News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense
This week’s selections include HHS proposed changes to the Federal Select Agent and Toxins list; fatal Nipah virus cases in Bangladesh; finding treatments for radiation-induced lung injury; and the impact of misinformation and disinformation on pandemic treaty negotiations.
POLICY + GOVERNMENT
HHS Proposed Changes to Select Agent Regulations
Last week we reported on the USDA’s proposed changes to the Select Agents and Toxins list. Proposed changes from HHS/CDC include removing three biological agents (Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis), raising one toxin’s exclusion amounts (short, paralytic alpha conotoxins), renaming a virus (Ebola Virus to the Genus Ebolavirus), designating a current agent as a Tier 1 agent (Nipah virus), and removing the designation of Tier 1 status from one agent (Botulinum Neurotoxin Producing Species of Clostridium). Hantaviruses were under review for possible inclusion given the fatality rate and low infectious/lethal doses of these viruses, but ultimately the review did not support adding them to the list at this time. Federal Register
Study: ‘Appalling’ U.S. Failure to Protect Frontline Workers During Pandemic
From the outset of the pandemic, workers quickly separated into three categories: those who lost their jobs entirely, particularly in the hospitality and leisure industries; those who could work from home, concentrated in the information, financial, and professional service sectors; and those who had to show up to work outside their homes. The U.S. regulatory, political, and legal systems failed to prevent thousands of deaths among these frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a scathing analysis. A lack of worker protections “created a perfect storm for vulnerable workers”. Furthermore, some employers put profit ahead of workers’ health and safety, and were encouraged to do so by elected officials (the meatpacking industry is a prime example). MedPage Today, The BMJ
WHO Benchmarks for Strengthening Health Emergency Capacities Expanded to Include Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM)
PHSM are interventions implemented by individuals, communities and governments to reduce the risk and scale of epidemic- and pandemic-prone infectious diseases transmission. Examples of PHSM include hand washing, mask-wearing, physical distancing, school and business measures, modifications of mass gatherings and international travel and trade measures. They are often the first and the only intervention available at the onset of an outbreak when effective vaccines and therapeutics are not (yet) available or equitably distributed. This is why the benchmark on PHSM is critical in ensuring that PHSM are systematically integrated into health emergency management plans, policies, financing governance and leadership in all relevant sectors and levels across the health emergency actions. World Health Organization
First Ever National Workshop on the Biological Weapons Convention Held in Hanoi, Viet Nam
The purpose of the workshop was to deepen understanding of the BWC, to share effective practices relating to the preparation of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), and to inform participants about capacity-building opportunities available to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity. UNODA
Biden’s Got Pharma’s Back in Global Pandemic Treaty Negotiations
The Biden administration and the pharmaceutical industry are battling over drug prices in Washington and courthouses around the country. But in the international arena, they’re united in an effort to block developing countries from access to U.S. firms’ patented information on vaccines and drugs when the next pandemic hits. Politico
WTO Close to Rejecting Proposed Waiver on Patents for COVID Diagnostics and Therapies
After more than a year of deliberation, the World Trade Organization appears close to rejecting a waiver on intellectual property protection for Covid-19 diagnostics and treatments, a divisive issue that has pitted low-income nations and civil society groups against medical products companies. Some WTO countries had hoped to conclude an agreement before the next WTO Ministerial Conference takes place at the end of February. An agreement appears unlikely. STAT+
WHO Pandemic Treaty: “Torrent Of Fake News” Has Put Negotiations at Risk, Says WHO Chief
Negotiations of an international treaty intended to prepare for and prevent future pandemics are in danger of falling apart as misinformation fuels opposition to the initiative, senior World Health Organization. Among the false claims are that the pandemic treaty plans to snatch sovereignty from countries by imposing lockdowns or vaccine mandates. “This is fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories. Negotiating members know that the agreement will give WHO no such powers, because you are writing it.” Global health experts are concerned that stipulations deemed key to preventing future pandemic disasters, such as the obligation to share information in order to detect novel pathogens early on, could be watered down or stripped entirely. The BMJ
MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES
Live Attenuated Smallpox Vaccine Candidate (KVAC103) Efficiently Induces Protective Immune Responses in Mice
This study evaluated the immunogenicity and protective ability of a third-generation smallpox vaccine candidate KVAC103 according to the concentration and route of administration and compared the results with those of the second-generation smallpox vaccine (CJ-50300, HK inno.N, South Korea) licensed in Korea. Vaccine
