A newly emergent N1 #neuraminidase associated with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5 viruses in North #America

 

Abstract

We investigated the evolutionary history of the newly emergent neuraminidase (am4N1) associated with the D1.1 and D1.2 genotypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses in North America. Phylogenetic inference places am4N1 in a sister clade to Eurasian avian, swine, and human A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and distinct from 1918, pre-2009 human seasonal, and classical swine A(H1N1) lineages. Am4N1 descends from diverse avian N1 genes endemic to the Americas. Phylodynamic analysis indicates a monophyletic am4N1 lineage with numerous introductions of viruses carrying the am4N1 gene likely originating from western Canada into the United States during emergence of the D1.1 and D1.2 genotypes. The lineage has diversified and accumulated deletions in the stalk domain. Despite amino acid divergence, structural modeling shows conserved neuraminidase architecture in the globular head. Given its distinct ancestry and amino acid sequence, further studies are needed to assess cross-reactivity of antibodies from prior human A(H1N1)pdm09 infections.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any external funding.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.09.26347929v1

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

{Valparaíso} The birds shared a pond with wild birds. All birds were culled and buried on the property under strict biosecurity protocols. Cleaning and disinfection measures are being carried out.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7357

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Deep #earthquake off the #coast of #Campania, ML 5.9, March 10, 2026 (INGV, edited)

 

{Excerpts}

On March 10, 2026, at 12:03 AM Italian time, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Campania. 

The seismic event occurred at an  extremely deep depth , approximately  414 km , well below the common seismogenic depths of Italian earthquakes, which predominantly occur in the upper crust.

This deep event, quite rare for this geographical area, can be traced back to a geological process typical of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea  due to the presence in the Earth's mantle of a " slab " of oceanic lithosphere that has been sinking for several million years beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This phenomenon is accompanied by  frequent seismicity along the Calabrian and Sicilian coasts – less frequent off the Campanian coast – , with earthquakes that in the last 40 years have reached  magnitude ML 5.8 on 28 October 2016 ,  at a depth  of  481 km ,  and magnitude Mw 5.8 on 29 October 2006,  at a depth  of  221 km . 

Another earthquake with a magnitude greater than 5 occurred on 3 November 2010, ML 5.4, at a depth of 506 km, and a significant deep earthquake of magnitude ML 4.2  occurred on the night between  26 and 27 October 2023 off the Sorrento Peninsula (province of Naples).

The strongest known deep earthquake in the area occurred on December 27, 1978, with a magnitude of 5.9 , at a  depth of 392 km off the coast of Gaeta (LT). 

In addition to this event, a 1951 study describes a very strong deep earthquake in the Tyrrhenian Sea in 1938 with an estimated magnitude between 6.8 and 7.1 ! One of the strongest earthquakes in our historical catalog.

Fortunately, in these cases, the great depth causes a strong attenuation of the seismic waves and therefore a lesser impact on the territory.

The earthquake was felt throughout Italy. In fact, the preliminary map of macroseismic tremors, continuously updated (1:23 a.m. Italian time), obtained from approximately 130 questionnaires sent to the website " Did you feel the earthquake? " shows tremors up to  grade III-IV MCS .

This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Source: 

Link: https://ingvterremoti.com/2026/03/10/terremoto-profondo-al-largo-delle-coste-campane-ml-5-9-10-marzo-2026/

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Novel #Reassortant #H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Viruses from Backyard #Poultry in #Mexico

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses of the H5 subtype continue to diversify worldwide through mutation and genetic reassortment, generating novel variants with unpredictable consequences under the One Health approach. Between 2024 and 2025, five outbreaks of avian influenza A viruses were detected in backyard poultry across Michoacán, Estado de México, and Ciudad de México. We conducted molecular and genetic characterization of five highly pathogenic H5N2 viruses isolated from these events. All cases tested positive for influenza A virus and the H5 hemagglutinin, exhibiting high pathogenicity with intravenous pathogenicity index values ranging from 2.88 to 3.0. Whole-genome sequencing revealed novel reassortants containing hemagglutinin from Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and neuraminidase from the endemic Mexican H5N2 lineage. The viral genome of the isolate from Michoacán contained six segments derived from Eurasian H5N1 viruses introduced into North America in 2021–2022, while nucleoprotein and neuraminidase originated from Mexican H5N2 viruses. In contrast, viruses from Estado de México and Ciudad de México contained five H5N1-derived segments and incorporated polymerase basic protein 1, nucleoprotein, and neuraminidase from low-pathogenic H5N2 viruses circulating in 2024. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the emergence of a distinct H5N2 Mexican sublineage, providing evidence of active viral reassortment and local evolutionary processes in Mexico.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/3/337

