Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/PL> Stripe rust, wheat – China
Other Plant Disease -- ChinaChinese state media recently reported that stripe rust was found in over 2.1 million acres of wheat fields in 9 provinces, the worst situation in a decade.So far, only Shaanxi Province reported specific figures [with] nearly 494 000 acres affected, and it was estimated that the rust would eventually infect 1.5 million acres all over the province.[One farmer said that] "the severity of stripe rust this year [2020] will hurt the final harvest. All crops have rusted leaves; Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Africa, Asia, Europe: spread
African Swine Fever -- Worldwide/UnknownThe African swine fever (ASF) pandemic will be even worse this year [2020] than in 2019, say experts, warning that the spread of the highly contagious virus, which is fatal to pigs, is unrelenting.With world attention on the human viral pandemic of COVID-19, concern is growing that countries are not focusing enough on halting the spread of ASF through better biosecurity practices, cooperation on intensive vaccine development, or transparency regarding outbreaks."The Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax, latent infections
Anthrax -- Worldwide/UnknownHugh-Jones and Blackburn and Turnbull's collective World Health Organization (WHO) report did literature reviews of the theories and the bases for causes of anthrax outbreaks. Both comment on an often-mentioned suspicion that, even though unproven, latent infections are likely involved. Hugh-Jones suggested Gainer do an updated review of our present-day knowledge of latent infections, which was the basis for Gainer's talk at the Biology of Anthrax Conference in Bari, Italy, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Australia (02): (VI) susp. egg source
Salmonella -- AustraliaAt least 3 people have come down with salmonellosis after purchasing eggs from a popular supermarket. The infection is believed to have come from eggs bought in the Melbourne suburb of Werribee. The Weekly Times reported the eggs were supplied from farms in New South Wales. However, a spokesman for the NSW [New South Wales] Department of Primary Industries [DPI] disputed those claims."There is no evidence to suggest the reported illnesses in Victoria are connected to NSW eggs, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African horse sickness – Eswatini/Swaziland: (HH) st pending, OIE
African Horse Sickness -- SwazilandInformation received on [and dated] Thu 28 May 2020 from Dr. Roland Xolani Dlamini, Director of Veterinary and Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Mbabane, SwazilandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 8 May 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 18 May 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 20 Nov 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: African horse sickness Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (11): Togo (SA)
Yellow Fever -- TogoThe World Health Organization (WHO) reported receiving on [28 Apr 2020] information regarding a confirmed yellow fever [YF] case in Mango village, Oti district, Savanes region in the northern part of Togo in late April [2020].The case is a 55-year old female with no travel or vaccination history for yellow fever. On [3 Feb 2020], she presented to a health facility with symptoms of fever with aches. The following day she developed jaundice and a blood sample was taken and transported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (217): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives and deaths continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus on [27 May 2020].- 231 139 cumulative cases, increase of 584 from 26 May 2020;- 50 966 people are currently positive for the virus;- 147 101 people have recovered;- 7729 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 505 in intensive care, and 42 732 are in home isolation;- 33 072 deaths have been reported; however, this number Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (216): global, updates, WHO
COVID-19 -- United States2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 985 / 82 992 / 82 993 / 82 993 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 190 / 11 225 / 11 265 / 11 265 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... / 1 686 436 / 1 706 226 / 1 725 275 / 1 736 743 / USA26 Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, tomato – India (02): (MH) multiple viruses
Undiagnosed -- IndiaA variety of viruses are to blame for the ongoing early ripening of tomatoes in Maharashtra [ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20200514.7337673], a report by the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) stated. Farmers reported early ripening, yellowing and distortion of fruits, which ultimately led to massive crop loss. Visual inspection had not shown any indication of pest attacks.The Agriculture Department had sent samples to IIHR [which were] tested for 12 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (215): Netherlands (NB) animal, mink-to-human, epidem., control
COVID-19 -- NetherlandsThe transmission of the mink coronavirus to 2 people rings alarm bells. Researchers consider the risk of spreading small. Still, there are major concerns.The call to clean up the mink farms infected with the coronavirus is increasing. Veterinarians and an affected livestock farmer are also calling on the government to take more measures on the infected farms. You ought to have the required knowledge to make decisions about this, says agriculture minister Carola Schouten.On Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Melioidosis – USA: (TX) 2018, poss local acquisition
