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In rare cases, autoantibodies can cause severe reactions to a live-attenuated virus Chikungunya vaccine that has been discontinued in the U.S.

A new study suggests that preexisting autoantibodies in a small subset of the population can cause severe reactions to the live-attenuated Chikungunya vaccine. Researchers recommend screening people with these autoantibodies before vaccination, especially for those over age 65.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2026

Australian scientists uncover secrets of yellow fever

Researchers at the University of Queensland have captured high-resolution images of the yellow fever virus, shedding light on its structural differences between the vaccine strain and disease-causing variants. The study reveals that these differences impact how the immune system recognizes the virus.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 4, 2025

How listening for the right buzz keeps mosquitoes from mating with the wrong species

Researchers discovered that male mosquitoes listen for specific sound frequencies made by females of their own species to avoid mating with the wrong species. This finding has implications for developing innovative mosquito control strategies using artificial flight sounds. The study aims to prevent mosquito populations from reaching u...

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2024

Chemical cocktail in skin summons disease-spreading mosquitoes

Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Scientists at the University of Malaga inquire into the biogeography of yellow fever transmission

Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Change in vaccination strategy averted outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, scientists say

An updated vaccination strategy is credited with averting an outbreak of urban yellow fever in São Paulo State, according to research published in Scientific Reports. The study found that the virus spread rapidly, reaching cities never affected before, and that a high number of cases were reported in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Scientists synthesized a yellow fever drug suggested by artificial intelligence

Researchers developed a machine learning model that identified promising compounds for treating yellow fever. The team synthesized five of the most active molecules and found one with a half-maximal effective concentration of 3.2 uM, suggesting a potential new antiviral drug.

Models to predict dengue, zika and yellow fever outbreaks are developed by researchers

A groundbreaking study aims to create predictive models to monitor and combat epidemics of yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. By analyzing factors such as deforestation, rainfall variations and non-human primate populations, researchers hope to develop models that can predict outbreaks and protect the public.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Topics in Life Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021

Researchers use genomics to reconstitute yellow fever outbreak in São Paulo

A study based on genomic analysis of 51 viral isolates extracted from mosquitoes and monkeys reveals three waves of the disease swept the state between 2016 and 2018. The use of MinION genetic sequencing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint the virus entry, spread speed, and geographical distribution of different lineages.

Mutations may have saved brown howlers from yellow fever virus

A University of Utah study found that genetic variations in brown howlers may have helped them survive the devastating yellow fever virus outbreak in Argentina's El Piñalito park. The researchers discovered three mutations in the immune genes of surviving brown howlers, which could affect their response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateAug 12, 2020

A single dose of yellow fever vaccine does not offer lasting protection to all children

A study found that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine may not offer lasting protection to all children, with levels of protective antibodies decreasing substantially over time. The research suggests that booster shots may be necessary for young children, and maintaining immunity is crucial for preventing epidemics.

Researchers map the potential spread of yellow fever virus to cities around the world

A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital maps the potential risk of yellow fever virus spread to cities around the world, analyzing travel patterns and environmental conditions. The research highlights the need for countries to reexamine their policies to prevent yellow fever virus importation, protect travelers, and prevent exportation.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateApr 27, 2018

BU: Brazil yellow fever outbreak necessitates vaccines

A yellow fever outbreak in Brazil highlights the need for tourists to get vaccinated before visiting affected areas, with the risk of severe illness and death being up to 60% among those who contract the disease. The Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine is currently unavailable in the US due to manufacturing difficulties.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateMar 16, 2018

New model links yellow fever in Africa to climate, environment

Researchers developed a new model that quantifies yellow fever dynamics across Africa using seasonal climatic measures, confirming the risk varies throughout the year. The model accurately captured geographic and temporal heterogeneities in transmission and offers insights for early interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 15, 2018

Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection

Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018

Disappearing act

Researchers found the Asian tiger mosquito vanished from Palmyra Atoll following rat eradication, as humans became the sole host for mosquitoes to feed on. The study highlights a potential new approach to combatting mosquito-borne diseases by eradicating key hosts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 28, 2018

Trial shows most people will complete treatment for latent TB without direct observation

A phase 4 randomized clinical trial found that self-administered treatment for latent tuberculosis infection had a high rate of treatment completion in the United States, Spain, and Hong Kong. The findings suggest that once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by self-administration is noninferior to direct observation in completing treatm...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017