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H5N1 infections remain rare among workers exposed to infected birds

A two-year cohort study of 428 people exposed to H5N1-infected birds in England found fewer than 1% met criteria for infection, with no severe disease or secondary human transmission. The findings support continued PPE use, biosecurity, and targeted surveillance while highlighting challenges around occupational exposure, mucosal contamination, and pandemic preparedness.

10 Aug 2026

Andes virus cases on MV Hondius highlight hidden risks of confined travel

A Eurosurveillance report describes a multi-country response to an Andes virus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, with 13 cases and three deaths reported as of June 18, 2026. Investigators found evidence consistent with an initial zoonotic infection before embarkation, followed by likely person-to-person transmission among passengers and crew in a confined ship setting.

23 Jun 2026

UK manufacturer supplying Ebola response warns infection-control readiness cannot wait for crisis

As health agencies respond to the current Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, a UK manufacturer supplying water purification products for direct distribution in affected communities is warning that infection-control readiness must be planned long before an emergency takes hold.

5 Jun 2026

Bundibugyo virus outbreak triggers international public health emergency declaration

Pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 12 - Determination of a public health emergency of international concern, including a pandemic emergency of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), after having consulted the States Parties where the event is known to be currently occurring, is hereby determining that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency, as defined in the IHR.

18 May 2026

Infectious H5N1 virus detected in dairy farm air

Findings from California dairy farms show H5N1 in air and wastewater, indicating overlooked transmission routes and implications for outbreak management.

8 May 2026

Firefighter protective gear restricts movement and may increase injury risk

When firefighters respond to an emergency, the gear they wear to protect themselves can also create challenges that could jeopardize their performance and safety.

24 Jan 2026

Aston University and PFE Medical partner to create biodegradable gloves from food waste

Aston University and Midlands-based company PFE Medical are teaming up to create biodegradable gloves made from food waste for use in the NHS.

7 Jan 2026

Why female athletes need injury prevention rules built for women, not men

This International Olympic Committee consensus synthesised evidence from over 600 studies to develop 56 injury prevention recommendations tailored to female, woman and girl athletes. It concludes that reducing injury risk requires a whole sports system approach that integrates training, policy, environment and culture, not exercise alone.

8 Dec 2025

New infection prevention guidance for nursing homes released

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), in collaboration with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Society (PALTmed), and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), today released Multisociety Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing Homes.

29 Oct 2025

Senegal initiates comprehensive response to Rift Valley fever outbreak

Senegal has launched a nationwide, multisectoral response to tackle a growing outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF), warning affected communities against risky self-medication.

27 Oct 2025

Baby's birthweight increases risk of cardiovascular disease in preeclamptic and hypertensive women

A new study shows that preeclamptic and hypertensive pregnant women's risk of getting cardiovascular disease is linked to their baby's birthweight.

21 Oct 2025

Living in deprived neighborhoods linked to higher risk of gestational diabetes

New research from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health showed that living in resource-poor neighborhoods may raise the risk of women developing diabetes during pregnancy, a condition with potential long-term effects on the health of both mother and child.

4 Aug 2025

Lasting COVID-19 vulnerability in childhood cancer survivors

The study finds childhood cancer survivors at higher risk for severe COVID-19, stressing the importance of tailored interventions for vulnerable populations.

8 Jul 2025

Global Virus Network urges action to prevent H5N1 pandemic

Today, the Global Virus Network (GVN), representing eminent human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 40+ countries, published a comprehensive analysis and call-to-action in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas on the North American avian influenza virus, or H5N1, outbreak. The GVN calls on world governments to address the threat of H5N1 avian influenza by enhancing surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission.

29 Apr 2025

Study reveals cloth masks rival some medical masks, but only N95s deliver near-total protection

A PLOS ONE study tested the real-world filtration efficiency of cloth masks, medical masks, and respirators, revealing large differences in performance based on fit and mask type. Only N95s and CaN99s approached occupational safety standards without formal fit-testing.

23 Apr 2025

Cambridge launches program to tackle engineered pandemic risks

Covid-19 showed us how vulnerable the world is to pandemics – but what if the next pandemic were somehow engineered? How would the world respond – and could we stop it happening in the first place?

27 Feb 2025

WHO Director-General issues revised recommendations on mpox emergency

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), following the third meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024, held on 25 February 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CET, concurs with its advice that the event continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern and, considering the advice of the Committee, he is hereby issuing a revised set of temporary recommendations.

27 Feb 2025