Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – USA (13): equine
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesAlabama agriculture officials are urging horse owners to vaccinate for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) after 3 horses tested positive for the former.According to Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner John McMillan, the horses that contracted EEE came from Houston, Mobile, and Geneva counties.Almost 90 percent of the infected horses die, compared to a 30 percent mortality rate from WNV. EEE causes a horse's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed hemorrhagic fever – Uganda (06): (MW) malaria susp. RFI
Hemorrhagic Fever -- Uganda[subscription required]The Ministry of Health (MOH) has identified the disease that has been claiming the lives of people in Manafwa district as blackwater fever, a severe complication of malaria in which red blood cells burst in the bloodstream, releasing haemoglobin directly into the blood vessels and the urine and leading to kidney failure.In May [2018], 14 people died under unclear circumstances in Manafwa district. The victims were passing urine laced with blood [confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephaliis – Taiwan (07): (YL)
Japanese Encephalitis -- ChinaThe 1st case of Japanese encephalitis in Yunlin County was reported to the public on [Sat 28 Jul 2018] and served as a moment for the health department to urge the public to be aware that Taiwan is entering peak season for the virus.A 52-year-old man contracted the disease at the end of June [2018]. The man had a high temperature, confusion, and a feeling of weakness. The man was not vaccinated and is currently in the hospital, reports say.The Japanese encephalitis virus Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Vibrio parahaemolyticus – Bahamas: (NW) conch, more cases
Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- The BahamasCases of reported conch poisoning are on the rise in the capital, according to Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands. The health minister confirmed Tue 24 Jul 2018 that over 3 dozen persons have sought medical attention for conch poisoning since the Ministry of Health announced the new outbreak in New Providence nearly a month ago.Luckily, there have been no reports of conch poisoning in the Family Islands. Dr. Sands confirmed that the outbreak has been isolated Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – Denmark (03): homemade savory jelly
Botulism -- DenmarkHomemade savory jelly caused an outbreak of foodborne botulism in Denmark last month [June 2018], according to the Statens Serum Institut (SSI). The agency, which is under the Danish Ministry of Health, said 9 people became ill after eating dinner at a private party in Sonderborg. Danish authorities previously said a sample from the homemade dish was positive with botulinum toxin type A. The same type was identified in the patients.Experts from Fodevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (31): (KY, WV, IN)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesSince [Tue 1 Aug 2017], the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has identified 1170 cases of acute hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. An increase in cases since [Tue 1 Aug 2017], primarily among the homeless and drug users, prompted declaration of a statewide outbreak in November 2017. Viral sequencing has linked several outbreak-associated cases in Kentucky with outbreaks in California and Utah.DPH is working closely with the CDC and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Mongolia (02): multiple species, st O, spread, RFI
Foot and Mouth -- MongoliaIn order to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] in the Mongolian capital, the Ulaanbaatar Municipality ordered the strengthening of preventive measures. This was reported on Tuesday [17 Jul 2018] by the press service of the mayor's office.At present, 6 outbreaks of FMD affecting cattle have been recorded in the Mongolian aimag Arkhangai. Since early 2018, this acute virus disease was also observed in 12 aimags [provinces] of Mongolia [see comment].Local authorities Read more [...]
PRO> Legionellosis – Italy (02): (LM) fatal, background
Legionnaires' -- ItalyThe following background data are abstracted from Gideon and the Gideon e-book series. [1, 2] (primary references are available on request).The 1st case of legionellosis in Italy was reported in 1981 (from Emilia Romagna), and passive surveillance was initiated in 1983. Reported disease rates in Italy and surrounding countries have increased dramatically since 2000. The rate of under-reporting for legionellosis in Italy is estimated at 21.4 percent.(See graph and charts at source Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Conjunctivitis – USA: (TX)
Conjunctivitis -- United StatesA doctor in Houston, Texas, has warned that a powerful strain of pink eye that lasts for weeks is spreading in the city. Dr. Allan Panzer, an optometrist in Houston, told Fox 7 that one patient a month usually visits his office complaining of pink eye. But recently he has seen 4 patients a day suffering from this type of pink eye, or conjunctivitis.He told Newsweek: "I have spoken to 2 other local doctors who have seen some extreme cases lately." He added that the virus Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – East Africa (06): Uganda (MD) susp. RFI
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- UgandaAuthorities in Mubende district are on a high alert following the outbreak of a strange disease which has claimed the lives of at least 5 people. The strange disease, which has symptoms of high fever, vomiting and passing of blood, was 1st reported last week in Kalezi village.Dr Bosco Ssendikadiwa, the assistant Mubende district health officer, says that the 5th person died on Tuesday [24 Jul 2018] morning. He says that medical workers suspected it was haemorrhagic Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> West Nile virus (10): Romania
West Nile Virus -- RomaniaFive citizens in Romania have been diagnosed with meningitis caused by the West Nile virus.The Romanian Ministry of Health recommends to local authorities to take pest control measures as soon as possible to prevent the spreading of the virus, stiri.tvr.ro reported, adding that 80 percent of the people that were infected or get infected have no symptoms.The only signs and tangible proof that something might be seriously wrong are high fever and headaches. In this case, specialists Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (31): global, Afghanistan, Nigeria
