Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Botulism, avian – Iran: waterfowl
Botulism -- IranBotulism disease, which for the 2nd consecutive year has caused the death of a large number of migratory birds in Miankaleh and Gorgan Bay, has reached Ashuradeh Island, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Tuesday [23 Feb 2021].Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium _Clostridium botulinum_, and the birds become [intoxicated] by the ingestion of plants or animals infected with the toxin and lose their lives. _C. botulism_ is an anaerobic bacterium that Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (76): vaccine effects, variants, UK vaccination impact, WHO
COVID-19 -- United KingdomHow to understand the difference between vaccination to prevent COVID-19 and shots to halt infection.The purpose of the COVID-19 vaccines is to prevent death and serious health complications that strain our overburdened healthcare system. All the vaccines authorized for emergency use do this, and their safety and effectiveness in clinical trials have surpassed expectations. But most people, quite understandably, want to know something more: Will being vaccinated stop the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (18): Guinea, Congo DR (NK), West Africa
Ebola -- GuineaMuyembe has been studying the Ebola virus ever since he first laid hands on it in 1976. While investigating a mysterious outbreak near the Ebola River in northern DRC, then known as Zaire, he collected blood samples from ailing villagers."Back then, we used our bare hands," with no gloves to hold a syringe, he said in an interview for the Bulletin of the World Health Organization in 2018. In retrospect, he called his survival "extraordinary. If I had not washed my hands, I would have Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Gulf war syndrome: depleted uranium NOT
Other Human Disease -- Worldwide/UnknownInhalation of depleted uranium from exploding munitions did not lead to Gulf War illness (GWI) in veterans deployed in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, a new study co-authored by a leading researcher of the disease at UT Southwestern (UTSW) suggests.The findings, published today [21 Feb 2021] in Scientific Reports, help eliminate a long-suspected cause of GWI that has attracted international concern for 3 decades.Using high-precision, multi-collector mass spectrometry Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Kenya
CJD -- Kenya1. S-Juan P, Ward HJT, De Silva R, Knight RSG and Will RG. Ophthalmic surgery and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Br J Ophthalmol. 2004; 88(4): 446-9. Available at:2. US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Fact Sheet. 2019. Available at:3. Trop Med Int HealthAdam AM and Akuku O. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Kenya. 2005; 10(7):710-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2005.01435.x.- Mod.UBAHealthMap/ProMED map:Kenya: ][See Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles – UK: (England – Cumbria), horse
Strangles -- United KingdomA warning has been issued after a case of strangles disease - a highly contagious respiratory infection that kills scores of equines in the UK each year - was reported in south Cumbria. The case is believed to be an isolated outbreak limited to the Furness area.Strangles is one of the most common diseases diagnosed in horses worldwide. It is a highly contagious and debilitating disease that can affect any horse, on any yard, at any time.Symptoms include: a high temperature Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Theileria, cattle – Zimbabwe: (MV)
Other Animal Disease -- ZimbabweA new wave of theileriosis also known as January disease is killing hundreds of cattle in Masvingo Province, while a lot of deaths are not reported. Provincial veterinary services officer confirmed the epizootic and said the 552 cattle that have been reported dead since 1 Jan 2021 are an understatement of the situation on the ground. However, he said that the Government was intervening by availing 146 tonnes of tick grease; 96.6 tons have already been released to farmers. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (75): mutation & recomb, transmission, school, Tanzania, WHO
COVID-19 -- Tanzania"Abstract---------To trace the evolution of coronaviruses and reveal the possible origin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we collected and thoroughly analyzed 29 452 publicly available coronavirus genomes, including 26 312 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 strains. We observed coronavirus recombination events among different hosts including 3 independent recombination events with statistical significance Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Septoria blotch, wheat – UK: reduced fungicide sensitivity
Other Plant Disease -- United KingdomConsidered by most agronomists to be by far the biggest threat to UK cereal crops, septoria has come into even sharper focus as it has developed reduced sensitivity to key fungicides, affecting their performance in the field. Septoria risk factors [include] mild winters, wet conditions in spring, susceptible wheat varieties, early sowing, and high rainfall.The declining effectiveness of fungicides is placing more emphasis on an integrated approach. Early-sown Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (17): Guinea, West Africa
