Archive for editor

California Authorities Support Toxic Chemical Use By Refineries – Random Lengths

California Authorities Support Toxic Chemical Use By Refineries  Random Lengths

Fire drill improves response against chemical plant emergency – ecns

Fire drill improves response against chemical plant emergency  ecns

PRO/PL> Blast & bacterial leaf blight, rice – India: (TN)

Other Plant Disease -- IndiaBacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice is caused by _Xanthomonas oryzae_ pv. _oryzae_ (Xoo). In Asia, millions of hectares of rice paddies are severely affected every year, with reported yield losses of up to 60 percent. The pathogen causes yellowing and drying of leaves and wilting of seedlings. Blight lesions caused by severe strains elongate over the entire length of the flag leaf, giving a striped appearance. Severe strains may also affect panicles. Mild strains cause Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (50): Americas (USA) cat, dog, human exposure

Rabies -- United StatesA rabies alert was sent out to residents Tuesday [29 Oct 2019] night in the Orr Road area of Mecklenburg County.A cat in the area tested positive for rabies, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said, and a dog was exposed to the cat.The dog was current on its rabies vaccine and has been taken for a rabies vaccination booster, officials said. There were also 2 human exposures.This is the 13th animal in Mecklenburg County this year [2019] to test positive for rabies. Last year, there Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (20): Americas, research, observations

Dengue -- Worldwide/UnknownCases by Country / Week updated / Serotype / Total / Conf. / Severe / DeathsNorth AmericaUSA / 43 [week ending 25 Oct 2019] / D? / 795 / 795 / 12 / 0 Central America and MexicoBelize / 44 [week ending 2 Nov 2019] / D1,2 / 5424 / 2340 / 93 / 0Cost Rica / 43 [week ending 25 Oct 2019] / D1,2 / 7547 / 299 / 10 / 0El Salvador / 42 [week ending 18 Oct 2019] / D2 / 24 045 / 710 / 105 / 14Guatemala / 43 / [week ending 25 Oct 2019] / D1,2,3,4 / 41 858 / 988 / 82 / 54Honduras / 43 Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (39): USA, deer, human, horses

Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesA deer had to be euthanized after being infected with the eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] virus, state officials said on Thursday [31 Oct 2019].The deer, discovered in Winslow, was the 1st in New Jersey with a confirmed case of EEE, a dangerous mosquito-borne virus that's affected 4 people in the state this year [2019], officials said.The disease, which is similar to West Nile virus, can infect humans, mammals and birds through the bites of mosquitoes Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Bagaza virus, birds – South Africa: (GT) 2016-2017, pheasant

Other Animal Disease -- South AfricaCitation:Steyn J, Botha EM, Lourens C, Coetzer JAW, Venter M: Detection of Bagaza virus in Himalayan monal pheasants, South Africa, 2016-2017. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Dec (ahead of print article) [accessed 9 Nov 2019]; 25(12). DOI: 10.3201/eid2512.190756. .AbstractBagaza virus (BAGV) has not been reported in birds in South Africa since 1978. We used phylogenetic analysis and electron microscopy to identify BAGV as the likely etiology in neurologic disease and death Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Silicosis – India: (GJ) fatalities, injured workers

Poisoning -- IndiaThe National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Gujarat chief secretary and the district magistrate, Rajkot, to respond to a complaint filed by health rights activist Jagdish Patel of the People's Training and Research Centre (PTRC), Vadodara, regarding the alleged death of RPP and 2 others reportedly because of silicosis, a fatal occupation disease, in Rajkot, one of Gujarat's top cities.A notice issued to the chief secretary and the district magistrate, NHRC pointing Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Vaping-related illness – North America (04): USA, vitamin E & THC

Other Human Disease -- United StatesThe federal government has zeroed in on vitamin E acetate as one of the main causes of a mysterious lung illness affecting more than 2000 people.Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say they have found the chemical in the lungs of 29 patients across 10 states."These findings provide direct evidence of vitamin E acetate at the primary site of injury within the lungs," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the CDC.The Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – India (06): (MH) fatal

Scrub Typhus -- IndiaAfter the dengue virus, bacterial scrub typhus disease, seen in Nagpur for the 1st time, is taking its toll on residents of the city and surrounding areas. Around 90 cases have been reported so far, out of which 15 people have died over the [past] week and another 15 are battling for their lives.According to the medical college and hospital, over 60 affected people are admitted there, out of which 15 are on ventilators and battling for their lives. The patient who died on Friday Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed illness – India (02): (OR) fatalities, children, RFI

Undiagnosed -- IndiaAs many as 6 children have died of an unknown disease at Tamanpalli village under Kalimela block of Malkangiri district in the past 15 days, a source said. Several other children affected by the disease are undergoing treatment.Even though the disease is yet to be identified, Malkangiri's CDMO suspects the deaths could be linked to malnutrition."The reason behind the spread of the disease is yet to be established. Their families, instead of giving them medical attention, are seeking Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – UK: (Scotland) imported