Polio -- AfghanistanNew wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 1Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 13Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22New cVDPV cases reported this week: 0Total number of cVDPV cases in 2018: 15Total number of cVDPV cases in 2017: 96HeadlinesSummary of new cases this week:- Afghanistan: 1 wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case in Kunar province, previously reported as an advance notification, has been confirmed. Five WPV1 positive environmental Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – China (09): (GD) st O, swine, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 26 Jul 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: 4 Jul 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 16 Jul 2018Report date: 26 Jul 2018Date submitted to OIE: 26 Jul 2018Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Legionellosis – Italy: (LM) fatal
Legionnaires' -- ItalyAn outbreak of _Legionella_ bacterial infections in the Lombardy region of Italy has claimed 3 lives and affected a total of 26 people so far.Three elderly people have died in Bresso, a town 20 minutes north of Milan in the Lombardy region, from infection by _Legionella pneumophila_ bacteria, local authorities have said. "The latest data tells us that 26 people living in Bresso in the last 12-13 days have contracted the bacteria, of which 3 unfortunately have lost their lives," Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (39): Nigeria (ED)
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaResidents of Edo state are on alert following a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever in the area.Nigeria News gathers that the new outbreak of the killer disease in the state occurred in Esan North-East, Esan Central, Etsako East, and other local government areas.The information was confirmed by the state's Commissioner for Health, Dr David Osifo, on Wednesday [25 Jul 2018] in an interview with reporters in Benin, the state's capital.Speaking to the reporters, Osifo said: "People should Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (55): Sierra Leone Ebola virus variant, Congo DR cases, WHO
Ebola -- DR CongoPeople should not attempt to kill or eradicate bats in response to this discovery. While bats have been implicated as reservoirs for a number of infectious pathogens, they play important roles as providers of ecosystem services through pollination of native and agricultural crops, reduction of insect pests that also spread disease and damage crops, and consumption of mosquitoes and other pests that feed on people and livestock. Killing or disturbing bats in their natural habitat Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Cyclosporiasis – USA (08): salad
Foodborne Illness -- United StatesFederal health officials reported [Thu 26 Jul 2018] an additional 123 cases of cyclospora infection in an outbreak linked to McDonald's salads that began in May [2018].The total number of laboratory-confirmed illnesses from this outbreak is now 286, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 11 of the sick individuals have been hospitalized.The cyclospora parasite causes intestinal illness in someone who consumed contaminated food or Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Norovirus – USA (ME), UK: summer outbreaks
Norovirus -- United StatesWhen you hear the word norovirus, you may think of outbreaks associated with cruise ships or restaurants .... The highly contagious virus -- which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms -- is known for its tendency to spread quickly in densely populated areas, as well as through contaminated food.But an outbreak in Maine this month [July 2018] has brought to light another way this "stomach bug" can be passed from person to person: Scientists at the Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, mandarin – Pakistan: (PB)
Undiagnosed -- PakistanKinnow [mandarin hybrid] orchards have been attacked by an unknown disease in [Sargodha] district. Growers [said that] no action had been advised. Officials have termed the disease viral, caused by excessive use of pesticides at orchards [see comment below].Citrus Research Institute Sargodha (CRIS) said growers should consult the experts [and] also urged farmers to ensure proper irrigation of orchards. CRIS experts were counseling farmers regarding diseases. [They] confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (30): Moldova (GA) domestic swine, OIE
African Swine Fever -- MoldovaInformation received on [and dated] 26 Jul 2018 from Dr Vitalie Caraus, Head of the Sanitary Veterinary Surveillance Department, Sanitary and Veterinary Surveillance Division, National Food Safety Agency, National Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MoldovaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 17 Jul 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 20 Jul 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Rabies – China: human, vaccine production violations
Rabies -- China1. Zhou H, Vong S, Liu K, Li Y, Mu D, Wang L, et al. Human rabies in China, 1960-2014: A descriptive epidemiological study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(8): e0004874. . - Mod.ASHealthMap/ProMED-mail maps:China: Changchun, Jilin Province, China: ][See Also:Defective drug (valsartan) & vaccines (rabies DTaP) - China (02): recalls http://promedmail.org/post/20180724.5924981Defective drug (valsartan) & vaccines (rabies DTaP) - China: multicountry recalls Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (28): Romania (IL, SJ) domestic swine wild boar OIE
African Swine Fever -- RomaniaInformation received on [and dated] Tue 17 Jul 2018 from Dr Geronimo Raducu Branescu, President Secretary of State Chief Veterinary Officer, National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety, National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, Bucharest, RomaniaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: Tue 17 Jul 2018Date of confirmation of the event: Fri 20 Jul 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis – United States: autochthonous transmission
Leishmaniasis -- United States. Bridget E. McIlwee et al. Incidence of Endemic Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the United States. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.2133AbstractImportanceLeishmaniasis is recognized as an endemic human disease in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Yet despite case reports of endemic human leishmaniasis in the United States, and well-documented occurrences of disease in various animal vectors and reservoirs, the endemicity of leishmaniasis in North America Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (28): Czech Republic, wild boar
