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On 5 May 2026, the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Viral Infections (Geneva University Hospitals) confirmed a case of Andes strain by a specific RT-PC assay in a Swiss resident who had travelled on the MV Hondius cruise ship. The virus of the patient was sequenced from blood samples jointly by the Institute of Medical Virology (University of Zurich) and the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Viral Infections (Geneva University Hospitals) using Illumina technology (MiSeq instrument). The sequencing was conducted parallel by both institutions and independently revealed high-quality results.

The virus sequence was made publicly available on May 8^th, 2026, on virological.org, where the complete ANDV/Switzerland/Hu-3337/2026 consensus sequence for each of the 3 segments can be found: https://virological.org/t/complete-sequence-of-orthohantavirus-andesense-virus-swiss-resident-2026/1023

The released virus sequence confirms Andes hantavirus and shows high identity in all three segments with already known viruses from rodents and human cases from the endemic regions in South America. Based on currently available sequences for comparison, there are no signs of reassortment in the virus sequence.

Furthermore, in an international joint effort with other expert Centres who also conducted full genome sequencing of hantavirus patients related to the cruise ship outbreak, currently available patient samples were jointly analyzed and the results of the report was made publicly available on May 10^th, 2026 on virological.org

https://virological.org/t/preliminary-analysis-of-orthohantavirus-andesense-virus-sequences-from-a-cruise-ship-related-cluster-may-2026/1029

The report states that the high overall similarity among the sequences generated from different cases supports the conclusions from the initial Swiss sequence report regarding the closest available ancestor of the outbreak virus. This conclusion may be refined as additional ANDV genomes from recent human cases, rodent reservoirs, and relevant geographic regions become available.

Furthermore, our Centre is in close exchange with WHO and international experts on hantaviruses, including colleagues from South America as data analysis is ongoing and will provide updates as new data are available.

Protocol for the detection of Andes virus by real-time RT-PCR

Press release  HUG, 6 May 2026, text infrench 

 Press release Two 2026 Leenaards Science Awards Presented: One to Reduce the Impact of Hepatitis E Virus, the Other to Restore Cognitive Functions.

NEARLY 1.4 MILLION FRANCS FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN THE LAKE LEMAN REGION
Two 2026 Leenaards Scientific Awards Presented: One to Reduce the Impact of the Hepatitis E Virus, the Other to Restore Cognitive Functions
 

Two research groups in the Lake Geneva region have been selected for the 2026 Leenaards Science Prize, which comes with a total of nearly CHF 1.4 million in award money. One aims to reduce the impact of the hepatitis E virus, while the other is working to restore lost cognitive function.  

One of the research groups, led by Prof. Isabella Eckerle, a clinical virologist at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), is developing an effective treatment for hepatitis E that can prevent the genotype 1 virus from replicating and spreading during an epidemic. Hepatitis E causes the death of at least 44,000 people in Africa and Asia every year, including pregnant women, yet relatively few studies have been conducted on the virus.

The second research group is led by Elena Beanato, who holds a PhD in translational neuroscience. Her team at HUG is exploring a new non-invasive approach for restoring cognitive function – and especially spatial orientation capabilities – after a head trauma and in cases of epilepsy. Their approach uses electric fields to carry out transcranial deep brain stimulation, eliminating the need for invasive surgery.

These two research teams, along with last year’s award winners (2025 Leenaards Science Prize), will be honored at the Rendez-vous Health & Science event on Wednesday, 28 October, at the University of Lausanne. This event is open to the public.

Decoding the hepatitis E virus to counter epidemics
Over 20 million people around the world are infected with hepatitis E every year, leading to at least 44,000 deaths – primarily in Africa and Asia where the genotype 1 virus (HEV-1) spreads through contaminated drinking water, triggering vast epidemics. The mortality rate among pregnant women can reach 25% in regions with poor water-purification and sanitation infrastructure. Despite this heavy toll, relatively little research has been performed on HEV-1, and hepatitis E is still largely under-diagnosed. What’s more, the virus is highly stable in the environment, meaning doctors have few tools for combating it.

“Hepatitis E is one of the hardest diseases to deal with out in the field. Very few actionable solutions are available when an epidemic strikes,” says Prof. Eckerle, head of the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases at HUG and a professor at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) Faculty of Medicine. She aims to address this problem through one of the two projects selected for the 2026 Leenaards Science Prize.

