Archive for editor

PRO/ALL> Announcements (08): ProMED-mail geographic locations

Not Yet Classified — Worldwide/Unknown

PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – Pakistan (23): (SD)

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- PakistanA man died of Congo fever [CCHF] on Thursday [17 Oct 2019] night, taking the death toll from the disease in the country to 19.The deceased has been identified as 50-year-old YH, a farmer from Mirpurkhas. He died during treatment at the Liaquat Medical Hospital in Hyderabad. According to the disease surveillance unit in the region, the man had developed high fever and body ache on 6 Oct [2019]. He was treated at a local practitioner's clinic, but his condition Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> St. Louis encephalitis & West Nile viruses – USA (03): (CA) mosquitoes

West Nile Virus -- United StatesMosquitoes collected in Anaheim and Westminster have tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis, the 1st occurrence in those cities in 3 decades, Orange County officials announced Tuesday [15 Oct 2019].The mosquitoes were collected late last week along Old Bolsa Chica Road in Westminster and near Dale and Orange avenues in Anaheim, according to Heather Hyland of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.The last time any St. Louis encephalitis-positive Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (100): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, WHO, summaries, various

Ebola -- DR Congo- The subdivision of Primary and Technical Primary Education Mambasa 1 in Ituri sensitized on Thu 17 Oct 2019 567 students from Mambau Primary School on handwashing and its importance.- This ceremony is part of the response against the #Ebola virus disease in the Mambasa sub-coordination led by Dr. Celestin Mwanzembe. A total of 567 students, including 273 girls and 17 teachers, among whom 7 were women, were sensitized during this activity;- The director of this school, Mr. Michel Read more [...]

PRO/EDR> Baby powder recall – USA

Environmental -- United StatesJohnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. to voluntarily recall a single lot of Johnson's Baby Powder in the United StatesWhen a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.SummaryCompany announcement date: 18 Oct 2019FDA publish date: 18 Oct 2019Product type: cosmeticsReason for announcement: presence of asbestosCompany name: Johnson & Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – Europe (16): (Germany) fatal, WGS, meat, healthcare facilities

Listeriosis -- GermanyGermany's Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture has summoned its state-level counterparts for crisis talks following revelations _Listeria_-tainted meat products have killed 3 people and made another 37 sick.The ministry confirmed to just-food the talks will be held next Friday (25 Oct [2019]), aiming to improve identification of weak health control points, boosting cooperation between state health regulators and federal officials, including more exchanges of information. Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan (03): (RS, RN) human, livestock, international impact

Rift Valley Fever -- SudanMinistry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has suspended imports of livestock from Sudan and Djibouti following a bulletin issued by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) showing the emergence of the Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Sudan.Meanwhile, a consignment from Djibouti was rejected by the quarantine department after testing positive for RVF antibodies.MEWA, in the interest of protecting the public health, has stepped up quarantine measures against the Read more [...]

4 Exposed to Hazardous Materials: Fort Worth Fire – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

4 Exposed to Hazardous Materials: Fort Worth Fire  NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (81): Philippines (RI) domestic, spread, control

African Swine Fever -- PhilippinesThe Cabanatuan City Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) culled a total of 207 pigs following reports of hog deaths in Barangay Dalampang, suspected to have been caused by African swine fever (ASF). "Several pigs have died in our place. Blood samples were taken from some of them, while we buried the others," said Amang Soriano, the head of Barangay Dalampang.Because of the incident, the PVO advised residents, especially hog raisers in the area, to immediately report Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Classical swine fever – Japan (12): (SZ) wild boar, spread

Classical Swine Fever -- JapanShizuoka Prefecture announced on [Fri 18 Oct 2019], that one wild boar whose dead body was found in Fujieda City was [confirmed as] infected with [classical] swine fever [CSF]. This is the 1st CSF case in the prefecture Shizuoka since the start of the event in September 2018. The prefecture has begun preparations for vaccination of all pig farms in the prefecture.According to the prefecture, the dead boar was found by a passerby on the road of Nodazawa, Okabe-cho, Fujieda Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Chemical weapons – Syria: white phosphorus, susp., Turkish use

Conflict -- SyriaUnited Nations chemical-weapons inspectors announced that they are investigating whether Turkish forces used chemical weapons in their invasion of Syria, the Guardian reported Friday [18 Oct 2019].The Kurds have accused Turkey of using white [phosphorus] during their recent incursion into northeastern Syria. The Kurdish Red Crescent claims 6 patients, including civilians and military members, have been hospitalized in the city of Hasakah due to burns from "unknown weapons."The Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> St. Louis encephalitis & West Nile viruses – USA (02): (CA)

West Nile Virus -- United StatesMosquito samples in Coachella and North Shore tested positive for sickness-inducing Saint Louis encephalitis virus for the 1st time this year [2019], the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reported today [17 Oct 2019].The test, conducted on Wednesday [16 Oct 2019], showed that mosquito season may last longer this year [2019] than usual, said Tammy Gordon, public information officer for the district.Most people infected with Saint Louis encephalitis Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (20): USA (CA, UT) horse

Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesThe California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed on [3 Oct 2019] a Shasta County horse tested positive for the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) and that 4 horses were exposed.The positive horse, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, was quarantined and isolated along with the other exposed horses on its premises. All are under quarantine with enhanced biosecurity protocols, including twice-daily temperature monitoring.The affected Read more [...]