Ebola -- GuineaThe tracking of antibodies in Ebola survivors suggests they wax and wane, which could make vaccine booster shots necessary.A new outbreak of Ebola in Guinea has prompted international concern. It was among the worst affected West African countries during the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic, which resulted in more than 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths in the region. Things are a little different this time around: health teams in West Africa are more experienced, and laboratory and surveillance Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (02): global, WPV1, cDPV
Polio -- Worldwide/UnknownPoliovirus Weekly Update, 17 Feb 2021, World Health Organization- New wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 0Environment: 4Others: 0 - New cVDPV isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 10Environment: 11Others: 4Summary of new WPV and cVDPV this week (AFP [acute flaccid paralysis] cases and ES [environmental specimens] positives):- Afghanistan: 1 cVDPV2 case and 5 cVDPV2 positive environmental samples- Pakistan: 4 WPV1 positive environmental samples- Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (37): Estonia (LV), poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Estonia[Information received on [and dated] 19 Feb 2021 from Dr. Olev Kalda, Chief Veterinary Officer, Management, Veterinary and Food Board, Tallinn, Estonia]SummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Feb 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 18 Feb 2021Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease Causal agent: Highly pathogenic avian influenza [HPAI] virusSerotype: H5N8Nature of diagnosis: laboratory (advanced)This event pertains Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hemorrhagic septicemia, elephant – India: (OR, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary) susp.
Other Animal Disease -- IndiaA 3-member team from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) visited Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday [20 Feb 2021] to ascertain the death of 6 elephants.Sources said, the Central team is on the same page with the Forest department about hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) being the cause and the measures undertaken to prevent further outbreak though it has collected samples and would seek more detail analysis.Since there have been no more Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (37): India (BR) HPAI H5N8, crow, alert
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- IndiaBihar health authorities have sounded alert after pathogenic avian influenza [AI] (H5N8) viruses were detected in crows in the state.Dozens of crows died in the state's West Champaran district in January 2021, following which the animal husbandry department officials collected samples and sent them for testing at a laboratory in Kolkata."The report confirmed H5N8 strain of bird flu. We have sounded alert and stepped surveillance to check the spread of this virus," Sunil Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (16): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)
Ebola -- GuineaTo limit the spread of the virus in Ebola, the provincial minister of health of North Kivu is increasing awareness sessions. On Saturday [20 Feb 2021], he met with pressure groups and citizen movements at City Hall. He called on everyone to get involved in raising public awareness for community engagement against this disease and against COVID-19.Transmitting real information and avoiding rumors around Ebola in order to avoid the errors known during the 10th Ebola epidemic, this is Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (74): rapid testing, Israel vaccine results, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- IsraelAvacta said in a statement that Porton Down had assessed its nasal swab test, which did not rely on saliva."The evaluated test was the anterior nasal swab test that has subsequently generated the excellent initial clinical performance data outlined above. However, in its evaluation Porton Down used artificial samples and did not use clinical samples," it said."We believe an accurate, rapid antigen test, that has been appropriately validated, will help to limit the spread of the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (04): Canada (ON) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- CanadaThree facilities in the Canadian province of Ontario are now under quarantine due to the neurological form of equine herpes virus, type 1 (EHV-1).In early February 2021, health authorities were alerted to an outbreak of EHV-1 on a farm in the Municipality of Halton. According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), 2 horses were affected in the private facility. Both were euthanized following the sudden onset of severe incoordination and an inability to stand.Most Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (74): vaccines, variants, genomic surveillance, 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): 1 569 889 (6767) / 27 885 (232)European Region (61): 37 429 340 (144 799) / 836 165 (3708)South East Asia Region (10): 13 322 028 (25 836) / 204 530 (299)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 155 544 (25 401) / 141 597 (368)Region of the Americas (54): 49 126 365 (168 687) Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (15): Guinea (KA)
Ebola -- GuineaOn 14 Feb 2021, the authorities in Guinea declared a new Ebola outbreak. As one of the key medical organisations responding in the huge 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) immediately started mobilising a team of Ebola-experienced specialists to form the core of a response team. Anja Wolz is the Ebola emergency coordinator overseeing MSF's response and outlined the current situation in this interview.How concerned are you by this new Ebola outbreak?With Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Influenza (04): USA (WI) swine origin H3N2v
