On 27 November 2023, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA)reportedthe first known human case of influenza A (H1N2)v in the UK, a variant of the influenza virus previously not known to cause infections in humans. Following detection, public health agencies in the UK are now working rapidly towards characterizing the pathogen and assessing the risk it may present to human health.
Several subtypes of the influenza virus are assigned according to combinations of mutations in the proteins on the surface of the virus -hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The former binds to sialic acid receptors in the host. New influenza viruses can emerge through a process called reassortment where the co-infecting viruses could swap genomic fragments. Influenza A H1N2 is a subtype of influenza that is endemic in pigs and is rarely reported in humans. Swine influenza viruses normally do not infect humans, however, in rare cases, sporadic infections can occur especially with close contact with animals carrying the virus. In such occurrences, the infecting influenza strain is known as a variant virus denoted by adding v after the subtype.
The case of influenza A (H1N2)v was detected as part of the comprehensive national influenza surveillance in the UK led by UKHSA. The patient, a 75-year-old individual, who has now fully recovered, presented with mild respiratory and flu-like symptoms. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus belonged to a distinct clade 1B.1.1 of influenza viruses. While distinct from recent human cases of A(H1N2), its genetic makeup showed similarity to swine influenza viruses found in the UK and no other mutations of concern have been detected in this variant. Although the patient resides in an area in proximity to pig farms, no direct contact with animals could be established. Instances of human-to-human transmission of the virus have also not yet been detected, however, the detection of the virus in a case with no contact with animals could possibly mean that a limited and undetected human-to-human transmission may have occurred. But there is no definitive evidence, says the WHO.
Sporadic human infections with A(H1N2)v have been detected previously. Since 2005, almost 50 cases of human A(H1N2)v infections have been reported from across the world, however, this is the first time that a case has been reported from the UK. Recently in August 2023, a human infection was reported in the United States of America linked to an agricultural fair. Cases have also been reported in Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, China and Australia. Infections with H1N2 variant viruses generally are similar in symptoms and severity to seasonal influenza viruses and there is limited evidence of human-to-human transmission. Current evidence suggests that these swine-origin influenza viruses have limited ability for sustained transmission among humans, theWHO says.
According to the UKHSA, the variant influenza virus presents a low risk to the general public. However, people with direct regular exposure to pigs may be at a higher risk of acquiring this virus. Influenza viruses have the potential to spill over into human populations and cause severe illnesses although the variant virus detected in the UK does not show any characteristics suggestive of pandemic potential. As public health authorities in the UK continue to follow up on the case, it is important to underscore comprehensive surveillance of pathogens, particularly rapidly evolving respiratory viruses like influenza and ability to rapidly characterize viral variants using genome sequencing forms the cornerstone of public health action and preparedness and our ability to mitigate the risk of a global outbreak.
(Bani Jolly is a senior scientist at Karkinos Healthcare and Vinod Scaria is a senior consultant at Vishwanath Cancer Care Foundation)
As the mercury drops, the threat of winter illnesses go up. Influenza, a common winter illness, poses a significant risk to people. Kids, with their underdeveloped immune systems, not only face an elevated risk of contracting the flu but also grapple with severe complications. It is important to pay attention to symptoms such fever, body ache, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness, headache among others. Parents can play a major role in preventing their little ones from flu. From getting them vaccinated to instilling habits like washing hands frequently, not touching elevator doors, furniture and objects can help prevent the spread. Children should also avoid sharing their personal things with others. Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding junk food can also help boost their immunity. (See pics | Influenza to pneumonia: 5 common winter illnesses; how to prevent)
"Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can be particularly challenging for children during winter and is highly contagious. Unlike adults, children have less developed immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe complications from the flu virus. In addition, young kids often lack built-up immunity from previous exposure. One of the unique challenges of influenza in children is that it can easily spread in daycare centres and schools due to proximity and shared spaces," says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine Global Hospitals Parel Mumbai.
Influenza is very much preventable and must not be taken lightly as its symptoms be it fever, coughing or fatigue can disrupt their routine and affect their studies. Getting a flu shot can help prevent the infection.
