Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (03): Americas, Africa, research, observations
Zika virus -- Worldwide/UnknownFDA requires blood establishments to test blood donations for new or emerging infectious agents that may affect blood product safety if certain conditions outlined in FDA regulations are met. Specifically, if a transfusion-transmitted infection "may have sufficient incidence and/or prevalence to affect the potential donor population" and meets certain other criteria described in FDA's regulations, then FDA may determine the transfusion-transmitted infection is a "relevant Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (181): variants, ACE2, polycystic ovary syndrome, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownNew study by PHE shows for the first time that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India.From: Public Health England Published 22 May 2021Vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant is similar after 2 doses compared to the B.1.1.7 (Kent) variant dominant in the UK, and we expect to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death.The study found Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Tomato brown rugose fruit virus – Turkey: (AL)
Other Plant Disease -- TurkeyToBRFV [_Tomato brown rugose fruit virus_] is posing a great threat to the tomato cultivation of southern Turkey's Antalya province. Tomato producers are fighting a new kind of virus. The disease does not show symptoms until the seedlings grow and start giving fruit. According to an agricultural engineer, ToBRFV is dangerous for plants.Producers fear that the disease could already have infected the majority of the crops as it spreads really fast due to pollination [or Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chikungunya (03): Americas cases, vaccine
Chikungunya -- BrazilSaint-Herblain-based Valneva SE announced on 12 Apr 2021 that it had completed recruitment for the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of its single-shot chikungunya vaccine candidate, VLA1553.A total of 4131 adults aged 18 or above have been recruited across 44 sites in the USA for the VLA1553-301 trial, which was launched in September 2020. Participants will be followed for 6 months in the pivotal trial. If the trial results are positive, the trial is expected to support VLA1553's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (03): Middle East Palestinian Auth (WE) human,horse,epidemiology
West Nile Virus -- Palestinian AuthorityA significant number of horses and veterinarians in Northern Palestine have been exposed to the West Nile virus, research reveals.West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne disease affecting humans and domesticated animals.In humans, about 80% of cases involve no symptoms, although in 20% of cases infected individuals develop flu-like symptoms for 3-6 days. Only about 1% of infected people fall seriously ill with neurological symptoms, mainly meningitis and encephalitis.In Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Infectious hematopoietic necrosis, trout – Denmark: (MJ) 1st report, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- DenmarkSummaryReport type: immediate notificationStarted: 17 May 2021Confirmed: 18 May 2021Reported: 19 May 2021Reason for notification: 1st occurrence in the countryCausal agent: Infectious haematopoietic necrosis virusNature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.New outbreaksSummary of outbreaksTotal outbreaks (1)Outbreak location 1: Stouby, Hedensted, Midtylland [Central Jutland]Started: 17 May 2021Epidemiological Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Caprine arthritis/encephalitis – Romania: (GR) OIE
Encephalitis -- RomaniaGeneral informationReport type: Immediate notificationStarted: 12 May 2021Confirmed: 13 May 2021Reported: 21 May 2021Reason for notification: RecurrenceLast occurrence: 7 Feb 2021Manifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virusNature of diagnosis: laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.Outbreak location: Greaca, GiurgiuDate of start of the outbreak: 12 May 2021Epidemiological unit: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – USA (07): (SD) domestic rabbits
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesRabbit owners should practice the following biosecurity recommendations, whether they have commercial or pet rabbits:- Keep rabbits indoors if possible.- Have indoor and outdoor footwear; don't wear outdoor shoes indoors and vice versa.- Wash hands before and after handling or caring for rabbits.- Clean and disinfect feeders and other equipment daily if possible. Clean with soap and water, rinse well, spray with or submerge in 10% bleach for 10 minutes, rinse Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed illness – USA: bottled water, liver disease, fatal, recall
Undiagnosed -- United StatesFederal officials ordered a complete recall of the Las Vegas-based bottled water brand Real Water and ordered the company to provide records regarding at least one death and multiple liver disease investigations of those who reported drinking it.Brent Jones of Affinity Lifestyles, the company's president, and bottler's lawyer did not immediately respond to an email message issued Wednesday [19 May 2021] regarding a US District Court order on Friday [21 May 2021]. The order Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (180): variant vaccine, efficacy, Nepal, Southeast Asia, WHO
COVID-19 -- NepalModerna: 94.5 (86.5-97.8)Pfizer: 94.2 (88.7-97.2)Novavax: 89.3 (75.2-95.4)AstraZeneca: 81.5 (67.9-89.4)Sinopharm: 78.1 (64.9-86.3)Sinovac: 50.7 (35.7-62.2)The researchers found vaccine efficacy against infectiousness was 54%, on average, indicating that immunization reduces the direct transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to others by 54%.Data for 4 vaccines are summarized below.Vaccine: % against infectiousness---------------------Pfizer: 94.0Moderna: 80.0Johnson & Johnson: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquito – France: (BF)