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Immunogenicity and #safety of MVA-BN #vaccine administered 5 years after a two-dose primary series in #DRC: a prospective cohort study

 

Summary

Background

The expanding mpox outbreak in Africa and travel-associated cases in other continents have increased efforts to vaccinate populations at high risk. This study aimed to assess serological immune responses 5 years after individuals received a primary vaccination (two-dose series) with the smallpox and mpox vaccine modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN), as well as to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a third dose (booster). To date, there are no data for immunological memory or third-dose-induced immunity for MVA-BN at these long-term timescales.

Methods

In this open-label, prospective cohort extension, we re-enrolled health-care workers from a 2017 vaccination study in Bokungu Health Zone, DR Congo, to receive a third dose of MVA-BN. All previous participants were offered the opportunity to re-enrol. Participants were grouped according to whether they had received a childhood smallpox vaccination with a replication-competent vaccine strain (historically vaccinated group) or had no history of smallpox vaccination (historically naive group). Participants were excluded from serological analyses if they had any history of mpox or mpox-like lesion-presenting illness, if their previous vaccination status during initial enrolment for the primary series was unknown, or if they had discordant vaccination information. The coprimary outcomes were sustained humoral immunity following primary vaccination with MVA-BN (5 years previously) and the immunogenicity and safety of the booster vaccination. Safety was analysed in patients with a completed immediate adverse event form or adverse event diary. Adverse events were assessed on days 0 (within 30 min of the booster), 7, and 14. Antibody responses were measured by ELISA, plaque reduction neutralisation tests, and endpoint titre at re-enrolment (day 0, before administration of the booster dose) and on days 7, 14, and 545 after the booster dose.

Findings

Between Sept 7 and 15, 2022, 170 (66·1%) of 257 Bokungu health-care personnel vaccinated in 2017 were re-enrolled to receive a third (booster) dose of MVA-BN. At re-enrolment, low levels of circulating antibody were observed, but 30 (61%) of 49 historically naive participants and 95 (96%) of 99 historically vaccinated participants with childhood smallpox vaccination remained seropositive 5 years after the primary MVA-BN two-dose series. After the third dose, there was a rapid and massive increase in anti-orthopoxvirus IgG but not IgM, and a 93-fold rise in orthopoxvirus neutralising antibody titres was observed by day 14 in historically naive participants, irrespective of participants' seropositivity at the time of booster vaccination. The third dose resulted in enhanced durability of circulating antibody concentrations, with endpoint titres on day 545 remaining more than six-fold higher than day 0 values. There was a greater risk of local reactogenicity after the booster dose than after the primary vaccination (relative risk 4·2, 95% CI 2·81–6·46), but there was no difference in the risk of systemic adverse events up to day 7 after vaccination. No grade 3 serious adverse events were recorded after booster dose administration.

Interpretation

These data show that primary MVA-BN vaccination induces sustained immunological memory up to 5 years after vaccination and that a booster dose strongly enhances circulating antibody levels and durability. Future studies should clarify the role of circulating antibody concentrations as a correlate of protection from monkeypox virus infection.

Funding

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Translation

For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00001-0/fulltext?rss=yes

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Case presentation of #patients hospitalised with #mpox (subclade Ib/2023sh) including #children, #adolescents, and #adults in South Kivu, #DRC: an observational cohort study

 

Summary

Background

Mpox is a public health concern in eastern DR Congo. It continues to cause substantial numbers of hospital admissions, with changing demographics including children and adolescents, requiring comprehensive clinical and epidemiological investigation. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalised participants infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV) subclade Ib/2023sh in the Kabare Territory in South Kivu, DR Congo.

