Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis – Iran, Pakistan: counterfeit glucantime, WHO alert
Leishmaniasis -- IranFalsified meglumine antimoniate ampoules in Iran and PakistanThis Medical Product Alert relates to 2 falsified products circulating in Iran and Pakistan, and which claim to contain meglumine antimoniate for the treatment of leishmaniosis. Both falsified products are presented in clear glass ampoules and falsely claim to be manufactured for Tillotts Pharma AG. Circulation of these falsified medical products is confirmed in the WHO Region of the Eastern Mediterranean.Falsified Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (04): Americas, research, observations
Zika virus -- Worldwide/UnknownReyes Y, Bowman NM, Becker-Dreps S, et al. Prolonged Shedding of Zika Virus RNA in Vaginal Secretions, Nicaragua. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019; 25 (4):808-810. doi: 10.3201/eid2504.180977.AbstractZika virus, an arthropod-borne flavivirus pathogen in humans, is unusual because it can be sexually transmitted and can be shed for prolonged periods in semen. We report viral shedding in vaginal secretions for up to 6 months, indicating the potential for sexual and vertical transmission Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (27): Europe, Asia (Norway ex SE Asia) human, dog
Rabies -- NorwayA Norwegian woman in her 20s who was bitten by a dog while traveling in Southeast Asia 2 months ago died Monday night [6 May 2019]. Hospital officials confirm that the woman was infected with the deadly rabies virus.She's the 1st person to have [died of] rabies on the Norwegian mainland since 1815. Rabies is extremely seldom on the Scandinavian peninsula.The woman was originally from Hordaland but lived in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. She died at the hospital in Forde, where she'd Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (12): Africa, Asia
Cholera -- SomaliaThe Ministry of Health (MoH) of Somalia has announced 36 new suspected cases of cholera, with no deaths, for epidemiological week 17 (22 to 28 Apr 2019) in 2019. No cases were reported between epidemiological weeks 1 and 7 due to closure of the main cholera treatment center, from which data is collected. MoH has reported 7140 cases and 46 deaths since the beginning of this outbreak in December 2017.During the reporting period, cases occurred in 11 out of 17 districts in Banadir Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – Africa (05): Namibia (OT)
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- NamibiaA 54 year old woman from Onethika village in the Oshikoto region was admitted to Onandjokwe Hospital after she was diagnosed with Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).A letter written by acting Oshikoto regional health director, Helena Nkandi-Shiimi states that the woman went to the hospital on [21 Apr 2019] complaining of a headache, fever, and vomiting blood after she got bitten by a tick around [18 Apr 2019]."The patient was sent home, and again reported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease – India (16): (KA) update
Kyasanur Forest Disease -- IndiaDespite precautionary and surveillance measures by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in the district [Shivamogga] against Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, there is no sign of the outbreak subsiding in Malnad [Malenadu] region and it is extending its reach to new areas here.Chandraraju KS, a member of the Aralagodu Gram Panchayat [village council], epicentre of this season's outbreak, told The Hindu that, on an average, 4 new positive Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (11): Americas, observation
Dengue -- Worldwide/UnknownCases by Country / Week updated / Serotype / Total / Conf. / Severe / DeathsNorth AmericaUSA / 17 [week ending 26 Apr 2019] / D? / 91 / 91 / 0 / 0Central America and MexicoBelize / 16 [week ending 19 Apr 2019] / D? / 647 / 90 / 0 / 0Cost Rica / 16 [week ending 19 Apr 2019] / D1,2 / 638 / 0 / 0 / 0El Salvador / 17 [week ending 26 Apr 2019] / D2 / 2602 / 293 / 20 / 0Guatemala / 16 / [week ending 19 Apr 2019] / D1,2,3,4 / 2259 / 171 / 7 / 6Honduras / 16 [week ending 19 Apr Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (33): Pakistan (KPTD, SD) follow-up on prev. conf case, RFI
Polio -- PakistanIn response to a request for information sent to the EpiCore Surveillance Project members, we received several replies providing information on the epidemiologic picture surrounding this new case.The patient is a 38-month-old female child from Taluka Dokri in Larkana district, Sindh province, with date of onset of paralysis on 17 Apr 2019. The child had a history of travel to Karachi in the week prior to onset of paralysis. WPV1 was isolated.--Muhammad SohailChughtai Institute of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (08): Oman (BS) H9N2, RFI
Avian Influenza — Oman
PRO/AH/EDR> Hemorrhagic fever – China: susp. outbreak, RFI
Hemorrhagic Fever -- ChinaApril to May every year is the high point for rats to breed, meaning the risk of rodent-spread disease also increases. In recent days, Changsha Central Hospital of Huanan University admitted 2 patients who experienced fever and headache after being in contact with rats. They mistakenly thought they had influenza, but after arriving at the hospital they were diagnosed with epidemic hemorrhagic fever.--Communicated by:ProMED-mail Rapporteur Dan Silver[ProMED thanks Dan Silver Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza – Italy: (ML) horse, st pending, OIE
