Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (393): Senegal, vaccine development, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- SenegalSignificance------------The rapid spread of the virus causing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, raises questions about the possibility of a universally effective vaccine. The virus can mutate in a given individual, and these variants can be propagated across populations and time. To understand this process, we analyze 18 514 SARS-CoV-2 sequences sampled since December 2019. We find that neutral evolution, rather than adaptive selection, can explain the rare mutations seen across SARS-CoV-2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Contagious equine metritis – Denmark (02): horse, spread
Other Animal Disease -- DenmarkContagious equine metritis (CEM) is caused by the bacterium _Taylorella equigenitalis_, which causes contagious inflammation of the uterus in mares. The bacterium is transmitted by mating, insemination or indirect contact. The mares may show signs of genital infection and reproductive problems, including abortion, but some mares show no signs of infection. The mares can transmit the bacterium to stallions. The stallions usually become healthy carriers. CEM is a disease Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Malaria, P. knowlesi – India: (UP,HR,DL)
Malaria -- IndiaThe AIIMS [All India Institute of Medical Science] researchers found the presence of malaria parasite _Plasmodium knowlesi_ in the north Indian population while doing a study on patients with acute febrile illnesses (AFI) and pathogens causing them. _Plasmodium knowlesi_ is found in nature in long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques. The zoonotic parasite was found in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. A previous study at AIIMS had found its presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (13): Europe (Germany) captive bird, zoo, OIE
West Nile Virus -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 4 Sep 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: 19 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 26 Aug 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 22 Jul Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tularemia – Ukraine: (KS) hare, 1st rep, OIE
Tularemia -- UkraineInformation received on [and dated] 7 Sep 2020 from Dr Olga Shevchenko, Deputy Head, State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Kyiv, UkraineSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 14 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Sep 2020Report date: 7 Sep 2020Date event resolved: 4 Sep 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (61): Russia (TY) HPAI H5, wild bird, OIE
Avian Influenza -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] 3 Sep 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: 28 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 31 Aug 2020Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 29 Mar 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: highly Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (16): USA (MA)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesPublic health officials in Massachusetts have announced the state's 4th human case of the mosquito-borne disease eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] this season.The latest case is a woman in her 60s who was exposed to the disease in Plymouth County. The state said on Friday [4 Sep 2020] that as a result, the risk level in the town of Plymouth been raised to high.There are now 4 communities in the state at critical risk for the disease (10 at high risk and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tick-borne encephalitis – Germany (02): (BW, BY)
Tick-borne Encephalitis — Germany
PRO/AH/EDR> Tick behavior: pathogen influence
Pests -- Worldwide/UnknownAbstractPathogens can manipulate the phenotypic traits of their hosts and vectors, maximizing their own fitness. Among the phenotypic traits that can be modified, manipulating vector behavior represents one of the most fascinating facets. How pathogens infection affects behavioral traits of key insect vectors has been extensively investigated. Major examples include _Plasmodium_, _Leishmania_ and _Trypanosoma_ spp. manipulating the behavior of mosquitoes, sand flies and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed die-off, fish – USA: (MT) proliferative kidney disease susp.
