Archive for editor
Fire at French chemical plant extinguished – RFI English
Fire at French chemical plant extinguished RFI English
PRO/AH/EDR> Aujeszky's disease – Finland: (NK) wild boar, OIE, correction
Other Animal Disease — Finland
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (62): Saudi Arabia (QS, RI) WHO
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaFrom [1-31 Aug 2019], the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 6 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection and one associated death. The cases were reported from Riyadh (3 cases), Taif (1 case), Quriyat (1 case), and Najran (1 case) regions. One of the cases reported (Case 4) is a household contact identified during the contact tracing investigation of Case 2.MERS-CoV cases reported between 1 and 31 Aug 2019*Please Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (36): Americas (USA)
West Nile Virus -- United StatesAbstract--------The introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) to North America in 1999 and its subsequent rapid spread across the Americas demonstrated the potential impact of arboviral introductions to new regions, and this was reinforced by the subsequent introductions of chikungunya and Zika viruses. Extensive studies of host-pathogen-vector-environment interactions over the past two decades have illuminated many aspects of the ecology and evolution of WNV and other Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lead poisoning – USA: (NY) cattle, human
Poisoning -- United StatesCattle raised for milk and meat can consume lead through their environments or feed. Some of the lead can contaminate products of those animals, especially milk and organ meats.Dr Karyn Bischoff is a veterinary diagnostic toxicologist for the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, and she teaches toxicology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. In a session at AVMA Convention 2019 this August in Washington, DC, she described the possible Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine tuberculosis – USA (06): (MI) transmission from deer to humans, 2017
Bovine TB -- United States1. Sunstrum J, Shoyinka A, Power LE, et al. Notes from the Field: Zoonotic _Mycobacterium bovis_ disease in deer hunters -- Michigan, 2002. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019; 68(37): 807-8. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6837a3_M. bovis_ and _M. tuberculosis_ are closely related genetically, and the standard nucleic acid amplification assay will only identify _M. bovis_ as a member of the "_M. tuberculosis_ complex," which includes _M. tuberculosis_, _M. bovis_, _M. africanum_, the Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> Announcements (06): ProMED-mail anniversary award 2019
Not Yet Classified -- Worldwide/UnknownEach year, ProMED presents an award in honor of the anniversary of its founding in August 1994. We are pleased to announce the winners of this annual award.This year's award goes to Steve Morse and Barbara Hatch Rosenberg, who, along with the late Jack Woodall, founded ProMED in 1994. Their foresight and imagination began the use of informal (or event-based) surveillance to serve as an early warning for emerging disease outbreaks. (Jack Woodall was the 2004 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tuberculosis – USA: (WA) latent, zoo elephant handlers, RFI
Tuberculosis -- United StatesPoint Defiance Zoo & Aquarium [Tacoma, Washington] officials said they are taking extra steps to ensure the health and safety of their staff, visitors, and animals after some staff members who work with and around elephants tested positive for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Tuberculosis spreads only in the active stage. Currently, tests show no active cases of the disease in people.Those with latent tuberculosis are not sick and cannot infect anyone, according Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – Europe (13): WGS, smoked fish, ex Estonia, fatal, 2014-19
Listeriosis -- Estonia_Listeria_ bacteria that have been traced back to the M.V.Wool fish plant in Estonia have been contracted by 9 people in Estonia, 2 of whom died as a result.Several countries' studies have suggested that a mutated and very aggressive form of the _Listeria_ bacteria is raging in an M.V.Wool fish plant located near Harku, just outside of Tallinn. According to the latest info, 26 people across Europe have already contracted the bacteria, 6 of whom have died -- among them 9 people Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – Sweden (03): (NB) moose
Chronic Wasting Disease — Sweden
How “extreme” labels and placards are becoming real-world solutions
Because Mother Nature has no respect for your Dangerous Goods compliance record, we introduced hazmat labels, placards and marks for extreme conditions a few months ago…
Older Wholesale and Retail Workers in Nonstandard Work Arrangements
National Employ Older Workers Week takes place the final week in September and recognizes the vital role of older workers [U.S. DOL 2019]. By 2020, workers aged 55 and over will likely make up about 25 percent of the U.S. workforce [BLS 2018]. Within the Wholesale and Retail Trade (WRT) Sector alone, in 2017 almost 4.5 million workers (more than 22 percent) are over age 55, up from 3.8 million workers in 2011 [BLS 2018]. There are many advantages to hiring older workers. In general, they have more Read more [...]
