Archive for editor
PRO/EDR> Botulism – France: outdated soup
Botulism -- FranceIn Essonne, a woman was infected by the botulism bacterium after ingesting old soup.A serious neurological disease, botulism develops in the absence of oxygen and most often through vacuum-sealed foods and canned foods. Botulinum toxin is a poison still "more powerful than cyanide", but this type of case is very rare in France.According to our Parisian colleagues, the consumer had ingested an old vegetable soup. At the end of August 2019, this resident of Essonne felt unwell. Her Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – Europe (12): (France) fatal, raw milk cheeses, recall
Foodborne Illness -- FranceThe 7 people in France part of a _Listeria_ outbreak linked to organic dairy products fell ill over a period of 18 months, according to public health authorities. Those infected with the same strain of _Listeria_ were identified by the National Reference Center for Listeria, with an 8th case still under investigation.Sante Publique France [Public Health France] reported 2 people have died, but the agency does not have any evidence to attribute the deaths to _Listeria_ infection.People Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Pertussis update (10): Americas (USA)
Whooping Cough -- United StatesA few months [ago] parts of Western Montana were dealing with a whooping cough outbreak. The Missoula City-County Health Department even had to hire extra nurses to handle the rising number of cases. The outbreak is continuing with local health officials saying that the numbers are still rising.Local health officials said back in the spring [2019] that they expected the pertussis cases to slow down during summer break. But now, they say that even more cases are coming Read more [...]
Teams to train for chemical release emergency – LEX18 Lexington KY News
Teams to train for chemical release emergency LEX18 Lexington KY News
An annual exercise by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program will be conducted Wednesday across multiple counties.
Postal rates may increase if U.S. departs Universal Postal Union
Although it does not have the current traction in the news that many other topics do, a technical arrangement that governs the US Postal Service’s relations to other international postal bodies may leave US-based shippers facing higher fees. A meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on September 25-26th is more or less the last chance for the…
First responders train to handle hazardous materials emergencies at East Maryville Baptist Church – Maryville Daily Times
First responders train to handle hazardous materials emergencies at East Maryville Baptist Church Maryville Daily Times
Mannequins and watered-down mulch littered the parking lot of East Maryville Baptist Church late Tuesday.
Transformer fire erupts at Texas City chemical plant – Galveston County Daily News
Transformer fire erupts at Texas City chemical plant Galveston County Daily News
No one was injured in a fire that sent black smoke into the sky.
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (19): (IL) retirement community
Legionnaires' -- United StatesPublic health officials are worried an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a suburban Chicago retirement home appears to be spreading with 2 new cases in the nearby community.Legionnaire's is a flu-like illness contracted when infected water vapor is inhaled. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly susceptible.The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 12 cases at Covenant Assisted Living in Batavia through August [2019]. The 2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Viral research laboratory accident – Russia: (NS) Vector Institute, explosion & fire
Ebola, Anthrax, Smallpox-Related -- RussiaOne of the world's largest virus research centers, located in Siberia, was reportedly engulfed in flames after a sudden explosion rocked the secretive compound, known for its stores of Ebola, HIV, anthrax, and other strains. Firefighters and rescue services scrambled on [Mon 16 Sep 2019] to respond to a fire that broke out in Koltsovo, a scientific hub several kilometers from Novosibirsk. The situation was quickly upgraded from an ordinary emergency to a Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Kazakhstan (05): (ZM) cattle, human
Anthrax -- KazakhstanA total of 4 shepherds were hospitalized with anthrax in Zhambyl region, Informbureau reports. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory examination. Patients came to the hospital with eruptions on their bodies."The patients work on one of the farms and have direct contact with animals. All of them were took part in the slaughtering of a cow, and 7-10 days after that they started complaining of these signs," said Gulfaira Mirzabekova, an employee of the Zhambyl regional infectious Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tularemia – Sweden (06): outbreak, hares
Tularemia — Sweden
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (71): South Korea (KG) domestic, 1st report, OIE
African Swine Fever -- South KoreaAfrican swine fever, Korea (Rep. of)Information received on [and dated] 17 Sep 2019 from Dr Oh Soon-Min, director general - chief veterinary officer, Animal Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Sejong-Si, Korea (Rep. of)SummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 16 Sep 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 17 Sep 2019Report date: 17 Sep 2019Date submitted to OIE: 17 Sep 2019Reason for notification: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – Ireland (02): wild rabbit
Other Animal Disease -- IrelandA new case of a deadly disease found in rabbits and hares has been confirmed in Cork, bringing the number of counties in which the virus has been detected to 5.Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) killed millions of animals in China when it was 1st identified in 1984. It subsequently spread to continental Europe and was 1st detected in the wild in Ireland last July [2019]. The virus, which poses no risk to humans, causes death within a few days of infection. Diseased animals Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – USA (03): (UT) dogs
Leptospirosis -- United StatesMore than a dozen dogs in a Utah city are infected with leptospirosis, a potentially deadly bacterial disease that can spread to humans.There have been at least 13 confirmed cases of leptospirosis in dogs in St. George, KSL reports. Ten of the cases involve dogs being treated at the local veterinary clinic Red Hills Animal Hospital, while the 3 remaining cases are at other veterinary facilities in the area.Veterinarians think an infected dog, possibly from Arizona, that Read more [...]
