Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (11): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)
Ebola -- GuineaThe representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Guinea Dr Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbogives has given an update on the preparation of the response to deal with the new Ebola epidemic declared mid-February 2021 in Guinea.Five people have died of Ebola virus in Guinea, the health agency said on Mon 15 Feb 2021 as the government and aid groups began to roll out their response to the outbreak.Dr Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbo says "the reasons for optimism are the lessons learned and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (68): animal-human interface, OIE, mink
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownUSA: The 8-member gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is recovering well following the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (B.1.429 lineage) in several troop members earlier in January 2021. Some of animals had presented symptoms including mild coughing, congestion, nasal discharge and intermittent lethargy. These animals would be vaccinated with a recombinant purified spike protein vaccine intended for non-human use.It was noted that the Wildlife Working Group Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Syria: (HA) livestock, spread, Iraq susp, RFI
Foot and Mouth -- SyriaAccording to an unofficial/media report [see in the commentary below], there is a widespread [outbreak] of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in northeastern Syria. Per the news article, veterinary doctor Adnan Hamed from Derik in the far north and east of Syria told Shafaq News: "The disease has spread widely throughout Syria, especially in the areas administered by the Autonomous Administration in northern and eastern Syria." Hamed stated, "The Russian vaccine used to come from Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (67): impact on children, borders, ice fishing, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- GermanyYoung children typically are "superspreaders" of respiratory germs, so it's puzzling that they don't seem to be major transmitters of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. They're also relatively absent among hospitalized patients. Initially, that was thought to be because they're less likely to become seriously ill if infected. Later studies indicate that those of primary school age, at least, may be less likely to catch the virus in the first place. Still, they're not immune Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (10): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)
Ebola -- GuineaHealth officials in Guinea are racing to contain a new outbreak of Ebola that has killed at least 4 people and raised concerns across west Africa, which previously suffered the worst from the virus.On Mon 15 Feb 2021 morning, a 4th victim died in Guinea, and 4 others are being treated in an isolation centre, suffering vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. At least 7 of the people who contracted the virus attended the funeral of a nurse in Goueke, a town near the Liberian border, on 1 Feb Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (02): Argentina (SA)
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaThe Ministry of Public Health reports that 5 positive cases of [a] hantavirus [infection] have been registered in the [Salta] province from the beginning of 2021. Of those people affected by the virus, one death resulted.The infected individuals are residents of the Oran Santa Rosa colony General Mosconi and Hipolito Yrigoyen. Of the patients, 3 are female and 2 are male. The epidemiological surveillance is the same as that followed for mosquito transmitted diseases. Given Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Singapore: possible restaurant source
Typhoid -- SingaporeOfficials in Singapore are investigating if 2 typhoid fever cases are linked to eating at a food outlet. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said 2 people fell ill after having food prepared by Hooi Kee Eating House on Clemenceau Avenue in Singapore Shopping Centre. Both people ate at this site several times between [2 Jan 2021 and 18 Jan 2021]. They were later admitted to hospital. One has since been discharged and the other is in stable condition in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (66): dual CoV infections, lockdowns, post-COVID, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- ChinaAbstract--------Compared to other human coronaviruses, the genetic diversity and evolution of human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) are relatively understudied. We report a fatal case of COVID-19 pneumonia coinfected with HCoV-229E in Hong Kong. Genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E from a nasopharyngeal sample of the patient showed that the SARS-CoV-2 strain HK13 was most closely related to SARS-CoV-2 type strain Wuhan-Hu-1 (99.99% nucleotide identity), compatible with his Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease – India: (KL)
Kyasanur Forest Disease -- IndiaA case of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) has been reported from Mullankolly under the Pulpally Family Health Centre in Wayanad [district in Kerala].KFD, also known as monkey fever, is a viral disease transmitted to humans through a species of ticks usually found on monkeys.The patient, a 30-year-old youth, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sulthan Bathery. The patient was hospitalised on Wednesday [11 Feb 2021], and samples were sent to the virology laboratory Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Uzbekistan: home canned tomatoes, fatal
Botulism -- UzbekistanBotulism is caused by a potent neurotoxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission, resulting in death by asphyxiation. Currently, the therapeutic options are limited, and there is no antidote. Here, we harness the structural and trafficking properties of an atoxic derivative of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) to transport a function-blocking single-domain antibody into the neuronal cytosol where it can inhibit BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A1) molecular toxicity. Post-symptomatic treatment Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – India: (OD, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary) elephant, susp, RFI
Anthrax -- IndiaWithin 13 days, 5 elephants have died inside Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district of Odisha, officials said. All the carcasses were found near water bodies, they said. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Sashi Pal said the elephant deaths were due to some bacterial infection. "The water bodies in the sanctuary may have been infected," he said.Divisional Forest Officer, Kalahandi (South Division), Ashok Kumar said, stagnant water is being treated with bleaching powder Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Gibberella ear rot, maize – USA: (OH)
Other Plant Disease -- United StatesIf you had damaged corn or were rejected at an elevator because your vomitoxin levels were too high, you are not alone. This was a widespread issue across Ohio. Vomitoxin is [due to] _Gibberella_ ear rot. Like with most ear rots, there have not been clear results on management strategies. Harvesting early is very important, getting the grain cooled down and dry can stop the spread. Some hybrids are more resistant than others, but this often is not indicated. Some Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (09): DR Congo, (NK) Guinea
Ebola -- DR CongoIn the afternoon of this Sun 14 Feb 2021, the Guinean Government declared "an epidemic of Ebola virus disease in the prefecture of N'Zerekore, sub-prefecture of Gouecke", after examining the samples taken from sick people. According to the Guinean Ministry of Health, more than 3 people have already been killed by this disease, which officially killed 2536 people between the end of 2013 and the end of 2015. All the victims were said to have attended the funeral of a nurse at the center Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – India (03): (MP) fatal
Foodborne Illness -- IndiaOne person died, and 9 others fell sick after consuming a spurious toddy drink in Dhar district on Sat 13 Feb 2021.The incident was reported at Kudadipura village in Kukshi tehsil. Block medical officer Dr Abhishek Rawat at Kukshi health centre said that 10 villagers including 3 minors were admitted here after they complained of vomiting and diarrhea after consuming a toddy at their village.The doctors started their treatment at the health centre. But, as the condition of Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (03): Africa, Mozambique
Cholera -- Mozambique1. Guerrant RL, Carneiro-Filho BA, Dillingham RA. Cholera, diarrhea, and oral rehydration therapy: triumph and indictment. Clin Infect Dis. 2003; 37(3): 398-405; .2. Gregorio GV, Gonzales ML, Dans LF, Martinez EG. Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009; (2): CD006519; .3. Gore SM, Fontaine O, Pierce NF. Impact of rice based oral rehydration solution on stool output and duration of diarrhea: meta-analysis of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Finland: restaurant
Salmonella -- FinlandAt least 30 people have fallen ill after eating at a restaurant in Finland during the end of January 2021.An investigation by public health officials in the town of Kokkola, also known as Karleby, found salmonellosis was behind the illnesses. The 1st infection was recorded on 27 Jan 2021, and no patients have been reported since 29 Jan 2021. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.Sigrid's restaurant carried out cleaning and extensive disinfection Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – USA : queso fresco cheese
Listeriosis -- United StatesConnecticut / 1 Maryland / 4 New York / 1 Virginia / 1------------------------Total / 7 The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for _Listeria_. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (65): animal, China, origin, WHO mission, Huanan market
COVID-19 -- ChinaA team of experts selected by the World Health Organization [WHO] to investigate the origins of the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic returned last week from Wuhan, site of the world's 1st outbreak. The team, having broken the ice with Chinese scientists, plans to produce a joint report on the possible origins of the virus.The 2 groups of scientists, from China and the WHO, agreed to pursue some ideas that the Chinese government has been promoting, like the possibility that Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (64): vaccine, reinfect. France, plasma, viral load, 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): 1 524 130 (7214) / 26 930 (126)European Region (61): 36 436 128 (137 791) / 809 441 (4210)South East Asia Region (10): 13 165 612 (23 753) / 202 222 (394)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 976 060 (25 039) / 139 129 (295)Region of the Americas (54): 48 021 725 (207 123) Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (08): Congo DR (NK), Guinea
Ebola -- DR CongoThere are fears of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the country has been hit with new cases of the disease.It's known that Ebola can linger in bodily fluids, namely semen, for over a year after the initial infection. A 2016 study published in the Lancet Global Health found that 24 out of 429 men in Liberia tested positive for Ebola in their semen at least 12 months after they'd recovered from the disease. In one of the men, Ebola virus RNA Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (01): USA (VA) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesOfficials at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) confirmed on 26 Jan [2021] that a horse at a Hanover County boarding facility was confirmed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. Thirty-two horses at 2 different facilities were exposed. The positive horse, a cross-bred gelding, began showing clinical signs on 25 Jan [2021]. Signs included dribbling urine and hind limb ataxia, progressing to recumbency (down and unable to Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – USA (01): (NM) cat
Plague -- United StatesThe New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports a cat has been diagnosed with plague in Los Alamos County, making it the 1st plague case in New Mexico this year [2021]."NMDOH staff will conduct an environmental investigation to ensure the safety of the immediate family and neighbors," said Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins. "We also offer a friendly reminder: even in the midst of a global pandemic, other diseases still occur in New Mexico, and there are steps people Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (35): Japan (CH), Nepal (KT), poultry, HPAI H5N8
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- NepalBird flu has been confirmed in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwar Municipality in the district.The flu has been detected among chickens and ducks reared there. According to Chief of the Livestock Department of the Municipality, Dhanapati Ray, the viral disease has been detected among chickens and ducks reared by 2 locals, [PT] and [ST].The flu was confirmed following a sample test conducted at the Tripureshwar-based central laboratory.With this, the local authorities have urged Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – USA: nonimported XDR Salmonella Typhi infections, 2019-20, alert
Typhoid -- United StatesSummaryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing1. information on extensively drug-resistant (XDR) _Salmonella_ Typhi (Typhi) infections among US residents without international travel, and2. treatment recommendations for XDR Typhi infection.BackgroundTyphoid fever is a systemic illness caused by the bacterium _Salmonella enterica_ serotype Typhi (Typhi). Most people in the US diagnosed with typhoid fever acquired it during international travel, but Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (34): Europe, wild bird, poultry, HPAI H5N5, H5N8, H5N3, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- AustriaInformation received on [and dated] 10 Feb 2021 from Mr Dr Ulrich Herzog, Chief Veterinary Officer, Consumer Health, Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection (BMASGK), Vienna, AustriaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 10 Feb 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Feb 2021Reason for notification: New strain of a listed disease in the countryManifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (63): children, China, nebulizer-associated spread, 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): 1 516 916 (7394) / 26 804 (191)European Region (61): 36 294 484 (147 171) / 805 071 (4042)South East Asia Region (10): 13 141 859 (19 581) / 201 828 (322)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 951 021 (26 230) / 138 834 (375)Region Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (07): Congo DR (NK) WHO
Ebola -- DR CongoIn its latest report on the epidemiological situation of the 12th epidemic of the Ebola virus disease published this Friday, 12 Feb 2021, the provincial ministry of health in North Kivu reports that 1200 doses of vaccines have already been deployed in the city of Butembo to curb the spread of the epidemic.The ministry indicates in the wake that these vaccines have already been received in Butembo, as has cold chain equipment that will keep the product at the recommended temperature.In Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (03): Kenya, human, animal
Rift Valley Fever -- KenyaIn a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in Kenya, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports as of 4 Feb 2021 that there are 32 total [human] cases reported, of which 14 are confirmed and 11 deaths.RVF in humans has been reported in Isiolo and Mandera counties and in animals in Isiolo, Mandera, Murang'a, and Garissa counties.The 1st case of suspected RVF was reported in late November 2020 following a sudden death of an adult male who was a herder. This was Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (61): meat facility, S Korea, T lymphocytes, S Asia, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of a major global outbreak of respiratory tract disease known as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects the lungs and may cause several immune-related complications such as lymphocytopenia and cytokine storm, which are associated with the severity of the disease and predict mortality. The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immune system dysfunction is not Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (62): Latvia (RA) animal, cat, OIE
COVID-19 -- LatviaInformation received on [and dated] 10 Feb 2021 from Dr. Maris Balodis, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General, Food and Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Riga, LatviaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 1 Feb 2021Report date: 10 Feb 2021Date submitted to OIE: 10 Feb 2021Reason for notification: Emerging diseaseMorbidity: 1 (scale 0 to 5)Mortality: 0 (scale 0 to 5)Zoonotic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (33): Latvia (JM) wild bird, HPAI H5N8, 1st rep
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- LatviaLaboratory tests have confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza for 2 dead swans in Jurmala, Dzintaru Beach. This is the 1st case of avian influenza in Latvia, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) said [10 Feb 2021].The Ministry of Agriculture intends, on the basis of information provided by the PVD, to impose additional biosecurity measures for poultry keepers throughout the country, including ban of keeping poultry outdoors in order to prevent direct or indirect Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (06): Congo DR (NK) WHO, 2nd fatal case
Ebola -- DR CongoOn 7 Feb 2021, the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared [the 12th] outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) after the laboratory confirmation of one case in North Kivu Province. The case was an adult female living in Biena Health Zone. To date the source of infection is still under investigation.On [25 Jan 2021], the case presented with nasal bleeding. From [25 Jan-1 Feb 2021], she reportedly received outpatient care at a local health centre. From [1-3 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (01): Americas, research, observations
Zika virus -- United StatesDomesticating Zika virus------------------------Why hasn't Zika virus (ZIKV) disease caused as much devastation in Africa, its continent of origin, as it has in the Americas? Outside of Africa, this flavivirus is transmitted by a ubiquitous mosquito subspecies, _Aedes aegypti aegypti_, which emerged from the African forerunner subspecies _Aedes aegypti formosus_ and acquired a preference for human blood and a peridomestic lifestyle. Now, this subspecies colonizes many intertropical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Feline panleukopenia – Australia: (SA) alert
Parvovirus, Other Animal Disease -- AustraliaFeline parvovirus (FPV); synonymous with feline panleukopenia virus) is closely related to mink enteritis virus and the type 2 canine parvoviruses (CPV) causing canine parvoviral enteritis. All are now designated as members of the species _Carnivore protoparvovirus 1_. FPV can cause disease in all felids and in some members of related families (such as raccoon, mink), but it does not harm canids. Conversely, some currently circulating CPV strains (CPV-2a, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (32): Bulgaria, Latvia, poultry, wild bird, H5, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza, Avian Influenza H5N8 -- BulgariaInformation received on [and dated] 9 Feb 2021 from Dr Damyan Iliev, Chief Veterinary Officer & Deputy Executive Director, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Sofia, BulgariaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 3 Feb 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 10 Jul 2020Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Root rots, pea – Canada: (AB)
Other Plant Disease -- CanadaWidespread root rot [was] found in Alberta pea fields. The severity in surveys last year [2020] reached levels at which the disease can become an economic threat. They found root rot in every field visited on an estimated 66% of roots examined."Root rots continue to be a real issue in peas," said Alberta Agriculture's Michael Harding. "Mycosphaerella and ascochyta were by far the most commonly observed pathogen. [They] were very, very common on peas in 2020."Field peas Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (59): dementia risk, UK REACT, mutation, mAb therapy, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownWang Q, Davis PB, Gurney ME, Xu R. COVID-19 and dementia: Analyses of risk, disparity, and outcomes from electronic health records in the US. Alzheimers Dement. 2021 Feb 9. doi: 10.1002/alz.12296. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33559975; The investigators adjusted for demographics and COVID‐19 risk factors (cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, chronic kidney disease), many of which are also risk factors for dementia. In addition, they adjusted Read more [...]
