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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, Dec. 1 '25)

  {Summary} Time Period: November 16, 2025 - November 22, 2025 -- H5 Detection :  6 site(s) ( 1.4% ) -- No Detection :  410 site(s) ( 98.6% ) -- No samples in last week :  50 site(s) (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

#Ebola virus disease - #DRC: End of the Outbreak Declared (#WHO D.O.N., Dec. 1 '25)

  {Summary} Situation at a glance On 1 December 2025, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared the end of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak which had been declared on 4 September 2025.  The end was declared after two consecutive incubation periods (a total of 42 days) since the last person confirmed with EVD tested negative for the virus and was discharged on 19 October 2025.  A total of 64 cases (53 confirmed, 11 probable), including 45 deaths (CFR 70.3%), were reported from six health areas in Bulape Health Zone, Kasai Province .  WHO and partners provided technical, operational and financial support to the government to contain the outbreak.  This is the country’s 16th outbreak of Ebola.  Although the outbreak has been declared over , health authorities are maintaining surveillance to rapidly identify and respond to any re-emergence.  Risk communication and community engagement activities will continue...

DREF #Operation: #Ethiopia #Marburg #Outbreak 2025 (MDRET039) (IFRC, Dec. 1 '25)

  Description of the Event Date when the trigger was met :  12-11-2025 What happened, where and when? -- On 14 November 2025 , the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), issued a press release declaring an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Region of Ethiopia .  -- As of 26 November 2025, 78 laboratory tests have been conducted, of which twelve confirmed cases , including seven confirmed deaths , have been reported, three cases remain probable .  -- Of the twelve confirmed cases, five are currently alive , three on treatment , and two discharged .  -- More than 300 contacts have been identified and are under active follow-up.  -- Given the high fatality potential and rapid transmissibility of Marburg, (MVD) an immediate and coordinated public health response is essential.  - Early detection, isolation, contact tracing , and community sensitization are critical to prevent furthe...

The Village Bride, Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1761)

  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/jean-baptiste-greuze/the-village-bride-1761 ____

History of Mass Transportation: The Henschel & Co. Diesel Locomotive on Egyptian National Railways

By Abdelrhman 1990 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130430126 Henschel locomotive on Egyptian National Railways Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henschel_%26_Son ____

Invasive #Pneumococcal Diseases Before and After the #COVID19 #Pandemic in #Italy (2018–2023)

  Abstract This study assessed the epidemiological and microbiological invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) changes that occurred before and after the emergence of COVID-19 in Italy . All IPD cases reported through the nationwide surveillance system during 2018–2023 were included. IPD incidence and serotype distributions were analyzed by age group. IPD incidence in 2020–2021 declined in all age groups compared with 2018–2019 , especially in children less than 2 years of age and elderly people aged > 64 years. A resurgence of IPD cases was observed from late 2022 onwards , with values in children exceeding those seen before the pandemic. The post COVID-19 increase in children was mainly driven by some PCV13 serotypes , such as 3, 19A, and 19F , but also non-vaccine serotypes, including 10A, 8, and 24F , while in the elderly population , a predominance of serotypes 3 and 8 was observed . In conclusion, a steep drop in IPD incidence was observed during the peak of the COVID-19 pande...

#Influenza #mRNA #vaccine reduces #pathogenicity and transmission of #H5N1 virus in a #ferret model

  Abstract The global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses poses a serious pandemic threat . While sustained human-to-human transmission has not occurred, widespread circulation in birds , increased detection in mammals , and occasional human spillovers underscore the need for safe and effective vaccines . We evaluated an H5 mRNA vaccine candidate in ferrets using recent clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) human isolates. Vaccination elicited strong neutralizing antibodies , conferred robust protection against lethal challenge , and significantly reduced viral titers . In a direct contact transmission model , mRNA vaccination decreased virus shedding in inoculated ferrets and reduced onward transmission ; it also protected vaccinated contact ferrets from infection following exposure to virus-shedding, unvaccinated ferrets. Additionally, sera from vaccinated animals cross-neutralized clade 2.3.2.1e human viruses to varying degrees, depending on the strain. These findings d...

Dominant #substitutions underlying the #antigenic #evolution of #H5 #influenza virus

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses have recently been documented in mammals including humans , posing a major threat to global public health . To prevent a potential H5 pandemic , it is critical to elucidate the antigenic evolutionary pattern and identify key drivers underlying its evolution . In this work, we construct a comprehensive antigenic map of H5 influenza viruses spanning their evolutionary history and classified three antigenic clusters with no cross-neutralization . The first corresponds to ancestral clades, the second to 2.3.4.4* clades being predominant since 2010, and the third to 2.3.4.4 h clade. Despite the gradually increasing genetic distances from ancestral to 2.3.4.4* to 2.3.4.4 h, their antigenic evolution does not follow the same progressive pattern: the antigenic distance between 2.3.4.4 h and ancestral is smaller than that between 2.3.4.4* and ancestral . This divergence is associated with two distinct mutation patterns at six ke...