Texas City responding to fire at Ashland chemical plant – Galveston County Daily News
Texas City responding to fire at Ashland chemical plant Galveston County Daily News
First responders called to a transformer fire on Attwater Avenue.
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies – Americas (44): USA, dog, skunk, raccoon, fox, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesA puppy testing positive for rabies on [Thu 29 Aug 2019] has state health departments in the Dakotas seeking individuals possibly exposed to the fatal virus.On 29 Aug 2019, a puppy tested positive for rabies in South Dakota. While very little is known about the puppy, it last resided in Agency Village, south of Sisseton, [Roberts County], SD. The puppy had at least 3 littermates."Our concern is the littermates have been exposed to rabies and may develop rabies and expose their Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (44): Chile (VS) poultry, LPAI H7, import restrictions
Avian Influenza -- ChileThe importing of Chilean turkey meat has been restricted in Argentina, Peru, and Hong Kong due to an outbreak of bird flu in central Chile. The outbreak, of a low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus, is under control, the Chilean State Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) reported on Wednesday [11 Sep 2019]."Regarding shipments of poultry and its products from Chile to various markets, the SAG has been notified of restrictions only on the part of Argentina, Peru, and Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Panama disease TR4, banana – Australia: (QL) spread
Other Plant Disease -- AustraliaDespite rigid biosecurity measures throughout north Queensland banana farms, the dreaded Panama tropical race 4 is spreading within the infested farms. Since the initial detection [in Queensland; ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20150305.3208525] in 2015, there have been 3 farms with confirmed cases of TR4; however, the number of plants infected within those farms has increased to nearly 60, up from the initial 9 cases. On the infected properties, TR4 has Read more [...]
PRO> Tularemia – USA (03): (CO) wild rabbit
Tularemia -- United StatesA rabbit in Lafayette has tested positive for tularemia, public officials announced Friday [13 Sep 2019]. The animal was found along the 4900 block of 95th Street, according to Boulder County health officials.Tularemia is caused by the bacteria _Francisella tularensis_ and is typically found in animals, especially rabbits, rodents, and hares.Symptoms in humans include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, and more. Symptoms Read more [...]
Town of James Island looking for unknown truck driver who spilled bleach on Folly Road – Live 5 News WCSC
Town of James Island looking for unknown truck driver who spilled bleach on Folly Road Live 5 News WCSC
Authorities say emergency crews and hazmat have responded to James Island following a spill involving highly concentrated bleach.
DG Digest: IATA releases changes to the 61st edition of the DGR
Mid-September finds the regulatory world getting ready for a busy fall season, with annual revisions to the various modal regulations expected, the HM-215O 49 CFR harmonization still pending finalization, and a host of other potential actions that may or may not occur before the end of the year. Be sure and “stay tuned” to this…
Reducing Fatigue and Stress in the Retail Industry: Workplace solutions
Workplace fatigue and stress is a growing topic for worker safety and health research. For instance, workplace studies have shown that the nature of retail industry work may cause fatigue and stress. Nonstandard work schedules such as irregular and extended shifts, long periods of standing, and reduced staffing are a few reasons for health issues related to job fatigue and stress [Anderson and Chun 2014; Greenhouse 2015; ACOEM 2012; Katz and Krueger 2016; NIOSH 2019]. Surveys and studies have shown Read more [...]
Chandler businesses evacuate due to chemical leak | Video – AZFamily
Chandler businesses evacuate due to chemical leak | Video AZFamily
According to the Chandler Fire Department, a chemical used to purify swimming pool and spa water was leaking from a cracked container. The container was …
Oilfield Company Denies Assault of Workers by Toxic Release – U.S. News & World Report
Oilfield Company Denies Assault of Workers by Toxic Release U.S. News & World Report
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A Texas-based oilfield *service* company denies that it assaulted an Alaska construction crew by exposing workers to toxic …
Most polluted Michigan zip code holds air quality hearing – Fox 2 Detroit
Most polluted Michigan zip code holds air quality hearing Fox 2 Detroit
A congressional hearing was held at a recreation center in southwest Detroit Monday.
