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Objective　Ota City, located in southeastern Tokyo, including Haneda Tokyo International Airport, has numerous scattered lodging facilities. Shortly after the first case of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant was reported abroad, the Japanese government strengthened border control measures, including quarantine procedures and public health official involvement, for incoming travelers. This study aims to propose effective and efficient border control measures to prevent future outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.Methods　Border control measures implemented between November 2021 and mid-January 2022 were analyzed from three perspectives: chronological changes in government notifications, the situation of in-flight contacts and Omicron cases, and the support system for coronavirus-disease 2019 control department of the Ota City Public Health Center. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among public health centers with jurisdiction over the top four international airports. This survey aimed to assess the effectiveness of the support system, evaluate cooperation with related organizations, identify common issues faced by public health concerns, and gather suggestions for improvements in future border control measures.Results　The definition and treatment of in-flight contacts of Omicron-positive individuals were initially outlined on November 30, 2021, and underwent frequent revisions until January 14, 2022. Between December 1, 2021, and January 12, 2022, only one Omicron case was identified among the 470 tests conducted on in-flight contacts. However, out of 136 additional domestic specimens collected (including 57 positives for genetic analysis), 40 were confirmed Omicron positive. The results of the questionnaire survey across the four public health centers largely mirrored the issues and suggestions identified by Ota City officials. A significant portion of these issues arose from managing temporary non-Japanese residents staying near international airports.Conclusion　Border control measures should be implemented to delay the domestic spread of the virus. In this reason, it is crucial to avoid placing an undue burden on public health officials responsible for handling domestic infections. Since response policies and target definitions may need to adapt to unknown pathogens, they may be changed frequently, baffling the officials; however, a system for collecting real-time data from frontline sites and making evidence-based decisions is essential. Additionally, deploying liaisons from national and prefectural governments to focal points of emergency response would strengthen the support system by promoting unified instructions and information sharing.

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In Southeast Asia (SEA) fastidious fungi of the Ceratobasidium genus are associated with proliferation of sprouts and vascular necrosis in cacao and cassava, crops that were introduced from the tropical Americas to this region. Here, we report the isolation and in vitro culture of a Ceratobasidium sp. isolated from cassava with symptoms of witches' broom disease (CWBD), a devastating disease of this crop in SEA. The genome characterization using a hybrid assembly strategy identifies the fungus as an isolate of the species C. theobromae, the causal agent of vascular streak dieback of cacao in SEA. Both fungi have a genome size > 31 Mb (G+C content 49%), share > 98% nucleotide identity of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and > 94% in genes used for species-level identification. Using RNAscope® we traced the pathogen and confirmed its irregular distribution in the xylem and epidermis along the cassava stem, which explains the obtention of healthy planting material from symptom-free parts of a diseased plant. These results are essential for understanding the epidemiology of CWBD, as a basis for disease management including measures to prevent further spread and minimize the risk of introducing C. theobromae via long-distance movement of cassava materials to Africa and the Americas.

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Abstract: Diphtheria is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of corynebacteria, most often Corynebacterium diphtheriae and less commonly Corynebacterium ulcerans. Incidence of the disease has fallen significantly since the introduction of vaccination programs; it is now rare in countries with high vaccination coverage such as Australia. This article presents the most recent respiratory cases of diphtheria in two children in New South Wales-the first locally acquired childhood cases in Australia in 30 years-and discusses potential contributing factors. These encompass the lack of clinical awareness and the delays in laboratory diagnosis in regional laboratories. The cases also highlight the problem of vaccine hesitancy and the role that primary carers play in addressing these anxieties. While clinical management of the cases progressed well, factors in the public health responses were complicated by access to appropriate care and by delays in antibiotic sensitivity profiles. The public health response to these cases raises important considerations for clinicians and public health practitioners, including preparedness for rare and re-emerging diseases, the need for culturally safe environments and the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy. Preparedness requires consideration of the capacity of regional health systems with fewer resources and of how public health departments can support response to multiple crises. Preparedness also relies on access to necessary diagnostic laboratory resources, on up-to-date guidelines, and on maintaining awareness among clinicians for these rare infections.

