News highlights on health security threats and countermeasures curated by Global Biodefense
This week’s selections include enhanced surveillance for clade I mpox cases, water leakage at Fukushima nuclear station, the DoD’s new AI supercomputer to boost biodefense capabilities, and a second survey of U.S. beef samples for H5N1 virus.
FEATURED
More Cases of Clade I Mpox Highly Likely Outside of Africa
In a new risk assessment, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said that it is highly likely more imported cases of mpox caused by the clade I virus currently circulating in Africa will occur. The agency notes that raising awareness among clinicians and establishing effective case management processes once a suspected case is identified will be crucial to detecting any further cases of MPXV clade I and preventing any secondary infections. ECDC
Water Leakage at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
A water leakage at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 2, involving an estimated 25 tons of water from the spent fuel cooling system pump room and the heat exchanger room, was disclosed on 9 August to the IAEA. The leaked water was accumulated in the first basement floor as stagnant water. The level of water was lower than the sub-drain water level around the building, which means the leaked water remained inside the building. IAEA
DOD Introduces New Supercomputer Focused on Biodefense Capabilities
Working with the National Nuclear Security Administration, the DoD this month inaugurated a new supercomputing system dedicated to significantly increasing the computing capability available to national biodefense programs. The system will provide unique capabilities for large-scale simulation and AI-based modeling for a variety of defensive activities, including bio surveillance, threat characterization, advanced materials development, and accelerated medical countermeasures. Department of Defense
US to Survey Dairy Cattle Brought to Slaughter to Study Bird Flu Infections
The new cattle survey, set to begin in mid-September, will be nationally representative to give a clearer picture of how widespread the virus is in meat from dairy cows. Regulators will inspect 800 samples from dairy cows in slaughterhouses. Dairy cows are usually slaughtered when they no longer produce milk or otherwise retire, and they account for about 10% of beef production in the US. An earlier survey in May tested 109 muscle samples from cows that showed signs of illness after slaughter, and they found H5N1 particles in one dairy cow. The animal was kept out of the food supply. Another survey sampled ground beef available in stores; none of the meat tested positive. The Guardian
POLICY + GOVERNMENT
The Military Health System’s Role in Enhancing Public Health Capacity Through Public–Private Partnerships
The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated closer collaboration between the US civilian healthcare sector and the military health system (MHS). While many of these collaborations were in place prior to March 2020, some were developed as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic experience showed that while the MHS is a useful resource for the nation, it also benefits from partnering with organizations and companies in various sectors. Lessons from the MHS response can inform joint responses to future pandemics and disruptions in healthcare delivery. Health Research Policy and Systems
H.R. 6174, DHS Biodetection Improvement Act Cost Estimate
H.R. 6174 would require the Department of Homeland Security, within 180 days of enactment, to report to the Congress on its use of the Department of Energy’s national laboratories and on a strategy to improve biodetection capabilities at DHS. The department’s efforts to prevent the use of biological and chemical weapons include testing and monitoring air quality for potential biological threats, conducting research, and promoting readiness against such attacks by partnering with state, local, and tribal governments. H.R. 6174 also would require DHS to provide an update on the strategy to the Congress within one year of enactment. CBO, GovTrac, Alabama Gazette
H.R. 1425, No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act
H.R. 1425 is a Republican-sponsored bill with 59 Republican co-sponsors and no democrat co-sponsors which would require any international agreement on pandemics negotiated by the World Health Organization to be considered an international treaty, requiring consent by the U.S. Senate before it can be implemented. “The WHO is a corrupt organization that is supposed to support international health, but instead it caves to tyrannical regimes and plays politics,” said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, in praising a Senate version of the same bill. CBO, GovTrack
Biological and Chemical Weapons Legislation in the EU: A Need for Harmonization?
