The goal of the current study is to evaluate whether the increase of temperature can influence the environmental endurance of SARS-CoV-2. The virus was inoculated on plastic surface and harvested at predefined time-points in parallel at 20-25°C (RT) and at 28°C (JT). Samples collections were tested by TCID50 titers on Vero cells. Samples collections were tested by TCID50 titers on Vero cells. Our results confirm that fomite transmission of the emerging SARS-CoV2 is possible: the virus reserved its ability to infect cells up to 84 hours at both RT and JT on plastic surface, with a TCID50 viral titre of 0,67 and 0,25 log10 respectively. At RT, an important reduction in the viral titre, from 4 log10 to 3 log10 TCID50 was observed during the first 24-36 hours. At JT the same decay was observed more rapidly (between 8 and 12 hours), The rate of viral inactivation by D-value was 24.74 at RT and 12,21 hours at JT. This remarkable difference between the two temperatures suggests that virus vitality can be influenced by the environmental temperature and that the hot season could reduce the probability of COVID-19 transmission.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented global emergency. Despite all efforts, COVID-19 remains a threat to public health, due to the complexity of mass vaccination programs, the lack of effective drugs, and the emergence of new variants. A link has recently been found between the risk of developing a severe COVID-19 infection and a high level of oxidative stress. In this context, we have focused our attention on natural compounds with the aim of finding molecules capable of acting through a dual virucidal–antioxidant mechanism. In particular, we studied the potential of grapefruit seed extracts (GSE) and their main components, belonging to the class of limonoids. Using chemical and biological approaches including isolation and purification of GSE, antioxidant and virucidal assays, we have shown that grapefruit seed constituents, belonging to the class of limonoids, are endowed with remarkable virucidal, antioxidant and mitoprotective activity.

The emergence of the new pathogen SARS-CoV-2 determined a rapid need for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to detect the virus in biological fluids as a rapid tool to identify infected individuals to be treated or quarantined. The majority of commercially available antigenic tests for SARS-CoV-2 rely on the detection of N antigen in biologic fluid using anti-N antibodies, and their capacity to specifically identify subjects infected by SARS-CoV-2 is questionable due to several structural analogies among the N proteins of different coronaviruses. In order to produce new specific antibodies, BALB/c mice were immunized three times at 20-day intervals with a recombinant spike (S) protein. The procedure used was highly efficient, and 40 different specific mAbs were isolated, purified and characterized, with 13 ultimately being selected for their specificity and lack of cross reactivity with other human coronaviruses. The specific epitopes recognized by the selected mAbs were identified through a peptide library and/or by recombinant fragments of the S protein. In particular, the selected mAbs recognized different linear epitopes along the S1, excluding the receptor binding domain, and along the S2 subunits of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and its major variants of concern. We identified combinations of anti-S mAbs suitable for use in ELISA or rapid diagnostic tests, with the highest sensitivity and specificity coming from proof-of-concept tests using recombinant antigens, SARS-CoV-2 or biological fluids from infected individuals, that represent important additional tools for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Since late 2023, the Metropolitan City of Milan and surrounding areas (northern Italy) have been experiencing a resurgence of measles, with most cases detected starting from January 2024. During this brief period, we observed measles in travellers from endemic areas, participants in international events, vaccinees and healthcare workers. Indigenous cases have also been identified. Even though we have not yet identified large and disruptive outbreaks, strengthening surveillance and vaccination activities is pivotal to help limit the impact of measles spread.

Eurosurveillance.org is the online home of Eurosurveillance, Europe's journal on infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, prevention and control.

An outbreak of measles virus genotype B3 is ongoing in Milan and surrounding areas since February 2025, with 27 cases identified in 32 laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Most cases were locally acquired and young adults. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of a unique lineage closely related to strains circulating in Morocco. The lack of epidemiological links between several affected individuals suggests case numbers are being underestimated. The continuous transmission raises concerns about the potential re-establishment of endemic circulation in northern Italy.