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As leptospirosis is re-emerging, a seroprevalence study was conducted, assessing the prevalence of anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies and infection-associated risk factors among forestry workers (FWs) in Lower Saxony, Germany, to develop targeted public health measures. Sera of 877 FWs, sampled in 2016, were tested for anti-Leptospira seropositivity by commercial IgG-ELISA. Data on demographics and Leptospira-specific exposures, knowledge, sources of information, and preventive measures were collected by standardized, self-administered questionnaire. A subset of 244 sera was retested via in-house IgG-ELISA. Risk factors were assessed from the subset using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The commercial IgG-ELISA revealed a seroprevalence of 4.8% (95% confidence interval CI95 = 3.5-6.4). Of the 601 FWs who completed the questionnaire, 67.9% had been informed about leptospirosis and Leptospira spp., mainly by employers (55.2%) and peers (38.9%). Positive associations with seropositivity were observed for canoeing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.35, p = 0.044), touching rodents (aOR = 2.4, p = 0.021), and living close to beech trees (aOR = 2.18, p = 0.075). Frequently cleaning animal stables was negatively associated (aOR = 0.20, p = 0.002). The unexpected positive association with wearing gloves when handling plants and soil (aOR = 2.16, p = 0.011) needs further discussion. Overall, seroprevalence was in the range of other studies in Germany. The identified factors will be used to develop targeted information reaching out to at-risk groups tapping various communication channels.

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INTRODUCTION: Nipah and Hendra viruses belong to the Paramyxoviridae family, which pose a significant threat to human health, with sporadic outbreaks causing severe morbidity and mortality. Early symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and headache, which offer little in terms of differential diagnosis. There are no specific therapeutics and vaccines for these viruses. AREAS COVERED: This review comprehensively covers a spectrum of diagnostic techniques for Nipah and Hendra virus infections, discussed in conjunction with appropriate type of samples during the progression of infection. Serological assays, reverse transcriptase Real-Time PCR assays, and isothermal amplification assays are discussed in detail, along with a listing of few commercially available detection kits. Patents protecting inventions in Nipah and Hendra virus detection are also covered. EXPERT OPINION: Despite several outbreaks of Nipah and Hendra infections in the past decade, in-depth research into their pathogenesis, Point-of-Care diagnostics, specific therapies, and human vaccines is lacking. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is pivotal for efficient outbreak management, patient treatment, and the adoption of preventative measures. The emergence of rapid point-of-care tests holds promise in enhancing diagnostic capabilities in real-world settings. The patent landscape emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration within the legal and business realms.

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In recent years, the incidence of syphilis in Tokyo has increased. This descriptive epidemiological study aimed to elucidate the status of syphilis within the city. Data regarding age, sex, disease stage, and presumed sexual partners of patients with syphilis reported in Tokyo were compiled and analyzed. A total of 9,419 patients with syphilis were diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. A sharp rise was observed in the number of reported cases from 2021 to 2022. Between 2020 and 2022, the number of women in their 20s who developed syphilis rapidly increased by more than 3-fold. Furthermore, the number of pregnant women with syphilis increased the end of 2022. Despite a rapid increase in the number of young women with syphilis, the incidence of congenital syphilis has remained stable. This stability may be attributed to the early detection of syphilis during pregnancy, facilitated by the high rate of antenatal checkups in Tokyo. However, the growing incidence of syphilis among young women could potentially lead to a rise congenital syphilis cases in the future. Therefore, public health strategies should include educational initiatives targeting high-risk populations and adolescents, along with early and appropriate testing and treatment to prevent the progression of syphilis.