Methods

This observational cohort study included patients admitted with suspected mpox to the reference centre of mpox treatment at Lwiro Hospital, South Kivu, DR Congo. Eligible participants must have had, at the time of inclusion, skin lesions compatible with the infection. Individuals who did not present lesions compatible with MPXV infection were also eligible if they had at least one of the following symptoms: fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, or pharyngitis, provided they had been in contact with someone with suspected mpox within the last 21 days. Data from hospital records and standardised clinical forms captured demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, outcomes, and general clinical characteristics. Descriptive analyses and statistics summarised the clinical and epidemiological profiles of participants with molecular confirmation of MPXV subclade Ib/2023sh.

Findings

Between Aug 3, 2024, and Feb 8, 2025, MPXV subclade Ib/2023sh was detected in 494 (77%) of 643 participants with a median age of 9 years (IQR 2–24). Participants who were positive for MPXV subclade Ib/2023sh infection were more often female (290 [59%]) and were generally older (median 16 years [4–25]) than male participants (204 [41%]; median age 4 years [1–14]). 300 (61%) of 494 participants were aged 15 years or younger. Fever (444 [90%]), skin lesions or rash (391 [79%]), and dysphagia (279 [56%]) were the most prevalent symptoms. Children aged 0–5 years had a higher frequency of lesions on the head (84 [41%] of 203), face (67 [33%]), neck (23 [11%]), back (27 [13%]), arm (35 [17%]), palm of hand (35 [17%]), chest (46 [23%]), posterior aspect of thighs (40 [20%]), legs (25 [12%]), dorsal foot (45 [22%]), and oral cavity (37 [18%]). 117 (24%) participants had lesions in the oral cavity. Oral cavity and oropharynx swabs were able to detect MPXV subclade Ib/2023sh in the absence of assayable skin lesions.

Interpretation

The high proportion of children and adolescents (aged ≤15 years) differentiates our cohort from other clinical descriptions of the novel MPXV subclade Ib/2023sh. Given that, we hypothesise a demographic shift in the target population that contributes to the community spread of mpox in the South Kivu region of DR Congo. Targeted public health measures should consider ways to reduce transmission among children and adolescents.

Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Research Nova Scotia, Dalhousie Medical Foundation, Moderna, Li-Ka Shing Foundation, European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).

Translations

For the French, Swahili and Mashi translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00051-4/fulltext?rss=yes

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#Vaccine-Elicited #Antibody Responses to #Influenza #H3N2 Subclade K

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Results

NAb geometric mean titers against H1N1 WI/22, H3N2 BA/22, H3N2 CR/23, H3N2-K BA/25, and H3N2-K NY/25 were 200, 231, 119, 50, and 60 at baseline and increased to 582, 661, 356, 85, and 119 at peak immunogenicity, respectively (...), reflecting a significant 2.86- to 2.99-fold increase in NAb titers against the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains but a lower 1.70- to 1.98-fold increase in NAb titers against the H3N2-K strains. Baseline antibody titers to the H3N2-K strains were 2.0- to 4.6-fold lower than to the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains (P < .001), and peak antibody titers to the H3N2-K strains following vaccination were 3.0- to 7.8-fold lower than to the prior H1N1 and H3N2 strains (P < .001).

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2846268?guestAccessKey=10f1c0a1-4189-438d-9f71-a588fdd0db53&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postup_jn&utm_campaign=article_alert-jama&utm_content=olf-tfl_&utm_term=030926#250858592

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

 

Within the epidemiological surveillance carried out by the Colombian Agricultural Institute aimed at the early detection of clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, an outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in the village of Porvenir, in the municipality of Puerto Concordia in the department of Meta. The event concerns non-poultry in a backyard, for which respiratory and neurological signs were observed. The National Veterinary Authority activated epidemiological tracing and epidemiological monitoring actions in the area of origin of the affected birds. As a control measure, the stamping out of the birds in the epidemiological unit was carried out, and, as a complementary measure, epidemiological surveillance was strengthened in the surrounding area to identify other possible cases and prevent the spread of the disease.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7345

____

Spatiotemporal #clustering of highly pathogenic avian #influenza (HPAI) #H5N1 at the wild #waterfowl - #poultry interface: Vector-specific #spillover risks in the #US, 2022–2025

 

Abstract

Background: 

The emergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in North America, beginning in February 2022, has highlighted the dynamic, unpredictable, and regionally variable risk of infections. Studies are needed to assess the spatiotemporal clustering of HPAI H5 at the interface between wild waterfowl and commercial poultry to understand and mitigate this risk. 

