The Fight between Carnival and Lent, Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1559)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/pieter-bruegel-the-elder/the-fight-between-carnival-and-lent-1559-1

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, Feb. 21 '26)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, Feb. 21 '26)

 

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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

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    Vaccine

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Amino acid #mutations K54E and S154P in the #neuraminidase attenuate #H3N2 #canine #influenza virus in mice

 

ABSTRACT

Dogs are considered mixing vessels for influenza viruses, posing a pandemic potential via viral reassortment. Our previous studies indicated that the avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza virus (A/canine/Zhejiang/1/2010, abbreviated C1) is virulent in canine and mice. Furthermore, we found that the HA and NA genes of C1 share a close genetic relationship with an H3N2 avian influenza virus (A/duck/Shanghai/06/2009, abbreviated D6), but they exhibit distinct pathogenicity. However, the understanding mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the genetic determinants that contribute to the different pathogenicity between the C1 and D6. By using the reverse genetics approaches, we rescued several single-gene and position-substituted reassortant viruses based on the C1. The replication in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells and pathogenic trial in mice showed that the neuraminidase (NA) gene played a critical role in C1 virulence. Further analysis demonstrated that the K54E and S154P mutations in NA significantly reduced NA enzymatic activity, impairing viral release from infected cells. Consequently, these mutant viruses lost their ability to infect mice. Overall, our findings identify two novel virulence determinants in NA and elucidate the mechanisms behind the distinct pathogenicity between the C1 and D6 in mice. These results may provide some new targets for H3N2 influenza virus vaccines and antiviral drug development.

Source: 

Link: https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jgv/10.1099/jgv.0.002223

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History of Mass Transportation: A First-generation GTEL and a 1923 electric auto in Fremont, Nebraska in 1953

By Union Pacific Railroad - eBay itemphoto frontphoto back, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22868545

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-turbine_locomotive

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, Feb. 20 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

Time Period: February 08, 2026 - February 14, 2026

-- H5 Detection: 9 site(s) (1.9%)

-- No Detection: 466 site(s) (98.1%)

-- No samples in last week: 171 site(s)

The H5 detections at sewershed IDs 809 and 912 in Michigan are false detections resulting from a data error. These will be corrected in the next update.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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

 

Poultry farms in Andhra Pradesh State.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7268

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

{By Pkspks - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162556362}

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More than 300 House Crows in Bihar: Darbhanga, Patna, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Pashchim Champaran Regions. 

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7269

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#Baloxavir outperforms #oseltamivir, #favipiravir, and #amantadine in treating lethal #influenza #H5N1 HA clade 2.3.4.4b #infection in #mice

 

Abstract

Intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses poses significant pandemic risks and necessitates strong protective countermeasures. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, the polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and favipiravir, and an ion-channel blocker amantadine, against severe influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in female BALB/c mice. Baloxavir (≥10 mg/kg, 1 dose) fully protected mice from death, significantly reduced virus respiratory replication, and prevented neuroinvasion. Oseltamivir (≥100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) provided limited survival benefits, reduced lung titers but failed to prevent viral neuroinvasion. Favipiravir (≥100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) provided partial protection, although did not reduce viral titers in lungs and brain. Amantadine provided no benefits. Although all drugs inhibited A(H5N1) viruses in vitro, in vivo correlations did not extend beyond baloxavir. Our results indicate that baloxavir is the most reliable treatment to address both respiratory replication and systemic spread of contemporary A(H5N1) viruses in mice and should be considered in pandemic planning.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69721-5

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Evaluating the broader #impact of improved #influenza #vaccines: A full value of vaccine #assessment approach

 

Highlights

• Global Health Impact: Improved influenza vaccines have the potential to avert between 6.6 and 18 billion additional influenza cases, prevent 2.3 to 6.2 million additional deaths, and save 21 to 57 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally beyond those averted by current seasonal influenza vaccines

• Cost-Effectiveness: Depending on the price, coverage, and vaccine characteristics, improved influenza vaccines could be cost-effective in 9 to 48 % of countries, offering substantial global economic value under most scenarios

• Financial Viability: The development and commercialization of improved influenza vaccines present a robust financial value proposition, with positive net present value (NPV) across all vaccine profiles

• Policy and Decision Making: Vaccine efficacy, duration of protection, and breadth of protection are key factors influencing the adoption of improved influenza vaccines in national immunization programs

• Implementation Challenges: Addressing barriers such as vaccine hesitancy, financial constraints, and logistical difficulties is crucial for maximizing the health and economic benefits of improved influenza vaccines

