Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Braenderup – Europe (02): Sweden, Denmark
Salmonella -- SwedenDanish authorities are investigating _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Braenderup infections that are related to an outbreak in Sweden. In Denmark, 24 people have fallen sick since late March 2021 while in Sweden, there are 22 confirmed patients since mid-April 2021. An international outbreak investigation is ongoing and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is helping with cross-border coordination.Between 26 Mar 2021 and 26 Apr 2021, 24 cases of _Salmonella_ Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Syphilis – Australia: (VI) ocular, women, congenital, urban poor, genotyping, alert
Syphilis -- AustraliaScientists will use genomic sequencing for the 1st time to track fast-moving syphilis outbreaks infiltrating Melbourne's outer suburbs, as doctors warn immediate intervention is needed to contain an evolving epidemic of the sexually transmitted disease.Doctors at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital are also reporting a 20-fold increase in people presenting with syphilis-related eye infections. There has been a rise in syphilis cases in Victoria. A rising number of Victorians Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Rhizoctonia diseases, potato – UK: alert
Other Plant Disease -- United KingdomDuring April 2021 we experienced cold dry conditions which haven't been seen in some years. Much of the country has received, or is about to receive, rain together with an increase in temperatures. This could cause problems. _Rhizoctonia solani_ will be a threat especially early in the season. Emerging sprouts may be attacked and later on the base of the stem will become vulnerable. Symptoms could appear as blackened sprouts, causing secondary sprouts to grow Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Infectious hematopoietic necrosis, trout – Italy: (CM) OIE
Other Animal Disease -- ItalySummaryReport type: immediate notificationStarted: 24 Feb 2021Confirmed: 24 Feb 2021Reported: 13 May 2021Reason for notification: recurrenceLast occurrence: 30 Jun 2019Causal 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: Ciorlano, Caserta, CampaniaStarted: 24 Feb 2021Epidemiological unit: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (173): airborne trans, Africa, NHS COVID19 app, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownA quiet revolution has permeated global health circles. Authorities have come to accept what many researchers have argued for over a year: The coronavirus can spread through the air.That new acceptance, by the World Health Organization and the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, comes with concrete implications: Scientists are calling for ventilation systems to be overhauled like public water supplies were in the 1800s after fetid pipes were found to harbor Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Sphaeridiotrema globulus – USA: (WI) waterfowl, corr
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesThe post incorrectly stated Wisconsin as the location of the incident, and Wolf Lake in Lake County, Illinois. The deaths of the wild swans were reported from Wolf Lake, Lake County, Indiana (see ). Diagnostic testing was conducted at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin.Our apologies for the error. - Mod.LM--Communicated by:ProMED[HealthMap/ProMED map of Indiana, United States: ][See Also:Sphaeridiotrema globulus Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – USA (02): (CO) squirrel, susp
Plague -- United StatesSeveral squirrels have died near downtown Colorado Springs [El Paso County] and public health officials suspect plague to be the cause.The squirrels, found in Patty Jewett and Divine Redeemer neighborhoods, were tested for the disease, and results are expected in coming days, a news release from El Paso County Public Health said.The news comes 2 days after the health department discovered a squirrel on Colorado College's campus that likely had the disease.El Paso County Public Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Leaf rust, coffee – Honduras
Other Plant Disease -- HondurasHonduras, Central America's largest coffee exporter, has reduced its 2020/21 coffee shipment projection by 8.3% due to deeper than initially estimated rust damage to crops, said Napoleón Matute, Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE).He explained that the humidity caused by the devastating floods from hurricanes late last year [2020] encouraged the spread of rust, damaging coffee crops. "More than 25 days of rainfall created a degree of humidity on farms and spurred Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> New in IJID (05): May 2021
Not Yet Classified -- Worldwide/UnknownEditorialVaccination against SARS-CoV-2 should be included in childhood vaccination programsEskild Petersen, Philippe BuchyIJID 2021;106:429-430COVID-19 CollectionPerspectivesCOVID-19 and syndemic challenges in 'Battling the Big Three': HIV, TB and malariaThirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Christian G. Meyer, Meral Esen, Peter G. Kremsner, Francine Ntoumithe PANDORA-ID-NET and CANTAM consortium. IJID 2021;106:29-32COVID-19: Is herd immunity the only option for fragile Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (06): global, Africa
Polio -- Worldwide/UnknownData as of 12 May 2021, World Health Organization- The GPEI has released the 2021 National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) for Afghanistan, which contains the current epidemiology and situational overview and progress on the 2020 NEAP among other contents.- The latest issue of the new special magazine features an article titled "Experience in eradicating polio helps COVID-19 response," which details the role that polio workers have played in fighting the pandemic. The article Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (02): Saudi Arabia (HB) fatal
