Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Informational update only.

Situation: Sabin Vaccine Institute announced the delivery of 640 doses of its investigational Marburg virus vaccine to Ethiopia in response to the country's outbreak (see PHC alert on 12/4). The delivery of cAd3-Marburg Vaccine will be rolled out as a two-cohort Phase 2, rapid response, open-label, randomized trial to assess the vaccine safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity. The trial is limited to high-risk healthcare workers, front-line workers, and individuals who had direct contact with cases. There are no licensed vaccines or treatments for Marburg currently, but this investigational vaccine was previously assessed in the 2024 Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, where close to 3,000 vaccine doses were delivered. There were no significant safety concerns identified in that outbreak, or in other Phase 2 clinical trials in the US, Uganda, or Kenya. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the nerves, eyes, and skin. Locally acquired leprosy is very rare in the US, but it can occur in southern and southwestern states with the 9-banded armadillo, which is an animal reservoir of M.leprae. Leprosy has a low impact on organizations as it is not easily transmitted between people and is treatable with antibiotics.

Situation: According to media sources, Florida health officials confirmed a case of leprosy in Leon County in November in an elderly person who reportedly contracted the disease in the state. 36 confirmed cases were reported in Florida so far this year, the highest number of cases in Florida in the past 20 years. Cases have increased over that time period, with a range of 2 to 29 per year and an annual average of 14 cases [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases have been commonly detected in Arabian Peninsula countries since 2012, mostly in Saudi Arabia. Over 2,000 cases have been detected globally since 2012, though case numbers have been reported at very low levels in recent years. Most human cases occur after contact with a camel, but human-to-human transmission can occur. Past outbreaks occurred after importation from the Arabian Peninsula to other areas and in healthcare facilities. Employees traveling to Arabian Peninsula countries should be encouraged to avoid contact with camels, drinking raw camel milk, and eating undercooked camel meat.

Situation: France confirmed 2 new MERS-CoV cases this week. The individuals recently returned from the same trip to an unspecified country on the Arabian Peninsula. No information on the source of exposure was provided. No evidence of further transmission has been identified in France, and contacts are under monitoring. Health officials state the risk of human-to-human transmission for the general public is Low. These are the first MERS-CoV cases identified in France since 2013, when 2 cases were reported. [Confidence: Very High]