Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Congo DR (10): (IT)
Plague -- DR CongoIturi province, in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has notified an upsurge of plague cases in the health zone of Rethy. From [11 Jun to 9 Aug 2020], a total of 73 cases with 10 deaths (CFR 13.6%) were notified in 5 out of 22 health areas of Rethy health zone.Plague is endemic in Ituri province. Since the beginning of 2020 to date [Tue 20 Oct 2020], Ituri Province has reported a total of 124 cases and 17 deaths (CFR 18.7%) in 5 health zones, namely Aungba, Linga, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever- Chile: reduced fluoroquine susceptibility
Typhoid -- ChileMaes M, Dyson ZA, Higginson EE, et al. Multiple Introductions of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi H58 with Reduced Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility into Chile. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020;26(11):2736-2740. Abstract--------_Salmonella enterica_ serovar Typhi H58, an antimicrobial-resistant lineage, is globally disseminated but has not been reported in Latin America. Genomic analysis revealed 3 independent introductions of _Salmonella_ Typhi H58 with reduced fluoroquinolone susceptibility Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (449): GB syndrome, tests, challenge trials, WHO, global
COVID-19, Guillain Barre -- BrazilWHO 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): 691 964 (3227) / 14 848 (25)European Region (61): 8 367 423 (145 902) / 260 141 (1771)South East Asia Region (10): 8 610 317 (63 651) / 136 166 (891)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 2 811 831 (23 169) / 71 538 (575)Region of the Americas (54): 18 911 563 (110 540) / 610 475 (1737)African Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (448): animal, raccoon dog, research, experimental infection
COVID-19 -- ChinaFreuling CM, Breithaupt A, Mueller T, et al. Susceptibility of raccoon dogs for experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection. bioRxiv 2020; doi: [Corresponding authors: Beer M & Mettenleiter TC; preprint not certified by peer review].[Byline: Sally Robertson]--Communicated by:Sabine ZentisCastleview English LonghornsGut Laach, D-52385 NideggenGermany[The report above, initially published 23 Aug 2020, is being posted due to its preserved actuality and in view of the striking Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> European foulbrood, apis – Europe: Malta (NO) OIE
Other Animal Disease -- MaltaInformation received on [and dated] 19 Oct 2020 from Dr Roberto Andrea Balbo, director (veterinary regulation) chief veterinary officer, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Regulation Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Marsa, MaltaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 15 Oct 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 15 Oct 2020Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 3 Oct Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (447): herd immunity, USA excess mortality, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- United StatesThere is a lot of confusion among many, regarding herd immunity, on account of 2 problems:One, assuming that the herd immunity principle taken from vaccinology applies equally well to disease epidemiology without vaccination. That is incorrect.Two, herd immunity itself is not well defined. When used in science the term must have a clear definition.I have been addressing these issues for a long time.[Dr. TJ John provided the following article from The Wired Science published Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Europe (29): Germany (BB) wild boar, spread
African Swine Fever -- GermanyThe Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) today [20 Oct 2020] confirmed another case of African swine fever [ASF] in wild boar in Brandenburg. This increases the current number of cases in Germany to 71. The carcass was found within the 1st core area near Neuzelle in the Oder-Spree district.Domestic pig herds are still free of ASF.Meanwhile, on the Oder island in Kustrin-Kietz, the supposedly infected group of boar, which was detected during drone flights about 2 weeks Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (50): Congo DR, case update
Ebola -- DR CongoThe epidemiological situation of the Ebola virus disease dated 18 Oct 2020:Since the start of the epidemic declared on 1 Jun 2020, the cumulative number of cases is 128, including 119 confirmed and 9 probable. In total, there were 53 deaths (44 confirmed and 9 probable) and 69 recovered (people cured or survivors of EVD).- No newly confirmed cases were recorded for the 19th consecutive day. The last case was confirmed on 28 Sep 2020;- The 2nd test of the last confirmed case treated Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Zimbabwe (16): (MA) cattle, human