The EU has sought to be active in this field by incorporating EU-wide export controls and having EU sanctions against individuals suspected of proliferation activities. However, in many regards the national measures of the member states of the EU are still quite divergent when it concerns chemical and biological weapons, especially regarding criminalization. This raises the question of whether continued convergence in this field is necessary. New Journal of European Criminal Law
MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES
EMA Updates Guidances on Treatment, Prophylaxis for Chemical and Biological Agents
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued two updated guidances covering medicines used for treatment or prophylaxis in case of patient exposure to biological or chemical agents. The guidance notes that following a known or suspected act of biowarfare, bioterrorism, or biocrime it may take some time to confirm that an attack has occurred, to identify the pathogen, and to determine its susceptibility to available drugs. Decisions regarding the choice of medicinal products need to be tailored to the actual situation. Regulatory Focus
Structure Defining of Ultrapotent Neutralizing Nanobodies Against MERS-CoV
To address the risk of MERS-CoV and its variants re-emergence, researchers here developed four highly effective nanobodies (Nbs) from alpaca and solved two crystal complexes of Nb9 and Nb14 with receptor-binding domain. The neutralizing activity of Nb14 represents the highest of MERS-CoV antibodies reported to date. PLOS Pathogens
Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Influenza Combination Vaccine Demonstrates Mixed Phase 3 Results
The phase 3 combination vaccine study measured 2 primary immunogenicity objectives (immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 as well as immunogenicity against influenza A and B), of which 1 was met (Flu A). After the reporting of the top-line data results the companies are evaluating adjustments to improve immune responses against influenza B. Contagion Live
Lassa Fever Vaccine Study Supports Advancement to Phase I Trial
Researchers have developed a vaccine against Lassa virus (LASV) using an inactivated rabies virus-based vaccine that includes a LASV protein. The LASSARAB vaccine was effective in nonhuman primates given a two-dose regimen, and is a good candidate for clinical trials. The thermostable platform offers advantages for the hotter climates where Lassa fever is endemic. Global Biodefense
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Nucleoprotein and GP38 Subunit Vaccine Combination Prevents Morbidity in Mice
Recombinant CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP) alone is a promising vaccine candidate conferring 100% survival against heterologous challenge. Moreover, incorporation of recombinant NP GP38 should be considered as it further enhances subunit vaccine efficacy by reducing morbidity in surviving animals. NPJ Vaccines
BIOSECURITY + BIOPREPAREDNESS
Transport of Patients with High-Consequence Infectious Diseases
Transport of patients with high consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) is complex due to the risk of disease transmission to ambulance personnel near the patient and the potential cross-contamination of the ambulance or aircraft. The level of concern increases with the duration of transport, the severity of the patient’s illness, and the HCID in question, as biological agents may be transmitted by direct contact, droplets, or aerosols. This case study presents experiences and lessons learned from teams in Norway conducting HCID response operations planning. Health Security
SELECT AGENTS + PRIORITY PATHOGENS
Congo’s Humanitarian Crisis Helped Mpox Spiral Again Into a Global Health Emergency
In the vast central African nation of Congo, which has had more than 96% of the world’s roughly 17,000 recorded cases of mpox this year — and some 500 deaths from the disease — many of the most vulnerable seem unaware of its existence or the threat that it poses. Millions are thought to be out of reach of medical help or advice in the conflict-torn east, where dozens of rebel groups have been fighting Congolese army forces for years over mineral-rich areas, causing a huge displacement crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people like Bagheni and her husband have been forced into overcrowded refugee camps around Goma, while more have taken refuge in the city. Associated Press
Retrospective Seroprevalence of Orthopoxvirus Antibodies among Key Populations, Kenya
Given the risk for further expansion of MPXV in Africa, researchers screened for indications of historic mpox exposures in key populations at increased risk for infection in Kenya, identifying strong seropositivity among sex workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These findings demonstrate the need for increased mpox surveillance among mpox-endemic and mpox-endemic–adjacent regions in Africa. Emerging Infectious Diseases
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Results of Second Retail Sampling Survey
On Tuesday, the FDA released the results of the second retail sampling survey that tested dairy products for the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1). No viable virus was detected in the samples collected from retail locations and analyzed between June 18-July 31, 2024. The samples included pasteurized fluid milk and products made from pasteurized milk, such as pasteurized cheeses, cream cheese, butter, ice cream. These results strengthen previous assessments that commercial pasteurization inactivates the H5N1 virus. FDA
Federal A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update
This latest update (16 Aug) from the CDC shares information about ongoing serology studies in Colorado and Michigan, genetic characterization of viruses from recent human cases in Colorado poultry workers, and how CDC’s National Syndromic Surveillance Program is supporting this response. Since April 2024, 13 human cases of avian influenza A(H5) virus infection have been reported in the U.S. 191 dairy cow herds in 13 U.S. states have confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in dairy cows as the number of infected herds continues to grow. Since April 2024, there have been A(H5) detections in 35 commercial flocks and 21 backyard flocks, for a total of 18.68 million birds affected. CDC
CHEMICAL + RADIOLOGICAL THREATS
Drone Strike Hits Road on Perimeter of Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant
The nuclear safety situation at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is deteriorating following a drone strike that hit the road between two main gates around the plant site perimeter on 17 Aug, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said. “Yet again we see an escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides.” A significant fire at one of the ZNPP cooling towers earlier this week resulted in considerable damage, although there was no immediate threat to nuclear safety. IAEA, BBC
Sabotage Fears Prompt Water Scare Near German Base
Ten thousand people living near a military base in western Germany were told to stop using tap water on Thursday night, as authorities investigated a case of possible sabotage at a water supply site. The warning came after the discovery of a fence cut at the water storage site in Mechernich area near Bonn. The all-clear was eventually given on Friday morning, although residents were urged to boil their water before drinking it. A day earlier, an air force base near Cologne-Bonn airport was sealed off for several hours with “abnormal water values” detected in the supply. BBC
Army Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Syrian Chemical Agent Destruction
August 18, 2024 marks 10 years since an international effort allowed a team of demilitarization experts from the U.S. Army to safely destroy 1,300 tons of Syrian chemical warfare material on a specially outfitted ship while at sea. U.S. Army
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for Syphilis
As syphilis surges throughout the United States (cases jumped 80% between 2018 and 2022), the U.S. FDA on Friday approved the first diagnostic at-home test to spot the bacterial disease. Medical Xpress
Health Advisory: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity and Associated Risk to Travelers
Between January 1 and August 1, 2024, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus disease were reported, including two deaths and five cases of vertical transmission associated with fetal death or congenital abnormalities. Countries reporting cases include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba. In the United States and Europe in 2024, travel-associated cases have been identified in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil. As testing and surveillance for Oropouche virus disease increase in the Americas, reports of cases from additional countries are expected. CDC Health Alert Network
Parvovirus B19: What to Know About the ‘Slapped Cheek’ Virus Uptick in the U.S.
