Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication.

Situation: Singapore health officials have confirmed 2 cases of mpox clade Ib, both likely infected through sexual contact. The 1st case had no recent travel history, but reported having sexual contact recently, while the 2nd case had recently traveled and had sexual contact. The 2nd case also had prolonged physical contact with the 1st case. Both cases are in stable condition and under home isolation until mid-April. Contact tracing and investigations are ongoing, with high-risk contacts advised to consider post-exposure vaccination and monitor for symptoms. The public is urged to avoid high-risk sexual activities and practice good hygiene, especially after travel to mpox-affected areas. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: PHC's avian influenza recommendations for organizations have not changed with the detection of novel H7 avian influenza in Taiwan. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected, and the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low. Response to novel H7 avian influenza is the same as H5N1, and organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on H5N1 published on 1/10/25 and 2/13/25.

Situation: Taiwan health officials confirmed a locally acquired human case of novel H7 avian influenza in a poultry worker from central Taiwan. The individual developed respiratory symptoms on 3/20, was hospitalized with pneumonia on 3/22, and is now improving under treatment. Officials found no additional infections so far among close contacts or among birds at the poultry farm; however, poultry movement restrictions were implemented at the farm while the investigation is ongoing. To clarify the source of infection, officials are expanding testing at nearby poultry farms and collecting wild bird droppings. Testing results of the case confirmed the virus as a low-pathogenic H7 avian influenza of Eurasian lineage, without any mutations, similar to strains found in wild birds in Taiwan. The strain is different from the H7N9 virus previously seen in China, and is only closely related to a single prior human H7N4 case reported in Jiangsu in 2018. Since 2014, Taiwan has reported 5 sporadic novel influenza A cases (including this one), plus 4 imported H7N9 cases in 2013-2014, with no onward transmission detected. Officials consider the case isolated and the overall risk controllable while continuing monitoring, investigation, and preventive measures. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Usutu virus is a mosquito-borne virus similar to West Nile virus, which primarily causes disease in birds but can infect people. The emergence of the Usutu virus in Scotland and south-east England does not require new actions. Organizations in the United Kingdom (UK) should reduce mosquito populations and habitats at their facilities. This includes eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing that covers skin, using mosquito repellents, and emptying standing water.

Situation: The UK reported that the Usutu virus was detected in blackbirds in Scotland for the first time. While it can harm bird populations, the risk to humans is very low. The discovery highlights the growing spread of mosquito-borne diseases northward and the need for stronger surveillance. The virus has been circulating in southeast England for 6 years, but there have not been any human cases to date. UK officials urged the public to report dead birds and reduce standing water to limit mosquito breeding. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: This new H5N1 case in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10/25 and 2/13/25, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.

Situation: Cambodia confirmed its 3rd human H5N1 case this year in a child from Oddar Meanchey Province. The child lived in Tumnup Thmey village, where there were reports of sick and dead chickens and ducks, including near the child's home, where he played. The child is currently hospitalized. Health officials are searching for suspected cases and contacts to prevent further transmission, including distributing Tamiflu to close contacts and conducting health campaigns among residents. See PHC alerts on 3/16 and 2/17 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]