"Remember, that one can have mild to major symptoms and may also require hospital admission. This makes prevention and containment efforts more complex. Moreover, symptoms such as high fever, coughing, and fatigue can disrupt a child's daily routine and lead to missed school days or activities. Parents should ensure their kids receive updated vaccinations each year to protect against new strains. Do not miss or skip the vaccination and try to speak to the doctor if you have any doubts. Parents should not worry as flu vaccines are completely safe for children," says Dr Agarwal.
"Encouraging regular hand washing and proper respiratory hygiene can also make a difference, as these simple practices help limit the spread of germs and viruses among children. Another handy tip is to maintain a healthy lifestyle for kids with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Parents should ensure that their children eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses," says Dr Vrushali Bichkar, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, Pune.
Dr Bichkar further elaborates on measures to ward off flu risk.
Avoid junk food: It is best to avoid junk, oily canned, and processed foods. Parents can take the help of an expert when it comes to diet for their children.
Proper hydration: Also, proper hydration is key to staying healthy. Drink plenty of water during the day and add hydrating fruits and vegetables to the diet
Do not touch surfaces: A strong immune system serves as a first line of defense against influenza. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals and teaching kids about the importance of not sharing personal items like utensils or water bottles can further reduce their risk of catching the flu during colder months.
"By prioritizing prevention strategies, parents and caregivers can help keep influenza at bay for their children as winter approaches. Parents should consult the doctor in case their children have symptoms such as high fever, cough, cold, chills, body pain, and weakness. Do not ignore these symptoms at all. Timely treatment can help children to deal with influenza. Children should stop touching their faces after touching any object," says Dr Bichkar.
"Apart from vaccination, children should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, wiping noses, and touching infected surfaces such as elevator doors, furniture, faucets, or objects. Avoid crowded places and being around sick people. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces from time to time, wear masks, and maintain a safe distance from others. Children should avoid sharing any personal items with others. Also, children should eat nutritious diets and exercise to boost immunity and prevent influenza," adds Dr Agarwal.
Japan said that the average number of influenza patients designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years, it was reported. The spread of flu cases reflects lowered influenza immunity after cases had dropped in recent years amid anti-infection measures implemented against the coronavirus pandemic, Japan Times reported citing health experts. The influenza virus is spreading about a month earlier than normal, they said.
Across almost 5,000 institutions, 166,690 patients had been reported in the week through December 10, averaging 33.72 people per facility, Japan's health minister said. This has surpassed the warning level of 30, it informed. During the same period, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that the number of patients nationwide totaled around 1,118,000.
Coronavirus cases have also been increasing for the third consecutive week, authorities said. This means both the virus could spread further as year-end and New Year's social gatherings take place in the country. School and class-specific closures have been required at 6,382 educational facilities nationwide in the week through Sunday, authorities have said.
Influenza outbreaks typically occur in the winter and the end of spring but this year saw an unusual increase in cases from August. Flu cases were also seen in October as they exceeded the advisory level for that month of 10 people per institution.
"Individual measures for preventing infection are the same as those for COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places," Nobuhiko Okabe, head of the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, said.
When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
With Canadas colder weather comes respiratory virus season, when influenza, RSV and other viruses circulate alongside the COVID-19 virus that remains with us. While Canadians learned a lot about how to protect themselves from illness over the course of the pandemic, new information from health care practitioners can help inform decisions, from availability of flu shots to any changes in COVID-19 protocols.
Well be publishing an update on respiratory virus season each week. Looking for more information on the topic that you dont see here? E-mail audience@globeandmail.com to see if we can help.
Long COVID survivor Sonja Mally poses for a portrait in Toronto, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris YoungChris Young/The Canadian Press
Flu shot clinics and programs are ramping up across the country, with appointments being made available for anyone six months and older. Find out about clinics and availability for each of the provinces and territories here:
Newfoundland; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut
The three authorized vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax, protect against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of COVID-19 and should provide good protection against the related EG.5 family. The reformulated mRNA shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are approved for anyone six months and older. Novavaxs shot is approved for those 12 and up.
