#Threat #assessment brief – Importation of #Ebola disease cases caused by #Bundibugyo virus to #Kenya and #Nigeria – 23 October 2026 (ECDC, edited)

 

{Extract}

23 October 2026

Kenya and Nigeria have recently reported imported Ebola disease cases in their countries. In Kenya, the detection of an imported case was reported in Nairobi, where secondary cases were also reported. In Nigeria, a case in a person with travel history to Uganda was detected in Abuja. This has occurred in the context of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and cases reported in Uganda this spring. 

    This Threat Assessment Brief assesses the risk for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to the newly affected areas, and the overall risk for the general EU/EEA population. It is intended for public health authorities in the EU/EEA.

Epidemiological situation

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one confirmed Ebola disease case caused by BDBV in a person who travelled from Uganda via an international flight on 3 October 2026. 

    Symptom onset was on 7 October and the person was admitted to hospital on 11 October. 

    The confirmation of Ebola disease caused by BDBV was made on 20 October. 

    Contact tracing is currently under way, with 44 contacts being followed up.

    As of 23 October 2026, Kenya has reported nine confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including one death. 

    The first individual, reported on 6 October, developed symptoms while in DRC and travelled to Kenya via Uganda on 3 October. 

    All eight secondary cases (four relatives and four healthcare workers) were linked to the first imported case and were in quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Kenya, with all listed contacts (135 people) being followed up as of 22 October 2026.

    As of 21 October 2026, 9 704 confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including 4 687 deaths, have been reported from eight provinces in DRC (data until 20 October 2026), where community transmission is still ongoing. 

    In Uganda, a total of 20 cases, including two deaths were reported since 15 May 2026. 

    The last confirmed case in Uganda was reported on 21 June 2026.

Risk assessment

    The likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is assessed as low, providing they adhere to recommended precautionary measures. 

    Although infection with BDBV leads to severe disease at an individual level, the impact for people from the EU/EEA living in and travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low at the population level. 

    Therefore, overall, the current risk for people from the EU/EEA living or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low.

    Based on the experience from the current and previous Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa, it is expected that the importation of cases to Europe will remain rare events and will mainly concern medical evacuations for treatment. 

    The likelihood of secondary transmission of BDBV and sustained transmission within the EU/EEA following an imported case is considered very low, as cases are likely to be promptly identified and isolated, and recommended control measures would be implemented. 

    The population-level public health impact in the EU/EEA is expected to be very low as only very few cases are expected. 

    Therefore, the overall risk of BDBV for the general population in the EU/EEA is assessed as very low.

Recommendations

    EU/EEA countries should remain vigilant, strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities for detecting and managing potential imported Ebola disease cases, and provide travel advice to people living in and travelling to/from affected areas.

    ECDC does not recommend any travel restrictions for travellers to or from Kenya and Nigeria. Exit screening from the affected areas and countries, including symptom checks and exposure assessments is an important measure that contributes to reducing the risk by identifying symptomatic travellers before they board, and preventing them travelling while symptomatic.

    Entry screening of incoming travellers from areas affected in the current outbreak is not proven to be an efficient measure to detect imported cases, and is also a highly complex public health intervention.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/threat-assessment-brief-importation-ebola-disease-cases-caused-bundibugyo-virus

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, Oct. 23 '26)

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A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: October 11, 2026 - October 17, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 3 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection: 331 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 260 site(s)

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Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV - Weekly updates (ECDC, Oct. 23 '26): 1,965 cases of which 770 in #Italy

{Summary}

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Current situation

    Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 21 October, 229 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in 20 countries across Europe.

    These areas are located in: 

        § Italy (70), 

        § France (30), 

        § Greece (25), 

        § Romania (24), 

        § the Netherlands (16), 

        § Serbia (11), 

        § Bulgaria (7), 

        § Belgium (6), 

        § Croatia (6), 

        § Germany (6), 

        § Spain (6), 

        § North Macedonia (5), 

        § Hungary (4), 

        § Kosovo (4), 

        § Austria (3), 

        § Albania (2), 

        § Cyprus (1), 

        § Moldova (1), 

        § Slovakia (1) and 

        § Slovenia (1).

