Infection

Vaccine-derived polio: Burundi and DRC start investigations

Vaccine-derived polio: Burundi and DRC start investigations

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and WHO Africa confirmed in March 2023 that cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) had been detected in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These cases have been linked to the...

Uganda’s plan to vaccinate children against yellow fever

Uganda’s plan to vaccinate children against yellow fever

In March 2023 WHO Africa reported that the Ugandan Ministry of Health is planning to vaccinate over 1.9 million children against yellow fever in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi. Uganda was one of 14 African countries that reported confirmed cases of yellow...

Researchers in Israel develop mRNA vaccine against bacteria

Researchers in Israel develop mRNA vaccine against bacteria

In March 2023 researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Israel Institute for Biological Research announced that they have developed an mRNA-based vaccine that is “100% effective against a type of bacteria that is lethal to humans”. With results published in Science...

WHO issues update on avian flu in Cambodia

WHO issues update on avian flu in Cambodia

After the news of the death of a child from avian influenza A (H5N1) in Cambodia in February 2023, the WHO has published an update on the situation with recommendations and risk assessments. This statement also confirmed that a second case, a family contact of the...

Ghana confirms two cases of Lassa fever in Accra

Ghana confirms two cases of Lassa fever in Accra

Just months after the conclusion of an outbreak of Marburg virus in the Ashanti region of Ghana, the Ghana Health Service has issued a statement to confirm two cases of Lassa fever in the capital, Accra. The first confirmed case has sadly died, but the second, a...

WHO issues update on Marburg in Equatorial Guinea

WHO issues update on Marburg in Equatorial Guinea

Following the announcement of an outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea in February 2023, WHO has issued a situation update from the limited information available. This includes advice to the country itself and other countries about the risk posed by travel to...

Concern after avian influenza kills child in Cambodia

Concern after avian influenza kills child in Cambodia

With growing concern at the increasing cases of avian influenza in mammals across the world, the spread has taken a tragic turn with the death of an 11-year-old girl in Prey Veng province, Cambodia. After her death, samples were sent to the National Institute of...