Animal Die-off -- United StatesHundreds of dead mountain whitefish have washed ashore along the Yellowstone River in Montana, launching an investigation into the cause of death.Although the mortality has yet to be confirmed, park officials speculate the fish died due to proliferative kidney disease (PKD) caused by a parasite found lurking in the waters.Biologists on the case have counted around 200 bodies along the river between Big Timber and Livingston.Incident reports began at the end of August Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (44): Congo DR (EQ)
Ebola — DR Congo
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (392): USA motorcycle rally, cardiac manifestations, WHO, global
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): 5 116 478 (3431) / 11 206 (75)European Region (61): 4 475 267 (31 094) / 222 279 (315)South East Asia Region (10): 4 689 943 (96 991) / 83 400 (1218)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 1 996 246 (14 100) / 52 710 (310)Region of the Americas (54): 14 001 390 (144 427) / 484 079 (3383)African Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> New in IJID (09): September 2020
Chlamydia -- United StatesCoronavirus (COVID-19) CollectionEditorials---All Hands on Deck: A synchronized whole-of-world approach for COVID-19 mitigationShahul H. Ebrahim, Jiatong Zhuo, Ernesto Gozzer, Qanta A. Ahmed, Rubina Imtiaz, Yusuf Ahmed, Seydou Doumbia, N.M. Mujeeb Rahman, Habida Elachola, A. Wilder-Smith, Ziad A. Memish. IJID 2020,94(8):208-215.Advancing COVID-19 vaccines - avoiding different regulatory standards for different vaccines and need for open and transparent data sharing. Eskild Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – USA (03): (ND) cow
Anthrax -- United StatesNorth Dakota's state veterinarian says the state's 1st reported case of anthrax this year [2020] is a reminder to livestock producers to take action to protect their animals from the disease, especially in areas with a past history of the disease. The case, in Morton County, was confirmed yesterday [3 Sep 2020] by the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory."Anthrax has been confirmed in cattle in a Morton County beef herd," Dr. Susan Keller said. "Producers Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (21): waning immunity, Ethiopia vaccination
Measles -- EthiopiaWaning MMR immunity, vaccine hesitancy, could mean more measles outbreaks.A systematic review and meta-analysis of 62 studies has found that immunity conferred by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine fades each subsequent year, suggesting that vaccination strategies should be revisited.The study, published yesterday [1 Sep 2020] in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, showed that 96.0% of patients inoculated with the 2-dose trivalent MMR vaccine initially developed antibodies Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> COVID-19 update (391): vaccine trails, cytokines, 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): 513 045 (4719) / 11 131 (132)European Region (61): 4 443 522 (45 961) / 221 960 (551)South East Asia Region (10): 4 592 952 (93 164) / 82 182 (1214)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 1 982 146 (15 073) / 52 400 (322)Region of the Americas (54): 13 856 963 (131 311) / 480 696 (3464)African Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Nerve agent poisoning – Russia: Novichok
Poisoning -- RussiaGermany said today [2 Sep 2020] it has 'unequivocal proof' Russian dissident Alexei Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. Tests carried out at a military laboratory found evidence of the Soviet-era chemical weapon previously used to attack Sergei Skripal in Salisbury [UK] in 2018. Navalny, 44, remains in a coma in a Berlin hospital nearly 2 weeks after collapsing on a plane in Siberia, which made an emergency landing when he suddenly fell ill.'Germany says it will Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (15): USA, horse
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesClemson Livestock and Poultry Health (CLPH) officials are warning horse owners that eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) has been found in Colleton and Jasper counties.Clemson confirmed on 25 Aug 2020 that 2 cases of horses with EEE have been found: a 4-year-old paint mare in Colleton and a 2-year-old paint colt in Jasper County. Both horses had to be euthanized.EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-transmitted diseases in the US. The virus spreads Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (14): USA (WI) fatal
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesLaboratory testing confirmed Wisconsin's 1st 2020 human death from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), state health officials announced Friday [4 Sep 2020]. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Chippewa County Health Department sent out a news release with the information.A Chippewa County woman in her 60s was infected, becoming the 2nd case in the state and the 1st to result in death, after the1st confirmed case on Wednesday [2 Sep Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – China: (NM) sheep, human
Anthrax — China
PRO/AH/EDR> Q fever – Australia: (QL)
Q Fever -- AustraliaFar North Queenslanders who work with animals are being urged to get vaccinated against a bacterial disease carried by animals that has been identified on the Atherton Tablelands.Cairns Tropical Public Health Services has confirmed 23 recent cases of Q fever in the region, with most cases in the Mareeba area. Q fever is an illness caused by the bacteria _Coxiella burnetii_, carried by animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and kangaroos.Symptoms of the disease include fever and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> St. Louis encephalitis virus – USA (02): (CA) fatal