    This week, seven areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. (...)

    The 20 countries have reported 1 965 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 

        § Italy (770 cases), 

        § Greece (457 cases of which 6 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § France (173 cases), 

        § Spain (145 cases), 

        § Romania (125 cases), 

        § North Macedonia (71 cases), 

        § the Netherlands (63 cases of which 1 had an unknown place of infection), 

        § Serbia (59 cases), 

        § Cyprus (21 cases), 

        § Croatia (18 cases), 

        § Belgium (15 cases), 

        § Austria (8 cases), 

        § Bulgaria (8 cases), 

        § Kosovo (8 cases), 

        § Albania (7 cases), 

        § Germany (7 cases), 

        § Hungary (5 cases), 

        § Slovenia (3 cases), 

        § Moldova (1 case) and 

        § Slovakia (1 case).

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-fever/surveillance-and-disease-data/disease-data-ecdc

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#Denmark - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

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    The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has established a 3 km and 10 km zone around the poultry holding and is implementing the necessary measures in accordance with the European Union Animal Health Law.

    On 22 October 2026 a clinical suspicion was reported to the Danish Veterinary and Food Authority. 

    The affected poultry holding consist of 40.000 turkeys. 

    On 23 October 2026 highly pathogenic avian influenza sub. H5N1 was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. 

    A 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone has been established.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7932

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First #human case of #Shamonda virus reported in #France as patient dies (UN News Centre, Oct. 23 '26)

 

The virus is mainly found in livestock, especially cattle, sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.

    It is thought to be spread by the bites of midges – tiny biting flies – though the World Health Organization (WHO) has said further studies are needed to understand how it is transmitted.

    There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus, according to the internationally recognised World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Vulnerable patient

    The unidentified patient, who died in early October, had been receiving treatment for a serious illness and was immunocompromised, making him more vulnerable to infection than the general public, according to a statement from the French health and agriculture ministries.

    French authorities say that no health risk to the general public has been identified so far.

    He had been in an area where the virus was circulating among animals and where Culicoides midges were present, WHO said.

    The UN health agency’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his condolences to the man’s loved ones.

    He said WHO was working with French authorities to establish how the patient became infected, possible routes of transmission and any potential risk to public health.

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/10/1168652

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 23 '26)

 

{Extract}

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Event data

    ° 720 Positive events

    ° 68,254 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 22 October 2026, Australia has 720 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 335 in South Australia (SA)

        § 73 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 246 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)^

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {^} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

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Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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#Kenya: #Bundibugyo Virus Disease Cluster of Cases - Day 17: No New Cases, All Contacts Traced, and First Contacts Set To Return Home (MoH, Oct. 22 '26)

{From the Social Media Page}

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

DAY 17: NO NEW CASES, ALL CONTACTS TRACED, AND FIRST CONTACTS SET TO RETURN HOME

Nairobi, 22nd October 2026

    Today marks Day 17 since Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) on 06th October 2026, and the country's  response continues to make steady progress. 

    All the 14 samples collected and tested from various alerts in different  parts of the country over the last 24 hours were negative for BVD.

    The total number of cases confirmed remains nine (9), including the  index case, who died on 05th October, 2026. 

    All the cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of community spread.

    Our patients are stable and progressing well. 

    The eight patients undergoing treatment in our designated isolation  facilities, four family members and four health workers who cared for the first  case, are stable and responding well to treatment from our infectious disease  specialists. 

    We look forward to each of them completing treatment, recovering fully,  and being discharged home to their families.

    Every contact has been traced, at home and abroad. 

    All the 135 contacts associated with the first case have been traced (100%),  both within Kenya and internationally, and the relevant health authorities of  the countries concerned have been formally informed in line with the International  Health Regulations (2005). 

    We thank our national and county contact-tracing teams, families,  communities and our development partners for this significant achievement.

    What we know about how the infections occurred. Our epidemiologists  have mapped the exposure dates, quarantine dates, and symptom onset of every  case. Each patient was in close contact with the first case between 3rd and 5th  October, before entering quarantine, and each fell ill within the known incubation  period of Ebola (2-21 days). This pattern is consistent with infection from the first  case. It also shows that no infection has been traced to transmission within our  quarantine facilities, where infection prevention and control measures have been  strengthened further. 

