Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Cryptococcosis – UK: (Scotland) fatal, nosocomial, 2018
Hospital-Related Infection -- United KingdomAn infection linked to pigeon droppings was a "contributing factor" in the death of a child at a Glasgow hospital, it has been confirmed.Scotland's health secretary ordered a review of the design of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after the deaths of 2 patients. The hospital has put infection control measures in place, and officials insist it is safe for patients and visitors.Jeane Freeman [Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport in the Scottish Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Respiratory illness – France: human enterovirus D68
Enterovirus 68 -- FranceBal A, Sabatier M, Wirth T, Coste-Burel M, et al. Emergence of enterovirus D68 clade D1, France, August to November 2018. Euro Surveill. 2019;24(3): pii=1800699. Abstract--------We report a seasonal increase of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cases in France, with 54 cases detected between [19 Aug and 14 Nov 2018]. Molecular typing revealed that 20 of 32 of the isolates belonged to clade D1, only sporadically detected before in France. Median age of D1-cases was 42 years, 10 developed Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (02): seasonal activity, multiple locations, antiviral resistance
Influenza — United States
Gubareva LV, Mishin VP, Patel MC, et al. Assessing baloxavir susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in the United States during the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. Euro Surveill. 2019;24(3): pii=1800666. . (full text)
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Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[b] Japan; influenza A(H3N2) viruses susceptibility to baloxavir
Date: Thu 17 Jan 2019
Source: EuroSurveillance [edited]
The
PRO/AH/EDR> Pneumonia ovine – USA (02): (CA) bighorn sheep
Pneumonia -- United StatesAt least 20 desert bighorn sheep have died in a San Gorgonio mountain population in Southern California, 100 miles [about 161 km] east of Los Angeles. The cause of death? Pneumonia, most likely from domestic sheep or goats, though wildlife specialists are examining other possible causes, including pathogens from feral cattle to the west and disease from a different bighorn group to the south."Since the beginning of December [2018], I have recovered 20 dead sheep, and I suspect Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – Costa Rica: (PU)
Hepatitis A -- Costa RicaHealth officials in Costa Rica continue to investigate the hepatitis A outbreak reported in the province of Puntarenas where 33 cases have been reported during the 1st 11 days of 2019, according to the [health ministry] (computer translated). Cases have been primarily reported in the following districts: Barranca (10), Oak (8), and Chacarita (7).Officials announced last week [week of 14 Jan 2019] that contaminated water has been ruled out by laboratory analysis and the epidemiologists Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – India: (KL) rodents, sanitation workers
Scrub Typhus -- IndiaThe health authorities are concerned over the alarming rise in the number of scrub typhus cases -- the mite-borne infectious disease. Sanitation workers are the worst hit. The DMO [District Medical Officer] has decided to convene a meeting with agriculture department and Suchitwa Mission [technical support in waste management in Kerala] to eradicate the rat population and ensure proper waste management. In 2018, around 269 scrub typhus cases and 2 deaths were reported in Thiruvananthapuram Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (07): Pakistan (FATA)
Polio -- PakistanDeputy Commissioner Bajaur Usman Mehsood has said that the detection of 3 more polio cases in Bajaur in 2019 has further strengthened the resolve of the district administration to get rid of polio disease forever. He said this while addressing a news conference here on Friday [18 Jan 2019].He said the administration would use all out efforts and resources to make the district free of polio, as polio disease has become a great challenge of the administration following the detection Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Tunisia (02): (KS) ovine, spread, vaccination
Foot and Mouth -- TunisiaA 2nd case of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] has been detected in a flock of sheep in Hassi El Ferid (Kasserine governorate) after the recording of a 1st outbreak in Magdoudech (Kasserine North delegation) [Delegations of Tunisia (mutamadiyah) are the 2nd level administrative divisions of Tunisia between the governorates and the sectors (imadats). The Delegation of Kasserine north is a 2nd level division of Kasserine Governorate, Latitude 35,17144, Longitude 8,81443. - Rapp.SB].Urgent Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (07): Saudi Arabia (RI) WHO
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaIn the period between 16 and 21 Jan 2019, there has been a total of one newly confirmed case of MERS-CoV infection and one recovery of a previously confirmed case reported by the Saudi MOH.Information on newly confirmed case of MERS-CoV infection:Date of confirmation report: 19 Jan 2019Case No: 19-1782MERS in Riyadh city: 40-year-old male in Riyadh city, Riyadh regionContact with camels: NoCase classification: Primary, community acquiredCurrent status: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – Bulgaria: (PZ) OIE
Equine Infectious Anemia -- BulgariaInformation received on 21 Jan 2019 from Dr Damyan Iliev, Chief Veterinary Officer & Deputy Executive Director, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Sofia, Bulgaria.SummaryReport type: immediate notification Date of start of the event: 18 Jan 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 18 Jan 2019Report date: 21 Jan 2019Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: December 2016Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Caprine arthritis/encephalitis – Singapore: (SG) OIE
