Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Younis Abdul Redha Al-Khafaji<br /><br /> 1. Mpox Outbreak in Africa<br />Affected countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Central African Republic.<br />The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a surge in Mpox cases, particularly involving a new strain (Clade Ib), which has shown higher transmissibility.<br />There are concerns about spread to urban areas and possible international transmission.<br /> 2. Avian Influenza (H5N1)<br />Human infections: Sporadic cases continue, especially among people exposed to infected birds.<br />Global spread: Transmission has been reported between birds and from birds to mammals across North America, Europe, and Asia.<br />WHO alert level: Under close monitoring due to the potential for the virus to evolve and transmit efficiently among humans.<br /> 3. Marburg Virus – Tanzania and Ghana<br />Outbreaks were reported earlier this year in Tanzania, with previous incidents in Ghana.<br />Marburg virus remains a high-risk pathogen due to its high fatality rate (up to 88%) and lack of approved treatments.<br /> 4. Reemergence of Rabies – Latin and North America<br />Reappearance of rabies from bats – Latin America & North America<br />An increase in rabies cases linked to bats has been recorded in parts of the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.<br />Health authorities warn against contact with bats and advise post-exposure prophylaxis when needed.<br /> 5. Climate Change and Zoonotic Disease Risk<br />Scientists warn that climate change is increasing human-wildlife interactions, raising the risk of virus spillover from animals to humans.<br />Diseases like Nipah and Lassa fever remain under surveillance for potential epidemic emergence.<br /> Research and Preparedness Updates<br />Vaccines and Treatments: New mRNA-based vaccines targeting multiple viruses (including coronaviruses and filoviruses) are in phase II and III clinical trials.<br />Early Warning Systems: WHO and CDC are enhancing surveillance systems using AI tools for early outbreak detection.<br /> Summary – April 2025<br />As of now, no new global viral pandemic is threatening the world, but several localized outbreaks and high-risk viruses remain under close observation:<br />Mpox in Africa<br />Avian Influenza (H5N1)<br />Marburg Virus<br />Bat-related Rabies in the Americas