ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Infectious disease outbreaks with pandemic potential present challenges for mitigation and control . Policymakers make decisions to reduce disease-associated morbidity and mortality while also minimizing socioeconomic costs of control. Despite ongoing efforts and widespread recognition of the challenge, there remains a paucity of decision tool frameworks that integrate epidemic and macroeconomic dynamics . Here, we propose and analyze an econo-epidemic model to identify robust planning policies to limit epidemic impacts while maintaining economic activity. The model couples epidemic dynamics, behavioral change , economic activity, and feasible policy plans informed by respiratory disease threats of pandemic concern . We compare alternative fixed, dynamic open-loop optimal control, and feedback control policies via a welfare loss framework. We find that open loop policies that adjust employment dynamically while maintaining a flat epidemic curve in advance of the uncertain arri...

 {Excerpt} DOVER, Del. (Jan. 22, 2025) – The Delmarva Avian Influenza Joint Information Center announced today that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services are collaborating to collect sick and deceased snow geese and other wild birds that may have succumbed to the outbreak of avian influenza currently spreading throughout the state .  The expanded statewide collection effort to help track the bird flu is funded through DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA). Sick or dead wild animals found in Delaware during the avian influenza outbreak or at any time of year, are to be reported to the DNREC Wildlife Section.  Reporting deceased or ill wildlife does not guarantee that DNREC and APHIS Wildlife Services will respond to every report, only that a DNREC or APHIS Wildlife Services representative will assess the rep...

Abstract Given recent outbreaks of Oropouche virus in Latin America and >100 confirmed travel-associated cases in the United States , we evaluated the competence of US vectors , including Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens , and Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes . Results with historic and recent isolates suggest transmission potential for those species is low . Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/3/24-1886_article _____

Abstract Senecavirus A (SVA) continues to cause vesicular lesions in swine in Canada and many regions worldwide. Since the vesicular lesions caused by SVA are similar to those caused by foot and mouth disease virus , swine vesicular disease virus and vesicular stomatitis virus, a foreign animal disease investigation must be initiated to rule out these diseases. SVA isolates from pigs displaying vesicular lesions in Canada from 2015 to 2023 were sequenced, and phylogeographic analysis was performed using the complete genome sequences. The results infer that SVA has spread between the United States and Canada several times. In addition, the results suggest that SVA spreads from different regions. SVA spread was inferred from Canada into Thailand, India and Mexico and inferred from the United States to Brazil, Columbia, Chile and China with ten separate introductions. Furthermore, recombination was observed in SVA genomes from Canada, the United States and China. Source: Viruses,  htt...

Abstract H4Nx avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been isolated from wild birds and poultry and can also cross the species barrier to infect mammals ( pigs and muskrats ). The widespread presence of these viruses in wild birds and poultry and their ability to be transmitted interspecies make them an undeniable hazard to the poultry farming industry. In the present study, we collected fecal and swab samples from wild birds and poultry in Guangdong Province from January 2019 to March 2024, and various subtypes of AIVs were isolated, including 19 strains of H4 subtype AIVs . Further analysis was conducted on the internal genes of the 19 strains . These strains clustered together with high homology to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), suggesting that H4Nx AIV may be reassorted from HPAIV . Two H4N8 strains are phylogenetically related to the porcine H4N8 AIV. Molecular characterization revealed that all viruses in this study were less pathogenic but had potential mammalian-a...

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks have repeatedly occurred in two districts of Kerala state, India , over the last few years. The outbreaks in the wetland areas coincided with the arrival of migratory birds. At the time, the factors responsible for local transmission in ducks were not known. This study aimed to identify the socio-economic factors responsible for spatial variation in the occurrence of HPAI outbreaks in the two districts using Bayesian network modelling (BNM) and Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (SPDE) model. Further, information was collected on the duck rearing practices in rice paddy fields to identify the risk factors for local – spread of the outbreaks. We found that the SPDE model without covariates explained variation in occurrence of outbreaks. The number of rice paddy fields used by the duck farmers was identified as risk factor. We concluded based on BNM and SPDE that the infected migratory birds were the source of infection fo...

The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization. WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans , by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go. The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.  For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from mem...

A wild  Eurasian buzzard in  HaDarom region. Ashqelon : The outbreak occurred in an ecological park where poultry as ducks , guinea fowls , peacocks and wild birds are free living. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6200 _____

Situation at a glance On 7 January 2025, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point for the Plurinational State of Bolivia notified WHO of a laboratory-confirmed case of Chapare virus infection in an adult male from La Paz Department .  Chapare haemorrhagic fever is an acute viral illness caused by Chapare virus .  The virus was first identified in 2003 in Bolivia and has been associated with five documented outbreaks to date, all occurring within the country.  These outbreaks have primarily affected rural areas in the La Paz Department, with the most recent case.  There is no significant risk of international spread of the disease, as person-to-person transmission of the Chapare virus is possible but remains rare in the general population.  As of 13 January 2025, no secondary cases have been reported, and all contacts remain without symptoms.  Public health measures , such as disinfection and rodent control, have been implemented. Descriptio...

PLYMOUTH — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth.  The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick . Reporting wild birds:  The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds. Reporting domestic birds:  The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795. Handling birds and other wildlife : The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animal...