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaA news article from 6 May 2021 has reported that Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a new MERS-CoV [Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus] case, which involves a 36-year-old man who died from his infection.The man was from Hafr Al-Batin in the country's northeast. An investigation found that the man had been exposed to camels. He wasn't a healthcare worker and isn't thought to have contracted MERS-CoV from another person. The case marks Saudi Arabia's 8th Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (172): variants, diagnostic samples, symptoms, WHO, global
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): 2 710 219 (18 632) / 40 682 (292)European Region (61): 53 479 810 (81 624) / 1 119 662 (2338)South East Asia Region (10): 27 754 819 (345 180) / 335 603 (4280)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 9 627 397 (22 600) / 193 215 (460)Region of the Americas (54): 64 546 221 (203 174) / Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Viral hemorrhagic septicemia, fish – Italy: (CM) rainbow trout, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- ItalySummaryReport type: immediate notificationStarted: 24 Feb 2021Confirmed: 24 Feb 2021Reported: 13 May 2021Reason for notification: recurrenceLast occurrence: 13 Dec 2020Causal agent: Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virusNature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.New outbreaksSummary of outbreaksTotal outbreaks (1)Outbreak location 1: Ciorlano, Caserta, CampaniaStarted: 24 Feb 2021Epidemiological unit: Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> Obituary: Leslie Spence, virology pioneer in the Caribbean & Canada
Other Human Disease -- CanadaProfessor Leslie Spence died on 13 May 2021 in Toronto, Canada, aged 98.He was a former director of the Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory (TRVL) on Jamaica Boulevard, Federation Park. The TRVL was later replaced by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (Carec), then the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha).He also convinced the Ministry of Health to start its own diagnostic lab, currently called the Trinidad and Tobago Public Health Laboratory.As TRVL's director, he introduced Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever- Africa (02): Uganda (Kikuube)
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- UgandaIn a follow-up on the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) situation in Kikuube district in the western part of the country, health officials report a 2nd case epidemiologically linked to the case patient as a primary contact.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 1st case was confirmed on 28 Apr 2021 in a 16-year-old female from Munsiinsa-A village in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, Kikuube district on 27 Apr 2021.The 2nd case is a 13-year-old Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (171): CDC mask statement, opinion, variant tracking, WHO,global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownGlobal Tracker: Cases top 161.9 million; deaths exceed 3.35 millionVaccine Tracker: More than 1.41 billion doses have been givenSoldiers Deployed for Tests in English Town (5:02 p.m. HK)Soldiers will be sent to the English town of Bolton to hand out tests on the street, according to The Times. The town's infection rate has more than doubled in a week, with cases reaching 193 per 100 000 in the 7 days to 9 May [2021], government data show.Singapore Reports 19 New Local Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (06): (WA) O157, children, yogurt, recall
E. coli -- United StatesWashington state health officials said Saturday [15 May 2021] that they've identified an _E. coli_ outbreak to PCC Community Market brand yogurt produced by Pure Eire Dairy. The dairy is working with the state Department of Agriculture to identify and recall all affected products, the state Health Department said in a statement. Officials said anyone with this brand of yogurt should throw it away.The outbreak now includes 11 confirmed cases, including 6 children under the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Usutu and West Nile viruses – Europe: Slovakia
West Nile Virus, Other Human Disease -- SlovakiaCitation: Cabanova V, Ticha E, Bradbury RS, et al.: Mosquito surveillance of West Nile and Usutu viruses in 4 territorial units of Slovakia and description of a confirmed autochthonous human case of West Nile fever, 2018 to 2019. Euro Surveill. 2021; 26(19): pii=2000063; .AbstractBackgroundDespite the known circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in Slovakia, no formal entomological surveillance programme has been established there Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hepatitis E – UK: imported pork products
Hepatitis E -- United Kingdom"Since 2010, human hepatitis E infections have increased in England and Wales. Most cases are locally acquired and caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3). HEV G3 is linked to the consumption of pork products. The increase is associated with the emergence of a new phylotype, HEV G3-group 2 (G3-2, also known as G3abcdhij). 60 individuals with confirmed hepatitis E infection and no history of travel outside the UK were recruited: 19 were infected with HEV G3-group Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – USA (03): queso fresco cheese confirmed, end of outbreak
Listeriosis -- United StatesAn outbreak of infections from _Listeria monocytogenes_ that was traced to certain soft cheeses has been declared over by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).As of 14 May [2021] there were 13 confirmed patients. A dozen of the patients were so sick they had to be admitted to hospitals. One patient died. The sick people live in 4 states. Their illnesses started on dates ranging from 20 Oct 2020 to 17 Mar 2021, with 12 illnesses occurring in 2021, according Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lyme disease – B. burgdorferi pro-inflammatory cell wall constituent
