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High pathogenicity avian #influenza in #pinniped #conservation

By G.M.
  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 pi...
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Cross-Species #Transmission #Risks of a #Quail-Origin #H7N9 #Influenza Virus from #China Between Avian and #Mammalian Hosts

By G.M.
  Abstract The H7N9 influenza viruses, which are capable of causing severe respiratory syndrome in humans , were first discovered to infect humans in 2013 and continue to pose a persistent public health threat . Quail has been proposed as a potential intermediate host that may facilitate the emergence of novel reassorted influenza A viruses with the capacity to infect humans across species barriers; however, information on the biological characterization of quail H7N9 remains limited. In this study, we isolated and identified an avian H7N9 influenza virus from quails , designated as A/quail/Hebei/CH06-07/2018 (H7N9) and abbreviated as CH06-07, in Hebei, China . Phylogenetic analyses revealed that both the HA gene and the NA gene of CH06-07 were clustered in the Eurasian lineage . Furthermore, CH06-07 exhibited binding affinity for both α2,3-linked and α2,6-linked sialic acid receptors and demonstrated high pathogenicity in both quails and mice . Notably, transmission studies reveal...
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#Italy, #WNV & #USUV Integrated #Surveillance - Weekly Bulletin No. 14, 15 Ocotber 2025 (ISS, edited)

By G.M.
  {Summary} -- New human cases of West Nile Virus infection continue to be reported albeit with reduced intensity.  -- During current epidemiological week (from  9 to 15 October 2025)  26 new confirmed cases have been reported.  -- The total number of cases so far is 767 (they were 740 last week), of these:  - 366 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND): 17 in Piedmont, 56 Lombardy, 34 Veneto, 4 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 1 Liguria, 32 Emilia-Romagna, 10 Tuscany, 1 Marche, 86 Latium, 2 Molise, 83 Campania, 2 Apulia, 2 Basilicata, 5 Calabria, 3 Sicily, 28 Sardinia,  - 57 were asymptomatic cases among blood donors ,  - 333 were West Nile Fever cases (of which 1 imported from Kenya, 1 from Egypt and 1 from Maldive),  - 3 asymptomatic cases,  - eight unspecified cases.  -- Among confirmed cases, 69 fatalities  have been reported: 7 in Piedmont, 9 Lombardy, 2 Emilia-Romagna, 18 Latium, 29 Campania, 2 Calabria, 1 Sicily, 1 Sardinia....
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#Cambodia notified two additional #human cases of infection with #influenza #H5N1, #Bangladesh one case of #H5, #China four cases of #H9N2 (HK CHP, Nov. 21 '25)

By G.M.
{Excerpt} This Week : [Date of report - Country - Province / Region District / City - Sex - Age - Condition at time of reporting  - Subtype of virus] 1) .../10/2025 - Cambodia - Takeo Province - F - 14 - Hospitalised - H5N1  2) 16/10/2025 - Cambodia - Kampong Speu Province - F - 3 - Under intensive care - H5N1 (...) [Place of occurrence - No. of cases  (No. of deaths) - Details] -- Bangladesh - 1(0)  - Avian influenza A(H5) :  1) Sylhet Division : A boy with onset on July 27, 2025.  -- Chinese Mainland - 4(0)  - Avian influenza A( H9N2 ):  - Guangdong Province :  1) An individual with onset in February 2025. The case was retrospectively reported.  - Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region :  2, 3) Two individuals with onset in February 2025. Both cases were retrospectively reported.   - Tianjin Municipality :  4) An individual with onset in February 2025. The case was retrospectively reported.  -- Mexico - 1(0)  - ...
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Spatial #Variation of #SARS-CoV-2 #Exposure in Urban #Rodents from the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, #Argentina: Implications for Public Health in Latin American Cities

By G.M.
  Abstract Background :  The COVID-19 pandemic , driven by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become an unprecedented global public health challenge . Comprehensive investigation of the virus transmission dynamics requires exploration of all potential routes , including the role of animal reservoirs . This study aimed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies in urban rodents captured within two landscape units (low-income neighborhoods and green spaces) in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina. Methods :  Between July 2020 and September 2022, 125 synanthropic rodents (68 Rattus norvegicus, 22 R. rattus, and 35 Mus musculus) from seven low-income neighborhoods and seven green spaces in the MABA were captured and examined for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection by indirect immunofluorescence serology and RT-qPCR, targeting the N, E, and ORF1ab genes. Results :  Two M. musculus and six R. norvegicus from five different low-income neighborhoods test...
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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

By G.M.
{England} 300k laying hen premises. Samples were taken and were tested positive for HPAI H5N1. Clinical signs were presented prior to testing. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6907 ____
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#Evolution of #antibody cross-reactivity to #influenza #H5N1 #neuraminidase from an N2-specific germline