Hazardous materials scene cleared on College Drive – The Suffolk News-Herald – Suffolk News-Herald
Hazardous materials scene cleared on College Drive – The Suffolk News-Herald Suffolk News-Herald
PRO/EDR> Infant botulism – USA (04): (TX)
Botulism -- United StatesA 5th case of infant botulism has been confirmed in East Texas. According to NET Health public information officer Terrence Ates, the case occurred in the Lindale area. Ates reported they were investigating the case in August [2019], but at the time they were awaiting confirmation. The case was confirmed in September [2019].Four cases were confirmed across East Texas in June [2019]: 2 in Troup, one in Mineola, and one in Tyler. In a follow-up investigation conducted by the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – USA (06): (MD) restaurant, hummus
Salmonella -- United StatesThe Maryland Department of Health is investigating a cluster of _Salmonella_ infections that have been linked to a local kabob chain restaurant. Since 10 Sep [2019], 8 of the 9 confirmed cases of salmonellosis reported eating hummus from Moby Dick House of Kabob, which has several locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The exact cause of the infection has not yet been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.The chain has voluntarily stopped the sale of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (74): South Korea, domestic, spread, control, FAO
African Swine Fever -- South KoreaSouth Korea has ordered hundreds of soldiers manning the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on its border with North Korea to track and capture wild boars in a bid to prevent the spread of African swine fever [ASF], military officials said.South Korea confirmed its 7th case on Thursday [26 Sep 2019], just over a week after the virus was 1st detected, and prompted authorities to step up disinfection measures.The source of the outbreak has not been confirmed, but the virus has Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Paratyphoid fever – North Korea: (HN, PM) post typhoon
Fever, Salmonella -- North Korea1. Sood S, Kapil A, Dash N, et al.: Paratyphoid fever in India: an emerging problem. Emerg Infect Dis. 1999; 5: 483-4.2. Vollaard AM, Ali S, van Asten Hagh, et al.: Risk factors for typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Jakarta, Indonesia. JAMA. 2004; 291: 2607-15.A map of North Korea showing the location of these 2 adjacent provinces in the central part of the country can be seen at . - Mod.LLHealthMap/ProMED-mail maps:South Hamgyeong Province, North Korea: South Pyongan Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Taiwan: ex Pakistan, multidrug resistance
Fever -- ChinaThe Taiwan Department of Disease Control (CDC) reported today (24 Sep 2019) the 1st imported case of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in the country. The patient, a 30-year-old male, traveled to a number of countries during the incubation time including Pakistan, which has been battling an outbreak of XDR typhoid for several years. According to the results of genetic sequencing and drug-resistance gene comparison, the place where [the disease] was contracted was in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – UAI: (DU) restaurant, egg sauce
Salmonella -- United Arab EmiratesDubai Municipality has shut down a restaurant in Jumeirah after 15 people fell ill following an outbreak of _Salmonella_ infection, local media reported. An initial investigation revealed that the outbreak was likely caused by raw eggs served in a hollandaise sauce.Officials received a report that several people, including a child, fell sick with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting after eating at the restaurant. They collected samples and conducted tests, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis E – Namibia (04)
Hepatitis E -- NamibiaHepatitis E cases in Namibia have risen to over 6305 cases in the entire country, health officials said Monday [23 Sep 2019]. Health Ministry director of research Phelomena Ochurus said there is a need for the country to be concerned, as cases are being reported on a weekly basis.According to statistics Ochurus provided, there have so far been 52 fatal cases since 2017, with pregnant women topping the list of deaths."Pregnant women are more susceptible, because when they are Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (76): global (Pakistan, Angola, Myanmar), ARCC certif.
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus cases isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 4Environment: 8Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2019: 82Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 33New cVDPV isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 6Environment: 2Others: 9Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2019: 86Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2018: 104Headlines- The Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the Pakistan Polio Programme are looking for innovative Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – Canada (03): (BC)
Other Animal Disease -- CanadaRabbit owners are being warned to keep a close eye on their pets after haemorrhagic disease was confirmed once again on Vancouver Island [British Columbia, BC].Rabbit owners on southern Vancouver Island are being warned to take extra precautions with their pets after the reemergence of a deadly virus in the Capital Regional District.The Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations says rabbit hemorrhagic disease was recently detected in 2 dead feral rabbits.It Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Marek's disease, poultry: research
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesMarek's disease virus is ubiquitous in poultry, and recent research indicates highly virulent strains can persist for years on farms.On one Iowa farm, for example, strains collected in 2011 and 2013 were closely related to an isolate that caused disease in 1999, according to a scientific article. That article, "Identification of Marek's disease virus genes associated with virulence of US strains," was published [11 Jun 2019] in the Journal of General Virology Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (75): Philippines, WHO, no new confirmed cases