Methods: 

Publicly available data on HPAI H5 detections in wild birds and commercial poultry from January 2022 to January 2026 were analyzed at the county level. Retrospective space-time permutation models were used to identify and scan for clusters with higher than expected detection rates. 

Results: 

A total of 17,091 HPAI H5 detections were reported in wild birds across 1,467 county-level locations. Four species, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) (2,848 detections, 16.66%), Canada goose (Branta canadensis) (1,496, 8.75%), Green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis) (1,364, 7.98%), and Snow goose (Anser caerulescens) (1,084, 6.34%), accounted for 39.73% of detections. In commercial poultry, 532 outbreaks in turkey operations, 148 outbreaks in table-egg layer operations, 99 outbreaks in broiler chicken operations, and 89 outbreaks in commercial duck operations were reported, respectively. Several spillover events followed an east-to-west expansion. In early 2022, mallard detections preceded outbreaks in Northeast egg-layer and duck farms, while snow goose detections in the Upper Midwest coincided with turkey farm outbreaks. In the Pacific and Mountain West during summer 2022, detections in Canada geese overlapped with turkey farm outbreaks. A resurgence occurred in the Midwest (2025), with snow and Canada goose detections overlapping severe outbreaks in turkey and layer flocks. Additionally, in the Upper Midwest, Canada goose and mallard detections overlapped with outbreaks in commercial duck farms during fall-winter 2025. 

Conclusions: 

The study findings demonstrate distinct vector-based transmission dynamics of HPAI H5 at the wild waterfowl-poultry interface. Farm biosecurity strategies must adapt to these recurrent, vector-specific risks.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710020v1

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#H5N1 2.3.4.4b HA E190D and Q226H #mutations, picked up as minority #variants in a #patient, result in an inability to bind #sialic acid.

 

Abstract

A human infection with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 influenza A virus in Canada revealed minority variants E190D and Q226H in the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor-binding site (RBS). Because mutations at positions 190 and 226 have been associated with altered receptor specificity in other influenza subtypes, we investigated their impact on receptor binding in H5 HA. Using a recombinant protein approach and an ELISA-based glycan-binding assay, we assessed binding to representative avian- and human-type sialylated glycans. Both single mutations and their combination resulted in a complete loss of detectable binding to the tested glycans. To evaluate whether this phenotype was background-dependent, Q226H was additionally introduced into two other H5 HA proteins, each representing a distinct clade. In both cases, the mutation similarly abolished receptor binding. These findings independently validate recent glycan microarray observations and demonstrate that the patient-derived E190D and Q226H substitutions severely impair receptor-binding capacity across multiple H5 backgrounds. Single mutations at key RBS residues in H5 often disrupt receptor binding rather than confer human-type receptor specificity, confirming complex mutational pathways required for adaptation to human-type receptors.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

ICRAD, n°862605 (Flu-Switch)

NWO, OCENW.M20.106

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710037v1

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The Grenouillère, Claude Monet (1869)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/claude-monet/the-grenouill%C3%A8re

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#Community-Based #Surveillance for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Viruses among Deceased #Birds

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, are spreading worldwide, posing a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In 2025, a multidisciplinary collaboration for HPAI H5N1 surveillance among birds within Galveston County, Texas, was initiated. Between November and December 2025, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from wild and domestic birds reported as dead or dying by Galveston County residents. Specimens were studied with molecular assays, Sanger sequencing, virus isolation, and next-generation sequencing. Molecular evidence of HPAI H5N1 was detected in 7 of 10 (70%) birds, and the virus was successfully cultured in MDCK cells. Next-generation sequencing analysis of eight influenza A genome segments demonstrated a 4:4 gene segment reassortant constellation within clade 2.3.4.4b, consistent with genotype D1.1. Community members exposed to HPAI were offered antiviral prophylaxis. No human infections were identified. This surveillance demonstrates that community involvement combined with cross-sectoral collaboration can ensure rapid detection and characterization of circulating avian influenza viruses. Sustained local surveillance is essential for early warning, risk assessment, and prevention of virus spread to poultry, mammals, and humans.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710164v1

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation-type Stean Locomotive

 

By Alphageekpa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47213787

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works

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High pathogenicity avian #influenza in #pinniped #conservation

 