Encephalitis -- SingaporeInformation received on [and dated] 21 Jan 2019 from Dr. Him Hoo Yap, Chief Veterinary Officer, Director General, Deputy CEO, Regulatory Programmes and Operations, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority, Singapore, SingaporeSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 29 Oct 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 20 Nov 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 1989Manifestation of disease: sub-clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (07): China (NX) domestic swine, spread, OIE
African Swine Fever -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 21 Jan 2019 from Dr. Zhang Zhongqui, Director General, China Animal Disease Control Centre, Veterinary Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China (People's Rep. of)SummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 11 Jan 2019Date of confirmation of the event: 19 Jan 2019Reason for notification: first occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal agent: African swine fever virusNature Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Asia (06): China (NX) domestic swine, spread
African Swine Fever -- ChinaChina has confirmed a new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region. On a local farm in Yongning County, 26 pigs were confirmed infected with the viral disease and 13 had died as of 11 p.m. [Sat 19 Jan 2019], said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Sunday [20 Jan 2019], citing a report from the China Animal Disease Control Center.A team has been dispatched to the area to give guidance, and local authorities have Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (02): Americas, USA (FL) otter, human exposure
Rabies -- United StatesA woman in Florida says she was bit and scratched by an aggressive otter while she was taking her dog for a walk at a park. She suspects that the otter an officer shot and tested positive for rabies was the one that attacked her.On 8 Jan 2019, [A.-C.L.] was attacked by an otter while she was walking her dog at Lake Lily Park. According to [A.-C.L.], she visits the park daily but had never seen an otter before then.[A.-C.L.] was walking on a bridge by the lake's eastern shore Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Tanzania (02): (SO) bovine, human, WHO
Anthrax -- TanzaniaEvent descriptionOn 11 Jan 2019, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MOHCDGEC) informed WHO of a suspected outbreak of anthrax in Momba District, Songwe Region, located in the western part of the country. The event was initially reported to the local health authorities on 3 Jan 2019 by a community leader in Nzoka ward. However, epidemiological investigation established that the outbreak started on 9 Dec 2018 when the index case, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (05): Argentina (4 provinces) RFI
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaThe Jujuy provincial minister of health yesterday [Mon 14 Jan 2019] confirmed a hantavirus [infection] case in San Pedro. This is one of the 4 suspected cases evaluated in this Ramallo city and was diagnosed in a 56-year-old patient who is being treated and is progressing well.This was confirmed for El Tribuno in Jujuy by the subsecretariat for Health Promotion, Prevention, and Attention, Veronica Serra, who stated that there were 4 suspected hantavirus [infection] cases in Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (05): vaccine hesitancy, WHO, Asia, Americas, Pacific
Measles -- Worldwide/UnknownGet tough. After the 2014 California measles outbreak, the state eliminated nonmedical exemptions for mandatory vaccinations. After a similar outbreak in Michigan, health officials there began requiring individuals to formally consult with their local health departments before opting out of otherwise-mandatory shots. In both cases, these tougher policies drove up vaccination rates. Other states ought to follow this lead, and the federal government should consider tightening Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Koi herpesvirus disease – Iraq: 1st report, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- IraqInformation received on 16 Jan 2019 from Dr Salah Fadhil Abbas, Director General, Veterinary Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Baghdad, IraqSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 1 Nov 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 5 Dec 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: Koi herpesvirusNature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratory (basic and advanced)This event pertains to the whole Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Peste des petits ruminants – Israel: (HZ) ovine, spread
Peste des petits ruminants -- Israel1st Notice: Samples from Zalafeh (Megido area) and Moshav Sharona have tested PPR- [peste des petits ruminants] positive.In addition: PPR is suspected in Moshav Addirim.Dr. Avi Wasserman(Acting) Director Field Veterinary Services--Communicated by:ProMED-mail [The 3 named locations are in mid-northern Israel: Zalafeh and Adirim in the valley of Yezreel (Megido area), Sharona in Lower Galilee.We are informed that the current outbreak in Sharona involves a lamb fattening Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (08): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, prevention, spread, research
