Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed hemorrhagic fever – Congo DR: (EQ)
Hemorrhagic Fever -- DR CongoShowing early symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, the patient sits quietly on her bed, wrangling 2 toddlers desperate to flee the cell-like hospital room in Ingende, a remote town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They are waiting for the results of a test for Ebola.The patient can only communicate with her relatives through a clear plastic observation window. Her identity is secret, to protect her from being ostracized by locals fearful of Ebola infection. Her Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Candida auris – USA: (FL) nosocomial spread, COVID-19 unit, infect control lapse
Hospital-Related Infection -- United StatesCitation: Prestel C, Anderson E, Forsberg K, et al. _Candida auris_ outbreak in a COVID-19 specialty care unit -- Florida, July-August 2020. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Epub 8 Jan 2021. In July 2020, the Florida Department of Health was alerted to 3 _C. auris_ bloodstream infections and one urinary tract infection in 4 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who received care in the same dedicated COVID-19 unit of an acute care hospital (hospital A)._C. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (01): Americas, Brazil (SP, MG, PI) horse
West Nile Virus -- BrazilWe report genetic evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation from southern and northeastern Brazilian states isolated from equine red blood cells. In the northeastern state, the 10th human case was also detected, presenting neuroinvasive disease compatible with WNV infection. Our analyses demonstrate much is still unknown on the virus' local epidemiology. We advocate for a shift to active surveillance, to ensure adequate control for future epidemics with spillover potential Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (10): IgA, IL-6 receptor agonists, China, 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): 1 158 612 (12 177) / 20 869 (119)European Region (61): 28 275 208 (264 504) / 616 084 (5455)South East Asia Region (10): 12 194 847 (30 243) / 186 845 (508)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 097 306 (27 297) / 124 097 (372)Region Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (01): Germany (BB) wild boar, susp, spread
African Swine Fever -- GermanyAfrican swine fever: suspected case in the state capital Potsdam (press release, 8 Jan 2021)A cadaver of a wild boar, found in Gross Glienicke, has been found as suspected for African swine fever (ASF) by the Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory yesterday [Thu 7 Jan 2021] evening. The animal carcass is currently being transported to the National Reference Laboratory at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, "FLI") in Riems (Mecklenburg-Western Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (01): Argentina (RN)
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaA case of [a] hantavirus [infection] was confirmed in Bariloche. The individual is a 22-year-old young man who is hospitalized in an intensive care unit and remains in stable condition.While concern about the increasing coronavirus infections is growing, in the traditional city of Bariloche, a registered a case of [a] hantavirus [infection] set off alarms for the for local authorities.The classical tourist district in Patagonia is the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (05): Senegal (TH) poultry, HPAI H5N1, 1st rep, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N1 -- SenegalInformation received on 7 Jan 2021 from Dr. Mbargou Lo, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Productions, Dakar, SenegalSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 23 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 30 Dec 2020Report date: 6 Jan 2021Date submitted to OIE: 7 Jan 2021Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: Highly pathogenic Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Gastroenteritis – China: (Hong Kong) police academy, RFI
Norovirus -- ChinaAn outbreak at a police training institute in Wong Chuk Hang has been confirmed as acute gastroenteritis, the Department of Health's Center for Health Protection said today [7 Jan 2021]. The center said a total of 17 male and 11 female trainees were affected, aged between 20 and 36. They were said to have developed abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea since 5 Jan 2021. All of them sought medical attention and none required hospitalization. All affected persons have been in stable Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (02): (OR) fatal, apartment complex
Legionnaires' -- United StatesFollowing an outbreak of legionnaires' disease at a North Portland [Oregon] apartment building, more people are suspected to have the illness based on their symptoms.Initially, health officials reported that 4 people had to be hospitalized, and one of those people ultimately succumbed to the illness and died. At least one more person has been diagnosed with legionnaire's disease, bringing the confirmed total to 5 people.On Tuesday [5 Jan 2021], those who live at the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> BSE, cattle – Spain: (LO) atypical H-type, OIE
BSE -- SpainInformation received on 7 Jan 2021 from Dr Valentin Almansa, director general, [Health of Agricultural Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food], Madrid, SpainSummaryReport type: Immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 21 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 23 Dec 2020Report date: 7 Jan 2021Date submitted to OIE: 7 Jan 2021Date event resolved: 23 Dec 2020Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (02): Africa, WHO
Cholera -- TogoFrom 11 Nov [2020] to 28 Dec [2020], a total of 67 suspected cholera cases presenting with diarrhea and vomiting, including 2 deaths (CFR 3%), were reported from the municipalities "Golfe 1" and "Golfe 6" in Lome, Togo. A total of 4 health areas (Katanga, Adakpame, Gbetsogbe in Golfe 1, and Kangnikope in Golfe 6) in the affected municipalities reported at least one case.On 17 Nov [2020], cholera was confirmed by culture in the laboratory of the National Institute of Hygiene (INH) in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (09): immunity, convalescent plasma, asympt transm, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownAbstract--------Understanding immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 is critical for improving diagnostics and vaccines, and for assessing the likely future course of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed multiple compartments of circulating immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 in 254 samples from 188 COVID-19 cases, including 43 samples at greater than or equal to 6 months post-infection. IgG to the Spike protein was relatively stable over 6+ months. Spike-specific memory B cells were more Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (08): vaccine, FDA, mutation mapping, in flight transm, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- United StatesHealth officials reported Wednesday [6 Jan 2021] that 29 people in the United States have developed anaphylaxis after being vaccinated against COVID-19 since the vaccine rollout began, with cases occurring after vaccination using both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at present it looks like anaphylaxis cases are occurring at a rate of about 5.5 per 1 million vaccine doses given, though the agency cautioned that Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Jamaica: vacation resort, 2020
Salmonella -- JamaicaAn apparent _Salmonella_ outbreak at a resort in Jamaica has ruined vacations for potentially dozens of holiday travelers -- and now some sickened guests are considering legal action, The Post has learned."It was a nightmare," a traveler from Lincoln, Nebraska, told The Post of her experience at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa, which was echoed by other people online. "I don't know how many people go on an all-inclusive vacation and lose weight." She and her husband, secured Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Israel: (HZ) cattle, goat, st O, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- IsraelInformation received on [and dated] 5 Jan 2021 from Dr Tamir Goshen, Acting Director, Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Beit Dagan, IsraelSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 1 Jan 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Jan 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 9 Sep 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Foot and mouth Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (07): China, animal, origin, WHO experts mission
COVID-19 -- ChinaChina said Wednesday [6 Jan 2021] it was still negotiating with the World Health Organization [WHO] the dates and itinerary for a visit by international experts looking into origins of COVID-19, after the head of the agency criticized Beijing for not finalizing permissions for the mission.China's position on the hunt for the origins of the pandemic "has always been open and responsible," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing in Beijing. She said that Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Common rust, maize – Kenya: (BA)
Other Plant Disease -- KenyaMaize seed production at the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo dropped 31.8% last year [2020] following the outbreak of maize rust disease. The fungi (_Puccinia sorghi_) attacked maize leaves at the flowering stage. About 300 acres out of the 450 acres contracted by both Kenya Seed Company and Monsanto were affected.This is set to affect local farmers who depend on the scheme since the area is semi-arid with sporadic rainfall annually. The scheme is managed by the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA: (OR) fatal, apartment complex
Legionnaires' -- United StatesAn outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a North Portland apartment complex has killed one person and sickened 3 others, county health officials said.Multnomah County health officials said Tuesday [5 Jan 2021] they told more than 100 residents of Rosemont Court on Dekum Street to leave after residents contracted pneumonia, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.The health department said experts linked the outbreak Monday [4 Jan 2021] to the apartment's water system. County Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (06): breath antibodies, antibody duration, variant, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- IsraelIsrael based Scentech-Medical announced it had received approval from the Shamir Medical Center Review Board for a new clinical trial to demonstrate its ability to monitor the antibody levels and type of antibodies developed by the population of subjects getting vaccinated for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Scentech, which is merging with NextGen Biomed Ltd, reports that using the test developed for the analysis and quantification of volatile compounds in breath can detect coronavirus Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Panama disease TR1, Cavendish banana – India
Other Plant Disease -- IndiaGrand Nain banana, a variety under Cavendish cultivar, is being affected with a mutated strain of TR1 fungus _Fusarium oxysporum_. "Grand Nain is known to be resistant to TR1 and TR2 and susceptible to TR4. But these bananas are also prone to a newly found mutated strain of TR1," said Dr R Thangavelu, National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB). In 2009, Thangavelu 1st showed the TR1 can also affect the Cavendish cultivar [ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20101223.4510 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (04): Sweden (SN), poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- SwedenInformation received on [and dated] 4 Jan 2021 from Dr. Hakan Henrikson, chief veterinary officer, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Jonkoping, SwedenSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 2 Jan 2021Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Jan 2021Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 19 Nov 2020Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (05): vaccine intervals, vaccine route, snippets, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownBackgroundOn [18 Dec 2020], the US Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, adding to the earlier EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Although trial evidence for both vaccines indicates partial protection against COVID-19 illness after 1 dose (1,2), the vaccines are authorized only as 2-dose series and have not yet been evaluated for single-dose use. In the United States, distribution plans for Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Die-off, avian – India: (HP) migratory waterbird, avian influenza susp.
Avian Influenza -- IndiaWith the toll of migratory waterbirds rising to over 1800, and almost half of them being endangered bar-headed goose visiting the Pong wetlands, the Himachal Pradesh wildlife authorities on Monday [4 Jan 2021] suspected avian influenza as the cause.Chief Conservator Wildlife of Pong wetlands -- one of the largest in northern India, Upasna Patyal, said the reason for the deaths is still a mystery. Their carcasses have been sent to different laboratories to determine the cause Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> St. Louis encephalitis virus – USA: (CA) human, mosquito, 2020
St. Louis Encephalitis -- United StatesSt. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) in California counties 2020 YTD [map]Human cases 5Mosquito samples positive 510Sentinel chickens 04 counties with human cases5 counties with positive mosquitoes but no human cases--Communicated by:ProMED[On 22 Oct 2020 there were 2 human St Louis encephalitis (SLE) cases in California and by 11 Dec 2020 there were 5 cases. Mosquito monitoring found 510 positive samples. The previous case was fatal but this one is recovering Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (03): Slovenia (JP), swan, HPAI H5N5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- SloveniaInformation received on [and dated] 4 Jan 2021 from Dr. Breda Hrovatin, Head, Animal Health and Animal Welfare Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Ljubljana, SloveniaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 24 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 29 Dec 2020Reason for notification: New strain of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virusSerotype: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (02): Taiwan (Aogu Wetlands Forest Park) wild duck, HPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 31 Dec 2020 from Dr Wen-Jane Tu, chief veterinary officer, deputy director general, Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taipei, Chinese Taipei [Taiwan]SummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 15 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 29 Dec 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (04): India vaccines, Nigeria, Thailand, transmission, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- IndiaCovaxin has been fast-tracked like no other vaccine in India. The company said in November [2020] it was likely to be launched in the 2nd quarter of 2021, while a government scientist had suggested it might be February or March [2021]. Opposition politicians and former ministers on Sunday [3 Jan 2021] questioned the lack of transparency in approving it. "Approval was premature and could be dangerous," said former minister Shashi Tharoor, asking Health Minister Harsh Vardhan for an Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (03): UK hospital preparedness, vaccination, travel, 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): 1 105 549 (8405) / 20 218 (87)European Region (61): 26 490 355 (262 223) / 582 016 (5225)South East Asia Region (10): 12 023 186 (29 892) / 183 999 (457)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 4 957 344 (22 727) / 121 664 (428)Region of the Americas (54): 35 859 645 (348 200) / 864 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (02): Americas (USA, Canada) otter, fox, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesResist the urge to blanket an otter. The critter could have rabies and attack. That's what happened to an Orlando woman who tried to warm an otter on her driveway during a chilly afternoon last week.The attack triggered a rabies alert for Delaney Park and surrounding neighborhoods. The alert zone is centered on Ferncreek Avenue. These are its boundaries:State Road-408/East Anderson StreetInterstate 4/Division AvenueHolden AvenueState Road 15/Conway Road"All residents and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (02): variants, vaccine, 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): 1 097 144 (9449) / 20 131 (87)European Region (61): 26 490 355 (262 223) / 582 016 (5225)South East Asia Region (10): 11 993 294 (31 372) / 183 542 (510)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 4 934 617 (24 510) / 121 236 (449)Region of the Americas Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (01): Pakistan, global (Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone) RFI
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:Acute flaccid paralysis [AFP] cases: 0Environment [ES]: 6Others: 0New circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type [cVDPV] isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 37Environment: 4Others: 5Summary of new wild poliovirus [WPV] and cVDPV this week (AFP cases and ES positives):- Afghanistan: 1 WPV1-positive environmental sample and 26 cVDPV2 cases- Pakistan: 5 WPV1-positive environmental samples- Nigeria: 1 cVDPV2 case and 2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Strangles – North America (01): USA (MD) horse
Strangles -- United StatesA boarding barn in Carroll County, Maryland, is under voluntary quarantine after one horse tested positive for strangles.The horse, a 19 year old gelding, developed a cough, fever, and nasal discharge on 20 Dec [2020], and the diagnosis of strangles was confirmed by a veterinarian on 28 Dec [2020], according to information reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). Twelve other horses at the facility were potentially exposed, and 3 [are] suspected cases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (01): Americas (USA) raccoon, dog, cat, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesThe Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed a raccoon entered the Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. The raccoon tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. The raccoon was submitted to DHEC's laboratory for testing on 18 Dec [2020] and was confirmed to have rabies on 19 Dec [2020]."To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space," Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (01): Germany, Ukraine, wild bird, poultry, HPAI H5, H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 28 Dec 2020 from Dr Dietrich Rassow, director for animal health and animal welfare, chief veterinary officer, Directorate of Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Berlin, GermanySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 24 Dec 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 24 Dec 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 22 Feb Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (01): variants, vaccine, Thailand, global, 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): 1 087 695 (7796) / 20 044 (165)European Region (61): 26 225 728 (285 777) / 576 721 (5860)South East Asia Region (10): 11 961 922 (33 112) / 183 032 (601)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 4 910 107 (24 685) / 120 787 (448)Region of the Americas Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Aflatoxicosis – North America (USA, Canada) pet food recall
Poisoning -- United StatesAflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold _Aspergillus flavus_ and at high levels, it can cause illness and death in pets. [It is important to note that you may not be able to see or smell the mold in the bag of pet food. Nevertheless, if the name, size, and expiration dates match, do not feed it to your pet, and remove any remaining food in the bowls. Purchase a different bag of food, not on the recall list, to feed your pets. - Mod.TG]The toxin can be present even if there Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed illness – India (10): (TG) fatal
Undiagnosed -- IndiaThe whole village in Mulugu district is suffering with a mysterious disease. A total of 6 people died within a period of 20 days. All the people who died with this disease suffered with fever, bloating, and vomiting with blood. Even the doctors are not able to find the reason behind these mysterious deaths. Even after testing the people with various tests, they are not able to find about the disease.Six people have died with this strange disease in Muppanapalli village in Kannai Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (09): Asia (Yemen)
Cholera -- Yemen1. 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 13 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Congo DR (12): (IT)
Plague -- DR CongoBetween 15 Nov 2020 and 13 Dec 2020, the Biringi health zone, located in the territory of Aru, Ituri province, DR Congo, reported 151 suspected cases of bubonic plague with 5 deaths (case fatality rate [CFR] 3.3%).On 22 Nov 2020, the head nurse of the Kumbuku health center (trained in plague outbreak investigation while working in Aru health zone) diagnosed plague in an 11 year old boy brought in as an emergency to the health center by his family in an altered general status (coma, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (562): viral load, UK vacc dose, ECDC, WHO
COVID-19 -- United KingdomViruses constantly change through mutation, and so the emergence of new variants is an expected occurrence and not in itself a cause for concern; SARS-CoV-2 is no exception. A diversification of SARS-CoV-2 due to evolution and adaptation processes has been observed globally.While most emerging mutations will not have a significant impact on the spread of the virus, some mutations or combinations of mutations may provide the virus with a selective advantage, such as increased Read more [...]