Transportation/Hazardous Materials: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Addresses Applicability to Cryogenic Liquids – JD Supra

Transportation/Hazardous Materials: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Addresses Applicability to Cryogenic Liquids  JD Supra

US EPA Settles With Supermarket Chain Vons Over Chemical Safety Violations – PerishableNews

US EPA Settles With Supermarket Chain Vons Over Chemical Safety Violations  PerishableNews

PRO/AH/EDR> Antibiotic resistance (9): USA, MDR Salmonella, convent. vs antib.-free poultry

Salmonella -- United StatesAn analysis by researchers in Pennsylvania found that meat from conventionally raised poultry harbored nearly twice as much multidrug-resistant _Salmonella_ as meat from antibiotic-free poultry, according to a study reported today [3 Oct 2019] at IDWeek 2019.The findings come from a study conducted by scientists with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Penn State College of Medicine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that examined non-typhoidal _Salmonella_ Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (03): Kenya (GA) livestock, alert, prevention

Rift Valley Fever -- KenyaMore than 5000 livestock have been killed by heavy rains in Mandera, but Garissa executive Issa Yarrow says they are prepared for a downpour.It has not started raining heavily in Garissa county. On Wednesday [16 Oct 2019], Agriculture executive Issa Yarrow said the livestock department was fully prepared to handle any eventualities when the heavy rains start.Heavy rains are predicted in parts of Northeastern, a situation already being witnessed in Wajir and Mandera where Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (65): Saudi Arabia (QS)

MERS -- Saudi ArabiaFrom [1-30 Sep 2019], the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 4 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection and one associated death. The cases were reported from Al-Qassim (2 cases), Riyadh (1 case), and Al-Ahsaa (1 case) regions.MERS-CoV cases reported between [1-30 Sep 2019]*Please note, data corresponds to Disease Outbreak News as published on 17 Oct 2019.Case no.: Date of reporting to WHO / Region of residence Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Monkeypox – Africa (04): Nigeria

Monkeypox -- NigeriaNigeria health officials reported 5 new confirmed monkeypox cases in September [2019], as the country continues to report sporadic cases for the past 2 years.In September [2019], 15 new suspected monkeypox cases were reported from 6 states -- Lagos (5), Rivers (2), Akwa Ibom (3), Zamfara (1), Delta (1), and Imo (2) -- and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT (1).Of the 15 suspected cases, 5 were confirmed positive for monkeypox in 3 states: Lagos (3), Rivers (1), and Akwa Ibom (1).Of Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis, African – South Africa (04): ex Malawi (Vwaza Marsh Game Res)

African Trypanosomiasis — South Africa

PRO/AH/EDR> Jamestown Canyon virus – USA: (NH)

Other Human Disease -- United StatesAn adult from Laconia has tested positive for a mosquito-borne virus, New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services says.The adult tested positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, the department said [Wed 16 Oct 2019]. It's the 2nd time a case has been identified in the state this year; it was identified in a Kingston resident in August [2019].Reports of Jamestown Canyon virus in humans are rare, but have increased Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Congo DR (03): (IT) Guinea pig, comments

Plague — DR Congo

PRO/AH/EDR> Scombroid fish poisoning – USA: (AK)

Poisoning -- United States"Histamine 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 (such as, 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, Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (36): Canada (ON) mosquito

Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- CanadaThe Windsor-Essex County Health Unit [WECHU] has detected the eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] virus in a mosquito pool in the community.The EEE virus has been linked to a number of reported cases of illness and death in southwest Michigan, but there have been no human cases in Windsor-Essex."Despite the recent cooler temperature in the region, it might not be cold enough to eliminate the risk posed by mosquitoes. This is a good reminder for everyone to continue Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Canine circovirus – USA: (CT)

Other Animal Disease -- United States1. Van Kruiningen HJ, Heishima M, Kerr KM, et al. Canine circoviral hemorrhagic enteritis in a dog in Connecticut. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2019; 31(5): 732-6; abstract available at 2. Li L, McGraw S, Zhu K, et al. Circovirus in tissues of dogs with vasculitis and hemorrhage. Emerg Infect Dis. 2013; 19(4): 534-41; available at HealthMap/ProMED-mail map of Connecticut, United States: ][See Also:[Both outbreaks below now considered not to be due to circovirus alone -- Read more [...]

