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Travel Destinations to Watch Report Updated for 2025

Chikungunya and dengue Outbreaks in 2024 caught many unvaccinated travelers by surprise

January 9, 2025

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Merck today announced China's National Medical Products Administration approved GARDASIL® Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) for use in males 9-26 years of age to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.

This approval makes GARDASIL the first HPV vaccine approved for use in males in China as of January 8, 2025.

GARDASIL is now indicated in China to prevent anal cancers caused by HPV Types 16 and 18, genital warts (condyloma acuminata) caused by HPV Types 6 and 11, and the following precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18: grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Joseph Romanelli, president, Human Health International, Merck, commented in a press release, “Since first approval, our HPV vaccines have helped protect over 50 million females in China from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. With this expanded approval, we look forward to helping protect this new population of Chinese males from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.”

Gardasil and other HPV vaccines will be in use by various countries in 2025.

Vaccine Treats:

HPV Cancers

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Image Caption:

from Pixabay 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Karen McClorey Hackett

Location Tags:

China

Vaccine:

Gardasil 9 HPV Vaccine

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The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) today announced that the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increase in respiratory viral infections this season in northern China, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Since December 2024, human metapneumovirus has affected all age groups in China. According to the ECDC, it usually causes mild to moderate respiratory illness, but the infection can sometimes be severe in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

As of January 8, 2025, the ECDC 'considers that the current epidemiological situation in China reflects a seasonal rise in respiratory infections caused by common respiratory pathogens and does not pose any specific concern for the EU/EEA (Europe).

According to the WHO, countries including India and the United Kingdom have also reported seasonal rise in cases of hMPV. Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections.

Currently, there is no vaccine for hMPV, but annual flu shots and RSV vaccines are available at most pharmacies in the U.S.

Vaccine Treats:

Influenza

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Image Caption:

WHO -DOB - Jan. 7, 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Don Hackett

Location Tags:

China

Vaccine:

Flumist Influenza Vaccine

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Clinical Trials, Indication, News

ModeX Therapeutics's MDX2201, an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine candidate, is based on ModeX's ferritin nanoparticle vaccine platform, which can express as many as 24 copies of a recombinant antigen on its surface to enhance the presentation of key components of the virus and stimulate durable protective immunity. MDX2201 presents antigens from four viral proteins involved in viral entry into host cells. These include a recombinant antigen designed from the proteins gH, gL, and gp42 and an antigen derived from gp350. By using ModeX's multi-targeted approach, this combination inhibits infection in two cell types, B and epithelial cells, which contrasts with efforts previously focused on gp350 alone.

This EBV vaccine technology was the subject of preclinical data published in May 2022 in Science Translational Medicine.

ModeX, an OPKO Health company, is based in Weston, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.modextx.com. OPKO (NASDAQ: OPK) is a multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company that seeks to establish industry-leading positions in large, rapidly growing markets by leveraging its discovery, development, and commercialization expertise and novel and proprietary technologies. For more information, please visit www.opko.com.

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Indication

According to the U.S. CDC, EBV is a member of the herpes virus family and is one of the most common human viruses. Most people are infected with EBV at some point during their lives. Since over 90% of adults have been infected with EBV, most adults will show antibodies to EBV. The presence of antibodies to both VCA and EBNA suggests past infection. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and is associated with other illnesses, including some specific types of cancer and multiple sclerosis. A sample of the patient's blood is required to perform a monospot test. There are currently no U.S. FDA-approved vaccines or treatments for EBV or herpes infections.

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine News

January 7, 2025 - "We are grateful to the participants and physicians who are actively engaged with Merck in our joint efforts to explore the potential of MDX2201 as a novel vaccine against EBV," said Elias Zerhouni, M.D., President and Vice Chairman of OPKO.

March 8, 2023 - OPKO Health, Inc. announced that ModeX Therapeutics, Inc., an OPKO Health company, entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Merck for the development of MDX-2201, ModeX's preclinical nanoparticle vaccine candidate targeting EBV.

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine Clinical Trials

A Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose Escalation Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of V350A and V350B in Healthy Participants.

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Manufacturer:

ModeX Therapeutics

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Vaccine:

MDX2201 Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine

VIS:

PDF

Generic:

MDX2201

Drug Class:

vaccine

Clinical Trial Phase I:

A Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of V350A and V350B in Healthy Participants (V350-001).

Condition:

Epstein-Barr Virus

Last Reviewed:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 08:45

Status:

Candidate

Manufacturer Country ID:

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ModeX Therapeutics Inc. today announced the dosing of the first participant in the Phase I clinical trial of an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine candidate, MDX2201.

The U.S. CDC says EBV, a member of the herpes virus family (human herpesvirus 4), is one of the most common human viruses. Most people (90%) are infected with EBV at some point during their lives. EBV infection can affect a person's brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

As of January 8, 2025, there are no U.S. FDA-approved vaccines or treatments for EBV or herpes infections.

This EBV vaccine is based on ModeX’s ferritin nanoparticle platform. Its surface can express as many as 24 copies of a recombinant antigen, enhancing the presentation of key virus components and stimulating durable protective immunity.

MDX2201 presents antigens from four viral proteins involved in viral entry into host cells. These include a recombinant antigen designed from the proteins gH, gL, and gp42 and an antigen derived from gp350.

This combination, using ModeX’s multi-targeted approach, inhibits infection in two cell types: B and epithelial cells. This contrasts with efforts previously focused on gp350 alone.

