Infection
WHO requests information: China’s pneumonia in children
WHO shared a statement in November 2023 that reveals an “official request” to China for “detailed information” on a reported increase in respiratory
UK JCVI encourages routine vaccination: gonorrhoea and mpox
In November 2023 the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation issued advice to the government on a routine targeted vaccination
WHO issues update on Nipah virus outbreak in India
In October 2023 the WHO issued a statement with updates about the outbreak of Nipah virus that was reported in India last month. The update confirms
UKHSA and ONS plan new Winter COVID-19 Infection Study
The UKHSA and Office of National Statistics (ONS) announced in October 2023 that they are launching a “vital study” to understand COVID-19 infection data
WHO’s 2022 statistics reveal global cholera surge
Data from the WHO published in September 2023 offer an insight into the extent of cholera surges across the world. The comprehensive statistics for 2022
“Tremendously exciting” results in malaria combination trial
In August 2023 researchers in an international partnership shared the results of a Phase III study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The team comprised the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Institut des Sciences et Techniques and Institut de...
UKHSA meningitis warning: 1 in 8 students unprotected
In August 2023 as the new academic year looms, the UKHSA and leading meningitis charities are “urging” students to check their vaccination status for meningitis and other diseases. A year ago, a similar warning was issued, and now the UKHSA is suggesting that data...
Moderna’s updated COVID-19 jab fit for variants
In a statement released in August 2023 Moderna announced that preliminary clinical trial data “confirm” that the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the autumn 2023 vaccination season “showed a significant boost in neutralising antibodies” against EG.5 and FL 1.5.1 variants....
“Eris” variant more infectious: are there vaccines?
The EG.5 variant of SARS-CoV-2, identified in February 2023, has been classed as a “variant of interest (VOI) by the WHO. A sub-variant of the Omicron variant, it is nicknamed “Eris” after the Greek goddess of “strife”. However, despite its apparently greater ability...
Nationwide survey finds Nipah virus in Indian bats
In July 2023 The Indian Express reported that the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) nationwide survey had found evidence of Nipah virus in circulation in the bat population across nine states and one Union...
World Hepatitis Day 2023: “We’re not waiting”
Under the call to action “We’re not waiting”, World Hepatitis Day takes place on 28th July 2023. This slogan highlights the need for accelerated elimination efforts, celebrating the communities who are making change happen whilst demanding further action. Some types...
“Unusual increase” in GBS cases in Peru causes alert
WHO reported in July 2023 that the National Centre for Epidemiology, Prevention, and Disease Control (CDC) of Peru has issued an epidemiological alert due to an “unusual increase” in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases. Apart from an outbreak in 2019, historica data...
Dengue during pregnancy poses health risks to newborns
Although dengue, a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, threatens the health of “about half of the world’s population”, there has been little investigation into the links between infection in pregnancy and worse birth outcomes. However, researchers...
UKHSA measles modelling shows London is at risk
Data from the UKHSA in July 2023 suggests a “steady rise” in measles cases in the UK throughout the year, with the organisation suggesting that specific groups are at risk. Furthermore, a new risk assessment indicates there is “potential” for a measles resurgence in...
WHO warns of “ongoing risks” to humans from bird flu
In July 2023 the WHO, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) united in a statement urging countries to collaborate across sectors to save animals and protect people from avian influenza. Current global outbreaks...
Long COVID paper recognises several “unknowns”
In a paper in Nature reviews immunology in July 2023 a group of scientists investigate the “immunology” long COVID. The authors describe the condition as the “disease entity whereby persistent symptoms ensue in a significant proportion of those who have had COVID-19"....
Reaching 2030 rabies goals requires vaccination
The World Organisation for Animal Health reminds us that rabies continues to kill around 59,000 people a year, with a case fatality rate of almost 100% in both humans and animals. Dogs are the main reservoir, and the established goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies...
Enterovirus cases in newborns causing concern in Europe
WHO reported in July 2023 that Member States within the European Region had notified the organisation of cases of enterovirus Echovirus 11 (E-11) among newborns. The statement indicated that, on the 26th June 2023 cases had been confirmed in Croatia, Italy, Spain,...
Zoonotic risk: UK bat screening finds coronaviruses
In a Nature Communications article in June 2023 a group of European-based researchers present results of screening for coronaviruses in UK bat species. Collected through a “bat rehabilitation and conservationist network”, 48 faecal samples were screened. Against a...
Africa needs vaccines to prevent “brewing” AMR pandemic
A review in Vaccine X suggests that for Africa, a “high prevalence of infectious diseases" is combining with “weak healthcare systems, poor antimicrobial stewardship, and an unchecked drug supply chain” to encourage antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Describing AMR as a...