Anthrax -- ZimbabweAt least 2 persons were last week [week of 12 Oct 2020] admitted with anthrax related symptoms in Chipinge [Manicaland Province], prompting officials to dispatch a rapid response team to vaccinate local livestock. According to sources, the outbreak is now reportedly posing a threat to human life as there are suspicions that local butcheries are also stocking the infected beef for resale. Hunger stricken locals have also been consuming beef from ailing cattle, while others are finishing Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (446): ADE, New Zealand lessons, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- New Zealand"Abstract---------"Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) has been reported in several virus infections including dengue fever virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus infection. To study whether ADE is involved in COVID-19 infections, in vitro pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 entry into Raji cells, K562 cells, and primary B cells mediated by plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients were employed as models. The enhancement Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (445): animal, Netherlands, Denmark, mink, spread, epidemiology
COVID-19 -- NetherlandsInteractive map of Denmark with an overview of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration's study for COVID-19 in mink. [continuously updated, accessed on Mon 19 Oct 2020] 1. North Jutland: Hjorring (37 holdings), Frederikshavn (25), Jammerbugt (18), Bronderslev (8). the Island Laeso (3), Aalborg (7) and Vesthimmerlands (2).2. Mid Jutland: Ikast-Brande (1), Ringkobing-Skjern (2).3. Southern Jutland: Vejle (1), Esbjerg (1).--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[The total Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – Russia (03): (IN) poultry, OIE
Newcastle Disease -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] 16 Oct 2020 from Dr. Nikolay Vlasov, Deputy Head, Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture, Moscow, RussiaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 30 Sep 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Oct 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: Newcastle disease virusNature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Senegal: (SL) antelope, OIE
Rift Valley Fever -- SenegalInformation received on [and dated] 15 Oct 2020 from Dr Mbargou Lo, [Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Production], Dakar, SenegalSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 3 Sep 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 14 Sep 2020Report date: 15 Oct 2020Date submitted to OIE: 15 Oct 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 15 May 2014Manifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bluetongue – Europe (10): Croatia (IS) cattle st 4, OIE
Bluetongue -- Worldwide/UnknownInformation received on [and dated] 16 Oct 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: 6 Oct 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 15 Oct 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 1 Jun 2017Manifestation of disease: sub-clinical infectionCausal agent: Bluetongue Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (444): early treatment, herd immunity, USA rally WHO, global
COVID-19 -- United States"All this is an extension of our experience in the year 2003," Yuen said. "We have nothing to brag about because we learned bitterly from 2003 SARS." The appearance of an unknown virus to which no one has immunity created a desperate need for effective treatments. Hong Kong doctors are using several experimental infusions including convalescent plasma -- a mix of factors extracted from recovered patients' blood -- and interferon, an immune-system protein.They're also using Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (28): Americas (USA) animal, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesHundreds of thousands of rabies oral vaccination baits will be dropped over several north Alabama counties to combat a significant public health threat in your backyard.The USDA will fly over Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Morgan counties through 6 Oct [2020] on a mission to drop the vaccination baits in areas where raccoons and coyotes can eat them. The goal is to stop the spread of the deadly viral disease among wild animals and protect pets and people.Authorities say Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Vibrio parahaemolyticus – Canada (02): shellfish
Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- CanadaThe Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced investigating an outbreak of _Vibrio parahaemolyticus_ infections occurring in 4 provinces. Based on the investigation findings to date [16 Oct 2020], exposure to shellfish has been identified as a likely source of the outbreak. Many individuals who became sick reported eating shellfish, mainly raw oysters harvested from eastern coastal waters, before their illnesses occurred.As of 14 Oct 2020, there are 21 confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – Viet Nam (02): CDC US travel alert
Diphtheria -- VietnamThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice recently for Viet Nam due to a diphtheria outbreak.National health authorities have reported 198 diphtheria cases since the beginning of this year [2020]. Of the 198 cases, 172 cases have been reported in the Central Highland region, 22 cases in central provinces, and 4 cases in southern provinces.In response to the outbreak, the Viet Nam Ministry of Health has launched a vaccination campaign for affected Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan: (NO)