Pests -- FranceOn Thu 20 May 2021, ARS Bourgogne-Franche-Comte announced that the tiger mosquito has been found since 2020 in Doubs and Jura. The regional health agency is monitoring the presence and development of the insect and the vector of chikungunya virus, dengue fever, and Zika virus.The tiger mosquito, _Aedes aegypti_ from its Latin name [if this is the Asian tiger mosquito, it is _Aedes albopictus_ not _Aedes aegypti_. - Mod.TY], is now established in Doubs and Jura, according to a press Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – UK (02): imported dates, alert, additional recall
Hepatitis A -- United KingdomMore than 30 hepatitis A infections potentially linked to eating dates are being investigated in the United Kingdom. Since the start of 2021, 31 people have fallen ill in different parts of England and Wales and a number of them reported eating dates. Those sick range in age from 6 to 93 years old, and 25 have been hospitalized. Public Health England (PHE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating the non-travel-related cases of hepatitis A.Marks & Spencer Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – USA (05): canned beans, risk, recall
Botulism -- United StatesRandall Foods Inc. on Wednesday [19 May 2021] recalled all 21 varieties of its Randall-brand beans, citing "manufacturing deviations" that may have allowed for botulism contamination. According to the voluntary recall issued by the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company, the affected beans were potentially underprocessed, which can result in _Clostridium botulinum_ contamination. The manufacturing deviations included a nonfunctioning temperature-indicating device, but no illnesses Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Africa (03): Cote d'Ivoire (ZA) domestic, OIE
African Swine Fever -- Cote d'IvoireGeneral informationReport type: immediate notificationStarted: 21 Apr 2021Confirmed: 23 Apr 2021Reported: Mon 17 May 2021Reason for notification: recurrenceLast occurrence: 13 Jun 2020Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: African swine fever virusNature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.Outbreak location: Donzosso, Gontougo, ZanzanDate of start of the outbreak: 21 Apr 2021Epidemiological Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (178): evidence-based med, B.1.617.2 spread UK, Argentina, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownWHO region (no. countries/territories):Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Western Pacific Region (19): 2 798 651 (18 133) / 42 093 (281)European Region (61): 53 901 375 (92 307) / 1 129 738 (2102)South East Asia Region (10): 29 258 662 (298 324) / 358 790 (4421)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 9 771 027 (33 313) / 196 331 (582)Region Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Epizootic ulcerative syndrome, fish – Taiwan: (NT) 1st rep, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- ChinaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationStarted: 14 Nov 2020Confirmed: 8 Apr 2021Ended: 15 Apr 2021Reported: 12 May 2021Reason for notification: 1st occurrence in the countryCausal agent: _Aphanomyces invadans_Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.New outbreaksSummary of outbreaksTotal outbreaks (1)Outbreak location 1: Sanzhi District, New Taipei, New TaipeiStarted: 15 Nov 2020Ended on: 16 Apr Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (10): Russia (KG, YS) domestic, wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- RussiaGeneral informationReport type: Immediate notificationStarted: 5 May 2021Confirmed: 6 May 2021Reported: 18 May 2021Reason for notification: RecurrenceLast occurrence: 8 Apr 2021Manifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: African swine fever virusNature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.Outbreak location: Marukhta, Ferzikovskiy rayon, KalugaDate of start of the outbreak: 6 May 2021Epidemiological Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (02): USA (FL) sentinel chickens
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesToday [19 May 2021], the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) advises residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Orange County.Several sentinel chickens in one flock have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infection. The risk of transmission to humans has increased, however, chicken flocks do not correlate to the risk of EEEV infections to humans.Orange County Mosquito Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Abalone viral ganglioneuritis – Australia: (VI)
Other Animal Disease -- AustraliaMore dead and diseased abalone have been found in coastal waters near Portland [Victoria].Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) was first detected in the area on May 1 [2021], more than 10 years since it was last recorded.It had been hoped it was an isolated outbreak, but more affected clusters have now been found at Murrell's and Jones Bay reefs, west of Portland, within the control area established by Agriculture Victoria.AVG affects the nervous system of abalone, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness – USA: (CO) restaurant, norovirus susp, RFI