North Carolina Environmental Dept investigates chemical release – WBTW

North Carolina Environmental Dept investigates chemical release  WBTW

Fayetteville water test reveals high levels of contaminant used in soaps and plastics – CBS17.com

Fayetteville water test reveals high levels of contaminant used in soaps and plastics  CBS17.com

PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – USA (04): (OK,UT) dog

Leptospirosis -- United StatesLeptospirosis, a disease that has recently been reported in Oklahoma and Utah, can be spread from animals to humans, particularly if you own a pet dog.Oklahoma veterinarian Sara Rowland recently treated a 7-month-old puppy showed signs of the disease, according to [KOCO-TV]. "The pet was not eating well, vomiting, and had a yellow tint that you could tell the liver was affected," said Rowland.KUTV reported September 2019 at least 13 dogs in Utah had contracted the disease. Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (45): Europe (Germany) horse, OIE

West Nile Virus -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 16 Oct 2019 from Dr Dietrich Rassow, Director for Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Chief Veterinary Officer, Directorate of Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Berlin, GermanySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 8 Oct 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 12 Oct 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]

Green Bay Fire Department praises quick actions during ammonia leak – WBAY

Green Bay Fire Department praises quick actions during ammonia leak  WBAY

PRO/AH/EDR> Antibiotic resistance (08): Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Antimicrobial resistance -- Worldwide/UnknownAntimicrobials (AM) play a critical role in the treatment of human and animal (aquatic and terrestrial) diseases, which has led to their widespread application and use. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antibiotic, such as an antimicrobial, antiviral, or antimalarial, from working against them. Globally, about 700 000 deaths per year (33 000 in Europe [1]) arise from Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Bhutan: (Ha) cattle

Anthrax -- BhutanInformation received on [and dated] 17 Oct 2019 from Dr. Tashi Samdup, Director General, Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Thimphu, BhutanSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 3 Oct 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Oct 2019Report date: 17 Oct 2019Date submitted to OIE: 17 Oct 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 1 Jan 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – UK (02)

E. coli -- United KingdomPublic Health England is investigating an _E. coli_ O157 outbreak with people sick across the country. One infection is in a 4-year-old child from Hampshire who needed treatment at Southampton General Hospital after a trip to the Isle of Wight.Public Health England (PHE) South East and the Isle of Wight Council's environmental health team investigated the illness in the young child who became severely sick with a complication as a result of infection. Sometimes hemolytic Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium, monophasic – Sweden (02): tomatoes

Salmonella -- SwedenTomatoes are the probable source of a _Salmonella_ outbreak in Sweden that affected 70 people, according to public health officials.Folkhalsomyndigheten (Public Health Agency of Sweden) identified 71 infections from 11 counties that belonged to the outbreak. This is up from 36 illnesses in 10 counties that were linked by whole genome sequencing at the end of September 2019. Vastra Gotaland, Jonkoping, Halland, and Dalarna reported the most patients.Illnesses were recorded in all Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Oranienburg – USA: pet turtles

Salmonella -- United StatesCDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of human _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Oranienburg infections linked to contact with pet turtles.Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet is the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC. DNA fingerprinting is performed on _Salmonella_ bacteria Read more [...]

PRO/PL> Southern leaf blight, maize – Russia: (IK)

Other Plant Disease -- RussiaIn September 2019, for the 1st time in the Angara river area, maize crops showed symptoms of the dangerous southern leaf blight disease. The infection was detected during a survey in Irkutsk region. This was reported by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor). Further investigations determined that the infected seeds came to an Irkutsk seed supplier from the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.The Department of Quarantine and Phytosanitary Read more [...]

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (99): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, summaries, response, research

Ebola -- DR Congo- A new health area has been affected by Ebola virus disease in Ituri. This is the Maroro health area in the Nyakunde health zone;- indeed, Nyakunde was already at 294 days without notifying a new confirmed case of the EVD and returned to zero following this new infection;- of all the 6 cases reported this Sun 13 Oct 2019, none of them were listed as contact, nor monitored regularly, nor vaccinated;- it is also reported that the alerts of all these cases are coming back from the Read more [...]

Hazmat Quizmaster: How well do you know the Western U.S. states?

Call 800.621.5808 or visit labelmaster.com/ship-west to learn more about our great prices and lower shipping charges for shipping out West. Make sure your shipments are safe and in complete compliance with a full line of solutions from Labelmaster—a full-service provider of goods and services for hazardous materials and Dangerous Goods professionals, shippers, transport operators and EH&S... Read more [...]

It’s National Bosses Day. Who is your dream boss?

Having a “dream job” is an aspiration for many people, but without a good boss, a dream job can become a nightmare. Our front-line supervisor or manager plays an unparalleled role in creating and sustaining safe work environments, health supportive-policies, and psychosocial safety. The best bosses partner with workers to design healthy jobs that provide meaning and social support and are rewarding –in all senses. A great leader can positively impact our health, quality of life, Read more [...]

NC DEQ Investigates Chemical Release in Greensboro – Spectrum News

NC DEQ Investigates Chemical Release in Greensboro  Spectrum News