Residual Immunity from Smallpox Vaccination and Possible Protection from Mpox, China
Vaccinia virus Tiantan strain (VTT) was historically used for vaccines in the smallpox virus eradication campaign in China. Given the high level of sequence homology among their surface proteins, smallpox vaccination provided ≈85% protection against mpox. Study found that >65% of 35 tested persons born before 1980 showed memory B- and T-cell responses. However, the prevalence and NAb titers against VTT were low in this population. To protect the population from infection by MPXV and any other related pathogenic orthopoxviruses, safe and effective vaccines will be needed for all age groups. Emerging Infectious Diseases
Enhanced Downstream Processing for a Cell-Based Avian Influenza (H5N1) Vaccine
Objective was to improve vaccine safety by minimizing residual DNA and host cell protein (HCP). The results of this study demonstrate that the composite model medium Capto Core 700, coupled with HIC, provides a straightforward and highly effective method for purifying H5N1 HPAIV. Vaccines
Efficacy of Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin for Treatment of Pneumonic Tularemia in Macaques
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority worked together to qualify the cynomolgus macaque model of pneumonic tularemia. Both doxycycline and ciprofloxacin were efficacious in treatment of pneumonic tularemia, although clearance of bacteria may be different between the 2 drugs. Clinical Infectious Diseases
Layering Vaccination with Antibiotic Therapy Results in Protection and Clearance of B. pseudomallei
Melioidosis is a disease that is difficult to treat due to the causative organism, Burkholderia pseudomallei being inherently antibiotic resistant and it having the ability to invade, survive, and replicate in an intracellular environment. Combination therapy approaches are routinely being evaluated in animal models with the aim of improving the level of protection and clearance of colonizing bacteria detected. In this study, layering a subunit vaccine with the antibiotic finafloxacin showed a promising therapeutic alternative for use in the treatment of B. pseudomallei infections. Infection and Immunity
DAMPs and Radiation Injury
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are intrinsic molecules released by cells undergoing injury or in the process of dying, either through passive or active pathways. These molecules then interact with pattern recognition receptors, triggering inflammatory responses. Such a cascade of events ultimately results in further tissue and organ damage, contributing to the elevated mortality rate. Notably, infection and sepsis often develop in ARS cases, further increasing the release of DAMPs. Given that lethal sepsis stands as a major contributor to the mortality in ARS, DAMPs hold the potential to function as mediators, exacerbating radiation-induced organ injury and consequently worsening overall survival. This review describes the intricate mechanisms underlying radiation-induced release of DAMPs. Furthermore, it discusses the detrimental effects of DAMPs on the immune system and explores potential DAMP-targeting therapeutic strategies to alleviate radiation-induced injury. Frontiers in Immunology
Dexamethasone Treatment Regimen to Alleviate Sulfur Mustard–Induced Corneal Injuries
Sulfur mustard is an ominous chemical warfare agent. Eyes are extremely susceptible to sulfur mustard toxicity; injuries include inflammation, fibrosis, neovascularization and vision impairment/blindness, depending on the exposure dosage. Effective countermeasures against ocular sulfur mustard toxicity remain elusive and are warranted during conflicts/terrorist activities and accidental exposures. The study aims to establish a dexamethasone (DEX) treatment. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Emilia Javorsky on Finding Treatments for Radiation-Induced Lung Injury
“I have worked most closely with the project leveraging lung Organ Chips to recapitulate radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), which is the part of acute radiation syndrome that affects the lungs. The work aims to use the Lung Chip platform for the discovery and screening of potential novel medical countermeasures for RILI. I was able to leverage my background leading translational research programs in both academic and industry settings to help advance the team’s research. This project’s focus on enhancing national preparedness also enabled me to leverage my training in medicine, public health, and previous non-governmental organization work on mitigating large-scale risks, such as nuclear and biosecurity threats. This project aims to develop novel, potentially lifesaving medical countermeasures (MCMs) for acute radiation syndrome.” Wyss Institute
BIOSECURITY + BIOPREPAREDNESS
ChatGPT Probably Won’t Help Create Biological Weapons, OpenAI Says
OpenAI thinks there’s only a slight chance that ChatGPT could be used to help create biological threats. The AI startup said in a new report that its GPT-4 model provided “at most a mild uplift” in the ability to create biological weapons, but warned that future models could be more helpful for “malicious actors” looking to use chatbots to help make bioweapons. A major report from the Rand Corporation last year found that large language models (LLMs) could be used to help plan biological attacks, though it said that they could not provide specific instructions for actually creating bioweapons. Business Insider
NTI Begins Scoping New International AI-Bio Forum