COVID-19 vaccine information for the provinces and territories can be found here:
Newfoundland; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut
The vast majority of flu cases in Canada are influenza A, and most of those are the H1N1 subtype. During the week that ended Dec. 9, there were 243 hospital admissions linked to the flu, 35 ICU admissions and under 5 deaths.
From Aug. 27 to Dec. 9, PHAC reports that there have been 152 ICU admissions and 38 deaths linked to the flu in Canada. Adults 65 and older and children under five accounted for the highest cumulative hospitalization rates in Canada, at 36 per 100,000 and 31 per 100,000, respectively.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that for the week ending Dec. 12, there was a slight increase in the number of beds occupied by patients in hospital as a result of COVID-19, going from 4,679 to 4,687. The number of COVID-19 patients in the ICU, 159, did not change from the previous week.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, but generally include sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling feverish, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea. According to Health Canada, you may start experiencing symptoms anywhere from one to 14 days after exposure. Typically, symptoms appear between three to seven days after exposure.
Health Canada advises following the testing guidelines provided by your local public health authority if you have symptoms or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19. If you test positive, immediately isolate yourself from others, including those in your household, and follow the advice of your local public health authority on isolation requirements.
Respiratory viruses are spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces, so its important to protect against both forms of transmission. Health Canada recommends wearing a medical mask or respirator, washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitizer, covering your coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects. If you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
Lawmakers want military researchers to determine whether the COVID-19 vaccine caused more harm than good for service members.
Included in the annual defense authorization bill passed by Congress earlier this month is language calling for a study to assess and evaluate any health conditions and adverse events arising in service members on active duty one year after receiving the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers will be required to report their findings back to lawmakers in December 2024.
The vaccine has been a target of conservative lawmakers for years. In the fiscal 2023 defense authorization bill, lawmakers repealed the Defense Departments mandate for all troops to receive the vaccine. This years bill also contains a host of provisions related to potential reenlistment of individuals kicked out of the ranks for refusing the shots.
But the research mandate inserted by Republican House members during debate on the legislation takes that further, again calling into question the safety of the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that serious problems [linked to the vaccine] are rare and long-term side effects unlikely. They have also said that medical research thus far has not shown any increased risk of death associated with receiving the inoculation, while contracting coronavirus does carry an increased risk of death.
But the agency has documented allergic reactions and heart problems in a small percentage of vaccine recipients.
The study will look at any health condition developed after receiving such first dose, regardless of whether the condition is attributable to the receipt of such first dose, and an accounting of adverse events including hyperimmune response linked to the vaccine.
House Republicans had also pushed for language prohibiting military leaders from mandating masks to prevent the spread of future COVID-19 outbreaks, but that language was dropped in final deliberations over the bill.
President Joe Biden is expected to sign the authorization bill into law before the end of the month.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
WHO has added the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to itslist of prequalified vaccines. In October 2023, WHO recommended its use for the prevention of malaria in children following the advice of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group. The prequalification means larger access to vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in children with it being a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine prequalified by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine which obtained prequalification status in July 2022. Both vaccines are shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, for preventing malaria in children. When implemented broadly, along with other recommended malaria control interventions, they are expected to have a high public health impact. Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, places a particularly high burden on children in the African Region, where nearly half a million children die from the disease each year. Globally, in 2022, there were an estimated 249million malaria cases and 608000 malaria deaths across 85countries.
The prequalification of the worlds second malaria vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, is poised to expand access to malaria prevention through vaccination. Demand for malaria vaccines is high but the supply has thus far been limited. The availability of two WHO recommended and prequalified malaria vaccines is expected to increase supply to meet the high demand from African countries and result in sufficient vaccine doses to benefit all children living in areas where malaria is a significant public health risk.
Dr Rogrio Gaspar, Director of the Department of Regulation and Prequalification at WHO said: "Achieving WHO vaccine prequalification ensures that vaccines used in global immunization programmes are safe and effective within their conditions of use in the targeted health systems. WHO evaluates multiple products for prequalification each year and core to this work is ensuring greater access to safe, effective and quality health products".