“Our research group’s hope is to be able to rapidly identify antiviral drug candidates in order to give doctors a treatment they can use during epidemics to help patients with severe forms of the disease,” says Dr. Eckerle a professor at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine. She is spearheading this project alongside Jérôme Gouttenoire – a professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM) and head of the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) gastroenterology and hepatology department – whose laboratory is conducting fundamental research on hepatitis E – and Dr. Andrew Azman, an epidemiologist at the HUG-UNIGE Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases and UNIGE who works closely with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland.

A unique collection of samples from a recent epidemic, built with the help of MSF
When a major hepatitis E epidemic broke out in South Sudan in 2022, MSF and the South Sudan Ministry of Health conducted an emergency vaccination campaign. Because this was the first public-health use of the vaccine in Africa, MSF also launched a research study to assess how well the vaccine performed in this population. As part of that work, thousands of blood samples were collected from both infected and vaccinated individuals. Using the remaining samples from this study, Prof. Gouttenoire’s research team at the CHUV achieved a major breakthrough: they successfully created an infectious version of HEV-1 in vitro. “We were able to introduce the virus’s genetic material into human cells so that we could cultivate it in a laboratory,” says Prof. Gouttenoire. “That had never been done before with this genotype after the virus’s genome had been replicated.” This breakthrough opens up promising new avenues of research. Scientists will now be able to analyze the exact immune-system response after vaccination or infection with the virus, determine how effective the resulting antibodies are, and run large-scale tests on drugs that could potentially stop the virus from replicating.

This project clearly illustrates the benefits of a translational approach, as it combines fundamental research with data collected during a recent epidemic. “Our project could enable healthcare teams to respond more effectively to hepatitis E outbreaks and reduce the impact of a virus that’s still largely overlooked by the international public health and research communities,” says Dr. Azman.

The research team is led by Prof. Isabella Eckerle (HUG / UNIGE, left), along with Dr. Andrew Azman (HUG / UNIGE, center) and Prof. Jérôme Gouttenoire (FBM-UNIL / CHUV, right).
© Noxedie

LEARN MORE: Understanding the hepatitis E virus to combat outbreaks
Press release in French    :  Follow tis link

Event for Swiss stakeholders: Overview of CEPI's new strategic priorities

We are pleased to announce that Professor Isabella Eckerle, Director of the Centre for Emerging Viral Disease at the HUG and the University of Geneva, will be participating in a symposium dedicated to CEPI's new strategic priorities (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations).

• When: 17 February 2026
• Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Venue: Campus Biotech, Room B1-06 – Geneva
  Free admission, registration required

This event, aimed at the Swiss scientific and economic communities, will mark the presentation of the new CEPI 3.0 strategy (2027–2031), an ambitious vision to strengthen global preparedness for epidemics and pandemics.

A major player in global health security, CEPI plays a central role in the development of vaccines against priority pathogens, with more than 30 vaccine candidates supported and major advances, particularly against chikungunya, Nipah virus, Lassa fever and COVID-19.

Speakers:

• Aurélia Nguyen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, CEPI
• Isabella Eckerle, Director of the Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases (HUG/UNIGE)
• Marcel Tanner, Professor, Swiss TPH
• Max Brackmann, CBRN Expert, Spiez Laboratory
• Maria Wurm, CEO & Co-founder, ExcellGene

Discussions will focus on how the CEPI 3.0 strategy builds on proven experience to accelerate equitable access to innovative vaccines and technologies and strengthen resilience to emerging health threats.

Registration required before 3 February 2026: https://formulaire.unige.ch/outils/limesurveyfac/medecine/index.php/761384?lang=en 

Presentations in English
 

 Since the admission of a patient infected with the Ebola virus to the HUG in 2014, the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, a WHO collaborating center, has remained on constant alert for the risk of new cases of viral hemorrhagic fever.

In this context, on November 12, 2025, the HUG participated in a simulation exercise organized by the Cantonal Public Health Service to evaluate the evacuation and management of a suspected case.

The operation, carried out in collaboration with several cantonal and federal institutions, simulated the arrival of a patient at the airport, her transfer by ambulance, and her admission to intensive care.

The exercise tested disinfection, transport, and communication procedures, demonstrating a good level of preparedness while highlighting areas for improvement and strengthening interprofessional collaboration between the various partners involved: Geneva Airport, Border Police, Fire and Rescue Service Ambulances, and HUG.

Filmed live by medical students, members of the Ligue Academique de Medecine Aigue (LAMA), and broadcast live at the HUG Innovation Center, the exercise was monitored by observers from the Cantonal Health Office, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the Cantonal Health Brigade, the World Health Organization, the University Hospital of Zurich, and the University Hospital of Basel. 