There is currently no international body that can coordinate global engagement in these issues as the field rapidly evolves or that comprehensively brings together the various important but fragmented efforts to reduce risks associated with the intersection of AI and biology. NTI | bio will continue to work with experts in the field to scope the new international AI-Bio Forum, define its initial structure, and identify key participants. The rapidly evolving risks in the sector underscore the need to establish the AI-Bio Forum quickly, while balancing the need for coalition building and establishing lasting, sustainable solutions. NTI
Effects of a Mobile-Based Bioterrorism Response Program Among Clinical Nurses
This study developed a mobile-based bioterrorism response program for clinical nurses and examined its effectiveness on their knowledge of bioterrorism, attitude toward bioterrorism response, and bioterrorism response competencies. Nurse Education Today
Pharmacy Point-of-Dispensing Toolkit for Anthrax Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
A Pharmacy Point-of-Dispensing Toolkit and response plan for initial 10-day post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis was developed for use by a local health department in the event of a mass anthrax exposure at a US Post Office sorting facility. The pharmacist’s role in medical countermeasures planning for anthrax exposure is also discussed to illustrate how pharmacists’ medication expertise can be utilized. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
Integrating Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories for Emergency Use Testing During Pandemics
After emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late January 2020, diagnostic testing was fraught with challenges. As cases increased, public health agencies struggled to provide timely support, prompting veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) to assist with processing human SARS-CoV-2 samples. In this study, the duration of human testing across responding VDLs supporting the pandemic response ranged from 5 to 31 months; average testing duration was 20 months. Many of the responding VDLs reported mutually beneficial outcomes from participating in human SARS-CoV-2 testing, particularly in the form of new interagency relationships, shared information, and improved recognition. Europe PMC
Promoting Healthy Populations as a Pandemic Preparedness Strategy
The underlying health status of populations was a major determinant of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly obesity prevalence. Mexico was one of the most severely affected countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and its obesity prevalence is among the highest in the world. It is unknown by how much the COVID-19 burden could have been reduced if systemic actions had been implemented to reduce excess weight in Mexico before the onset of the pandemic. This study estimates that 52.5% of COVID-19 deaths were attributable to obesity for adults aged 20–64 and 23.8% for those aged 65 and over. Had the population BMI distribution remained as it was in 2000, 2006, or 2012, COVID-19 deaths would have been reduced by an expected 20.6%, 9.9%, or 6.9% respectively. The Lancet Regional Health
SELECT AGENTS + PRIORITY PATHOGENS
Bangladesh Reports 2 Fatal Nipah Virus Cases
A media outlet in Bangladesh has reported that two men have died from Nipah virus infections, and local officials said both had consumed raw date juice—a known risk factor for contracting the disease—before they became ill. The cases are the country’s first of the year. Bangladesh reported 14 cases in 2023, 10 of them fatal, putting the country’s deaths from the virus at their highest level in 5 years. CIDRAP
Selective Replication and Vertical Transmission of Ebola Virus in Bats
The natural reservoir of Ebola virus (EBOV), agent of a zoonosis burdening several African countries, remains unidentified, albeit evidence points towards bats. In contrast, the ecology of the related Marburg virus is much better understood; with experimental infections of bats being instrumental for understanding reservoir-pathogen interactions. Findings not only demonstrate plausible routes of horizontal and vertical transmission in bats, which are expectant of reservoir hosts, but may also reveal an ancillary transmission mechanism, potentially required for the maintenance of EBOV in small reservoir populations. Nature Communications
Nipah Virus Strikes Kerala: Recent Cases and Implications
This article delves into the epidemiological details of these cases, shedding light on the two fatalities that occurred in September 2023 and August 2023 as well as the suspected cases that have undergone testing. Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine
Tularemia: A Storied History, An Ongoing Threat
Preparation, communication, and clear guidelines are key to responding effectively to a bioterrorism event or naturally occurring outbreak of tularemia. Currently, the CDC is collecting and summarizing evidence on tularemia manifestations and treatment to develop updated clinical guidelines for antimicrobial treatment and prophylaxis of tularemia. In this supplement, readers will find valuable animal model data and comprehensive in vitro studies of antimicrobial susceptibility for hundreds of F. tularensis strains isolated in the United States. Clinical Infectious Diseases
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Equatorial Guinea: Need for Speed
