Please find the next edition of the Monthly Infectious Diseases Summary, our subjective look at the most important news of the month. Please let us know how you like it and if there is something interesting, we missed by contacting us at nac.contact@lgcgroup.com
WHO Addresses Concerns Over HMPV Outbreak In China, Calls It 'Common Respiratory Virus'
The WHO has reassured the public that human metapneumovirus (HMPV), recently detected in China and India, is a common respiratory virus causing mild cold-like symptoms in most cases. While some infections may lead to severe illness, most people recover within days.
Rising respiratory infections, including HMPV, seasonal flu, and RSV, in northern China align with typical winter trends. The WHO emphasized this increase is expected and highlighted ongoing public health messages to prevent and manage infections. Read more >>
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Mpox Cases in Germany and Belgium
Germany reported its first secondary transmission of mpox clade Ib in the EU, involving a traveler from Africa and three household members, including two children. Precautionary measures, contact tracing, and remote schooling were implemented. Previously, Germany had one travel-associated case in October 2024 with no spread.
Belgium confirmed its first mpox clade Ib case on 18 December 2024 in a traveler from Africa who self-isolated, with no high-risk contacts identified. The ECDC assesses the risk to the EU/EEA population as low due to effective containment and is monitoring the situation closely. Read more >>
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Shocking Spread of a Highly Drug-Resistant Cholera Strain—from Yemen to Mayotte
A study published on December 12, 2024, highlights the alarming spread of a cholera strain resistant to ten antibiotics. First identified in Yemen (2018–2019), the strain has since reached countries like Lebanon, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mayotte, where it caused 221 cases in early 2024.
This strain resists two of the three key antibiotics (azithromycin and ciprofloxacin) used to treat cholera, raising concerns about its potential to undermine oral antibiotic treatments if it gains resistance to tetracycline. The findings stress the urgent need for enhanced global cholera surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic resistance. Read more >>
Frequent Disinfection in Airports Cuts Norovirus by Over 80%, Study Finds
A new PLOS Computational Biology study reveals that regular disinfection, mask-wearing, and antimicrobial coatings can sharply reduce norovirus transmission in airports. Researchers collected data from over 21 hours of video, analyzing nearly 26,000 touches. Airport restaurants posed the highest infection risk, with 4.6 out of 51,494 travelers infected. However, disinfecting surfaces every two hours lowered norovirus cases by more than 83%, while handwashing every two hours cut risk by only 2%. Masks halved infections by reducing face-touching, and antimicrobial copper or copper-nickel coatings reduced transmission by up to 99%. These findings offer clear strategies for curbing norovirus outbreaks in busy travel hubs. Read more >>
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