Dr Kate OBrien, Director of WHO's Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said: "Today marks a huge stride in global health as we welcome the prequalification of R21/Matrix-M, the second malaria vaccine recommended for children in malaria endemic areas. This achievement underscores our relentless commitment to wiping out malaria which remains a formidable foe causing child suffering and death. This is another step toward ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for those who have lived for too long in fear of what malaria could do to their children. Together with our partners we are united in the pursuit of a malaria-free future, where every life is shielded from the threat of this disease.
As part of the prequalification process, WHO applies international standards to comprehensively evaluate and determine whether vaccines are safe, effective and manufactured to international standards. WHO also ensures the continued safety and efficacy of prequalified vaccines through, for example, regular re-evaluation, site inspection and targeted testing. Prequalification supports the specific needs of national immunization programmes with regards to vaccine characteristics such as potency, thermostability, presentation, labelling and shipping conditions.
Canadians raced to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first years of the pandemic, but data suggests there's far less of a rush to get the latest shots available this fall.
Federal figures show only 15 per cent of the population aged five and up had received an updated vaccine by Dec. 3.And while older age groups had higher uptake rates, more than half of higher-risk older adults still hadn't gotten a dose by early December, either.
The shots, tailored to the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant, are meant to shore up protection against the SARS-CoV-2 descendants currently circulating.
Medical experts say seniors and other higher-risk individuals could leave themselves more vulnerable to serious illness if they skip these updated shots. Less than a third of Canadians in their 60s have had the newest vaccine, along with roughly 44 per cent of people in their 70s, and 48 per cent of those aged 80 and older.
Pandemic fatigue, muddled messagingand complex vaccination timelines might be dissuading Canadians from getting another round of vaccines, experts note.
"Why that gap exists is both an interesting and difficult question," said Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious diseases specialist with Sinai Health in Toronto. "I think it's because people just aren't getting the message about how much of a risk COVID is."
Data shows SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating at high levels across much of Canada, sending hundreds of people into hospital with COVID every week.Weekly rates of hospitalizations and intensive care admissions remain highest among the oldest age groups.
The immune systems of various higher-risk groups including seniors, pregnant womenand people with other serious health issues can be weaker than those of most healthy adults, increasing their risk of serious illness of any kind.
At the same time, a growing body of evidence suggests that immunity against this ever-evolving virus fades over time, leaving people susceptible to repeat infections.
Just this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced yet another variant of interestknown as JN.1, an Omicron offshoot that's rapidly spreading around the world. (WHO officials said the latest batch of vaccines are expected to maintain protection against serious illness and death from this variant as well.)
That's why updated shots can make a difference, according to Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.
Tam told CBC News there's "room for improvement" when it comes to vaccine uptake among older Canadians. "That's the group, of course, that has the highest risk of severe outcomes," she added.
Close to a third of the country's older population doesn't appear to have been infected with this virus yet either, Tam noted.
"They've been protecting themselves. They've been getting vaccinated," she added. "But the vaccine base protection can wane over time even protection against severe outcomes wanes over time."
That message doesn't seem to be reaching the public, warnedMcMasterUniversity immunologist and researcher Dawn Bowdish.
Many Canadians think there's a "magic number" of vaccinedoses that will protect them long-term from COVID, but that's incorrect, Bowdish said.
While the overall risks of SARS-CoV-2 infections may be lower now than during the early days of the pandemic, fresh shots are necessary while this virus is still "rapidly adapting."
COVID shots don't act like many of our childhood vaccines, she explained, since this type of virus operates in a specific way: Much like older coronaviruses known for causing the common cold, SARS-CoV-2 has a "remarkable capacity to cause repeat infections" by evolving to better dodge the frontline defences of the human immune system.
That means vulnerable individuals should treat the latest COVID vaccines like annual flu shots not boosters to ensure their immune system is primed to tackle new variants and avoid serious illness and lingering, life-altering health impacts, she said.
"We know that having COVID increases risks of heart attacks and other complications, especially in older adults," Bowdish added.
"And importantly, if an older adult is hospitalized, it is very rare for them to leave the hospital and have the same level of function as they did before they went in."
WATCH | What seniors need to know about this year's fall vaccines:
While the vaccine guidance for higher-risk groups is fairly straightforward, McGeer, in Toronto, said younger adults in their 20s and 30s may have more to consider as they weigh the risks and benefits.
