.). 

- Shortage of laboratory supplies reported by most affected countries, leading to delays in case reporting and laboratory confirmation. 

- Global shortage of diphtheria anti-toxin (DAT) necessary for the treatment of affected persons. 

- High case fatality ratio observed in many of the affected countries.

- High internal and cross-border movements of susceptible individuals (unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated). 

- Insufficient resources to control the outbreaks across most affected countries.

The overall public health risk posed by the diphtheria event at the global level is classified as ‘’low’’ due to:

-- The global risk of diphtheria outbreaks from the ongoing multi-country diphtheria outbreak in the African Region is assessed as low, given the existence of routine immunization programs in most countries. 

- Nonetheless, the risk posed by international travel of susceptible populations from the African Region cannot be overlooked, highlighting the need to strengthen risk communication and surveillance globally. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-rapid-risk-assessment---diphtheria--african-region-v.1

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