Infectious Disease Transmission

From mosquito flight range to impact of temperatures: understanding dengue transmission in Europe

A large dengue outbreak in Italy was analyzed to identify transmission patterns. The data show that more than half of linked transmission events involved people within 100m apart. Temperature played a role in reducing transmission, with a drop in autumn temperatures contributing to the decline.

Study: Tick-borne diseases reported every month of the year and in every Illinois county

A new analysis of state health department data reveals that more than 6,400 Illinois residents were diagnosed with tickborne diseases from 2004-2022. Lyme disease is the most common tickborne malady in humans in the state, accounting for 4,297 infections.

JMIR Publications invites submissions on the 2026 Ebola disease public health emergency of international concern

JMIR Publications invites submissions on the 2026 Ebola disease public health emergency of international concern, focusing on response strategies, risk communication, and surveillance. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to population mobility and ongoing uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of th...

Promising single-dose malaria treatment advances toward pan-African clinical trial

Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed a promising single-dose malaria treatment called SPAP, which targets the malaria parasite through multiple mechanisms. The four-drug combination therapy has shown significant promise in improving malaria treatment and could be a major advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.

T cells may be key to stopping measles virus—and its deadly relatives

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.

Similar timing and pattern: Seven European countries observe drop in chlamydia notifications especially among young people in 2024

Chlamydia notifications decreased in seven European countries, with significant declines among young people. The decline was mainly seen in Sweden, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands, with case numbers dropping by up to 32% in some countries.

Think DEET keeps mosquitoes away? They may be learning to love it

Researchers found that yellow fever mosquitoes can learn to associate the smell of DEET with food, leading to a significant reduction in their repellent effect. The study suggests that the timing and concentration of DEET application may be more crucial than previously thought.

Bacterial STIs reach record highs in Europe, and congenital syphilis cases nearly double

Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.

We can help the body fight entire viral families

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that combining key vaccine ingredients could give the body the tools it needs to fight the entire family of arenaviruses with a single vaccine. This approach may protect against life-threatening infections from Lassa virus, Junin virus, and many other arenaviruses.

Study: Hospital wastewater reveals drug-resistant fungus strains months before patients show symptoms

Researchers used wastewater surveillance to detect drug-resistant Candida auris strains up to five months before patients showed symptoms, opening a new frontier for hospitals. The study found higher detection rates and concentrations of the pathogen in hospital wastewater compared to community-scale treatment plants.

Europe advances genomic surveillance of CCRE with landmark multi-country study

Diseases can spread between apartments via shared ventilation, study shows

Climate change increases spillover risk of rodent-borne arenaviruses

A new study projects that climate change will drive rodent-borne arenaviruses into new regions of South America, posing a future threat to millions of people. The researchers built an interactive platform to understand the complex relationships between climate, land use, and human exposure.

Singapore researchers advance phage therapy in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.

Millions suffering needlessly with curable hepatitis C, new analysis reveals

A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.

Novel research reveals the active role that skin cells play in rabies infection

Keratinocytes play a more active role in rabies infection than previously thought, supporting viral replication and transmitting the virus to neurons. This discovery provides new insights into the risk of infection from superficial scratches or minor bites.

We're taking a closer look at immune 'memory'

Researchers have found that COVID vaccines can train immune cells to remember the SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect against severe infection for years afterward. However, the continued spread of disease has scientists taking a closer look at how the immune system builds up immune memory over time.

African swine fever: a novel model for assessing transmission between domestic pigs and wild boar

Researchers developed an innovative multi-host epidemiological model to study African swine fever (ASF) transmission between domestic pigs and wild boars. The model found that inter-farm transmission was the primary driver sustaining outbreaks, while nearby infected wild boar populations played a significant role in ASF spread.

How bacteria outsmart the immune system: Two-pronged strategy revealed

Researchers have discovered how a disease-causing bacterium uses a single protein to interfere with the body's defenses in multiple ways, offering a clearer picture of how infections take hold at the cellular level. This discovery highlights the importance of targeting specific interactions between bacterial proteins and human cells in...

Inhibiting tick salivation prevents infection

Researchers discovered that inhibiting tick salivation prevents infection by targeting the tick's nervous system and salivary glands. The study found two distinct signalling pathways controlling saliva secretion, with acetylcholine playing a key role in stimulating salivation.

Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Trace levels of foodborne pathogens do not always translate to health risk, says study

A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.

Trace levels of food pathogen do not always translate to health risk, says study

A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.

Q&A: What factors influence likelihood and severity of Ebola outbreaks?

Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.

Index provides flu risk for each state

A new index maps state-level flu risk, highlighting regional disparities and socioeconomic factors contributing to vulnerability. Policymakers can use this tool to develop targeted strategies, strengthen epidemic preparedness, and address disparities in flu risk across the US.

Risk for Lyme disease in Ohio is equal to Connecticut, study shows

Researchers found that tick infection prevalence in Ohio has increased to 47.6%, comparable to endemic US regions like Connecticut. The study suggests that Ohio's forested areas have the same risk of Lyme disease as Connecticut.

Sepsis study IDs simple ways to save lives in Africa

A sweeping new study has identified tuberculosis as the predominant cause of deadly sepsis among people with HIV in Africa. Immediate treatment for TB significantly increased survival rates, especially when treatment was started before diagnosis.

New platform could develop vaccines faster than ever before

The new platform developed by UVA Health scientists can produce vaccines much faster, cheaper, and more easily than traditional approaches. The platform's proof-of-concept demonstrates its ability to produce highly immunogenic vaccines that can be manufactured at extremely low cost.

NUS Medicine study reveals how antimicrobial resistance spreads from gut bacteria to potentially dangerous hospital superbugs

Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.

'Trojan horse' may deliver toxic dose of copper to bacterial colonies, including drug-resistant MRSA infections

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a copper-based compound that can kill MRSA bacteria by disguising itself as iron. The compound, BMDC, works by delivering a toxic dose of copper to bacterial colonies, making it an effective treatment against drug-resistant infections.

Old diseases return as settlement pushes into the Amazon rainforest

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that human activity in the Amazon basin is driving an uptick in yellow fever cases. The proximity of urban areas to forests increases the risk of disease transmission, as does the growing border between forested and urban areas.

Study: How can we stop the spread of flu?

A new study found that airborne transmission of the flu is a major factor in its spread, but ventilation and air movement can reduce transmission. The study used a controlled environment to investigate how the flu spreads through the air between infected and uninfected people.

Fatal infection risk in newborns may increase when this bacteria and fungus mix

Researchers discovered that GBS interacts with C. albicans, increasing the risk of severe and fatal infections in newborns and making standard treatments less effective. The co-infection can also reduce the effectiveness of existing GBS treatments.

Study examines how the last two respiratory pandemics rapidly spread through cities

Researchers used computer modeling to reconstruct the spatial transmission of the 2009 H1N1 flu and COVID-19 pandemics in the US, highlighting challenges of early outbreak containment and identifying key transmission hubs. The study suggests expanding wastewater surveillance coverage could slow initial spread of future pandemics.

Shifting pathways: Community and healthcare-associated transmission of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Europe

Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.

Influenza clade K viruses prolong the influenza season in Australia and New Zealand

The emergence of A(H3N2) subclade K viruses in Australia and New Zealand extended their influenza seasons, with Australia experiencing a record-breaking season. The viruses were likely imported from the US and accounted for half of Australian viruses and over two-thirds of New Zealand viruses.

Study: Adults face lasting effects months after RSV hospitalization

A new study found that adults hospitalized with RSV often struggle with breathlessness, reduced ability to perform everyday activities, and lower quality of life six to 12 months after their hospitalization. The study also showed that younger adults can experience serious RSV infections requiring hospitalization, similar to older adults.

How can nursing homes protect more patients from infections?

The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.

APIC and SHEA announce Joint Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG)

The APIC and SHEA have established the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG) to fill gaps in coordinated infection prevention efforts. The group aims to provide timely, evidence-informed advisory expertise to support organizational needs and promote alignment among healthcare stakeholders.

Asia PGI and partners unveil preview of PathGen: New AI-powered outbreak intelligence tool

PathGen is an AI-powered platform that integrates diverse data sources to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making support. It enables countries to respond faster to outbreaks while strengthening trust and sovereignty, reducing lives lost and livelihoods disrupted.

