EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Human Infection with Avian Influenza A(H10N3) Virus, China, 2024
Wang J, Bi F, Luo X, Huang H, Liang C, Zhao Y, He W, Kang N, Wang J, Ju Y and Lan G
We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province, China, in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province. H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events.
Detection of Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus Mosquitoes, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, 2025
Chan-Chable RJ, Rodríguez-Luna CR, Espinal-Palomino R and Ibarra-Cerdeña CN
We report detection of Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus mosquitoes in continental North America, in Yucatán, Mexico. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the sequence from mosquitoes collected in Mexico with Caribbean mosquito lineages, suggesting species introduction via the Caribbean. Given its arbovirus competence, urgent inclusion of the Ae. vittatus mosquito in surveillance programs is warranted.
Fatal Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Unvaccinated Traveler from the United States to Switzerland, 2022
Scotti C, Greub G, Ahmad Y, Burgermeister S, Di Liberto G, Hewer E, Vassallo P and Pantet O
We report an unvaccinated traveler from the United States who contracted fulminant fatal tick-borne encephalitis while visiting Switzerland. Climate changes and international travel are intensifying tick exposure for unvaccinated persons. The increasing incidence of tick-borne encephalitis across Europe underscores the importance of tick bite prevention and vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis virus.
Neonatal Gonococcal Conjunctivitis Caused by Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Mizushima H, Komori M, Yoshida CA and Miyairi I
Prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum remains in use despite decreased incidence of the condition. We report a breakthrough case of neonatal conjunctivitis in Japan caused by a levofloxacin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria strain, co-infected with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. This case highlights failures in screening, prophylaxis, and treatment, underscoring the need to reassess prevention strategies.
Disseminated Blastomycosis Mimicking Tuberculosis, China
Guo C, Pan Y, Yu J, Yao L, He Y, Cui J, Gao M and Pang Y
Blastomycosis is endemic in central and southern North America but rare in China. It can mimic community-acquired pneumonia, tuberculosis, or cancer. We describe a patient who initially had tuberculosis diagnosed and later had blastomycosis diagnosed through metagenomic detection, which aided diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians should consider blastomycosis in differential diagnoses for respiratory diseases.
Increased Rates of Purpureocillium lilacinum Mold among Laboratory Culture Results, United States
Smith DJ, López LF, Lyman M, Paisley-Jones C and Benedict K
Purpureocillium lilacinum, a common environmental mold and bionematicide, can cause human infections. At a major US commercial laboratory during March 2019-February 2025, P. lilacinum culture rates increased; rates were highest in the South Atlantic and Pacific states. Nonculture-based diagnostic tools such as microscopy may help identify and confirm clinical infection earlier.
Genomic Investigation of Disseminated Gonococcal Infections, Minnesota, USA, 2024
Evans D, Friedlander H, Bo-Subait K, Dennis J, Kaiyalethe J, Craft B, Plumb M, Weber B, Bohnker-Voels L, Pung K, Mondelli A, Garfin J, Zipprich J, Snippes-Vagnone P, Como-Sabetti K and Lynfield R
This article summarizes a genomic investigation of a 4-fold increase in disseminated gonococcal infections in Minnesota, USA, in 2024. We detected the emergence of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain of a rarely observed sequence type, which carries a porB1a allele previously associated with disseminated disease and lacks a gonococcal genetic island.
Detection of Burkholderia thailandensis in Soil Samples, Suriname
Savelkoel J, Zimmermann R, Tjon ANC, Dzebisasjvili T, Lanzl M, Matamoros S, Mawie T, Woittiez L, Vreden S, Birnie E and Wiersinga WJ
Melioidosis, caused by the highly lethal pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, is emerging in North and South America. We studied soil samples in Suriname to determine endemicity of Burkholderia species. B. thailandensis was isolated, but B. pseudomallei was not. A multidisciplinary approach could establish clinical and ecologic distribution of both Burholderia species in Suriname.
