Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/PL> Blueberry rust – New Zealand
Other Plant Disease -- New ZealandIn New Zealand, the causal agent of rust on blueberries was determined by molecular and morphological analyses as _Pucciniastrum minimum_ (_Thekopsora minima_ - EPPO A2 List) rather than _Naohidemyces vacciniorum_ as 1st reported in 2004.[Original publication: ]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[Blueberry (leaf) rust can be caused by the fungus _Thekopsora minima_ or _Naohidemyces vaccinii_, depending on the region; a 3rd species _N. fujisanensis_ is restricted to Japan. Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Bunchy top disease, abaca – Philippines: (CT)
Other Plant Disease -- Philippines5000 hectares, about 15 percent, of Catanduanes' abaca plantations are either dead or drying from the incurable Abaca Bunchy Top Disease (ABTD), raising fears that it could wipe out the industry in a few years' time if not eradicated.The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) reported that anywhere from 1% to 40% of the total abaca area in all towns are affected by the disease. The disease incidence is adversely undermining abaca productivity Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (116): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO summaries, response, research
Ebola -- DR CongoSummary and timeline of history of 10th outbreak of Ebola in the DRC.--Communicated by:Mary Marshall ******[3] Response- Sat 14 Dec 2019. Armed attacksActualite [in French, Google trans. edited][Byline: Jordan Mayenikini]DRC-Ebola: Armed attacks are the source of the increase in cases of the disease (Muyembe)Recent armed attacks have caused an increase in cases of Ebola virus disease in the DRC. From 29 Nov-11 Dec 2019, 34 cases were recorded. The supplies, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (44): Nigeria
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaFigure 1 [map]. Randomised distribution of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 1 Dec 2019.Figure 2 [map]. LGAs with confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 1 Dec 2019.Figure 3 [graph]. Epicurve of Lassa fever confirmed cases (793) in Nigeria, week 1-48, 2019.Figure 4 [graph]. Weekly trends of Lassa fever confirmed cases in Nigeria, week 1, 2016-week 48, 2019.Figure 5 [graph]. Confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria with state-specific case-fatality rates (CFR) as Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cryptosporidiosis – Sweden (04)
Cryptosporidium -- SwedenWhile cases are declining, the number of cases reported per week remains slightly higher compared to the same period in previous years.To date, some 400 cryptosporidium cases have been recorded. Most cases have been reported from Stockholm, Ostergotland, Vastra Gotaland, Halland, Jonkoping and Uppsala.The Public Health Authority analysed samples from the cases to determine what type of cryptosporidium they have become ill from. Of the 202 samples analysed so far, 93 have Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – USA (19): (MT) wild elk
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesMontana recorded its 1st suspected case of chronic wasting disease [CWD] in wild elk Monday [25 Nov 2019]. The cow elk was harvested by a landowner on private land northeast of Red Lodge earlier this month [November 2019], and samples were extracted from the carcass in Billings on 6 Nov [2019]. Test results confirming the suspected presence of the disease were returned to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and the hunter on Monday [25 Nov 2019].CWD was Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness – Kenya: (BA) fatal, aflatoxin susp
Foodborne Illness -- KenyaTwo people died while 6 are in critical condition following suspected food poisoning in Elmaine village, Ilchamus, in Baringo South on Friday evening [13 Dec 2019].A total of 17 people, who were working in a farm in the Baringo South village, were rushed to Baringo County Referral Hospital after complaining of stomach pains and vomiting, after taking a meal.Baringo County health executive Mary Panga told Nation the 2 succumbed while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mumps update (15): Europe (UK, Ireland), New Zealand (AU)
Mumps -- United KingdomHundreds of students have been struck down by a severe outbreak of mumps that is spreading across British universities. Public Health England figures show that more than 7200 suspected mumps cases have been reported in the UK since July [2019], almost triple the same period last year [2018].Health officials said students were driving the surge and urged any who missed out on the MMR jab to get vaccinated.More than 15 000 mumps cases have been reported so far compared with just Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (73): Saudi Arabia (AS, RI)
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaToday [14 Dec 2019], there were 2 newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection posted on the Saudi MOH MERS-CoV information page. No other cases have been reported since the last case update post from 5 Dec 2019 [MERS-CoV (71): Saudi Arabia (SH) Morocco, serosurvey http://promedmail.org/post/20191205.6825724].Information on newly confirmed cases (2):[1]Date of confirmation report: 12 Dec 2019Case no.: 19-1979A 66-year-old male in Abha city, Aseer regionContact with camels: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (31): O157, romaine lettuce, 3rd cluster
