Early Release
Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.
Volume 31, Number 4—April 2025
Synopses
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Maternal and Fetal Implications of Oropouche Fever, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, 2024
Reemergence of Oropouche fever in Brazil raises concerns about potential risks for infection in pregnancy. We describe a case series of Oropouche fever in pregnant women and their neonates in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, in 2024. Of 73 pregnancies, 15 pregnancies concluded by the end of the study period; of those, 14 resulted in live births and 1 in spontaneous abortion. Placental reverse transcription PCR tests were positive for Oropouche virus RNA in 5 infections in the third trimester. Two infections occurred in the first trimester, resulting in 1 spontaneous abortion and 1 live birth with corpus callosum dysgenesis. Of 13 infections that occurred in the third trimester, 1 showed possible intrapartum transmission with clinical manifestations in the neonate, whereas the others were asymptomatic. We found no anomalies in third-trimester infections. These findings suggest possible vertical transmission of Oropouche virus and a potential link with spontaneous abortion or malformation.
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Lower Frequency of Multiple Erythema Migrans Skin Lesions in Lyme Reinfections, Europe
The erythema migrans (EM) skin lesion is the most common clinical manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. Information about EM in Lyme borreliosis reinfection is limited. Of the 12,384 cases with diagnosed EM at an outpatient clinic during 1990–2014 in Slovenia, 1,962 (15.8%) cases occurred in patients who were treated previously for Lyme borreliosis, including 1,849 (94.2%) who had previously had EM. The percentage of reinfected patients who sought care with disseminated Lyme borreliosis at the time of reinfection, as manifested by multiple EM skin lesions, was significantly lower than for EM patients with no history of Lyme borreliosis (5.5% [108/1,962] vs. 7.4% [769/10,427]; p = 0.002). None of the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis in Europe will completely protect against EM developing in patients in the future. The reoccurrence of Lyme borreliosis manifested by multiple EM lesions is significantly less likely than for patients with no history of Lyme borreliosis.
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Alistipes Bacteremia in Older Patients with Digestive and Cancer Comorbidities, Japan, 2016–2023
The clinical characteristics of Alistipes bacteremia remain insufficiently understood. We retrospectively analyzed 13 cases of Alistipes bacteremia at a tertiary care center in Japan. Ten patients were >65 years of age; 7 were female and 3 male. Of 9 patients with comorbidities, 7 had solid tumors or hematological malignancies and 11 had gastrointestinal symptoms. Isolates identified were Alistipes finegoldii in 4 cases, A. onderdonkii in 4, A. putredinis in 3, A. indistinctus in 2, and A. ihumii in 1. Ten strains exhibited low MICs against β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors and metronidazole. We observed high MICs against penicillin, ceftriaxone, and minocycline. Several strains harbored antimicrobial resistance genes, including adeF, tet(Q), cfxA3, cfxA4, and ermG. Twelve patients received β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors; 2 patients with solid tumors experienced septic shock and died. Alistipes bacteria can translocate from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, particularly in cases of inflammation, obstruction, or perforation, leading to severe infections.
Research
- Foodborne Illness Acquired in the United States—Major Pathogens, 2019
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Population-Based Matched Cohort Study of COVID-19 Healthcare Costs, Ontario, Canada
Estimates of COVID-19–related healthcare costs are key to health system planning, but attributable cost data remain limited. We characterized healthcare costs attributable to COVID-19 through a population-based matched cohort study in Ontario, Canada, by using health administrative data. We matched SARS-CoV-2–positive persons from 2020 to unexposed historical control persons from 2016–2018. We estimated phase-based and survival-adjusted COVID-19–attributable healthcare costs from the health system perspective. We matched 159,817 persons. Mean (95% CI) attributable 10-day costs per person were $1 ($–4 to $6) preindex, $240 ($231–$249) during acute care, $18 ($14–$21) in postacute phases, $3,928 ($3,471–$4,384) in the terminal phase for early deaths, and $1,781 ($1,182–$2,380) for late deaths. Mean cumulative survival-adjusted cost at 360 days was $2,553 ($2,348–$2,756) per person. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with substantial long-term healthcare costs, consistent with understanding of post-COVID condition. Determining phase-specific costs can inform budget and pandemic planning.