Diphtheria -- United KingdomTwo cases of diphtheria have been confirmed in the Lothian area, the Herald [revealed]. Both individuals, who are believed to be receiving treatment for the disease in an Edinburgh hospital, had recently returned to Scotland after travelling abroad.[Diphtheria] was once a major cause of death in the UK but is now extremely rare due to high uptake rates for the childhood vaccine. One of the last major outbreaks in Scotland was in 1968, when 6 members of the same household Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Thelazia gulosa – USA (02): (CA) 2018

Other Human Disease -- United StatesA parasitic worm infection, once thought to only be found in cows, has shown up in a 2nd person in just 2 years, and it has experts worried that it may be on the rise in the US.The worm in question, known to scientists as _Thelazia gulosa_, or "cattle eye worm" is transmitted by face flies, which pick up _T. gulosa_ after feeding on the lacrimal secretions (aka, the solution that lubricates the eyeball) of cattle, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Pertussis update (11): Americas (USA)

Whooping Cough -- United StatesThe Washoe County Health District has confirmed a 5th case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, at Bishop Manogue High School.After 4 previous cases were reported, Bishop Manogue H.S. agreed to close from 22-27 Oct 2019 to reduce the transmission of the disease. School has since resumed, and there have not been any changes announced in class schedules or sports and activities.Student athletes participating in fall sports must meet 3 requirements:1. They cannot Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (24): Nigeria (KT, BA, BE)

Yellow Fever -- NigeriaBetween 1 Aug and 5 Nov 2019, Nigeria experienced an upsurge in cases of yellow fever, with 511 suspected cases in 3 states: 309 from Katsina, 162 from Bauchi, and 40 from Benue. Of the samples tested from these cases, 83 were confirmed positive (43 in Katsina, 34 in Bauchi, and 6 in Benue).Since the beginning of the year [2019], the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have been working with development Read more [...]

Chemical leak threatens Chino Hills residents – Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Chemical leak threatens Chino Hills residents  Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (106): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, summary, vaccine, SK discontent

Ebola -- DR Congo- 79 / 100 bikers were vaccinated, after the sensitization, as contact contacts at the launch of the biker vaccination in Beni in the Kazabimyole health area;- Since vaccination began on 8 Aug 2018, 248 004 people have been vaccinated;- The only vaccine to be used in this outbreak is the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck, following approval by the Ethics Committee in its decision of 20 May 2018.Monitoring at entry points-------------------- Since Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (89): Pakistan (WPV, cVDPV), Cote d'Ivoire (cVDPV), global

Polio -- PakistanAn isolation of a cVDPV2, from an environmental sample, was collected on [24 Sep 2019] in Abidjan city. The isolated cVDPV2, which is an orphan virus and linked to a virus detected in Niger in 2018, belongs to the Jigawa emergence group, which has previously also been detected in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Benin, Ghana, and Togo.The GPEI is working with regional and country teams to support local authorities to conduct a full investigation and plan a potential response if needed.WHO Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (89): Indonesia (SU) suspected, RFI

African Swine Fever -- IndonesiaIndonesian Ministry of Agriculture officials said that after the authorities conducted laboratory tests on thousands of dead pigs in northern Sumatra this week, the country confirmed the 1st case of African swine fever [ASF].A provincial official said on Thursday [8 Nov 2019] that more than 4000 pigs died after the outbreak of pig cholera in North Sumatra. According to reports, in North Sumatra, in September [2019], Da Yinli County 1st discovered cases of pig cholera."The Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Drought – Zimbabwe: wildlife, Mana Pools National Park

Other Animal Disease — Zimbabwe

PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (23): Nigeria (BA)

Yellow Fever -- NigeriaIn Bauchi state, 29 people have died so far following the outbreak of yellow fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA), gave the death toll on Thursday [7 Nov 2019]."We discovered 224 suspected cases, and 29 were confirmed dead, with 24 in Alkaleri local government, 2 in Bauchi local government, one in Darazo council area, and 2 in Ningi local government," Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (49): Americas (USA) fox, human exp

Rabies -- United StatesBath [Maine] police say they had another rabid fox attack Sunday [3 Nov 2019]. Police say around 11:45 am, they received a report in the area of 305 Washington Street that a fox had bit a 52-year-old man.The man had been in his yard doing yardwork when he was attacked. He suffered bites and scratches on his legs.Officers say they located the fox and killed it. The fox was confirmed to be rabid at the DHHS Health and Environmental Testing Lab in Augusta [Maine]. According to Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Bluetongue – Europe (10): Cyprus (FA) sheep, goats, BTV-16, OIE

Bluetongue -- CyprusInformation received on [and dated] 7 Nov 2019 from Dr. Christodoulos Pipis, Acting Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, NICOSIA, CyprusSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 30 Oct 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 5 Nov 2019Report date: 7 Nov 2019Date submitted to OIE: 7 Nov 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 20 Dec Read more [...]