By G.M.
  Highlights •  Human antibody HB420 cross-reacts with neuraminidases from H3N2 and H5N1 •  HB420 engages the neuraminidase active site via a single Asp residue •  Germline HB420 is N2 specific but gains reactivity to N1 through somatic mutation •  HB420 provides in vivo protection against both H3N2 and H5N1 Summary The ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in animals and its occasional spillover to humans have raised concerns about a potential H5N1 pandemic . Although recent studies have shown that pre-existing human antibodies can recognize H5N1 neuraminidase , the molecular basis of how this cross-reactivity develops remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a phage display antibody library derived from 245 healthy donors to isolate an antibody , HB420, that cross-reacts with neuraminidases of human H3N2 and avian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and confers protection in vivo . Cryogenic electron microscopy analysis...
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#WHO occupied #Palestinian Territory 60 Day #Ceasefire #Plan for #Gaza, October 2025 (edited)

By G.M.
  PURPOSE AND SCOPE   -- With the initiation of the first phase of the ceasefire , humanitarian needs remain dire.  -- In the current situation , it is crucial to scale up humanitarian aid in a coordinated manner while ensuring the start of early recovery and reconstruction.  -- This document summarizes WHO’s key planning assumptions , strategic priorities and selected activities.  -- The activities fall within the scope of the overall 2025 WHO operational response and early recovery plan for the occupied Palestinian territory and the One-UN multi-sectoral Gaza Ceasefire Humanitarian Response Plan Summary 60 days (13 October 2025). ASSUMPTIONS   -- This plan is developed under the following assumptions :   - Continuation of ceasefire and improvement of the law-and-order situation. - Improved access for UN with access/registration issues for INGOs remaining. - Gradual emergence of a clear and functional governance structure.  - Improved flexi...
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The Virgin and Child Reading, Jan van Eyck (1433)

By G.M.
  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/jan-van-eyck/madonna-from-the-inn-s-hall-1433 ____
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Host #Immunomodulatory Interventions in Severe #Influenza

By G.M.
  Abstract Currently, no immunomodulatory agents have been conclusively shown to benefit severe influenza . The World Health Organization conditionally advises against the use of systemic corticosteroids, macrolides, plasma therapy, mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors , and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for such patients. High-dose systemic corticosteroids may increase mortality and morbidity in severe influenza ; the potential of low-dose corticosteroids merits further study given survival benefits in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ). Passive immunotherapy using convalescent plasma or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) from healthy donors has not proven effective , suggesting that future research should focus on hyperimmune plasma or IVIG from recent infections . An open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that a triple combination of oseltamivir, clarithromycin, and naproxen improved outcomes in severe influenza. One RCT has indica...
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Serological #Evidence of Exposure to Eurasian-Lineage HPAI #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Wild #Mammals in #Ohio, #USA, 2024–2025

By G.M.
  Abstract The Goose/Guandong lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus [A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996(H5N1)] is the progenitor of the currently circulating Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and has been the most consequential highly pathogenic avian influenza lineage globally. Despite increased reports of infections, the extent of exposure and role of wild mammals in the ecology and transmission dynamics of the virus remains poorly understood. We surveyed wild mammals in Ohio, United States to investigate the potential spillover of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b. While no active infections —defined as positive results indicative of viral replication and potential propagation—were detected by swab-based molecular tests, serological assays revealed antibodies against multiple avian influenza virus antigens in raccoons and opossums . Specifically, antibodies to avian influenza virus nucleoprotein were detected in 54.9% (...
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Active #Surveillance for Emerging #Influenza A Viruses – Findings from a #OneHealth Study in #Vietnam’s Live Bird #Markets

By G.M.
  Highlights --  We conducted surveillance for influenza A viruses at live bird markets in northern Vietnam. --  Six different subtypes of influenza A virus were found co-circulating in the markets. --  Notable genetic mutations were found across many genes. --  These markets have great potential to generate new pandemic influenza A virus strains. Abstract Objectives Live bird markets (LBMs) in Asia have often been the source of human infections with avian influenza virus (AIV). Methods From July 2021 to August 2023, we employed a One Health approach in conducting periodic surveillance for novel influenza A viruses in five LBMs in northern Vietnam. Specimens were studied with egg culture, molecular assays, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing. Results We studied a total of 688 human, avian, and bioaerosol specimens . Among these, 118 ( 17.2% ) were found to have molecular evidence of AIVs . Next-generation sequencing of 92 isolates revealed multiple...
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Toddler in western #Cambodia becomes 16th #H5N1 bird #flu virus victim in 2025 (Antara)

By G.M.
  {Excerpt} Phnom Penh (ANTARA) - A 3-year-old girl from Kampong Speu Province, western Cambodia, has been confirmed to have contracted H5N1 bird flu , bringing the number of cases to 16 so far this year, the Cambodian Ministry of Health said in a statement on Thursday (16/10) evening local time. Laboratory results from Cambodia's National Institute of Public Health on October 15 showed the girl tested positive for the H5N1 virus, the statement said. The patient had symptoms of fever, diarrhea, cough, and abdominal pain , and is currently undergoing intensive care with a team of doctors, the statement added. The girl is a resident of Chek Village, Basedth District. Investigations found that chickens and ducks had contracted the disease and died at the girl's home and at her neighbor's about a week before she fell ill, the statement said. (...) Source: Antara,  https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5181569/balita-di-kamboja-barat-jadi-korban-flu-burung-ke-16-pada-2025 ____
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History of Mass Transportation: The Henschel's Steam Locomotive No. 1 ''Drake'' (1848)

By G.M.
  By Henschel & Sohn Cassel - https://orka.bibliothek.uni-kassel.de/viewer/image/1583329169073/11/#topDocAnchor , Public Domain,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=164351448 Source: Wikipedia,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henschel_%26_Son ____
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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, October 18 '25)

By G.M.
  AJR Am J Roentgenol LITTLE BP Imaging and Reporting of Post-COVID-19 Lung Abnormalities at CT: International Panel of Experts Provides Welcome Guidance. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2025 Oct 15. doi: 10.2214/AJR.25.33999. PubMed          Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol ELHAISSOUNI N, Arthur A, Prochaska EC, Colantuoni E, et al Association of pandemic precautions and Staphylococcus aureus in the NICU. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Oct 13:1-3. doi: 10.1017/ice.2025.10319. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis OPPONG AE, Coelewij L, Hutchinson M, Carpenter B, et al Simple hyperinflammation scores predict mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and offer a personalised medicine approach to dexamethasone intervention. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Oct 13:108119. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108119. PubMed           Abstract available J Infect TANG X, Ma T, Yao Z,...
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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, October 18 '25)

By G.M.
  Antiviral Res PATEL MC, Nguyen HT, Mishin VP, Pascua PNQ, et al Antiviral susceptibility monitoring: testing algorithm, methods, and findings for influenza season, 2023-2024. Antiviral Res. 2025 Oct 11:106299. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106299. PubMed           Abstract available ZHU C, Wang Z, Pan Z, Mai X, et al DMBT1 promotes SARS-CoV-2 infection and its SRCR-derived peptide inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral Res. 2025 Sep 3:106269. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106269. PubMed           Abstract available TASHIMA R, Kuroda T, Nobori H, Miyagawa S, et al Ensitrelvir suppresses prolonged olfactory abnormalities derived from SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. Antiviral Res. 2025 Sep 2:106270. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106270. PubMed           Abstract available BMC Pediatr WU LE, Wei JY, Lin ZH, Li HC, et al Clinical characteristics of children with ...
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Unexpected #Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza (HPAI) #H5N1 virus in #bovine #Semen

By G.M.
  Abstract Since March 2024, HPAI H5N1 virus has infected dairy cattle in the U.S., prompting concern about novel transmission routes . During an outbreak in California , HPAI H5N1 RNA was detected in an asymptomatic bull's semen . Although infectious virus was not isolated , questions remain about semen-associated transmission risks and biosecurity practices. Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.16.682947v1 ____
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#Iceland - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

By G.M.
  {[ Common Raven ] By Accipiter (R. Altenkamp, Berlin) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6806927 } ___ Note 16/10/2025 : The case reported in this event was confirmed to be H5 but was negative for N1 and N5. Therefore, it is assumed that a new serotype has been detected in the country. The raven was found sick with a broken wing, emaciated and with diarrhea. It was euthanized. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6868 ____
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#Italy - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 1

By G.M.
  {[ Mallard duck ] By This picture was realized by Richard Bartz by using a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6449086 } {[ Common Teal ] By Shantanu Kuveskar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78923110 } ___ A wild mallard in Veneto Region. A wild common teal in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6896 ____
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Burden of 375 #diseases and injuries, #risk-attributable burden of 88 risk factors, and healthy life expectancy in 204 countries and territories...

By G.M.
  Summary Background For more than three decades, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has provided a framework to quantify health loss due to diseases, injuries, and associated risk factors . This paper presents GBD 2023 findings on disease and injury burden and risk-attributable health loss, offering a global audit of the state of world health to inform public health priorities. This work captures the evolving landscape of health metrics across age groups, sexes, and locations, while reflecting on the remaining post-COVID-19 challenges to achieving our collective global health ambitions. Methods The GBD 2023 combined analysis estimated years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 375 diseases and injuries , and risk-attributable burden associated with 88 modifiable risk factors. Of the more than 310 000 total data sources used for all GBD 2023 (about 30% of which were new to this est...
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#Evolution of #WHO #Influenza #Antiviral #Stockpile: Rapid Access and Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

By G.M.
  Abstract The SARS outbreak and influenza A(H5N1) infections (2003–2004) prompted WHO to establish a global influenza antiviral stockpile , enabling rapid distribution to 72 countries during the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic. To improve access in low- and middle-income countries, WHO added antivirals to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and included them in the Prequalification Programme . The 2011 Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework refined strategies for equitable access and rapid response. Lessons from COVID-19 led to a new WHO-led mechanism—the Interim Medical Countermeasures Network (i-MCM-net)— which supports integrated supply chains, real-time data sharing, research and development, and equitable access. WHO continues to emphasise equity and global solidarity , highlighting the need for accessible, effective, and affordable antivirals alongside vaccines to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of future pandemics. Source: Journal of Infectious Disease...
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