Clinical Associate Professor, Microbiology, HKU. Clinical virologist. Emerging infections: rat hepatitis E and others. Pro-natural intelligence and small data.
Finally, we documented an odd split between rat hep E in rats and humans. Although two subtypes circulated in local rodents during the study period, only one made the zoonotic jump to humans. Determinants uncertain.
Our new paper examining eight years of rat hepatitis E surveillance in Hong Kong. 22 cases and a disproportionate impact on immunocompromised persons.
https://t.co/pc5BNd4lHy
This paper also details the largest sero-surveillance study on rat hepatitis E in a human population to date. 0.7% of 8294 tested individuals carried antibodies against rat hepatitis E.
⚠️Nipah virus will not become the next Covid like pandemic.
It is too lethal (won’t spread), R0 of 0.3 (need R0 >1 for escalation), and is predominantly a zoonosis (u get it from animals).
https://t.co/AeTyywmId6
Thailand Tightens Airport Screening After Nipah Virus Cases Reported in India
Thailand has stepped up health screening at major international airports after India confirmed five cases of Nipah virus infection in West Bengal, prompting New Delhi to intensify containment measures.
On January 25, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) began screening passengers arriving from India at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Additional measures are also in place at Phuket International Airport, which receives an average of 13 direct flights per day from India operated by six airlines.
Phuket Airport Director Monchai Tanod said designated parking bays have been set aside for flights from India, with passengers screened before entering the main terminal. Particular attention is being given to flights from Kolkata, West Bengal, which operate five times a week to Phuket and carry around 820 passengers weekly.
The DDC said only Phuket and Krabi airports currently receive direct flights from India in the southern region, while Surat Thani and Samui airports have no direct services from outbreak-affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Medical Services has placed hospitals on alert. Director-General Dr Nattapong Wongwiwat said Rajavithi, Lerdsin and Nopparat Rajathanee hospitals have been instructed to prepare isolation wards, specialist teams, and medical supplies to receive suspected or confirmed Nipah cases. National clinical guidelines and training for healthcare workers have also been issued.
Indian authorities reported that the first two confirmed cases were nurses at a private hospital near Kolkata, with one patient in critical condition. Investigators believe the infections may be linked to a suspected index case who died before laboratory confirmation. At least 180 contacts have been traced, with 20 high-risk individuals quarantined.
Thai authorities confirmed that no Nipah virus cases have ever been detected in Thailand and said surveillance is being conducted through the One Health coordination system. Travellers to and from India have been urged to monitor their health and follow public health advice.
The World Health Organization classifies Nipah virus as a high-risk pathogen due to the absence of a vaccine or specific treatment and a fatality rate of up to 75%.
#Thailand #India #NipahVirus #ไวรัสนิปาห์ #นิปาห์
@ABsteward Having a say in the naming of these undesirable enzymes is one compelling reason for national AMR surveillance.
Feel bad for Delhi. Own goal from Verona though.