Mpox in Africa: WHO approves first mpox test for quick diagnosis Lack of testing and delays in getting the results have made curbing the virus's spread harder. BBC News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first diagnostic test for mpox where the results can be immediately known, saying it could prove pivotal in helping to stop the rising global cases of the deadly virus.

The new PCR test enables the detection of the mpox DNA taken from skin lesion swabs.

...

COVID-19 hospitalization remains higher among older adults At least one household member and six healthcare workers who encountered the index case-patient are being investigated after showing symptoms of viral infection. CIDRAP

New data published yesterday(Thursday) in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) show older adults continue to be hospitalized for COVID-19 at a much higher rate than other age groups. ...

RSV can be deadly—especially for older adults. Why aren’t more of them getting the new vaccine? About 6,000 to 10,000 people 65 and older die from RSV in the U.S. annually, the CDC says. Lindsey Leake Fortune

...

Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda draws concern over possibility of international spread A large outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda is drawing international concern about the possibility of spread beyond the country’s borders. Helen Branswell STAT

The number of cases detected so far, 27, already makes the outbreak one of the biggest involving Marburg on record. Nine of those individuals have died. There are currently no licensed vaccines to combat the disease.