Polio -- PhilippinesOn [19 Sep 2019], the Philippines declared an outbreak of polio. Two cases have been reported to date, both caused by vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2). Environmental samples taken from sewage in Manila on [13 Aug 2019] and a waterway in Davao on [22 Aug 2019] have also tested positive for VDPV2.The 1st case was confirmed on [14 Sep 2019] following testing by the National Polio Laboratory at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the Japan National Institute of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium, monophasic – Sweden
Salmonella -- SwedenAuthorities in Sweden are investigating a national outbreak of monophasic _Salmonella_ Typhimurium, which has affected almost 40 people.Folkhalsomyndigheten (Public Health Agency of Sweden) reported that the source of the infections is still unknown. During September [2019], there was an increase in the number of cases of salmonellosis. The outbreak was identified, thanks to Folkhalsomyndigheten's microbial surveillance program. The latest date of illness onset is 6 Sep [2019].To Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (27): USA (MI) wolf
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesA Mexican gray wolf pup at Binder Park Zoo has died from eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV or EEE). The pup died the 1st weekend in September [2019]. The zoo announced Tuesday [2 Sep 2019] it had received test results confirming the disease as the cause of death.Test results are pending on a 2nd wolf pup that died the following day, but that pup had been previously diagnosed with a congenital liver abnormality, which may have played a role in its Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (73): South Korea, domestic, spread
African Swine Fever -- South KoreaSouth Korea reported 3 new suspected [outbreaks] of African swine fever (ASF) on [Wed 25 Sep 2019], adding to concerns over the potential spread of the deadly animal disease despite massive disinfection efforts, Yonhap news agency reported.According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 2 suspected cases were reported at farms on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, around 60 km [about 37 mi] west of Seoul,The ministry confirmed the 5th ASF [outbreak] in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (92): Congo DR (NK,IT,SK) cases, summaries, response
Ebola -- DR CongoOpening of an enlarged ring of vaccination around 2 confirmed cases on 19 and 21 Sep 2019 in the health area of Madidi in Mambasa in Ituri.Another satellite ring was opened at the Kitatumba General Referral Hospital in Butembo health zone in North Kivu around the case notified on 22 Sep 2019. This case started the illness in the Kasindi health area in Mutwanga, North Kivu.- The Expanded Program of Vaccines has received 4320 doses of vaccine at the national level;- Since vaccination Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Epizootic hemorrhagic disease – USA (03): (TN) deer
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease -- United StatesState wildlife officials are alerting the public to a disease outbreak among the Middle Tennessee deer population after receiving reports of diseased carcasses in scattered areas.The timing and details of many of the reports have led Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency [TWRA] personnel to believe that deaths are being caused by hemorrhagic disease -- a fairly common blood-borne illness caused by a sector of flies known broadly as biting midges, sand gnats, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Belgium: (WV) school, egg-based sauce
Salmonella -- BelgiumA _Salmonella_ outbreak that sickened almost 200 people at a Belgian school was likely caused by eggs used to make a tartar sauce, according to authorities. The Agency for Care and Health (Zorg en Gezondheid) and Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) investigation detected _Salmonella_ in the freshly prepared tartar sauce. Findings from an online survey of students and teachers also reached the same conclusion on the source.The Agency for Care and Health had Read more [...]
Anniversary of north Alabama water investigation: millions paid, illegal chemical releases, halted production – WHNT News 19
Anniversary of north Alabama water investigation: millions paid, illegal chemical releases, halted production WHNT News 19
DECATUR, Ala. – It’s been one year since WHNT News 19 started its in-depth investigation into water quality concerns in north Alabama. In the last 365 days, …
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – China: (GD) school, RFI
Foodborne Illness -- China99 students from a kindergarten in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong remain hospitalized with suspected foodborne illness, local authorities said Mon 23 Sep 2019.The municipal health bureau in the city of Dongguan said that 103 people, including the 99 children, are still being treated following a "possible foodborne disease outbreak." An earlier statement from the city's market supervision bureau said that 242 children and 12 adults from Montai International Kindergarten Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Madariaga virus – Argentina: (CC)
Other Human Disease -- ArgentinaViruses transmitted by mosquitoes are emerging in the Americas. To historic dengue in recent years have been added Zika and chikungunya [viruses], 2 pathogens that before were restricted only to Africa. Madariaga has now been added to that list [of viruses new in the Americas].Researchers from the Instituto de Medicina Regional of the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (IMR-Unne) and from the Instituto de Virologia, and J. M. Vanella of the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (74): Pakistan (KP) Philippines (Zambagoan Peninsula) susp.
Polio -- PakistanPunjab: Lahore / 4 Jhelum / 1Sindh: Karachi / 3 Larkana / 1 Hyderabad / 2Khyber Pakthunkhwa: Bannu / 22 Hangu / 2 DI Khan / 1 Shangla / 1 Torghar / 6 Lakki Marwat / 4 Charsadda / 1 Bajour / 1 Khyber / 1 North Waziristan / 8 South Waziristan / 1Balochistan: Jaffarabad / 1 Killa Abdullah / 3 Quetta / 1Gilgit Baltistan: - / -AJK: - / -Pakistan Polio Cases: 64The HealthMap/ProMED map of Pakistan can be found at .A good map Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Aujeszky's disease – Finland: (NK) wild boar, 1st report, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- FinlandInformation received on 24 Sep 2019 from Dr. Taina Aaltonen, Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Helsinki, FinlandSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 6 Sep 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 23 Sep 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: Aujeszky's disease virusNature of Read more [...]