    Each contact's 21-day monitoring period is counted from their own last  exposure, and anyone exposed to a later confirmed case is monitored from that  date thereof.

    Surveillance and testing continue nationwide. Enhanced surveillance  continues in health facilities and communities across all counties. 

    At points of entry, 709,093 travellers have been screened, including 3,107 in  the last 24 hours. A total of 461 samples have been tested since the start of the  outbreak in May 2026. 

    Going home this weekend. From Sunday, 25th October, the first contacts to  complete 21 days of monitoring and who will be in good health, will be released  from quarantine and reunited with their families. Their sacrifice has helped keep  Kenya safe, and the nation is grateful to them and to those who stood by them. As  they return, we ask neighbours, workplaces and communities to receive them  warmly. They have passed the full monitoring period without falling ill and cannot  pass the infection to anybody.

    Life in Kenya continues as normal: travel, trade and public gatherings are  not restricted. Every Kenyan can help bring this outbreak to a close. We ask you  to keep following the guidance of the Ministry of Health and to cooperate fully with  the response teams. Anyone with fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint  pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should seek help  immediately at the nearest health facility, by calling 719 free of charge, or through  Jali our WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719. Let us stand with our  patients, contacts and health workers with compassion, not stigma. The end of  this outbreak is within reach, and together we will get there.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE?__tn__=%2Cd-UC*F

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#Fatal #encephalitis caused by #Shamonda virus Europe 1 (SHAV-EU1) in a patient with a severely weakened immune system, #France, 2026

 

Abstract

New Shamonda virus clades (SHAV-EU1 and SHAV-EU2) emerged in Europe in summer 2026, primarily affecting cattle. We report the first human infection with SHAV-EU1: a French patient with a severely weakened immune system developed fatal encephalitis in September 2026, 1 month after their allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Metatranscriptomics detected SHAV-EU1 in cerebrospinal fluid, confirmed by RT-PCR. Biopsies from central nervous system showed high viral loads. Investigations revealed SHAV-EU1 in serum, respiratory and stool samples at least for 2 months before encephalitis onset.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.42.2600883

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#France, #Shamonda virus: first detection in #humans (Min. of Health, Oct. 22 '26)

 

Health authorities have reported that a patient with severe immunosuppression, treated at the Hospices Civils de Lyon for a serious illness, was infected with the Shamonda virus. The patient died in early October. Clinical, biological, and epidemiological investigations are still underway, following a "One Health" approach that combines expertise in human, animal, and environmental health. Based on current knowledge about this virus, no health risk to the general population has been identified to date.

    Shamonda virus is an orthobunyavirus transmitted to animals by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. 

    It was first detected in Nigeria in the mid-1960s and has been reported sporadically in cattle in West, East, and Southern Africa, as well as in Japan. 

    In the summer of 2026, it was identified for the first time in Europe, including France, on cattle farms. 

    Cattle are considered the primary host among the animal species that can be infected. 

    Sporadic cases of infection in small ruminants and equines were also identified this summer in France.

    Until now, the Shamonda virus was considered non-transmissible to humans. 

    This patient's infection with the Shamonda virus thus constitutes the first documented and reported detection of the virus in humans.

    At this stage of the investigations, the hypothesis is that of vector contamination of the case, by the bite of a Culicoides type midge in the East of France, territory reporting circulation of the virus in animals in spring / summer 2026.

    Furthermore, according to investigations already carried out, the cerebral complications observed in the immunocompromised patient before his death were very likely linked to infection with the Shamonda virus.

    Despite decades of circulation of the Shamonda virus in Africa and Asia, no human cases had been documented until now. 

    This is therefore an exceptional case occurring in a severely immunocompromised patient. 

    As a reminder, and based on current knowledge about this virus, no health risk to the general population has been identified to date.

    The French health authorities have also notified international health bodies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

    Clinical, biological and epidemiological investigations are continuing in conjunction with expertise in human, animal and environmental health.

Source: 

Link: https://sante.gouv.fr/actualites-presse/presse/communiques-de-presse/article/virus-shamonda-une-premiere-detection-chez-l-etre-humain

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#Latvia - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

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    ° Birds tested in frame of EFSA call project for Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe.

