Archive for editor
PRO/AH/EDR> Schistosomiasis – Uganda: pediatric treatment
Schistosomiasis -- UgandaBilharzia infections in Uganda have hit 12 million cases and the threat continues, 14 years after the Health ministry launched a programme to wipe out the disease.The ministry launched the Bilharzia Control Programme in 2003, with mass treatment of affected communities once every year with a drug called Praziquantel. The drug was used in areas with bilharzia infection of 20% and above. The government also launched mass treatment of school-age children once every 2 years in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cyclosporiasis – USA (FL): banquet
Other Human Disease -- United StatesThirty people or more have reported contracting parasitic infections after a charity banquet at a restaurant in Jacksonville, FL.A local television news outlet is reporting that people who were at an Exchange Club banquet at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant developed gastrointestinal illnesses with some having been confirmed infected by the _Cyclospora_ parasite."I got up to go to the bathroom and collapsed," TC, who attended the banquet, told News4Jax. "My Read more [...]
Northern Tier recovers nearly 13 tons of hazardous materials – The Wellsboro Gazette
Northern Tier recovers nearly 13 tons of hazardous materials The Wellsboro Gazette
The Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority completed another successful household hazardous waste collection.
PRO/PL> Stem rust, wheat – Kenya: (Rift Valley)
Other Plant Disease -- KenyaThe high cost of pesticides and an outbreak of stem rust is threatening the current crop of wheat on many farms in the North Rift. Farmers say the disease has been aggravated by heavy rains currently pounding parts of the region. They are now struggling to control the disease. "There is no money, and wheat producers cannot afford the skyrocketing cost of pesticides to control diseases. Crop yields will definitely reduce further at the end of this [2019] season," a farmer Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (48)
Measles -- United KingdomSeveral cases of measles have been linked to a cinema, McDonald's restaurant, and a hospital A&E department, it has been revealed.Public Health Wales has confirmed that a "cluster" of cases of measles has been reported in particular areas of Rhyl, Denbighshire.A spokeswoman said there are currently 3 confirmed cases of the infection and 2 related suspected cases.It is understood that these people spent time in public while they were contagious, which means the measles Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – North America (11): USA (TX) horse
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesSixteen quarter horses have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) at one Kaufman County premise, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission, which has placed the premise on quarantine. The latest bulletin was issued yesterday [Mon 8 Jul 2019] by the Equine Disease Communication Center and comes nearly a month after a previous alert out of Kaufman County for a quarter horse previously testing positive for EIA."The confirmed EIA cases are contained Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (15): (AS, BR)
Japanese Encephalitis — India
Gov. Kay Ivey says ADEM needs to offer solutions to 3M chemical release problems in North Alabama – WHNT News 19
Gov. Kay Ivey says ADEM needs to offer solutions to 3M chemical release problems in North Alabama WHNT News 19
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — We are continuing to press government officials for answers about illegal chemical releases into the Tennessee River. WHNT News 19 …
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea and dysentery update (20): Africa
Cholera -- CameroonHighlights- 10 new cases reported from 5 to 8 Jul 2019 from the 3 affected LGAs, bringing total case count to 213.- No new deaths reported within the reporting period.- One new ward affected. Total number of wards that reported at least one suspected case stands at 16.Epidemiological summaryThe total number of cases reported as of 8 Jul 2019 stands at 223, with 3 deaths (case fatality rate [CFR] = 1.35%). Yola North has 119 cases with 2 deaths (CFR = 1.68%); Girei has 95 cases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (27): Belgium, wild boar, control
African Swine Fever -- BelgiumFor the 1st time, Belgium has reported a week without new cases of African swine fever (ASF) in its wild boar population. That was shown in the latest report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).Ever since mid-May [2019] the total number of infected animals had been relatively low. Over the whole of June [2019], only 8 infected wild boar were found in Belgium's province of Luxembourg -- the lowest monthly score since the virus was discovered in September Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (25): CDC