Lyme Disease -- United States"The bacterial pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease, _Borrelia burgdorferi_, is an atypical Gram-negative spirochete that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected _Ixodes_ tick. In diderms [having 2 cell membranes], peptidoglycan (PG) is sandwiched between the inner and outer membrane of the cell envelope. In many other Gram-negative bacteria, PG is bound by protein(s), which provide both structural integrity and continuity between envelope layers. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (170): candidate animal models, potential hosts, research
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownAbstract--------Within only one year after the 1st detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), nearly 100 million infections were reported in the human population globally, with more than 2 million fatal cases [by 13 May 2021, the global figures have become 161.08 million cumulative reported cases and over 3.34 million reported deaths. - Mod.AS]. While SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated from a natural wildlife reservoir, neither the immediate Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (72): Europe (Germany,Denmark) poultry,wild bird, H5N5, H5N1, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N1, Avian Influenza -- GermanySummaryReport type: immediate notificationStarted: 4 Mar 2021Confirmed: 6 Mar 2021Reported: 10 May 2021Reason for notification: recurrenceLast occurrence: 17 Dec 2020Causal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virusSerotype: H5N5Nature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.New outbreaksSummary of outbreaksTotal outbreaks (1)Outbreak location 1: Roth, Bayern [Bavaria]Started: 4 Mar 2021Ended: 7 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (169): vaccine, B.1.617.2 variant UK, Canada, mucormycosis, 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): 2 670 658 (17 955) / 40 140 (246)European Region (61): 53 260 053 (117 279) / 1 114 233 (2651)South East Asia Region (10): 27 045 908 (385 767) / 326 921 (4531)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 9 573 218 (34 296) / 192 091 (749)Region Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Sphaeridiotrema globulus – USA: (WI) waterfowl
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesWildlife officials have confirmed the presence of a parasitic flatworm in wild swans from Wolf Lake [Lake County, Illinois], the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced. Diagnostic testing was conducted at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin.Mute swans examined by the USGS had fatal infections of the intestinal parasite _Sphaeridiotrema globulus_. This parasite causes death in many species of waterfowl, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Necrotizing fasciitis – Australia (02): (VI) GAS, invasive, outbreak, NOT
Strep -- AustraliaThe following article dated 12 May 2021 specifies that [an 11-month-old's] group A Strep infection was 2 years ago and that the Murdoch Children's Research Institute is about to start trialling Group A Strep vaccines.The article cited in the earlier ProMED report () combined [the 11-month-old's] story with a video captioned, "An alert has been issued after 3 suburbs in Melbourne recorded cases of a flesh-eating skin disease."The video is linked with another article dated 24 Feb Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Nematodes, pineapple – Kenya
Other Plant Disease -- Kenya[For] pineapples, one of the biggest challenges worldwide is plant parasitic nematodes [PPN]. In Kenya, there is sparse knowledge on how nematodes affect pineapple production. A study was conducted to compare population densities and diversity of nematodes in 2 commercial plantations with contrasting management practices in central Kenya. In addition, the influence of plant age was assessed and compared with nearby smallholders."Nematode infection of pineapple results Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – Australia (02): (QL)
Leptospirosis -- AustraliaThe horror mouse plague has coincided with a spike in a rodent-borne bacterial disease in Queensland with case numbers almost doubling in 2021. The Sunshine State [a nickname for Queensland because of its tropical and sub-tropical climates] has reported 78 cases of leptospirosis to date this year [2021], compared with only 41 cases at the same time last year.The case numbers might not seem like a lot, but the rate of infection has grown 70 per cent compared with the 5-year Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Fusarium wilt, lettuce – Norway: 1st rep
Other Plant Disease -- NorwayLettuce is produced in Norway both in field and greenhouses. Greenhouse lettuce is one of the most important vegetables grown year-round. In winter 2018, wilting symptoms were observed on soil-grown lettuce in southeast Norway. Affected plants showed stunted growth, wilting of outer leaves, and brownish discoloration of vascular tissues of taproots and crowns. According to the growers, the disease caused an estimated 10% of yield losses.Fungal isolates were obtained from Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> COVID-19 update (168): neurologic, Pfizer vaccine in adolescents, WHO, global
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): 2 651 986 (15 896) / 39 886 (217)European Region (61): 53 134 851 (106 590) / 1 111 412 (2748)South East Asia Region (10): 26 660 141 (370 198) / 322 390 (4767)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 9 538 922 (38 355) /191 342 (736)Region Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> Announcements (04): ProMED Copy Editor position
