Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (23): USA (OK, VA) horse
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesOn Thursday [21 Nov 2019], the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC), with the full support of the State Veterinarian of the New Mexico Livestock Board, ordered Zia Park and the Downs at Albuquerque to close their barn areas to horses originating from Remington Park in Oklahoma. A horse stabled at Remington Park was confirmed positive for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) last week and subsequently euthanized.The commission's decision comes the week before one of New Mexico's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles – North America (08): USA (RI) horse
Strangles -- United StatesHistorically, strangles got its name as affected horses were sometimes suffocated from large, infected lymph nodes that obstructed their upper airway or trachea. The hallmark clinical signs of infection are fever (temperature higher than 101.5 F / 38.6 C), nasal discharge, and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes (in the space between the lower jawbones), which ultimately abscess. Purulent nasal discharge is typically present, although it may initially be clear. The retropharyngeal Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) – USA: (CA) Los Angeles, imported
Chagas -- United StatesAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene. Hernandez S, et al "Prevalence of Chronic Comorbidities Among People with Chagas Disease in Los Angeles, California" ASTMH 2019; Abstract 1311. (Cardiac Comorbidities Plague Chagas Disease Patients under-diagnosed, undertreated L.A. population burdened with cardiometabolic conditions)Many patients with _Trypanosoma cruzi_ infection, or Chagas disease, in Los Angeles had multiple other comorbidities, a researcher said here.In Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (39): Sierra Leone, Netherlands ex Sierra Leone
Lassa Fever -- Sierra LeoneIn Sierra Leone, 7 Dutch and 3 British doctors have been evacuated for Lassa fever; 2 of them -- both Dutch -- and a local anesthetist are confirmed cases. The others are said to be at high risk, having been exposed to the disease in Masanga in the northern Tonkolili District.--Communicated by:ProMED-mail******[2]Date: 24 Nov 2019Source: BBC [edited]A Dutch doctor who was evacuated from Sierra Leone after contracting Lassa fever has died in hospital. The medic was Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (27): O157, romaine lettuce
E. coli -- United StatesArizona / 2California / 4Colorado / 1Idaho / 3Illinois / 1Maryland / 3Michigan / 1Minnesota / 1Montana / 1New Jersey/ 1New Mexico / 2Ohio / 5Pennsylvania / 3Virginia / 1Washington / 1Wisconsin / 10-----------------Total / 40Illnesses started on dates ranging from 24 Sep 2019, to 10 Nov 2019. Ill people range in age from 3 to 89 years, with a median age of 22. Six* percent of ill people are female. Of 39 ill people with information available, 28 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Usutu virus – Europe: (Italy) 2018
Other Human Disease -- ItalyAbstractBackgroundUsutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, which shares its transmission cycle with the phylogenetically related West Nile virus (WNV). USUV circulates in several European countries, and its activity has increased over the last 5 years.AimTo describe human cases of USUV infection identified by surveillance for WNV and USUV infection in the Veneto Region of northern Italy in 2018.MethodsFrom 1 Jun to 30 Nov 2018, all cases of suspected autochthonous Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Caprine arthritis/encephalitis – UK: (N. Ireland) 1st indigenous case
Encephalitis -- United KingdomA disease which affects goats has been found in Northern Ireland for the 1st time. It was picked up in an animal on a holding in Country Londonderry during routine surveillance. The premises where the condition was detected was placed under restriction and other animals slaughtered.There are around 3800 goats in Northern Ireland, and farmers have been urged to be vigilant by chief vet Robert Huey. Most goats are found in small numbers on farms, but there are some commercial Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (40): Sierra Leone
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaFigure 1 [map]. Randomised distribution of confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 10 Nov 2019.Figure 2 [map]. LGAs with confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria as at 10 Nov 2019.Figure 3 [graph]. Epicurve of Lassa fever confirmed cases (754) in Nigeria - week 01-45, 2019.Figure 4 [graph]. Weekly trends of Lassa fever confirmed cases in Nigeria, 2016/week 01-2019/week 45.Figure 5 [graph]. Confirmed Lassa fever cases in Nigeria with state-specific case-fatality rates (CFR) Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (92): Pakistan (KP, SD), Philippines (Mindanao)
Polio -- PakistanThe total number of polio cases across the country has touched 102, including 9 vaccine-derived cases, after 2 cases were reported in Upper and Lower Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KP].In spite of tall claims by the government and several anti-polio drives, there has been no let-up in the polio cases across the country, as only yesterday [Fri 22 Nov 2019] 5 cases were reported in Sindh and KP. These 2 provinces are among the worst-affected regions, witnessing a spike over the recent Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed deaths, goat – Kenya: capripox vaccine strain susp.