St. Louis Encephalitis -- United StatesA Madera County man in his 90s died in August [2020] from the Saint Louis encephalitis virus [SLEV], the county health department reported Thursday [3 Sep 2020]. The county said it is the 1st confirmed case of SLEV in California this year [2020] and the 1st in Madera County since 1976.The health department, through preliminary testing, thought it was the West Nile virus before the test confirmed it was SLEV. Madera County Public Health Officer Simon Paul said Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lumpy skin disease – India (04): (MH) cattle, spread
Lumpy Skin Disease -- IndiaLumpy skin disease (LSD), an infectious viral disease of cattle and bovine animals, is spreading fast in some districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada, creating panic among dairy farmers. According to the [Maharashtra] state Animal Husbandry department, so far 93 252 infections of the capripoxvirus, which was first detected in the state in Gadchiroli district in April [2020], have been recorded in the state.The virus causes the development of stiff, round, cutaneous nodules Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Bluetongue – Europe (06): Romania (VL) sheep, serotype pending, OIE
Bluetongue -- RomaniaInformation received [and dated] on 3 Sep 2020 from Dr. Robert Viorel Chioveanu, President, Secretary of State, Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Services, National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Bucharest, RomaniaSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 21 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Sep 2020Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 4 Jan 2016Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium variant – France: Spanish dried sausage
Salmonella -- FrancePublic health officials in France are investigating a foodborne illness outbreak suspected to be caused by fuet, a type of sausage from Spain. The product was also sent to Belgium. In total, 18 patients with salmonellosis have been identified. They became ill between 8 Jul 2020 and 3 Aug 2020, according to Sante Publique [Public Health] France. All patients, including 12 children, had consumed the Spanish dry-cured sausage.A link between illness and the Spanish company Embutidos Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (390): Russia vaccine trial, vaping risk factor, 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): 508 326 (3170) / 10 999 (95)European Region (61): 4 396 675 (42 331) / 221 424 (459)South East Asia Region (10): 4 499 788 (90 578) / 80 968 (1269)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 1 967 073 (14 582) / 52 078 (329)Region of the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Mongolia (07): (DZ) bubonic
Plague -- MongoliaBetween late January and early February 1997, an outbreak of plague, associated with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever, occurred in the Jordanian village of Azraq ad-Druze, which lies about 50 km (31 mi) west of the border with Saudi Arabia. The 12 cases who presented at hospital were initially assumed to have tularemia, and all were successfully treated with gentamicin. When, however, their sera were tested for evidence of _Yersinia pestis_ or _Francisella tularensis_ infection Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Rocky Mountain spotted fever – USA: (NE) fatal
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever -- United StatesA rare death and an increase in reports of a tick-borne illness has public health officials reminding Nebraskans to take care when they head outdoors. For the 1st time since 2015, a Nebraskan has died from Rocky Mountain spotted fever, said Jeff Hamik, an epidemiologist and entomologist with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The man, who was in his 60s, lived in west-central Nebraska. He is believed to have contracted the disease from Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lumpy skin disease – Russia (02): (KH) cattle, OIE
Lumpy Skin Disease -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] 3 Sep 2020 from Dr Nikolay Vlasov, Deputy Head, Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture, Moscou, RussiaSummary:Report type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 25 Aug 2020Date of confirmation of the event: 1 Sep 2020Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: lumpy skin disease virusNature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (389): origin of virus, face shields, selected countries, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- IndiaWHO 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): 505 156 (3197) / 10 904 (50)European Region (61): 4 353 514 (39 351) / 220 955 (447)South East Asia Region (10): 4 409 210 (90 929) / 79 699 (1201)Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 1 952 491 (13 287) / 51 749 (327)Region of the Americas Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (25): Americas (USA) animal, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesA kitten has tested positive for rabies in the City of Rome [Oneida County]. Multiple pets and humans were exposed to the kitten and are currently receiving treatment.Signs of rabies include animal acting strangely; animal acting mad; animal acting shy -- the animal may get unusually close; drooling or foaming from the mouth.If you see an animal, wild or stray, with these signs, do not approach it and stay away.For more information on rabies prevention, contact the Oneida County Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Newport – USA, Canada (02): CDC, PHAC, onions