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Detection and Decontamination of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions during Venison Processing
Prion diseases, including chronic wasting disease (CWD), are caused by prions, which are misfolded aggregates of normal cellular prion protein. Prions possess many characteristics that distinguish them from conventional pathogens, in particular, an extraordinary recalcitrance to inactivation and a propensity to avidly bind to surfaces. In middle to late stages of CWD, prions begin accumulating in cervid muscle tissues. Those features collectively create scenarios in which occupational hazards arise for workers processing venison and pose risks to consumers through direct prion exposure through ingestion and cross-contamination of food products. In this study, we demonstrate that steel and plastic surfaces used in venison processing can be directly contaminated with CWD prions and that cross-contamination of CWD-negative venison can occur from equipment that had previously been used with CWD-positive venison. We also show that several decontaminant solutions (commercial bleach and potassium peroxymonosulfate) are efficacious for prion inactivation on those same surfaces.
- Epidemiology of Tularemia among Humans and Animals, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, 2012–2022
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Neutralizing Antibodies against California Serogroup Orthobunyaviruses in Human Serum Samples, Montana, USA
Viral encephalitis is often underreported and undiagnosed. To understand the potential causes of viral encephalitis in the state of Montana, USA, we examined the relative incidence of human infections for the California serogroup (CSG) of Orthobunyaviruses by screening random convenience serum samples obtained from different hospitals across Montana. We initially screened deidentified samples for neutralizing antibodies against Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), a CSG virus that has caused encephalitis in Montana. We then analyzed JCV-positive samples for neutralization of other CSG viruses, and detected neutralizing antibodies against La Crosse virus, California encephalitis virus, and Trivittatus virus. We also found a high level of cross-reactivity, particularly between JCV and California encephalitis virus. Our findings indicate that the relative CSG virus infection rates in humans are quite high, between 21% and 40%. Clinicians should consider CSG viruses in differential diagnosis for cases of encephalitis of unknown etiology in Montana.
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Prevalence of Herpes B Virus in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques, Thailand, 2018–2024
Herpes B virus (B virus) is an enigmatic zoonotic virus that has caused severe neurologic symptoms in humans exposed to captive macaques used for experimentation. We examined 864 wild long-tailed macaques from 22 locations across Thailand for B virus infection. All 22 macaque populations tested positive for B virus antibodies; seropositivity ranged from 25% to 100%. B virus shedding was detected in 9 (1.04%) oral swab samples by using quantitative PCR of the virus UL29 gene. We phylogenetically analyzed partial genome sequences of B virus (US5-US6 genes) from 6 of the PCR-positive samples. All 6 sequences were clustered in clade II, which includes B virus strains from rhesus, Japanese, and long-tailed macaques, suggesting co-evolution of B virus with macaques. Continued surveillance and sequencing of B virus in macaque populations will be needed to prevent B virus transmission to humans and to develop appropriate vaccines to prevent human B virus infections.
- Predictive Model for Estimating Annual Ebolavirus Spillover Potential
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Oz Virus Infection in 6 Animal Species, Including Macaques, Bears, and Companion Animals, Japan
Oz virus (OZV) was isolated from an Amblyomma tick in Japan and shown to cause lethal viral myocarditis in humans. However, the natural reservoirs and the distribution of OZV remain unknown. We describe epidemiologic studies conducted by using serum samples collected from mammals throughout Japan. The results showed that 27.5% of wild boars, 56.1% of Sika deer, 19.6% of Japanese macaques, and 51.0% of Asian black bears were positive for virus-neutralizing antibodies against OZV. Approximately 2.9% of dogs and 0.9% of cats also were seropositive. OZV RNA was not detected in any of the examined animal serum samples. Most seropositive animals were distributed in central and western Japan. OZV infects a wide range of animal species, including companion animals and nonhuman primates, and is distributed through central and western Japan, suggesting that further countermeasures are required to prevent this tickborne zoonotic infection.
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Carbapenem-Resistant, Virulence Plasmid–Harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae, United States
Carbapenem-resistant and virulence plasmid–harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae (pVir-CRKP) has emerged and spread globally, yet clinical investigations from the United States remain limited. We conducted a genomic analysis of 884 unique carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from a multicenter US cohort and identified 6 pVir-CRKP isolates, including 2 sequence type (ST) 23, 2 ST893, and 2 ST11 isolates. Patients infected with pVir-CRKP experienced high Pitt bacteremia scores and a 33% 30-day mortality rate. The pVir-CRKP isolates exhibited significant sequence variation in virulence genes and plasmids, along with differences in mucoviscosity, capsule production, survival in normal human serum, resistance to killing by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and in vivo pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analyses showed that most pVir-CRKP isolates were genetically similar to strains reported from other global regions. The emergence of pVir-CRKP with higher virulence potential and carbapenem resistance in the United States than the predominant carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae clone underscores the need for active global surveillance.