        ° Northern Shoveler (WILD)

        ° Common Teal (WILD)

        ° Eurasian Wigeon (WILD)

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7929

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#Italy, #Human #Infection with #WNV & #Usutu Virus #Surveillance, Weekly Report (ISS, Oct. 22 '26): 777 cases and 61 deaths so far

{Summary}

(...)

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 arboviral season and as of Oct. 21 '26,  777 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection have been reported (they were 770 in last week report); 

    ° Of these: 

        § 414 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) (including five imported cases: 1 from Maldives, 1 France, 1 Belgium, 1 Greece and 1 the Netherlands), 

        § 95 asymptomatic cases among blood donors, 

        § 262 cases of West Nile Fever, 

        § 5 unspecified cases, 

        § 1 asymptomatic case.

    ° 88 Provinces in 20 Regions had confirmed WNV circulation,

    ° 61 deaths have been recorded in WNND cases. The Case-Fatality Rate is thus far at 14.7% (it was 19.2% in 2025).

    ° This season so far 19 cases of human infection with Usutu virus were confirmed (8 in Lombardy, 1 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 1 Emilia-Romagna, 2 Marche, 4 Latium, 1 Piedmont, 2 Veneto).

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Source: 

Link: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2026_13.pdf

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. of Agriculture, Oct. 22 '26)

 

{Extract}

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Event data

    ° 716 Positive events

    ° 66,829 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 21 October 2026, Australia has 716 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 332 in South Australia (SA)

        § 73 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 245 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 53 in Tasmania (TAS)^

        § 1 in Other Territories#

    {^} Includes events on Macquarie Island

    {#} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government since 20 June 2026. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the jurisdiction. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

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Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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#Genetic modification of primary #airway epithelial cell cultures defines MX1 as a #barrier for zoonotic #influenza A viruses in the #human respiratory epithelium

 

Abstract

The antiviral innate immune response is a major species barrier that emerging viruses must overcome to infect and transmit efficiently in new hosts. In humans, the interferon-stimulated MX1 gene encodes the antiviral MX1 protein, which restricts zoonotic influenza A viruses (IAVs). Resistance to MX1 is considered a key feature of human-adapted IAVs and a potential determinant of zoonotic and pandemic risk. However, MX1-mediated restriction and viral escape have mostly been investigated in cell lines and animal models, which incompletely recapitulate virus-host interactions in the human airway epithelium, representing the primary site of IAV replication. Although primary human airway epithelial cell (hAEC) cultures, such as airway organoids and air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures, provide a physiologically relevant model, their use in studying MX1 restriction has been limited by challenges in achieving efficient and reliable genetic modification. Here, we used engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs) to deliver Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes into primary hAECs and disrupt MX1 expression. This approach generated MX1-knockout airway organoids and organoid-derived hAEC ALI cultures with >90% genomic-level editing efficiency and near-complete loss of MX1 protein, while preserving epithelial differentiation at the air-liquid interface. MX1 knockout in hAEC ALI cultures had only a minor effect on the replication kinetics of the human-adapted H1N1pdm09 strain. By contrast, MX1 knockout markedly impaired interferon lambda-mediated restriction of the zoonotic bovine H5N1/Texas and avian H7N9/Anhui strains, resulting in viral titers up to 3-4 logs TCID50 higher than in MX1-competent cultures. These findings provide direct evidence that MX1 restricts zoonotic IAVs in primary human airway epithelium. Our study establishes a biologically relevant platform for assessing the sensitivity of emerging IAVs to a key antiviral host factor and thereby informs evaluations into their zoonotic and pandemic risk.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Swiss National Science Foundation, https://ror.org/00yjd3n13, 310030_207675

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.19.759965

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak in #DRC, #Kenya, #Nigeria - Weekly #Report No. 23, Data as of 19 Oct. '26 (WHO, summary)

 

{Summary}

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Event description

    The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak is becoming increasingly  challenging, marked by an expanding cluster of cases linked  to the imported index case in Kenya, further geographic expansion into a new  province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the confirmation of a case  in Nigeria. 