Hepatitis A -- United StatesState / Case total / Hospitalizations, n (%) / Deaths / Outbreak start date / Data current through / New weekly cases since last postTotal / 21 375 / 12 564 (59%) / 208 / -- / -- /States with an ongoing outbreak:-----------------------Alabama / 92 / 48 (52%) / NR / 1 Sep 2018 / 3 Jul 2019 / 4Arizona / 424 / 335 (79%) / 3 / 1 Nov 2018 / 3 Jul 2019 / 14Arkansas / 369 / 176 (48%) / 3 / 7 Feb 2018 / 28 Jun 2019 / 26Colorado / 86 / 55 (64%) / 0 / 1 Oct 2018 / 3 Jul 2019 / Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America: USA (18): USA (ND) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesThe North Dakota Department of Agriculture said Mon 1 Jul 2019 a horse has confirmed positive for the neurologic disease associated with equine herpesvirus-1, or EHV-1.The horse is receiving veterinary care in McKenzie county.In the last few months, EHV-1 cases have been identified in several US states and Canadian provinces.North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says many horses will be moving to events around the region this summer [2019]. He says Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Asia (54): Viet Nam (TN) domestic, spread
African Swine Fever -- VietnamAfrican swine fever (ASF) has hit Viet Nam's southern Tay Ninh province, Vietnam News Agency reported on [Sun 7 Jul 2019]A herd of 16 pigs raised by a household in Tay Ninh's Chau Thanh district have been tested positive to ASF virus, and then culled to prevent the disease from spreading.ASF has spread to almost all cities and provinces across Viet Nam, leading to the culling of over 2.84 million pigs or 10.3 percent of the country's total pig population.Viet Nam will Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (05): Americas, Africa, Middle East research, observations
Zika virus -- HondurasAbstract--------AimTo evaluate gross motor function and associated factors in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).MethodIn this study 59 children (30 males, 29 females) with CZS at a mean (SD) age of 14.7 (3.9), months (range 5-29mo) were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Neurological damage was evaluated by neuroimaging. The mothers' sociodemographic characteristics Read more [...]
3 people hospitalized after chemical leak in Mt. Lebanon – Tribune-Review
3 people hospitalized after chemical leak in Mt. Lebanon Tribune-Review
Three people were taken to UPMC Mercy with minor inhalation irritation as a result of a sulfur dioxide leak in Mt. Lebanon. An Allegheny County hazardous …
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (15): Americas (USA) (Iowa) horse
West Nile Virus -- United StatesIowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand, DVM, has confirmed 2 cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected in horses living in the southern part of the state. These are the 1st confirmed cases of WNV in Iowa horses this year [2019].The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported last week [week of 1 Jul 2019] that cases were confirmed in Davis and Union counties.In Davis county, a 15-year-old thoroughbred mare Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – Australia: (NS) human, dog
Leptospirosis -- AustraliaDogs are most commonly affected. Leptospirosis in cats is rare and appears to be mild although very little is known about the disease in this species. Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs residing in the United States [and likely anywhere - Mod.TG] include exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes, or streams; roaming on rural properties (because of exposure to potentially infected wildlife, farm animals, or water sources); exposure to wild animal or farm animal Read more [...]
’Corrosive agent’ spills at Tootsie Roll factory prompting hazardous materials call – Chicago Tribune
’Corrosive agent’ spills at Tootsie Roll factory prompting hazardous materials call Chicago Tribune
A corrosive chemical leaked from a plastic pipe at a Tootsie Roll plant on the Southwest Side early Wednesday, prompting a hazardous materials response from …
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (26): Ukraine, domestic, wild boar, update, OIE
African Swine Fever -- UkraineKiev: event started 16 Oct 2016. 20 outbreaks (submitted) reported to date (9 Jul 2019). The event is continuing, with the last follow-up report no. 17 provided on 13 May 2019.Total animals affected:Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Killed and disposed of / SlaughteredSwine / 11 507 / 62 / 62 / 11 450 / 0--Communicated by:ProMED-mail******[2] Donetsk: domestic swine and wild boarDate: Tue 9 Jul 2019Source: OIE, WAHIS (World Animal Health Information System) Read more [...]
Teen concocting smoke bomb prompts hazardous materials incident, police say – WCVB Boston
Teen concocting smoke bomb prompts hazardous materials incident, police say WCVB Boston
Crews were called to a Concord home Tuesday night for a hazardous materials incident.