Equine Influenza -- ItalyInformation received on [and dated] 7 May 2019 from Dr Silvio Borrello, Chief Veterinary Officer, Food Safety and Collegial Bodies for Health Protection, [Ministry of Health], Department for Veterinary Public Health, Rome, ItalySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 Feb 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 15 Feb 2019Report date: 7 May 2019Date submitted to OIE: 7 May 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (11): Asia (Pakistan) vector, blood donors
West Nile Virus -- PakistanExperts studying the West Nile virus (WNV) in Punjab have seen it show up in 3 blood donors, raising worries the infection is going undetected in transfusions.The WNV is a mosquito-borne virus. It has strains from up to 9 lineages. Of these, lineages 1, 2, and 5 have been linked to encephalitis or brain inflammation outbreaks in humans. Roughly one in 150 infections leads to encephalitis or brain inflammation.The Pakistani virus was discovered to be lineage 1, along with Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – Canada (03): (SK) horses
Equine Infectious Anemia -- CanadaHorses in 2 municipalities in Saskatchewan, Canada, have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported on 2 May 2019.On 17 Apr 2019, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) national reference laboratory confirmed a positive EIA result for a horse residing in the rural municipality of Beaver River."The horse had been sampled by an accredited veterinarian at the owner's request after they became aware Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (15): USA (OH) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesSix horses in Crawford County, Ohio have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported. On 3 May 2019, the EDCC said the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) had confirmed neurologic EHV in 5 horses on a single premises."Three affected horses are deceased," the EDCC said. "All showed severe respiratory signs; one older horse collapsed before death. An additional positive horse has shown rear-leg weakness Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (26): Americas (USA) fox, raccoon, dog, human exposure
Rabies -- United StatesA boy in Chautauqua County was bitten by a rabid raccoon while turkey hunting, according to the Environmental Health Unit of the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Humans Services.Officials say this is the 1st known rabid animal in the county this year [2019].According to the Department of Health and Humans Services, the boy was turkey hunting with his father near Open Meadows Road in the Town of North Harmony over the weekend when the raccoon latched onto his jacket, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (25): Americas, Brazil (SC) human
Rabies -- BrazilFor people who have never been vaccinated against rabies previously, post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination should always include administration of both passive antibody and vaccine.The combination of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and vaccine is recommended for both bite and non-bite exposures, regardless of the interval between exposure and initiation of treatment.People who have been previously vaccinated or are receiving pre-exposure vaccination for rabies should receive only Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mycobacterium fortuitum – USA: vaccination injection site, RFI
Other Human Disease -- United StatesInfectious Disease News spoke with Erin Blau, DNP, MSN, a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer assigned to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, about how inappropriate vaccine storage and handling procedures led to a recent outbreak of injection-site _Mycobacterium fortuitum_ infections in 3 states, affecting more than 100 people.In December 2018, the Kentucky Department for Public Health received reports from a local public health department about 3 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness – Nepal: uncooked goat meat
Foodborne Illness -- NepalConsumption of meat from ill goats has caused the locals of a village of Melgada of Aadarsha rural municipality-1 in the district to fall ill, confirmed doctors involved in their treatment.Of the total 15 people who have taken ill receiving treatment at Shaileshwori Hospital in Pipalla, 13 have been discharged, and 2 are reported to be in serious condition. The victims had vomited and had diarrhea after they ate goat meat."The people were taken ill after they ate goat meat Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (32): Pakistan (SD) RFI
Polio -- Pakistan[According to the End Polio Pakistan website, there has been a newly confirmed case of polio reported in Sindh province.The addition of this new case brings the total number of cases reported from Pakistan since 1 Jan 2019 to 12, and in Sindh to 2, one in Larkana district, and one in Karachi district [previously reported]. (see . - Mod.MPP]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[The addition of this case will bring the global total of WPV associated polio since 1 Jan 2019 to 19. I am Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Scabies – Liberia: (RI)
Scabies -- LiberiaThe emergence of a rare skin disease known in Liberia as "Be Serious" has sparked fear amongst residents of Charlie Town in Rivercess County. Residents, mainly parents, say children who are under 15 years of are seriously infected. They are afraid that the disease is contagious and is fast spreading rashes on the bodies of school-going-kids.They are afraid that the situation will become an emergency, due to lack of adequate medication at the only clinic in the area. Joe Gbessigie, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chikungunya (04): Americas, Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean
Chikungunya -- HondurasEmergent BioSolutions has reported positive findings from the interim analysis of a phase II clinical trial being conducted to assess its chikungunya virus-like particle (CHIKV-VLP) vaccine candidate.According to the data, around 98% of the trial subjects who received a single dose of the vaccine generated a neutralising antibody response against the virus by day 7.The response was observed to be sustained through the 6-month visit."The phase II trial assessed the safety and Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Esca disease, grapevine – primary pathogens
Other Plant Disease -- Worldwide/UnknownEsca, one of the biggest threats to global grape production, is a complex disease involving various fungi. There is no questioning the unstoppable pace at which it progresses. Esca sensu stricto was the name given to white rot in the trunk of mature plants; the accompanying symptoms in leaves are the result of extensive colonisation of the trunk by [other] pathogenic fungi.According to recent studies, 3 primary fungi are involved with esca: _Phaeoacremonium Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Sheep pox & goat pox – Kazakhstan: (MG) sheep, OIE
Sheep/Goat Pox -- KazakhstanInformation received on [and dated] 4 May 2019 from Dr Tursyn Kabduldanov, Deputy Chairman, Committee for Veterinary Control and Supervision, Ministry of Agriculture, Nur-Sultan, KazakhstanSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 25 Apr 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 28 Apr 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: CapripoxvirusNature of diagnosis: laboratory Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Blast disease, rice – Bangladesh: (DH)
Other Plant Disease -- BangladeshGrowers in all of Tangail [district] are worried as vast tracts of their croplands have been attacked by blast disease and the insecticides or antidotes advised by the agriculture officials are not working. The sudden attack has damaged huge standing paddies only a couple of days before harvesting.Local agriculture officials said abnormal weather condition, especially at night, and early planting are the main causes. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tilapia syncytial hepatitis – China: fish
Other Animal Disease -- ChinaA small African fish called the tilapia may be vital for meeting the future food needs of humanity, according to scientists, but they are also concerned that a killer disease discovered in recent years could wipe out the species. That, they warn, would have devastating social and economic consequences for China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region.Although its name may not be widely known, the freshwater tilapia is 2nd only to carp as the world's most widely farmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Mongolia (03): (BO) bubonic, marmot, fatal, quarantine
Plague -- MongoliaThe Mongolian Ministry of Health confirmed 2 people -- a 38-year-old man and his pregnant wife, 37 -- died from plague after consuming raw meat and internal organs of a marmot. Their deaths left 4 children as orphans aged from 2 to 13. Dramatic pictures have shown at least one aircraft being met by anti-contamination emergency workers in a bid to prevent spread of the disease.The local town of Ulgii (or Olgii) on the border with Russia was shut for quarantine by Mongolian health Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Asia (40): China, economic impact
African Swine Fever -- ChinaWhat started with a few dozen dead pigs in northeastern China is sending shock waves through the global food chain.Last August [2018], a farm with fewer than 400 hogs on the outskirts of Shenyang was found to harbor African swine fever [ASF], the 1st ever occurrence of the contagious viral disease in the country with half the world's pigs. A total of 47 head had died, triggering emergency measures including mass culling and a blockade to stop the transportation of livestock. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Hungary (02): (BK, BE) cattle, human
Anthrax -- HungaryHungarian health authorities have reported (computer translated) 4 human cutaneous anthrax cases, at least one confirmed, in 2 separate counties in recent weeks. The affected individuals were reported from farms in Bacs-Kiskun and Bekes counties. In addition, an additional 30 people were treated prophylactically with antibiotics due to possible exposure. These are the 1st human anthrax cases in Hungary in several years.Animal health officials have reported a confirmed anthrax case Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (43): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summary, WHO, preparedness, response
Ebola -- DR Congo- Response activities were temporarily paralyzed in Butembo and nearby health areas on Sat 4 May 2019 following a demonstration by motorcycle taxi drivers who had placed wooden barricades on the main road arteries of Butembo town. Protesters also attacked handwashing devices throughout the city.- The day before, Fri 3 May 2019, the teams of safe and dignified burials (EDS [in French]) of the civil protection of North Kivu were called to carry out the EDS of a woman living in Katwa Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – Mexico: (VE)
Foodborne Illness -- MexicoAuthorities in Veracruz report that 1358 people were admitted to emergency rooms on Children's Day after contracting food poisoning. Health officials said the Zongolica, Tlaquilpa, and Rio Blanco regional hospitals looked after 699 of the intoxicated adults and children, while 433 were admitted at the IMSS [Mexican Social Security Institute] clinics in Atlahuilco and Tehuipango. Another 186 received medical care at the health centers in Tilica and Alcomunga, Puebla, while Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – USA (09): (CA) chickens, euthanasia order