    These developments highlight the widening international dimension  and the growing complexity of the outbreak, particularly in the  Democratic Republic of the Congo, where escalating insecurity, population  displacement and restricted humanitarian access threaten to further undermine  surveillance and response operations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As of 19 October 2026, the BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of  the Congo has affected 66 health zones across eight provinces, following  the recent expansion into Wapinda Health Zone in Nord-Ubangi Province. 

    Since External Situation Report #22, an additional 572 confirmed cases and 265 confirmed deaths have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to  9637 confirmed cases, including 4646 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality ratio (CFR) 48.2%].

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across affected areas. Ituri  continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed  cases (72.7%), although its relative contribution is declining, while substantial  transmission persists in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé.

    National daily incidence increased steadily from May, reaching its highest  levels in late July and mid-August, before fluctuating at persistently high  levels through September. Following a decline in late September,  incidence rebounded in early October. 

    The most recent seven-day moving average indicates a modest upward trend, suggesting renewed intensification of transmission. Provincial trends  remain heterogeneous. Ituri shows a slight recent rebound despite an overall  decline from its August peak, while Nord-Kivu continues to experience elevated  but fluctuating transmission. 

    Haut-Uélé remains relatively stable with a slight increase, and Tshopo  shows renewed upward activity. Transmission remains sporadic in Bas-Uélé, with  newly reported cases in Nord-Ubangi, while Sud-Kivu and Sud-Ubangi report no recent transmission in the last 21 days (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Daily national trend in confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases, with  seven-day moving average, by date of report, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 19 October 2026

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Trend Analysis (21-day comparison):

    During the most recent 21-day period (29 September – 19 October 2026),  a total of 1466 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared with 1328  cases during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28 September), representing an increase  of 138 cases (+10.4%). 

    Provincial trends remain heterogeneous. Cases increased in Ituri from 757  to 785 (+3.7%), accounting for 53.5% of national cases during the latest  period. In Nord-Kivu, cases increased from 460 to 564 (+22.6%), accounting for  38.5% of national cases while in Haut-Uélé cases decreased slightly from 82 to 81  (−1.2%), accounting for 5.5% of national cases.

    During the same period, a total of 692 confirmed deaths were reported  nationally, compared with 644 deaths during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28  September), representing an increase of 48 deaths (+7.5%). Deaths increased  from 302 to 374 (+23.8%) in Ituri, from 213 to 269 (+26.3%) in Nord-Kivu, from  35 to 38 (+8.6%) in Haut-Uélé, and from seven to ten (+42.9%) in Tshopo.  The increase in confirmed deaths, particularly in Ituri and Nord-Kivu,  reflects a worsening mortality burden alongside rising national case incidence.

(...)

    Transmission remained active in more than three-quarters of all health  zones affected since the start of the outbreak. 

    Of the 66 health zones affected to date, 50 (75.8%) reported at least one  new confirmed case during the most recent 21 days (29 September – 19 October  2026). Case incidence increased in 31 health zones while 21 health zones reported a decreased in cases comparing the two periods. The largest absolute  increase occurred in Mandima, Ituri (87 to 216 cases; +148.3%), while  substantial increases were also observed in Mambasa (12 to 45; +275.0%) and  several health zones in Nord-Kivu, particularly Mabalako (22 to 47; +113.6%),  Oicha (17 to 28; +64.7%) and Beni (158 to 194; +22.8%) (Figure 4).

    There were also 16 health zones without a new case in the last 21 days.  These include Adja, Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Drodro, Kambala and Mahagi in Ituri;  Goma in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé; Lubunga and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; Buta and Viadana in Bas-Uélé; and Bulu in Sud-Ubangi.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths (Figure 6) declined by 5.2%, from 233 during  5–11 October to 221 during 12–18 October 2026, reversing the upward trend  observed over the preceding two weeks. Community deaths decreased from 157  to 135 (−14.0%), while deaths in treatment facilities increased from 76 to 86  (+13.2%). Consequently, the proportion of deaths occurring in the community  declined from 67.4% to 61.1%. Despite the overall reduction, more than six in ten  confirmed deaths continued to occur in the community, highlighting persistent  challenges in early case detection, timely referral and access to treatment.

(...)

