Archive for editor
PRO/EDR> Measles update (76)
Measles -- SamoaVaccination update: As of 15 Dec [2019], 93% of population has been vaccinated.[There were no age distribution data since 8 Dec [2019] posting. I could find no numbers of confirmed cases for weeks. - Rapporteur Kunihiko Iizuka]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail Rapporteur Kunihiko Iizuka[The following statistics were compiled by Rapporteur Kunihiko Iizuka:Date: 15 Dec [2019] - 5267 cases, 73 deaths, 57 increase in cases in the last 24 hours, 1 additional death;Date: 14 Dec Read more [...]
Officials monitor air quality after fire at SW Philly chemical plant – KYW Newsradio 1060
Officials monitor air quality after fire at SW Philly chemical plant KYW Newsradio 1060
DG Digest: PHMSA special permit to allow liquified natural gas on railways
Mid-December finds regulatory activity about average, with several actions. At this time of year, our employees can feel very distracted with holiday plans and parties, shopping, and other preparations. Let’s all be sure to help them stay focused on safety both in the workplace and off the job. No one wants a holiday accident to…
PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, bean – Bangladesh: (RS)
Undiagnosed -- BangladeshFarmers in [Bogura] district are worried as their bean plants are turning yellow over [the] last couple of weeks.The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said over 560 hectares have been brought under bean cultivation this [2019] season. DAE officials said bean plants on over 300 hectares of the land have already been affected with a virus-related disease and the plants turn yellow gradually.[An] agriculture officer of DAE said poor quality of seeds is one of the main Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (96): China, epidemiology, illegalities, control
African Swine Fever -- ChinaChinese criminals have been exploiting the country's African swine fever [ASF] crisis by intentionally spreading the disease to force farmers to sell their pigs for a low price before smuggling the meat and selling it on as healthy stock, state media has reported.Sometimes the gangs spread rumours about the virus, which is fatal to pigs, but in more extreme cases, they are using drones to drop infected items into farms, according to an investigation by the magazine China Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Infectious salmon anemia – Norway
Other Animal Disease -- NorwayInfectious salmon anaemia (ISA) has been confirmed at a sea-based site run by Norway Royal Salmon (NRS) in the north Norwegian region of Finnmark.The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is reporting the outbreak at Lille Kufjord, some 800 miles northeast of Oslo; it is based on the positive analysis of tests taken at the farm a few days earlier.The authority said it has also informed its Danish counterpart. No reason for this move has been given, but presumably it is because Read more [...]
Equipment Fire at Wacker Chemical Plant in Michigan – Powder Bulk Solids
Equipment Fire at Wacker Chemical Plant in Michigan Powder Bulk Solids
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (100): Pakistan (PB, SD, KP)
Polio -- PakistanAs the National Polio Programme is set to launch this year's [2019] last countrywide vaccination drive on Monday (today [16 Dec 2019]), 3 more infants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab were found to be suffering from polio. With the latest confirmation of the crippling virus in the 3 children, aged between 4 and 8 months, the total number of polio cases in Pakistan has surged to 104 during the current year [2019]. The tally was as low as 12 last year [2018] and 8 in 2017.According Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Blueberry rust – New Zealand
Other Plant Disease -- New ZealandIn New Zealand, the causal agent of rust on blueberries was determined by molecular and morphological analyses as _Pucciniastrum minimum_ (_Thekopsora minima_ - EPPO A2 List) rather than _Naohidemyces vacciniorum_ as 1st reported in 2004.[Original publication: ]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[Blueberry (leaf) rust can be caused by the fungus _Thekopsora minima_ or _Naohidemyces vaccinii_, depending on the region; a 3rd species _N. fujisanensis_ is restricted to Japan. Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Bunchy top disease, abaca – Philippines: (CT)
Other Plant Disease -- Philippines5000 hectares, about 15 percent, of Catanduanes' abaca plantations are either dead or drying from the incurable Abaca Bunchy Top Disease (ABTD), raising fears that it could wipe out the industry in a few years' time if not eradicated.The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) reported that anywhere from 1% to 40% of the total abaca area in all towns are affected by the disease. The disease incidence is adversely undermining abaca productivity Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (116): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO summaries, response, research
Ebola -- DR CongoSummary and timeline of history of 10th outbreak of Ebola in the DRC.--Communicated by:Mary Marshall ******[3] Response- Sat 14 Dec 2019. Armed attacksActualite [in French, Google trans. edited][Byline: Jordan Mayenikini]DRC-Ebola: Armed attacks are the source of the increase in cases of the disease (Muyembe)Recent armed attacks have caused an increase in cases of Ebola virus disease in the DRC. From 29 Nov-11 Dec 2019, 34 cases were recorded. The supplies, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (44): Nigeria
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaFigure 1 [map]. Randomised distribution of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 1 Dec 2019.Figure 2 [map]. LGAs with confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 1 Dec 2019.Figure 3 [graph]. Epicurve of Lassa fever confirmed cases (793) in Nigeria, week 1-48, 2019.Figure 4 [graph]. Weekly trends of Lassa fever confirmed cases in Nigeria, week 1, 2016-week 48, 2019.Figure 5 [graph]. Confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria with state-specific case-fatality rates (CFR) as Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cryptosporidiosis – Sweden (04)