Detection and isolation of #H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian #influenza virus from #ticks (Ornithodoros maritimus) recovered from a naturally infected slender-billed #gull (Chroicocephalus genei)

  Abstract Laridae birds, such as gulls, are known reservoirs of H13 and H16 low pathogenic avian influenza subtypes . However, during the recent outbreaks linked to the reemergence of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b of the Goose/Guangdong lineage, European populations of those birds suffered significant losses. HPAI cases were registered not only along the coastlines but also inland areas , particularly in France and Central Europe . During a diagnostic investigation of a group of Laridae birds , part of a HPAIV outbreak registered in the South of France in 2023, larval stages of Ornithodoros maritimus , a nidicolous soft tick parasitizing seabirds, were recovered from a slender-billed gull (Chroicocephalus genei). Affected birds exhibited gross and histopathological lesions consistent with systemic HPAI infection . Immunohistochemistry revealed marked neurotropism , oculotropism and multicentric epitheliotropism . Viral isolation and sequencin...

History of Mass Transportation: The Brissonneau et Lotz Diesel Locomotive D-7122 (1962)

  By CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54482587 At the Llolleo train station, very close to the port of San Antonio in the Valparaíso Region, we see the Train of Memories, pulled by two diesel locomotives (D-7122 and D-16012). The first, D-7122, is French, from Brissonneau et Lotz, built in 1962. LLO-LLEO = Llolleo. San Antonio Conurbation. Source:  Link:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives ____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, November 29 '25)

  BMJ Analysis of peer reviewers' response to invitations by gender and geographical region: cohort study of manuscripts reviewed at 19 biomedical journals before and during covid-19 pandemic. BMJ. 2025;391:r2507. PubMed          Clin Infect Dis NGUYEN VAN JC, Pilmis B, El Helali N, Azria E, et al Implementing POCT in infectious diseases. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 27:ciaf650. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available PANAGIOTOPOULOS AP, Anastassopoulou C, Tsakris A, Ioannidis JPA, et al Effective Antivirals in Pandemic Preparedness: Past Mistakes, Future Needs. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 25:ciaf648. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis HEMPEL H, Xue H, La Shu S, Jain S, et al Cancer and COVID-19: A review of Immune Insights and Partnerships to Inform Public Health Strategy. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 24:108252. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2...

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, November 29 '25)

  BMC Pediatr KIM S, Talluri R, Yu A, Evans M, et al The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on racial disparities in suicide and homicide by firearm rates in Missouri. BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:953. PubMed           Abstract available Epidemiol Infect CHUA H, Tsang TKL, Lee SL, Chan ELY, et al Waning in influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated hospitalization in children in 2012/13. Epidemiol Infect. 2025 Nov 24:1-25. doi: 10.1017/S0950268825100770. PubMed          J Infect Dis ZHANG X, Lam SJ, Chen LL, Fong CH, et al Avian influenza virus A(H5N1) genotype D1.1 is better adapted to human nasal and airway organoids than genotype B3.13. J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 24:jiaf598. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available J Virol MITCHELL JK, Mastrodomenico V, Hartnett J, Heelan WJ, et al A HiBiT-tagged pseudovirus-like particle platform for safe, ...

Unprecedented high level of highly pathogenic avian #influenza in wild #birds in #Europe during the 2025 autumn #migration

  Abstract Between 6 September and 14 November 2025, 1,443 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus detections were reported in wild birds across 26 countries in Europe . This number was four times higher than in the same period in 2024 and the highest overall for those weeks since at least 2016 . Almost all the detections ( 99% ) were due to HPAI A(H5N1) viruses, and most of them belonged to EA-2024-DI.2.1, a new sub-lineage of the EA-2024-DI.2 genotype . These HPAI virus detections in wild birds involved increasing numbers of waterfowl species (ducks, geese and swans) that were found positive in large parts of Europe . In addition, high numbers of common cranes were affected across a wide band stretching from northeast to southwest Europe . Given the unprecedented high circulation of HPAI virus in the wild bird population compared to previous years, and the associated high environmental contamination , strict biosecurity measures and early detection of infected poultr...

The #epidemiology of #chikungunya virus in #Brazil and the potential #impact of #vaccines: a mathematical modelling study

  Summary Background The first chikungunya virus (CHIKV) vaccine is now licensed in Brazil, the country that reports the most cases of CHIKV globally ; however, the optimal use of the vaccine remains unclear owing to a poor understanding of CHIKV epidemiology and population immunity . We aimed to combine the distribution of cases and deaths reported since 2014 with seroprevalence studies to inform mathematical models that estimate the underlying rates of infection by state and year, and the underlying patterns of disease and death by age and sex. Methods We quantified the annual CHIKV infection and disease burden between 2014 and 2024 in each of the 27 federative units of Brazil using a mathematical model in a Bayesian framework that integrated serological surveys (n=12) and confirmed CHIKV disease cases (n=488 234) and CHIKV deaths (n=1719) reported between January, 2014, and September, 2024. Using this base, we estimated the potential impact of a vaccine over the period 2025–29 h...

