Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (25): (NC) fatal, agricultural fair, hot tub display susp
Legionnaires' -- United StatesA 3rd person has died from an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in North Carolina, state health officials said. None of the victims has been identified by authorities and health officials have not discussed the circumstances of their deaths.In recent weeks, health officials have confirmed 140 cases among people who attended the NC Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, North Carolina, last month [September 2019] [and] have been diagnosed with legionnaires' disease, an airborne Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis, African – South Africa (02): ex Malawi (Vwaza Marsh Game Res)
African Trypanosomiasis — South Africa
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – West Africa (19): Nigeria (BA)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaThe Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency has confirmed 6 new recorded deaths in the yellow fever outbreak in the state which brings the total number of deaths to 22.Recall that cases of yellow fever were recorded in Yankari Game Reserve in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State which led to the death of 3 people.The 1st case [involving another person] was recorded when 4 students of the College of Education, Waka-Biu, in Biu Local Government Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (80): S Korea, domestic, wild, spread, int'l impact
African Swine Fever -- South KoreaAfrican swine fever (ASF), a deadly contagious disease infecting hogs and having no known cure or vaccine, is spreading rapidly in East Asia. The ASF outbreak that has trickled from North to South Korea is akin to an "apocalypse", according to Ahn Chan-il, leader of World Institute for North Korea Studies and a former North Korean service member.On [Tue 15 Oct 2019], the South Korean government ambushed contagion-carrying pigs near the country's northern borders, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – Russia (03): (ZB) poultry OIE
Newcastle Disease -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] 15 Oct 2019 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: 4 Sep 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Oct 2019Report date: 15 Oct 2019Date submitted to OIE: 15 Oct 2019Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> Announcements (07): CEPI RFP for new vaccine technologies
Undiagnosed -- Worldwide/UnknownNew call for proposals invites applications for platform technologies to quickly develop vaccines and immunoprophylactics against Disease XThe Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has today [15 Oct 2019] launched a call for proposals to invite funding applications for innovative platform technologies that can be used to develop vaccines and other immunoprophylactics to rapidly respond to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases and unknown Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (43): Americas (Brazil)
West Nile Virus -- BrazilThe Teresina Municipal Health Foundation (FMS), through the Neuroinvasive Syndromes Surveillance program, confirmed the 4th case of West Nile fever in the state of Piaui [PI]. This is a female patient who suffered from acute encephalitis, inflammation of the nervous system, in April 2019."The FMS is investigating the possibility of a case acquired in Piaui (an indigenous case). This is because the patient was in the municipalities of Cabeceiras, PI and Lagoa Alegre, PI, in Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> West Nile virus (44): Europe, ECDC update
West Nile Virus -- RomaniaBetween 4 and 10 Oct 2019, EU Member States reported 9 human cases in Romania (5), Greece (3), and Hungary (1). 13 cases were reported from EU neighbouring countries in Israel (10) and Serbia (3). All human cases were reported from areas that have been affected previously. This week, 3 deaths were reported by Greece (2) and Romania (1).In the same week, 7 outbreaks among equids were reported to the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS) by Greece (5), Hungary (1) and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed deaths, monkeys – Brazil: (PR), RFI
Undiagnosed -- BrazilThe Center for Strategic Information on Surveillance of the Parana Secretariat of Health (SESA) reported from the beginning of July 2019 to date 66 notifications of epizootics signifying deaths of monkeys caused by diseases.Surveillance monitors and investigates each of these deaths as a way of yellow fever [YF] prevention; like humans, monkeys are also infected by the yellow fever virus, and the deaths of these animals serves as an alert and indicator of the possible presence Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (67)
Measles -- United StatesWHO warns of 'alarming up-surge in Measles which has devastating impact -says linked to poor uptake of 2nd dose of vaccine.Speaking after a 2-day meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, Kate O'Brien, the WHO's department director, said the world "is facing an alarming upsurge in measles cases in all regions"."The impact of these outbreaks is really devastating," she said, "causing not only widespread loss of life, but also preventable disability Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Kenya: (NN) st SAT1, cattle, spread, control
Foot and Mouth -- KenyaThere are fears that farmers may lose hundreds of their dairy cows in the dairy-rich Nyandarua County following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease [FMD] 2 weeks ago, which has already led to the death of 3 cows.County officials said the disease 1st broke out in Kiriko village, Kanjuiri Ward, where it is estimated that over 200 animals have been infected by type [SAT1] of the viral disease, which has also hit Kanyiriri village in the same ward.The disease, which is said to Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (34): USA (MI, TN) fatal