Rift Valley Fever -- SudanThe United Resistance Coordination of Merowe in the Northern State announced that the number of deaths from Rift Valley fever has risen to 79, while the number of recorded cases has reached 1962, including 3 cases of nervous system complications. A total of 4578 miscarriages and deaths have been recorded among livestock.The Coordination calls on the Sudanese Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Animal Resources to declare an epidemic of Rift Valley fever and to open the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (443): cytokine storm, mortality comparison, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown"If the US death rates were comparable to Australia, the US would have had 187 661 fewer COVID-19 deaths (94% of reported deaths), and if comparable with Canada, 117 622 fewer deaths (59%).""While the US had a lower COVID-19 mortality rate than high-mortality countries during the early spring, after 10 May [2020], all 6 high-mortality countries had fewer deaths per 100 000 than the US. For instance, between 10 May and 19 Sep 2020, Italy's death rate was 9.1/100 000 while Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (26): Europe (Netherlands) ECDC update
West Nile Virus -- NetherlandsBetween 9 and 15 Oct 2020, EU Member States reported 14 human cases of WNV infection: Italy (11), Greece (2) and Bulgaria (1). Pazardzhik Province in Bulgaria reported a locally acquired human case of WNV infection for the 1st time through TESSy. All other cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, 3 deaths were reported by Italy (2) and Bulgaria (1). No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Vesicular stomatitis – USA (15): (MO) horse
Vesicular Stomatitis -- United StatesFollowing 2 weeks of USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) Situation Reports with no new confirmed vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) cases and all previously positive premises released from quarantine, APHIS confirmed one new positive equine premises, in Texas County, Missouri, in its 8 Oct 2020 report.Premises with confirmed positive and suspect cases are quarantined and monitored by veterinarians for at least 14 days from the onset of lesions Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza – USA (04): (WA) horse
Equine Influenza -- United StatesOn 9 Oct 2020, officials at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) confirmed a Pierce County premises is under voluntary quarantine following a horse there testing positive for equine influenza (EI).Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus causing it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (22): USA, Canada, horse, human
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesWe have just learned about the 1st reported case of a horse with Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development released the following statement on Friday [2 Oct 2020]:Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is confirming the discovery of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a horse from Baraga County. Not only is this the 1st case of EEE being found Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Shigellosis – Denmark: fresh mint
Shigellosis -- DenmarkA _Shigella_ outbreak in Denmark that sickened more than 40 people was likely caused by imported fresh mint. In August and September 2020, 44 Danes became ill, including 30 women and 14 men between 0 and 75 years old; 13 people were hospitalized. Those sickened mostly live in Hovedstaden.A case was defined as a patient with either a culture-positive sample for _Shigella sonnei_ or people PCR-positive for the ipaH gene, which is a marker for all _Shigella_ species and enteroinvasive Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (442): immunity duration, Switzerland yodeling, 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): 671 124 (3676) / 14 586 (59)European Region (61): 7 570 929 (153 299) / 252 847 (1326)South East Asia Region (10): 8 278 654 (74 288) / 131 603 (1074)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 2 705 678 (21 300) / 68 769 (485)Region of the Americas (54): 18 312 080 (126 231) / 599 169 (2857)African Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis – South Korea: (KG)
Japanese Encephalitis -- South KoreaSouth Korea on Thursday [15 Oct 2020] reported one confirmed case and 2 suspected cases of Japanese encephalitis, all 3 of them in Gyeonggi Province.According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a woman in her 60s was diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease on Wednesday [14 Oct 2020]. The 2 suspected patients are a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s. All 3 started exhibiting symptoms such as fever and disorientation last month [September 2020], Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Zimbabwe (15): (MA) cattle
Anthrax -- ZimbabweAt least 20 cattle have died in Chipinge following an outbreak of anthrax this month [October 2020]. Most of the anthrax cases were recorded in Chibuwe, Dakate, Zamuchiya, and Chisumbanje, which are periodically hit by the disease due to its proximity to Save Conservancy.It is believed that wild animals such as buffaloes stray and mix with domestic animals.While Manicaland's Provincial Veterinary officer, Dr Charles Guri said they are yet to receive any reports of the disease, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (441): New Zealand influenza, Canada gym, WHO, global