Over the past decades, several bouts of MVD outbreaks have occurred in Africa with an alarming case fatality rate. Despite this, little has been done to end its recurrence, and affected countries essentially depend on preventative rather than curative measures of management. The recent outbreak of MVD declared by the health officials of Equatorial Guinea, causing several deaths in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, signals the need for speed in the establishment and the implementation of appropriate health policies and health system strategies to contain, destroy, and prevent the spread of this deadly virus to other neighboring countries. Annals of Global Health
Neuroinvasive Francisella Tularensis Infection: Report of 2 Cases
Neuroinvasive infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is rare. Establishing clinical suspicion is challenging if risk factors or clinical features classically associated with tularemia are absent. Tularemia is treatable with antibiotics; however, there are limited data to inform management of potentially fatal neuroinvasive infection. Clinical Infectious Diseases
AVIAN INFLUENZA
First Penguins Die in Antarctic of Deadly H5N1 Bird Flu Strain
Researchers have previously raised alarm about “one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times” if bird flu reached remote Antarctic penguin populations. The birds are currently clustering together for breeding season, meaning the disease could rip through entire colonies if it continues to spread through the region. Previous outbreaks in South Africa, Chile and Argentina show penguins are susceptible to the disease. The Guardian
CHEMICAL + RADIOLOGICAL THREATS
Promoting Use of MRC Volunteer to Support Radiation Incidents
One method of enhancing the limited resources of state and local response agencies is using the Medical Reserve Corps volunteers (MRC). MRC units can develop and train volunteer teams that could help at community reception centers, shelters, emergency operations centers, and hospitals. MRC radiation volunteer teams can include technical, clinical volunteers like health physicists, medical physicists, radiation protection technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and non-technical like public health professionals, and administration personal. In addition, MRC unit leaders can recruit and train volunteers to support mental health and psychological needs during radiation incidents. NACCHO
Tools for Consequence Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies
In scenarios where an event has resulted in the dispersal of radioactive contamination exposing a population, it is imperative to identify and systematically categorize groups of affected individuals that allow appropriate medical care in line with triage assessment protocols. This review assembles the constituent considerations for managing nuclear and radiological incidents, focused on a parallel analysis of the evolution of radiation dose limits – notably in the emergency preparedness and response realm – alongside a discussion of triage systems and in vivo radionuclide detection tools. Radiation Physics and Chemistry
Review of the PPE Recommended and Utilized by Various Classes of Responders to Nuclear Radiological Disasters
In an emergency situation, there is a need to balance the tension between a rapid response, preventing harm, protecting communities, and safeguarding workers and responders. The first line of defense for workers and responders is personal protective equipment (PPE), but the needs vary by situation and location. Better understanding this is vital to inform PPE needs for workers and responders during nuclear and radiological power plant accidents and emergencies. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
OSHA Proposes Consolidated Standard to Better Protect Emergency Responders
Elements of emergency responder (firefighters, EMS, technical search and rescue) health and safety are currently regulated by OSHA primarily under a patchwork of hazard-specific standards, and by state regulations in states with OSHA-approved State plan programs. OSHA is now proposing to issue a new safety and health standard, titled Emergency Response, to replace the existing Fire Brigades standard, in which it addresses a broader scope of emergency responder, and includes programmatic elements to protect emergency responders from a variety of occupational hazards (including chemical release events, radionuclides, infectious diseases, etc). CBRNE Central
Pre-Conference Radiological and Nuclear Preparedness and Response Workshop
NACCHO, in collaboration with the CDC and other state and local partners, is hosting a full day pre-conference radiological/nuclear preparedness and response workshop on 24 March, before the start of the Preparedness Summit (25-28 March) in Cleveland, OH. This interactive workshop will train public health preparedness planners to facilitate a new CDC tool called TEST (Training and Exercise Simulation Tool), developed to bridge the gap between discussion and operational exercises for Community Reception Centers (CRCs) using narrative-based problems to foster teamwork, resource management and understanding of specific roles and responsibilities during a radiation emergency. Space is limited. Sign up before 16 Feb. NACCHO
SURVEILLANCE + DETECTION
Assessment of Multiplex IgG Assay for Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses
This work (pre-print) evaluated a Luminex-based multiplex microsphere immunoassay for five hemorrhagic fever viruses. This 5-plex MagPix immunoassay confirmed the presence of Rift Valley Fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever viruses, but also revealed exposure of human populations to other pathogenic zoonotic viruses in Senegal, underscoring the importance of regular serosurveillance in identifying hemorrhagic fever virus hotspots. SSRN
Molecular Toolbox for Fast Diagnosis of Emerging Bacterial Pathogens