Cryptosporidium -- SwedenWhile cases are declining, the number of cases reported per week remains slightly higher compared to the same period in previous years.To date, some 400 cryptosporidium cases have been recorded. Most cases have been reported from Stockholm, Ostergotland, Vastra Gotaland, Halland, Jonkoping and Uppsala.The Public Health Authority analysed samples from the cases to determine what type of cryptosporidium they have become ill from. Of the 202 samples analysed so far, 93 have Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – USA (19): (MT) wild elk
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesMontana recorded its 1st suspected case of chronic wasting disease [CWD] in wild elk Monday [25 Nov 2019]. The cow elk was harvested by a landowner on private land northeast of Red Lodge earlier this month [November 2019], and samples were extracted from the carcass in Billings on 6 Nov [2019]. Test results confirming the suspected presence of the disease were returned to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and the hunter on Monday [25 Nov 2019].CWD was Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – Kenya: (BA) fatal, aflatoxin susp
Foodborne Illness -- KenyaTwo people died while 6 are in critical condition following suspected food poisoning in Elmaine village, Ilchamus, in Baringo South on Friday evening [13 Dec 2019].A total of 17 people, who were working in a farm in the Baringo South village, were rushed to Baringo County Referral Hospital after complaining of stomach pains and vomiting, after taking a meal.Baringo County health executive Mary Panga told Nation the 2 succumbed while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mumps update (15): Europe (UK, Ireland), New Zealand (AU)
Mumps -- United KingdomHundreds of students have been struck down by a severe outbreak of mumps that is spreading across British universities. Public Health England figures show that more than 7200 suspected mumps cases have been reported in the UK since July [2019], almost triple the same period last year [2018].Health officials said students were driving the surge and urged any who missed out on the MMR jab to get vaccinated.More than 15 000 mumps cases have been reported so far compared with just Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (73): Saudi Arabia (AS, RI)
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaToday [14 Dec 2019], there were 2 newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection posted on the Saudi MOH MERS-CoV information page. No other cases have been reported since the last case update post from 5 Dec 2019 [MERS-CoV (71): Saudi Arabia (SH) Morocco, serosurvey http://promedmail.org/post/20191205.6825724].Information on newly confirmed cases (2):[1]Date of confirmation report: 12 Dec 2019Case no.: 19-1979A 66-year-old male in Abha city, Aseer regionContact with camels: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (31): O157, romaine lettuce, 3rd cluster
E. coli -- United StatesToday, 12 Dec 2019, the FDA is providing an update on our investigation of an outbreak of _E. coli_ O157:H7 illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. The FDA takes our responsibility of protecting the public from unsafe food very seriously and is committed to providing the public with more information as it becomes available.Outbreaks reported-----------------Early on, based on test results provided by the Maryland Department of Health, our investigation pointed to farms in Salinas, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – Canada (04): (ON) RFI
Legionnaires' -- CanadaThe Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is currently investigating an increase in Legionnaires' disease cases in Barrie. Four cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed recently in individuals who reside in the city; in the past 6 years the health unit has seen on average 2 cases annually in Barrie residents."It's not uncommon to see cases of Legionnaires' disease in Simcoe Muskoka; however seeing this number at an unusual time of year for the bacteria warrants Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine kobuvirus – USA: calves
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesA virus affecting cattle 1st discovered in Japan in 2003 has made its way to the USA, researchers report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.Bovine kobuvirus is fairly new to science, so its ill effects are not fully understood. It belongs to a family of viruses known as _Picornaviridae_, which includes _Rhinovirus_, a source of head colds and sinus infections in humans, and _Poliovirus_, which causes polio.Previous studies conducted elsewhere in the world Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (95): China (SA) wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 13 Dec 2019 from Dr. Huang Baoxu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China (People's Rep. of)SummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 27 Nov 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 11 Dec 2019Report date: 13 Dec 2019Date submitted to OIE: 13 Dec 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrapie, sheep – Portugal: (GU) OIE
Scrapie -- PortugalInformation received on [and dated] 11 Dec 2019 from Dr. Bernardo Fernando, Directorate General for Food and Veterinary, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Lisbon, PortugalSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 Dec 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Dec 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 30 Sep 2016Manifestation of disease: Subclinical infectionCausal agent: Read more [...]