Federal health officials are warning doctors to keep watch for a respiratory virus, known as parvovirus B19, as infection rates tick up. Parvovirus B19 has existed for decades, and its symptoms are typically mild or nonexistent among children and healthy adults. But it can lead to serious complications for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised or who have certain blood disorders. NPR
Immediate Steps Needed to Stop Polio from Paralyzing Children in the Gaza Strip
Doctors in war-torn Gaza have detected a case of polio (in a 10-month-old child) for the first time in 25 years, as international aid bodies call for a pause in the conflict to make way for a vaccination drive. “It’s reemergence, which the humanitarian community has warned about for the last ten months, represents yet another threat to the children in the Gaza Strip and neighboring countries,” UNICEF noted, stressing the importance of a ceasefire. CNN, The Guardian
Latest Cholera Outbreak in Sudan Has Killed at Least 22 People
Sudan has been stricken by a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more in recent weeks, health authorities said Sunday. The African nation has been roiled by a 16-month conflict and devastating floods. Cholera is a fast-developing, highly contagious infection that causes diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration and possible death within hours when not treated. A previous major outbreak left at least 700 dead and sickened about 22,000 in Sudan in less than two months in 2017. Associated Press
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE CRISIS
Preventing and Controlling Global Antimicrobial Resistance — Implementing a Whole-System Approach
National action plans generally haven’t been implemented at scale, nor have they stemmed the emergence and spread of increasingly resistant microorganisms. With few exceptions, stewardship guidelines have had limited impact. Basic infection prevention and control are still inadequate in many facilities, and promising diagnostic technologies remain too costly or impractical to use in much of the world. Evolution of AMR continues to outpace the introduction of new antimicrobials. Surveillance is improving but lags behind global dissemination of resistant pathogens. Insufficient microbiology-laboratory capacity limits timely surveillance, especially in LMICs. NEJM
Discontinue Use of Ciprofloxacin to Prevent Meningococcal Disease Due to Increasing Resistance
The New York State Department of Health issued an advisory to health care providers this week directing them to discontinue the use of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to prevent disease in individuals who have had contact with patients diagnosed with or suspected to have invasive meningococcal disease in New York, due to an increase of antimicrobial resistance. NY routinely performs antimicrobial resistance lab testing on samples collected from patients recently diagnosed with invasive meningococcal disease. Over the past 18 months, this testing has showed an increase in ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of Neisseria meningitidis. New York State Department of Health
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
FDA May Greenlight Updated Covid-19 Vaccines as Soon as Next Week
The FDA is reportedly poised to sign off as soon as next week on updated Covid-19 vaccines targeting more recently circulating strains of the virus, as the country experiences its largest summer wave in two years. The agency is expected to greenlight updated mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech that target a strain of the virus called KP.2. It was unclear whether the agency simultaneously would authorize Novavax’s updated shot, which targets the JN.1 strain. CNN
Doctors Accused of Spreading Misinformation Lose Certifications
The American Board of Internal Medicine revoked the certifications of Pierre Kory and Paul Marik, two physicians known for continuing to promote ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication, as a treatment for Covid-19 long after the medical community found it to be ineffective. The two men co-founded the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance, which experts say spread misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic. Washington Post
SPECIAL INTEREST
DARPA Events Highlight Opportunities at the Intersection of Bio and AI/ML
DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is hosting two AI BTO events to provide insights on DARPA’s approach – and seek new ideas – at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Participation is available in-person/hybrid in both East Coast and West Coast venues in September 2024. DARPA, SynBioBeta
Listen: Why the Mpox Crisis Spreading Across Africa is a Global Concern
Dr. Chris Beyrer, director of the Duke Global Health Institute, discusses the history of mpox, clade differentiation, and why this particular epidemic is so concerning—not just for the regions impacted but for the rest of the world. Public Health on Call
The Veterinarians Preventing the Next Pandemic
That animal health and human health and environmental health are continuous—that the damage we cause comes back for us—is a commonplace, but it doesn’t commonly structure our policies.“Herd health, flock health—that is something we think about all the time, that is part of our training,” noted Sally Slavinski, a veterinarian at New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The New Yorker
ALSO READING
Optimizing disease outbreak forecast ensembles. Emerging Infectious Diseases
Computational investigation of remdesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and their phosphate derivatives against Nipah virus. Molecular Simulation
IL-6 trans-signaling mediates cytokine secretion and barrier dysfunction in hantavirus infected cells and correlate to severity in HFRS. MedRxiv
Strain variation and anomalous climate synergistically influence cholera pandemics. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Molecular mimicry in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Nature
Identifying effective biosecurity measures for preventing the introduction of classical swine fever in pig farms in Japan. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases