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Isaac Bogoch

@isaacbogoch.bsky.social
14K followers 433 following 183 posts

Infectious Diseases physician and scientist, with thoughts on Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, HIV Prevention, Public Health, Biosecurity, and Global Health issues.

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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
4/ Laboratory incidents and near-misses can (and do) occur worldwide. That reality makes rigorous biosafety, biosecurity standards, incident reporting and transparent communication essential global priorities.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
3/In events like this, in addition to swift action, timely & transparent risk communication is a core public-health intervention. Clear reporting of testing, exposure assessments, epi findings & rationale for control measures can maintain trust & reduce misinformation.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
2/ The scale of the response indicates that authorities consider this a potentially serious event: it appears there *may* be hospital restrictions, contact identification & medical observation, regional emergency coordination & federal-level involvement/comms. (*Not all verified)
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
1/There remains substantial uncertainty around the reported incident in Russia. A worker from BSL-3 lab tragically died with severe pneumonia; extensive infection-control measures appear to be implemented, but there is no confirmation of plague or another pathogen.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Respiratory virus activity remains low in Canada, but is starting to rise. Vaccine programs are now rolling out. 🇨🇦
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Respiratory virus season is coming up. COVID & flu vaccines are rolling out in Ontario now for high-risk groups, & more broadly starting Oct 26. RSV vaccines are available for those 75+, & for 65+ with risk factors for severe illness. tinyurl.com/mwhcrw8u
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A Florida county declares a state of emergency "due to the imminent public health hazard posed by the Dengue fever." Mosquito vectors are spreading into new areas, bringing diseases like dengue with them. tinyurl.com/nhewwsh6 tinyurl.com/3k6rj3jn
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
We discussed the importance of integrating security considerations into outbreak preparedness and response at the 9th World One Health Congress in Lisbon. A valuable conversation alongside colleagues working across health, security, and preparedness. @wohcongress.bsky.social @cepi.net
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
As the Ebola outbreak unfolds in the DRC, we explored different control scenarios: Improved case detection has the largest impact, but even a moderately effective vaccine could markedly reduce mortality, either through ring or community vaccination. 👉https://tinyurl.com/37ssjdvm
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Remember Zika virus? Travellers have recently returned from Bali with this mosquito-borne infection. While most people experience a mild, self-limited illness, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus. tinyurl.com/4fy8ythh
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The potential for rVSV-ZEBOV (Ervebo) to cross-protect against Bundibugyo ebolavirus was the basis for our modelling study in the preprint below. Clinical studies to evaluate this are now underway. Smart move by the WHO.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
AI was just used to design 16 new viruses. While some laud this as progress, it can also be a massive biosecurity risk. In the wrong hands, this could have catastrophic consequences. tinyurl.com/mw8jnnkz
tinyurl.com
Artificial Intelligence used to design brand new viruses
Scientists made 16 successful viruses that had their genetic code designed by artificial intelligence.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
There was just a locally acquired case of dengue fever reported in Virginia, USA. The climate is becoming more suitable, the compatible mosquito species (Aedes) is already there, and we’ll likely see more cases across a wider area. Link: tinyurl.com/2pu4xrc5
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
New World screwworm has returned to the U.S. after more than 40 years, threatening livestock & wildlife (including potentially billions in economic losses). This is a solvable "one health" issue. Link: tinyurl.com/y3k8hc7p, with Jason Andrews and J. Scott Weese.
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Reposted by Isaac Bogoch
Helen Branswell 🇨🇦 @helenbranswell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The #Ebola #Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC's Ituri province is now the 2nd largest in known history, having overtaken the 2018-2020 outbreak in North-Kivu & Ituri in a matter of 2.5 months. Hard to say how big this one will get. Can't see it ending anytime soon.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A sad milestone: this is now the second-largest Ebola virus outbreak on record. Despite heroic efforts on the ground, it has not yet come under control.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Long-acting HIV tablets have the potential to transform treatment and prevention. In this Phase 3 trial, a single once-weekly tablet of islatravir–lenacapavir maintained HIV suppression as effectively as daily oral therapy. Incredible. tinyurl.com/44v7d3zc
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Toronto and other parts of Ontario. Most infections cause no symptoms or only mild illness, but in rare cases, the virus can cause serious illness affecting the nervous system. Bring out the bug spray.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Case detection & contact tracing could cut Bundibugyo Ebola deaths by ~60%. If a vaccine with modest efficacy were available, ring vaccination may offer modest benefit, while community vaccination could have greater impact. Preprint w/ great colleagues: tinyurl.com/ykp7aw2d
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Many infectious causes of diarrhea spread from person-to-person, but Cyclospora is different. This is commonly from ingesting contaminated food/water (e.g. fresh produce). Direct spread is less common because the parasite must mature outside the body before becoming infectious.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
It’s summer in Canada, and Lyme disease is out there. We’re lucky to live in the most beautiful country on the planet and should be outside as much as possible. 🇨🇦 Laura Brehaut discusses a few simple steps for Lyme prevention. Link: tinyurl.com/e6rzaxdf
tinyurl.com
Lyme disease is on the rise. Here's how to prevent it and what to do if you get bitten
Canadian Lyme disease cases increased by 3,934 per cent in just 15 years
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Hantaviruses are a rare but potentially severe infection in travellers & migrants. We describe 17 cases reported to the GeoSentinel Network between 2002–2025 from multiple continents. Just published in the J. Travel Medicine with an excellent group of colleagues. ➡️https://tinyurl.com/bdh7s2jm
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Just pure magic in Southern Alberta. (Little Beehive Trail)
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
A Danish cohort study of adults aged 65 and older demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccines continued to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. The data are from this past winter. Link: tinyurl.com/tbskb5sa by Hansen et al.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
A French doctor supporting the Ebola outbreak efforts in the DRC contracted the virus and is now receiving care in France. "France has set up a 'dedicated monitoring system' for aid workers returning from DR Congo." www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