Small fire at Wacker Chemical Corp. quickly put out – The Daily Telegram
Small fire at Wacker Chemical Corp. quickly put out The Daily Telegram
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Myanmar (02): (YA, ML, MO) st A & O, cattle, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- MyanmarInformation received on 10 Dec 2019 from Dr Ye Tun Win, chief veterinary officer, director general, Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Nay Pyi Taw, MyanmarSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 15 Nov 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 22 Nov 2019Report date: 10 Dec 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 2 Jul 2018Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (75)
Measles -- AustraliaThree new measles cases have been diagnosed in Melbourne, with warnings issued for Melbourne Airport and a popular restaurant in the city's southeast.On Tuesday [10 Dec 2019], Victoria's chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton confirmed the 3 new cases were recently diagnosed, and those infected had travelled on trams and planes and played futsal.A woman in her 50s is being treated in the hospital, another woman, aged in her 30s, is recovering at home, and a man in his 30s is also Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (94): Indonesia (SU) domestic pigs, confirmed
African Swine Fever -- IndonesiaThe Minister of Agriculture announced the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in North Sumatra Province on 12 Dec 2019. Since late September [2019], increased pig mortality [has] been reported in North Sumatra and some other provinces. FAO is liaising with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services. The Director of Animal Health requested FAO to provide recommendations on containment and control of ASF in the event that the disease Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (31): WHO global update, Asia, Americas, Caribbean
Influenza -- Worldwide/UnknownSummary- In the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, respiratory illness indicators and influenza activity started to increase in most countries. Influenza activity was elevated across the countries in Western Asia.- In the Caribbean and Central American countries, influenza activity was low overall, except for Jamaica and Honduras. In tropical South American countries, influenza activity remained low.- In tropical Africa, influenza activity remained elevated in Read more [...]
DOT’s Check the Box making progress against undeclared Dangerous Goods
Hazardous Matt is on a roll, and the “plain brown box” is in retreat. This time last year we took a first look at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Check the Box program, a multimedia campaign that addresses the ongoing problem of undeclared Dangerous Goods—also known as the “plain brown box.” The star of the…
PRO/PL> Little cherry & X diseases, stone fruit – USA: (northwest)
Other Plant Disease -- United StatesPhytoplasmas of the 16SrIII taxonomic group cause X diseases (such as Western-X, Canada-X; _Candidatus_ Phytoplasma pruni) of stone fruit (_Prunus_ spp). Symptoms and host specificity differ for members of the group. X-disease symptoms in cherry (also called cherry buckskin) vary with the cultivar and rootstock combinations but are often similar to viral little cherry disease.Phytoplasmas can be spread by sap-sucking insects (mostly leaf hoppers), by grafting, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (93): China (SA) wild boar
African Swine Fever -- ChinaThe Information Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced on 11 Dec 2019 that African swine fever [ASF] virus was detected in 3 dead wild boars in Foping County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi province. The total number of dead boars found and submitted for testing was 9. The test was positive for ASF virus nucleic acid.After the epidemic was diagnosed, the State Forestry and Pasture Bureau and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st. Typhimurium – Canada: snake, rodent source
Salmonella -- CanadaThe Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of _Salmonella_ infections occurring in 6 provinces. The outbreak is ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to both snakes and rodents has been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. Many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (115): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, summaries
Ebola -- DR Congo- The Technical Secretary of the Multisectoral Ebola Response Ebola Response Committee, Prof Jean-Jacques Muyembe Ntamfum, accompanied by the Assistant Director-General for Intervention in Emergencies WHO, Dr Soce-Ibrahima Fall, and a strong delegation from the overall coordination of the response, carried out a mission to return on Tue 10 Dec 2019 to Biakato Mines in the territory of Mambasa in Ituri;- as soon as he arrived, Prof Muyembe went to the ETC of Biakato Mines where he Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Malaria, avian – USA: (HI) forest birds, mosquito control
Malaria -- United StatesIt's hard to imagine a time when Hawaii's native forest birds were so abundant that Hawaiian honeycreeper songs were ear-splitting, as one early naturalist described it.Only 17 forest bird species are left in the islands, down from more than 50 that evolved here over thousands of years, according to the Audubon Society. And nearly all of those that persist appear poised for extinction in this century as threats to their survival intensify with the onset of climate change.Over Read more [...]