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesThe deadly eastern equine encephalitis [EEE] outbreak in Michigan has claimed a 5th life. A Cass County resident in Southwest Michigan died of the mosquito-borne illness, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced [Mon 14 Oct 2019].So far this year [2019], 10 people in Michigan have contracted the virus and 5 have died. EEE also has been confirmed in 40 animals from 16 counties, including Genesee, Lapeer, and Tuscola.Despite cooler temperatures Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed neurologic disease – USA: (FL) Florida panther, bobcat
Undiagnosed -- United States[Florida] state and federal wildlife officials are investigating a mysterious neurologic disorder affecting a small number of Florida panthers [North American cougar] and bobcats in the southwest part of the state.As of September [2019], trail cameras in Collier, Sarasota, and Lee counties had documented 8 of the endangered panthers, mostly kittens, and one adult bobcat exhibiting various degrees of hind limb weakness and difficulty walking. One panther photographed in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Namibia (02): (KU,ZA) livestock, hippopotamus, human, susp
Anthrax -- Namibia2013----Anthrax - Namibia (04): (CA) elephant http://promedmail.org/post/20130727.18482742008----Anthrax, elephants - Namibia (Caprivi) http://promedmail.org/post/20080907.27882006----Anthrax, livestock, wildlife - Namibia (Caprivi) (03) http://promedmail.org/post/20061211.3498Anthrax, livestock, wildlife - Namibia (Caprivi)(02) http://promedmail.org/post/20061113.3255Anthrax, livestock, wildlife - Namibia (Caprivi) http://promedmail.org/post/20061023.3041Anthrax, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Europe: Ireland, XDR ex Pakistan, ECDC, alert
Typhoid -- IrelandThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre in Ireland reported an increase in typhoid fever notifications in travellers returning from Pakistan. Australia, Canada, Denmark, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States are some of the countries, which have also detected XDR typhoid fever cases among travellers returning from Pakistan.The Health Protection Surveillance Centre in Ireland reported an increase in typhoid fever notifications in travellers returning from Pakistan. According Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Banana diseases – Ecuador: alert
Other Plant Disease -- Ecuador_Banana bunchy top virus_ (BBTV) is the type member of the genus _Babuvirus_ (family Nanoviridae) and only affects _Musa_ species. It causes one of the most serious diseases of banana with symptoms of chlorosis, stunting and death of the host plant. The virus is spreading in Africa, Australasia and the Pacific Islands. It has been reported from Hawaii and quarantine interception was recorded in Brazil, but otherwise it appears to be absent from the Americas so far. BBTV Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan (02): (RS) human, livestock
Rift Valley Fever -- SudanArbaat in El Ganeb locality in Sudan's Red Sea state reported 10 new cases of suspected Rift Valley fever* on Monday and Tuesday [7 and 8 Oct 2019], bringing the total number of registered cases to 5, and 3 deaths.Doctor Ahmed Dereir told Radio Dabanga about the spread of the disease in 8 villages in the area of Arbaat, pointing out that the cases were transferred to Port Sudan for treatment.He explained that the governor formed an emergency room of 35 people representing Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Lectin poisoning – Sweden
Poisoning -- SwedenLivsmedelsverket has warned people to correctly soak and cook dried legumes such as beans, peas and lentils after they were linked to a large food poisoning outbreak at a school.Dried legumes naturally contain lectins which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea around 1-7 hours after consumption.Illness occurred in the canteen at lunchtime in early September 2019 at Baldergymnasiet school in Skelleftea, a city in Vasterbotten County. Swedish media reported that almost 280 people Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (64): Saudi Arabia (MK, QS, AS, RI) RFI
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaIn the period of time since the last update (MERS-CoV (63): Saudi Arabia (SH, AS, RI) http://promedmail.org/post/20191005.6711573) there have been a total of 4 newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection and 1 outcome of a previously reported case.Information on newly confirmed cases (4)[1]Date of confirmation report: 6 Oct 2019Case No: 19-1955MERS in Torba city: 52-year-old male in Torba city, Taif [Makkah] regionContact with camels: YesCase classification: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – USA (11): (TX) review
Anthrax — United States
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Sudan: (RS,NR) human, animal, alert, OIE
Rift Valley Fever -- Sudan1. Hassanain AM, Noureldien W, Karsany MS, et al. Rift Valley fever among febrile patients at New Halfa hospital, eastern Sudan. Virol J 2010; 7: 97; .- Mod.ASMaps of Sudan: and ][See Also:Undiagnosed disease - Sudan: (RS) human, cattle, RFI http://promedmail.org/post/20191006.6712623Rift Valley fever - Eastern Africa (02): Kenya (MU,NN) cattle, sheep, OIE http://promedmail.org/post/20190301.63417842018----Rift Valley fever - South Sudan (09): (EL) human, animal, WHO Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (33): USA (IN) fatal