Influenza, COVID-19 -- New Zealand1. MacIntyre CR, Chughtai AA, Seale H, et al. Human coronavirus data from four clinical trials of masks and respirators. Int J Infect Dis. 2020; 96:631-633. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.092. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32497810; PMCID: PMC7263249; .2. Chou R, Dana T, Jungbauer R, et al. Masks for prevention of respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in health care and community settings: A living rapid review. Ann Intern Med. 2020; 173(7): 542-555. doi: 10.7326/M20-3213. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – North America (04): USA (TX) horse
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesEquine infectious anemia is a viral disease attacking horses' immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.A Coggins test screens horses' blood for antibodies which are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most US states require horses to Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (49): antibody research, treatment
Ebola — Guinea
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (69): South Africa (WC) ostrich, LPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- South AfricaInformation received on 14 Oct 2020 from Dr. Bothle Michael Modisane, Chief Director, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Production and Health, Pretoria, South AfricaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 27 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 13 Oct 2020Report date: 13 Oct 2020Date submitted to OIE: 14 Oct 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 21 May Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – France: horse meat, multiple serotypes
Salmonella -- FranceIn July 2010, a horse from a rural farm (Farm A) in coastal Northern California was diagnosed with _Salmonella_ Oranienburg infection following referral to a veterinary hospital for colic surgery. Environmental sampling to identify potential sources and persistence of _Salmonella_ on the farm was conducted from August 2010 to March 2011. _Salmonella_ was cultured using standard enrichment and selective plating. Pure colonies were confirmed by biochemical analysis, serotyped, and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bluetongue – Europe (09): Germany (RP, SL) cattle, BTV-8, OIE
Bluetongue -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 15 Oct 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: 1 Oct 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Oct 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 10 Feb Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Paratyphi variant – USA: (MN) restaurant
Salmonella -- United StatesMinnesota officials are investigating a _Salmonella_ outbreak among patrons of a juice bar. Health officials believe additional people likely are part of the outbreak. A specific source from Nekter Juice Bar in Woodbury, MN, has not yet been pinpointed, but the Minnesota Health Department is reporting that all confirmed patients have infections from a specific variant of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Paratyphi B, meaning they were most likely sickened by the same source."Since Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (68): Israel (JM) wild bird, zoo, HPAI H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- IsraelInformation received on [and dated] Wed 14 Oct 2020 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: 12 Oct 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 14 Oct 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 3 Feb 2020Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (440): children, RNA vaccines, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownAbstract--------BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of persons worldwide. Multiple vaccine candidates are under development, but no vaccine is currently available. Interim safety and immunogenicity data about the vaccine candidate BNT162b1 in younger adults have been reported previously from trials in Germany and the United States.MethodsIn Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness – Uganda: fatal, cereal, tropane alkaloids, 2019
Food-related toxin -- UgandaIn March 2019, 278 food related illnesses were reported in the Amudat and Napak districts of the Karamoja Region of Uganda and 5 people died. The World Food Programme (WFP) stopped distribution of Super Cereal across the country and started an investigation.Testing of samples using untargeted analysis at 3 labs found the presence of several tropane alkaloids, such as atropine and scopolamine at parts per million concentrations, levels at which acute toxicity are highly Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Oropouche virus – French Guiana: (SL) WHO
Other Human Disease -- Région d'outre-mer de French Guiana, FrancePublic health measures that are planned or are ongoing include the following:- Entomological investigation mission planned for epidemiological week ending 3 Oct 2020;- Request for entomological expertise from the Pasteur Institute of French Guiana;- Prevention messages targeting the local population, tourists and other visitors passing through Saul;- Convening an expert committee to discuss the implementation of a strategy for Read more [...]