France confirms first Ebola case
More than 260 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are known to have died during the current outbreak.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Encouraging to see a coordinated global & local response to the Ebola virus outbreak. Cases are just over 900. Uganda has not had a confirmed case since June 5. Sustained support for local & global response efforts will be key to ending this outbreak. tinyurl.com/yzdbvfxj
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Mass gatherings like the World Cup can facilitate the introduction of infections & spur outbreaks. But context matters. A recent preprint suggests the overall risk is (mostly) low. Still, it's always best to be prepared. Great write-up by @kakape.bsky.social. tinyurl.com/23cw2mx7
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Link: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) infestation in a returned traveller from Costa Rica
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Screwworm has now reached Texas, breaching the barrier designed to keep it from moving north of Panama. These larvae can devastate livestock. Human cases are less common but can be severe & disfiguring. We recently saw a case in Toronto in a traveller returning from Costa Rica.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Canada is taking significant steps to support the Ebola outbreak response in Central Africa. New funding will support medical & public health efforts, support frontline teams, and protect communities. 🇨🇦 Link: tinyurl.com/2tyzfk5u
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Canada taking more stringent steps to reduce the risk of Ebola virus importation. Travel is not banned, but those arriving from impacted countries will isolate for 21 days. Link: tinyurl.com/nhfphu5s, by Lauren Pelley & Jennifer La Grassa
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
There are currently no licensed Ebola virus vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain causing the current outbreak in DRC and Uganda. A team at Oxford is working on a dedicated vaccine candidate, which should be ready for testing shortly. Link: tinyurl.com/3cwjat8p
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Locally acquired ascariasis (an intestinal worm infection) is vary rare in Canada, but it can occur. We report on a locally acquired case from Northern Ontario in @CMAJ. Great work by Dr. Foote. www.cmaj.ca/content/198/...
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Reposted by Isaac Bogoch
STAT @statnews.com · 18/05/2026
A number of Americans who are in the Congo are believed to have had exposure to suspected cases in the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, sources have told STAT. www.statnews.com/2026/05/17/e...
statnews.com
In Ebola outbreak, a number of Americans in the Congo believed to have had exposure to suspected cases
A number of Americans who are in the Congo are believed to have had exposure to suspected cases in the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, sources have told STAT.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Hantavirus (Andes virus) modelling with @jasonandrews.bsky.social: Long incubation & ~subclinical shedding in some may limit symptomatic screening, as transmission can occur before symptom onset. Longer isolation with periodic testing may reduce spread. Preprint: tinyurl.com/3n74863m
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Challenges to control this Ebola virus outbreak: 1. Geographically widespread, including urban settings (Goma) & cross-border spread (Uganda) 2. Non-Zaire strain with no approved vaccines or therapeutics 3. Regional security challenges that can hamper a public health response
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Reposted by Isaac Bogoch
Kai Kupferschmidt @kakape.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
WHO has declared the #Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). First time this has been done without consulting an emergency committee. Extraordinary move that speaks to how concerning the facts on the ground look right now
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Reposted by Isaac Bogoch
WHO @who.int · 17/05/2026
Under the IHR (2005), @drtedros.who.int, the Director General of WHO, having consulted the States Parties where the event is occurring, has determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC & Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern bit.ly/3P4ZDac
Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
This is the week we’d expect hantavirus exposures linked to the ship/flights to begin testing positive or developing symptoms. The priority now is ensuring countries are implementing appropriate public health measures: contact tracing, isolation, and support for those who are ill.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
2/ We published on the risk for international dissemination during the large 2018-2019 Ebola virus outbreak in that region in @jtravmed: link: tinyurl.com/3feutfmy
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
1/ There is a large Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC. Challenges include: 1. Early findings suggest a non-Zaire Ebola virus species, limiting vaccine & therapeutic options. 2. Security complicating a public health response. 3. Proximity to international borders -> regional risk.
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Reposted by Isaac Bogoch
Thelonevirologist @thelonevirologist.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N5) Virus www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
nejm.org
Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N5) Virus | NEJM
Avian influenza can jump species from birds to humans, a fact that arouses concern for serious illness and broader human transmission. In this report, avian influenza A(H5N5) was shown to cause sev...
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
👆 addendum: To clarify...."sexual partners" does not (necessarily) mean "sexual transmission". My understanding... is that this may involve people in very close proximity & heavy breathing 😉 ....or so I'm told. And that is an efficient way to transmit this virus.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
A tablet to prevent COVID infections in close contacts: Ensitrelvir reduced the risk of transmission among household contacts with covid in this Phase 3 study from Japan. This could be extraordinarily helpful in Long Term Care among vulnerable people. tinyurl.com/3dfnman5
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
3 things I’m watching closely, re: hantavirus: 1. Cases linked to ship exposure within the next week. 2. Case in Johannesburg & possible in-flight/in country exposures en route to/at hospital. 3. Adherence to public health measures in countries receiving repatriated patients.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
6/ The challenge is not simply responding to the next outbreak, but maintaining the political will, scientific investment, and global cooperation required between outbreaks.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
5/ 2) Many countries need stronger training, infection surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, and public health infrastructure to detect and respond quickly. 3) Global coordination is essential. 4) Speed matters.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
4/ 1) Preventing spillover events is complex and requires close collaboration with environmental, veterinary, and animal health experts.
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Isaac Bogoch @isaacbogoch.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
3/ If an outbreak like what we are seeing today involved a pathogen with a shorter incubation period or greater transmissibility, the consequences could be far more widespread. We understood this long before COVID-19, but the lessons still remain clear:
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