Archive for editor

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (192): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission

COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2] released at 6 pm on [17 May 2020].Regarding health monitoring related to the spread of the new coronavirus on the national territory:- 225 435 cumulative cases, increase of 675 from 15 May 2020- 68 351 people are currently positive for the virus;- 125 176 people have recovered;- 10 311 patients are hospitalized with Read more [...]

Worker Injured in Fire at Chemical Plant – Powder Bulk Solids

Worker Injured in Fire at Chemical Plant  Powder Bulk Solids

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (191): global, China, USA (TX), Germany, WHO

COVID-19 -- China2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 918 / 82 919 / 82 926 / 82 929 / 82 933 / 82 941 / 92 947 / 92 954 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 10 780 / ... / 10 909 / 10 936 / 10 962 / 10 991 / 11 018 / 11 037 / 11 050 / 11 065 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed pediatric inflammatory syndrome (05): Europe, USA, COVID-19 assoc.

COVID-19 -- Italy"Children have to date borne a minimal medical burden in the global COVID-19 pandemic. Epidemiological data from many countries show that children are a small minority of those who test positive. Children younger than 18 years have made up only 1.7% of national cases in the USA, /1 1% of cases in the Netherlands, /2 and 2.0% of a large observational cohort in the UK. /3 Whether these proportions reflect lower susceptibility among children versus adults, /4 or similar infection rates, Read more [...]

Short Line Safety Institute names new hazardous materials programs director – trains.com

Short Line Safety Institute names new hazardous materials programs director  trains.com

PRO/AH/EDR> Lumpy skin disease – India (02): (TG) cattle, spread

Lumpy Skin Disease -- IndiaAt a time when the deadly novel coronavirus has resulted in more than 200 000 human deaths and a constant extension of the lockdown in the country, a new virus, causing lumpy skin disease [LSD], seems to be affecting cattle in and across Telangana. LSD, as it has been named, has been threatening white cattle across the country.According to sources, it was around Ugadi (a festival celebrated during late March) when this condition, caused by a Capripox virus, was observed Read more [...]

Overturned tanker truck closes portion of I-90 in both directions near Avon – WKYC.com

Overturned tanker truck closes portion of I-90 in both directions near Avon  WKYC.com

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (190): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission

COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus [Sars-CoV-2] released at 6 pm on [16 May 2020].Regarding health monitoring related to the spread of the new coronavirus on the national territory:- 224 760 cumulative cases, increase of 875 from 15 May 2020- 70 187 people are currently positive for the virus;- 122 810 people have recovered;- 10 400 patients are hospitalized with Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (189): Netherlands (NB) animal, farmed mink, research, cat, dog

COVID-19 -- NetherlandsAt the 1st mink farm found infected with COVID-19 virus [SARS-CoV-2] in North Brabant, antibodies against the virus were detected in 3 out of 11 farm cats. No [viable] virus was found in the cats. This means that the 3 cats had been infected. Minister Schouten of LNV [Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality] writes this in a letter to the House of Representatives [Dutch; link in the commentary below].According to Schouten, it cannot be determined how the cats contracted Read more [...]

Los Angeles explosion: 11 firefighters hurt as 'hash oil factory' burns – The Guardian

Los Angeles explosion: 11 firefighters hurt as ‘hash oil factory’ burns  The Guardian

PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – China: (GS) 2019

Brucellosis -- ChinaOn the night of 26 Dec 2019, the Ganzhou Province Health Commission posted news on its official website that the positive brucellosis antibody event at the Lanzhou Veterinary Institute was caused by exhaust gas from the nearby China Animal Husbandry Industry Co., Ltd.'s biopharmaceutical plant. As of 25 Dec [2019] at 4 p.m., the number of people testing positive for brucellosis had reached 181. Aside from one person with clinical symptoms, all the others did not have clinical Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Australia: (VI) bakery

Salmonella -- AustraliaA Melbourne cafe has been closed after more than 36 people were diagnosed with salmonellosis. Lincoln Bakery Cafe, in Carlton, shut on 8 May 2020 after customers fell ill. An investigation is underway, Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos confirmed during a press conference on Sat 16 May 2020.No salmonella sufferers to date have been hospitalized, the state's chief health officer, Dr Brett Sutton, said. There have been 36 cases of food poisoning linked to the Lincoln Bakery Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – USA (02): unpasteurized milk, B. abortus vacc strain, 2017-18, CDC

Brucellosis -- United StatesCitation: Gruber JF, Newman A, Egan C, et al.: Notes from the Field: _Brucella abortus_ RB51 Infections Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk from Pennsylvania: 2017 and 2018. MMWR. 2020; 69(15): 482-483. doi: .In December 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) were notified of a New York patient with brucellosis caused by infection with _Brucella abortus_ RB51, the live attenuated vaccine strain of _B. abortus_ Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Congo DR (03): bubonic, fatal

