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HDT Bio Corp. announced the peer-reviewed publication of preclinical data demonstrating that its self-amplifying replicon mRNA (repRNA) vaccines, delivered via HDT Bio's proprietary LION nanoparticle formulation, provide robust maternal and neonatal immunogenicity against two pathogens with high mother-to-child transmission risk: HIV-1 and Zika virus.
The study, funded by NIAID and led by researchers at HDT Bio in collaboration with Duke University and the Seattle Children's Research Institute, investigated the potential for HDT Bio's repRNA/LION platform technology to elicit an immune response against infectious diseases transmitted from mother to child.
"The transmission of certain viruses from mother to developing fetus poses a significant risk to newborns," said Steven Reed, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of HDT Bio, in a press release on March 24, 2023.
"These data demonstrate that the vaccines derived from our repRNA/LION platform technology have the potential to offer protection not only to the vaccinated individual but also to their offspring."
"Moreover, our platform has several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, safety, and stability at refrigeration temperatures."
"This reduces barriers for distribution of our vaccines to developing nations where these diseases are endemic, making them accessible to those who need them most."
The data were published in the journal Molecular Therapy in the article "Evaluation of repRNA vaccine for induction and in utero transfer of maternal antibodies in a pregnant rabbit model."
According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) latest checkpoint travel numbers, airport security screening activity has returned to the levels last seen in 2019.
As of March 23, 2023, the TSA is screening over 2.4 million people per day at airports in the U.S.
The TSA Strategy guides the agency through TSA's 25th anniversary and identifies three strategic priorities:
- Improve Security,
- Safeguard the Transportation System, and
- Accelerate Action, and Commit to Our People.
The Secretary of Homeland Security recently announced 1,341 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary's Awards winners, which honor employees from 43 states, countries, territories, and districts.
These individuals, the most significant number ever recognized, were selected for their extraordinary achievements and commitment to the DHS mission.
In 2022, DHS launched a hiring initiative recruiting hundreds of experts in digital user experience and design for the Customer Experience Program.
DHS is working to improve the overall experience for those accessing government services and benefits by accepting mobile driver's licenses, reducing processing times for immigration benefits, and simplifying FEMA policies when applying for assistance.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced anyone eligible for Mpox vaccination is urged to come forward for the vaccine in the coming months to protect themselves before the summer of 2023.
People eligible but have not yet received two doses of Bavarian Nordic's JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN) vaccine are encouraged to book their first dose by June 16, 2023, and be booked in for their second dose by the end of July 2023.
In England, about 6,619 people have received their second dose since the program began in June 2022.
Mpox cases have fallen across the UK from a high of 350 per week in July 2022 to just six new cases in 2023. Three people acquired mpox while in the UK, and three were returning travelers.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director, Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, commented in a media release on March 22, 2023, "While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms for some, so it's important people remain alert to the risks."
"Vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission."
"Uptake of first doses has been strong, but only around a third of those who have received their first dose have had their second dose so far."
"I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for both doses so they have maximum long-lasting protection."
The "UKHSA will monitor cases of mpox very closely and will re-establish the vaccination program if we need to."
MpoxToday.com publishes updated news as of March 26, 2023.
According to media statements made by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mitoha Ondo Ayecaba, Marburg virus disease (MVD) cases have reached the city of Bata as of March 23, 2023.
Bata is a coastal city in the Litoral province of Equatorial Guinea with an urban population exceeding 225,000 residents.
Two of the eight new confirmed Marburg cases were reported from the province of Kié-Ntem, four from the Litoral, and two from Centre- Sur provinces.
The areas reporting cases are about 150 kilometers apart, suggesting wider transmission of the deadly virus.
In total, 27 MVD fatalities have been reported in Equatorial Guinea in 2023.
The other MVD outbreak in central Africa is in Tanzania, which announced eight cases, including five related fatalities last week.
And more than 160 contacts have been identified and are being monitored.
The World Health Organization recently assessed the risk posed by the Marburg outbreaks as very high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level.
And the Europan CDC stated the most likely route of introducing MVD into the EU/EEA would be via infected travelers. While importation of the virus cannot be excluded, it is currently doubtful to occur.
Should an MVD case be imported, the likelihood of the spread within Europe is considered to be very low.
As of March 26, 2023, neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor the European Medicines Agency had approved a Marburg vaccine.
As the third week of Spring Break 2023 begins, the Florida Health Department continues to confirm additional dengue fever cases.
During week #11, nine dengue cases were reported in persons with recent international travel.
