Archive for editor

PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (06): Lithuania, Slovakia, poultry, wild/captive bird, H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- LithuaniaInformation received on [and dated] 8 Jan 2021 from Dr Darius Remeika, Director of the State Food and Veterinary, State Food and Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Vilnius, LithuaniaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 31 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 8 Jan 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 7 Apr 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (02): Germany (BB) wild boar, long leap unconfirmed

African Swine Fever -- GermanyAfrican swine fever: all clear for suspected case in Potsdam (press release, 9 Jan 2021)The suspicion of African swine fever (ASF) in a wild boar carcass found in Potsdam's Gross Glienicke was not confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, FLI) was able to rule out ASF through extensive, additional examinations of the sent wild boar carcass.State Secretary for Consumers Anna Heyer-Stuffer, Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed hemorrhagic fever – Congo DR: (EQ)

Hemorrhagic Fever -- DR CongoShowing early symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, the patient sits quietly on her bed, wrangling 2 toddlers desperate to flee the cell-like hospital room in Ingende, a remote town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They are waiting for the results of a test for Ebola.The patient can only communicate with her relatives through a clear plastic observation window. Her identity is secret, to protect her from being ostracized by locals fearful of Ebola infection. Her Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Candida auris – USA: (FL) nosocomial spread, COVID-19 unit, infect control lapse

Hospital-Related Infection -- United StatesCitation: Prestel C, Anderson E, Forsberg K, et al. _Candida auris_ outbreak in a COVID-19 specialty care unit -- Florida, July-August 2020. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Epub 8 Jan 2021. In July 2020, the Florida Department of Health was alerted to 3 _C. auris_ bloodstream infections and one urinary tract infection in 4 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who received care in the same dedicated COVID-19 unit of an acute care hospital (hospital A)._C. Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (01): Americas, Brazil (SP, MG, PI) horse

West Nile Virus -- BrazilWe report genetic evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation from southern and northeastern Brazilian states isolated from equine red blood cells. In the northeastern state, the 10th human case was also detected, presenting neuroinvasive disease compatible with WNV infection. Our analyses demonstrate much is still unknown on the virus' local epidemiology. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate control for future epidemics with spillover potential Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (10): IgA, IL-6 receptor agonists, China, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownWHO region (no. countries/territories):Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Western Pacific Region (19): 1 158 612 (12 177) / 20 869 (119)European Region (61): 28 275 208 (264 504) / 616 084 (5455)South East Asia Region (10): 12 194 847 (30 243) / 186 845 (508)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 097 306 (27 297) / 124 097 (372)Region Read more [...]

Most-viewed NIOSH Products of 2020

Each January we look back on the most popular NIOSH information from the prior year. With 2020 focused on COVID-19, much of what was posted and accessed on the NIOSH website and the NIOSH social media accounts related to the pandemic. NIOSH is responsible for certifying respirators, including N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Throughout the pandemic NIOSH has provided respiratory protection solutions and strategies to help address the widespread respiratory protection shortage. Some of that work Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (01): Germany (BB) wild boar, susp, spread

African Swine Fever -- GermanyAfrican swine fever: suspected case in the state capital Potsdam (press release, 8 Jan 2021)A cadaver of a wild boar, found in Gross Glienicke, has been found as suspected for African swine fever (ASF) by the Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory yesterday [Thu 7 Jan 2021] evening. The animal carcass is currently being transported to the National Reference Laboratory at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, "FLI") in Riems (Mecklenburg-Western Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (01): Argentina (RN)

Hantavirus -- ArgentinaA case of [a] hantavirus [infection] was confirmed in Bariloche. The individual is a 22-year-old young man who is hospitalized in an intensive care unit and remains in stable condition.While concern about the increasing coronavirus infections is growing, in the traditional city of Bariloche, a registered a case of [a] hantavirus [infection] set off alarms for the for local authorities.The classical tourist district in Patagonia is the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (05): Senegal (TH) poultry, HPAI H5N1, 1st rep, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N1 -- SenegalInformation received on 7 Jan 2021 from Dr. Mbargou Lo, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Productions, Dakar, SenegalSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 23 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 30 Dec 2020Report date: 6 Jan 2021Date submitted to OIE: 7 Jan 2021Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: Highly pathogenic Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Gastroenteritis – China: (Hong Kong) police academy, RFI

Norovirus -- ChinaAn outbreak at a police training institute in Wong Chuk Hang has been confirmed as acute gastroenteritis, the Department of Health's Center for Health Protection said today [7 Jan 2021]. The center said a total of 17 male and 11 female trainees were affected, aged between 20 and 36. They were said to have developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea since 5 Jan 2021. All of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalization. All affected persons have been in stable Read more [...]