Norovirus -- United StatesState and local health authorities in Colorado are acknowledging they are investigating an apparent foodborne illness outbreak involving a Chipotle Mexican Grill near Denver.2 agencies, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment [CDPHE] and the local Tri-County Health Department, are involved, and CDPHE issued the following statement:"CDPHE is partnering with the Tri-County Health Department on a suspected foodborne outbreak at the Chipotle located at 6710 Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Winged yam rust – Dominica
Other Plant Disease -- DominicaThe Plant Protection and Quarantine services [PPQS] has discovered a new fungus called _Goplana dioscoreae_ affecting yams in Dominica. It produces yellow to light-orange pustules on the leaf, which are more obvious on the upper surface and sometimes present on the leaf stalks and stems. The disease could cause reduction in tuberization and yield.PPQS's Nelson Laville said [it] was identified in white [_Dioscorea alata_ or _rotundata_] and ladies yams [_D. cayenensis_] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (07): (WA, AZ) O157, children, yogurt, recall
E. coli -- United StatesFood Safety News reported that more patients are being identified by investigators working on an _E. coli_ O157 outbreak that has been limited to Washington State. However, today [19 May 2021] Arizona officials confirmed there is a child in that state with an infection from the same strain of the pathogen.There are 11 confirmed patients in Washington in the outbreak linked to locally produced organic yogurt sold by Pure Eire Dairy. Another 3 probable patients are from the Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Emerging zoonoses, global: FAO/OIE/UNEP/WHO One Health expert panel, RFI
Other Animal Disease -- Worldwide/UnknownInternational organizations have come together to launch a new One Health High-Level Expert Panel to improve understanding of how diseases with the potential to trigger pandemics emerge and spread.The panel will advise 4 international organizations -- the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO) -- on Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (177): inflam syndrome, Latin Am, long COVID, racial disp, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownWHO region (no. countries/territories):Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Western Pacific Region (19): 2 779 846 (15 786) / 41 807 (434)European Region (61): 53 793 992 (78 688) / 1 127 158 (1905)South East Asia Region (10): 28 960 338 (288 527) / 354 369 (4994)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 9 737 714 (32 485) / 195 749 (724)Region Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Adenovirus hemorrhagic disease – USA: (WA) deer
Adenovirus -- United StatesWhen deer in the San Juans started turning up dead with white foam around their mouths officials first thought it was due to fertilizers, but now the theory has turned to adenovirus hemorrhagic disease [AHD]."Over the last few weeks, the sheriff's office has been getting increasingly more reports of dead [deer] that show no real signs of trauma but have foaming mouths," San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs said in a statement to county media.A deputy on Orcas responded to Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – Americas (02): PAHO, Dominican Republic, Haiti, lapses/vaccination coverage
Diphtheria -- Dominican RepublicIn a follow-up on the diphtheria situation on the island of Hispaniola, the 2 countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic have now seen 23 total confirmed cases to date. The Dominican Republic with 12 confirmed cases including 9 deaths, and Haiti has seen 11 confirmed cases including 2 deaths.Vaccination coverage for both countries is below where it needs to be: In Haiti, since 1980, DTP3 [3rd diphtheria- tetanus toxoid-pertussis] coverage has been less than 95%, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (11): Americas, cattle, bat, dog, human exp
Rabies -- MexicoIn the Yucatan Peninsula, the 1st 7 cases of animal rabies are registered, affecting cattle, revealed the federal Ministry of Health when establishing that until the 1st quarter of the year [2021], Campeche is free of this deadly disease.From January to March of this year [2021], 87 rabies animals were already confirmed in the Mexican Republic, distributed in 15 states, with a decrease of 4.4% compared to the same period in 2020, when the sum was 91.According to the National Center Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – North America (04): USA (VA, TX) deer
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesWildlife officials are alerting people to a diseased deer killed in Montgomery County.On Wednesday [12 May 2021], the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources announced a deer killed in the county and brought to a taxidermist in late November 2020 has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. At the time of kill, the hunter did not notice any outward signs of disease, and the deer appeared to be in good condition, according to DWR.The department does not Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (11): Americas (USA) bat, human exposure
Rabies -- United StatesOne person was exposed to a rabid bat found in Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) said Monday [17 May 2021]. The bat was sent to DHEC's lab for testing on Thursday [13 May 2021] and was confirmed to have rabies a day later, officials said in a news release.The animal was discovered in Columbia, in the area of Converse Street and Clemson Avenue near Crayton Middle School, according to the release. That's close to Forest Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Acute bloody diarrhea – Philippines