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Antiviral Susceptibility of Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4b Viruses from Humans, 2023–2024
During 2023–2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from clade 2.3.2.1c caused human infections in Cambodia and from clade 2.3.4.4b caused human infections in the Americas. We assessed the susceptibility of those viruses to approved and investigational antiviral drugs. Except for 2 viruses isolated from Cambodia, all viruses were susceptible to M2 ion channel-blockers in cell culture-based assays. In the neuraminidase inhibition assay, all viruses displayed susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drugs oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, laninamivir, and AV5080. Oseltamivir was ≈4-fold less potent at inhibiting the neuraminidase activity of clade 2.3.4.4b than clade 2.3.2.1c viruses. All viruses were susceptible to polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and tivoxavir and to polymerase basic 2 inhibitor pimodivir with 50% effective concentrations in low nanomolar ranges. Because drug-resistant viruses can emerge spontaneously or by reassortment, close monitoring of antiviral susceptibility of H5N1 viruses collected from animals and humans by using sequence-based analysis supplemented with phenotypic testing is essential.
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Case–Control Study of Factors Associated with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome among Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Patients, Ireland, 2017–2020
Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection can cause potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To determine epidemiologic and bacterial genomic factors associated with HUS, we conducted a retrospective case–control study with 108 HUS cases and 416 unmatched controls (non-HUS) selected among STEC notifications in Ireland during 2017–2020. We combined routinely collected epidemiologic data on STEC notifications with genomewide association study findings and used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios. Our findings reaffirmed known risk factors, such as young age (0–9 years) and presence of specific stx genes or gene combinations (stx2a; stx1a + stx2a; stx1a + stx2c), and additionally suggest that having outbreak-associated infection, residence within the East region of Ireland, and the combined presence of both ygiW and group_5720 or both pfkA and fieF genes are potentially associated with developing HUS. Our findings could improve early identification of high-risk STEC infections and help guide enhanced surveillance and public health management.
- Attribution of Salmonella enterica to Food Sources by Using Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Dispatches
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome after Ixodes scapularis Tick Bite, Maine, USA, 2014–2023
- Onset of Alpha-Gal Syndrome after Tick Bite, Washington, USA
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Reemergence of Brucella abortus, Israel, 2021
After nearly 4 decades, Brucella abortus has reemerged in Israel, triggering an outbreak across 2 dairy farms (82/137 cows affected), as well as cases in dogs and 1 human case. Despite thorough epidemiologic and genomic investigation, the outbreak source remains unidentified. Such reemergence poses One Health challenges and necessitates ongoing surveillance.
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Bartonella quintana Endocarditis and Pauci-Immune Glomerulonephritis in Patient
We report an unexpected case of Bartonella quintana endocarditis and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis in a patient without known risk factors in Los Angeles, California, USA, highlighting that infection can occur in the general population without a history of homelessness. The diagnosis was challenging and made definitively through extensive diagnostic tests and multidisciplinary investigation.
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Dynamics of Bagaza, West Nile, and Usutu Viruses in Red-Legged Partridges, Portugal, 2018–2022
Long-term serologic surveillance of red-legged partridges suggests emergence of Bagaza virus in Portugal in 2021, associated with disease outbreaks in this species. Results also reveal sporadic circulation of Usutu virus and endemic circulation of West Nile virus, highlighting the role of red-legged partridges in the transmission and maintenance cycle and as sentinels of orthoflaviviruses.
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Exposure of Wild Mammals to Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Alaska, USA, 2020–2023
Serum samples from wild mammals inhabiting Alaska, USA, showed that 4 species, including Ursus arctos bears and Vulpes vulpes foxes, were exposed to influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Results indicated some mammals in Alaska survived H5N1 virus infection. Surveillance efforts may be improved by incorporating information on susceptibility and detectable immune responses among wild mammals.
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Yaws Circulating in Nonhuman Primates, Uganda and Rwanda
The bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue causes yaws in humans and nonhuman primates. We describe 33% T. pallidum pertenue seropositivity in 9 species of nonhuman primates in Uganda and Rwanda, seroconversion during a lethal outbreak and a novel bacterial genomic lineage. Yaws may threaten both public health and conservation in the region.