Kenya

    Since the previous report, Kenya has confirmed eight additional cases of BVD, bringing the cumulative total to nine cases, including one death (CFR: 11.1%). 

    

    All eight new cases were epidemiologically linked to the imported index  case and were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    The secondary cases included four family members and four hospital  staff.

    Of the nine confirmed cases, seven were male and two were female,  with ages ranging from 24 to 65 years. 

    Eight patients are currently in isolation and receiving treatment at two  designated facilities. All are reportedly in stable condition.

    A total of 135 contacts have been listed, comprising 46 airport staff, 45  hospital staff, 26 passengers, 14 relatives and four flight crew members. 

    Of these, eight have tested positive for BVD (four relatives and four  hospital staff). 

    Eight passengers travelled outside Kenya, and the authorities in their  destination countries were notified. Among the 119 contacts remaining under  follow-up in Kenya, 118 (99.2%) are in quarantine, while one passenger remains  outside quarantine.

(...)

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Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria announced a confirmed case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The case involved a woman who reportedly travel from Uganda to  Nigeria on 3 October 2026. She developed symptoms on 7 October 2026 and  sought care at a private health facility on 11 October 2026. 

    Following clinical deterioration, laboratory testing confirmed BVD on 20  October 2026. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment. 

    A total of 44 close contacts have so far been identified, including  healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Additional  investigation is underway to establish her travel itinerary, including all those who may have been potentially exposed while the case was symptomatic. 

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The BVD outbreak remains at a critical juncture, with sustained  transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international  spread highlighting persistent gaps in outbreak containment. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, escalating insecurity,  displacement and restricted humanitarian access are further challenging response  operations and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. 

    In Kenya, the identification of all secondary cases among known, quarantined contacts is encouraging, suggesting that transmission  chains remain traceable, although continued surveillance is essential to detect any  unrecognized spread. 

    In Nigeria, the prolonged period between symptom onset and confirmation  raises concern about potentially undetected exposures and secondary  transmission, requiring urgent retrospective investigation and intensified  surveillance. 

    Priorities should focus on targeted interventions in transmission hotspots, restoring operational access in insecure areas,  strengthening early detection and rapid containment, and intensifying coordinated  cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent further  international spread.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/publication/ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-uganda-weekly-external-situation

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#Epidemiology of #MERS-CoV in #Saudi Arabia, 2012–2025: a nationwide surveillance analysis

 

Abstract

Background

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a severe zoonotic respiratory illness first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Dromedary camels are the recognised reservoir, with human transmission occurring through animal exposure and, less commonly, person-to-person spread, particularly in healthcare settings.

Objective

To characterise all laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia from September 2012 to August 2025, examine trends across four periods defined by suspected-case definitions, and identify factors independently associated with mortality.

Methods

We analysed laboratory-confirmed cases in the national surveillance database by period and probable infection source. Case-fatality ratios (CFRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and unadjusted odds ratios were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression assessed independent mortality associations using a prespecified model including period, age, sex, and infection source, and a fuller model additionally considering nationality, comorbidities, and pregnancy. Seasonality of primary cases was assessed using an annual harmonic term.

Results

Among 2,219 cases, 1,545 (70%) were male, 1,566 (71%) Saudi nationals, and 608 (27%) aged ≥65 years. Overall, 1,211 (55%) were primary cases, including 172 (14%) reporting camel contact; 737 (33%) were healthcare-associated and 271 (12%) household- or community-associated. There were 867 deaths (CFR, 39%; 95% CI, 37%–41%). CFR declined from 65% in the earliest period to 32% in the most recent, although changing testing eligibility and ascertainment limit temporal comparisons. Older adults had the highest crude CFR. In the prespecified model, healthcare-associated infection among patients was associated with higher odds of death (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.15–2.65), while odds were lower among healthcare workers (aOR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05–0.17) and household contacts (aOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18–0.48). No consistent seasonality was observed.

Conclusions

MERS-CoV epidemiology in Saudi Arabia reflects persistent zoonotic spillover, episodic healthcare-associated transmission, and substantial mortality, particularly among older adults. Sustained One Health surveillance, rapid detection, and rigorous infection prevention and control remain essential.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taag094

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