“EBV infection can cause serious illness and pose long-term risks of cancer and autoimmunity..... Our nanoparticle vaccine aims to stimulate protective immunity in patients and prevent these diseases,” said Gary Nabel, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of ModeX and Chief Innovation Officer of OPKO, in a press release on January 7, 2025.

This study's (V350-001) estimated completion date is November 18, 2026.

MDX2201 is being developed in collaboration with Merck.

Vaccine Treats:

Epstein Barr Virus

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Image Caption:

ModeX Therapeutics Inc. 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Don Hackett

Location Tags:

Boston

Vaccine:

BNT163 Herpes Vaccine

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Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) today announced it awarded Clarametyx Biosciences $2.6 million to develop an anti-biofilm vaccine.

Clarametyx's CMTX-301 is a pathogen-agnostic vaccine candidate designed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation and allow the body's immune response to clear infections without antibiotics.

Biofilms enable bacteria to infect medical devices and human tissues, shielding them from natural clearance mechanisms. Bacterial biofilms are increasingly recognized to be involved in clinical infections in many body systems, including the auditory, cardiovascular, digestive, integumentary, reproductive, respiratory, and urinary systems.

"CARB-X is proud to continue supporting Clarametyx Biosciences in work to combat biofilm-associated infections, a major challenge in the fight against antibiotic resistance," said Erin Duffy, PhD, R&D Chief of CARB-X, in a press release on January 7, 2025.

"With their novel anti-biofilm vaccine, CMTX-301, Clarametyx is taking an innovative approach that could transform how we prevent and treat these difficult-to-address infections. We look forward to seeing the impact of this program as it advances through clinical development."

CARB-X provided an initial overview of Clarametyx's work on novel anti-biofilm technologies.

Vaccine Treats:

Bacteremia

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Image Caption:

Clarametyx Biosciences 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Don Hackett

Location Tags:

Boston

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The Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Chinese New Year, is celebrated in various ways by different cultures worldwide.

This year, the year of the Snake, official celebrations begin on January 29, 2025. Numerous festivals are expected to attract many international visitors through mid-February.

However, travelers must be aware of unique health issues in every destination, even in different areas of the same country.

Lunar New Year is an important festival observed by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities. Celebrations retain traditional customs such as feasts, gift exchanges, lantern lighting, and offers to ancestors.

For example, the Penn Museum winds into the Year of the Snake with its 44th annual CultureFest on January 25, 2025.

"Over the years, our collaboration has brought the richness of Asian heritage to diverse audiences, creating opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate together," commented Holly Meng, President and CEO of the American Center for Asian Students, in a press release.

According to the U.K. Travel Health Pro reporting on January 6, 2025, when large gatherings occur, infectious diseases such as measles and respiratory infections can easily spread, quickly affecting large groups.

Additionally, the U.S. CDC says illnesses spread by mosquitoes, such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis, are common throughout Asia and countries in the Pacific, so it is essential to prevent mosquito and insect bites.

The CDC suggests that anyone attending these celebrations speak with a travel vaccine expert before boarding an airplane.

Vaccine Treats:

Chikungunya

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Image Caption:

Penn Museum 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Karen McClorey Hackett

Location Tags:

Philadelphia

Vaccine:

IXCHIQ Chikungunya Vaccine

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The Louisiana Department of Health today reported a patient who had been hospitalized with the first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Louisiana and the United States recently died.

Due to patient confidentiality and respect for the family, this will be the final update about the patient.

The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient contracted H5N1 after exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds.

This report was not a case of H5N1 person-to-person spreading.

LDH’s extensive public health investigation has identified no additional H5N1 cases nor evidence of person-to-person transmission. This patient remains the only human case of H5N1 in Louisiana.

HAPI avian influenza (bird flu) is widespread globally and has been causing outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, mammals, and dairy cows for a few years. There have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2022.

As of January 7, 2025, the U.S. CDC says the current public health risk for H5N1 to the general public remains low. However, people who work with birds, poultry, or cows or have recreational exposure to them are at higher risk.

Furthermore, the best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses. Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings or bring sick wild animals into your home.

While one avian influenza vaccine has been approved for human use (Audenz™) by the U.S. FDA, and several vaccine candidates are in the U.S. stockpile, they are not CDC-authorized for use, nor are they commercially available in the U.S.

Vaccine Treats:

Avian Flu

Image:

Image Caption:

from Pixabay 2025

Live Blog Update Author:

Don Hackett

Location Tags:

Baton Rouge

Vaccine:

Audenz Influenza A(H5N1) Vaccine

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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently announced that pertussis (whooping cough) cases are increasing throughout the state. It urged pregnant women and infant caregivers to receive tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccinations.

CDPH reported receiving reports of more than 2,000 patients, including 62 infants hospitalized during the last ten months of 2024. One of the hospitalized infants died from the pertussis infection.

This data represents about a 500% increase in cases than in 2023 when 400 pertussis cases were confirmed.

Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer stated in a press release on January 3, 2025, "Infants are particularly vulnerable (the bacterial disease), and that's why CDPH especially encourages people who are pregnant to receive the Tdap vaccine in their third trimester, which will pass along protective antibodies to the baby."

Throughout the USA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that six times as many pertussis cases were reported in 2024 compared to 2023.

Caused by Bordetella pertussis, people with whooping cough have severe coughing attacks that can last for months, according to the CDC. Infants too young for vaccination are at the most significant risk for hospitalization and death. Early signs of whooping cough are similar to common cold symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose and low-grade fever. Babies with whooping cough may have trouble breathing, turn blue, or stop breathing.

The CDC and CDPH recommend speaking with your doctor or pharmacist in 2025 about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

Vaccine Treats:

Pertussis

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