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Brucella suis Infection in Cardiac Implantable Device of Man Exposed to Feral Swine Meat, Florida, USA
Brucella suis infection in the United States is typically from feral swine exposure. We describe a case of B. suis cardiac implantable device infection in a man exposed to meat and blood from feral swine in Florida, USA. The infection was diagnosed using culture, molecular diagnostics, and whole-genome sequencing.
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Detection of Batborne Hantaviruses, Laos, 2023–2024
We report the detection of batborne hantaviruses in 2 bat species (Aselliscus stoliczkanus and Hipposideros gentilis) in Laos, expanding the known geographic distribution of hantaviruses in Southeast Asia. Given the frequent human–wildlife contact in the region, researchers should continue to characterize the viruses and investigate their zoonotic potential.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Stability in Irradiated Raw Milk and Wastewater and on Surfaces, United States
We measured stability of infectious influenza A(H5N1) virus in irradiated raw milk and wastewater and on surfaces. We found a relatively slow decay in milk, indicating that contaminated milk and fomites pose transmission risks. Although the risk is low, our results call for caution in milk handling and disposal from infected cattle.
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Molecular Epidemiology of Oropouche Virus, Ceará State, Brazil, 2024
During May–December 2024, we detected Oropouche virus (OROV) in 13.9% (263/1,890) of febrile patients in Ceará state, Brazil. Genomic sequencing revealed those cases were caused by a novel OROV reassortant previously identified in the Amazon region. Our data show the introduction and establishment of OROV transmission in Ceará, northeastern Brazil.
Photo Quiz
Research Letters
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Nipah Virus Detection in Pteropus hypomelanus Bats, Central Java, Indonesia
Nipah virus, a zoonotic virus with a high mortality rate, threatens people from Indonesia because of its proximity to affected regions and the presence of bat reservoirs. Molecular screening of 64 Pteropus hypomelanus bats in Central Java detected 2 positive bats. Public health authorities should increase surveillance to help prevent human transmission.
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Rabbit Hepatitis E Virus, Ukraine, 2024
We identified hepatitis E virus (HEV) 3ra, a potentially zoonotic subtype, in rabbits in Ukraine, which highlights their potential role as reservoirs. Screening of rabbit fecal samples identified HEV-3ra. Public health services in this country should improve HEV surveillance and expand HEV sampling.
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Human Adenovirus B55 Infection in Patient without Recent Travel History, France
We report a rare case of pneumonia caused by human mastadenovirus (HAdV) B55 in France in a patient without recent travel history. HAdV-B55 infection was identified retrospectively after being detected in feces during an investigation for concomitant diarrhea. This case suggests possible silent endemic circulation of HAdV-B55 in France.
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Local Circulation of Sindbis Virus in Wild Birds and Horses, the Netherlands, 2021–2022
We report Sindbis virus circulation in the Netherlands based on serologic evidence found in 12 wild birds and 3 horses (2021–2022). Tested mosquitoes were molecularly negative, and humans were serologically negative. Veterinarians and health practitioners in the Netherlands should be aware of the importance of surveillance for Sindbis virus.
- Increased Recognition of Human Anaplasmosis, Ontario, Canada, 2021
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Emerging Trends in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, Japan
Japan experienced substantial increases in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and group A Streptococcus pharyngitis after relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in May 2023. Increased detection of the M1UK lineage of Streptococcus pyogenes, especially in the vicinity of Tokyo, emphasizes the need to raise awareness of disease characteristics and epidemiologic trends.
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Spread of Dual-Resistant Mycoplasma genitalium Clone among Men, France, 2021–2022
The 2058T macrolide resistance–associated mutation in 23S rRNA has emerged in Mycoplasma genitalium in France. Using mgpB typing, we documented the spread of a macrolide- and moxifloxacin-resistant ST159 clone, harboring the A2058T and ParC Ser83Ile mutations. In France, that clone is likely circulating among men who have sex with men.
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Co-Circulation of 2 Oropouche Virus Lineages during Outbreak, Amazon Region of Peru, 2023–2024
We describe introduction of the 2022–2023 Oropouche virus lineage from Brazil, which has caused large-scale outbreaks throughout Brazil, into the Amazon Region of Peru. This lineage is co-circulating with another lineage that was circulating previously. Our findings highlight the need for continued surveillance to monitor Oropouche virus in Peru.
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Coxiella burnetii Infections Identified by Molecular Methods, United States, 2006–2023
We identified 34 patients with Coxiella burnetii infection using PCR; 31 (86%) cases were diagnosed from cardiac specimens. Nearly half (15/31, 48%) of those cases were not reported to any channel of national disease surveillance, indicating substantial underreporting for diseases identified using molecular methods at noncommercial laboratories.