More information at: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7395400173142814720/

The Gertrude von Meissner Foundation recently awarded four research prizes to scientists from the Faculty of Medicine at UNIGE for their innovative projects in the field of prevention and treatment of disabilities and diseases in children and adolescents.

Among the recipients, Dr. Manel Essaidi Laziosi (Department of Medicine, Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases) was recognized for a study aimed at understanding why viral pathogenesis differs between children and adults. Using a new in vitro model of human respiratory epithelial cells, her project will explore age-related innate immune responses and uncover mechanisms that may be linked to the severity of viral diseases.

Congratulations to all the awardees!

More info: https://www.unige.ch/medecine/newsletter/trajectoires/distinctions/remise-des-prix-de-recherche-de-la-fondation-gertrude-von-meissner-1

The Swiss National Scientific Advisory Network provides independent, interdisciplinary expertise to political and administrative authorities at both cantonal and federal level. Its mission is to prevent and manage major crises related to health, cybersecurity, disinformation, and geopolitical risks. The network intervenes both in times of crisis and in the preventive phase, promoting constant dialogue between science and politics.

Created on the initiative of the Swiss Confederation and coordinated by the Federal Chancellery, this network brings together Switzerland's leading research and innovation institutions. It is structured into four thematic clusters: Public Health, Cybersecurity, Disinformation, and International Challenges. Each cluster is led by a scientific committee composed of experts recognized for their impartiality and rigor.

These specialists act as “honest brokers,” providing objective analyses and possible scenarios to inform policy decisions, without making direct recommendations.

We are proud to announce that Professor Isabella Eckerle, Director of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, is an integral part of the Public Health Cluster as well as the temporary working groups dedicated to the management of the H5N1 virus, actively contributing to risk prevention and management.

Dear colleagues and partners,

We are delighted to share with you the second edition of the Newsletter of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, (2025).

This issue offers insights into our most recent milestones, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming opportunities for collaboration.

We invite you to explore the newsletter for a comprehensive update on our activities and impact.

For more information, feel free to visit our website, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or feedback.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Best regards

Participation to the WHO Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IDTM) training and stimulation exercises in Brindisi, Italy from 15-17 April 2025. 

The IDTM is an innovative prototype to enable a rapid response to outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola or Marburg virus diseases. The main purpose is to provide optimized supportive care to patients in a secure and caring manner. For three days, forty participants (including Dr Frederique Jacquerioz, as expert for the Center) from around the world WHO partner organizations and from different professional backgrounds (medical, pharmacy, WASH, and logistics) engaged actively in stimulation activities and hands-on exercises using the IDTM in near real conditions.

LEGENDS: A-B). Medical simulation exercises (i.e reanimation). C). Hand-on exercise to expand the treatment unit in the event of a surge in cases.  D-E). Building of the IDTM (basic module – 3 rooms, ready to use in less than 24h

We had the pleasure of hosting the first joint symposium of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases and the Vaccine Research Center: "Emerging Viruses and New Vaccines - From Research to Public Health," which took place from April 7 to 9, 2025, at the Campus Biotech in Geneva, Switzerland. During this major event, we had the opportunity to listen to and engage with numerous outstanding international speakers.

The goal was to bring together various perspectives from clinicians, virologists, epidemiologists, vaccinologists, and public health experts. The 2.5-day meeting welcomed approximately 300 participants and was held both in-person and online, giving us ample time for presentations, discussions, networking, and to enjoy the beautiful spring season in Geneva.

On behalf of the symposium organizers, we look forward to welcoming you to a future symposium soon.

We are proud to share that our Center for Emering Viral Diseases has been awarded the VITA Label for the its biobank, recognizing its compliance with Swiss Biobanking Platform standards! 

Geneva plays a key role in medical evacuations (MedEvac) of aid workers suspected or confirmed to be suffering from viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), thanks to the presence of the WHO and the Geneva University Hospital, which specialize in the management of such cases.

On January 28, 2025, our Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, represented by the two expert clinicians Pauline Vetter and Frédérique Jacquerioz, was able to contribute to this important exercise aimed at developing an action plan to optimize the response to VHF-related emergencies, taking into account the fact that Geneva receives many travelers from high-risk areas! 

With the Ebola and Marburg epidemics currently raging, it's good to know that we're prepared! Many thanks to all of you!