Salmonella -- Worldwide/UnknownAs of 31 Aug 2020, a total of 1012 people infected with the outbreak strain of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Newport have been reported from 47 states.State / No. ill people----------------------Alaska / 21Alabama / 1Arizona / 35Arkansas / 2California / 122Colorado / 26Connecticut / 2Delaware / 2Florida / 8Georgia / 11Hawaii / 3Idaho / 37Illinois / 54Indiana / 3Iowa / 26Kansas / 2Kentucky / 1Maine / 6Maryland / 7Massachusetts / 2Michigan / Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium – Europe, Canada: UK, EU, imported Brazil nuts
Salmonella -- CanadaAn outbreak of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Typhimurium linked to Brazil nuts imported from Bolivia has been reported in several EU countries, prompting the European Commission to trigger its rapid alert system. According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), a multi-country cluster of infections caused by the bacteria has been identified, with suspected cases reported in the United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Canada. The lion's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (13): USA (WI)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesThe Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Eau Claire County Health Department announced [Wed 2 Sep 2020] that laboratory testing has confirmed the 1st human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus infection this year [2020].DHS and Eau Claire County Health Department are reminding everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent any time they are outside.According to a release, the news of a human case Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Congo DR (09): (IT) fatal
Plague -- DR CongoCongo is seeing an upsurge in cases of the plague, as the vast Central African nation also battles outbreaks of COVID-19 and Ebola. Since June 2020, Congo has recorded at least 65 cases of the plague, including at least 10 deaths, in the eastern Ituri province according to Ituri provincial chief of health Dr. Louis Tsolu.While the plague is endemic in Ituri province, the number of cases is increasing and has already surpassed the total recorded in 2019 which had 48 cases and 8 deaths, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> COVID-19 update (388): corticosteroids, serosurvey, selected countries, WHO, global
COVID-19 -- Worldwide/UnknownThe meta-analysis of the 3 corticosteroid trials published today, plus 4 other such trials, showed that 28-day rates of death from any cause were lower in COVID-19 patients given corticosteroids than in those given usual care or a placebo. The study, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Rapid Evidence Appraisal for COVID-19 Therapies (REACT) investigators, analyzed data from 1703 patients enrolled in the trials.A total of 3 trials each in the meta-analysis Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Vibrio parahaemolyticus – China: (GX) durian fruit
Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- ChinaA total of 523 Chinese villagers suffered from food poisoning symptoms after eating durian from a capsized cargo ship in Guangxi on 26 Aug 2020, the local disease control center announced on Tuesday [1 Sep 2020], the state media said. A later investigation showed that they were infected with _Vibrio parahaemolyticus_, which, when ingested, causes gastrointestinal illness in humans, and was probably caused by the durian becoming contaminated by sea water.An announcement Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Purple blotch & undiagnosed bulb rot, onion – India: (KA)
Undiagnosed -- IndiaDue to heavy rainfall and moisture in the air, onion crops in Chitradurga [district] have been hit by purple blotch and bulb rot diseases, leading to massive losses. [The] horticulture department is asking farmers to use pesticides to control the spread. "Until the crops receive ample sunshine, these diseases cannot be controlled. Water-logged areas are suffering a lot," said deputy director G Savitha. About 16 500 hectares [about 40 800 acres] is [cultivated] for onion crops. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (387): Netherlands, mink, animal & public health, research
COVID-19 -- NetherlandsAbstractThe zoonotic origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still unknown. Animal experiments have shown that nonhuman primates, cats, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits, and bats can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in felids, mink, and dogs in the field. Here, we describe an in-depth investigation of outbreaks on 16 mink farms and humans living or working on these farms, using whole-genome sequencing. We conclude that the virus was initially Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Viet Nam: pate, alert, recall
Botulism -- VietnamAt least 9 cases of foodborne botulism have been reported in Viet Nam with a link to a brand of pate. All patients have required hospitalization. People reported eating Minh Chay pate products, which have been recalled nationally, according to the Viet Nam Food Administration.All patients have been hospitalized: 5 at Cho Ray Hospital and 2 each at Bach Mai Hospital and Ho Chi Minh Hospital for Tropical Diseases. They became ill from mid-July 2020 through 18 Aug 2020. Initial test Read more [...]