Abstract

Since 2020, H5Nx high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused widespread disruptions not only to global agriculture and trade but also to the health of free-ranging wildlife. Pinnipeds have experienced greater mortality from H5Nx HPAIV than any other mammalian taxa. Emergent virus strains, persisting over long time periods and vast geographic distances, have repeatedly triggered large-scale mortality events in pinniped populations. Of particular concern is the spread of H5Nx HPAIV to the Southern Hemisphere—including the emergence of a marine mammal-adapted clade in South America and detections in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic—and to other remote locations such as the Hawaiian Islands. These developments elevate concern for the world’s endangered, isolated and endemic pinnipeds. While managing HPAIV in any animal population is a formidable task, working with free-ranging marine mammals poses unique challenges. In this review and perspective piece, we attempt to synthesize complexities at this intersection. We describe lessons learned from HPAIV investigations in marine wildlife, highlight gaps in knowledge and capacity, and discuss the incorporation of outbreak risk assessment and countermeasures into pinniped conservation. Finally, we propose ways in which pinnipeds—and marine wildlife broadly—could be better integrated into existing systems for HPAIV intelligence, control and prevention.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Managing infectious marine diseases in wild populations’.

Source: 

Link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rstb/article/381/1945/20240320/480666/High-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-in-pinniped

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    Virology

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Compartmentalized #cytokine #networks and systemic immune remodeling in #bovine mammary #H5N1 #infection.

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 has recently expanded its mammalian host range; in 2024, genotype B3.13 emerged in U.S. dairy cattle with pronounced mammary tropism. In the past, Influenza A virus immunology has been characterized primarily in respiratory infection models, whereas this study delineates immune responses after intramammary infection. An intramammary H5N1 challenge in Jersey cows in the early dry-off period enabled integration of dose- and compartment-resolved (alveoli versus teat cistern) cytokine and chemokine profiles with peripheral leukocyte dynamics and H5/N1-specific antibody responses. Infection-induced quarter-restricted, monophasic inflammatory networks peaking at 3 to 7 days post-infection, coordinated peripheral myeloid expansion and IFN gamma competent lymphocyte activation, and rising antibody titers across quarters.

Competing Interest Statement

The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies, Genus plc and Zoetis, outside of the reported work. J.A.R. is an inventor of patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections, owned by Kansas State University.

Funder Information Declared

Funding for this study was partially provided through grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Emerging Pathogens Initiative (NCW), the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Transition Fund from the State of Kansas, the BRI Endowed Professorship in Animal Infectious Diseases (JAR), the AMP Core of the Center of Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (CEZID) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under award number P20GM130448 (JAR, IM), and the NIAID supported Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR, contract number 75N93021C00016 to JAR).

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710145v1

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Association of avian #biodiversity and #WNV circulation in #Culex mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna, #Italy

 

Abstract

Background

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a zoonotic arbovirus maintained in a transmission cycle between Culex mosquitoes and birds, occasionally spilling over into humans. The impact of avian biodiversity on WNV circulation remains debated, with studies reporting both negative and positive correlations (dilution and amplification effects respectively) across different settings. In Europe, this relationship remains largely unexplored, particularly in regions with high WNV transmission, such as Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy.

Methods

We explored the association between avian biodiversity and WNV circulation in Culex mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna using 11 years (2013–2023) of entomological surveillance data paired with two avian data sources. We calculated avian biodiversity indices (Shannon’s, Simpson’s, and Chao2) from observation records from the Farmland Bird Index project and applied linear regression models to assess their relationship with WNV detection frequency. Moreover, we used Bayesian spatiotemporal regression models and gridded weekly avian abundance estimates from the eBird project to analyse the associations between avian species richness indices and WNV transmission risk quantified by vector index (VI) at 68 geolocated mosquito traps across the region.

Results

We observed consistent negative associations between WNV detection frequency in the Culex population and avian biodiversity indices, supporting the dilution effect hypothesis (DEH). We found that non-passerine species richness was negatively associated with VI while passerine species richness showed a positive association after adjusting for covariates and spatial random effects. These findings suggest that passerines may amplify WNV transmission, whereas the presence of non-passerine species is associated with reductions in WNV circulation.