On 20 January 2025, Tanzania declared its second outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the last 3 years. The outbreaks lasted until March 13 with a total of 2 confirmed and eight probable cases, all deceased (case fatality ratio 100%). The high case fatality case was due a delay in identifying and declaring the outbreak by the MoH. Dr Jacquerioz deployed as clinical expert with MSF-Switzerland. Main activities covered clinical and IPC training on filovirus diseases at the treatment center and in the health facilities

LEGENDS: A-B) Suspect patient and medical team inside red zone. C) IPC training on filovirus disease

Rwanda declared his first ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) on 27 September 2024. The outbreak was identified simultaneously in two tertiary hospitals in the capital city of Kigali. In total, there were 66 cases of which 51 were healthcare workers (77%) with 15 deaths (22.7%). The low case fatality rate was the result of advanced supportive care by the government medical team and access to investigational countermeasures (e.g. vaccine and therapeutics). In early October 2024, Dr Jacquerioz deployed as clinical expert to Kigali to coordinate the WHO case management pillar.  

LEGENDS: A) Training certificate on MVD given by the MOH and WHO case management leads. B) Morning round with MOH medical team to discuss MVD cases. C) Perfusion of monocloncal antibody MPB091 (open label trial). D) ICU MOH and WHO team. E) WHO clinical experts. F) Experimental MVD vaccine (Chad3) to at-risk healthcare workers. 

Read also her interview in Le Temps

A team from UNIGE-HUG Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, MSF, MSF Epicentre, Johns Hopkins University and South Sudanese Ministry of Health has demonstrated the effectiveness of a vaccine against hepatitis E, during an epidemic, in South Sudan.

PRESS RELEASE (UNIGE): Download the PDF version

Article : Lancet Infectious Diseases, DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00657-1. 

Our team reported a case of severe neuroinvasive WNV in a patient receiving ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis, who recovered after remdesivir and IVIG treatment administration. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges regarding WNV infection in immunocompromised patients.

For more information : https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S2950-5909(24)05034-0

On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current situation regarding the mpox virus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). (The original declaration can be consulted at the following address:https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares-… )

Mpox is not a new virus. It has been known to infect humans since the 1970s. It was previously referred to as monkeypox, because monkeys were accidentally infected, and the name was recently changed to ‘mpox’. The natural reservoir of the virus is not monkeys, but rodents endemic to West, Central and East Africa. In these regions, there has been an increase in mpox cases since vaccination against human smallpox ceased in the 1980s, a trend that has worsened since the global epidemic of 2022.

The sharp increase in the number of cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a growing number of previously unaffected neighbouring countries, and the appearance of a new clade of the virus (a new strain that has evolved), called Clade Ib, prompted the declaration of the UPPPI. In 2022, the UPPSI had already been declared when a global epidemic of another clade (IIb) was identified, which mainly affected men who declared having sex with men and/or numerous sexual partners. This epidemic was brought under control by vaccination and public health measures outside endemic areas, but the virus continues to circulate quietly around the world.

There are currently 3 major strains of the virus in circulation:

• Clade Ia in Central Africa 
• Clade Ib: eastern DRC and neighbouring countries (Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda)
• Clade II: West Africa and the global epidemic of 2022 (clade IIb)

Several epidemics caused by different strains are underway simultaneously in many countries, with distinct modes of transmission and levels of risk. Uncertainties remain concerning the case-fatality rate, morbidity and transmissibility of the different strains of the virus, given the paucity of existing data on mpox and on the current epidemic in East Africa.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact (e.g. injured skin or mucous membranes) with lesions or secretions from infected people or animals. Transmission occurs mainly by:

• Zoonotic transmission: (in particular Clade Ia)
• Prolonged sexual or non-sexual contact, (mainly Clade Ib and Clade IIb)
• Transmission during pregnancy from mother to child (with significant risk of foetal death).

Current challenges in the region include a lack of access to diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatments. The WHO and other partners are working with countries and manufacturers to address this need and bring the epidemic under control.

The overall risk to the general public is currently considered low by the ECDC for the EU/EEA. It is likely that cases will be diagnosed in Switzerland and Europe over the coming weeks.

Our Centre is actively involved in the diagnostic validation of mpox tests with our partner FIND and as part of our activities as a WHO Collaborating Centre. 

Our reference laboratory, CRIVE, is able to test samples if clinical suspicion arises.

In addition, clinical studies on mpox are currently underway at the HUG.

More information is available on the CMVE website. 

The SNSF's special Investigator Initiated Clinical Trial (IICT) program has chosen to support a multi-center Swiss study on the treatment of influenza in hospitalized patients led by Dr. Pauline Vetter. This randomized trial will evaluate the clinical efficacy of antiviral treatment in hospitalized patients with symptoms evolving for more than 48 hours. Currently, the efficacy of antivirals for these patients is uncertain. Dr. Pauline Vetter's work seeks to establish an international consensus on the delayed administration of antivirals, which could play a key role in managing resources in the event of future pandemics.

For more information, visit SNSF.

Since 1 May 2024, the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases has been co-directed by Prof. Isabella Eckerle, who takes over from Prof. Laurent Kaiser as Director, and Dr Pauline Vetter, the new Deputy Director.

Press release in French here

In response to the news of the detection of avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle in the USA, an online information event (in German) is being organised to provide interested and concerned members of the public with up-to-date information on the situation and an opportunity for questions and answers. The event is open to all interested parties and is organised by the Multidisciplinary Centre for Infectious Diseases (University of Bern) and the Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases (University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals).

You can register here to take part in the event:

Please find below the report on the situation as of 06.05.2024 of the H5N1 Avian Influenza Epizootic.
Text in French 
Text in German 
Text in English

We are pleased to announce that the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases of the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) and the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern (UNIBE), have joined the global CoViNet network. This international research network, launched by the World Health Organization(WHO) and operational in 20 countries, aims at the early detection, analysis and surveillance of coronaviruses on a global scale.

CoViNet members met in Geneva on March 26 and 27, 2024 to establish their strategic priorities and coordinate their actions. For more information, please consult the following press releases.

• HUG press release here.
• UNIGE press release here.

Dear colleagues and friends of our Centre,

2023 has been a remarkable year, marked by many achievements in our quest to combat emerging viral threats. 

We invite you to go through the pages of this newsletter, where you will find a compilation of highlights that encapsulate the essence of our Centre's mission and vision. 

We look forward to a future filled with collaboration, discovery and transformative impact. 
Thank you once again for your continued support.

Happy reading.

Click here.

The reference centers and the laboratory of virology of the Geneva University Hospitals provide the diagnosis of common, rare or emerging viral infections, 24/7. Given the ability of viruses to mutate, this work also requires constant monitoring of test performance.

Measles diagnostic relies on viral RNA detection by real-time reverse-transcription-PCR (RT-rPCR), in combination with virus-specific IgM detection. Genetic variability can reduce the sensitivity of a RT-rPCR assay due to primers- and/or probe–template mismatches. Here we describe measles virus variants detected through the Swiss molecular surveillance, which have genetic mutations in the primer annealing site of a commonly employed RT-rPCR.

Article available here .

Report on rapid assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test for Omicron JN.1 and other BA.2.86-derived variants

Report available here.

From 11 to 15 December 2023, Dr Frédérique Jaquerioz Bausch from the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases will be joining a team of WHO experts in Ndola, Zambia, to provide training in Ebola and Marburg virus disease.Organised jointly by the WHO and the Zambian Ministry of Health, the training will enable some thirty clinicians from the country to familiarise themselves with the clinical management of patients, including treatments, vaccines and infection control measures, in order to provide optimum care and work safely in a treatment centre.

The week will end with a day of simulation in a centre with patient actors.Having trained teams in at-risk countries is crucial to containing epidemic outbreaks quickly and effectively.

We are delighted to welcome Pre Kanta Subbarao, who will be talking about "SARS-CoV-2 biology, antivirals and vaccines". (Conference in English)

Wednesday 6 December 2023 | 11.00 am
CMU - rooms S4/S5 (C02.1538.A), 2nd floor, old building.

Pre Kanta Subbarao is Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza and Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Melbourne's Peter Doherty Institute. She is a medical scientist whose research focuses on emerging and re-emerging viral diseases of global importance, including pandemic and seasonal influenza and coronaviruses. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

"Direct dengue virus genome sequencing from antigen NS1 rapid diagnostic tests (RDT: a pragmatic and robust alternative for the genomic surveillance of dengue virus".

In this study, we show the feasibility of sequencing by mNGS dengue virus genomes directly from positive Ag-RDT cassettes stored for more than 4 weeks at room temperature after testing. Our protocol enabled to determine not only the serotypes but also the genotypes. Therefore, such approach should facilitate the genomic surveillance of dengue virus.

Link to article

Please find enclosed the result of the assessment of two different SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests for Omicron EG.5 variants using left-over clinical specimen, performed by the team of the Geneva center for emerging viral diseases.