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Background: Infectious outbreaks due to disrupted social and environmental conditions after climate change-induced events complicate disasters. This research aimed to determine the contentions of bioclimatic variables and extreme events on the prevalence of the most common Climate-Sensitive Infectious Disease (CSID); Malaria in Iran. Methods: The present narrative systematic review study was conducted on the bioclimatic variable impact on the prevalence of malaria, as a common CSID. The search was conducted in 3 sections: global climate change-related studies, disaster related, and studies that were conducted in Iran. The literature search was focused on papers published in English and Persian from Mar 2000 to Dec 2021, using electronic databases; Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, and IranDoc. Results: Overall, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The various types of climatic variables including; Temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and hydrological events including; flood, drought, and cyclones has been reported as a predictor of malaria. The results of studies, inappropriately and often were inconsistent in both Iran and other parts of the world. Conclusion: Identifying malaria outbreak risks is essential to assess vulnerability, and a starting point to identify where the health system is required to reduce the vulnerability and exposure of the population. The finding of most related studies is not congruent to achieve reliable information, more extensive studies in all climates and regions of the country, by climatic models and high accuracy risk map, using the long period of bioclimatic variables and malaria trend is recommended.

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Natural, geographical barriers have historically limited the spread of communicable diseases. This is no longer the case in today's interconnected world, paired with its unprecedented environmental and climate change, emphasising the intersection of evolutionary biology, epidemiology and geography (i.e. biogeography). A total of 14 articles of the special issue entitled "Geography and health: role of human translocation and access to care" document enhanced disease transmission of diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, COVID-19 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona 2) and Oropouche fever in spite of spatiotemporal surveillance. High-resolution satellite images can be used to understand spatial distributions of transmission risks and disease spread and to highlight the major avenue increasing the incidence and geographic range of zoonoses represented by spill-over transmission of coronaviruses from bats to pigs or civets. Climate change and globalization have increased the spread and establishment of invasive mosquitoes in non-tropical areas leading to emerging outbreaks of infections warranting improved physical, chemical and biological vector control strategies. The translocation of pathogens and their vectors is closely connected with human mobility, migration and the global transport of goods. Other contributing factors are deforestation with urbanization encroaching into wildlife zones. The destruction of natural ecosystems, coupled with low income and socioeconomic status, increase transmission probability of neglected tropical and zoonotic diseases. The articles in this special issue document emerging or re-emerging diseases and surveillance of fever symptoms. Health equity is intricately connected to accessibility to health care and the targeting of healthcare resources, necessitating a spatial approach. Public health comprises successful disease management integrating spatial surveillance systems, including access to sanitation facilities. Antimicrobial resistance caused, e.g. by increased use of antibiotics in health, agriculture and aquaculture, or acquisition of resistance genes, can be spread by horizontal gene transfer. This editorial reviews the key findings of this 14-article special issue, identifies important gaps relevant to our interconnected world and makes a number of specific recommendations to mitigate the transmission risks of infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

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Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen that causes a spectrum of diseases from mild to severe, including GAS pharyngitis, a common acute respiratory disease in developed countries. Although wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been extensively used to monitor viral pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, its applicability to S. pyogenes remains unexplored. This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of detecting and quantifying S. pyogenes in wastewater by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and evaluate the applicability of WBE for monitoring the prevalence of GAS pharyngitis. A total of 52 grab influent samples were collected from a wastewater treatment plant in Japan once a week between March 2023 and February 2024. The samples were centrifuged, followed by nucleic acid extraction and qPCR for the S. pyogenes-specific genes speB and spy1258. Of the 52 samples, 90 % and 81 % were positive for speB and spy1258 genes, respectively, indicating the feasibility of S. pyogenes for wastewater surveillance. However, the percentage of quantifiable samples for speB gene was significantly higher in winter than in spring and summer. Similarly, the concentrations of both genes in wastewater samples were significantly higher in winter (speB, 4.1 ± 0.27 log10 copies/L; spy1258, 4.1 ± 0.28 log10 copies/L; One-way ANOVA, p < 0.01) than in spring and summer. Higher concentrations and detection ratios of S. pyogenes genes were observed during increased GAS pharyngitis cases in the catchment. Significant moderate correlations were observed between target gene concentrations and reported GAS pharyngitis cases. This study enhances the understanding role of WBE in monitoring and managing infectious diseases within communities.

