Correct Answer :   Oxford Scientists

The University of Oxford has launched a new clinical trial to test a vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus.

This is the first-in-human trial of the ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine, being developed by researchers at the University's of Pandemic Sciences Institute - a research facility with a mission to discover, create and enable practical solutions to infectious disease threats worldwide. Fifty-one people aged 18 to 55 will participate in the trial, which is being led by the Oxford Vaccine Group within the Department for Paediatrics, and funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Nipah virus can be fatal in around 75% of cases. Outbreaks have occurred in South-East Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India, with a recent outbreak in Kerala, India in September 2023. The disease is carried by fruit bats and may also be transmitted by contact with infected animals (such as pigs) or from person-to-person via close contact.  

Nipah, which is recognised by the World Health Organization as a priority disease requiring urgent research, belongs to the same family of paramyxoviruses as more well-known pathogens like measles. Despite the first outbreaks of Nipah virus occurring 25 years ago in Malaysia and Singapore, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.

“Nipah virus was first identified in 1998, and yet 25 years on the global health community still has no approved vaccines or treatments for this devastating disease. Due to the high mortality rate and the nature of Nipah virus transmission, the disease is identified as a priority pandemic pathogen. This vaccine trial is an important milestone in identifying a solution that could prevent local outbreaks occurring, while also helping the world prepare for a future global pandemic.”

“Nipah has epidemic potential, with its fruit bat hosts found in areas home to over two billion people. This trial is a step forward in efforts to build a suite of tools to protect against this killer virus. Knowledge gained could also inform development of other Paramyxovirus countermeasures.”

The project will run over the next 18 months, with further trials expected to follow in a Nipah-affected country..

Source : OVG

Correct Answer :   United Kingdom

On Monday (27th Nov 2023), the United Kingdom (UK) Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed the first human case of H1N2, or the pig virus, discovered through routine national flu surveillance.

The affected individual experienced mild illness and fully recovered, raising questions about potential pig-to-human transmission.


Detection and Recovery : The UKHSA detected the case through routine flu surveillance, highlighting the unidentified source of infection. Despite uncertainties, the agency reported the individual’s recovery from a mild illness. This marks the first human instance of H1N2 in the UK, underscoring the virus’s mysterious origin.


Similarity to Porcine Viruses : Meera Chand, the incident director at UKHSA, emphasized the H1N2 virus’s similarity to strains found in pigs. Though the first human case in the UK, the virus closely resembles those observed in swine populations, sparking concerns about potential pathways for transmission between pigs and humans.

Contact Tracing and Surveillance : The UKHSA is actively tracing contacts related to the infected case and closely monitoring the situation. Enhanced surveillance measures are being implemented in North Yorkshire, where the case emerged. The focus is on understanding potential transmission routes between pigs and humans.


Historical Context : The H1N2 virus’s discovery in humans prompts reflections on the 2009 swine flu pandemic. The current situation raises awareness of risks associated with zoonotic transmission, where viruses move from animals to humans. The virus in question contains genetic material from various sources, including pigs, birds, and humans.


Global Comparison : The UKHSA, based on early information, distinguishes the recently detected UK infection from around 50 global cases since 2005. This raises questions about the unique characteristics of the UK virus, emphasizing the need for further research and analysis to understand its distinct features and potential implications.

Correct Answer :   UAE

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 28-year-old male from United Arab Emirates (UAE), it said in a statement.

According to WHO, the patient is a resident of Al Ain city in Abu Dhabi, and had no travel history. He also presented no history of direct or indirect contact with dromedaries (camels), goats, or sheep.

The patient rushed to the hospital on 8 June with symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath where he was confirmed MERS-CoV positive.

As a part of surveillance and contact tracing, authorities have identified 108 immediate contacts of the case who are being monitored for being exposed to the MERS-CoV patient. However, no secondary case was identified. The case has no family members or household contacts identified in the UAE.

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection that is caused by a coronavirus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Humans are infected with direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels who are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection.

“WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and conducts risk assessments based on the latest available information. WHO expects that additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported from the Middle East and/or other countries where MERS-CoV is circulating in dromedaries," WHO said in a statement.

“WHO re-emphasizes the importance of strong surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory infections, including MERS-CoV, and to carefully review any unusual patterns," it said.

The first case of MERS-CoV was reported in UAE in July 2013. Till date, UAE has reported 94 confirmed cases and 12 deaths. Globally, the total number of confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO since 2012 is 2,605, including 936 associated deaths.

WHO said that no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, although several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and treatments are in development. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition.

Meanwhile, the UN health agency has initiated the process for genomic analysis. “This will identify any genetic evolution of the virus and support WHO’s global risk assessment efforts," it said.

As a general precaution, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns or other places where dromedaries are present should practise general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing after touching animals, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands, and avoiding contact with sick animals. People may also consider wearing protective gowns and gloves while professionally handling animals..

Source : Mint