Photos: Haz mat incident closes Old Bedford Road to traffic – Wicked Local Concord
Photos: Haz mat incident closes Old Bedford Road to traffic Wicked Local ConcordTeen mixing chemicals sparks hazardous materials incident in Concord The Boston GlobePolice: 'Colorful Smoke Bomb' Prompts Hazmat Situation NBC10 BostonView full coverage on Google News Read more [...]
Teen mixing chemicals sparks hazardous materials incident in Concord – The Boston Globe
Teen mixing chemicals sparks hazardous materials incident in Concord The Boston GlobePhotos: Haz mat incident closes Old Bedford Road to traffic Wicked Local ConcordPolice: 'Colorful Smoke Bomb' Prompts Hazmat Situation NBC10 BostonView full coverage on Google News Read more [...]
Venomous Snakes: A Neglected Hazard for Outdoor Workers
Outdoor workers can experience a number of hazards. One often unexpected hazard is a venomous snakebite. Venomous snakes may be encountered in workplaces throughout the United States. The most likely geographic locations where outdoor workers would encounter venomous snakes is in the American South, Southwest, and West. From 2008-2015, the greatest number of deaths from venomous snakebites occurred in the southern and mid-western United States [Forrester et al., 2018]. The number of venomous snakebites Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – USA (05): (TX) additional outbreaks
Anthrax -- United StatesSince [19 Jun 2019], the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has received confirmation of 3 additional anthrax cases in the area of Texas where anthrax is historically found. The 1st anthrax case of the year [2019] was confirmed in one captive antelope on a premises in Uvalde County on [19 Jun 2019]. Since that time, anthrax was confirmed in goats on a new Uvalde County premises on [24 Jun 2019], one Sutton County horse was confirmed to have anthrax on [3 Jul 2019], and Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Europe (25): Latvia, wild, spread, domestic, 1st in 2019
African Swine Fever -- LatviaThis year's 1st African swine fever (ASF) infection for domestic pigs has been registered in Latvia. The illness was uncovered in an enclosure in Durbe Parish, Vecpils County. A total of 49 pigs have been killed to halt the spread of the disease, as reported by Food and Veterinary Service (FVS).The affected farm has been put under quarantine - a protection zone in a 3 km [approx. 1.8 mi] radius and an observation zone in a 10 km [approx. 6.2 mi] radius around it. All Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (57): Pakistan, global (WPV1 and cVDPV)
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus reported this week:AFP cases: 5Environment: 20New cVDPV poliovirus reported this week:AFP cases: 2Environment: 5Others: 4Headlines- A 2nd cVDPV2 outbreak has been reported in Angola this year [2019]; the earlier outbreak was detected in Lunda Norte province; for which an outbreak response is in progress (in close coordination with DRC). The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Outbreak Preparedness and Response Task Team (OPRTT) is also supporting Read more [...]
County Hazardous Materials Commission Has Openings – Patch.com
County Hazardous Materials Commission Has Openings Patch.com
County Hazardous Materials Commission Has Openings – El Cerrito, CA – Are you concerned about hazardous materials in Contra Costa County? Here’s an …
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (12): Americas (USA)
West Nile Virus -- United StatesCounty health workers said cases of West Nile virus are now predicted to hit a 5 year high.At this rate, they anticipate infected mosquitoes to be flying around Maricopa county until November [2019]."We have mosquitoes in Maricopa county that don't just bite at dawn and dusk, but also ones that bite all day long," said Rebecca Sunenshine, Medical Director at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.So far this year [2019], the Arizona Department of Health confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> White nose syndrome, bats – North America (04): (CA) 1st rep
White nose syndrome -- Worldwide/UnknownFor the 1st time, an invasive fungus that causes a deadly bat disease has been detected in California.White-nose syndrome, one of the most consequential wildlife diseases of modern times, has killed more than 6 million bats in North America since it was first discovered in New York in 2006.The disease, which has devastated bat populations in Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere in the Northeast, is caused by the fungus _Pseudogymnoascus destructans_ [Pd]. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever- Asia (07): Pakistan (KP)
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- PakistanWith Eid ul-Azha just around the corner, reports of a Congo [Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic] virus infection have surfaced in the provincial capital [Peshawar]. At least 2 people have been admitted in the Hayatabad Medical Complex with symptoms similar to that of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). A hospital spokesperson told The Express Tribune on [Fri 5 Jul 2019] that 2 young men had been brought to the facility with complaints of high fever. He added Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (28): Bolivia (TR)
Hantavirus -- BoliviaThe Villa Montes [Tarija] municipal health technician, Samuel Quintasi, stated that a person from a rural area contracted [a] hantavirus [infection] and was sent to a 3rd level hospital, although he did not specify if in Tarija or in Santa Cruz del la Sierra.Due to timely medical attention for the patient, this individual is in stable condition and has been released from the hospital with recommendations to avoid new infection on returning home."Health personnel have visited Read more [...]
