China reports two more human cases of H9N2 avian flu, bringing the total for 2024 to 18. The patients, a 2-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy from Hunan province, were exposed to the virus through contact with poultry. Illnesses in people are often mild and reported in children.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Ebola Sudan outbreak has risen to nine cases, with one death. The outbreak is linked to clusters in healthcare facilities and families of infected individuals. In contrast, a new vaccine technology for nasal RNA vaccines has been developed, which could potentially lead to more targeted antibiotic treatment for patients with compromised immune systems. A low-cost rapid test to detect pneumonia from urine samples has also been funded to aid in the diagnosis of these infections.
Researchers have found that immunocompromised individuals are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, despite increased vaccination efforts. The risk of severe COVID-19 was higher among immunocompromised people, with a 2.04 adjusted incidence rate ratio for hospitalization and a 1.69 adjusted incidence rate ratio for death. The study highlights the need for additional interventions for immunocompromised populations.
The development of new diagnostic technologies, such as a rapid test to detect pneumonia from urine samples, could significantly improve patient outcomes and healthcare globally. These advancements aim to provide more targeted treatments and better care for patients with compromised immune systems.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/h9n2-avian-flu-infects-2-more-china