Diarrhea -- PhilippinesThe Department of Health (DOH) - Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) on Tuesday [18 May 2021] reported an uptick in recorded cases of acute bloody diarrhea in various provinces of the region.To avert a possible surge, DOH Regional Director Eduardo Janairo said that they are currently monitoring the increase in the number of cases in the province of Quezon and Rizal. Janairo said that 19 were recorded in Quezon and 13 in Rizal. "The regional office is continuing Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (176): WHO forum, conv. plasma, variants, public health, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownObjectives: Characterisation of the human antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is vital for serosurveillance purposes and for treatment options such as transfusion with convalescent plasma or immunoglobulin products derived from convalescent plasma. In this study, we longitudinally and quantitatively analysed antibody responses in RT-PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 convalescent adults during the first 250 days after onset of symptoms.Methods: We measured antibody responses Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – Saudi Arabia
Brucellosis -- Saudi ArabiaA statistical report issued by the (Saudi) Ministry of Health revealed that 2372 people were infected with brucellosis during 2020, with an infection rate of 6.22 per 100 000 of the population, cases in Taif exceeded the total number of cases in 9 (administrative) health regions, reaching 301 cases compared to 242 for these 9 regions combined.During 2019, 4257 cases were recorded, at a rate of 12.44 per 100 000 of the population. The cases were distributed in 2020 according Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Uganda: human, cattle
Anthrax -- UgandaKween district is under surveillance after cases of anthrax, which started last month [April 2021].Health officials in the district say that 15 of 19 people are undergoing treatment, and over 15 head of cattle have so far succumbed to the disease.Phily Musobo, the Kween district Surveillance Officer told Uganda Radio Network (URN) that the disease broke out on 12 Apr 2021 after 6 people reported to Atar HCIII after reportedly eating meat from a dead cow which had died on 7 Apr Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – Asia (03): Oman, alert
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- OmanMedia news articles from 11-12 May 2021 stated that Oman's Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (MAFWR) has urged citizens and residents to follow preventive guidelines to protect against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] by avoiding tick bites when dealing with animals, both when buying and selling them.The report, carried by a leading Arabic news site, quoted Dr Khaled bin Muslim al Sulaymani, a veterinarian at the Department of Animal Health, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (02): Europe, Spain
West Nile Virus -- SpainBackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) circulates in an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds; humans are accidental hosts.AimWe analysed human WNV infections reported between 2010 and 2018 to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to better understand WNV epidemiology.MethodsWe describe probable and confirmed autochthonous human cases of WNV infection reported by European Union (EU) and EU enlargement countries. Cases with unknown clinical manifestation or Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (175): mucormycosis, homeless, reinfection, plasma, WHO, global
Mucormycosis, COVID-19 -- IndiaAlmost 2 thirds of homeless patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were of non-White descent and more than 80% had at least one comorbidity, according to a descriptive study in The Journal of Infectious Diseases yesterday [Sun 16 May 2021].The researchers analyzed 199 COVID-hospitalized adults who were experiencing homelessness out of the 2872 (30.2%) patients in the COVID-NET database with homelessness status from [1 Mar - 31 May 2020]. The cohort was 82.9% men, had a Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (174): animal, Thailand, dog, OIE
COVID-19 -- ThailandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationStart on: 3 May 2021Confirmed on: 4 May 2021Reported on: 16 May 2021Event status: ongoingReason for notification: emerging diseaseEvent morbidity (%): 100Event mortality: -Zoonotic potential: yesDiagnostic details: laboratory testCausal agent: SARS-CoV-2New outbreaks (1)Outbreak location 1: Bang Khae, Bangkok MetropolisStarted on: 3 May 2021Epidemiological unit: VillageTotal animals affected:Species / Susceptible / Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza – Tunisia: (AN, MN), horse H3N8 OIE
Equine Influenza -- TunisiaReport type: Immediate notificationStarted: 13 Apr 2021Confirmed: 27 Apr 2021Reported: 17 May 2021Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseLast occurrence: 3 Jul 2005Causal agent: Influenza A virusSerotype: H3N8Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to the whole country.New outbreaks (3)Outbreak location 1: National foundation for the improvement of the horse breed, Sidi Thabet, ArianaStarted: 12 May 2021Ended: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (09): Guinea (YO)
Lassa Fever -- GuineaA fatal case of Lassa hemorrhagic fever was officially reported in Guinea by the health authorities this Monday, 17 May 2021. Given this situation and in the application of the International Health Regulations (IHR), the Ministry of Health today [17 May 2021] declared a Lassa fever epidemic in Yomou Prefecture, Nzérékoré Region, where the new Ebola epidemic started last February [2021]."At a time when the Guinean Government is making commendable efforts for Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – Australia (03): (QL) comment