DG Digest: FAA may ease fire protection rules for transport aircraft
Last week included a holiday period and as such regulatory activity was at rather low ebb. However, the FMCSA stayed fairly busy with several issuances, and the FAA announced an interesting new NPRM related to fire protection standards for transport aircraft. See the week’s action below: FMCSA The agency amended its Hazardous Materials Safety Permit... Read more [...]
Low Back Pain among Workers: The Problem and What to Do About It
Are you a worker who is experiencing low back pain? You aren’t alone! A recently published article from NIOSH reports that more than 1 in 4 (26%) working adults experience low back pain. Some groups of workers have more pain than others. For example, workers in construction occupations are more likely to experience low back pain than those in other occupations. And, workers 45-64 years old have more pain than younger workers. The findings, laid out in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed deaths – Dominican Republic (05) travelers, resorts
Undiagnosed -- Dominican RepublicTourist deaths in the Dominican Republic are sparking concern among travelers.It's not yet clear whether the deaths of 10 Americans over the past year are connected. [Some sources report as many as 13 deaths. - Mod.TG]Ten known US tourists have died at Dominican Republic resorts, or at the hospital immediately following resort stays -- including 3 within 7 days, and 2 within 3 days -- in just over a year.Now over a dozen more visitors who fell dangerously ill on vacation Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed poisoning – Tajikistan, fatalities, RFI
Poisoning -- TajikistanTajikistan has opened a criminal investigation after 14 prison inmates died of food poisoning while being transferred from Tajikistan's northern Sogd region to prisons in Dushanbe, Norak, and Yovon in southern Tajikistan on 7 Jul 2019."During transportation, one of the prisoners shared 3 pieces of bread with another 15 inmates in Varzab Valley," the Justice Ministry said in a statement. "Their health deteriorated when they arrived in Dushanbe."It said that "16 prisoners, who Read more [...]
Officials contain chemical leak in Mt. Lebanon – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Officials contain chemical leak in Mt. Lebanon Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Two firefighters and a contractor were transported to UPMC Mercy after being exposed to a chemical leak in Mt. Lebanon on Monday afternoon. Allegheny …
3 people taken to hospital during hazmat response in Mt. Lebanon – WPXI Pittsburgh
3 people taken to hospital during hazmat response in Mt. Lebanon WPXI Pittsburgh
MT. LEBANON, Pa. – The Allegheny County hazardous materials team has responded to a Mt. Lebanon neighborhood for a reported chemical odor. The smell …
Hazardous materials team responds to chemical smell in Mt. Lebanon – WPXI Pittsburgh
Hazardous materials team responds to chemical smell in Mt. Lebanon WPXI Pittsburgh
The Allegheny County hazardous materials team has responded to a Mt. Lebanon neighborhood for a reported chemical odor.
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (12): (MI)
Legionnaires' -- United StatesThe Michigan Department of Health and Human Services [MDHHS] has announced the state is experiencing an increase in legionellosis cases. To date in 2019, there have been 140 confirmed cases of legionellosis reported in 38 counties compared to 135 confirmed cases during the same timeframe in 2018, the department says. Confirmed cases include 19 in Oakland county, 16 in Wayne county, 13 in Macomb county, 11 in Genesee county, and 10 cases each in the City of Detroit and Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Xylella, almond – Israel: 1st rep
Xylella Fastidiosa -- IsraelThe NPPO [National Plant Protection Organisation] of Israel recently informed EPPO of the 1st record of _Xylella fastidiosa_ (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. During a survey carried out in 2017-2018, a few symptomatic almond (_Prunus dulcis_) trees were discovered and subsequently eradicated. More recently, symptomatic almond trees were discovered in 3 adjacent commercial orchards in the northeastern part of Israel. Symptomatic leaf samples were tested. Results confirmed Read more [...]
