Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Asia (35): China (SA) domestic swine, spread, OIE
African Swine Fever -- ChinaInformation received on 7 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: 27 Nov 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Dec 2018Report date: 7 Dec 2018Date submitted to OIE: 7 Dec 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Herpesvirus, elephant – USA (02): (OR) fatal
Herpes -- United StatesWe thank ProMED-mail for the opportunity to make a few corrections to the post (archive no. http://promedmail.org/post/20181202.6176860) and add some information for your readers.Like herpesvirus in humans, elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a lifelong infection that often does not cause serious clinical illness. There may be occasional skin lesions due to EEHV or gammaherpesviruses (more often in African elephants and only rarely in Asian elephants), but these Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Fiji: (NT)
Typhoid -- FijiA typhoid outbreak has been identified in the Naitasiri subdivision. This was confirmed by the Minister for Health, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete, who said there are 31 confirmed cases of typhoid and 14 suspected cases.He said the Naitasiri medical team continued to make daily visits, implementing public health awareness and public health interventions in these villages. He added that families have been educated on safe food preparation, food handling and proper hygiene practices.The Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis E – Central African Republic: (OP)
Hepatitis E -- Central African RepublicIn a follow-up to the hepatitis E outbreak in Bocaranga-Koui Health District, Central African Republic, since late October 2018, 67 new cases of acute jaundice syndrome were reported, of which 51 were confirmed with hepatitis E virus infection. As of 23 Nov 2018, a total of 119 cases of acute jaundice syndrome were recorded, including 2 deaths (case fatality ratio, 1.7%). Of the 119 cases, 80 (67%) have been confirmed positive for hepatitis E virus infection Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Namibia (06): (KE, Bwabwata Natl Park) wildlife
Anthrax -- NamibiaIn an isolated unpleasant incident, a total of 32 buffalo carcasses were picked between September and November [2018] in Bwabwata National Park, Kavango East region. A subsequent investigation ascertained the beasts were killed by the highly contagious anthrax disease. "The carcasses were tested positive for anthrax, and 31 carcasses were found in the Buffalo Core Area and one at Mahangu Core Area. All carcasses were burnt, and livestock vaccination as a preventative measure was Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Mycoplasma bovis, bovine – New Zealand (15): (TK)
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandTaranaki's 1st case of the cattle disease _Mycoplasma bovis_ has been confirmed by the Ministry of Primary Industries [MPI]. A dairy farm has been designated as the region's 1st 'restricted place' after test results and animal movements showed a risk of spreading the bacterial disease, _M. bovis_ director Geoff Gwyn, from the Ministry of Primary Industries, said in an emailed statement.A 'restricted place' is a farm where there is either confirmed disease or a very Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Malawi (03): (MA) hippopotamus, water testing
Anthrax -- MalawiSouthern Region Water Board [SRWB] is now testing Shire River water at Liwonde to find if it was contaminated with [_Bacilus anthracis_] which has killed 28 hippopotamuses so far. SRWB spokesperson Rita Makwangwala has confirmed that the board is testing the water at Liwonde in order to find out the extent of the contamination. "But our consumers should be assured that the water is safe. We are ensuring that the water is safe for drinking as we are doing the tests." she said.An official Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (25): Nigeria (ED)
Yellow Fever -- NigeriaThe Edo state government on [Wed 5 Nov 2018] said that 9 lives were lost to the outbreak of yellow fever that ravaged parts of the state a few weeks ago. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr David Osifo, disclosed this during an audience participatory programme on a Benin-based radio station. He also confirmed that the yellow fever epidemic spread to 10 local government areas of the state. "Already, 9 persons have been reported dead so far since the epidemic was first reported," Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Texas cattle fever tick – USA: (TX) tick-control fencing in Texas
Pests -- United StatesUSDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is publishing a record of decision for the final environmental impact statement (EIS) on cattle fever tick fencing in southern Texas.On 31 May 2018, USDA published the final EIS that discussed how to continue to protect US livestock from cattle fever ticks and the disease they cause, bovine babesiosis, which is severe and often fatal. The EIS found that the installation of wildlife fencing in strategic areas along the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid – USA (22): (MO)
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesA deer killed in Taney County is the 1st to test positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in that county, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The Taney County deer was killed only 2.5 mi [4 km] away from another deer that tested positive for CWD in Stone County, also that county's 1st positive CWD test.Jasmine Batten, MDC's wildlife disease coordinator, said the positive CWD test in the Taney County deer was confirmed in the past few Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – USA (10): (CO) equine
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesAugust 2018 EIA investigation: The index premises in Weld County and 2 associated premises have been released from their quarantine and hold orders. 149 exposed horses have been located in Colorado (out of the 149 that we determined to be in the state) at 66 different locations. Fifty-eight hold orders have been lifted in Colorado; 8 hold orders remain in Adams, Boulder, Huerfano, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties until final testing is completed.September Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> HIV, Oman: ex Pakistan, illegal kidney transplant
HIV/AIDS — Oman
PRO/AH/EDR> Diphyllobothrium latum – Chile: (LG)
Other Human Disease -- ChileHealth authorities alerted the population about the consumption of raw fish after detecting 6 confirmed cases and another 14 suspects of contagion with difilobotriasis [_Diphyllobothrium latum_] at Puerto Octay Hospital.Also known as the tapeworm of fish, [_Diphyllobothrium latum_] is the largest parasite that infects humans. This animal has the appearance of a worm, can reach up to 10 m [approx. 32 ft] and is lodged in the intestines, where it is able to reproduce.According Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (75): S America, SE Asia, vaccine
Measles -- ColombiaDabbagh A, Laws RL, Steulet C, et al. Progress toward regional measles elimination -- worldwide, 2000-2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018; 67(47); 1323-29; ][Byline: Tibi Puiu]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts[The report contains a very nice figure showing the estimated annual number of measles deaths with and without vaccination programs -- worldwide, 2000-2017. Credit: CDC]- Mod.LK]******Southeast Asia---[3] Philippines (Davao city, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Histoplasmosis – USA: (LA) scout camp attendees
Histoplasmosis -- United StatesThe Istrouma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, along with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), has closed a campsite on Avondale Scout Reservation to investigate cases of a disease that hospitalized 2 campers, sparking the involvement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Louisiana State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard, speaking for the LDH, tells WAFB at least 15 campers may have been exposed to histoplasmosis, a disease spread through exposure Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola Update (145): DR Congo (NK, IT) cases, response, life in DRC
Ebola -- DR CongoTake a deadly contagious disease that spreads on contact. Drop it into an area surrounded by jungle, where armed groups vie for control over remote corners. Add a population exhausted by decades of conflict, weary of outsiders, and suspicious of Westerners clad in protective suits erecting camps to treat this illness, camps from which their loved ones often don't come out alive.I don't think you could think of a more complicated, dangerous place to have an Ebola outbreak than northeastern Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Pythiosis – USA (02): (VA) equine, Chincoteague pony deaths
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesA 5th pony has died in Chincoteague [Virginia] this year [2018]. Rain Dancer died Monday [3 Dec 2018] from what is colloquially known as "swamp cancer," the town's volunteer fire company posted on Facebook. The illness is a fungus-like infection. "This baby just couldn't kick it and developed some ligament and tendon issues related to this disease," the fire company wrote on Facebook.Rain Dancer's death follows 4 others earlier this year [2018]. In April [2018], Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (48): Saudi Arabia (MK) animal reservoir, camel, spread, OIE
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaInformation received on [and dated] 3 Dec 2018 from Dr Ali Al Doweriej, Director General of Veterinary Health and Monitoring Department, Veterinary Health and Monitoring Department, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, RIYADH, Saudi ArabiaSummaryReport type: follow-up report No. 7Date of start of the event: 29 Dec 2015Date of confirmation of the event: 20 Jan 2016Reason for notification: emerging diseaseMorbidity: 2.36%Mortality: 0%Zoonotic impact: No [see Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid – USA (21): (MT)
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesA total of 7 more deer shot by hunters in Montana have turned up positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal disease of the nervous system that's reduced deer herds in other states by as much as 40%. All were mule deer bucks.Three of the deer were shot in Valley and Daniels counties where deer had yet to test positive for CWD. Those counties are located on the Hi-line along the state's northern border with Canada. In Valley County, a positive deer was Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – Croatia: (SM) melitensis, bovine, OIE
Brucellosis -- CroatiaInformation received on [and dated] 3 Dec 2018 from Dr Damir Tudan, assistant minister, chief veterinary officer, Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Zagreb, CroatiaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 3 Oct 2018 Date of confirmation of the event: 28 Nov 2018Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 8 Jun 2017Manifestation of disease: sub-clinical infectionCausal agent: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax, wildlife – Zimbabwe: (Mana Pools Natl Park) impala, susp
Anthrax -- ZimbabweNearly 100 impala have died of suspected anthrax in Zimbabwe's tourist-loved Mana Pools National Park, home to the wild dogs made famous in the recent BBC documentary series, Dynasties. Zimbabwe state wildlife authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the outbreak on [Tue 4 Dec 2018].Anthrax can be fatal to humans though there are no reports of any human infections in this outbreak. Vets sent to the area have managed to bring the disease under control, Farawo told News24. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabbit hemorrhagic disease – New Zealand (05): (OT) RHDV2, rabbit
-- New ZealandA rogue rabbit virus, confirmed in Otago, could thwart regional council plans by making the animals immune to its infection operation.Council chief executive Sarah Gardner yesterday [Mon 3 Dec 2018] said the RHDV2 virus, previously confirmed in the Bay of Plenty and Marlborough, was detected in Central Otago through testing by the regional council. This has been a concern, as it could create immunity among the animals to the RHDV1 "K5" virus it released in March [2018] in a widespread Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (65): Argentina (CH) fatal, susp
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaThe Ministry of Health recommends: camp in a sunny area, free of weeds and trash where no rodent nests are found," as well as "do not go into the forest, into places that have brush and where there are no warning signs stating that it is a safe area."For rural area residents: "precautionary measures must be taken when carrying out tasks in rural areas," and in that sense, "dampen down areas before cleaning and wear eye, nose, and mouth protection in order to not breathe rodent Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Rat bite fever – USA (02): (CT) clarification
Fever — United States
1. Elliott SP. Rat bite fever and _Streptobacillus moniliformis_. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2007; 20(1): 13-22;
– Mod.ML
HealthMap/ProMED map of Connecticut, United States: ]
[See Also:
Rat bite fever – USA: (CT)
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (144): Congo DR (NK, IT) cases, summary, concerns
Ebola -- DR Congo- Launch of immunization of front-line providers in Lubero [North Kivu] in a preventive manner as part of the preparation of the health zone.- Since the start of vaccination on 8 Aug 2018, 39 277 people have been vaccinated, including 17 956 in Beni [total numbers of people vaccinated in North Kivu and Ituri provinces can be seen at the source URL above].Video in French: The response against Ebola in images -- Vaccination of contacts of Ebola patients--Communicated by:ProMED-mail Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Koi herpesvirus disease – Italy: (PM) OIE
Herpes -- ItalyInformation received on [and dated] 3 Dec 2018 from Dr Silvio Borrello, Chief Veterinary Officer, Food Safety and Collegial Bodies for Health Protection, Ministry of Health, Department for Veterinary Public Health, Rome, ItalySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 30 Ag 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 24 Oct 2018Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 22 Dec 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (31): Canada (AB) India (MH,TN) seasonal
Influenza -- CanadaThe Calgary area accounted for 5 of 6 deaths reported so far in this year's [2018-19] flu season, according to information released by Alberta Health Services [AHS] this week.The city's health zone has also been home to 1241 known cases of influenza A, or 63 per cent of the 1985 instances of illness in the province, says AHS.By comparison, the Edmonton zone has seen no deaths and only 273 cases. One death has occurred in the province's north zone.Dr Jia Hu, medical officer of Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Asia (34): China (SA,BJ) domest swine (HL) farmed wild boar
African Swine Fever -- China1. UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). African swine fever threatens People's Republic of China (6 Mar 2018). FAO Animal Health Risk Analysis - Assessment, Issue no. 5. Rome, FAO; .2. Bai MJ, Zou Y, Elsheikha HM, et al. _Toxoplasma gondii_ infection in farmed wild boars (_Sus scrofa_) in three cities of northeast China. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2017; 14(7): 379-85. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2260; and .- Mod.ASMaps of China: and ][See Also:African swine fever - Asia Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Adenovirus (07): USA (MD) fatal, university students, update
Adenovirus -- United StatesAt least 22 students at the University of Maryland were sickened by a strain of adenovirus that killed one freshman at the school.Medical experts now say the university is dealing with an outbreak of adenovirus, which has symptoms similar to those of a cold, including a sore throat, fever, or pink eye.The school says officials used a nasal test, the most reliable test available, to tally the number of cases. Several students got sick in early November [2018] and have since Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid – USA (20): (MO)
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesA young buck killed by a hunter in Stone county has tested positive for chronic wasting disease [CWD] -- the 1st positive CWD case in Stone County and the 1st in the far southwest region of the state.The Missouri Department of Conservation [MDC] says the yearling buck was killed on private land near Reeds Spring during opening weekend of the November [2018] firearms deer season.It was killed 15 miles [24 km] north of the Arkansas border. Northwest Arkansas Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – India (04): (KL) ex UAE
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- IndiaCongo fever has been reported in the state for the 2nd time causing concern. A man from Malappuram [Kerala], who had come home from UAE [United Arab Emirates] for holidays has been tested positive for Congo fever. His condition was reported as stable.Currently, the man is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thrissur. His bodily fluids have been sent for specialized tests. The health department has directed hospital staff to exercise caution as the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (112): Iran (TE) HPAI, poultry, H5N8, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N8 -- IranInformation received on [and dated] 1 Dec 2018 from Dr Alireza Rafiepoor, head of Iran Veterinary Organization (IVO), Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, Tehran, IranSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 30 Sep 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Oct 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease Date of previous occurrence: 30 Jan 2017Causal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virusSerotype: H5N8Nature of diagnosis: Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (60): (KY, WV, FL)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesNumber of cases 1963Demographics-----------Age range: 12-86Median age: 37Male: 1168 (59.5%)Hospitalizations: 1010 (51.5%)Deaths: 5Risk factors---------Co-infection with hepatitis C (information available for 1534 cases): 892 (58.1%)Co-infection with hepatitis B (information available for 1534 cases): 166 (10.8%)Reports illicit drug use (information available for 1665 cases): 1232 (74%)Homeless: 210 (10.7%)--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[Date / Cases / Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Brazil (02): (PR) sandwich, children
Botulism -- BrazilTwo girls, aged 4 and 6, have contracted botulism in the Brazilian state of Parana. Both cases were hospitalized but have now been discharged following treatment.Foodborne botulism, caused by eating food that was improperly processed or held at improper temperatures, is rare but potentially fatal if not diagnosed rapidly and treated with antitoxin. _Clostridium botulinum_ is the bacterium that produces botulinum toxins.The suspected source is a sandwich eaten at a snack bar in Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease – Israel (11): (HZ) bovine, st O, wild boar conf, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- IsraelInformation received on [and updated] 2 Dec 2018 from Dr Shlomo Garazi, chief officer for import and export of the veterinary services, Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bet Dagan, IsraelSummaryReport type: follow-up report no. 3Date of start of the event: 5 Sep 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 9 Sep 2018Report date: 2 Dec 2018Date submitted to OIE: 2 Dec 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Malaria – Dominican Republic (03): autochthonous & imported
Malaria — Dominican Republic
PRO/AH/EDR> Rat bite fever – USA: (CT)
Fever -- United States_Streptobacillus moniliformis_ and _Spirillum minus_ are commensal organisms that are part of the normal respiratory flora of rodents. Bacteria can be found in the oral, nasal, and conjunctival secretions, as well as animal urine. Either organism may be transmitted to humans through broken skin, bites, or scratches. Infection can also result from close contact with an infected rodent (without a reported bite or scratch); [_Streptobacillus moniliformis_ can be transmitted by] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Herpesvirus, elephant – USA: (OR) fatality
Herpes -- United StatesThe death of the Oregon Zoo's youngest elephant was sudden but not unusual: The virus that killed her is the leading cause death for young Asian elephants like Lily worldwide, affecting captive animals and animals in the wild. Lily had elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Like herpesvirus in humans, it most often presents as small bumps on the skin. But sometimes, the virus causes severe internal bleeding.The virus was 1st identified in 1995, when an elephant at the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (74): WHO, PAHO, South America, USA, Southeast Asia
Measles -- United StatesAs of 30 Nov 2018, 16 766 confirmed measles cases, including 86 deaths, have been reported in 12 countries of the region of the Americas: Antigua and Barbuda (1 case), Argentina (14 cases), Brazil (9898 cases, including 13 deaths), Canada (27 cases), Chile (2 cases), Colombia (171 cases), Ecuador (19 cases), Guatemala (1 case), Mexico (5 cases), Peru (38 cases), the USA (220 cases), and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (6370 cases, including 73 deaths). Chile is now part Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Carbon monoxide poisoning – USA (02): (IL)
Poisoning -- United StatesA Red Robin restaurant was evacuated and closed after 24 customers became sick because of high levels of carbon monoxide Friday [30 Nov 2018] night in south suburban Orland Park. About 7:22 PM, 2 dozen customers reported feeling sick and having headaches while dining at the restaurant, located at 15502 South LaGrange Road, according to the Orland Fire Protection District.Fire officials were called to the restaurant and tested the atmosphere, which showed high levels of carbon Read more [...]