#Avian-origin #influenza A viruses tolerate elevated pyrexic #temperatures in #mammals

  Editor’s summary Birds operate at body temperatures several degrees higher than those of mammals, and, like mammals, birds are infected by influenza viruses. Influenza viruses can move between animal hosts, often reassorting their gene segments as they transition. Knowing that the body temperature of humans often elevates when sick, Turnbull et al. investigated whether virus gene segments originating from hot-blooded birds may give the virus an advantage in feverish mammals. They found that a viral polymerase containing an avian origin PB1 subunit indeed allowed the virus to replicate at higher temperatures in vitro and in a hyperthermic mouse model. —Caroline Ash Structured Abstract INTRODUCTION Influenza A viruses circulate in diverse species of birds and periodically spill over to cause severe or fatal infections in humans . Avian influenza A viruses are adapted to replicate in the gastrointestinal tract of birds at ~40° to 42°C . By contrast, human-adapted seasonal influenza ...

#Ethiopia, #Prevention and #Control Activities for the #Marburg Virus Disease Have Been Strengthened and Are Ongoing (MoH, Nov. 26 '25): 73 confirmed/probable/suspected cases so far

  The Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) have released a press statement containing updated information regarding the Marburg virus disease . They stated that laboratory tests have confirmed the occurrence of Marburg virus disease in the Southern Ethiopia Region .  Up to now, 73 suspected individuals have been tested; among them, 6 patients have died due to the virus, as confirmed by the EPHI reference laboratory. Five additional patients are currently receiving treatment. It was also noted that 349 people who had contact with the confirmed cases are under follow-up, and 119 of them have already completed their isolation period . Dr. Mekdes Daba , Minister of Health, expressed condolences for those who lost their lives due to the virus and extended sympathy to their families, relatives, and friends. She further explained that isolation centers have been established in affected areas, trained personnel are deployed, and essential medical supplie...

Characterization of #H5N1 high pathogenicity avian #influenza virus belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Ezo red #fox in #Japan in a mouse model

  ABSTRACT H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has spread in wild birds and poultry worldwide . H5N1 HPAIV belonging to the currently predominant clade 2.3.4.4b has infected not only birds but also mammals (wild and domestic animals), with several human infections also being reported, raising concerns for public health . In 2022, a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV strain, A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (H5N1; Fox/Hok/1/22), was isolated from an Ezo red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) in Hokkaido , Japan; this was the first reported case of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV isolation from a mammalian species in Japan. Several amino acid substitutions in the PB2 protein play an important role in the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammals, but Fox/Hok/1/22 PB2 does not have any of these well-known mammalian-adapting PB2 substitutions. Here, we investigated the biological properties of Fox/Hok/1/22 in a mouse model and found that this virus was highly virulent in mice and rep...

Assessing #Ebola virus circulation in the Tshuapa province (#DRC): A #OneHealth #investigation of wildlife and #human interactions

  Abstract The wildlife reservoir and spillover mechanisms of Ebola virus remain elusive despite extensive research efforts in endemic areas. This study employed a One Health approach to examine the virus’ circulation in wildlife and the associated human exposure risks in the Tshuapa province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo . We screened 1049 samples from 919 animals , predominantly small mammals , collected in 2021, and 380 samples from inhabitants of Inkanamongo village, the site of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2014. These samples were screened for evidence of current (RNA) or past (IgG antibodies) Ebola virus infections. We also conducted interviews with 167 individuals in the surrounding districts to assess their interactions with wildlife . While no Ebola virus RNA was detected in the wildlife samples , anti-orthoebolavirus IgG antibodies were found in 13 bats and 38 rodents . Among the human participants , 120 individuals had IgG antibodies against at least 1 or...

#Bacterial #Colonization and Life-Threatening #RSV #Infection in #children

  Highlights •  Respiratory tract bacterial colonization was highly prevalent among RSV-infected children. •  Moraxella catarrhalis colonization was significantly associated with mild RSV disease. •  Haemophilus influenzae carriage showed a trend toward increased severity. •  Household crowding independently correlated with severe RSV outcomes. •  Airway microbiota may modulate RSV clinical outcomes. Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus is a major cause of acute respiratory infection in children . While most cases are mild, some progress to life-threatening disease. The role of bacterial colonization in shaping respiratory syncytial virus outcomes remains incompletely understood. Objective To evaluate the association between respiratory tract bacterial colonization and respiratory syncytial virus disease severity in children. Study design Prospective cohort study conducted during 2019 and 2023. Children ≤24 months hospitalized with confirmed posi...

#Transmission, Pathological and Clinical Manifestations of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza A Virus in #Mammals with Emphasis on #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, has emerged as a significant zoonotic threat . H5N1 is widely circulating in wild birds , and an increasing number of spillover events have been observed in a wide range of mammalian species . These cases are primarily reported in countries on the European and American continents . This review describes the likely transmission routes, lesions, and clinical manifestations of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in naturally infected mammals, with a focus on the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). In the analysis, pathological findings were categorized by organ system and host species , which were further divided into terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, and dairy cattle . The most frequently reported clinical manifestations were neurological and respiratory signs in marine mammals and neurological signs and lethargy in terrestrial mammals . Macroscopic and histological lesions were commonly found in...