 A wild whooper swan in Bacău Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6199 _____

Dodoma, 20 January 2025 – Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease . President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan , made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma. “Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative ,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.” A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025 , all of whom have tested negati...

  J Infect NURMI V, Mayne R, Knight C, Almonacid-Mendoza HL, et al Individual patient and donor seroprofiles in convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 in REMAP-CAP clinical trial. J Infect. 2025 Jan 9:106412. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106412. PubMed           Abstract available RJOOB K, Antonelli M, Murray B, Molteni E, et al Symptom Evolution in Individuals with Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Syndrome After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Versus Influenza Vaccination. J Infect. 2025 Jan 10:106406. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106406. PubMed           Abstract available WENDEL-GARCIA PD, Ceccato A, Motos A, Franch-Llasat D, et al Empirical antibiotic therapy improves outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19: An emulated targeted trial within a prospective, multicentre cohort study. J Infect. 2025 Jan 13:106411. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106411. PubMed    ...

  Biochem Biophys Res Commun DU S, Yang L, Chen X, Chen Y, et al Engineering mRNA vaccine with broad-spectrum protection against SARS-cov-2 variants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2025;746:151224. PubMed           Abstract available BMC Pediatr YANG SI, Choi CH, Lee EJ, Jee SH, et al Impact of pediatric COVID-19 isolation on children's well-being and caregiver mental health. BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:37. PubMed           Abstract available Epidemiol Infect NOSTAEVA A, Shimansky V, Apalko S, Kuznetsov I, et al Case-control association study between polygenic risk score and COVID-19 severity in a Russian population using low-pass genome sequencing. Epidemiol Infect. 2024;153:e13. PubMed           Abstract available J Infect RJOOB K, Antonelli M, Murray B, Molteni E, et al Symptom Evolution in Individuals with Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19 and Post COVID-19 Sy...

 Aztec Art, Postclassic (ca. 900-1580), basalt. Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/aztec-art/seated-deity-macuilcoatl# _____

Abstract Background Our study aims to enhance future pandemic preparedness by integrating lessons from historical pandemics, focusing on the multidimensional analysis of past outbreaks. It addresses the gap in existing modelling studies by combining various pandemic parameters in a comprehensive setting. Using Zurich as a case study, we seek a deeper understanding of pandemic dynamics to inform future scenarios. Data and methods We use newly digitized weekly aggregated epidemic/pandemic time series (incidence, hospitalisations, mortality and sickness absences from work) to retrospectively model the 1918–1920 pandemic in Zurich and investigate how different parameters correspond, how transmissibility changed during the different waves, and how public health interventions were associated with changes in these pandemic parameters. Results In general, the various time series show a good temporal correspondence , but differences in their expression can also be observed. The first wave in th...

ABSTRACT The host range of HPAIV H5N1 was recently expanded to include ruminants , particularly dairy cattle in the United States (US). Shortly after, human H5N1 infection was reported in a dairy worker in Texas following exposure to infected cattle. Herein, we rescued the cattle-origin influenza A/bovine/Texas/24-029328-02/2024(H5N1, rHPbTX) and A/Texas/37/2024(H5N1, rHPhTX) viruses, identified in dairy cattle and human, respectively, and their low pathogenic forms , rLPbTX and rLPhTX, with monobasic HA cleavage sites . Intriguingly, rHPhTX replicated more efficiently than rHPbTX in mammalian and avian cells . Still, variations in the PA and NA proteins didn’t affect their antiviral susceptibility to PA and NA inhibitors. Unlike rHPbTX and rLPbTX, both rHPhTX and rLPhTX exhibited higher pathogenicity and efficient replication in infected C57BL/6J mice . The lungs of rHPhTX-infected mice produced higher inflammatory cytokines/chemokines than rHPbTX-infected mice. Our results highlight ...

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) advises that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, or bird flu, was confirmed in a backyard flock located in New London County on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 .  The backyard flock, consisting of chickens, ducks, and peacocks , were family pets , not commercial poultry, and had close contact with wild waterfowl in a nearby pond . Samples were sent to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) for testing. The results from CVMDL were then confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. H5N1 is highly contagious among domestic poultry, and at this time there is no effective treatment or approved vaccine for the virus in poultry. The infected flock has been depopulated to prevent spread of the disease. “Collaboration between state and federal partners is essential in preventing the spread of highly pathogenic avian influe...

Atlanta, Ga – Today, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation located in Elbert County, Georgia .  This is the first confirmed HPAI case in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia, and the fifth detection in the state of Georgia .  As a result of this detection , effective immediately, all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales are suspended until further notice.   "For the first time since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in the state of Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.  "This is a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry. We are working around the c...

WASHINGTON, January 17, 2025—As part of its ongoing, multi-faceted efforts to combat the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today is updating its policy for pre-slaughter surveillance to enhance testing of turkey flocks in affected states .  In late December 2024, APHIS became aware of a genetic link between turkeys potentially infected with HPAI H5N1, virus detected in raw pet food, and an infected household cat . Out of an abundance of caution, and to remove a potential avenue for ongoing disease spread as well as to bolster consumer and trading partner confidence, APHIS collaborated with state animal health officials and the poultry industry to update its guidance for existing pre-slaughter surveillance steps to further ensure that affected poultry does not enter the food system. APHIS will continue to report confirmed HPAI detections to the World Organisation for Animal Health and on the APHIS website (m...