The University of Minnesota is intensifying efforts to detect potential biological threats that could lead to an epidemic. They have launched an institute to monitor infectious pathogens at the genetic level and track wastewater across the state.
The Institute on Infectious Diseases at the University of Minnesota (UMIID) will be officially introduced later this month. Michael Gale, the institute’s director, joined from the University of Washington, where he played a key role in identifying the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and developing effective vaccines and treatments.
Despite recent federal funding cuts affecting its global partnerships for identifying emerging infections, UMIID remains dedicated to providing crucial disease surveillance, particularly amid reductions in federal support for scientific and public health research. Gale emphasized the institute’s importance, stating, “UMIID is needed now more than ever.”
One of UMIID’s primary objectives is to monitor genetic mutations in viruses and pathogens that may indicate increased infectivity or severity of diseases. By utilizing a similar approach to the state public health lab during the COVID-19 pandemic, UMIID aims to identify and track variants like the delta and omicron coronavirus strains that led to significant illness outbreaks in recent years.
Gale highlighted the institute’s initial focus on monitoring changes in arboviruses such as West Nile Virus, which are transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes commonly found in Minnesota. While West Nile cases have been relatively low in recent years, Gale warned of a potential resurgence due to new genetic variations. Additionally, the Powassan virus, primarily spread by deer ticks, poses a significant concern for Minnesota and requires close monitoring.
Modeling studies will investigate the spread of mosquito and tickborne diseases in humans.
The institute will also enhance surveillance in Minnesota for changes in the H5N1 strain of bird flu that could pose greater threats to human health. H5N1 outbreaks in animals have affected poultry and beef production in Minnesota, leading to 70 confirmed illnesses in the U.S. among individuals who had contact with infected livestock.
The potential threat to human health could rise if the virus mutates into a form that can spread from person to person. This could potentially occur if someone is infected with both seasonal influenza and H5N1 at the same time.
The Trump administration recently cut federal funding for the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID), which comprises 10 universities, including the U. This decision was based on concerns regarding the safety and importance of the research being conducted by the network. However, the U is continuing its research with investments from private donors.
The institute is expanding its capabilities with new equipment and scientists, despite the setback in federal funding. Additionally, the U is also focusing on combating misinformation about vaccines through the Vaccine Integrity Project, launched by infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm.
Furthermore, the institute will continue to monitor COVID levels in wastewater, following successful surveillance efforts during the pandemic. The U’s wastewater analysis has also shown early signs of other pathogens like influenza, measles, and RSV, allowing for proactive measures to be taken.