Ebola -- DR CongoEpidemiological situation in Katwa- The health zones of Katwa and Butembo are the main current outbreaks of the epidemic, which reported 65% of new confirmed cases recorded in the last 21 days (58/89).- The main difficulty in Katwa is the reluctance of relatives of confirmed cases. The majority of new confirmed cases identified in Katwa are reluctant contacts who have refused vaccination and follow-up of contacts. Thus, the last 10 confirmed cases of Katwa, in the Muchanga health Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Streptococcus group A, scarlet fever – UK: (England) increased cases, 2018
Scarlet Fever -- United KingdomThe number of scarlet fever and measles cases reported in Kent has hit worrying new levels in the past year [2018]. But perhaps more worryingly, cases of scarlet fever hit their highest level since available records began in 2010.Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient's chest. It mainly affects children and the sickness usually peaks Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease, poultry – USA (02): (UT)
Newcastle Disease -- United StatesThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 18 Jan 2019 the presence of virulent Newcastle disease (VND) in a small flock of backyard exhibition chickens in Utah County, Utah. This is the 1st case of VND in Utah, APHIS said.According to APHIS, this case is believed to be connected to the current VND outbreak in California, as 3 of the birds at the premises were recently moved to Utah from Los Angeles County, CA. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine tuberculosis – USA: (ND) bovine, new strain
Bovine TB -- United StatesState veterinarians are investigating a beef herd in Sargent County, North Dakota, after bovine tuberculosis was identified."In late 2018, we were notified that 2 adult beef cows originating from the herd tested positive for _Mycobacterium bovis_ at out-of-state slaughter plants," state veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller said. "The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the TB diagnosis in the cows."The herd was subsequently tested by state and Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (04): Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific, Americas
Measles -- JapanWhile Japan saw 282 measles cases total, an outbreak in Okinawa that started in March 2018 accounted for more than one-third of the total annual cases (101). The outbreak began on 20 Mar 2018 and has been linked to an imported case from Taiwan. It had spread to Aichi and Kanagawa prefectures and Tokyo. The Okinawa outbreak was declared over in June 2018.Japan has successfully eliminated endemic measles transmission and sustained this status since March 2015 through both high vaccination Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (04): (AZ, LA, MA)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesSince April 2018, 285 cases of acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have been reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) in individuals with recent experience of homelessness, unstable housing, and/or substance use disorder.Complications Hospitalizations: 83%Deaths: 1% (4)RisksHomelessness / unstable housing: 52%Injection drug use: 74%Any illicit drug use: 88%--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[As the numbers of cases continue to rise in a Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (05): China, Mongolia, domestic, spread, FAO
African Swine Fever -- ChinaAffected provinces:- China - Gansu added. [The updated list includes the following 24 provinces/territories: Anhui, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanxi, Yunnan, Hunan and Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Guangdong, and Gansu provinces, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing municipalities, and Inner Mongolia autonomous region].- Mongolia - Tuv, Bulgan, Orkhon, Dundgovi provinces and Ulaanbaatar.Situation Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Orthobunyavirus, Simbu serogroup, bovine – Israel: Peaton virus, 1st report
Undiagnosed -- IsraelMembers of the Simbu serogroup are arboviruses that are mainly transmitted by _Culicoides_. Akabane and Shuni viruses, 2 members of the Simbu serogroup, have been isolated from congenitally malformed ruminants in Israel. A recent serosurvey revealed that Israeli ruminants have been exposed to several additional Simbu viruses, including _Shamonda_ and _Sathuperi_, that seem to be circulating in Israel.In April 2017, an apparently healthy one-month-old male calf was transferred Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (02): Asia (Yemen)
Cholera -- YemenA medical source at the Zaidia rural hospital north of the city of Hodeidah, western Yemen, reported the death of 9 people, including 3 children, after severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, likely to have cholera. The source explained in an interview with "Newsmen" that the center for the treatment of cholera patients in the hospital Zaidiyah received during 3 days 87 cases with watery diarrhea from the center of the district and the monasteries located west of the city.The source Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (06): Poland, wild boar culling
African Swine Fever -- PolandPoland's battle to control highly contagious African swine fever (ASF) is turning into a political problem for the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party. Since Saturday [12 Jan 2019], hunters have been out in force across the country gunning for wild boars -- many of which are carriers of the deadly disease that the Polish government wants to stamp out to protect domestic pigs.It's the scale of the cull that's causing the trouble. A total of some 20 000 wild boars will be Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Zimbabwe: (HA) 2017-2018