Plague -- DR CongoAfter going several weeks without a reported human plague case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), new cases were reported between mid-February and mid-March [2020]. Since the beginning of the year [2020], a total of 20 suspected bubonic plague cases with 7 deaths (case fatality ratio 35%) were notified in 5 health zones: Aungba (4 cases and 2 deaths), Linga (7 cases and 5 deaths), Rethy (6 cases and no deaths), Aru (2 cases and no deaths), and Kambala (1 case and no Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (188): global, prison, ship outbreak, WHO

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 918 / 82 919 / 82 926 / 82 929 / 82 933 / 82 941 / 82 941 Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 10 780 / ... / 10 909 / 10 936 / 10 962 / 10 991 / 11 018 / 11 037 / 11 037 South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Scombroid fish poisoning – Europe: Sweden ex Viet Nam, tuna

Poisoning -- SwedenHistamine poisoning results from the consumption of foods, typically certain types of fish and cheeses that contain unusually high levels of histamine. Spoiled fish of the families Scombridae and Scomberesocidae (e.g., tuna, mackerel, bonito) are commonly implicated in incidents of histamine poisoning, which leads to the common usage of the term "scombroid fish poisoning" to describe this illness. However, certain non-scombroid fish, most notably mahi-mahi, bluefish, and sardines, Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Vesicular stomatitis – USA (04): (AZ) horse

Vesicular Stomatitis -- United StatesIn its 7 May 2020 situation report, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 2 newly infected counties in Arizona with equine cases of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Cochise County had one newly confirmed positive equine premises. Gila and Pima counties, which are both newly infected, each had one confirmed equine premises.Arizona was the 2nd state with confirmed VSV cases in 2020, with one premises identified in Cochise County Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles – North America: USA (MI) horse

Strangles -- United StatesHistorically, strangles got its name as affected horses were sometimes suffocated from large, infected lymph nodes that obstructed their upper airway or trachea. The hallmark clinical signs of infection are fever (temperature higher than 101.5 deg F/38.6 deg C), nasal discharge, and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes (in the space between the lower jawbones), which ultimately abscess. Purulent nasal discharge is typically present, although it may initially be clear. The Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – North America (02): USA (TX) horse

Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesAcute: When horses are exposed to EIAv, they may develop severe, acute signs of disease and die within 2 to 3 weeks. This form of the disease is the most damaging and the most difficult to diagnose because the signs appear rapidly, and often only an elevated body temperature is noted. One-fifth of a teaspoon (approximately 1 mL) of blood from a horse with acute EIA contains enough virus to infect a million horses. Clinical signs of acute infectiousness are Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (12): Americas (USA) fox, dog, cat, human exp

Rabies -- United StatesA fox found near McMillan Road and Cordova Road in Orangeburg County has tested positive for rabies, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).The fox, according to DHEC, exposed one person and a dog following an attack. The fox was submitted for testing on 4 May 2020 and was confirmed to have rabies one day later. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to rabies should wash any body part having come into contact with saliva Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Parvovirus – Australia: (QL, NS) dog

Parvovirus -- AustraliaWhile most people have been concerned about the spread of coronavirus, there's another infection dog owners need to be wary of. Vets are warning people to make sure their canines are vaccinated after a spike in parvovirus cases in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW).The Animal Emergency Service has already seen 40 cases so far this year [2020]. Last year [2019], they had 58 cases over the whole 12 months.Dr. Brooke Schampers said it was one of the worst Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (15): India (AS, AR) domest conf, spread, wild susp

African Swine Fever -- IndiaIn the wake of the African swine fever (ASF) killing nearly 15 000 pigs in Assam and spreading to new areas despite preventive measures, the state government is preparing to go for mass culling, according to media reports.Earlier this month [May 2020], Assam Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Atul Bora had said that the Centre has advised the state government to go for the culling of pigs affected by ASF.The disease was first reported in November-December 2019 from Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Anisakiasis – Spain: anchovies

Anisakis -- SpainSpanish authorities have issued a warning about a parasite in anchovies after 3 people fell ill.The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) reported a brand of anchovies in vinegar from Spain could contain anisakis. Three people have been affected with mild symptoms in the country.The product involved is "Boquerones en Vinagre" of the brand "Pescados Medina" in 250-gram plastic containers with lot code 270420 and the date 27 Jul 2020. Authorities recommended that people Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Meningitis, meningococcal – Australia: (WA) sg W, Y, B

Meningitis - Neisseria -- AustraliaThe Department of Health today [15 May 2020] reported that an adult has been diagnosed with meningococcal serogroup B disease and is recovering at home.Meningococcal disease is an uncommon, life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection of the blood and/or the membranes that line the spinal cord and brain, and occasionally of other sites, such as the throat, lungs or large joints.To date in 2020, 4 meningococcal cases have been reported in WA [Western Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19-update (187): China, S Korea, countries w/ high local transm

COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus [Sars-CoV-2] released at 6 pm on [15 May 2020].Regarding health monitoring related to the spread of the new coronavirus on the national territory:- 223 885 cumulative cases, increase of 789 from 14 May 2020- 72 070 people are currently positive for the virus;- 120 205 people have recovered;- 10 792 patients are hospitalized with Read more [...]