Student brings hazardous materials to N.J. school, causes evacuation – NJ.com

Student brings hazardous materials to N.J. school, causes evacuation  NJ.com

PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (02): (OR) fatal, apartment complex

Legionnaires' -- United StatesFollowing an outbreak of legionnaires' disease at a North Portland [Oregon] apartment building, more people are suspected to have the illness based on their symptoms.Initially, health officials reported that 4 people had to be hospitalized, and one of those people ultimately succumbed to the illness and died. At least one more person has been diagnosed with legionnaire's disease, bringing the confirmed total to 5 people.On Tuesday [5 Jan 2021], those who live at the Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> BSE, cattle – Spain: (LO) atypical H-type, OIE

BSE -- SpainInformation received on 7 Jan 2021 from Dr Valentin Almansa, director general, [Health of Agricultural Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food], Madrid, SpainSummaryReport type: Immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 21 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 23 Dec 2020Report date: 7 Jan 2021Date submitted to OIE: 7 Jan 2021Date event resolved: 23 Dec 2020Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (02): Africa, WHO

Cholera -- TogoFrom 11 Nov [2020] to 28 Dec [2020], a total of 67 suspected cholera cases presenting with diarrhea and vomiting, including 2 deaths (CFR 3%), were reported from the municipalities "Golfe 1" and "Golfe 6" in Lome, Togo. A total of 4 health areas (Katanga, Adakpame, Gbetsogbe in Golfe 1, and Kangnikope in Golfe 6) in the affected municipalities reported at least one case.On 17 Nov [2020], cholera was confirmed by culture in the laboratory of the National Institute of Hygiene (INH) in Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (09): immunity, convalescent plasma, asympt transm, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownAbstract--------Understanding immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 is critical for improving diagnostics and vaccines, and for assessing the likely future course of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed multiple compartments of circulating immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 in 254 samples from 188 COVID-19 cases, including 43 samples at greater than or equal to 6 months post-infection. IgG to the Spike protein was relatively stable over 6+ months. Spike-specific memory B cells were more Read more [...]

South American hazmat rules are newly harmonized. Are you trained up?

Those of us in the North American Dangerous Goods supply chain may complain about the complexity of hazmat regulations, but lots of us don’t know how good we have it. After all, we only have to worry about one set of UN Model Regulations. Sure, there may be slight, unharmonized differences between Europe and North... The post South American hazmat rules are newly harmonized. Are you trained up? appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 4th, 2021

  Week of January 4th, 2021 Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance As we enter 2021, it’s important for organizations to apply the lessons learned in 2020 and invest in the necessary technology, processes and training to create the supply chain of today and tomorrow. To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends... The post Supply Chain Moves: Week of January 4th, 2021 appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Hazardous materials personnel respond after truck spills liquid oxygen in Otay Mesa – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Hazardous materials personnel respond after truck spills liquid oxygen in Otay Mesa  The San Diego Union-Tribune

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (08): vaccine, FDA, mutation mapping, in flight transm, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- United StatesHealth officials reported Wednesday [6 Jan 2021] that 29 people in the United States have developed anaphylaxis after being vaccinated against COVID-19 since the vaccine rollout began, with cases occurring after vaccination using both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at present it looks like anaphylaxis cases are occurring at a rate of about 5.5 per 1 million vaccine doses given, though the agency cautioned that Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Jamaica: vacation resort, 2020

Salmonella -- JamaicaAn apparent _Salmonella_ outbreak at a resort in Jamaica has ruined vacations for potentially dozens of holiday travelers -- and now some sickened guests are considering legal action, The Post has learned."It was a nightmare," a traveler from Lincoln, Nebraska, told The Post of her experience at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa, which was echoed by other people online. "I don't know how many people go on an all-inclusive vacation and lose weight." She and her husband, secured Read more [...]

PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Israel: (HZ) cattle, goat, st O, OIE

Foot and Mouth -- IsraelInformation received on [and dated] 5 Jan 2021 from Dr Tamir Goshen, Acting Director, Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Beit Dagan, IsraelSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 1 Jan 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Jan 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 9 Sep 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Foot and mouth Read more [...]

citybizlist : Washington DC : 3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive – Citybizlist

citybizlist : Washington DC : 3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive  Citybizlist

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (07): China, animal, origin, WHO experts mission

COVID-19 -- ChinaChina said Wednesday [6 Jan 2021] it was still negotiating with the World Health Organization [WHO] the dates and itinerary for a visit by international experts looking into origins of COVID-19, after the head of the agency criticized Beijing for not finalizing permissions for the mission.China's position on the hunt for the origins of the pandemic "has always been open and responsible," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing in Beijing. She said that Read more [...]

PRO/PL> Common rust, maize – Kenya: (BA)

Other Plant Disease -- KenyaMaize seed production at the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo dropped 31.8% last year [2020] following the outbreak of maize rust disease. The fungi (_Puccinia sorghi_) attacked maize leaves at the flowering stage. About 300 acres out of the 450 acres contracted by both Kenya Seed Company and Monsanto were affected.This is set to affect local farmers who depend on the scheme since the area is semi-arid with sporadic rainfall annually. The scheme is managed by the Read more [...]