Significance

This study provides the first empirical evidence supporting the DEH for WNV in Europe. These findings have important implications for biodiversity conservation and integrated public health surveillance activities across Europe.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014076

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Rapid #Risk #Assessment, Acute Event of Potential Public Health Concern: #Nipah Virus #Infection - Global (#WHO, Mar. 6 '26, summary)

 

{Summary}

Risk Statement  

-- This Rapid Risk Assessment (RRA) evaluates the global public health risk posed by Nipah virus (NiV), considering the distinct epidemiological profiles of 

- i) enzootic countries, where recurrent zoonotic spillover and limited human‑to‑human transmission continue to occur, and 

- ii) non‑enzootic regions, where the risk remains primarily associated with infected travellers or importation of infected livestock. 

-- The assessment considers the ecological and seasonal drivers of spillover, the constrained efficiency of human‑to‑human transmission, and the capacity of health and community systems to detect, confirm, and rapidly contain outbreaks. 

-- Given that NiV has not demonstrated sustained transmission beyond outbreak settings and no human cases have ever been reported outside Asia, the global risk is largely determined by localized outbreaks in endemic areas and the very low likelihood of onward transmission following importation. 

-- NiV activity remains geographically limited, with human cases occurring primarily in the South-East Asia Region with limited outbreaks in the Western Pacific Region. 

-- The epidemiological profile of NiV is characterized by low frequency, localized outbreaks, occurring predominantly in Bangladesh and India, with additional historical events reported in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. 

-- Bangladesh has reported sporadic cases almost annually since 2001, largely associated with consumption of raw date palm sap, following a well‑defined seasonal pattern between December and April. 

-- India reported its first outbreak in 2001 and has documented near-annual cases in Kerala since 2018 with sporadic cases reported in West Bengal. 

-- In 2025, eight laboratory‑confirmed cases were detected across Bangladesh (four) and India (four). 

-- As of March 2026, three sporadic cases have been reported in the two countries, two in India and one in Bangladesh. 

-- Malaysia (1998–1999), Singapore (1999), and the Philippines (2014) experienced outbreaks previously but have not reported any additional NiV events recently. 

-- Although NiV has a high case‑fatality ratio (40–75%), transmission remains limited in scale, typically arising from isolated spillover events linked to fruit bats, contaminated fruits or fruit products, or occasionally infected livestock. 

-- Human‑to‑human transmission has been documented, particularly in Bangladesh and India. However, sustained community transmission or multi‑country spread has never been observed. 

KEY RISK FACTORS 

{1.} Risk to Enzootic Countries  

• Sporadic zoonotic spillover events occur due to contact with infected bats or consumption of contaminated fruits or fruit products.  

• Serological evidence of NiV circulation beyond affected areas in Bangladesh and India (Kerala and West Bengal), suggest that spillover could potentially occur in other areas where infected bats are present. 

• Human‑to‑human transmission, although documented, is limited to close contacts and has not resulted in widespread community transmission. 

• The case‑fatality ratio is high; however, the total number of reported cases remains low. 

• Health care settings may amplify transmission when infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are insufficient.  

• Spillover from other susceptible animal hosts (pigs, horses) cannot be ruled out, nor the risk of importation through infected livestock, though probably very low.  

{2.} Risk to Non‑Enzootic Regions (reservoirs may be present; no human cases to date) 

• Risk is primarily associated with an infected traveller. 

• No human NiV transmission has ever been reported outside affected Asian countries. 

• In settings without established animal reservoirs or intermediate hosts, onward transmission following importation is unlikely and would require close, prolonged contact. 

• Historical spread via movement of infected animals (e.g., pigs exported from Malaysia to Singapore in 1999) demonstrates that animal trade–related spillover is possible, however current evidence suggests that the risk under present animal‑health and trade practices is likely very low.  

{3.} Risk to Countries Without Known Bat Reservoirs (reservoirs absent; no human cases) 

• Importation via travellers (and, exceptionally, livestock) may occur and while secondary transmission is possible it is unlikely, given the absence of established animal reservoirs and the need for close contact for human‑to‑human spread. 

{4.} Risk to Travellers 

• Travellers to affected areas face a very low but non‑zero risk, particularly if they have direct exposure to fruit bats, consume contaminated food products, or come into contact with other infected animals, including pigs or horses. 

• Returning infected travellers pose a limited risk of onward transmission due to low NiV transmissibility. 

{5.} Risk Determinants 

• Ecological presence of Pteropodidae bats in enzootic countries.  

• Presence of potential intermediary hosts that could transmit to humans (e.g., pigs, horses).  

• Cultural and dietary practices (e.g., consumption of raw date palm sap). 