Newcastle Disease -- United StatesAn urgent notice to the public from state veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) alerted resident areas of active virulent Newcastle disease virus spread.Jones said in the public notice: "Due to the progression and duration of a virulent Newcastle disease outbreak in parts of Southern California, the state veterinarian has ordered mandatory euthanasia of poultry in some neighborhoods within or near the communities Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (45): Saudi Arabia (RI)
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaIn the 9 days since the last update [26 Apr 2019], there has been 1 newly confirmed case of MERS-CoV reported by Saudi Arabia and 2 outcomes -- 1 fatal and 1 recovery -- of previously confirmed cases:Information on newly confirmed case (1):Date of confirmation report: 4 May 2019Case No: 19-1913MERS in Riyadh city: 59-year-old male in Riyadh city, Riyadh regionContact with camels: UnknownCase classification: PrimaryCurrent status: ActiveInformation on newly reported Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (31): Pakistan, new case, violence
Polio -- PakistanAnother polio case surfaced in district Bannu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Saturday [4 May 2019] after which the tally in 2019 has mounted to 11.According to the health department, a one-year-old girl hailing from Bannu was found affected with polio virus. With the recent case, the total number of polio cases detected across the country in 2019 has mounted to 11.Of the total cases so far, 4 were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 3 in tribal districts and Punjab each, and one Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – India (02): (KL)
Scrub Typhus -- IndiaA 28-year-old tribal woman from the Changalamoola tribal hamlet at Neykuppa in Poothadi grama panchayat died of scrub typhus, transmitted by infected ticks, on Wednesday [1 May 2019].A woman from Maveli Nagar at Cheeral in the district died of the disease 3 months ago. "[The current patient] had been admitted to the District Hospital at Mananthavady 4 days ago with symptoms of scrub typhus, and later she was referred to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode," R. Read more [...]
PRO> Measles update (31)
Measles -- Worldwide/UnknownMore than 60 suspected cases of measles, with one confirmed, have been investigated by the Massachusetts Department of Health to date this year [2019]. The DPH said in comparison it investigated 21 suspect cases during the same period last year and none were confirmed measles.The largest national number of confirmed measles cases in 25 years has been reported this year [2019] to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 704 cases of measles in 22 states is the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Acute flaccid myelitis – North America (06): USA, update
Other Human Disease -- United StatesA case of a rare, polio-like illness has been confirmed in West Virginia, although health officials haven't confirmed what part of the state it was found in.The illness is called acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM, and is a very serious condition.It affects the nervous system, specifically the part of the spinal cord that affects a person's movement. It causes muscles in the body to become weak.The illness can cause paralyzing symptoms, and in some cases, paralysis Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (07): Nepal (BK) H5N1, fatal
Avian Influenza H5N1 -- NepalThe H5N1 bird flu virus that has been confirmed as the 1st cause of death in Nepal, 10 years after it was first detected in birds in 2009, is the world's 1st H5N1 human infection since February 2017 and has raised issues of public health emergency of international concern as government and WHO officials refuse further information on the case."We are taking the help of the UN body to contain the disease," Ministry of Health and Population spokesperson Mahendra Prasad Shrestha Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease – India (15): (KA) human, fatal
Kyasanur Forest Disease -- IndiaA 50-year-old man succumbed to Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) in Aralagodu gram panchayat limits near Kargal [district Shimoga, Karnataka] on [Wed 1 May 2019].The deceased has been identified as [K, aged 50]. He was treated for fever at Aralagodu hospital, and his blood sample was sent to laboratory to screen for KFD. He tested positive, and health workers suggested admitting himself at the Manipal hospital for treatment. However, K refused to go to Manipal, as villagers Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – USA (04): (IA) horses
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesTen Quarter Horses have been euthanized due to equine infectious anemia, with 30 others exposed in Polk County, Iowa.The Iowa State Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship notified the Equine Disease Communication Center on 2 May 2019 that 10 horses have been euthanized after testing positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Polk County, Iowa on 8 Apr 2019. 30 other horses have been exposed.The positive horses that were euthanized were:9-year-old Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Texas cattle fever tick – USA: (TX)
Pests -- United StatesAccording to data from the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), 2655 premises, totaling 950 500 acres, are under quarantine in Texas due to fever ticks, and ranchers along the U.S.-Mexico border say the disease they carry has devastated their operations.Fever ticks can carry a parasite that causes _Babesia bovis_ or _B. bigemina_, commonly known as cattle fever. The _Babesia_ organism attacks and destroys red blood cells, causing acute anemia, high fever, and enlargement of Read more [...]