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Genomic Characterization of Yersinia enterocolitica Isolates, Costa Rica
Data on enteric yersinioses in Central America are limited. Genomic characterization of 78 Yersinia enterocolitica isolates from Costa Rica indicated persistent infection-source circulation between animal reservoirs and humans, as well as unusual antimicrobial resistance levels. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance to monitor Yersinia-caused infections in Costa Rica.
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Yellow Fever Virus in Mosquitoes from Rainforest Bordering Manaus, Brazil, 2022
We detected yellow fever virus in Haemagogus mosquitoes collected in 2022 in an Amazon rainforest bordering Manaus, Brazil. The viral genome sequence occupied a basal position within the South American I genotype 1E lineage. Our findings reinforce the Amazon Basin as a source for yellow fever virus re-emergence.
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Neutralizing Antibody Response to Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Dairy Farm Workers, Michigan, USA
Since March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have caused outbreaks in dairy cattle and poultry in the United States, and they continue to spill over into humans. However, data on human immune response to those viruses is limited. We report neutralizing antibody responses in 2 dairy farm worker H5N1 cases.
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Increased Recognition of Human Anaplasmosis, Ontario, Canada, 2021
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tickborne infection characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, transaminitis, or a combination of those. Treatment must be prompt and appropriately targeted to prevent clinical decompensation. We discuss an unusual cluster of 16 probable cases in Ontario, Canada, during June–August 2021.
Volume 31, Supplement—April 2025
Supplement
- SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance from Community-Distributed Rapid Antigen Tests, Wisconsin, USA
- Strategies and Opportunities to Improve Community Health through Advanced Molecular Detection and Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases
- Establishing Methods to Monitor H5N1 Influenza Virus in Dairy Cattle Milk, Massachusetts
- Real-Time Utilization of Mpox Genomic Surveillance, King County, Washington, USA, 2022–2024
- Integrating Genomic Data into Public Health Surveillance for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms, Washington, United States
- Using Genomic Epidemiology to Estimate Pathogen Burden in a Population
- Pathogen Genomics in Public Health Practice: a Decade of Partnerships and Progress
- Advantages of Software Containerization in Public Health Infectious Disease Genomic Surveillance
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Leveraging a Strategic Public–Private Partnership to Launch an Airport-Based Pathogen Monitoring Program to Detect Emerging Health Threats
Airport-based pathogen monitoring is a critical tool that can contribute to early detection and characterization of existing and new pathogen threats. A novel public–private partnership between an airport spa group, a biotech company, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was instrumental in establishing a multimodal pathogen genomic surveillance program at US international airports. That public–private partnership addressed critical challenges that neither party could overcome independently, resulting in the development and deployment of a scalable, flexible early warning system for pathogen detection and public health monitoring.
Volume 31, Number 5—May 2025
Synopses
- Comprehensive Survival Analysis of Patients with Alveolar Echinococcosis, University Hospital Zurich, 1973–2022
- Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease, Equatorial Guinea, 2023
Research
- Nationwide Observational Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Aerococcus Bloodstream Infections, Sweden
- Post-Exposure Antibiotic Therapy in Goats Infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei
Dispatches
- Self-Reported SARS-CoV-2 Infections among National Blood Donor Cohort, United States, 2020–2022
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Recent and Forecasted Increases in Coccidioidomycosis Incidence Linked to Hydroclimatic Swings, California, USA
In 2023, California reported near–record high coccidioidomycosis cases after a dramatic transition from drought to heavy precipitation. Using an ensemble model, we forecasted 12,244 cases statewide during April 1, 2024–March 31, 2025, a 62% increase over cases reported 2 years before and on par with case counts for 2023.
- Tropheryma whipplei Infections, Mexico, 2019–2021
- High Prevalence of Influenza D Virus Infection in Swine, Northern Ireland
- Orthomarburgvirus, Paramyxovirus, and Orthonairovirus Co-Infections in Egyptian Rousette Bats, Uganda and Sierra Leone
Research Letters
- Emergence of Feline Sporotrichosis near Brazil Border, Argentina, 2023–2024
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Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of Mpox Cases, Dominican Republic, July 2022–February 2023
During July 2022–February 2023, mpox was confirmed in 71 of 283 suspected cases in the Dominican Republic; 32.4% of patients were women, and 22.5% children <10 years of age. We found differences in transmission compared with global trends, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance, diagnostics, and public health interventions.
The requested issue is not available.