The mRNA-based vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been linked to higher reactogenicity referring to expected post-vaccination reactions caused by someone's immune response, such as a fever or a sore arm which can discourage some people from getting another shot, McGeer said.
Novavax's protein-based, non-mRNA vaccine is now approved as well, and doses have been delivered to the Public Health Agency of Canada for distribution to the provinces, but McGeer said it likely won't be as widely available, making it harder to access for many Canadians who want a more traditional option.
People are also trying to navigate complex vaccination advice on how to time their next shots, she added. Guidance suggests waiting six months or so after your last vaccination or infection before getting another dose, which can complicate efforts to roll out seasonal immunization campaigns, since Canadians are operating on various schedules based on when they were last exposed to the virus.
Then there's the simple fact that so many people are tired of getting shot after shot, four years into the COVID pandemic.
"I think everyone has a little bit of COVID fatigue, including our policymakers," said Bowdish. "And so we haven't been as aggressive."
The medical experts who spoke to CBC News also didn't paint a clear picture of what the future could hold for COVID vaccination efforts.
Tam said the door is still open for another spring vaccination push, though she noted uptake last spring was also relatively low. Bowdish, the immunologist, agreed twice-annual vaccines may be appropriate given how quickly this virus is evolving.
McGeer, however, said over the long term, as more people gain repeat exposure to this virus earlier and earlier in life, the need for COVID vaccines could start to shift. A twice-annual vaccine seems unlikely, "and I'm not sure that we're even settling into an annual vaccine," she said.
But the world won't know for years, perhaps even decades, how this virus will evolve, what seasonal patterns it could settle into, and how those factors might change the risks of acute illness or lasting health impacts.
"How long that trajectory is going to take, and where it's going to stop, [is an] open question," McGeer said.
A new COVID-19 variant is now estimated to make up about 20% of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently named the strain, JN.1, a variant of concern meaning that the global body is monitoring the variant closely but hasnt yet added it to its watchlist of high-risk strains. Still, the WHO warns the fast-spreading variant could lead to an uptick in cases during winter months as people spend more time indoors at family and group gatherings.
In California, the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19 has been on a steady rise since November, coinciding with flu season.
We recently spoke with three UC San Francisco COVID-19 experts, Vivek Jain, MD, MAS; George Rutherford, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD, to get the rundown on this COVID-19 season and the latest variant.
Chin-Hong: The symptoms of JN.1 are thought to be similar those of other members of the Omicron family of COVID-19 variants: Typically, illness starts with a sore throat, followed by congestion and a dry cough.
People may also experience other symptoms such as a runny nose, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea and an altered sense of smell. But probably what is more important than the symptoms is who has it: A patient who is older than 75 or is immunocompromised and who has not been recently vaccinated against COVID-19 may experience more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing. Folks like these can get very ill.
Chin-Hong: There is no evidence that the new variant causes more serious disease, hospitalizations or a higher fatality rate than other Omicron variants.
Chin-Hong: Yes. Although the vaccine was developed against another Omicron strain (XBB.1.5), studies have shown that the new COVID-19 vaccine generates a robust immune response to JN.1. I have full confidence in the new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine for the variants that are circulating right now.
Chin-Hong: Yes, the current slate of COVID-19 antivirals such as Paxlovid and for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, remdesivir are also very effective against JN.1. Remember, its important to take Paxlovid as soon as possible after showing symptoms of COVID-19, ideally within the first five days. Youll need a prescription for both these medications.
Jain: Broadly, everyone 6 months and older should get the new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are very safe and lower peoples risk of death and hospitalization, especially those who are older or who have medical conditions.
Is it time to start masking again?
More on masks
Jain: Yes, if thats convenient. Its also okay to space them slightly apart.
If youre 60 and over or in weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy, you may also qualify for the new RSV vaccines.
Jain: Everyone should strongly consider staying up to date with annual COVID-19 vaccines. People should talk with their health care providers and consider factors like age, and medical conditions, including whether they are immunosuppressed, live with other people at high risk for serious COVID-19 and their COVID-19 history.