Researchers warn: Climate change could expand habitats for malaria mosquitoes

A new study from the University of Copenhagen predicts that climate change could create more favorable conditions for malaria mosquitoes, exposing millions to increased risk of infection. The researchers warn that if left unchecked, this could put between 200 million and up to 1 billion people at additional risk.

Avian Flu, from ‘FluWarning’ early alerts for virus spillovers

The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.

Wild birds are driving the current U.S. bird flu outbreak

A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.

Rainfall and temperature shape mosquito fauna in Atlantic Forest bromeliads, including malaria vectors

A recent study found that rainfall and temperature significantly impact the water volume in bromeliad tanks, which in turn affects mosquito development and species diversity. This knowledge can be useful for predicting malaria transmission risk and estimating the effects of climate change on disease outbreaks.

DNA from Napoleon’s 1812 army identifies the pathogens likely responsible for the army’s demise during their retreat from Russia

Researchers extracted DNA from Napoleon soldiers' teeth and identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis as causes of enteric fever and relapsing fever. The discovery sheds new light on the factors contributing to the army's downfall.

Common source, common food vehicle: investigations of recurring Salmonella Strathcona outbreaks in Europe since 2011

A recurring seasonal outbreak pattern of Salmonella Strathcona cases has been identified in Europe since 2011, with small tomatoes from Sicily being the likely source. The investigation found that almost all cases were genetically related, suggesting a common source and food vehicle.

Rare virus transmitted by rats infects woman in Germany—link to private pet rat breeding facility

A rare Seoul virus infection was reported in a German woman after visiting a private pet rat breeding facility. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of the virus in several rats from the facility, highlighting the need for better screening and hygiene practices.

Global platform for pandemic preparedness to be established at DTU National Food Institute

The Global Pathogen Analysis Platform (GPAP) will enable low- and middle-income countries to conduct research and surveillance of infectious diseases independently. The platform aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics by detecting genetic sequences of potential pathogens.

Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 announced

The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.

Tracking infectious disease spread via commuting pattern data

Researchers developed a Commuter Metapopulation Model to capture daily mobility patterns and their impact on disease spread. The model accurately simulates rapid urban outbreaks and localized outbreaks in rural areas, providing valuable insights for targeted intervention strategies.

Major test of new method to control dengue mosquito shows community health benefit

A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.

Little-known strep bacteria behind growing number of severe infections

A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.

Researchers deconstruct chikungunya outbreaks to improve prediction and vaccine development

A study analyzing 86 chikungunya outbreaks identified patterns in size and severity, revealing local conditions such as housing quality and mosquito density play a significant role. The findings help predict future outbreaks, informing vaccine trial development and protecting vulnerable populations.

Study models how human behavior, lockdowns and restrictions shaped COVID’s spread

Researchers used computer modeling and large datasets to understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa. The study found that population density and household size significantly affected transmission patterns during lockdowns and government restrictions.

Bird flu outbreak in house cats: high-risk but survival possible

Researchers from UMD found that cats can survive bird flu if treated promptly with oseltamivir, a common influenza treatment. Early intervention significantly increases the chances of survival and strong protection against reinfection for several months.

Most Americans favor MMR vaccine requirement for public school, Annenberg survey finds

A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.

From Miami to Berlin: a stowaway rat reveals hidden global health risks

A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.

New USF-FAU research rewrites origins of world’s first pandemic

Researchers at USF and FAU have uncovered direct genomic evidence of the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian, providing long-sought definitive proof that Yersinia pestis was present within the Byzantine Empire. The discovery offers new insight into one of the most consequential episodes in human history.

What traits matter when predicting disease emergence in new populations?

Researchers at Penn State have identified certain characteristics that can help predict whether a virus will persist in a new population. Infection prevalence and viral shedding were found to be significant predictors of long-term viral persistence. The study used a worm model system to examine disease transmission and emergence at a p...

World Mosquito Day 2025: Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases: ECDC supporting Member States in adapting to ‘new normal’

Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infection and chikungunya virus disease. ECDC has warned that record-breaking outbreaks point to a 'new normal' in Europe, prompting the need for a robust response to protect public health.

New monoclonal antibody targets deadly sepsis

Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.