In brief, the team retrospectively assessed the accuracy of the Abott and the Wondfo rapid antigen tests for their ability to detect Omicron EG.5 sublineages. Both Ag-RDTs demonstrated comparable sensitivity in the detection of the virus. Their performance was consistent with previously examined SARS-CoV-2 variants, performed by us with the same methodology.

The Faculty and Hospital Centres for Vaccinology and Emerging Viral Diseases organised their first joint retreat to strengthen their links and stimulate the many research projects and complementary activities that link these two Centres, including research, clinical activities and high-level expert activities for WHO.

In all, more than 40 researchers, technicians, clinical doctors and project coordinators came together to present their projects and give an overview of existing technical capabilities and infrastructures. Workshops focused on future synergies between the two centres and areas of research.

Through a series of presentations and workshops, the retreat provided an opportunity to forge new links between the teams, foster synergies and collaborations, and highlight the unique skills of the two centres : translational research, optimizing patient care and contributing to public health.

This event, which we hope to hold again in the near future, will bring together a large number of groups from our faculty working in the field of immuno-vaccinology, infections and viral diseases.

On 11.09.2023, the Kerala Health Department fist suspected Nipah Virus in two deceased patients, in which the virus was later confirmed.
As of 17.09.2023, there are 6 cases reported, two of which died, and over 1000 individuals classified as contacts. The outbreak is already the 5th in India, and frequent outbreaks are also known from Bangladesh.

The Nipah virus belongs to the genus of Henipa-Virus of the family of Paramyxoviruses, a large virus family that included many viruses relevant for human and animal health. Nipah ias a zoonotic virus, which has its natural reservoir in flying foxes of the genus Pteropodidae.

The Nipah Virus is not a new virus, but it is already known since over 20 years. It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia, where the virus was transmitted from infected pigs to humans. The origin of the virus was found to be in fruit bats, which most likely contaminated the pigs’ food. After culling millions of pigs, this outbreak came to a stop.

A second way of transmission is directly from the reservoir hosts, when flying foxes contaminate fruits and other human foods by urine or feces. In particular, date palm sap that is collected during the night was identified as a source of infection, when the bats feed on the same trees and urine or feces ends up in the sap.

Nipah virus infection in humans can cause mild to severe disease, while the latter is usually characterized with encephalitis and a high fatality rate between 40-75%. Human to human transmission can also occur to close contacts, such as within families or in health care facilities, especially when no appropriate PPE is available.

There are not approved drugs nor vaccine available for this disease. In the current outbreak, strict public health measures are implemented to stop the virus from spreading.

So far, no Nipah virus cases have been exported to Europe, neither in this nor in previous outbreaks. Due to the type of risk setting, the rather low transmissibility from person to person and the regional setting of this outbreak, the risk of an imported case to Switzerland or other European countries is very unlikely. Also, spread of Nipah virus in Europe or other regions outside India and Bangladesh is extremely unlikely.

Neither the virus nor the type of bats are endemic in Europe.  Bats that are endemic to Europa, including Switzerland, are not carrier of this virus and there is not risk of this virus outside known endemic areas.

In the unlikely case of a clinical suspicion, our National Reference Centre for Emerging viruses (CRIVE/NAVI) has a diagnostic test available for Nipah-virus (RT-PCR).

Clinicians and laboratories involved in such a suspicion can find all information here:

CDC : Nipah Virus (NiV)
OMS : Nipah virus
ISID : Nipah virus

Pandemic? Preparing today for a better response tomorrow. Pre. Isabella Eckerle - Center for Emerging Viral Diseases (HUG).
Text co-authored by Dr. Frédérique Jacquerioz Bausch, Center for Emerging Viral Diseases (HUG).

Tribune de Genève, Published: 12.07.2023, 08h58, article in Fench.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), yesterday formalized the designation of the University Hospital Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases as a WHO collaborating centre for epidemic and pandemic diseases. The latter forms part of the long-standing partnership between HUG, UNIGE and WHO, as reflected by six joint collaborating centres. This follows its extensive work in recent years as a WHO reference laboratory for the diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as for other activities.
 