Rutherford: Yes. COVID-19 was the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. between 2021 and 2022. Its the number one vaccine-preventable cause of death among children in the U.S.
Jain: Yes, health insurance and pharmacies will cover the cost of the new COVID-19 vaccines. People without insurance or who might face a difficult co-payment should contact their local health department for places to get free COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also check the federal governments Bridge Access Program for free COVID-19 vaccines at thousands of locations nationwide.
The Ministry of Health confirmed today that a child died of rabies about a month ago. The Palestinian boy was bitten in the Jordan Valley in early October by a stray dog and was not vaccinated after being bitten. Only after symptoms began to appear and his condition deteriorated was he admitted to the An-Najah hospital in Nablus and died. This week, two cases of rabies were added to the 44 cases currently recorded in Israel, a large increase compared to 2022, in which 29 cases were found.
Rabies is a fatal neurological disease with a virtually 100% mortality rate for both humans and animals if a vaccination is not administered before the onset of symptoms. The first known person to survive the virus without vaccination was treated in 2015 using a method now known as the Milwaukee Protocol, which remains controversial.
The virus affects all mammals and is transmitted in saliva, mainly by biting. The virus is also transmitted to people through scratching or licking mucous membranes.
The disease can be prevented in animals with a vaccine given ahead of time and in humans through a series of vaccination injections that are given after exposure to the virus and protect against the development of rabies.
The last time a person died in Israel from the deadly virus was in 2002. Before that, in 1997, three people died in Israel from rabies, including a soldier. This month, several animals infected with rabies were found in the north of the country. The most recent case was last Wednesday: a rabies-infected bull was found in an almond orchard at Kibbutz Ein Harod in Israels North.
Almost all cases of rabies in Israel are in the North, in the Gilboa area. In the Ministry of Agriculture's veterinary services records, a rabies case will only be recognized after the animal suspected of having the deadly disease is caught, sent for testing at the veterinary institutes rabies laboratory, and confirmed to have been infected with the virus.
Therefore, if the attacking animal, usually a jackal or a dog, has behavior typical of an animal infected with rabies but is not caught, it will not be included in the number of cases. As such, it is certain that the real number of cases is greater than the number reported by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Since the war began, stories have come out about soldiers bringing dogs and cats back to Israel with them from Gaza. In addition, the major damages to the barrier separating Israel and the Gaza Strip could allow stray animals to cross into Israel. It is probably the case that most animals that would enter Israel from Gaza are not vaccinated against rabies.
A United States District Court judge has again denied relief to a collection of Steamship Authority employees that had tried to gain an exemption to ferry lines COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Eleven plaintiffs were seeking a preliminary injunctive but Judge Richard G. Stearns with the federal district court in Massachusetts denied the motion on Dec. 11, arguing that the Steamship was trying to protect the general public by ordering compliance with its mandate.
Its the judges second time ruling against the 11 employees.
The group of employees first filed a 129-page lawsuit in Barnstable County Superior Court in February 2022, alleging the Steamship was infringing on their First Amendment rights. The case quickly moved to the U.S. District Court. Judge Stearns denied the workers request in March 2022, which was appealed.
In October, a panel of three appellate judges ruled that the lower court partially erred when rejecting the Steamship Authority [SSA] workers claims that their rights were infringed upon; and the judges sent the case back to Stearns.
In last weeks ruling, Stearns laid out several reasons for denying the injunction. The employees had argued that the Steamship granted an exemption to the vaccine to one employee for health reasons; their rights were infringed on when they were not granted a religious exemption. But the judge writes in his filing that the Steamships efforts to protect the public were justified.
Granting eleven indefinite religious exemptions creates a substantially higher risk of infection and transmission than granting one time-limited medical exemption, he writes.
The judge also argues that the Steamship tried other measures to stop the spread of the virus, like extensive cleaning, social distancing, and daily health screenings. But, the judge writes, COVID-19 outbreaks on the Authoritys vessels continued to Occur.
In previous comments to The Times, the plaintiffs attorney, Patrick K. Daubert said they are seeking reinstatement for the workers who were terminated for standing by their religious convictions in declining the vaccines.
