Category: Emerging Infectious Diseases
The COVID booster state of play
Axios It’s been six months since many of us got the bivalent COVID booster, which means you may be wondering: Is it time for a new one? Catch up quick: Federal officials are considering a plan to do yearly one-dose boosters, similar to annual flu shots in the fall, with higher-risk groups eligible for at least […]
Mar 14, 2023
SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank
(Nature) There is strong evidence of brain-related abnormalities in COVID-191,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13. However, it remains unknown whether the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be detected in milder cases, and whether this can reveal possible mechanisms contributing to brain pathology. Here we investigated brain changes in 785 participants of UK Biobank (aged 51–81 years) who were imaged twice using […]
Mar 14, 2023
8 dead skunks found in Vancouver and Richmond test positive for avian flu
CBC The skunks may have contracted influenza by scavenging wild birds, B.C. government says. Eight skunks found dead last month in Vancouver and nearby Richmond, B.C., have tested positive for avian flu. The B.C. government says it is the same strain of avian influenza associated with the outbreak that began in April 2022. The skunks were found […]
Mar 14, 2023
Chile: The Ministry of Agriculture confirms the first case of avian influenza in a production plant
Chile Ministry of Agriculture The Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela, specified that it is“a confirmed case in a commercial premises in the western sector ofthe Rancagua commune. The SAG has proceeded to control the area and inaddition, immediately and in compliance with the highest standards,the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) has been informed and,therefore, […]
Mar 14, 2023
Flu Outbreak in China Intensifies as Infection Rises for Sixth Week
Bloomberg An influenza outbreak in China picked up intensity over the past week as a major city prepared to enforce pandemic-style lockdowns to curb the surge in infections. The positivity rate for flu jumped to 41.6% in the week beginning March 5 from 25.1% the previous week, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention […]
Mar 14, 2023
Cameroon Situation Update on Marburg
DOWNLOAD Marburg Virus Disease (MVM) Situation Report No. 3 HIGHLIGHTS Machine Translated AREAS OF INTERVENTION 1. MONITORING 1.1 Alert management Alerts come from health facilities (71.4%), calls from the community (21.4%) and investigation teams (7.2%). 1.2 Surveillance at points of entry In total 285 Disembarked, 285 Screened, 285 Sensitized and no suspected cases 2. CONTACT INVESTIGATION […]
Mar 14, 2023
Marburg virus outbreaks are increasing in frequency and geographic spread – three virologists explain
(The Conversation) The World Health Organization confirmed an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus disease in the central African country of Equatorial Guinea on Feb. 13, 2023. To date, there have been 11 deaths suspected to be caused by the virus, with one case confirmed. Authorities are currently monitoring 48 contacts, four of whom have developed symptoms and […]
Mar 14, 2023
How to Handle the Bird Flu
(Foreign Affairs) In 2005, U.S. President George W. Bush stood at a podium in Bethesda, Maryland, to make an important announcement. He was joined by five members of his cabinet, two senators, three congressmen, and multiple international guests. It was an unusual show of force for a press conference, and with two unpopular wars underway […]
Mar 14, 2023
It’s Time for a Flu Vaccine—for Birds
Wired Avian influenza has killed millions of birds. Shots to prevent it already exist. Why isn’t the entire poultry industry using them? The wave of avian influenza H5N1—which so far has hit 76 countries, triggered national emergencies, and created the worst animal-disease outbreak in US history—keeps roaring through wild birds and commercial poultry. More than 140 […]
Mar 8, 2023
Covid backlash hobbles public health and future pandemic response
Washington Post When the next pandemic sweeps the United States, health officials in Ohio won’t be able to shutter businesses or schools, even if they become epicenters of outbreaks. Nor will they be empowered to force Ohioans who have been exposed to go into quarantine. State officials in North Dakota are barred from directing people […]
Mar 8, 2023