The 16th International Symposium on Nidoviruses, organised by the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, the Institute of Infectious Diseases (IFIK) and the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) of the University of Bern, was held from 14 to 18 May 2023 in Montreux. Over 300 researchers from all over the world exchanged exciting discussions in interesting lectures and poster sessions on the biology of nidoviruses, their interaction with their host, their transmission and new vaccine and drug approaches against this family of viruses. Speakers included Maria van Kerkhove (WHO, Switzerland), Christian Drosten (Charité Hospital, Germany), Ralph Baric (University of North Carolina, USA) and Kanta Subbarao (Doherty Institute, Australia). A special episode of the podcast This week in Virology was recorded there and is available at https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/.

Dr. Frederique Jacquerioz deployed to the field to participate in the response to the Marburg virus disease in Equatorial Guinea, as part of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases' collaboration with WHO

Members of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases are regularly deployed to the field to participate in the response to viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. This support to clinical management is one of the terms of reference of our action as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Epidemic and Pandemic Diseases. 

Dr. Frédérique Jacquerioz left on Sunday, April 9 for Equatorial Guinea for a one-month mission to support the response to the Marburg virus epidemic. 

To date, 11 people have died since the beginning of the epidemic declared in January 2023, according to the Ministry of Health of Equatorial Guinea.

In addition to the 15 confirmed cases, more than 20 probable cases (people with compatible symptoms and an epidemiological link to confirmed cases) have died before they could be tested and are not included here. 

Since January 2023, 2 outbreaks of Marburg virus disease have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa: one in Equatorial Guinea and the second in Tanzania. This is the first occurrence of Marburg virus fever in these countries.

Marburg virus disease is one of the viral hemorrhagic fevers, like Ebola virus disease. It can cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever in humans, and has a high mortality rate of around 50%. Bats of the species Rousettus aegyptus are considered to be the reservoir of this virus in the wild. The disease is first transmitted from animals to humans, and then human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with biological fluids of infected individuals. There is currently no specific validated treatment, but several antivirals and vaccines are under development. More information is available on the WHO website.

Publication: A case of mpox reinfection (CID, 2023) - 4 April 2023

A case of mpox reinfection that raises the question of the effectiveness and duration of immunity against mpox virus after a past infection. To read the full article: https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciad147/7076064

Study of the mechanisms of asthmatic exacerbations during rhinovirus and respiratory enterovirus D68 infections - 24 March 2023

A study conducted by Professor Caroline Tapparel-Vu's team has just been published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology. The aim of the study was to understand better the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of asthmatic exacerbations in rhinovirus and respiratory enterovirus D68 (RVs and EV-D68) infections. Using a model mimicking respiratory viral infections in patients, the authors demonstrate increased permissiveness to RVs and EV-D68 in in vitro reconstituted respiratory epithelium from asthmatic donors compared to epithelium from healthy donors, as well as an overall impairment of epithelial cell function. The research group of Prof. Caroline Tapparel-Vu has a long-standing collaboration with the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases and some of the authors of this paper have now joined the Centre.   
The full article can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1106945/full

Low transmission risk of avian influenza virus to humans  

The number of avian influenza cases has been increasing since 2020, both in wild birds and in domestic poultry. In 2020-2021, the avian subtype A(H5N8) was dominant. This has been replaced in the current epidemic by the A(H5N1) subtype, and more specifically by a highly pathogenic "version" (HPAI A(H5N1)).  This HPAI A(H5N1) virus has been detected not only in waterfowl, but also in other wild bird species. Cases have also been detected in other animals, including mammals (mink, seals, etc.). The spread of the virus between minks is suspected. It is therefore legitimate to ask whether there is transmission to humans, or even sustained transmission between humans (human-to-human transmission).   

The World Health Organization currently considers the risk of transmission of avian flu to humans to be low. Indeed, human cases remain rare and have exclusively been people in close contact with poultry and other birds infected with the avian flu virus. Moreover, no cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported.  

In human infections, symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after infection. Symptoms can vary in severity and are similar to those of human seasonal influenza. If flu-like symptoms appear after exposure to a bird or other animal suspected of being infected with avian influenza, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.  

Veterinary cases are diagnosed by the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) in Mittelhäusern, and human cases would be diagnosed  by the National Reference Centre for Influenza (CNRI, HUG, Geneva) which has the necessary tests for diagnosing suspected human cases. The antivirals used against human influenza also appear to be active against the currently circulating avian influenza, but no data on their clinical efficacy are available.  

The H5N1 virus is not part of the composition of the seasonal vaccine, so vaccination against seasonal influenza does not confer protection against the H5N1. There are candidates for H5N1 vaccines in humans, but these vaccines are not widely used or available at this stage.  

To minimize the risk of infection, please do not touch sick or dead birds and report their location to the cantonal veterinary service.  