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Background: The 2022-2024 global mpox outbreak, occurring primarily in the sexual networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), has not been accompanied by a focus on patient perspectives of illness. We explore the experiences of GBMSM diagnosed with mpox in England to understand needs for social and clinical support. Methods: In-depth interviews (March/July 2023) were conducted with 22 GBMSM diagnosed with mpox in 2022, randomly selected from a national mpox surveillance database, and 4 stakeholders from clinical/community-based organisations. Interviews covered experiences of illness, testing, diagnosis, treatment and contact tracing, and were recorded, transcribed and analysed with a thematic framework. Findings: Media coverage drawing on homophobic stereotypes around sex between men contributed to feelings of stigma and shame. GBMSM living with HIV appeared to cope better with mpox stigma, drawing on their experiences of being diagnosed with HIV for resilience. Younger GBMSM with less experience of stigmatising illness found mpox diagnosis more traumatic and sometimes required support beyond what was provided. Accessing testing could be complicated when healthcare professionals did not recognise mpox symptoms. Men felt information on course of illness, isolation and vaccination after recovery was often inconsistent and contradictory. GBMSM described that care from sexual health and infectious disease units usually better met their emotional and medical needs. This was frequently linked by men to these services having skills in working with the GBMSM community and managing infection risk sensitively. General hospital services and centralised contact tracing could increase feelings and experiences of stigma as some staff were perceived to lack skills in supporting GBMSM and, sometimes, clinical knowledge. Long-term impacts described by men included mental health challenges, urethral/rectal symptoms and life-changing disability. Interpretation: In this study stigma was a central feature of mpox illness among GBMSM and could be exacerbated or lessened depending on the clinical and social support provided. Involving communities affected by outbreaks in co-producing, planning and delivering care (including contact-tracing) may help improve support provided. Funding: TCW, AJR, AS and FMB received support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (Ref: NIHR202038). CS and JS receive support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in partnership with UKHSA; RV receives support from the NIHR HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections and NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, UK Health Security Agency, World Health Organization or the Department of Health and Social Care.

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BACKGROUND: Mpox virus (MPXV) has recently spread outside of sub-Saharan Africa. This large multicentre study was conducted in Lombardy, the most densely populated Italian region accounting for more than 40% of Italian cases. The present study aims to: i) evaluate the presence and the shedding duration of MPXV DNA in different body compartments correlating the MPXV viability with the time to onset of symptoms; ii) provide evidence of MPXV persistence in different body compartment as a source of infection and iii) characterize the MPXV evolution by whole genome sequencing (WGS) during the outbreak occurred in Italy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 353 patients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of MPXV infection screened in several clinical specimens in the period May 24th - September 1st, 2022. Viral isolation was attempted from different biological matrices and complete genome sequencing was performed for 61 MPXV strains. RESULTS: MPXV DNA detection was more frequent in the skin (94.4%) with the longest median time of viral clearance (16 days). The actively-replicating virus in cell culture was obtained for 123/377 (32.6%) samples with a significant higher viral quantity on isolation positive samples (20 vs 31, p < 0.001). The phylogenetic analysis highlighted the high genetic identity of the MPXV strains collected, both globally and within the Lombardy region. CONCLUSION: Skin lesion is gold standard material and the high viral load and the actively-replicating virus observed in genital sites confirms that sexual contact plays a key role in the viral transmission.