3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive – Nasdaq

3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive  Nasdaq

PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA: (OR) fatal, apartment complex

Legionnaires' -- United StatesAn outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a North Portland apartment complex has killed one person and sickened 3 others, county health officials said.Multnomah County health officials said Tuesday [5 Jan 2021] they told more than 100 residents of Rosemont Court on Dekum Street to leave after residents contracted pneumonia, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.The health department said experts linked the outbreak Monday [4 Jan 2021] to the apartment's water system. County Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (06): breath antibodies, antibody duration, variant, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- IsraelIsrael based Scentech-Medical announced it had received approval from the Shamir Medical Center Review Board for a new clinical trial to demonstrate its ability to monitor the antibody levels and type of antibodies developed by the population of subjects getting vaccinated for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Scentech, which is merging with NextGen Biomed Ltd, reports that using the test developed for the analysis and quantification of volatile compounds in breath can detect coronavirus Read more [...]

3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive – Motley Fool

3 Ways a Massive Moat Helps Altria Thrive  Motley Fool

Understanding the Broad Class of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers (CNT/F) Used or Produced in U.S. Facilities

  Engineered nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and nanofibers (CNT/F), hold great promise for society by revolutionizing many industries with applications from medicine to manufactured composites. The properties that make them so promising may also have the potential to cause harm to people if inhaled. Understanding potential health effects, conducting field exposure studies, and developing good practices promotes safe handling and responsible development of products using these materials. Read more [...]

PRO/PL> Panama disease TR1, Cavendish banana – India

Other Plant Disease -- IndiaGrand Nain banana, a variety under Cavendish cultivar, is being affected with a mutated strain of TR1 fungus _Fusarium oxysporum_. "Grand Nain is known to be resistant to TR1 and TR2 and susceptible to TR4. But these bananas are also prone to a newly found mutated strain of TR1," said Dr R Thangavelu, National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB). In 2009, Thangavelu 1st showed the TR1 can also affect the Cavendish cultivar [ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20101223.4510 Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (04): Sweden (SN), poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- SwedenInformation received on [and dated] 4 Jan 2021 from Dr. Hakan Henrikson, chief veterinary officer, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Jonkoping, SwedenSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 2 Jan 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Jan 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 19 Nov 2020Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (05): vaccine intervals, vaccine route, snippets, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownBackgroundOn [18 Dec 2020], the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, adding to the earlier EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Although trial evidence for both vaccines indicates partial protection against COVID-19 illness after 1 dose (1,2), the vaccines are authorized only as 2-dose series and have not yet been evaluated for single-dose use. In the United States, distribution plans for Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Die-off, avian – India: (HP) migratory waterbird, avian influenza susp.

Avian Influenza -- IndiaWith the toll of migratory waterbirds rising to over 1800, and almost half of them being endangered bar-headed goose visiting the Pong wetlands, the Himachal Pradesh wildlife authorities on Monday [4 Jan 2021] suspected avian influenza as the cause.Chief Conservator Wildlife of Pong wetlands -- one of the largest in northern India, Upasna Patyal, said the reason for the deaths is still a mystery. Their carcasses have been sent to different laboratories to determine the cause Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> St. Louis encephalitis virus – USA: (CA) human, mosquito, 2020

St. Louis Encephalitis -- United StatesSt. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) in California counties 2020 YTD [map]Human cases 5Mosquito samples positive 510Sentinel chickens 04 counties with human cases5 counties with positive mosquitoes but no human cases--Communicated by:ProMED[On 22 Oct 2020 there were 2 human St Louis encephalitis (SLE) cases in California and by 11 Dec 2020 there were 5 cases. Mosquito monitoring found 510 positive samples. The previous case was fatal but this one is recovering Read more [...]

DG Digest: IATA publishes addendum to the 62nd DGR

Happy New Year!  Hopefully everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and is ready to dive in to what we all fervently hope will be a much better 2021.  Although the pandemic continues to “suck all the air from the room” safety wise, don’t forget that the nation is now in its coldest stretch... The post DG Digest: IATA publishes addendum to the 62nd DGR appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

NIOSH Efforts to Keep Workers and the Country Safe During the Pandemic

  It is an understatement to say that 2020 was an unprecedented year. As we enter 2021 with hope and optimism, we would like to highlight the work of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff who worked tirelessly to protect workers and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The NIOSH mission is to protect worker safety and health and as such, much of our work on the COVID-19 pandemic response centers around worker safety and health. However, what is learned in the workplace Read more [...]

Lessenberry: Stop hazardous materials from crossing Ambassador Bridge – Toledo Blade

Lessenberry: Stop hazardous materials from crossing Ambassador Bridge  Toledo Blade

911 Hazmat Clean Up Carries out Hoarder Cleaning in Oakland and Sacramento, California with Care and Compassion – Press Release – Digital Journal

911 Hazmat Clean Up Carries out Hoarder Cleaning in Oakland and Sacramento, California with Care and Compassion – Press Release  Digital Journal

PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (03): Slovenia (JP), swan, HPAI H5N5, OIE

Avian Influenza -- SloveniaInformation received on [and dated] 4 Jan 2021 from Dr. Breda Hrovatin, Head, Animal Health and Animal Welfare Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Ljubljana, SloveniaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 24 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 29 Dec 2020Reason for notification: New strain of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virusSerotype: Read more [...]