Fever of intermediate duration (FID) is defined as a fever in the community without a specific origin or focus, with a duration between 7 and 28 days. FID is often caused by pathogens associated with animal contact or their arthropods parasites. The purpose of this work is to design a collection of molecular tools to promptly and accurately detect common bacterial pathogens causing FID, including bacteria belonging to genera Rickettsia, Bartonella, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia, as well as Coxiella burnetii. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Detection and Identification of Virulence Factors in Yersinia pestis
A rapid method for the detection, purification, and identification of proteins in bacterial extracts was developed using surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) ProteinChip technology. The effectiveness of this technique for monitoring the expression and identification of temperature- and calcium-regulated virulence factors of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes human plague, is demonstrated. BioTechniques
miRNA Blood Signature for Localized Radiation Injury
For a clinical use in a case of emergency, interesting biomarkers should be stable, collected with a minimally invasive method (a simple blood test for example) and analyzed easily at a reasonable cost. In this regard, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) constitute promising candidates as biomarkers of radiation induced biological effects. MiRNAs are both present in tissues and blood circulation, and changes in circulating miRNAs have already been correlated with specific tissue damage. Scientific Reports
NIH Funds Continued Development of Maxim Bio’s At-Home Test for COVID and Flu
The company was granted a Phase 2 award from the National Institute of Health’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Tech program. $4.4 million will be used to accelerate the development of the FiarFly reader and COVID-19 & Flu A/B multiplex test and quickly prepare for clinical trials targeting this influenza season. Global Biodefense
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Deer are Beta-Testing a Nightmare Disease
In the half century since it was discovered in a captive deer colony in Colorado, CWD has worked its way into more than 30 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, as well as South Korea and several countries in Europe. In some captive herds, the disease has been detected in more than 90 percent of individuals. “We have areas now where more than 50 percent of the bucks are infected. The disease is out of control.” What makes CWD so formidable is its cause: infectious misfolded proteins called prions. Prion diseases, which include mad cow disease, have long been known as terrifying and poorly understood threats. And CWD is, in many ways, “the most difficult” among them to contend with—more transmissible and widespread than any other known. As little as 100 nanograms of saliva can seed an infection. Deer can also likely pass prions in utero. Deer also ingest prions from their environment, where the molecules can linger in soil, on trees, and on hunting bait for years or decades. In laboratory experiments, CWD has proved capable of infecting rodents, sheep, goats, cattle, raccoons, ferrets, and primates. But so far, jumps into non-cervid species don’t seem to be happening in the wild—and although people eat an estimated 10,000 CWD-infected cervids each year, no human cases have been documented. The Atlantic
Controlling the Alarming Rise in Infectious Diseases Among Children Younger Than 5 in Gaza
The ongoing Israel–Hamas war in Gaza has led to a severe health crisis, notably affecting children younger than 5 years with a substantial increase in infectious diseases. The situation is dire, with a UN report indicating around 179 000 acute respiratory infections, 136 400 instances of diarrhoea, 55 400 instances of scabies and lice, and 4600 instances of jaundice in this vulnerable age group. The health-care system is crucially strained, operating with only nine hospitals amid shortages of supplies and electricity. Lancet Infectious Diseases
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE CRISIS
State-of-the-Art Review: Use of Antimicrobials at the End of Life
Navigating the use of antimicrobials at the end of life is a challenge for infectious disease (ID) physicians who remain deeply committed to providing patient-centered care and engaging in shared decision making while also ensuring antimicrobial stewardship. At the end of life, goals of life prolongation and symptom control (comfort) may, at times, be in conflict. Antimicrobials may be aligned with either of these goals. Antimicrobials can temporize refractory infections and potentially prevent sepsis and hospitalization, but at the cost of side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. When patients with terminal illnesses present with incurable infections, ID physicians can play an essential role in engaging patients in goals-of-care discussions. Clinical Infectious Diseases
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
An Intranasal Live-Attenuated SARS-Cov-2 Vaccine Limits Virus Transmission
Findings demonstrate that the live-attenuated vaccine (LAV) sCPD9-ΔFCS significantly outperformed the mRNA vaccine in preventing virus transmission. Results provide evidence for the advantages of locally administered LAVs over intramuscularly administered mRNA vaccines in preventing infection and reducing virus transmission. Nature Communications
Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Elk and Mule Deer
