All Emerging Threats & Epidemiology articles
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NewsAs school returns, so do infections & asthma emergencies. Where kids live can make it worse
A new study highlights how neighborhood conditions shape the seasonal surge of virus-triggered asthma emergencies. It found that children in under-resourced communities face sharply higher rates of asthma flare-ups tied to viral infections during the first weeks of school.
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NewsNovel immunologic surveillance study provides new insights into post-pandemic return of respiratory viruses
Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as masking and distancing targeted towards SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic also decreased circulation rates of and population immunity to common respiratory pathogens in children, a new study shows.
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NewsStatistical modeling can help tackle neglected tropical diseases among migrant populations
A study of migrants in Italy has shown how statistical modelling can help improve the identification of Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) infections.
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NewsEconomic evaluation of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 testing in long-term care settings
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous pressure on healthcare systems and economies around the world, with particularly severe impacts on vulnerable groups like residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). One key lesson from the pandemic is that early detection and treatment can lower hospitalization and death rates while also cutting ...
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NewsH5N1 found in dairy cattle retains preference for infecting birds, representing low risk to humans
Avian influenza virus from the ongoing outbreak in dairy cattle appears to be keeping its bird-infecting features rather than adapting to better infect other mammals, according to a new study.
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NewsHow AI can enhance early detection of emerging viruses: study
Coupling wastewater surveillance and a newly developed AI algorithm can help public health organizations more quickly predict potential outbreaks, a new study suggests.
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NewsData-driven detection of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants months in advance
The CoVerage web platform for genomic surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus enables a rapid, computational identification and characterization of potential Variants of Interest (pVOIs), with a lead time of almost three months before their WHO designation as a VOC.
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NewsFirst global-to-local study reveals stark health inequalities from COVID-19 in 2020–2021
An international research team has conducted the first comprehensive global-to-local assessment of the direct health burden of COVID-19, spanning 920 locations worldwide and revealing pronounced and widespread disparities in COVID-19 outcomes across and within areas.
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NewsEpidemiology: Key predictors of avian flu outbreaks in Europe identified
Several local factors — including the minimum temperature reached in autumn, the water level in lakes and ponds in winter, and the presence of mute swans — could be key for predicting the potential of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) occurring in Europe.
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NewsVirologists issue warning on rapidly escalating measles crisis in the U.S. and worldwide
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is sounding the alarm over a sharp resurgence of measles cases in the United States and globally. This resurgence, fueled by falling vaccination rates, threatens to erode decades of public health progress.
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NewsReview suggests ending adult boosters for tetanus, diphtheria
The United States could safely drop tetanus and diphtheria booster shots for adults and save an estimated $1 billion a year, according to a new review. The safety and savings depend on maintaining strong childhood vaccination rates, researchers emphasized.
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NewsEmerging viral threats combatted by a potent new dual lipid kinase inhibitor
Lipid kinases play a critical role in cell signalling and membrane trafficking by phosphorylating lipid molecules in the body. The inhibition of two of these lipid kinases, PIKfyve and PIP4K2C, could be beneficial in the treatment of diseases, particularly emerging viruses.
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NewsScientist’s cat on the hunt helps to discover a second new virus
Pepper, the pet cat who made headlines last year for his role in the discovery of the first jeilongvirus found in the U.S., is at it again. This time, his hunting prowess contributed to the identification of a new strain of orthoreovirus.
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NewsGlobal trends and cross-country inequalities of acute hepatitis E in the elderly, 1990–2021
Acute hepatitis E (AHE) in the elderly can lead to severe complications including liver failure and mortality. A new study aimed to assess the trends and health inequalities of AHE among the elderly over the past three decades, and predict its changes by 2030.
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NewsNew study suggests Florida has the potential for local Chagas disease transmission
Researchers in Florida have discovered local kissing bugs are harboring the parasite that can lead to Chagas disease, demonstrating that this rare, chronic disease has a secure foothold in the U.S. and warrants more preventative measures.
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NewsProtecting the most vulnerable: ECDC recommendations to address ongoing local transmission of diphtheria
A new ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment highlights how ongoing circulation of diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae may affect some populations who are more vulnerable to infection and issues recommendations to protect those most at risk.
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NewsTiny antibody has big impact on deadly viruses
Researchers have discovered a strategy to neutralise two lethal viruses for which there is currently no approved vaccine or cure. The team identified the first ever nanobody to work against Nipah and Hendra, henipaviruses which have jumped from animals to people.
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NewsNew ECDC weekly reports and guidance to tackle mosquito-borne diseases across Europe
As Europe enters this year’s mosquito season, ECDC has launched a new series of weekly epidemiological surveillance updates and public health guidance on mosquito-borne diseases.
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NewsNew viruses discovered in bat kidneys in Yunnan province
The viruses, as well as new bacterial species and a new parasite, were discovered in bats inhabiting orchards near villages in southwestern China, raising concerns about transmission to livestock or humans.
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NewsInternational comparison reveals gender differences in antimicrobial resistance
A recent study analysed the DNA map of more than 14,000 gut metagenomes in a global dataset and found differences in antibiotic resistance between genders. In high-income countries, women had more antibiotic resistance genes than men.