TWiV 1297: Spillover squirrel

The FDA's refusal to review Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, despite successful clinical trial data, threatens vaccine innovation and regulatory stability. In virology research, the discovery that filamentous particles in HPV5 preparations function as defective interfering particles clarifies the virus's entry mechanism and its interaction with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Simultaneously, ecological surveillance in the Thai National Forest provides direct evidence of mpox transmission from fire-footed rope squirrels to sooty mangabeys, identifying these rodents as a critical reservoir for the virus. Beyond these scientific findings, the discussion addresses the ethical complexities of medical guardianship, particularly when guardians hold anti-vaccination views that contradict a patient's established preferences. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating rigorous ecological monitoring with evidence-based public health policies to manage zoonotic risks and protect vulnerable populations.