Antimicrobial-Resistant Clonal Complex 11 Neisseria meningitidis-Associated Urethritis Cluster, Thailand
Cartee JC, Cherdtrakulkiat T, Joseph SJ, Kittiyaowamarn R, Girdthep N, Sangprasert P, Paopang P, Wongsurawat T, Jenjaroenpun P, Nitayanon P, Frankson R, Masciotra S, Wi T, Maatouk I, Kersh EN, Borisov AS and Tribuddharat C
Sexually transmitted infections clinics in Bangkok, Thailand, reported increasing numbers of men with Neisseria meningitidis-associated urethritis during 2017-2023. Genomic analysis indicated global expansion of the nongroupable clonal complex 11 N. meningitidis urethritis clade. Continued global surveillance is needed to monitor the spread of antimicrobial-resistant N. meningitidis with urethral adaptability.
Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131-H22 in Parrots from Illegal Pet Trade, Brazil, 2024
Rocha VGP, Barbosa FB, Ruiz J, Christensen H and Knöbl T
Escherichia coli sequence type 131:H:22 is a consequential lineage of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, associated with human pyelonephritis and sepsis. We report the transmission of avian pathogenic E. coli in a parrot rehabilitation center in Brazil and the presence of a high-risk zoonotic lineage of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli sequence type 131-H22.
Emergence of Bordetella holmesii-Associated Pertussis-Like Illness, Northern India, 2019-2023
Shekhar N, Sharma D, Chakraborty S, Kumar R, Rawat RS, Kaundal N, Kumar P, Avagyan T, Chauhan D, Jain N, Sharma M, Kumar A and Gautam V
We investigated Bordetella holmesii and Bordetella pertussis in 935 suspected pertussis cases in northern India (2019-2023) using PCR and serology. B. holmesii showed increased prevalence in pertussis cases, particularly in older children, highlighting its emerging role and the need for ongoing surveillance and adjusted prevention strategies.
Zoonotic Baylisascaris procyonis Infection in Raccoons, Mississippi, USA, 2023-2024
Huerta-Beltrán BL, Zhao H, Mills S, Berry J, Janous W, Ervin J, Butler K, Kalluru A, Valerio F, Stefano B, Selby T, Phillips NM, Everman S, Rosser GT, Hobbs CV, Bradbury RS and Hearst SM
Baylisascaris procyonis, an emerging zoonotic parasite, causes clinically significant visceral, ophthalmologic, and neurologic disease in humans. We screened raccoons (n = 46) collected from central and southern Mississippi for B. procyonis by necropsy (13.0% prevalence) and droplet digital PCR of feces (26.7% prevalence). Further surveillance to determine raccoon infection rates throughout Mississippi is indicated.
Zoonotic Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Humans, Gabon
Zhao H, Mutombo PN, Mintsa-Nguema R, Nkoghe D, Atsame J, Watts M, Gordon C and Bradbury RS
We report human infections with Necator gorillae and Strongyloides fuelleborni, zoonotic helminths from nonhuman primates, in Gabon. We also detected a cryptic Ancylostoma species helminth. Infections occurred in settings of localized deforestation and environmental degradation, which increase human-animal contact. Surveillance to clarify the extent of human infections is needed.
Investigation of Possible Intraoperative Transmission of Brucella melitensis, Slovenia
Potparić I, Bošnjak K, Avberšek J, Papić B, Bogovič P, Vodičar PM, Sagadin M, Pirš M, Korva M, Avšič-Županc T and Vodičar M
We report possible intraoperative transmission of Brucella melitensis in Slovenia, likely caused by aerosolized particles during wound irrigation. Whole-genome multilocus sequence typing revealed that isolates from the patient and the surgeon belonged to the same transmission cluster, differing by 1 allele. Our findings raise awareness of occupational risks faced by orthopedic surgeons.