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesThe CDC has confirmed a person with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Elkhart County has died from the disease.This is the 1st human case in Indiana since 1998, and only the 4th reported since 1964.Typically only 5 to 10 human cases of EEE are reported nationwide each year. But Michigan has had 10 cases this year [2019] alone; 4 of those have been deadly.It's important to remember these cases are still considered rare. However, nearly 1/3 of the human Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis, cutaneous – Libya (02): (MS)
Leishmaniasis -- Libya150 persons with leishmaniasis disease arrived in Tawergha hospital on Friday [11 Oct 2019], and the number of affected people is increasing, the hospital said.On Facebook, the hospital called on all medical staffers from all across Libya to provide assistance to the hospital in Tawergha to treat the patients with leishmaniasis.Member of Tawergha local council Abdelnabi Abu Araba said Saturday [12 Oct 2019] that 500 leishmaniasis cases have been registered in the city since Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (79): N. Korea, S. Korea, domestic, spread, control
African Swine Fever -- North KoreaBy official accounts, the pig contagion wreaking havoc across Eastern Asia has virtually skipped over North Korea, with a single outbreak reported there in May [2019]. But wayward feral pigs have stoked concern that Kim Jong Un's reclusive state is hiding an African swine fever [ASF] disaster.Five wild boars were found dead in or near border areas separating the 2 countries this month [October 2019] before being tested positive for the viral hemorrhagic disease, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (47): Africa (sub-Saharan), situation update, HPAI, FAO
Avian Influenza -- Worldwide/Unknown1. Poen MJ, Fouchier RAM, Webby RJ et al: Evidence of the presence of low pathogenic avian influenza A viruses in wild waterfowl in 2018 in South Africa. Pathogens. 2019; 8(4): 163; . - Mod.ASHealthMap/ProMED-mail map:Sub-Saharan Africa: ][See Also:2018----Avian influenza (84): Ghana (AH, EP) poultry, HPAI H5, OIE http://promedmail.org/post/20180630.5883252Avian influenza (68): Togo (MA) poultry, HPAI H5N1, OIE http://promedmail.org/post/20180419.5757429Avian influenza Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – Canada (02): (ON)
Legionnaires' -- CanadaLocal health officials are working diligently to pinpoint the source of an outbreak of legionnaires' disease in Orillia.Eight cases of legionnaires' disease have been confirmed in individuals who reside in or have visited Orillia in recent weeks.The potentially fatal disease is a type of pneumonia caused by _Legionella_ bacteria. You usually get it by breathing in mist from water that contains the bacteria. According to Dr. Charles Gardner, the medical officer of health for Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (24): (IN) elementary school
Legionnaires' -- United StatesA child who attends the YMCA Early Learning Academy housed at Chesterton Middle School has tested positive for Legionnaires' disease, officials from the Duneland School Corp. [DSC] and the Porter County Health Department said Friday [11 Oct 2019]. The health department has asked school officials to track student and staff absences to determine whether anyone else has contracted the illness, according to a release.The case marks the 2nd from the school corporation within Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (42): Americas, USA (FL, MI, OH, CA) horses
West Nile Virus -- United StatesThe Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported 3 horses have been euthanized in Florida due to disease [One of those horses had EEE and is discussed in a separate posting. - Mod.TG].A horse in St. Johns County and in Citrus County have been euthanized due to West Nile virus (WNV). The St. Johns County 13-year-old pony mare had onset of clinical signs on 20 Sep 2019 and was euthanized. She was the 2nd WNV case for the county this year [2019].A Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (98): Congo DR (NK,IT) cases, WHO, summaries, research
Ebola -- DR CongoIn its latest disease outbreak news update, the WHO echoed Ryan's remarks. "There is a shift in hot spots from urban settings to more rural, hard-to-reach communities, across a more concentrated geographical area," the WHO said, noting that 14 cases had been recorded from [30 Sep -- 6 Oct 2019].Since September [2019], almost 4 of 5 confirmed cases have come from four health zones: Mandima (31%), Mambasa (29%), Komanda (10%,), and Oicha (8%). Today [Fri 11 Oct 2019], the DRC's Ebola Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (18): Nigeria, theft of vaccination cards
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaNot less than 80 000 of Yellow [fever vaccination] cards that are issued to Nigerians as a proof of being administered with the yellow fever vaccine before travelling out of the country are now being sold in the markets and streets, without the travellers taking the vaccine, and causing the government to lose up to N200 million [USD 554 017].This was revealed in a report of an investigation carried out by Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, a Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow Fever – Africa (17): Nigeria, WHO
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaSince [15 Sep 2017], when the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) officially notified a confirmed case of yellow fever in Kwara state to WHO as per the International Health Regulations (2005), the country has been responding to successive yellow fever outbreaks over a wide geographic area.From [1 Jan - 31 Aug 2019], a total of 2254 suspected yellow fever cases have been reported in 535 LGA's. All states including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported at least Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (23): (NC) fatal, agricultural fair, hot tub displays susp.
Legionnaires' -- United StatesOfficials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' [NCDHHS'] Division of Public Health have confirmed a 2nd death in the outbreak of _Legionella_ bacteria, which has now infected dozens of Mountain State Fair attendees with the potentially life-threatening Legionnaires' disease.On 10 Oct [2019], NCDHHS officials confirmed 134 cases of Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever among people who attended the 2019 NC Mountain State Fair, which took place Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Pseudorabies – China: human cases with encephalitis
Other Animal Disease -- ChinaBackground: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) has been thought to cause diseases only in animals. However, recent studies have shown that PRV can also cause illnesses in humans.Methods: This was a case series study. The cases of 5 patients with clinical symptoms of acute encephalitis, which were confirmed to be caused by PRV infections, were reviewed.Case presentation: The 5 patients all had jobs involving the handling of pigs. They had acute onset and rapid progression of clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (47): France (CN) mallard ducks, LPAI H5, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- FranceA duck farm in central France has detected a low-pathogenic H5 bird flu virus, the World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed. The mild strain of the virus was found among a flock of 2600 ducks in Marolle-en-Sologne, Loir-et-Cher administrative department.In a report, the French agriculture ministry said the free-range ducks are to be culled. It added that the disease was found as part of planned surveillance and the ducks had shown no clinical signs.It comes as Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – North America (32): USA (NC)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesThe 1st [human] case of the eastern equine encephalitis virus [EEEV] this year [2019] has been reported in Catawba County, North Carolina.Eastern equine encephalitis is better known as "EEE." It is the 1st case reported in the Carolinas in 2019."EEE virus is a rare cause of brain infections. Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year," according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. "Most occur in eastern or Gulf Coast states. Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Sheep pox & goat pox – Russia (02): (TV) sheep, spread, OIE
Sheep/Goat Pox -- RussiaInformation received on [and dated] 9 Oct 2019 from Dr Nikolay Vlasov, deputy head, Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture, Moscou, RussiaSummaryReport type: follow-up report no. 6Date of start of the event: 10 Jul 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 11 Jul 2019Report date: 9 Oct 2019Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 21 Mar 2019Manifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Powassan virus encephalitis – USA (05): (CT)
Powassan virus -- United StatesThe Department of Public Health has reported 4 cases of Powassan virus disease. The cases were identified from 1 Jan through 31 Aug [2019].The disease is spread to people through the bite of an infected black-legged tick . Officials said, "This is a rare, emerging infection in the United States and human cases have been identified in Connecticut."Officials said, "The virus can cause severe disease. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Powassan virus infection. Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Frosty pod rot, cocoa – Jamaica: (SM)
Other Plant Disease -- JamaicaThe People's National Party's Dr Shane Alexis is appealing to the government to provide assistance to cocoa farmers who, he says, have been badly affected by the frosty pod disease. The disease has severely reduced and, in some cases, completely destroyed the yield of cocoa in the area [of St Mary parish].According to him, the government's initial response, administered by the Quarantine Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, to prune the affected trees has now left Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (66)
Measles -- AustraliaAnother measles case has flown into the Gold Coast from New Zealand, which is experiencing an epidemic of the highly contagious virus.The case is the 3rd reported on the Gold Coast and the 6th measles case diagnosed in Queensland in the past fortnight. It takes the number of cases in Queensland so far this year to 31, more than double the 14 recorded for the whole of 2018.The traveller was exposed to measles while visiting New Zealand, which has recorded more than 1600 cases this Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (79): global (Pakistan, DR Congo, CAR, Philippines)
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 3Environment: 13Other: 1New cVDPV isolates reported this week:AFP cases: 7Environment: 5Others: 2Headlines- On 24 Oct 2019, World Polio Day, an event will be held at the WHO to mark the potential certification of eradication of wild poliovirus type 3. With no poliovirus type 3 detected anywhere in the world since 2012, the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC) is anticipated to Read more [...]