Lumpy Skin Disease -- KenyaFarmers in Nyeri County are counting losses after an ongoing livestock vaccination drive led to the deaths of at least 10 animals. The farmers, the majority of whom are from Konyu Ward in Mathira Constituency, raised the alarm after their goats fell ill days after being vaccinated.The agriculture department has been carrying out an annual month-long livestock vaccination programme, which started on [5 Nov 2019] and runs until [20 Dec 2019]. Farmers have been paying KES Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease – USA (18): (TN) deer
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesThe Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) said chronic wasting disease (CWD) is continuing its spread in Tennessee after it was detected in Shelby County.A 2-year-old buck that had been hunted in the Wolf River Wildlife Management Area tested positive for the disease. The TWRA said the find isn't necessarily surprising given the disease has been prevalent in neighboring Fayette County and had already been detected in Tipton County to the north. [However, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Severe fever w/ thrombocytopenia synd. – Japan (03)
Fever -- JapanCases of a lethal tick-borne virus in Japan are reportedly set to start passing the 100-people-per-year mark for the 1st time since record keeping on the condition began in 2013.The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced on [19 Nov 2019] that the 2019 total of 96 people affected with Huaiyangshan banyangvirus [severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome], also known as the SFTS virus, had surpassed the previous high of 90 in 2017. Additionally, the mortality rate is high, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (12): Venezuela, WHO details
Yellow Fever -- VenezuelaA joint investigation team (WHO Country Office and the Venezuela Ministry of Health) was deployed on 12 Nov [2019] to characterize the risk and develop the response plan. PAHO Immunizations (IM) Unit along with the Revolving Fund have secured a donation of 571 000 doses of yellow fever vaccine from UNICEF that arrived in the country at the end of October [2019].The local public health authorities have strengthened the active and passive epidemiological surveillance activities Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed die-off, peacock – India: pesticide susp.
Animal Die-off -- IndiaDays after 8 peacocks were found dead in a sugarcane field in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor, 9 peacocks have been found dead in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Thursday [21 Nov 2019]. According to officials, 5 more were found unconscious and the birds were being treated at a local veterinary hospital. Investigations to find the cause of the death of the peacocks are currently underway.Authorities are trying to investigate if the peacocks had eaten anything poisonous or if they died Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Gastroenteritis – USA (02): (CO) school closure, norovirus susp.
Norovirus -- United StatesAll 46 schools in Mesa County [Colorado] are closing Thursday [21 Nov 2019] out of an abundance of caution as a gastrointestinal illness continues to spread through its student body. Six schools had closed as of Wednesday [20 Nov 2019] afternoon before the district-wide shutdown was announced. Schools will remain closed on Friday [22 Nov 2019] through the district's Thanksgiving break, which lasts the entire week of the holiday from [25-29 Nov 2019].Mesa County health officials Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – South Africa (03): (LP) cattle, st SAT 2, spread
Foot and Mouth -- South AfricaTraces of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have so far linked infected animals to an auction facility in Limpopo, with at least 5 commercial facilities affected as a result.In a joint statement, the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the National Animal Health Forum (NHF) on FMD said there are more concerns that purchased animals at the same auction could be affected."All known infected properties have been placed under quarantine, suspect Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (38): (NE,WI,IN) fresh berries
Hepatitis A -- United StatesThe [Nebraska] Central District Health Department [CDHD] reported [Wed 20 Nov 2019], a multi-state outbreak of hepatitis A that has been linked to eating blackberries and potentially to strawberries purchased at Fresh Thyme grocery stores. The berries were distributed in 3 states [I believe they mean cases have occurred in these states - Mod.LL], including Nebraska as well as Indiana and Wisconsin. The department noted that these same berries were also distributed in Iowa, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Melioidosis – Viet Nam (02): (Hanoi) fatal, brothers
Melioidosis -- Vietnamhttps://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/in-rare-tragedy-two-hanoi-brothers-die-of-whitmore-s-disease-4014160.htmlTwo brothers in Hanoi's Soc Son District died of melioidosis, or Whitmore's disease, 2 weeks apart. On [28 Oct 2019], a 5-year-old boy, was admitted to the National Children's Hospital in the capital city [Hanoi] with high fever and stomachache. 3 days later he died of septic shock from a bloodstream infection. Doctors found out later that his death was caused by melioidosis, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (50): Taiwan (CH) chicken, HPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 20 Nov 2019 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 notificationDate of start of the event: 27 Oct 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 30 Oct 2019Report date: 20 Nov 2019Date submitted to OIE: 20 Nov 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (41): USA, human
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesHumans have always lived in intimate association with arthropods that transmit pathogens between humans or from animals to humans. About 700 000 deaths due to vector-borne diseases occur globally each year, according to World Health Organization estimates. In the summer and fall of 2019, 9 US states have reported 36 human cases (14 of them fatal) of one of the deadliest of these diseases: eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), an arthropod-borne viral (arboviral) Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza – USA (05): (CA,WA) horse
Equine Influenza -- United StatesOn 11 Oct 2019, an attending veterinarian confirmed 2 Ventura County horses tested positive for equine influenza. The 1st, a 2-year-old Warmblood gelding, experienced onset of clinical signs, including coughing, fever, and nasal discharge, on 8 Oct 2019.The 2nd, a yearling filly, first showed clinical signs of coughing, enlarged submandibular (under the jaw) lymph nodes, fever, and nasal discharge on 9 Oct 2019.The vaccination status of both horses is reported as Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (91): global, WPV and cVDPVs, Philippines
Polio -- PhilippinesPoliovirus weekly update, as of 20 Nov 2019, WHONew wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 5Environment: 4Others: 0New cVDPV isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 11Environment: 0Others: 1HeadlinesSummary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives):Afghanistan: 1 WPV1 case and 2 positive environmental samples;Pakistan: 4 WPV1 cases, 2 WPV1-positive environmental samples, and 2 cVDPV2 cases;Nigeria: 1 cVDPV2 case;Democratic Republic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rhinotracheitis, bovine (IBR/IPV) – France: (BT) cattle, recurrence
Respiratory Illness — France
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (110): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summary, Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Ebola -- DR CongoAbout 50 000 people are affected by this vaccination, which will last 4 months. Until [Mon 18 Nov 2019], 245 people are already vaccinated, which include 172 adults, including 50 women, and 23 children aged 5-18 years. The NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF), responsible for the implementation of the Johnson & Johnson Clinic study, notes with satisfaction the ownership of this study by the Kahembe and Majengo health area population in Goma, North Kivu. The campaign to introduce Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Coral reef kills – USA: (PR) warming and pollutants
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesAgricultural runoff, especially the metal copper and marine plant leaching from boat hulls pose as an emerging threat to Coral Sea fans in the waters around Puerto Rico.In a study published in the journal 'Ecological Applications', scientists report evidence of metal pollution creating danger for the soft coral sea fans."We know warming oceans pose an existential threat to coral reefs around the world," said ecologist Allison Tracy, who conducted this work with Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Babesia venatorum – UK: (Scotland) 1st rep, asymptomatic, sheep, zoonotic
Babesiosis -- United Kingdom1. Gray A, Capewell P, Loney C, et al. Sheep as host species for zoonotic _Babesia venatorum_, United Kingdom. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019; 25(12): 2257-60; .2. Novacco M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Grimm F, et al. Fatal acute babesiosis associated with _Babesia venatorum_ infection (_Babesia_ sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports. 2019; 18: 100336; .3. Krause PJ. Human babesiosis (2019). Int J Parasitol. 2019; 49(2): Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – Europe (18): (Germany) fatal, WGS, meat, healthcare facilities
Listeriosis -- GermanyPriska Hinz, Hessen consumer protection minister, said the food business operator is primarily responsible at all stages of production, processing, and distribution in ensuring food meets requirements of the law."These include in particular food safety, traceability, prevention, transparency and emergency measures, as well as cooperation with the authorities. Food inspection ensures that employers comply with their responsibilities and that only safe food comes onto the market," Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Malaria – Americas: PAHO summary
Malaria -- VenezuelaBetween 2005 and 2014, there was an overall decreasing trend in the number of cases of malaria in the Region of the Americas; however, since 2015, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases reported in the Region.This overall increase is due to the increase in cases over the last 3 years in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela along with increased transmission in endemic areas of countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Panama, as well as outbreaks Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (26), possible salad source
E. coli -- United StatesCDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing _ E. coli_ (STEC) O157:H7, also called enterohemorrhagic _E. coli_ (EHEC) infections. This investigation includes illnesses recently reported by the Maryland Department of Health and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Severe fever w/ thrombocytopenia synd – Taiwan: 1st rep
Fever -- ChinaThe Taiwan Department of Disease Control announced the 1st case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in the country. According to the news release (computer translated), the patient is a 70-year-old male in the north who has not recently gone abroad but is often active in mountainous areas.On [2 Nov 2019], due to repeated fever and vomiting symptoms, he went to the clinic for medical treatment. Later, due to rash and consciousness change, he was sent to hospital on Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Gonococcal disease: Australia (QL) incr. incid., drug resist. ceftriax/azithro
Gonorrhea -- AustraliaQueensland health experts are concerned after 2 cases of drug-resistant gonorrhea were identified amid a surge in overall cases.The overall cases of the sexually transmitted infection [STI] have more than doubled since 2014, when 2276 cases were recorded. This year, 4920 cases were identified.Dr Amy Jennison, acting chief scientist of Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS) Queensland Health, said the strain of extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Acute respiratory disease – Ukraine: (OD) Coxsackievirus
Respiratory Illness -- UkraineEight school classes in Odesa [Odessa] have been closed for quarantine. More than 30% of school students in these classes are sick with Coxsackievirus, a highly contagious respiratory disease, said Olena Buynevych, the director of the city hall's department for science and education, as quoted by UNN news agency."More than 30% of students in these classes are sick with acute respiratory diseases, which include cases of cases and Coxsackievirus," the official said. She Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mumps update (14): UK (NT), USA (SC)
Mumps -- United KingdomWith more than 40 cases of mumps now confirmed at the College of Charleston, the school has taken a few new approaches over the past week to contain the outbreak on campus.Beginning with 3 cases confirmed by officials on 23 Sep [2019], the school's weekly update reported 43 confirmed cases on 14 Nov [2019], a 65% jump from the 26 cases noted a week earlier on 7 Nov [2019].College of Charleston does require students to have the 3-part MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella] vaccine Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trichomoniasis, avian – Isle of Man: pigeon
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomThere's been an outbreak of a highly contagious disease among wood pigeons on [Isle of Man].That's according to Manx Wild Bird Aid (MWBA) which says its already taken in a number of the animals from Douglas, Groudle, and Crosby which are suffering with 'canker'.The infection isn't harmful to humans or mammals but the organisation says it can cause growths in the birds' mouths which can lead them to starve to death.MWBA is offering advice to people about how to Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (52): Poland (LB) wild boar, spread
African Swine Fever -- PolandAccording to a communiqué released by Poland's Chief Veterinary Officer, the number of ASF-confirmed wild boar in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, western Poland, has risen to 20. This is based on the results of research carried out at the National Veterinary Institute-National Research Institute in Pulawy. The samples were collected in 9 locations in Wschowa and Nowa Sol counties, during the searches undertaken in the contaminated area and a buffer zone around it, established Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan (07): (RS,RN) human, livestock, WHO
Rift Valley Fever -- SudanRed Sea State-------------- Activation of RVF task force committee;- printing and distribution of RVF guidelines;- deployment of surveillance teams for daily reporting and active case finding in the affected areas;- establishment of 2 health centers and one dispensary with a capacity of 11 beds, laboratory items, drugs, and supplies to provide health services in the affected villages;- conducting household inspections and fogging: In Arb'aat area, a total of 452 households Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (11): Venezuela (BO) alert
Yellow Fever -- VenezuelaThe Venezuelan Public Health Society and the Let's Defend The National Epidemiology Network issued an alert after a case of yellow fever was confirmed in the state of Bolivar, after 14 years without the disease. The Health Ministry hasn't published information about the case or issued an alert, but Venezuela must formally report it to international institutions, due to the risk to a population that isn't vaccinated, having the vector (mosquitoes) in all of the territory (increasing Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (40): USA (MI) human, fatal
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesA Michigan farmer has died after contracting the mosquito-borne virus eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the farmer died following complications with the virus on [Sat 16 Nov 2019], local outlet WOOD-TV reported.The farmer has since been identified as an Eau Claire [Berrien County] resident, according to 16 News Now. He died at Memorial Hospital.EEE, also known as sleeping sickness, is a rare Read more [...]