Typhoid -- ZimbabweOn 16 Oct 2017, the Harare City Health Department (HCHD) in Zimbabwe identified a suspected typhoid fever (typhoid) case in a resident of Harare's Mbare suburb. Typhoid is a potentially fatal illness caused by _Salmonella enterica_ serovar Typhi (Typhi). HCHD initiated an investigation and identified a cluster of 17 suspected typhoid cases, defined as the occurrence of fever and at least one of the following symptoms: headache, malaise, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (07): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summaries, prevention, research
Ebola -- DR Congo- 3 new confirmed cases, including 2 community deaths, were detected in the same family in the Kayina health zone [North Kivu]. This is the 18th health area affected by the Ebola epidemic. The central office of the Kayina health zone was alerted to the presence of people with Ebola-compatible symptoms in their territory. A registered nurse visited the home concerned on 13 Jan 2019 and [took] 3 samples that were sent to Butembo. The 3 samples returned positive and 2 of the 3 patients Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquitoes – Ethiopia
Malaria -- EthiopiaCarter TE, Yared S, Gebresilassie A, et al. First detection of _Anopheles stephensi_ Liston, 1901 (Diptera: culicidae) in Ethiopia using molecular and morphological approaches. Acta Trop. 2018; 188: 180-6. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.001; The authors point out the essential studies that are needed to assess the importance of _A. stephensi_ as a malaria vector in Ethiopia. The results will determine if an expansion of the malaria control program is necessary in that country.An Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (06): global (Pakistan, Nigeria)
Polio -- PakistanNew wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 2Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 31Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22New cVDPV cases reported this week: 0Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2018: 101Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2017: 96HeadlinesSummary of new viruses this week: - Pakistan - 2 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and 5 WPV1 positive environmental samples; - Nigeria - advance notification one case of Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Tomato brown rugose fruit virus – Germany: (NW) 1st report
Other Plant Disease -- GermanyUnusual fruit and leaf symptoms were observed in tomatoes in North Rhine-Westphalia. In total, more than 25 ha of greenhouse tomatoes were affected. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has been confirmed in 7 greenhouses; one further greenhouse is suspected to be infested. It's the 1st report of ToBRFV in Germany. The infested tomato plants were used for tomato fruit production. Eradication measures are in progress.ToBRFV infects tomato plants and leads to foliar Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Vitamin D toxicity – USA: canine, pet food recall
Food-related toxin -- United StatesThe Food and Drug Administration has expanded its recall of dog food brands that have too much Vitamin D, which could make your pets sick.The food was sold nationwide in both stores and online, and the FDA says the list of recalled products could continue to grow.Luckily none of the tainted foods were sold at storefronts here in Nevada, but we reached out to Chewy, an online retailer of pet food and supplies. They say that they were aware of the recall before it Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa Fever – West Africa (04): Nigeria (PL, KW ex Benin)
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaThe Nigerian Army has raised an alarm over an outbreak of Lassa fever. A statement on Wednesday [16 Jan 2019] by Maj Ikechukwu Eze, the acting deputy director of Army Public Relations, 3 Division, said the disease killed an officer on Tuesday [15 Jan 2019].[The statement] read: "The Headquarters 3 Division wishes to inform the general public that a male senior non-commissioned officer of the division was admitted and being managed for resistant malaria at the 3 Div Hospital Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – USA (02): (FL) equine, susp
Salmonella -- United StatesThe USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIS) has reported the Miami Animal Import Center will be temporarily closed to new arrivals of horses beginning on [Sat 19 Jan 2019] in response to illness in a handful of horses quarantined at the facility.APHIS is investigating to determine the specific cause of illness, but salmonella is suspected, and the facility is stepping up biosecurity and taking additional precautions to prevent any further disease spread. Read more [...]
PRO> Lassa Fever – West Africa (04): Nigeria (PL, KW ex Benin)
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaThe Nigerian Army has raised an alarm over an outbreak of Lassa fever. A statement on Wednesday [16 Jan 2019] by Maj Ikechukwu Eze, the acting deputy director of Army Public Relations, 3 Division, said the disease killed an officer on Tuesday [15 Jan 2019].[The statement] read: "The Headquarters 3 Division wishes to inform the general public that a male senior non-commissioned officer of the division was admitted and being managed for resistant malaria at the 3 Div Hospital Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Bluetongue – Europe (02): Germany (RP, SL) bovine, BTV-8, spread, OIE
Bluetongue -- GermanyBluetongue, GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 15 Jan 2019 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: follow-up report no. 3Date of start of the event: 8 Dec 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 12 Dec 2018Report date: 15 Jan 2019Date submitted to OIE: 15 Jan 2019Reason for Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> Announcements: JHU Center for Health Security's disease prediction platform
Not Yet Classified — Worldwide/Unknown