E. coli -- United StatesToday, 12 Dec 2019, the FDA is providing an update on our investigation of an outbreak of _E. coli_ O157:H7 illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. The FDA takes our responsibility of protecting the public from unsafe food very seriously and is committed to providing the public with more information as it becomes available.Outbreaks reported-----------------Early on, based on test results provided by the Maryland Department of Health, our investigation pointed to farms in Salinas, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – Canada (04): (ON) RFI
Legionnaires' -- CanadaThe Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is currently investigating an increase in Legionnaires' disease cases in Barrie. Four cases of Legionnaires' disease have been confirmed recently in individuals who reside in the city; in the past 6 years the health unit has seen on average 2 cases annually in Barrie residents."It's not uncommon to see cases of Legionnaires' disease in Simcoe Muskoka; however seeing this number at an unusual time of year for the bacteria warrants Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine kobuvirus – USA: calves
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesA virus affecting cattle 1st discovered in Japan in 2003 has made its way to the USA, researchers report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.Bovine kobuvirus is fairly new to science, so its ill effects are not fully understood. It belongs to a family of viruses known as _Picornaviridae_, which includes _Rhinovirus_, a source of head colds and sinus infections in humans, and _Poliovirus_, which causes polio.Previous studies conducted elsewhere in the world Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (95): China (SA) wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 13 Dec 2019 from Dr. Huang Baoxu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China (People's Rep. of)SummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 27 Nov 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 11 Dec 2019Report date: 13 Dec 2019Date submitted to OIE: 13 Dec 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrapie, sheep – Portugal: (GU) OIE
Scrapie -- PortugalInformation received on [and dated] 11 Dec 2019 from Dr. Bernardo Fernando, Directorate General for Food and Veterinary, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Lisbon, PortugalSummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 Dec 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Dec 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 30 Sep 2016Manifestation of disease: Subclinical infectionCausal agent: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Myanmar (02): (YA, ML, MO) st A & O, cattle, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- MyanmarInformation received on 10 Dec 2019 from Dr Ye Tun Win, chief veterinary officer, director general, Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Nay Pyi Taw, MyanmarSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 15 Nov 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 22 Nov 2019Report date: 10 Dec 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 2 Jul 2018Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (75)
Measles -- AustraliaThree new measles cases have been diagnosed in Melbourne, with warnings issued for Melbourne Airport and a popular restaurant in the city's southeast.On Tuesday [10 Dec 2019], Victoria's chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton confirmed the 3 new cases were recently diagnosed, and those infected had travelled on trams and planes and played futsal.A woman in her 50s is being treated in the hospital, another woman, aged in her 30s, is recovering at home, and a man in his 30s is also Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (94): Indonesia (SU) domestic pigs, confirmed
African Swine Fever -- IndonesiaThe Minister of Agriculture announced the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in North Sumatra Province on 12 Dec 2019. Since late September [2019], increased pig mortality [has] been reported in North Sumatra and some other provinces. FAO is liaising with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services. The Director of Animal Health requested FAO to provide recommendations on containment and control of ASF in the event that the disease Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (31): WHO global update, Asia, Americas, Caribbean
Influenza -- Worldwide/UnknownSummary- In the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, respiratory illness indicators and influenza activity started to increase in most countries. Influenza activity was elevated across the countries in Western Asia.- In the Caribbean and Central American countries, influenza activity was low overall, except for Jamaica and Honduras. In tropical South American countries, influenza activity remained low.- In tropical Africa, influenza activity remained elevated in Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Little cherry & X diseases, stone fruit – USA: (northwest)
Other Plant Disease -- United StatesPhytoplasmas of the 16SrIII taxonomic group cause X diseases (such as Western-X, Canada-X; _Candidatus_ Phytoplasma pruni) of stone fruit (_Prunus_ spp). Symptoms and host specificity differ for members of the group. X-disease symptoms in cherry (also called cherry buckskin) vary with the cultivar and rootstock combinations but are often similar to viral little cherry disease.Phytoplasmas can be spread by sap-sucking insects (mostly leaf hoppers), by grafting, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (93): China (SA) wild boar