Abstract

Seasonal influenza remains a significant global public health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality each year and there remains a need for more effective and durable influenza vaccines. To direct and accelerate research efforts, a full value of vaccine assessment (FVVA) was initiated to quantify the value of next-generation, improved influenza vaccines and identify key challenges that may limit their uptake once available. The FVVA utilized a mixed-methods approach with rapid assessment of literature, stakeholder interviews, and surveys, and quantitative data analysis to estimate the full value of influenza vaccines with improved characteristics. These analyses found that if improved influenza vaccines are broadly employed, depending on their characteristics, using our demand forecast they could avert 6.6–18 billion additional influenza cases, 2.3–6.2 million additional influenza deaths, and 21–57 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) between 2025 and 2050 beyond those averted by current seasonal influenza vaccines. Under this scenario, introducing improved influenza vaccines could be cost-effective in 9–48 % of countries at the lowest assumed price point. However, uncertainties about price and future vaccine coverage may impact the potential cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, from the producer perspective, the FVVA highlighted the robust financial value proposition to develop and commercialize improved influenza vaccines, in both established and emerging markets. Strongly tiered prices could make these vaccines cost-effective in more countries and boost impact further. To ensure that improved influenza vaccines achieve the greatest public health benefit, effective collaboration between vaccine developers, vaccine manufacturers, donors, financiers, multilateral organisations, and policy- and decision-makers will be essential.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25014641

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Impact of an #aminoacid #deletion detected in the #hemagglutinin (HA) #antigenic site of swine #influenza A virus field strains on HA antigenicity

 

ABSTRACT

Swine influenza A virus (swIAV) is an important pathogen with regard to both the swine industry and public health. The pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 outbreak was caused by the swine-origin pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 [A(H1N1)pdm09] virus. Several reports have shown that several amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin (HA) antigenic sites can alter HA antigenicity. However, the impact of the amino acid deletion at position 155 on HA antigenicity remains unknown. In this study, we have isolated 11 samples of swIAVs from seven pig farms in Japan and found an amino acid deletion at position 155 of the HA region in one of the isolates of the H1N2 subtype. To examine the impact of this amino acid deletion on viral replication and HA antigenicity, we generated recombinant influenza A viruses possessing the H1 HA gene encoding either an artificial insertion or deletion of glycine at position 155. The growth kinetics of these recombinant viruses in two different cell lines demonstrated that the effect of amino acid deletion at position 155 of H1 HA on viral replication is limited. In contrast, microneutralization assay-based neutralization titers revealed that amino acid deletion significantly altered HA antigenicity. These results demonstrate that a naturally occurring amino acid deletion at position 155 in an H1 HA antigenic site can markedly alter HA antigenicity with only a limited impact on replication in vitro, highlighting the need to monitor such variants in swine populations and to assess their zoonotic potential.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01820-25?af=R

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#Prognostic factors in #H7N9 avian #influenza: a systematic review based on case reports

 

Abstract

Objective

The H7N9 avian influenza virus, identified in China in 2013, has posed a significant threat to public health due to its high mortality rate. This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of H7N9 patients.

Methods

English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang) were searched for studies on laboratory-confirmed H7N9 cases with available data on symptom onset, diagnosis time, clinical features, oseltamivir administration, and outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the pooled case data to assess the relationship between clinical factors and mortality risk.

Results

A total of 166 studies including 237 H7N9 cases were analyzed, with an overall mortality rate of 41.77%. Univariate analysis showed higher mortality in patients with advanced age ≥ 66 years (62.50%), those with underlying diseases (60.20%), those who received oseltamivir ≥ 8 days after symptom onset (54.17%), and those diagnosed ≥ 11 days after onset (62.75%), whereas patients treated with oseltamivir within 2 days of onset had the lowest mortality (17.39%). Multivariate analysis identified advanced age ≥ 66 years (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.07–8.99, P = 0.037) and delayed oseltamivir administration after symptom onset (OR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.12–19.18, P = 0.034) as independent predictors of mortality, while sex, underlying diseases, and onset-to-diagnosis time were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Older age and delayed initiation of oseltamivir are key independent predictors of mortality in H7N9 infection. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to facilitate early antiviral treatment, which may improve survival. Future prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and optimize clinical management.

Clinical trial registration

Not applicable.