No hazardous materials found after evacuation of Tucson office Thursday – Arizona Daily Star

No hazardous materials found after evacuation of Tucson office Thursday  Arizona Daily Star

1 Dead, 10 Hospitalized After Chemical Incident at Massachusetts Buffalo Wild Wings – PEOPLE Great Ideas

1 Dead, 10 Hospitalized After Chemical Incident at Massachusetts Buffalo Wild Wings  PEOPLE Great Ideas

PRO/EDR> Contaminated spinach – Turkey (02): nightshade susp

-- Turkey1. Heindl S, Binder C, Desel H, et al. [Etiology of initially unexplained confusion of excitability in deadly nightshade poisoning with suicidal intent. Symptoms, differential diagnosis, toxicology and physostigmine therapy of anticholinergic syndrome]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2000; 125: 1361-5. ;2. Southgate HJ, Egerton M, Dauncey EA. Lessons to be learned: a case study approach. Unseasonal severe poisoning of two adults by deadly nightside (_Atropa belladonna_) J R Soc Promot Health. 2000; Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (07): Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, research, observations

Zika virus -- MexicoAbstract--------Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy causes congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly. However, rates vary widely, and the contributing risk factors remain unclear. We examined the serum antibody response to ZIKV and other flaviviruses in Brazilian women giving birth during the 2015-2016 outbreak. Infected pregnancies with intermediate or higher ZIKV antibody enhancement titers were at increased risk to give birth to microcephalic infants compared Read more [...]

CHEMTREC Hazmat Summit: Safety all the way to the end of the supply chain

Last week, three Labelmaster team members attended the first-ever CHEMTREC® International Hazmat Summit in Houston—a “one-of-a-kind forum for all interested parties involved in the safe transportation, handling, and use of hazardous materials, including shippers, carriers, and emergency and spill clean-up responders.” We partner with CHEMTREC as their exclusive supplier for hazmat shipping labels, markings and... Read more [...]

Preparing Your Fleet for Automated Vehicles

Many of us already drive personal or company vehicles with automated features such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. While automation clearly improves safety, it also presents new issues for safety professionals. Companies need to integrate policies on vehicles with automated features into their current fleet safety management systems. They also need to consider how they’ll manage the more highly-automated vehicles that will be available in the future. To help safety Read more [...]

Buffalo Wild Wings employee dies after exposure to 'common' cleaning agent, 10 others hospitalized – USA TODAY

Buffalo Wild Wings employee dies after exposure to ‘common’ cleaning agent, 10 others hospitalized  USA TODAY

PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan (06): Egypt, alertness, preventive measures

Rift Valley Fever -- SudanDr. Mumtaz Shaheen, director of the Egyptian Animal Health Research Institute [Cairo, Dokki - Giza, Egypt), said that a mobile laboratory equipped with a veterinary and technical team has been installed in Aswan to address the Rift Valley fever [RVF] issue related to the outbreak of the disease in Sudan. [The team] collects samples from different places in Aswan governorate to carry out the tasks entrusted to it, in accordance with recognized standards and controls that Read more [...]

Northwest Fire District responds to hazardous materials call – KOLD

Northwest Fire District responds to hazardous materials call  KOLD

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (88): Indonesia (SU) susp, RFI

African Swine Fever -- IndonesiaMedan Veterinary Center said that the death of thousands of pigs, besides being caused by the hog cholera [Classical Swine Fever) virus, were also found to be infected with the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.The Head of the Medan Veterinary Center, Agustia, said on [Thu 7 Nov 2019], that their team collected, during September-October 2019, samples from pigs in several districts which reported increased swine deaths. Initially, hog cholera, a disease was behind an Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Syphilis – Brazil: incr. incidence, penicillin shortage, RFI

Syphilis -- BrazilDespite successive warnings in recent years, Brazil has not yet managed to stop the advance of syphilis. Last year [2018], the country recorded the largest number of cases of the disease since 2010, when reporting began to occur regularly, according to data from the Ministry of Health.In 2018 alone, there were 158 000 cases of acquired syphilis, equivalent to 75.8 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. For comparison, a year earlier, this rate was 59.1 cases per 100 000.Experts reason better Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – South Africa (02): (LP) bovine, serotype pending, OIE

Foot and Mouth -- South AfricaInformation received on [and dated] 6 Nov 2019 from Dr. Bothle Michael Modisane, chief director, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Production and Health, Pretoria, South AfricaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 1 Nov 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 1 Nov 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 2 Sep 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Read more [...]

Wreck on river bridge leads to injuries, hazardous materials cleanup – Lampasas Dispatch Record

Wreck on river bridge leads to injuries, hazardous materials cleanup  Lampasas Dispatch Record

Four people taken to hospital after chemical leak – Kent Online

Four people taken to hospital after chemical leak  Kent Online

Part of Highway 99 in Madera closed due to hazmat cleanup – KMPH Fox 26

Part of Highway 99 in Madera closed due to hazmat cleanup  KMPH Fox 26

Findings on Deer Park fire underscore why penalties for environmental failures must be steep [Editorial] – Houston Chronicle

Findings on Deer Park fire underscore why penalties for environmental failures must be steep [Editorial]  Houston Chronicle

Maidstone chemical spill: Dozens treated after leak – BBC News

Maidstone chemical spill: Dozens treated after leak  BBC News