-- Worldwide/UnknownThe International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) [] has an immediate opening for an hourly Copy Editor for its Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) []. This Copy Editor will join an existing team of 4 other Copy Editors and will cover the following shifts (all times are EDT):Thursdays: 4:00 - 9:00 pmFridays: 6:00 - 9:00 pmSaturdays: 4:00 - 9:00 pmSundays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pmBackgroundProMED is made up of over 50 subject matter experts (called "Moderators") Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Syphilis – USA: (CA) women, congenital
Syphilis -- United StatesThe state [California], in response to increasing rates of syphilis, is urging expanded screening for the sexually transmitted infection, especially among those who are pregnant and those who have high-risk factors such as multiple partners."In 2018, 329 babies with congenital syphilis were reported in California, representing a 900% increase from 2012, and a magnitude of (congenital syphilis [CS]) burden not observed since 1995," the new state guidance says. "In response Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Septoria blotch, wheat – UK: latent infections, alert
Other Plant Disease -- United KingdomA septoria warning has been issued to UK growers. Septoria pressure in wheat crops is expected to build in the coming weeks. Laboratory analysis of samples has shown high levels of latent septoria, which indicates disease pressure could be greater than expected.Microgenetics' rapid test for septoria indicates the level of infection. [They] said they had not been surprised by the number of positive samples sent in from fields across England and Wales. They had Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (167): children, Taiwan, Singapore, Asia, Sinovac, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownIn consultation with the WHO SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution Working Group, WHO has determined that viruses within the lineage B.1.617 have been characterized as a VOC. B.1.617 contains 3 sub-lineages (Table 2), which differ by few but potentially relevant mutations in the spike protein as well as prevalence of detection globally. As of 11 May [2021], over 4500 sequences have been uploaded to GISAID and assigned to B.1.617 from 44 countries in all 6 WHO regions, and WHO has Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lumpy skin disease – Asia (05): Thailand, cattle, spread
Lumpy Skin Disease -- ThailandThe Department of Livestock Development is seeking a vaccine for lumpy skin disease [LSD], spreading across the kingdom's cattle population, said Sorravis Thaneto, director-general of the department. Mr Sorravis said the department is contacting vaccine producers overseas to buy sufficient doses and import them into the country.The disease is spreading among cattle pens in 18 provinces in the Northeast, Central Plains region and the North, including Kalasin, Roi Et, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine rhinopneumonitis – Norway: (OF) EHV-1, OIE
Equine Herpes Virus -- NorwayReport type: Immediate notificationStarted: 25 Apr 2021Confirmed: 29 Apr 2021Reported: 6 May 2021Ended: 30 Apr 2021Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseLast occurrence: 7 Apr 2019Causal agent: Equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1)Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratoryThis event pertains to a defined zone within the country.New outbreaks (1)Summary of outbreaks:Total outbreaks: 1Outbreak location: Jeloya, Moss, OstfoldStarted: 26 Apr 2021Ended: 30 Apr Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Necrotizing fasciitis – Australia: (VI) GAS, invasive, infant, alert, RFI
Strep -- AustraliaAn alert has been issued after 3 suburbs in Melbourne recorded cases of flesh-eating skin disease. A Melbourne toddler came close to losing her leg after contracting a flesh-eating infection caused by Strep A [_Streptococcus pyogenes_ or Group A streptococcus (GAS)].[The child] was just 11 months old when she suffered from a bout of colds that lasted for about a month. The child had a fever and was taken to hospital where she was diagnosed with the bacteria that was affecting her Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis – USA: (OR) co-infection
Babesiosis, Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis -- United StatesDoctors in Oregon have described what might be one of the unluckiest encounters between man and tick ever documented. They report treating a 70-year-old man who became sick with 3 entirely different infections after a single tick bite.According to a recent case study, published last month [April 2021] in BMJ Case Reports [], the man visited an emergency room with symptoms of fever, nausea, and a distinct swelling around his ankle along with leg Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – Reunion
Leptospirosis -- Région d'outre-mer de Réunion, FranceEach year, more than 50 cases of leptospirosis are recorded in Réunion, the majority of them requiring hospitalization. Since the start of the year [2021], a significant increase in the number of reports has been observed with 74 cases of leptospirosis reported in 2021, including 35 cases in April [2021].The rainy season is the period of greatest risk because it presents temperature and rainfall conditions favorable to the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (07): Africa (Nigeria)
Cholera -- NigeriaNo fewer than 15 persons have died, and scores have been hospitalized as a result of a suspected cholera outbreak in Koya village in Minjibiri Local Government Area of Kano State.Though the Ministry of Health is yet to comment on the development, village head of the community, Sulieman Mohammad confirmed the deaths to journalists, saying victims included children and women. He said a victim died about 15 minutes after he broke his Muslim fast Friday night, 7 May 2021.It was learned Read more [...]