Melioidosis -- United StatesOn 17 Nov 2018, a 63-year-old man from Atascosa County, Texas, came to hospital A with fever, chest pain, and dyspnea of 3 days' duration. At admission, he reported congenital unilateral renal agenesis. Renal function measures were unremarkable. Increased hemoglobin A1c level and hyperglycemia (glucose over 200 mg/dL) suggested undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.Computed tomography of chest and abdomen with intravenous contrast showed left lower lobe pneumonia with a small left Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Guinea worm – Ethiopia (02): (GA) additional case susp
Guinea Worm -- EthiopiaBetween 2 and 8 Apr 2020, 6 suspected human cases of dracunculiasis in Duli village, Gog district, Gambella [also spelled Gambela] region, Ethiopia, were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).As of 27 Apr 2020, the Ethiopian Dracunculiasis Eradication Program (EDEP) had detected one additional person with an emerged worm, morphologically consistent with human Guinea worm, bringing the total to 7 suspected cases.This report comes after more than 2 consecutive years Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Ukraine: (OD) smoked fish
Botulism -- Ukraine1. Hughes JM, Hatheway CL, Ostroff SM: Botulism. In: Scheld WM, Whitley RJ, Durack DT, editors. Infections of the central nervous system. 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1997, 615-28.2. Weber JT, Hibbs RG, Darwish A, et al. A massive outbreak of type E botulism associated with traditional salted fish in Cairo. J Infect Dis. 1993; 167(2): 451-4. Abstract available at: .- Mod.LLHealthMap/ProMED map of Ukraine: ][See Also:2018----Botulism - Ukraine (02): (KS) smoked Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (214): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaThe general downward trend of new positives and deaths continues. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus on [26 May 2020].- 230 555 cumulative cases, increase of 397 from 25 May 2020;- 52 942 people are currently positive for the virus;- 144 658 people have recovered;- 7917 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 521 in intensive care, and 44 504 are in home isolation;- 32 955 deaths have been reported; however, this number Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (213): global, meat packing, Netherlands, Brazil, WHO
COVID-19 -- Netherlands2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 985 / 82 992 / 82 993 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 190 / 11 225 / 11 265 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... / 1 686 436 / 1 706 226 / 1 725 275 / USA26 Feb 2020: 1 / ... / 2 / ... Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> BSE, bovine – Ireland: (TY) atypical H-type, OIE
BSE -- IrelandInformation received on Fri 22 May 2020 from Dr Martin Blake, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Dublin, IrelandSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 12 May 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 13 May 2020Report date: 22 May 2020Date submitted to OIE: 22 May 2020Date event resolved: 22 May 2020Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquito – Spain: (IB)
Dengue, Zika virus, West Nile Virus -- SpainIbiza has been plagued with an invasion of Asian tiger mosquitoes -- 4 times bigger than normal -- as swimming pools in the vacation hotspot are left untreated during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report.The critters -- which carry diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus and dengue fever -- have likely thrived since the closure of hotels and holiday villas on the Spanish island, The Sun reported. [The vector of West Nile virus are in the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (212): Russia (Moskva) animal, cat, OIE
COVID-19 -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] Tue 26 May 2020 from Dr. Nikolay Vlasov, Deputy Head, Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance , Ministry of Agriculture, Moscou, RussiaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 18 May 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 22 May 2020Reason for notification: emerging diseaseMorbidity: 1 (scale 0 to 5)Mortality: 0 (scale 0 to 5)Zoonotic impact: NoCausal agent: SARS-CoV-2New outbreaks Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (211): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaGeneral trend of new downward positives and slight drop in deaths. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus on [25 May 2020].- 230 158 cumulative cases, increase of 300 from 23 May 2020;- 55 300 people are currently positive for the virus;- 141 981 people have recovered;- 8185 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 541 in intensive care, and 46 574 are in home isolation;- 32 877 deaths have been reported; however, this number Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Thailand: (SP) dumplings, fatal
Salmonella -- ThailandLab results on Sunday [25 May 2020], found a dubious dish dubbed "death dumplings" after at least one woman died, contained the potentially fatal salmonella bacterium. After sale of the dumplings in southeast metro Bangkok was blamed for one death and several illnesses, the lab results, which came out yesterday, 24 May 2020, confirmed they contained _Salmonella_, according to Prakit Wongprasert of the Samut Prakan provincial health office.Earlier this month [May 2020], a 66-year-old Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Toxic algae – USA: (MN) dog
Algae -- United StatesToxins are compounds that have a harmful effect on other cells, tissues, and organisms. In the natural environment, these toxins are generally contained within the blue-green algal cell but they are released into the water when the cell is damaged or dies."Blue-green algal toxins can be divided into the following groups:1. Hepatotoxins- Hepatotoxins cause blood to collect in the liver causing circulatory shock and can lead to death by internal hemorrhaging.- Hepatotoxins can Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – Pakistan: (SD) sweets, RFI
Poisoning -- PakistanAt least 40 people including women and children fell sick after eating toxic sweets in Somar Khan Phor village in Shikarpur today [Sun 24 May 2020].20 people have been shifted to Shikarpur Civil Hospital, while others have been moved to hospitals in Rahimabad and Khanpur. According to hospital sources, all patients are suffering from food poisoning.Affected families have demanded action against the shopkeeper for selling substandard sweets. Police said samples have been collected Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (210): global, Rwanda innov, Solidarity hold, Germany church, WHO
COVID-19 -- Rwanda2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 985 / 82 992 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 190 / 11 225 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... / 1 686 436 / 1 706 226 / USA26 Feb 2020: 1 / ... / 2 / ... / 6931 / ... / 92 109 / ... / 363 618 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tick-borne encephalitis virus spread, Eurasia
Tick-borne Encephalitis -- Worldwide/UnknownResearchers from Sechenov University together with colleagues from several Russian institutes analysed data on the RNA structure of tick-borne encephalitis [TBE] virus. Much larger than in previous studies, the data volume of the new study allowed them to estimate the age of the virus subtypes and track its spread in Eurasia. The results of the study were published in the journal Viruses [see reference below].Tick-borne encephalitis is common in Central Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (10): Nigeria, retrospective, 2019
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaA. Situation analysisDescription of the disasterIn August 2019, the country had recorded an increase in the number of yellow fever cases in Katsina, Bauchi, and Benue States. By September 2017, all 36 States in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] had reported at least one suspected case of yellow fever. Between 1 and 31 Oct 2019, some 839 suspected cases were recorded from all states including FCT, adding up to a total of 3620 suspected cases reported in 588 LGAs Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (209): Netherlands (NB) farmed mink, animal-to-human, cat, epid
COVID-19 -- Netherlands[Ministers De Jonge and Schouten report the most recent developments and research results concerning COVID-19 on mink farms].In our letter dated [Tue 19 May 2020], we have informed you of the state of the research on the mink farms infected with SARS-CoV-2 and a 1st plausible animal-human infection of the COVID-19 virus. We inform you about the latest developments and research results.Very recently, a 2nd case has become known on one of the infected mink farms where, most likely, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (208): research, immunity, vaccine, diagnostics, drugs
COVID-19 -- ChinaIn the absence of effective treatment or biomedical prevention, efforts to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have relied on nonpharmaceutical interventions such as personal preventive actions (such as handwashing, face covers), environmental cleaning, physical distancing, stay-at-home orders, school and venue closures, and workplace restrictions adopted at the national, state, and local levels. In addition to these public health interventions, development of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (07): (AS)
Japanese Encephalitis, Encephalitis -- IndiaAs if the COVID-19 pandemic is not bad enough, some districts of Assam are now in the grip of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and floods.Official sources said 82 cases of JE and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) were reported from districts such as Cachar, Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Kamrup, and Morigaon. So far, there have been no deaths."We have recorded 79 cases of AES and 3 cases of JE. Of these, 2 JE patients have been discharged from hospitals. The remaining Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (207): China, S. Korea, countries w/ high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaGeneral trend of the new positive downhill. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus on [24 May 2020].- 229 858 cumulative cases, increase of 531 from 23 May 2020;- 56 594 people are currently positive for the virus;- 140 479 people have recovered;- 8613 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 553 in intensive care, and 47 428 are in home isolation;- 32 785 deaths have been reported; however, this number can only be confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (206): global, Singapore, China coinfect influenza, WHO
Influenza -- Singapore2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 954 / 82 960 / 82 965 / 82 967 / 82 971 / 82 971 / 82 974 / 82 985 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 065 / 11 078 / 11 110 / 11 122 / 11 142 / 11 165 / 11 190 / 11 206 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (04): Africa, Americas