Source: 

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12879-026-12908-4

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Multiple Introductions of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Viruses into the High #Arctic: #Svalbard and Jan Mayen, 2022 - 2025

 

Abstract

Between 2022 and 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b, including four distinct H5 Eurasian (EA) genotypes, were detected in wild birds and mammals in the Svalbard Archipelago and on the island of Jan Mayen. We describe their epidemiology and genomic characteristics to improve understanding of HPAIV occurrence and transmission in the High Arctic. The initial cases in 2022 occurred during summer and involved a glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and great skuas (Stercorarius skua) on Svalbard and Jan Mayen, representing the first detections of HPAIVs in the High Arctic. Three HPAIV genotypes were identified: EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-AB (H5N1), and EA-2021-I (H5N5). In 2023, HPAIVs were detected in a broader range of bird species, and retrospectively in an Atlantic walrus reported by another research group (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Genotypes identified in 2023 were EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-I (H5N5), and EA-2022-BB (H5N1). No cases were reported in 2024. In 2025, EA-2021-I (H5N5) was detected in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) on Svalbard, without preceding detections in wild birds. The foxes exhibited neurological symptoms, and necropsy of one individual revealed the presence of feathers in its stomach. All sequenced viruses from the Arctic foxes uniquely carried the combination of PB2-E627K and PB1-H115Q, which is associated with mammalian adaptation. The detection of multiple genotypes indicates repeated and independent introductions of HPAIVs into these regions. The co-circulation of genetically distinct virus strains in areas of high bird density further suggests that Arctic breeding grounds may facilitate local viral amplification, reassortment, and subsequent dissemination along migratory flyways, including transcontinental spread.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

EU4Health, 101132473

The Research Council of Norway, https://ror.org/00epmv149, 352880

The SEAPOP program, 192141

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.17.706283v1

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#MPOX, Multi-Country: Rapid #risk #assessment, 7 February 2026, v6 (#WHO, Feb. 18 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

Overall Global Risk Statement  

-- This global rapid risk assessment (RRA) aims to assess the current public health risk associated with the 2024 upsurge of mpox in in Africa, in the context of the continuing global reporting of mpox cases in other regions since 2022, with a focus on updates since the previous RRA in September 2025.    

Global overview 

-- As of 28 January 2026, the monkeypox virus (MPXV) continues to spread globally, causing both localized and extended mpox outbreaks driven by various MPXV clades (Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb) in diverse settings. 

-- Furthermore, recombination of MPXV clades has been documented, with two cases of a recombinant clade Ib/IIb MPXV strain reported in recent months.  

-- Globally, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025 (latest global data available), 143 countries and territories across all WHO regions have reported 177 848 confirmed cases, including 477 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR] – 0.3%). 

-- This marks an increase of five additional reporting countries (Kuwait, Mali, Madagascar, Namibia and Senegal), along with an additional 19 423 confirmed cases and 78 deaths since the last RRA in September 2025. 

-- Since the last RRA, an average of 616 new confirmed mpox cases per week have been reported across all affected countries.

-- In addition, in January 2026, the Comoros and the French departments of Mayotte and la Réunion have reported cases linked to travel to Madagascar.  

-- Previous versions of this RRA have categorized risk based on MPXV clade. However, in absence of substantial data suggesting differences in the mode of transmission between different MPXV clades, and with relatively limited data suggesting higher case fatality for clade Ia MPXV compared to other clades, this version of the RRA assesses the risk for three population groups:

- global risk for individuals with multiple sexual partners, 

- local risk for children in mpox historically endemic areas, and 

- global risk for all other individuals.   

Individuals with multiple sexual partners – global risk  

-- Since the start of the global mpox outbreak in 2022, sexual activity in linked sexual networks has been the primary driver of sustained transmission and geographic spread, particularly in newly affected areas. 

-- In Europe and the Americas, up to 96% of cases were among men who have sex with men driven by spread among individuals with multiple sexual partners in a short space of time and frequent partner change. 

-- While sexual behavior data for cases in newly affected African countries remain limited, the contribution of sexual transmission to the introduction, spread and establishment of mpox in communities has been recognized across all affected settings, as in the most recent outbreak in Madagascar. 

-- In several countries, transmission has involved sex workers and their clients, and sexual networks with frequent and multiple partner change.  

-- Sexual contact infection likely occurs during pre-symptomatic or less apparent stages of infection, the duration of which can vary between individuals. 

-- People with few or mild genital lesions might not even recognise the infection. 

-- Although the secondary attack rate for sexual contact is high (estimated at 16-73%), for the epidemic to spread it requires networks characterised by frequent partner change and high rates of partner turnover over short timeframe (days to few weeks). 

-- This pattern was observed during the initial spread of clade IIb among communities of men who have sex with men, as well as in more recent MPXV clade Ib oubtreaks driven – in part – by key populations such as female sex workers and their clients. 

-- We therefore consider within this group of multiple sexual partners, individuals with frequent partner change, and those who may engage in at-risk sexual behaviour, such as people who buy sex.  

