Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH> Anthrax, BioThrax, post-exp vaccine – Canada: official approval
Anthrax -- CanadaEmergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today [Mon 17 Dec 2018] announced that Health Canada has approved the company's new drug submission (NDS) for its anthrax vaccine, BioThrax (anthrax vaccine adsorbed). BioThrax is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by _Bacillus anthracis_ in individuals 18 through 65 years of age whose occupation or other activities place them at risk of exposure, regardless of the route of exposure. BioThrax is administered Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – USA (16): (WI) fatal, nosocomial
Hospital-Related Infection, Legionnaires' -- United StatesThree patients who contracted legionnaires' disease at the University of Wisconsin Hospital (UW Health) have died, CBS Madison affiliate WISC-TV reports. The hospital said on Monday [17 Dec 2018] that the 3 had serious, life-limiting health conditions. Ten other patients who contracted the disease have been discharged and are doing well, according to UW Health. The hospital has confirmed a total of 14 cases during the outbreak.UW Health announced Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (64): (NM,AZ)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesHealth officials in New Mexico are worried about the spread of hepatitis A. "Currently we have 13 acute laboratory-confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Bernalillo County. The vast majority are in the city of Albuquerque," said Dr Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health. And that's just in a 2-month span. That's a big concern considering New Mexico typically only sees about 10 cases of the liver infection a year."The high-risk factors Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Schistosomiasis – Philippines: (LE)
Schistosomiasis -- PhilippinesConcerns have been raised over the schistosomiasis outbreak in Baybay City [Leyte province], an area not known to be endemic for this chronic parasitic disease.Roderick Boyd Cerro, Department of Health (DOH) regional chief of epidemiology and surveillance unit, said the outbreak in 3 villages in Baybay City caught them by surprise since Baybay has no single case of snail fever in the past decade. "The city health office said Baybay is not known to be an endemic area Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) – Brazil (03): (TO) foodborne
Trypanosomiasis -- BrazilThe Tocantins State Department of Health in Central Brazil has reported 14 confirmed cases of Chagas disease after a family consumed contaminated juice in Aparecida do Rio Negro, according to a Globo.com report [computer translated]. All the infected are from the same family and drank the juice of the bacaba, a type of palm tree from the Amazon. The farm where the juice was produced is in the rural area of Aparecida do Rio Negro. The entire region will go through a sanitary Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (50): Saudi Arabia (RI), EMRO Nov 2018 update
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaAt the end of November 2018, a total of 2274 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 806 associated deaths (case fatality rate 35.4%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (1896 cases, including 732 related deaths with a case fatality rate of 38.6%).During the month of November [2018], a total of 8 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported globally (all from Saudi Arabia), including 2 Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Greening disease, orange – India: (MH)
Other Plant Disease -- IndiaThe Nagpur [district] orange crop has taken a major hit. Almost 72 000 hectares have been hit by disease. More worryingly, the disease is spreading. The Orange Growers' Association of India (OGAI) said the supply of oranges has dipped by over 30% to 40% due to citrus greening [which] has rendered a large volume of citrus fruit non-marketable.OGAI has requested research institutes like ICAR [Indian Council of Agricultural Research] and agricultural universities, to conduct Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (49): Nigeria
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaHighlights- In the reporting week 49 (3-9 Dec 2018), 7 new confirmed cases were reported from Edo (1), Ondo (2), Bauchi (1), Plateau (1), and Kaduna (2) state, with 2 new deaths in Kaduna (1) and Ondo (1).- From 1 Jan-9 Dec 2018, a total of 3276 suspected cases have been reported. Of these, 588 were confirmed positive, 17 were probable, and 2672 were negative (not a case).- Since the onset of the 2018 outbreak, there have been 149 deaths in confirmed cases and 17 in probable Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (63): (KY)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesSince [1 Aug 2017], the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has identified over 3000 cases of acute hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. An increase in cases since [1 Aug 2017], primarily among homeless people and drug users, prompted the declaration of a statewide outbreak in November 2017. Viral sequencing has linked several outbreak-associated cases in Kentucky with outbreaks in California and Utah.The DPH is working closely with the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Malaria – South Africa: sustained transmission
Malaria -- South AfricaMalaria cases in South Africa are increasing as expected during the summer months. As at the end of October 2018, more than 16 000 cases with 110 deaths have been reported. This is fewer than during the large upsurge in malaria seen in the 2017-2018 season, but still more than the average over the 10-year period 2007-2016, which was around 7600 cases per year.During the holiday season, many people will be exposed because of their travel to higher transmission areas, both internally Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, rice – Bangladesh: (CG)
Undiagnosed -- Bangladesh"Virus" [see comment below] -affected paddy is common in different areas of Noakhali [district in Chittagong division]. Farmers of coastal island areas are worried as disease has been destroying the fields. They said the agriculture officials could not extend any help and solution to their problems.Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said this [2018] season [rice] was planted on 153 670 hectares -- both local variety and high yielding variety (HYV). The farmers Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed illness – India: (JK) fatal, children, diphtheria susp, RFI
Diphtheria -- IndiaTwo [young] sisters have died of an undiagnosed disease at a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, officials said [on Sat 15 Dec 2018]. The news of the girls' deaths put the district administration on alert, prompting the authorities to constitute a special medical team to ascertain the cause of the deaths.The deceased were identified as [an 8 year old and her 5 year old sister]. They [died on Fri 14 Dec 2018] at Reasi District Hospital within 2 hours of being brought Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (26): Nigeria (ED)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaAn unidentified middle-aged man has reportedly died from yellow fever infection in Benin [Benin City, capital of Edo State, Nigeria].This recent death has again heightened fears of residents of the state over the non-availability of yellow fever vaccine at the government's health centers.The victim, who reportedly died at the accident and emergency unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), was said to have been rushed to the hospital on Friday [14 Dec 2018] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa Fever – West Africa (48): Benin (BO) ex Nigeria
Lassa Fever -- BeninBenin health officials announced this week 3 Lassa fever cases (2 confirmed, 1 probable) reported in the municipality of Parakou in Borgou Department in the northern part of the country.According to local press, the head of the department of public health, Dr. Emmanuel Obolli Job, said the cases all come from the village Taberou (Nigeria) located 5 km from Tandou in the commune of Tchaourou.Faced with this epidemiological situation, actions were carried out to inform the prefect Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Vaping solution ingestion – UK (Scotland): serious toxicity
Poisoning -- United KingdomThe rector of a Scottish school, Dingwall Academy, has written to parents following a number of incidents over the past week of pupils drinking potentially fatal bottles of vaping fluid.It is understood one pupil from the Highland school was taken to hospital by ambulance, with one councillor claiming a student had been left in a "paralysed state."The school has involved police and NHS Highland health protection experts, with pupils being warned of the dangers of drinking Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease – India (12): (KA) human, monkey
Kyasanur Forest Disease -- IndiaTwo positive cases of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, have been reported from Aralagodu Gram Panchayat [village council] limits in Sagar taluk [an administrative division] in the past week.Kiran S.K., Field Medical Officer of KFD, told The Hindu that the blood samples of a 40-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man from Aralagodu have tested positive for KFD. Both were admitted to McGann Hospital, a government hospital attached to Shivamogga Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (150): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summary, Guinea
Ebola -- DR Congo- Bishop Sikuli Paluku, the bishop of the Butembo-Beni diocese, launched the "Family Without Ebola" campaign throughout the district of Butembo-Beni. This project is part of the "Ebola Pas Chez Moi" citizen campaign launched by Beni students last October [2018].- In a statement issued Fri 14 Dec 2018, the bishop calls all Catholic faithful to protect themselves to protect their neighbors and their community. He particularly emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the Ebola Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Toxicity, feed – USA: (SD) bovine
Poisoning -- United StatesLitigation was filed in Lyman County, South Dakota, last week after a product from a Nebraska company allegedly made 1000 head of cattle sick and killed more than 40. According to court documents, Presho Livestock, LLC, purchased a feed product from Norfolk, Nebraska-based Battle Creek/CHS, LLC, on 10 Nov 2016.The product, known as Rumensin, was a supplement intended to allow cattle to get more energy from their food and to control coccidiosis, an intestinal disease. The Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (115): India (OR) poultry, HPAI H5N1
Avian Influenza H5N1 -- IndiaIn a precautionary measure after several blood samples from chickens were found positive with bird flu virus in at least 3 villages under Brahmagiri block, the district administration today [13 Dec 2018] ordered for bird culling and a ban on poultry sold in the area. Informing on the steps, Puri Collector Jyoti Prakash Das said a decision has been taken to start bird culling within the radius of 1 kilometre [0.62 mile] from the affected area. The culling will begin Friday Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles, equine – Canada (05): (NB)
Strangles -- CanadaA veterinarian from the Provincial Veterinary Service who practices in the western half of New Brunswick, Canada, was called on 5 Nov 2018 to see a horse that was off feed and presenting with swelling of the right parotid area. The horse was cultured positive for _Streptococcus equi equi_ (strangles) 4 days later. This horse was euthanized for other health reasons.The premises were put under quarantine on 5 Nov 2018 because strangles was suspected with the clinical signs. In all, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid – USA (24): (MT)
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesTest results from the final chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance samples sent after the close of Montana's general hunting season showed 4 more deer along the Hi-Line to be positive for CWD. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) said in a press release on Friday [14 Dec 2018] that the 4 deer included a mule deer buck from Hill County and a white-tailed buck from Phillips County. Both deer were taken in areas with previous detections.Additionally, 2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (41): China, domestic swine, spread, control, FAO
African Swine Fever -- ChinaSince the China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MoARA) confirmed its 1st African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Liaoning Province on 3 Aug 2018, ASF was detected [as of 14 Dec 2018] in 22 provinces/autonomous region/municipalities. More than 630 000 pigs have been culled in an effort to halt further spread.- Qinghai Province: on 12 Dec 2018, the 1st ASF outbreak in Qinghai Province was reported on one farm with 69 pigs in Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County [1*].- Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – Philippines: increased cases, 4 regions
Diphtheria -- PhilippinesThe Department of Health (DOH) reported that diphtheria cases have increased in 4 regions. The DOH-Epidemiology Bureau said that the increase in diphtheria cases were seen in Bicol region, Davao region, Soccsksargen, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).Soccsksargen had registered the highest increase, 200%, from one case in 2017 to 3 cases this year [2018]. It was followed by Bicol region, with a 167% increase (3 cases in 2017 to 8 cases in 2018), while ARMM Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (40): China (QH) domestic swine, spread, OIE
African Swine Fever -- ChinaInformation received on 14 Dec 2018 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: 10 Dec 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 12 Dec 2018Report date: 14 Dec 2018Date submitted to OIE: 14 Dec 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis, visceral – Israel: (HZ) feline, canine
Leishmaniasis -- IsraelA society engaged in the salvage of unowned/stray animals in the Valleys region [northern Israel] has been keeping a large number of cats and dogs on its premises. During an inspection visit of the commissioner [footnote 1] on the site, serious shortcomings in the performance of the society were encountered, the animals being kept under harsh conditions and in poor bodily condition. This led to a decision to transfer the animals to a "protected installation" [footnote 2].During Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (114): USA (MD) poultry, susp., RFI
Avian Influenza -- United StatesA poultry farm in Wicomico County had an inconclusive test for avian influenza, leading to 40 000 chickens being put down at a farm in Powellville.The farm was experiencing "higher than normal mortality" and was submitted to the Maryland Department of Agriculture laboratory for a disease screening, according to a release from Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. [DPI]. Disease screenings include testing for bird flu.Bird flu is a viral disease affecting multiple species Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Histomoniasis, turkeys – USA: (GA) research
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesDr. Robert Beckstead at North Carolina State University recently completed a research project in which he developed diagnostic assays needed for advancing the understanding of blackhead disease. His research shows clearly how the disease most likely spreads and clarifies which cleaning and disinfecting methods are effective in decontaminating facilities and equipment.The USPOULTRY Foundation's mission is to support the recruitment and training of the brightest Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness, undiagnosed fatalities – India, RFI
Foodborne Illness -- IndiaTen people died and dozens of others fell sick after eating a vegetable curry during a temple ceremony in India. Worshippers were served the religious offering, described as a "vegetable pulav," before falling ill at Maramma temple in Chamarajnagar, southern India. The health crisis even spread beyond humans, as 60 crows were found dead nearby after eating the leftover food.The tragedy in the state of Karnataka has killed at least 10 people, including a 15-year-old girl, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (149): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summaries, WHO, accounts
Ebola -- DR Congo- The youngest patient recovering from Ebola was discharged from the Beni ETC this Wed 12 Dec 2018. This miraculously young child, born 31 Oct 2018, was admitted at the age of 6 days to the ETC after her mother, a confirmed case of Ebola, died during childbirth. Throughout the infant's hospitalization, pediatricians, resuscitators and nannies of ETC took turns at her bedside 24 hours a day to give her every chance to survive. Nannies are former ETC patients who have recovered from Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Kenya (07): (ME) livestock, human
Anthrax -- KenyaIgembe Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) James Kosgei has cautioned area residents against consuming uninspected meat during this festive season. Mr. Kosgei issued the warning following the deaths of 4 people in Nyambene after consuming uninspected meat suspected to be infected with the deadly disease anthrax. "During this festive season, a lot of slaughtering takes place both in designated abattoirs and in homesteads, but both should seek the services of relevant veterinary offices Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Reverse zoonotic disease transmission, sea birds – Antarctica
Other Animal Disease -- AntarcticaYou can give your cat the flu. You can also pass pneumonia to a chimpanzee or tuberculosis to a bird. This kind of human-to-animal disease transmission, known as reverse zoonosis, has been seen on every continent except one: Antarctica. Now, human-linked pathogens in bird poop reveal, for the 1st time, that even animals on this isolated ice-bound landmass can pick up a bug from tourists or visiting scientists. This newly identified infection route could have devastating Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (49): Saudi Arabia (NJ, RI)
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaDuring the period 26 Nov 2018 through today, 13 Dec 2018, there were a total of 2 newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection reported from Saudi Arabia and 1 newly reported recovery.Newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection:[1]Date of report: 12 Dec 2018Case no. 18-1772MERS in Najran city: 45-year-old male in Najran city, Najran regionContact with camels: noCase classification: primary, community acquiredCurrent status: hospitalized[2]Date of report: 13 Dec Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (59): global (Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea)
Polio -- AfghanistanNew wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 1Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 29Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22New cVDPV cases reported this week: 1Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2018: [98]Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2017: 96HeadlinesSummary of new viruses this week:- Afghanistan - 1 new case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)- Papua New Guinea - 1 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) and 2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – USA (02): (PA) rabbits, RHDV1
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesThe Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received notice Wednesday [12 Dec 2018] from the USDA confirming rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) in 2 pet rabbits that died on [7 Dec 2018] in Clover Township, Jefferson County. The site is under quarantine and is being cleaned and disinfected. The disease poses no risk to human health, nor to animals other than rabbits.RHD causes sudden death in rabbits having previously exhibited no signs of disease. It is a viral Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Fusarium wilt, pigeon pea – India: (MH)
Other Plant Disease -- IndiaAlmost 20% of tur crop (pigeon pea) has been destroyed in Yavatmal district, one of the largest producers of the commodity in the country, [which has sowed] 150 000 hectares [370 658 acres] [of pigeon pea] this year [2018]. The fungus, _Fusarium udum_, is causing wilting of the crop. Not much can be done to save the crop.Treating seeds by applying fungicides can prevent damage to crops. "However, private seed companies supply untreated seeds to a majority of farmers. This Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (48): Asia (Yemen) WHO
Cholera, Dysentery -- YemenThe Ministry of Public Health and Population of Yemen has reported 12 289 suspected cases and 10 associated deaths during epidemiological week 45 [5-11 Nov 2018]. Of these, 13% are severe cases. The cumulative total number of suspected cholera cases from 1 Jan 2018 to 11 Nov 2018 is 280 198, with 372 associated deaths (CFR 0.13%). Children under 5 represent 32% of the total suspected cases, while 22 out of 23 governorates and 306 out of 333 districts in Yemen have been Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Americas: canned corn, risk, recall
Botulism -- Worldwide/UnknownDel Monte Foods Inc. issued a recall of some of its canned corn this week [week of Mon 10 Dec 2018]. Del Monte's fiesta corn seasoned with red and green peppers is underprocessed and could result in, "contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed," the company said.Although it is more of a concern in home-canned food, the bacterium that causes botulism can be found in store-bought canned food that has not been Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st. Newport – USA (06): ground beef, alert, recall
Salmonella -- United StatesSince the last update on 15 Nov 2018, 87 more ill people have been added to this investigation. As of Wed 12 Dec 2018, 333 people infected with the outbreak strain of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Newport have been reported from 28 states.State / Ill people-----------Arizona 50California 107Colorado 58Connecticut 1Hawaii 4Idaho 3Iowa 2Illinois 1Indiana 1Kansas 1Kentucky 1Michigan 1Massachusetts 1Minnesota 2Mississippi 1Missouri 3Montana 8New Mexico Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Bluetongue – Europe (06): Germany (BW), bovine, BTV-8, OIE
Bluetongue -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 13 Dec 2018 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: 8 Dec 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 12 Dec 2018Report date: 13 Dec 2018Date submitted to OIE: 13 Dec 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (77): Americas, Europe, Pacific
Measles -- United States[8] Philippines (Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City) [9] New Zealand (Auckland) ex Philippines (Manila): alert******[1] USA: Florida (Sarasota County)Date: Wed 12 Dec 2018Source: News Observer [edited]The Florida Department of Health says 4 children who were diagnosed with measles were never vaccinated.The health agency says the children in Sarasota County on Florida's Gulf Coast had close contact with each other but didn't elaborate further.The Sarasota Read more [...]