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Mpox, a reemerging zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential for severe clinical manifestations. While the cutaneous and systemic presentations of mpox have been well-documented, its neurological complications have recently emerged as an area of concern. This review provides a brief overview of the neurological aspects of mpox infection, highlighting the key findings and challenges in understanding and managing these complications. Neurological manifestations in mpox patients range from mild symptoms such as headaches and dizziness to more severe conditions, including encephalitis and seizures. The pathogenesis of neurological involvement is not yet fully elucidated but is thought to involve viral dissemination to the central nervous system. This dissemination may occur through haematogenous or neuronal routes, contributing to the diverse clinical spectrum observed. Early recognition and diagnosis of neurological complications in mpox are crucial for implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes.

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Severe acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) was first detected in Guangdong province of China in 2017. And yet from May 2021 to Jun 2023, there were no SADS-CoV outbreaks. In this study, we reported the recent outbreak of SADS-CoV in China on Jun 2023. Phylogenetic analysis showed the novel strain was derived from the ongoing transmission and evolution of SADS-CoV in China, rather than a separate cross-species transmission from bats. Also, the novel strain was found to participate in a recombant event as a minor parent and a missing base in the genome was discovered indicating an novel evolutionary pathway. Through virulence assays in piglets, we further determined that novel strain (SADS-CoV/HNNY/2023) was a highly virulent SADS-CoV strain with typical clinical symptoms: acute diarrhea, vomiting, rapid weight loss. Therefore, the re-emergence of SADS-CoV strains should be brought to people's attention.

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Whole-genome sequencing of a virus isolated from Culicoides biting midges in southern Japan in 2020 revealed that it is a strain of Balagodu virus (BLGV; genus Orthobunyavirus; family Peribunyaviridae; order Bunyavirales). A solitary instance of BLGV isolation occurred in India in 1963. All assembled segments comprise complete protein-coding sequences that are similar to those of other orthobunyaviruses. The consensus 3'- and 5'-terminal sequences of orthobunyaviruses' genomic RNAs are also conserved in the Japanese BLGV strain. Here, we update the geographic distribution of BLGV and provide its complete sequence, contributing to the clarification of orthobunyavirus phylogeny.

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OBJECTIVE: The report of the outbreak of body louse in northwestern Iran after three decades reminds us again of the danger of the re-emerging of previous epidemics. RESULTS: The results of the study that nearly 70% of the patients in a rehabilitation Centre were infected with body louse. In this study, scientific measures were taken to prevent the spread of body lice to healthy people, including isolation of the patients, washing the clothes of those infected at high temperatures, and spraying the rest area, beddings, and blankets. This is a more recent report on an outbreak of body louse in Iran in 2023.

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This symposium offered up-to-date perspectives on field experiences and the latest research on significant viral and bacterial diseases affecting poultry. A highlight was the discussion on the use of enteroids as advanced in vitro models for exploring disease pathogenesis. Outcomes of this symposium included identifying the urgent need to improve the prevention and control of avian influenza by focusing research on vaccine effectiveness. In this regard, efforts should focus on enhancing the relatedness of vaccine antigen to the field (challenge) virus strain and improving immunogenicity. It was also revealed that gangrenous dermatitis could be controlled through withholding or restricting the administration of ionophores during broiler life cycle, and that administration of microscopic polymer beads (gel) based-live coccidia vaccines to chicks could be used to reduce necrotic enteritis-induced mortality. It was emphasized that effective diagnosis of re-emerging Turkey diseases (such as blackhead, fowl cholera, and coccidiosis) and emerging Turkey diseases such as reoviral hepatitis, reoviral arthritis, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale infection, and strepticemia require complementarity between investigative research approaches and production Veterinarian field approaches. Lastly, it was determined that the development of a variety of functionally-specific enteroids would expedite the delineation of enteric pathogen mechanisms and the identification of novel vaccine adjuvants.