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-rapid-risk-assessment---mpox--global-v.6

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Zoonotic #Influenza #Preparedness: Dutch Medical #Labs Efficiently Detect Animal Influenza A Viruses - External #Quality #Assessment, 2023

 

Highlights

• Concern over H5N1 bird flu testing and detection in the Netherlands is increasing.

• 50 human laboratories in the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao were assessed.

• The laboratories detected animal influenza viruses with high performance.

• Few laboratories identified the animal subtype of detected influenza A viruses.

• National reference laboratory capacity to identify the animal subtype is critical.

Abstract

Background

Since 2022, highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A virus clade 2.3.4.4b has caused global outbreaks among wild birds and poultry, with increasing mammalian and sporadic human infections. This elevates concerns about zoonotic transmission and pandemic risk, highlighting the need for accurate detection and identification of animal influenza A viruses by human clinical diagnostic laboratories (hCDL).

Methods

To evaluate routine diagnostic performance, an External Quality Assessment (EQA) panel containing inactivated influenza A viruses of avian (three subtype H5, one H7), swine (two H1, one H3), and human (one H1pdm09, one H3) origin was distributed to 50 hCDL in the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Laboratories conducted their routine molecular influenza virus detection and, if available, subtyping workflows.

Results

A total of 118 detection workflows were reported. Of these, 109 (91%) successfully detected influenza A virus in all positive specimens. At least one workflow in 49/50 (98%) laboratories reliably detected all animal influenza viruses as type A influenza virus. Most false negatives occurred with swine H1N1v. Only 24 workflows from 20 laboratories attempted subtyping for one or multiple panel specimens (total 109 subtype-specific results reported): for human viruses, 37/39 results were correct; for avian viruses, 13/14 were correct (including 12/12 for H5); for swine viruses, only 2/56 were correct (both swine H3N2 using broad-reactive H3 assays).

Conclusions

hCDL in the Netherlands demonstrate high performance for detecting animal influenza A viruses. However, subtyping capacity is limited, necessitating referral of specimens of suspected zoonotic influenza cases to the National Influenza Centre for further characterization.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1386653226000168?dgcid=rss_sd_all

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Heard and McDonald Islands {#Australia} - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification [FINAL]

 

By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46772024

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Samples were taken from dead wild animals during a research voyage to Heard Island, an Australian sub-Antarctic external territory. HPAI was detected from samples taken from two gentoo penguins. This follows initial detections in southern elephant seals on an earlier voyage in October 2025. There was no further evidence of ongoing mass mortality detected during the second voyage in January 2026. Further sequencing and phylogenetic analysis is being undertaken.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7261

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

 

Backyard poultry in Chhukha Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7263

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#Skuas as #sentinels of high pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 on the #Antarctic Peninsula in the 2024/2025 austral summer

 

Abstract

Despite Antarcticas geographic isolation, the first incursion of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was detected in the 2023/24 austral summer. Surveillance for HPAI H5N1 in Antarctica remains patchy due to logistical, financial, and infrastructure challenges, with many suspected cases remaining unconfirmed, and few viral genomes sequences available to date. Through the 2024/25 austral summer we undertook five sampling expeditions to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula facilitated by cruise ships/operators. Across more than 500 faecal environmental samples collected from apparently healthy penguins and marine mammals, we found no detectable evidence of HPAI H5N1. However, HPAI H5N1 was detected in all but one of the skua carcasses sampled, which, in most cases, were found within meters of penguin sub-colonies. All HPAI H5N1 viral genomes sequences from skuas on the Antarctic Peninsula fell within a single lineage, which included those genomes from skuas sampled in the 2024/25 season from the South Shetland Islands. Genomes were in a different clade to those from the Antarctic Peninsula collected in the 2023/24 austral summer. Our results confirm although the prevalence may be low, HPAI H5N1 is established in Antarctica, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor and mitigate threats to wildlife, even in the planets most isolated regions.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

IAATO

Department of Health and Aged Care, https://ror.org/02swcnz29

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.15.706047v1

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#Cambodia notified one additional #human case of #infection with #H5N1 #influenza virus (HK CHP, Feb. 17 '26)

{Excerpt}

Avian Influenza Report - Reporting period: February 8, 2026 – February 14, 2026 (Week 7) 

(...)

- Date of report: 14/02/2026

- Country: Cambodia

- Province / Region: Kampot province

- District / City: Tuek Chhou district

- Sex: M

- Age: 30

- Condition at time of reporting: Recovered

- Subtype of virus: H5N1

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk07.pdf

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

 

Backyard poultry in Zhemgang Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7262

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