To assess the susceptibility of elk and mule deer to SARS-CoV-2, researchers performed experimental infections in both species. Elk did not shed infectious virus but mounted low-level serologic responses. Mule deer shed and transmitted virus and mounted pronounced serologic responses and thus could play a role in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology. Emerging Infectious Diseases
Oral Simnotrelvir for Adult Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19
Simnotrelvir protease inhibitor phase 2–3 in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 with onset of symptoms within 3 days. Early administration of simnotrelvir plus ritonavir shortened the time to the resolution of symptoms among adult patients with Covid-19 by approximately 1.5 days. NEJM
Targeting the Receptor Binding Domain and Heparan Sulfate Binding for Antiviral Drug Development Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Study provides computational approaches to analyze multiple sequences of coronaviruses and reveal important information about the binding of Heparan sulfate (HS) to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Scientific Reports
BA.2.87.1 Classified as Variant Under Monitoring
Currently, a small number of sequences of this lineage (9) were identified in South Africa, with collection dates ranging from 20 September to 12 December 2023. This lineage has been circulating at low levels since September 2023 without any clear signs of an increase in proportions or an impact on epidemiological indicators. BA.2.87.1 is genetically distinct from currently circulating variants, carrying around 100 mutations compared to the parental lineage BA.2. It also has a distinct N-terminal domain in the spike protein, including several large deletions, and could therefore potentially be associated with a significant shift in antigenic properties. However, so far there are no virus neutralisation data available for BA.2.87.1 and further studies are needed to elucidate the properties of this variant. The variant landscape in the EU/EEA is clearly dominated by BA.2.86, which was classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI) on 24 November 2023. ECDC
SPECIAL INTEREST
An Enemy of the People: A Public Health Project
Actors (David Strathairn, Keith David, Brian F. O’Byrne, Jay O. Sanders) and public health leaders (Francis Collins, Keshia Pollack Porter, Anthony Fauci, Vivian Pinn, Ruth Faden, Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Nancy Kass) will partner to perform dramatic readings of scenes from Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 play An Enemy of the People to help frame powerful, guided audience discussions aimed at generating connection, understanding, and compassion. An Enemy of the People tells the story of a doctor who discovers the water supply in his small, rural town has been poisoned by a tannery. Despite his efforts to convey the truth to the public, the doctor fails to save his community from environmental disaster and is ultimately scapegoated for his whistleblowing. Global Biodefense Calendar
Apply for the PPN Mentored Disaster Research Career Development Award
The PPN Mentored Disaster Research Career Development Award (PDRCD) program gives clinical and health services research-oriented physicians and PhDs the opportunity to develop research skills and gain experience in advanced methods and experimental approaches needed to become independent investigators conducting disaster science research. The overall goal of the PDRCD program is to develop a diverse pool of highly trained scientists who will address the nation’s health services, behavioral and clinical research needs in disaster science research as applied to children. Applications due 29 Feb 2024. Pediatric Pandemic Network
RFA: Data Readiness for Operational Success
Rapid access to actionable data about scarce medical countermeasures (MCMs) or other public health supplies is critical for making decisions that affect the health of the nation during a crisis. With support from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is pleased to offer a funding opportunity for Local Health Departments to strengthen readiness for public health threats through data sharing of assets distributed by ASPR during a public health emergency. Approximately two awards up to $100,000 each are available. Proposals are due 23 Feb 2024. NACCHO
Career Opportunity: Director of Science at ICARS
The International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) Director of Science, based in Copenhagen, will lead a growing Science Department that is overseeing the development and support in implementation of over 40 projects in LMICs focusing on solutions to AMR across the One Health spectrum. Global Biodefense Job Board
ALSO READING
The Third International Conference on Public Health in Africa. The Lancet Microbe
Implementation of an Awareness Level Training to Prepare the Workforce for Future Infectious Disease Outbreaks. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
ASEAN Public Health Emergency Coordination System (APHECS). U.S. Mission to ASEAN
DoD’s Role in Preparing for the Next Pandemic. Real Clear Defense
Bat-Borne Pathogens and Public Health in Rural African Artisanal Gold Mines. AMA Journal of Ethics
COVID-19 infection prevention and control for hospital workers in Indonesia. Frontiers in Public Health
Functional promiscuity of small multidrug resistance transporters from Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Francisella tularensis. Molecular Microbiology
The Prognostic Value of Serology in Persistent Q Fever Infection. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases