Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Rocky Mountain spotted fever – USA (02): tick host preference and temperature
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever -- United StatesDisease-carrying ticks that normally prefer dogs may start to prefer the blood of humans as climate change cranks up the heat around the world, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).Experiments revealed that brown dog ticks [_Rhipicephalus sanguineus_], which can transmit the life-threatening Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and normally prefer to feed on dogs, become Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (95): UK, wild bird, HPAI H5N8
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- United KingdomIt has been confirmed that the strain of bird flu found in a dead goose in Weymouth is highly pathogenic -- leading to a warning for bird keepers to remain alert for signs of disease to protect their flocks.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has also confirmed that a swan has tested positive for the H5N8 strain of avian influenza in Poole, although it is not yet known whether the strain is highly infectious.The wild goose was found Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (505): Europe restrictions, reinfection, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownCases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection have been reported in Hong Kong, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the USA.[1,2,3,4] Here we report the 1st confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Ecuador and South America. For full methodological details, see the appendix (pp 1, 2 [available at the source URL above]).On [12 May 2020], a 46-year-old man presented in Quito, Ecuador, with 3 days of intense headache and drowsiness. On [16 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chapare virus – Bolivia: (LP) person-to-person transmission, 2019
Other Human Disease -- BoliviaResearchers determined that Chapare virus likely spread from person to person during a deadly outbreak in Bolivia, according to findings presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting.Chapare virus belongs to a family of viruses known as arenaviruses, which include pathogens such as Lassa and Machupo viruses. Arenaviruses are usually spread via contact with an infected rodent or its feces, according to the CDC.Researchers found that Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (21): Nigeria (BE)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaOver 20 people have died as a deadly yellow fever outbreak continues to ravage some part Benue State.The Supervisory Commissioner of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Godwin Eyiwona, yesterday [23 Nov 2020] said yellow fever, which killed 20 people in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state, has spread to 2 other council areas. Eyiwona stated this during the flag-off of vaccination against the disease at the Ibrahim Babangida Square (IBB) in Makurdi, the state capital.The supervisory Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (31): Africa (Liberia) dog, human exp, OIE
Rabies -- LiberiaInformation received on [and dated] 19 Nov 2020 from Dr Joseph RN Anderson, Director of Livestock/Veterinary Services, Animal Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Monrovia, LiberiaReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 18 Nov 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: rabies virusSerotype: RABVNature of diagnosis: laboratory Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (94): Croatia (KK) poultry HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- CroatiaInformation received on [and dated] 21 Nov 2020 from Dr Tatjana Karacic, Assistant Minister, Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Zagreb, CroatiaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 21 Nov 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 7 Jun 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (93): Italy (LM) poultry, LPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- ItalyInformation received on [and dated] 20 Nov 2020 from Dr Davide Lecchini, Chief Veterinary Officer, Directorate General for Veterinary Health and Veterinary Medicinal Products (DGSAF), Ministry of Health, Rome, ItalyReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 18 Nov 2020Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 20 Jun 2020Manifestation of disease: sub-clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (504): vaccine efficacy, Africa, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown"NIAID and Okairos (a company later acquired by GSK) developed an Ebola vaccine candidate (now licensed to the Sabin Vaccine Institute) that uses a chimpanzee adenovirus (cAd3) vector, or carrier, to deliver Ebola genetic material. The gene inserts express an Ebola virus protein designed to prompt the human body to make an immune response."The cAd3-EBO Z vaccine (designed to protect against the Ebola Zaire virus species) proved to be safe and immunogenic when evaluated Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Skin ulceration – Senegal (02): (DK, TH) fisherman, RFI
Other Human Disease -- SenegalCould this be a jelly fish?--Communicated by:Susan Baekeland [ProMED-mail thanks Susan Baekeland for her question.It would be unusual for a poisonerous jelly fish or several jelly fish to affect so many at the same time. The so called "box jellyfish" or "class Cubozoa" are cnidarian invertebrates distinguished by their cube-shaped medusae, WikiPedia writes (). Although the notoriously dangerous species of box jellyfish are largely restricted to the tropical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (503): animal, France, mink, 1st rep
COVID-19 -- France1. Henning OH. European mink industry -- socio-economic impact assessment. Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen. 19 Sep 2017; - Mod.ASHealthMap/ProMED map:Eure-et-Loir, Centre-Val de Loire, France: ][See Also:COVID-19 update (501): Denmark, Netherlands, mink, human-animal interface http://promedmail.org/post/20201122.7963766COVID-19 update (490): animal, Greece (EM) mink, 1st report, OIE, assessment http://promedmail.org/post/20201115.7944705COVID-19 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (502): mAb cocktail, Brazil indigenous pop, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Brazil1. Marston HD, Paules CI, Fauci AS. Monoclonal antibodies for emerging infectious diseases -- Borrowing from history. N Engl J Med. 2018; 378(16): 1469-1472. doi: 10.1056/NEJMp1802256. Epub 2018 Mar 7. PMID: 29513615; .2. Walker LM, Burton DR. Passive immunotherapy of viral infections: 'super-antibodies' enter the fray. Nat Rev Immunol. 2018; 18(5): 297-308. doi: 10.1038/nri.2017.148. Epub 2018 Jan 30. PMID: 29379211; PMCID: PMC5918154; .- Mod.MPP]******[2] Brazil: Yanomami Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Light leaf spot, oilseed rape – UK (02)
Other Plant Disease -- United KingdomLight leaf spot [LLS] has been identified in oilseed rape crops across the UK, indicating that growers should remain vigilant for disease onset this [2020/21] winter. Since Bayer's SpotCheck service re-opened, there has been an increasing number of leaf samples testing positive for LLS.By [9 Nov 2020], 50 out of 102 samples revealed 10% incidence of LLS or more. Of these, 19 samples showed 50% disease incidence or more. Positive samples were received from Scotland Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Leaf rust, coffee – USA (02): (HI) spread
Other Plant Disease -- United StatesCoffee leaf rust (CLR) is confirmed to have spread across Hawaii's islands.According to The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), the disease has been found in Holualoa [island], shortly after [it] was discovered [on] Maui [ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20201029.7901867]. CLR is found in all major coffee-growing areas of the world but had not previously been found in Hawaii.As surveys continue across the state, HDOA is preparing interim rules that Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (501): Denmark, Netherlands, mink, human-animal interface
COVID-19 -- DenmarkOn 5 Nov 2020, the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark announced the culling of all mink in the country, estimated to total approximately 17 million animals. (1)The circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had already been observed several months earlier, but the reason for the policy change was an alert from the Danish National Institute of Public Health, which found that viruses had spilled back from mink farms into the community, and Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (25): South Africa
Measles -- South AfricaThe National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa reported on 3 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in 2 provinces between 30 Oct and 5 Nov [2020].Officials say the cases were reported in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces and do not constitute an outbreak but warrant heightened attention (a cluster or outbreak is defined as 3 cases within one health district within one month).NICD reports declining vaccine coverage rates since the start of the COVID-19 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (500): frequent rapid tests, vaccine, 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): 828 402 (5679) / 16 744 (55)European Region (61): 16 637 264 (276 712) / 371 474 (5782)South East Asia Region (10): 10 311 856 (57 319) / 157 898 (701)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 3 763 231 (36 681) / 95 558 (1153)Region of the Americas (54): 24 293 310 (257 859) / 693 922 (3902)African Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Skin ulceration – Senegal: (DK,TH) fisherman, RFI
Undiagnosed -- SenegalIn the western African state of Senegal, about 200 fishermen have contracted an unknown disease. According to the governor of the Senegal metropolitan region, Al Hassan Sall, it was initially known about 82 cases, but later this figure increased to at least 200 patients. The authorities believe that the source of the infection is the water in the sea. The center of distribution is located between the port cities of Rufisk and Mbour.The incubation period of the disease is several Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (92): Japan (KG) poultry, HPAI H5N8, susp
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- JapanJapan's Kagawa prefecture will cull 850 000 chickens at 2 poultry farms after the country detected a bird flu outbreak earlier this month [November 2020], the local government said in a statement on Friday [20 Nov 2020].These will be the 6th and 7th [outbreaks] of the avian flu in western Kagawa prefecture and the biggest cull to be done at one time since the country's 1st bird flu outbreak [in poultry] was detected more than 2 years [ago], an official at the prefecture Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (20): Nigeria
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaNigeria is responding to [the latest] successive yearly outbreak of yellow fever since the return of the disease in September 2017. Since the beginning of 2020, a total of 1558 suspected cases and 46 confirmed cases have been reported from 481 (62%) local government areas (LGAs) across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The 46 confirmed cases were reported from 14 LGAs across 8 states: Bauchi (8), Benue (3), Delta (8), Ebonyi (1), Edo (5), Ekiti (1), Enugu Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (19): Nigeria (EN)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaNo fewer than 922 463 residents of Enugu State will be vaccinated in the ongoing yellow fever vaccination in 3 local council areas with confirmed cases. Dr George Ugwu, executive secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA), told newsmen yesterday [19 Nov 2020] that the councils included Igboeze North (333 551 residents), Nsukka (398 094), and Isi-Uzo (190 818), adding that the number represented 85% of the entire population in the affected local Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (13): Asia, Europe, Africa, Pacific, viremia
Dengue -- BangladeshBackground: Dengue infection is a global health threat. While symptomatic cases contribute to morbidity and mortality, the majority of infected people are asymptomatic but serve as an important reservoir. However, the kinetics of viremia in asymptomatic infections remains unknown.Methods: We enrolled 279 hospital-based symptomatic index cases and quantified dengue virus (DENV) RNA at enrollment and at the day of defervescence. To identify asymptomatic cases, 175 household members Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquitoes – Netherlands
Other Human Disease -- NetherlandsTiger mosquitoes [_Aedes albopictus_] have been found in 10 different locations in the Netherlands this year [2020], while yellow fever mosquitoes have been found twice, broadcaster RTL Nieuws reported on Friday [20 Nov 2020].Tiger mosquitoes were found at locations all over the country, including Lelystad, Haarlemmermeer and Breda. They can carry yellow fever and dengue fever in their native habitat and were first sighted in the Netherlands in 2005.In Assen and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Jamestown Canyon virus – USA (06): (NH)
Other Human Disease -- United StatesThe New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported Friday [20 Nov 2020] that an adult from Newport, NH tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV). The patient was hospitalized with left side weakness, unresponsiveness and multiple seizures. The patient remains in hospital, having not recently improved.This is the 5th person in New Hampshire to test positive for the virus this year [2020].JCV is transmitted by the bite of an infected Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (29): Americas, USA (CA) horse
West Nile Virus -- United StatesOn 13 Nov 2020 officials at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed a horse in Sacramento County with West Nile virus (WNV). The affected horse, an under-vaccinated yearling thoroughbred colt, began showing clinical signs on 3 Nov 2020. Signs consisted of ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements) and hind-limb neurologic signs. The colt is recovering.According to CDFA, this is California's 19th confirmed equine case of WNV in 2020. Other Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (499): obesity, remdesivir, Eastern Mediterranean, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownBackground: Cross-sectional observational studies have reported obesity and cardiometabolic co-morbidities as important predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization. The causal impact of these risk factors is unknown at present.Methods: We conducted multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the observational associations between obesity traits (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC]), quantitative cardiometabolic parameters (systolic Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Strangles – North America (05): USA (MI) horse
Strangles -- United StatesThe Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed positive cases of equine strangles in Mecosta and Newaygo counties.In Mecosta County, a 10 year old appaloosa mare had onset of clinical signs on 6 Nov 2020 including fever and nasal discharge. The mare is recovering. There are 5 other suspect cases on that property and 37 horses exposed.In Newaygo County, a 12 year old Tennessee walking horse gelding was confirmed with equine strangles. He [developed] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed deaths – Nigeria (04): (KO) RFI
Undiagnosed -- NigeriaAn unknown illness has reportedly killed at least 50 people in Ette community, Olamaboro local government area [LGA] of Kogi state.Ujah Alewo, the lawmaker representing Olamaboro constituency in the state house of assembly, disclosed this via a motion introduced during the plenary session on Tuesday [17 Nov 2020]. He said there is no confirmed diagnosis of the illness, of which symptoms include headache, sore eyes, loss of appetite, inability to urinate or defecate, and convulsion Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (91): Sweden, Germany, poultry, wild bird, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- SwedenInformation received on [and dated] 18 Nov 2020 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: 13 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 16 Nov 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 29 Apr 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly pathogenic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (498): Denmark, animal, mink, zoonotic
COVID-19 -- DenmarkSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused a pandemic in humans. Farmed mink (_Neovison vison_) are also susceptible. In Denmark, this virus has spread rapidly among farmed mink, resulting in some respiratory disease. Full-length virus genome sequencing revealed novel virus variants in mink. These variants subsequently appeared within the local human community.--communicated by:Mary Marshall[We hereby present the Conclusions segment extracted from the article:"A Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Equine infectious anemia – North America (05): USA (TX) horse
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesTexas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed 2 quarter horses of unspecified age with equine infectious anemia (EIA). The 2 horses reside in Denton and Harris counties. The Denton County horse was euthanized; the Harris County horse is affected and alive. The premises on which the horses reside are under official quarantine until TAHC requirements are met. TAHC staff is coordinating with the owners and attending veterinarians to monitor horses Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (18): Nigeria (EN,BE)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaOn Monday [16 Nov 2020], 3 more local government areas [LGAs] in the state of Enugu were suspected to have recorded yellow fever outbreaks. This came as the Igbo-Eze North LGA, where the outbreak of the disease was 1st reported, directed residents of the LGA and nearby communities to stop eating beef, following strange deaths of cows in some communities in the area.Enugu had been battling to contain the outbreak of yellow fever in 2 communities of Ette Uno and Umuopu in Igbo-Eze Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Europe (33): Germany (SN) wild boar, spread
African Swine Fever -- GermanyAt the end of October [2020], a wild boar infected with African swine fever (ASF) was shot in the Gorlitz district of Saxony. Since then, more infected wild boars have been found. This highly contagious viral disease threatens not only the wild boar but also the domestic pig population.The Ministry of Social Affairs, which is responsible for combating animal diseases, has taken all necessary measures to prevent the spread of ASF. The aim of these is to prevent the further Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (496): NPI, vaccine, antigen test, 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): 812 085 (4506) / 16508 (47)European Region (61): 15 738 179 (244 710) / 354154 (5463)South East Asia Region (10): 10 141 969 (47 152) / 155 683 (659)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 3 649 052 (37 381) / 92 651(857)Region of the Americas Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (90): Belgium, wild bird, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- BelgiumInformation received on [and dated] 17 Nov 2020 from Dr Herman Claeys, chef du service politique sanitaire: Animaux et Vegetaux, Directorat-general Animaux, Vegetaux et Alimentation, Service Public Federal Sante publique, securite de la chaine alimentaire et environnement, Bruxelles, BelgiumSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 13 Nov 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (28): Americas, USA (FL) horse
West Nile Virus -- United StatesOfficials at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have confirmed a horse at a private facility in Hillsborough County with West Nile virus (WNV). The affected 7 year old miniature horse mare experienced onset of clinical signs on 1 Nov 2020. Signs included depression, incoordination, listlessness, and hind-limb weakness. This case marks the state's 14th confirmed case of WNV in 2020.WNV transmission occurs when infected mosquitoes feed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (89): France, Denmark, poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- FranceInformation received on [and dated] 17 Nov 2020 from Dr Loic Evain, directeur general adjoint, CVO, Direction generale de l'alimentation, Ministere de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Paris, FranceSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 7 Nov 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 16 Nov 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 27 Oct 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (495): animal, cat, transmission model
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownThe evolutionary mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 viruses adapt to mammalian hosts and, potentially, escape human immunity depend on the ways genetic variation is generated and selected within and between individual hosts. Using domestic cats as a model, we show that SARS-CoV-2 consensus sequences remain largely unchanged over time within hosts, but dynamic sub-consensus diversity reveals processes of genetic drift and weak purifying selection. Transmission bottlenecks Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Xylella fastidiosa – Spain: (VC)
Xylella Fastidiosa -- SpainA new outbreak of xylella is declared in the Valencian Community as thousands of plants have to be destroyed. The [Valencian] Department of Agriculture (DOGV) has declared [this] the 13th outbreak, affecting 9 plant species in the province of Alicante.Experts in the region must now systematically destroy all affected plants, completely disposing of their root systems to avoid re-growth. The diseased plants are found in public and private gardens, sidewalks, medians, and Read more [...]