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Circulation in Wild European Rabbits, Portugal, 2018-2023
Baptista C, Santos N, Vial L and Jori F
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is considered a public health risk in southwestern Europe. We surveyed serum samples from 667 European rabbits across Portugal, a rabbit species known to host immature Hyalomma lusitanicum ticks. We found low levels of virus antibodies (>1%), with a localized cluster reaching 5.77% in southern populations.
Jorge Lobo's Disease in Child with Tick Exposure, Brazil
Gonçalves FG, Laporta GZ, Neves SAVM, de Barros VLQ, Bispo RF, Sbardelott YADS, Silva PJCBD, Vianna LA, Tenório BG, Bernardes JPRA, Neto FFC, Nóbrega de Almeida J and de Melo Teixeira M
Jorge Lobo's disease (JLD), caused by Paracoccidioides lobogeorgii, primarily affects inhabitants of the Amazon Forest. We report a 9-year-old boy in Brazil who had JLD diagnosed after a tick bite. The rarity of pediatric cases likely reflects surveillance gaps. Increased clinical awareness is crucial for early JLD detection and intervention, especially in endemic regions.
Genetic Cluster of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Humans and Food, Switzerland, 2018-2019
Aguilar-Bultet L, Gómez-Sanz E, Vock I, Alt M, Schindler R, Pekerman LM, Furger R, Eichenberger L, Steffen I, García-Martín AB, Stadler T, Bagutti C and Tschudin-Sutter S
We describe a cluster of genetically related extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 14 recovered from human clinical samples and an alfalfa-cress sample collected by systematic food sampling in Basel, Switzerland. Our findings suggest food could represent a reservoir contributing to spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales.
Detection of Immunity Gap before Measles Outbreak, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2024
Ong T, Thuy CT, Tam NH, Nga LH, Uyen NTV, Lan TTT, Tran A, Diem LTK, Khang HP, Dung DTX, Chuong LN, Tam NHT, Giang VC, Cam TTB, Anh HTN, Thu PTM, Man DNH, Dung NT, Tung NLN, Phat HH, Toan LM, Lam NT, Nguyen PNT, Nhung HN, Thanh TT, Chau NVV, Thuong TC, Thwaites G, Thwaites CL, Choisy M and Van Tan L
In 2022, we established a residual sample serosurveillance program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. During September 2022-April 2024, we found low measles antibody seroprevalence in children in the city's western region, where a measles outbreak began in May 2024. Serosurveillance could be a useful tool for outbreak prediction and prevention.
Fatal Pneumocephalus Caused by Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, Germany
Gläser N, Schwab N, Pfeifer Y, Wahl A, Fischer MA, Osterloh A, Barth TFE, Imhof A, Breitruck J, Essig A and Hagemann JB
We report a fatal case of pneumocephalus in Germany caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 23, confirmed by using clinical, histopathologic, and genomic analyses. The patient reported no travel history, suggesting local emergence. This unusual case reveals an unclear pathogen prevalence and demonstrates the need for increased awareness of global spread.
Emerging Sexual Transmission of Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII Infections, United States
Anand P, Quilter LAS, Penney J, Polgreen PM, Beekmann SE and Gold JAW
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) is an emerging dermatophyte strain associated with sexual transmission among men who have sex with men. A hypothesis-generating query of US infectious diseases specialists found that 56% had heard of TMVII and 23% knew how to treat TMVII infections, underscoring a need for increased clinician education.
Emergence and Polyclonal Dissemination of bla-Carrying InX3 Plasmid in Enterobacter cloacae Complex, France, 2021-2023
Rezzoug I, Girlich D, Birer A, Bonnet R, Poiraud J, Bogaerts P, Emeraud C and Dortet L
Among 3,367 New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales isolates collected in France during 2021-2023, we found the bla gene systematically localized on 2 closely related InX3 plasmids known to harbor antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. Enhanced surveillance to monitor spread of antimicrobial resistance is needed among New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales.