What’s Happening in Infectious Disease?

Lately we’ve seen reports of increasing concern surrounding the Marburg virus – a highly virulent disease in the same family as the Ebola virus. The latest outbreak was first detected in Rwanda in September 2024 and has killed at least 12 people – most of which are healthcare workers. With a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, Rwanda has begun vaccine trials in an attempt to curb the spread and effects of this fatal infectious disease.

As it stands, Marburg is not thought to be a risk to public health. However, some Europeans worry the disease has spread to Germany as passengers were evacuated from a train after a man with recent travel to Rwanda developed flu-like symptoms. Around 300 people are being monitored after contact with confirmed infected patients – one of whom traveled from Rwanda to Belgium after the 21-day monitoring period.

Authorities are slow to release data about Marburg cases and how they’re connected, but you can be sure that we’ll continue to monitor the situation and report on any updates as and when they become available.

In Other News…
 

Observational study shows decline of mpox antibody responses in individuals after receiving two doses of modified vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccination.

Metagenomic sequencing shows the impact of doxycycline use for STI prevention on the gut microbe and antimicrobial resistome.

A consortium including Houston Methodist researchers receives US Government funding to develop a computational platform for designing a vaccine against herpesviruses.

Natural immunity from previous flu infections is shown to significantly impact future influenza vaccinations and strengthen the immune system.

Researchers identify a semi-synthetic compound with potential activity against tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant variants.