Roanoke firefighters stop two-alarm hazardous material vehicle fire – WSLS 10

Roanoke firefighters stop two-alarm hazardous material vehicle fire  WSLS 10

PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – India (03): (NL) livestock, susp, RFI

Anthrax -- IndiaA suspected outbreak of anthrax disease, which is zoonotic in domestic animals, is reported to have appeared in some parts of Longleng District in Nagaland, in which several cattle, mithun and goats have died. According to official sources, Longleng District Commissioner M. Shayung Phom in an order has imposed a ban on slaughtering, selling and importation of cattle, mithun and goats with immediate effect until further order.The DC Longleng stated that "necessary action against defaulters Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19-update (185): China, S Korea, countries w/ high local transm

COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus released at 6 pm on [14 May 2020]..Regarding health monitoring related to the spread of the new coronavirus on the national territory:- 223 096 cumulative cases, increase of 992 from 13 May 2020- 76 440 people are currently positive for the virus;- 115 288 people have recovered;- 11 453 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 855 in Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – North Macedonia (02): (IL) poultry, OIE

Newcastle Disease -- Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)Information received on [and dated] 11 May 2020 from Dr Zoran Atanasov, director, Food and Veterinary Agency, Food and Veterinary Agency, Food and Veterinary Agency, North Macedonia, Skopje, Former Yug. Rep. of Macedonia [North Macedonia]SummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 May 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 6 May 2020Report date: 11 May 2020Date submitted to OIE: 11 May 2020Reason for notification: recurrence Read more [...]

Large clouds of black smoke billow from chemical plant after explosion in Venice – Evening Standard

Large clouds of black smoke billow from chemical plant after explosion in Venice  Evening Standard

Blast at chemical plant in Italy injures 2 – 7NEWS.com.au

Blast at chemical plant in Italy injures 2  7NEWS.com.au

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (184): global, new country, RAAS inh & disease severity, WHO

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 918 / 82 919 / 82 926 / 82 929 / 82 933 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 10 780 / ... / 10 909 / 10 936 / 10 962 / 10 991 / 11 018 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... / 1 367 638 / 1 Read more [...]

This crisis highlights the importance of our extraordinary supply chain

No matter how well you appreciated the value of a well-functioning supply chain a few months ago, you probably have a far greater appreciation now. Two months after most of the world’s largest economies started slowing down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most consumer goods are still available. (Well, except maybe for hand sanitizer.)... The post This crisis highlights the importance of our extraordinary supply chain appeared first on Labelmaster Blog. Read more [...]

Nurses’ and Other Health Professionals’ Wellness and Safety Resource Update

The World Health Organization proclaimed 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. None of us could have anticipated how prescient that would be. This year has seen nurses all over the world step up and battle coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fearlessly, often while navigating evolving guidance and operating under difficult conditions with strained resources. The American Nurses Association (ANA) and ANA Enterprise’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) salute all nurses and recognize Read more [...]

News – Huntsville Center improves hazardous materials management – DVIDS

News – Huntsville Center improves hazardous materials management  DVIDS

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (183): Japan/USA, animals, research, cat, experimental infection

COVID-19 -- JapanCitation: Halfmann P, Hatta M, Chiba S, Maemura T, et al. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic Cats. New England Journal of Medicine (Correspondence). 13 May 2020. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2013400.To the editor:Reports of human-to-feline transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and of limited airborne transmission among cats prompted us to evaluate nasal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 from inoculated cats and the subsequent transmission of the virus by direct Read more [...]

PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, tomato – India: (MH)

Undiagnosed -- IndiaAn unidentified virus is attacking tomato crops in large parts of Maharashtra. In the districts of Ahmednagar, Pune, and Nashik, about 60% of the crop has been decimated in the last 10 days. Plant experts have expressed multiple opinions about the outbreak.The Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth [MPKV] agriculture university are studying the outbreak along with state government officials. A MPKV scientist said an analysis of the tomato samples is underway, but conclusions have not Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (05): (AS)

Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaAt least 2 persons tested positive along with 15 others falling ill due to Japanese encephalitis within the district of Jorhat, said Dr. Pawan Chandra Saikia, the chief medical officer of Jorhat, on Tuesday [12 May 2020]. A total of 15 persons have been admitted to the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) since Sunday [10 May 2020]. Moreover, a team of doctors, nurses, para-medical staff, and MPWs [multi-purpose health workers] have been working on a war footing Read more [...]

ABS offers remote Inventory Hazardous Materials Surveys – Seatrade Maritime News

ABS offers remote Inventory Hazardous Materials Surveys  Seatrade Maritime News

Reported chemical fire at Unilever was a false alarm – krcgtv.com

Reported chemical fire at Unilever was a false alarm  krcgtv.com