Viral epidemiology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Whole-genome sequencing of polioviruses in Uganda following nOPV2 use showed high genetic stability and no sustained transmission, even though a rare double recombinant strain regained virulence, but did not spread due to high vaccination coverage.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus has caused outbreaks in dairy cattle and cases in humans in the United States. Here, the authors assess levels of pre-existing cross-reactive antibodies to the epidemic virus strain in human serum samples collected in the United States.

The authors identify 92 tick-associated viruses, including ten pathogenic to humans in northwest China and adjacent countries. They predict a significant increase of major pathogenic viruses and their vectors in high-risk regions.

Wastewater-based surveillance tends to focus on specific pathogens. Here, the authors mapped the wastewater virome from 62 cities worldwide to identify over 2,500 viruses, revealing city-specific virome fingerprints and showing that wastewater metagenomics enables early detection of emerging viruses.

Norovirus genotype GII.17 has been linked with a recent increase in cases in Europe and the Americas. Here, the authors investigate the genetic diversity and mutational patterns, and phenotypic differences associated with the recent circulating strain.

Understanding the emergence, evolution and spread of viral pathogens is central to improving global health. This Focus issue highlights advances in our understanding of evolving viral pathogens and the surveillance and preparedness strategies that are needed to control them.

This study discovers that two distinct cryptic Pseudogymnoascus destructans species cause white-nose disease.

The human interaction with mpox has changed across its entire endemic range, revealing the endemic and pandemic risk of monkeypox virus and the current knowledge gaps on its biology that hamper virus control.

An increasing number of countries in Africa are reporting cases of mpox, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.