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BACKGROUND: Malaria outbreaks have sporadically occurred in the United States, with Anopheles quadrimaculatus serving as the primary vector in the eastern region. Anopheles crucians, while considered a competent vector, has not been directly implicated in human transmission. Considering the locally acquired Plasmodium vivax cases in Sarasota County, Florida (7 confirmed cases), Cameron County, Texas (one confirmed case), and Maryland (one confirmed case) in the summer of 2023. The hypothesis of this study is that major cities in the United States harbour sufficient natural populations of Anopheles species vectors of malaria, that overlap with human populations that could support local transmission to humans. The objective of this study is to profile the most abundant Anopheles vector species in Miami-Dade County, Florida-An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus. METHODS: This study was based on high-resolution mosquito surveillance data from 2020 to 2022 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Variations on the relative abundance of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus was assessed by dividing the total number of mosquitoes collected by each individual trap in 2022 by the number of mosquitoes collected by the same trap in 2020. In order to identify influential traps, the linear distance in meters between all traps in the surveillance system from 2020 to 2022 was calculated and used to create a 4 km buffer radius around each trap in the surveillance system. RESULTS: A total of 36,589 An. crucians and 9943 An. quadrimaculatus were collected during this study by the surveillance system, consisting of 322 CO2-based traps. The findings reveal a highly heterogeneous spatiotemporal distribution of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus in Miami-Dade County, highlighting the presence of highly conducive environments in transition zones between natural/rural and urban areas. Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and to a lesser extent An. crucians, pose a considerable risk of malaria transmission during an outbreak, given their high abundance and proximity to humans. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the factors driving the proliferation, population dynamics, and spatial distribution of Anopheles vector species is vital for implementing effective mosquito control and reducing the risk of malaria outbreaks in the United States.

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INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Community health workers (CHWs) can be extremely important in many facets of healthcare, especially for marginalized communities. Health Literacy and Preventive Behaviors of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System were important for CHWs in Preventing and Control Diseases. METHODS: This quasi-experimental research; a 2 pretest-post group design, aimed to investigate the result of the experiential learning program of the CHWs toward health literacy and preventive behaviors of the infection of emerging and re-emerging diseases of the respiratory system. The samples are 66 CHWs working in Ngao District, Lampang Province which were divided into 2 groups; the experimental and control groups, 33 subjects for each group. The tools used in this research consisted of an experiential learning program for 6 weeks and a questionnaire concerning health literacy and preventive behaviors of emerging and re-emerging diseases in the respiratory system. RESULTS: The experimental group had the mean score of health literacy regarding the prevention of emerging and re-emerging diseases of the respiratory system at the highest level (X¯ = 4.52, SD = 0.16) which was higher than before receiving the program which was a high level (X¯ = 3.61, SD = 0.32) at the significant level of P < .001 while the preventive behavior concerning the emerging and re-emerging diseases in the respiratory system was at the highest level (X¯ = 4.63, SD = 0.41)and higher than the control group which was at a high level (X¯ = 4.36, SD = 0.50) at the significant level of P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: The research results could be a guideline for developing the CHW's potential effectively and proficiently.

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BACKGROUND: Diphtheria caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium ulcerans is a re-emerging human disease that can cause local and systemic sequelae. In Australia, toxigenic diphtheria is a rare notifiable communicable disease, due to high-vaccination coverage. The public health management of cutaneous cases of toxigenic C. ulcerans varies between jurisdictions, as opposed to the more uniform public health response to toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae presenting as respiratory or laryngeal diphtheria. AIM: To report a case of zoonotically acquired C. ulcerans, review evidence on the zoonotic reservoir and reported transmission events, and examine public health guidelines for the management of human and animal contacts. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this case report, we detail our case investigation, treatment and public health management, including contact tracing and an approach to animal testing. We successfully identified companion canines as probable sources for the human case, with WGS confirming the link. The zoonotic disease link of C. ulcerans to domestic and agricultural animals is established in the literature; however, the management of animal contacts in human cases is inconsistent with jurisdictional or national guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: While a rare disease, a consistent approach to public health management is warranted to systematically elucidate the disease source and improve understanding of transmission.

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