In total, there have been 48 travel-associated dengue cases this year, mainly in the greater Miami, Florida, area.
Since Miami's beaches are highly ranked, many Spring Break visitors come from Central and South America, Mexico, and Caribbean countries, with 2.8 million dengue cases reported in 2022.
During 2022, the highest cumulative incidence of dengue cases was reported in Nicaragua, with 1,455 cases per 100,000 population, followed by Brazil and Belize.
To notify travelers of potential health risks, the U.S. CDC continues updating dengue outbreak alerts as of March 26, 2023.
While two dengue prevention vaccines are authorized in specific countries, their availability remains limited.
Puerto Rico's Department of Health Arboviral Disease Week #10 report indicates 15 probable Zika cases confirmed this year.
In 2022, there were 20 probable IgM+ confirmed Zika cases.
In the Region of the Americas, the PAHO reported 40,249 cases and two death in 2022.
Belize is the country with the highest cumulative incidence of Zika infections in the Americas.
Since its first detection in Brazil in March 2014, and as of March 24, 2023, local transmission of Zika has been confirmed in all countries and territories in the Americas, except for continental Chile, Uruguay, and Canada.
Updated May 10, 2023 - reassigned domain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that since the first Disease Outbreak News published on February 25, 2023, eight additional laboratory-confirmed Marburg virus disease (MVD) cases have been reported in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Two of the eight new confirmed cases were reported from the province of Kié-Ntem, four from the Litoral, and two from Centre- Sur provinces. The areas reporting cases are about 150 kilometers apart, suggesting wider virus transmission.
This brings the total to nine laboratory-confirmed cases and 20 probable cases during the MVD outbreak in Equatorial Guinea.
Seven laboratory-confirmed patients and all probable cases have died from MVD.
Marburg is spread by contact with the blood or body fluids of a person infected with the virus, says the WHO.
As of March 22, 2023, the WHO assesses the risk posed by this MVD outbreak as very high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level.
Other African countries, such as Tanzania, are reporting MVD cases or people under surveillance.
The U.S. CDC updated its Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions notice to alert international travelers on March 23, 2023.
As of March 24, 2023, there is no MVD-targeted vaccine authorized.
Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) today announced a case of measles in a local unvaccinated resident.
This is the first case of measles in Utah since 2017.
Utah joins Kentucky and Ohio in reporting recent measles cases.
The SLCHD stated in a press release on March 23, 2023, the public is at minimal risk of illness due to this case related to international travel.
The infected person's exposure is limited to healthcare settings and the person's family members.
Anyone vaccinated against measles is protected even if they may have been exposed. This means they do not need to take any action.
And contact tracers notified people who may have been exposed and advised unvaccinated contacts to get vaccinated immediately.
Receiving a measles vaccine after exposure can prevent illness if administered within 72 hours.
Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says no specific antiviral treatment exists for the measles virus.
However, research indicates vitamin A deficiency is a recognized risk factor for severe measles infections. Therefore, at-risk children diagnosed with measles should receive two vitamin A supplements 24 hours apart.
"Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease," commented Dr. Angela Dunn, SLCoHD executive director.
"While over 90% of children in Utah schools and childcare facilities are adequately vaccinated, there are still people in our community who are not protected," continued Dr. Dunn.
"Being fully vaccinated against measles does more than just protect the person who receives the vaccination; it also protects their family and friends, including children who may be too young to be vaccinated, and it helps limit the spread of disease in the community."
Furthermore, the CDC recommends protecting international travelers with an MMR vaccine before visiting measles outbreak communities in countries such as India.
Various measles vaccines are available at most health clinics and community pharmacies in the U.S.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published Influenza Update N° 441, confirming influenza activity continued to decrease following the peak in late 2022.
In the countries of North America, most indicators of influenza activity were at levels typically observed towards the end of the flu season.
Influenza A viruses predominated overall, with influenza A(H3N2) accounting for most subtyped influenza A viruses in the United States, whereas influenza A and B viruses circulated similarly in Canada.
And in Europe, out of 39 countries, 17 reported high or moderate intensity, and over half continued to report widespread activity.
Overall, influenza B viruses were predominated in both sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance as all subregions experienced a wave of influenza B activity after an initial influenza A surge.
While the Northern Hemishpere flu season is ending, the WHO's data on March 20, 2023, indicates the Southern Hemishpere is just starting.
For international travelers, the means another flu shot may be needed when visiting countries such as Brazil, Peru, or Argentina later this year.
Community pharmacies in the U.S. generally offer influenza vaccines throughout the year.