• Exposure in health care settings with inadequate IPC measures. 

• Limited awareness among communities and health workers. 

• Close, unprotected contact with sick/deceased individuals, including local practice traditions. 

{6.} Response Capacity 

• Countries with recurring outbreaks have strengthened their surveillance systems, diagnostics, and clinical management capacity. 

• No licensed vaccines or specific antiviral treatments are currently available; however, several vaccine and therapeutics candidates are in development, supported by CEPI and WHO‑aligned research priorities.  

• Rapid case isolation and contact tracing remain effective measures in preventing wider spread. 

{7.} Confidence in Available Information 

-- Overall confidence is moderate, due to: 

• Under‑detection of sporadic spillover events in rural areas. 

• Ongoing uncertainty about the full geographic distribution of bat reservoirs and potential intermediate hosts.  

-- Based on current evidence, characterized by rare outbreaks, limited human‑to‑human transmission, no sustained global spread, and improving response capacity, the overall global public health risk posed by NiV is assessed as Low with a Moderate level of confidence in the available information.  

-- This rapid risk assessment will be updated as new epidemiological, clinical, or virological information becomes available. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-rapid-risk-assessment---nipah-virus---global---version-1

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Deep untargeted #wastewater #metagenomic #sequencing from #sewersheds across the #USA

 

Abstract

Wastewater monitoring enables non-invasive, population-scale tracking of community infections independent of healthcare-seeking behavior and clinical diagnosis. Metagenomic sequencing extends this capability by enabling broad, pathogen-agnostic detection, genomic characterization, and identification of novel or unexpected threats. Here, we present data from CASPER (the Coalition for Agnostic Sequencing of Pathogens from Environmental Reservoirs), a U.S.-based wastewater metagenomic sequencing network designed for deep, untargeted pathogen monitoring at national scale. This release includes 1,206 samples collected between December 2023 and December 2025 from 27 sites across nine states, covering 13 million people. Deep sequencing (~1 billion read pairs per sample) generated 1.2 trillion read pairs (347 terabases), enabling detection of even rare taxa, with CASPER representing 66% of all untargeted wastewater sequencing data currently available on the NCBI Sequence Read Archive. Virus abundance trends correlate with nationwide wastewater PCR and clinical data for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and respiratory syncytial virus, while the pathogen-agnostic approach captures emerging threats, including avian influenza H5N1 during initial dairy cattle outbreaks, West Nile virus, and measles, among hundreds of viral taxa. As the largest publicly available untargeted wastewater sequencing dataset to date, CASPER provides a shared and growing resource for pathogen surveillance and microbial ecology.

Competing Interest Statement

D.H.O. received support for this project from Inkfish and Heart of Racing. D.H.O. is a managing partner of Pathogenuity LLC, a consultancy that advises on topics including environmental monitoring for pathogens. P.C.S. hold several patents related to diagnostic and surveillance technologies and is a co-founder and equity holder in Delve Biosciences and Lyra Labs, a board member and equity holder in Polaris Genomics, and an equity holder of NextGenJane. P.C.S was formerly a co-founder of Sherlock Biosciences and board member of Danaher Corporation, until December 2024. All potential conflicts are managed in accordance with institutional policy.

Funding Statement

L.J.J. was supported by the Draper Scholar program at The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. J.K., O.S.H., R.F-O., S.L.G., W.J.B., H.B., D.P.R., K.S., J.D.F., and M.R.M. received support for this work from Coefficient Giving via a gift to SecureBio. C.R., A.T-M., E.E.C., M.C.J., and D.H.O. were supported by Inkfish and Heart of Racing. L.J.J., J.P., and P.C.S. were supported by the CDC Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence (contract INTF5104H78W22195346) and a CDC Broad Agency Announcement (contract 75D30123C17983). J.E.L. and G.A. were supported by a subcontract under CDC Broad Agency Announcement contract 75D30123C17983. H.M.S-G. and A.A. were supported in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U01DA053941, and by the University of Miami Initiative on Virology and Infectious Disease and SecureBio. R.P. was supported by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health. This work used Expanse at the San Diego Supercomputer Center through allocation BIO240238 to J.A.R. from the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) program, which is supported by U.S. National Science Foundation grants #2138259, #2138286, #2138307, #2137603, and #2138296.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.05.26345726v1

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