Urgent health warning issued after chemical spill at Westland Milk plant – Newshub
Urgent health warning issued after chemical spill at Westland Milk plant Newshub
An urgent health warning has been issued after a burst pipe at the Westland Milk plant in Hokitika released a potentially harmful liquid onto a nearby public …
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Italy (03): (PU) cattle, OIE
Anthrax -- ItalyInformation received on [and dated] 16 Sep 2019 from Dr. Silvio Borrello, Chief Veterinary Officer, Food Safety and Collegial Bodies for Health Protection, Ministère de la Santé, Department for Veterinary Public Health, Rome, ItalySummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 31 Aug 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Sep 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 14 Dec 2018Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (13): Nigeria (BA)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaThe Bauchi State Government yesterday [Sat 14 Sep 2019] unveiled anti-yellow fever campaign to immunise 500 000 people in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas to curtail the spread of the acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.The state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed the plan at the unveiling of aerial spray of Quella birds, mosquitoes and reactive vaccination in response to yellow fever at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Read more [...]
Chemical leak spawns hazmat evacuations in Chandler | Arizona News – AZFamily
Chemical leak spawns hazmat evacuations in Chandler | Arizona News AZFamily
According to the Chandler Fire Department, a chemical used to purify swimming pool and spa water was leaking from a cracked container.
Big rig crash, fuel spill causes traffic nightmare on NB I-680 in Sunol – KGO-TV
Big rig crash, fuel spill causes traffic nightmare on NB I-680 in Sunol KGO-TV
A big rig has spilled more than 3000 gallons of fuel on northbound I-680 in Sunol causing a traffic nightmare for the morning commute.
Transportation/Hazardous Materials: U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Interpretive Letter Addressing Materials of Trade Provisions – JD Supra
The United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) addressed in an August 1st interpretive letter a question regarding the …
Chandler businesses evacuated due to pool chemical leak – ABC15 Arizona
Chandler businesses evacuated due to pool chemical leak ABC15 Arizona
Several businesses in Chandler have been evacuated after a Dichlor leak.
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (21): USA (MA) human
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesMassachusetts public health officials say laboratory testing has confirmed the state's 8th human case of eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] this season.The state Department of Public Health said on [Fri 13 Sep 2019] that the latest case of the mosquito-borne disease is in a man in his 50s from northeastern Bristol County. Of the previous 7 cases, one was in a 5-year-old girl, and another in adult woman was fatal.In addition to the 8 human cases of EEE, there Read more [...]
Chemical leak at DeKalb County asphalt company contained – FOX 5 Atlanta
Chemical leak at DeKalb County asphalt company contained FOX 5 Atlanta
Fire crews have safely contained a hydrochloric acid leak at a DeKalb County asphalt company.
PRO/EDR> Measles update (62)
Measles -- United StatesA 2nd person with a suspected case of the measles has been confirmed in York County, according to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health. The state health department [Sat 14 Sep 2019] released a list of new locations, dates and times when individuals may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease. The 1st case was reported 2 weeks ago, and affected sites in York and Hershey."WellSpan Health is in the process of notifying patients, staff and visitors who were in WellSpan Read more [...]
All Lanes Of Nb I-680 Near Fremont Closed Due To Hazmat Spill – SFGate
All Lanes Of Nb I-680 Near Fremont Closed Due To Hazmat Spill SFGate
All lanes of northbound Interstate Highway 680 remain closed just outside of the Fremont city limits in unincorporated Alameda County due to a collision …
Flint Hills to pay $850000 for chemical release – MyWebTimes.com
Flint Hills to pay $850000 for chemical release MyWebTimes.com
Attorney General reaches settlement with Peru facility.
Flint Hills to pay $850000 for chemical release – LaSalle News Tribune
Flint Hills to pay $850000 for chemical release LaSalle News Tribune
Attorney General reaches settlement with Peru facility.
NB I-680 closed in Sunol due to big rig crash, fuel spill – KGO-TV
NB I-680 closed in Sunol due to big rig crash, fuel spill KGO-TV
All northbound I-680 lanes in Sunol are closed after a big rig spilled 4000 gallons of fuel on the roadway.
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – USA (15): new research, comments