African Swine Fever -- ChinaThe Information Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced on 11 Dec 2019 that African swine fever [ASF] virus was detected in 3 dead wild boars in Foping County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi province. The total number of dead boars found and submitted for testing was 9. The test was positive for ASF virus nucleic acid.After the epidemic was diagnosed, the State Forestry and Pasture Bureau and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st. Typhimurium – Canada: snake, rodent source
Salmonella -- CanadaThe Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of _Salmonella_ infections occurring in 6 provinces. The outbreak is ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada.Based on the investigation findings to date, exposure to both snakes and rodents has been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. Many of the individuals who became sick reported having direct or Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (115): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, summaries
Ebola -- DR Congo- The Technical Secretary of the Multisectoral Ebola Response Ebola Response Committee, Prof Jean-Jacques Muyembe Ntamfum, accompanied by the Assistant Director-General for Intervention in Emergencies WHO, Dr Soce-Ibrahima Fall, and a strong delegation from the overall coordination of the response, carried out a mission to return on Tue 10 Dec 2019 to Biakato Mines in the territory of Mambasa in Ituri;- as soon as he arrived, Prof Muyembe went to the ETC of Biakato Mines where he Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Malaria, avian – USA: (HI) forest birds, mosquito control
Malaria -- United StatesIt's hard to imagine a time when Hawaii's native forest birds were so abundant that Hawaiian honeycreeper songs were ear-splitting, as one early naturalist described it.Only 17 forest bird species are left in the islands, down from more than 50 that evolved here over thousands of years, according to the Audubon Society. And nearly all of those that persist appear poised for extinction in this century as threats to their survival intensify with the onset of climate change.Over Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (99): global (WPV & cVDPV), Pakistan (KP), Afghanistan (BL)
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 3Environment: 9Others: 0New cVDPV isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 22Environment: 11Others: 4Headlines- In the run up to the WPV certification of the African region next year [2020], the Africa Regional Certification Commission is currently conducting a visit in Nigeria to analyze and verify the accuracy of the certification documents prepared by the Nigerian government. "It is important that the Nigerian Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Syphilis – Canada (08): (SK,ON) incr. incidence, indigenous, women, meth use
Syphilis -- CanadaSix months since an outbreak was declared, syphilis continues to surge in Saskatchewan as doctors struggle to track down at-risk patients.The Saskatchewan Health Authority and Indigenous Services Canada declared an outbreak in June [2019] after 42 cases of syphilis were diagnosed in the North Battleford-Lloydminster area in the 1st 6 months of the year [2019].Saskatchewan has a relatively low rate of syphilis compared to other Canadian provinces. However, as of October [2019], the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (56): Hungary (BE) wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- HungaryInformation received on [and dated] 10 Dec 2019 from Dr Lajos Bognar, deputy state secretary chief veterinary officer, Food Chain Safety Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Budapest, HungarySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 7 Dec 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Dec 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: African swine fever virusNature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (53): UK (England) poultry, LPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- United KingdomInformation received on 11 Dec 2019 from Dr Christine Middlemiss, Chief Veterinary Officer, DEFRA, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London, United KingdomSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 4 Dec 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Dec 2019Report date: 11 Dec 2019Date submitted to OIE: 11 Dec 2019Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 20 Jan 2016Manifestation Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Scabies – USA: (CO) ICE facility
Scabies -- United StatesCrews at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Aurora [Colorado] are trying to keep scabies from spreading. It's a highly contagious infestation of mites that burrow into the skin. The people living in one dorm are being kept away from everyone else.A spokeswoman says these cases typically involve someone who is already infected when they arrive at the southern border. Scabies is treated with a topical medicine.ICE officials released the following statement Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Simian foamy virus, human – Africa: (Cameroon)
Other Human Disease -- CameroonAbstract--------Background. Zoonotic simian foamy viruses (SFVs) establish persistent infections in humans, for whom the long-term consequences for health are poorly described. Here, we aimed to characterize blood-cell phenotypes and plasma biomarkers associated with gorilla SFV infection in humans.Methods. We used a case-control design to compare 15 Cameroonian hunters infected with gorilla SFV (cases) to 15 controls matched for age and ethnicity. A flow cytometry-based Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Obituary: Henry T Eigelsbach