For more information please see the link below:  

https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/assessment-of-risk-associated-with-recent-influenza-a(h5n1)-clade-2.3.4.4b-viruses  

Please find the contacts of the cantonal veterinary services under the following link  

https://www.blv.admin.ch/dam/blv/de/dokumente/import-export/import/adressliste-kantonalen-veterinaeraemter-db.pdf.download.pdf/Adressliste%20der%20kantonalen%20Veterinaeraemter.pdf 

The Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases has hosted its 3rd Symposium „Covid-19 and beyond: Emerging viral diseases and their public health impact” from Dec 7-9, 2022 at the Campus Biotech.

In 13 sessions and with 32 international speakers, the symposium has covered a range of timely topics in emerging viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, Monkeypox, Ebola, and many others.

Latest studies on COVID-19 covered new vaccines and the impact of mucosal immunity, but also protection through infection and hybrid immunity, and the latest overview of circulation Omicron variants. In a session dedicated to poxviruses, the evolutionary history of smallpox, the challenges in smallpox eradication, and the current monkeypox outbreak were discussed. Other topics were modeling and surveillance of infectious diseases by wastewater sequencing, the latest trends in influenza surveillance and the presentation of the newly founded WHO Biohub that is located in Spiez in Switzerland.

A half day was dedicated to a session on science communication, misinformation and the “infodemic”, with talks from international experts from WHO, academia and a journalist writing for “Science”. The session was followed by a panel discussion with Swiss experts “Science, policy & pandemics – Better prepared for the next crisis?”, with panel members Matthias Egger from the SNSF, Volker Thiel from the Vetsuisse Bern, Alexandra Calmy from the HUG, Tanja Stadler from the ETH Zürich and Celine Gardiol from the Federal Office of Public Health, moderated by Laurent Kaiser and Isabella Eckerle.

Challenges in putting existing vaccines and scientific findings into use were covered with talks from Prof Gary Kobinger from the University of Texas and Andrew Azman from MSF Geneva and John Hopkins University. Also, the role of ethics, global responsibility and access in a pandemic were discussed.

Keynote lectures were given by Maria van Kerkhove, WHO, on the current global situation with SARS-CoV-2 and by Emma Hodcroft on the role of genomics in a pandemic, as well as by Prof. Florian Krammer on the future of vaccines against respiratory viruses and by Prof. Johannes Krause on the origin and genetic history from ancient pathogens through genomic sequencing such as plague.

The interdisciplinarity of speakers and the broad range of topics, from virology to clinical medicine to public health and even beyond, has stimulated a lot of discussions and profound exchange between partners, or, as one participant has expressed “what I really liked is the fact that it brings together many disciplines that do not often exchange and allows to discover the emerging viruses under new perspectives“

Over 250 international participants attended the symposium, from academia, international organizations and NGOs such as the CDC, Institute Pasteur, WHO, FIND, MSF, many of which are collaborating partners of our Centre as well as industry partners.

Some feedback that we received:

Thank you for organizing such a great symposium and bringing together a fantastic group of people!

I would like to thank you for organising this great symposium, with excellent speakers, inspiring discussions and a warm and open atmosphere throughout the event and during the breaks! 
It was really great and one of the best symposia I have attended so far! 

Thank you very much for organizing the symposium: It was very interesting and as always, I learned a lot.

The main feature that I like is the fact that it brings together many disciplines that do not often exchange and allows to discover the emerging viruses under new perspectives.

The program, talks and speakers were excellent. 

SAVE THE DATE!

3^nd Symposium of the Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Disease

Our 3rd symposium of the Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases will be upcoming soon!

December 7-9, 2022

«COVID19 AND BEYOND - UNDERSTANDING EMERGING VIRUSES AND THEIR PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT»

Please check this link for all details: https://www.unige.ch/emerging-virus-symposium/

The Center for Emerging Viral Diseases is enthusiastic to announce that Dr. Emma B Hodcroft MSc PhD will be sharing her time between the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM) in Bern and the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases in Geneva. Dr. Hodcroft is a specialist in virus evolution, having trained in virology and virus genetics in Edinburgh. In recent years, Dr. Hodcroft has been at the forefront of the genetic and evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2. She is a member of several societies and committees, active in the management of the COVID-19 crisis including advisory activities within the WHO. Her presence in our Center will provide valuable expertise which will be further enhanced through collaborations on the Lake Geneva area, in particular with the Genome Center at Campus Biotech and EPFL.