ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract Greece is one of the countries in Europe most affected by West Nile virus (WNV), and since 2010, when the virus caused a large outbreak with 197 human neuroinvasive cases , outbreaks occur almost every year. Mosquito surveillance is an indirect sign of virus circulation; therefore, the purpose of the study was the molecular detection of WNV in 45,988 C. pipiens s.l. mosquitoes collected during 2024 in four Regions of Greece and the genetic characterization of the virus strains. WNV was detected in 41 of 1316 ( 3.12% ) Culex spp. mosquito pools . Next-generation sequencing was applied to the WNV-positive samples that had a high viral load . All WNV sequences belong to Cluster B of the sub-lineage Europe WNV-2A presenting a temporal clustering. The WNV infection rates varied highly across the Regions, regional units and months, being higher in Thessaly and Central Macedonia Regions , especially in July and September. All mosquito pools were also tested for Usutu virus (USU...

  {England} Premises of 32,000 free range laying hens. Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N1. Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6914 ____

  {Excerpts} To the Editor : After a decade of no reported human cases, Cambodia faces a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus infections , with an overall mortality of 38%. Cases have occurred primarily in children and adolescents who were exposed to infected poultry (...). From February 2023 through August 2024, a total of 16 infections were detected through the long-standing national influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection surveillance systems, both of which were strengthened by expanded laboratory-testing capacity that was developed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. All 16 patients reported exposure to sick or dead poultry , and outbreak investigations identified contemporary, genetically similar viruses in poultry collected in or around case households or from active, longitudinal surveillance of live-bird markets . Genomic sequencing revealed an avian origin for all the human infections , and sequences have been...

  ABSTRACT Common cold coronaviruses, such as OC43 and HKU1, typically cause mild respiratory infections in healthy people. However, they can lead to severe illness in high-risk groups , including immunocompromised individuals and older adults. Currently, there is no clinically approved vaccine to prevent infection by common cold coronaviruses. Here, we developed an mRNA vaccine expressing a stabilized spike protein derived from OC43 coronavirus and tested its efficacy in different challenge models in C57BL/6 mice . This novel OC43 vaccine elicited OC43-specific immune responses, as well as cross-reactive immune response against other embecoviruses , including HKU1 and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-A59). Interestingly, this OC43 vaccine protected mice not only against a lethal OC43 infection but also against a distant embecovirus, MHV-A59. These findings provide insights for the development of common cold coronavirus vaccines, demonstrating their potential to protect against various c...

  Abstract Background :  The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical presentation of RSV, Influenza , and SARS-CoV-2 infections in children across three consecutive seasons (2022/2023; 2023/2024; and 2024/2025).  Methods :  Of the 321 hospitalised patients , 129 ( 36% ) tested positive for RSV , 110 ( 38% ) for Influenza , and 82 ( 26% ) for SARS-CoV-2 . Children were aged ≤ 17 years (median: 15 months). The data were statistically analysed using the χ2 test, multinomial multivariable logistic regression, OR (odds ratio), and 95% CI (confidence interval).  Results :  Significant independent predictors of RSV infection were auscultatory abnormalities (OR: 15.9 [1.49–169]) and hospital admission ≥ 4 days after symptom onset (OR: 32.5 [1.19–907]). Among RSV-positive patients , compared with those aged < 6 months , those aged 7–24 months were more likely to present with higher CRP levels (OR 1.06 [1.003–1.13]), reduced appetite (OR ...

  {Di Riki7 - Opera propria, Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6957499 } A farm with Meleagris gallopavo species birds in Vlaanderen Region.  Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6921 ____

Non-poultry birds at a hobbyist's premise in Wallonie Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6908 ____

  {By Norbert Kenntner, Berlin - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1062838 } A wild Northern Goshawk in Hokkaido Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6909 ____

{ob1-Shiraoi-Town} On 21 October 2025, a Livestock Hygiene Service Centre (LHSC) in Hokkaido Prefecture received a notification from a domestic layer farm regarding an increase in bird mortality. Samples were collected from birds on the farm by LHSC officers and tested positive for influenza A virus using a viral antigen rapid test. On 22 October, the LHSC conducted RT-PCR and rRT-PCR tests and confirmed that the virus is of high pathogenicity . Movement and shipment restriction have been imposed on farms within a radius of 3 km and 10 km of the affected farm, respectively. Stamping-out and relevant control measures, including disinfection, are ongoing. The National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH) is sequencing the virus genome and will identify the subtype. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6911 ____

  Establishment registered for the direct supply of small quantities of animal products from the farm to the consumer: - 150 pcs Gallus gallus (22 dead) - 26 pcs geese (5 dead) - 21 pcs ducks (no clinical signs) Sudden deaths, haemorrhagies of the inner organs (intestines, spleen, lungs). Depopulation is ongoing. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6916 ____

  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...

  {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....

{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)  - ...

  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...

{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 ____

  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...

  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...

  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/jan-van-eyck/madonna-from-the-inn-s-hall-1433 ____

  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...

  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% (...