Tularemia -- United States[1]Date: Tue 10 Dec 2019From: Steve Prior [edited]I am saddened to be providing you with the attached news release concerning the passing of Hank Eigelsbach but happy that his contribution to infectious disease research may be acknowledged by ProMED, a reference source that he continued to access until his passing.Hank spent his entire research career at Camp/Fort Detrick having joined in the 1st intake of military personnel/research scientists in 1944. As you will recall, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Canine influenza – Canada: (ON) H3N2, 1st rep, corr
Influenza H3N2 -- Canada[1]Date: Wed 11 Dec 2019From: Scott Weese [edited]The recent ProMED post about canine influenza in Ontario appears to be incorrect. The cited news report has verbatim text from January 2018 articles describing the previous outbreak (full details at ). I am unaware of any canine influenza activity in Canada since October 2018.--J Scott Weese DVM DVSc DipACVIMOntario Veterinary College and Centre for Public Health and ZoonosesUniversity of GuelphGuelph, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (98): Afghanistan, Philippines, Pakistan, violence
Polio -- Afghanistan- In response to the 1st human case confirmed with VDPV1 from Maluso, Basilan (BARMM), outbreak immunization was conducted in the area with bOPV for children under 10 years old, vaccinating 13 547 children under 10 years of age (102% of the target).- A cVDPV1 case in Sabah state, Malaysia, was confirmed to be genetically linked to the Basilan case by the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in Australia. Since the 2 viruses are genetically linked, they are Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (11): China (FJ,AH) H9N2
Avian Influenza -- ChinaFirst reported by WHO/WPRO:1. Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 716; 22 Nov 2019 #5 [CHP Fujian Province: A 4-year-old girl with onset on 26 Oct 2019].2. Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 717; 29 Nov 2019 #6 [CHP Anhui Province: A 5-year-old girl with onset on 12 Nov 2019].Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP):3. Avian Influenza Report, 15(49); reporting period: 1 Dec-7 Dec 2019 (week 49) (Published 10 Dec 2019)Taiwan Centers for Disease Control:4. Mainland Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Squirrel pox, red squirrel – UK (04): (England) susp
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomThe call from conservation volunteers comes after a potential case of the fatal squirrel pox virus was spotted at a nature reserve by an amateur wildlife photographer.The infectious disease, carried and spread by grey squirrels, results in death for most reds within 15 days.Although the "possible" case spotted at Smardale Nature Reserve near Kirkby Stephen has not been confirmed, it has led to renewed calls for vigilance among the public to help conserve one Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Canine Influenza – Canada: (ON) H3N2, 1st rep, ex South Korea
Canine Influenza -- CanadaThe public health authority in southern Ontario says it has confirmed what they believe to be the 1st 2 known cases of canine influenza in Canada.The H3N2 strain of the virus was detected by a veterinarian in dogs imported by an adoption agency from South Korea via the United States."A small number of dogs having close with the affected dogs also have mild respiratory disease, but test results from those animals are not yet available," the health unit said in a press Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (44): 2019 overview
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesIn the wake of an especially prevalent and deadly year for eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] virus, National Institutes of Health officials say the mosquito-borne illness poses an "emergent threat" and are calling for a national strategy to address it and other emerging arboviruses [arthropod-borne viruses].As of [3 Dec 2019], according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 37 confirmed human cases of EEE this year in 9 US states, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (26): Mali (BA,SK) additional details, WHO
Yellow Fever -- MaliGrade / Date notified to WHO / Start of reporting period / End of reporting period / Total cases / Cases Confirmed / Deaths / CFRUngraded / 3 Dec 2019 / 3 Nov 2019 / 3 Dec 2019 / 3 / 3 / 1 / 33.30%On 3 Dec 2019, WHO was informed through internal communication of 3 yellow fever cases in Mali, including one death. Of these, 2 of the cases are from Wogouna and Keregoura villages, Bougoni district, Sikasso region in the South of Mali and one from Nanakenieba village, Kati district, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (40): CDC
Hepatitis A -- United StatesWhen hearing about hepatitis A, many people think about contaminated food and water. However, in the United States, hepatitis A is more commonly spread from person to person. Since March 2017, CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) has been assisting multiple state and local health departments with hepatitis A outbreaks, spread through person-to-person contact.The hepatitis A vaccine is the best way to prevent HAV [hepatitis A virus] infection.The following groups are Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – North America: O157, packaged salads
E. coli -- United StatesCDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing _E. coli_ O157:H7 infections. This investigation includes illnesses in Canada recently reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This outbreak is caused by a different strain of _E. coli_ O157:H7 than the current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, [USA] growing region.Public health investigators are using Read more [...]