Influenza H3N2 -- United StatesAccording to the International Health Regulations (IHR), human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact. A novel influenza A virus is considered to have the potential to cause a pandemic if:(1) the virus has demonstrated the capacity to infect and transmit efficiently among humans; and(2) differs from currently-circulating seasonal human influenza viruses such that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (02): Russia, H5N8, 1st case
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- RussiaRussia has registered the 1st case of a strain of bird flu virus named A(H5N8) being passed to humans from birds and has reported the matter to the World Health Organization (WHO), Anna Popova, head of consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, said on Saturday [20 Feb 2021].Outbreaks of the H5N8 strain have been reported in Russia, Europe, China, the Middle East, and North Africa in recent months but so far only in poultry. Other strains -- H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 -- have Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles – North America (02): Canada (PEI) horse
Strangles -- CanadaOn Wednesday (17 Feb 2021), the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) was informed of a new confirmed case of strangles in a Standardbred on Prince Edward Island.This case is in a different barn then the stable having been under quarantine since early November [2020]. Testing of other horses in the newly impacted stable at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park is underway, and the stable has been quarantined. No other horses in this barn had shown any clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (03): Canada (QB) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- CanadaA deadly outbreak of a highly contagious virus that's often fatal in horses has struck an equestrian farm in western Quebec.The neurological form of EHV-1, sometimes called equine herpesvirus [or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis (EHM, the neurologic form)], has already caused the deaths of 2 horses and infected nearly half of the other 39 animals housed in stables at the Luskville farm.Staff at Venturing Hills, already under added strain due to the coronavirus pandemic, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (73): post COVID, encephalopathy, USA safety monitoring, WHO
COVID-19 -- United StatesWHO 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): 1 563 122 (6694) / 27 653 (205)European Region (61): 37 279 653 (148 890) / 832 331 (3437)South East Asia Region (10): 13 296 192 (23 499) / 204 231 (305)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 130 143 (26 863) / 141 229 (360)Region of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (14): Congo DR (NK), Guinea, Liberia
Ebola -- DR CongoBackgroundThe state of the Guinean health workforce is one of the country's bottlenecks in advancing health outcomes. The impact of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak and resulting international attention has provided a policy window to invest in the workforce and reform the health system. This research constitutes a baseline study on the health workforce situation, professional education, and retention policies in Guinea. The study was conducted to inform capacity development Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other – India (01): (BR)
Japanese Encephalitis -- IndiaA child in Bihar's Muzaffarpur has been detected with symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Shrikrishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCK), and paediatrics department has confirmed the case on Friday [19 Feb 2021]."Paediatrics department yesterday [Thu 18 Feb 2021] confirmed one case of AES in Muzaffarpur's SKMC Hospital," hospital superintendent Dr BS Jha said. "We are prepared to deal with this case; we have arranged the medicines. There will be a review Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (72): Africa reporting, UK lockdown impact, Israel vaccine, WHO
COVID-19 -- United KingdomAbstract--------ObjectiveTo directly measure the fatal impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an urban African population.DesignProspective systematic postmortem surveillance study.SettingZambia's largest tertiary care referral hospital.ParticipantsDeceased people of all ages at the University Teaching Hospital morgue in Lusaka, Zambia, enrolled within 48 hours of death.Main outcome measurePostmortem nasopharyngeal swabs were tested via reverse Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Lebanon: (NA) cattle, spread, RFI
Foot and Mouth -- Lebanon[Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in cattle in the district of Bint Jbeil, An Nabatiyah (Nabatieh) Province, Lebanon.]The National News Agency reported that after monitoring cases of FMD [local vernacular name, Hafour] in the villages of the district, the Agricultural Services Center in the Municipalities Union of Bint Jbeil District, in cooperation with the Jihad Al-Bina Development Foundation, and in coordination with the Cattle Breeders Syndicate in the south, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (71): world, animal, mink, WHO/FAO/OIE risk assessment
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownA global risk assessment conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE), and WHO has shown that the overall risk of introduction and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, from the fur-farming system to humans and to susceptible wildlife populations in the WHO European Region is considered high.The global tripartite conducted the risk assessment in light of the Region's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (13): Liberia, Guinea, Congo DR (NK)
Ebola -- LiberiaAs of 15 Feb [2021], 192 contacts have been identified, including 164 contacts in N'Zerekore Health District and 28 in Ratoma Health District, Conakry. To date, no contacts have been reported to have travelled in neighboring countries. However, Nzerekore is the 2nd-largest city in Guinea and lies at the intersection of roads from Ganta (Liberia), Danane (Cote d'Ivoire), and roads to other major hubs in Guinea like Kankan and Macenta (Guinea). Therefore, there is concern about the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (02): USA (WA) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesThe Washington State Veterinarian reported one confirmed case of respiratory equine herpesvirus (EHV-1), one suspected case, and 2 horses exposed at a boarding facility in Kitsap County. The positive horse had a stall mate quarantined with it and is being monitored.[Byline: Kimberly S. Brown]--Communicated by:ProMED["Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) comprise 2 antigenically distinct groups of viruses previously referred to as subtypes Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza – USA (01): (WA) horse
Equine Influenza -- United StatesEarlier in February [2021], the state veterinarian reported a case of equine influenza at a boarding facility in Kitsap County. The facility now has reported 2 additional confirmed cases of equine influenza. About 25 other horses were exposed on the property.For an AAEP Fact Sheet on equine influenza, visit .[Byline: Kimberly S. Brown]--Communicated by:ProMED[Caution should be exercised around this disease. We do not want to be the reason it transfers to other horses. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – USA (02): queso fresco cheese susp, awaiting WGS, recall, alert
Listeriosis -- United StatesFederal officials have identified at least one brand of cheese of interest in their investigation of an outbreak of _Listeria_ infections. The FDA is warning that consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve El Abuelito brand queso fresco cheese.The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] has been working on the outbreak investigation with agencies in several states. This evening [Wed 17 Feb 2021], the FDA announced that the Connecticut Department of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (12): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)
Ebola — Guinea
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (70): gangrene, challenge trials, immunity, cancer, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownCOVID-19 is described as a short-term illness caused by infection with the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Public health officials tend to say people will recover within 2 weeks or so.However, it's become increasingly clear that this is not the case for everyone, and that the 2-week period is only the 'acute illness' phase.The North Bristol NHS Trust's Discover project, which is studying the longer-term effects of coronavirus, found that out of a total of 110 patients given Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Klebsiella variicola – Italy: horse, 1st rep
Other Animal Disease -- ItalyA bacterium considered an emerging pathogen in humans has been linked to a serious lung infection in a horse in Italy.The details of the horse's illness are described in a case report just published in the journal BMC Veterinary Research [see reference below].The 17-year-old saddle horse was found to be infected with _Klebsiella variicola_. The researchers believe it is the 1st time _K. variicola_ has been identified as the cause of respiratory disease in a horse.The Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Undiagnosed diseases, mango – India: (GJ)
Undiagnosed -- IndiaThe famous Gujarat saffron mangoes are under threat of an unknown disease due to which the mangoes are falling from the trees in several orchards. The crops have been infected with a white fungus in [Gir Somnath district], and spraying against it was not enough.One grower said: "In the last 15 to 20 years, this year has been the worst. The saffron [mango] does not rest on the tree for a longer time and falls down very easily. The situation is serious as the production of mangoes Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (36): Europe, wild bird, HPAI H5N5, H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- PolandInformation received on [and dated] 12 Feb 2021 from Dr Bogdan Konopka, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, General Veterinary Inspectorate, Warsaw, PolandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 31 Jan 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 30 Jan 2021Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Highly Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (69): superspreader, rapid test, convergent evolution, MIS-C, WHO
COVID-19 -- United StatesSummary-------A small group of individuals with extremely high viral load for SARS-CoV-2 and mild illness was detected in Houston, Texas. Awareness of the social dynamics of these individuals is needed to understand their potential to be superspreaders within the community.Abstract--------BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, a minority of index cases are associated with a majority of secondary cases suggesting that superspreaders could drive the pandemic. We identified Read more [...]