Cholera -- UgandaThe number of cholera cases in Moroto district has reached the 100 mark despite several interventions by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).On Fri 15 May 2020, WHO delivered several items to the district, comprising beds, drugs and water purification tablets among others to help combat the spread of the waterborne disease. The Health Ministry also handed over 8 vehicles to assist with disease surveillance, sensitization, and case management in communities. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (205): China, S. Korea, countries with high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaThere is a general downward trend regarding the currently positive cases. The numbers of healed are growing. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus released at 18:00 on [23 May 2020].- 229, 327 cumulative cases, increase of 669 from 21 May 2020;- 57 752 people are currently positive for the virus;- 138 840 people have recovered;- 8695 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 572 in intensive care, and 48 485 are in home Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine piroplasmosis – New Zealand (02): (AU) 1st report, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandInformation received on [and dated] Fri 22 May 2020 from Dr Tony Zohrab, Policy and Trade Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New ZealandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 22 Apr 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 22 May 2020Date submitted to OIE: 22 May 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: sub-clinical infectionCausal agent: _Theileria equi_Nature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (204): global, meat plant outbreaks, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 954 / 82 960 / 82 965 / 82 967 / 82 971 / 82 971 / 82 971 Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 065 / 11 078 / 11 110 / 11 122 / 11 142 / 11 165 / 11 165 South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (17): North Korea (WN, HG) domestic, spread
African Swine Fever -- North KoreaAfrican swine fever (ASF) has caused mass deaths of pigs at farms in South Hwanghae Province and North Hamgyong Province, leading the central government to take action to prevent further outbreaks, Daily NK has learned."Livestock disease[s] are spreading rapidly throughout the province," a South Hwanghae Province-based source told Daily NK on Monday [18 May 2020]. "The authorities have issued an order through the Cabinet that livestock disease control authorities Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African horse sickness – Thailand (05): spread, epidemiology, regional impact
African Horse Sickness -- ThailandWhen horses suddenly started dying in Thailand as the nation locked down to stem the spread of COVID-19, researchers feared the cause was another deadly bat-borne virus that could kill humans."We had no idea what was causing it," said Nopadol Saropala, owner of a horse farm about 100 miles [161 km] from the Thai capital, who lost 18 horses in 9 days. "We found out later that it came from zebras that were apparently in transit to China."More than 500 horses have died Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (203): China, S Korea, countries w/ high local transmission
COVID-19 -- ChinaA general downward trend regarding the currently positive cases. The number of healed is growing. This is what can be seen from the health monitoring data on the spread of the new coronavirus released at 18:00 on [22 May 2020].- 228 658 cumulative cases, increase of 642 from 21 May 2020;- 59 322 people are currently positive for the virus;- 136 720 people have recovered;- 8957 patients are hospitalized with symptoms, 595 in intensive care, and 49 770 are in home isolation;- 32 616 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Geotrichum candidum – Italy: horse, skin infection
Other Animal Disease -- Worldwide/UnknownA veterinarian should be called promptly in cases of skin disease in horses, according to researchers, who have described a case of fungal dermatitis resulting in the gelding becoming very unwell.The researchers, writing in the journal Animals (), have reported on what they describe as a rare case of generalized fungal dermatitis in a horse caused by _Geotrichum candidum_.There are 13 species of this yeast-like fungi, commonly found in soil, air, water, milk, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (202): global, Europe nursing home deaths, WHO
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown2 Feb 2020: 17 187 / ... / 80 024 / ... / 81 589 / ... / 82 875 / ... / 82 954 / 82 960 / 82 965 / 82 967 / 82 971 / 82 971 / Mainland China2 Feb 2020: 15 / ... / 3726 / ... / 9976 / ... / 11 065 / 11 078 / 11 110 / 11 122 / 11 142 / 11 165 / South KoreaCountries with major activity (more than 5000 cases with community spread)------------------------------------------------------------------2 Feb 2020: 11 / ... / 76 / ... / 215 081 / ... / 1 131 280 / ... / 1 527 664 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (16): India (AS, AR) domestic, 1st report, OIE
African Swine Fever -- IndiaInformation received on 21 May 2020 from Dr. Atul Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, New Delhi, IndiaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 26 Jan 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 18 May 2020Report date: 19 May 2020Date submitted to OIE: 21 May 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: African swine Read more [...]