African Swine Fever -- Worldwide/UnknownVeterinarians found antibodies against African swine fever in one of the 6 wild boar caught in the Ostrata region in Zlín [district], so the animal probably suffered from the disease. The virus can therefore still be in the territory. The Ministry asks that hunters and breeders continue to abide by principles of biosecurity. The last time the virus was detected in February [2018]. Antibody were last detected in wild boar in April [2018].In the Czech Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis – Taiwan (06)
Japanese Encephalitis -- ChinaThe [Taiwan] Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday [24 Jul 2018] that 5 people in Taiwan were recently diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis, bringing the number of cases in the country so far this year [2018] to 31.Kuo Hung-wei, deputy head of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Center, said that in the period [15-21 Jul 2018], 5 people were confirmed as infected with the disease.The patients, aged 34 to 56, were from Taoyuan's Bade and Pingzhen districts, New Taipei's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – India (02): (MZ) fatal, more cases
Scrub Typhus -- IndiaFresh cases of scrub typhus infection were reported with the death of one person in Pangzawl village in south Mizoram's Lunglei district in early July [2018] and another 2 in Sawleng village in Aizawl district recently.Officials of the state health department said at least 20 others are suffering from the disease at present in Sawleng village.The state government sent a medical team to the village on Tuesday to take stock of the situation, state nodal officer of the integrated Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles, equine – USA (04): (ID)
Strangles -- United StatesThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is voluntarily closing the Bruneau Wild Horse Off-Range Corrals (ORC), in Idaho, to horses entering or leaving the facility due to a strangles outbreak, the agency announced 19 Jul 2018.Individual infected animals are being tested to confirm the diagnosis, but the horses have developed clinical signs indicative of strangles.Caused by the bacteria called _Streptococcus equi_, strangles causes respiratory problems, nasal discharge, and large Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lead poisoning, eyeliner – Australia: (Sydney) ex Pakistan, alert
Poisoning -- Australia[A health warning has been issued after 3 children in Sydney became ill after using eyeliner almost entirely made of lead, imported from Pakistan and sold in stores in the Indian and Pakistani communities in Australia.]The Hashmi Kohl branded product was 84 per cent lead and also contained high levels of dangerous metals including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and mercury.NSW [New South Wales] Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean said the toxic ingredients were revealed after Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – Canada (04): (SK) equine
Equine Infectious Anemia -- CanadaThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a Saskatchewan horse, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported 24 Jul 2018. The affected horse underwent testing to satisfy a pre-entry requirement for a particular premises. Initial reports indicate the horse has traveled extensively within Saskatchewan for training and competition."On 20 July 2018, a positive EIA result was confirmed by the CFIA's Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (54): Congo DR, cases, therapeutics
Ebola -- DR CongoFrom 20-21 Jul 2018, the Ministry of Health and the partners involved in the response organized a data reconciliation workshop to verify and correct data on the EVD epidemic in the province of Equateur.After a case-by-case review of the data collected since the beginning of the epidemic, the final data validated are as follows:- A total of 54 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, of which 38 confirmed Ebola and 16 were probable.- 33 deaths were recorded, including Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (20): Kenya, animal, spread
Rift Valley Fever -- KenyaBy early July [2018], an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF), which affects both humans and livestock, was contained in Wajir and significantly reduced in parts of Mandera, but it is still ongoing in Mandera South, Marsabit (Moyale, North Horr, Saku, and parts of Laisamis sub-counties), and Isiolo (Sericho, Merti, and Oldonyiro wards).All livestock markets and slaughter houses in the affected areas remain closed in an effort to stop the spread of the disease, constraining Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Tick-borne encephalitis – Switzerland (02): vaccine recommendation
Tick-borne Encephalitis -- SwitzerlandTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have significantly increased in 2018, and areas of high risk continue to expand. The Swiss government is considering issuing a nationwide vaccination recommendation against the virus.Almost 230 people have already been infected with the virus -- which in rare cases can be fatal -- since the beginning of 2018, reported Swiss Public Television, SRF, on [Tue 24 Jul 2018]. Cases have almost doubled compared to last year's figures Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cyclosporiasis – USA (07)
Other Human Disease -- United StatesCDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this cluster of illnesses is related to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte fresh produce vegetable trays.As of [Thu 19 Jul 2018] (12pm EDT), a total of 163 laboratory-confirmed cases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Algeria (04): bovine, st O, genotyped topotype EA-3
Foot and Mouth -- AlgeriaFMDV serotype: OCountry: AlgeriaYear: 2018Batch: WRLFMD/2018/00019No. of sequences: 2Report date: 10 July 2018Report generated by: Kasia BankowskaReport checked by: Antonello Di NardoVirus sample name: ALG/1/2018Sender reference: 1032/LCVLocation of origin: Bouinan, Centre, BlidaCountry of origin: AlgeriaDate of collection: 20 Jun 2018Host species: cattleSerotype: OTopotype: EA-3Lineage: - Sublineage: - Sequence length: 633Ambiguities: 0Created: 6 Jul Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (20): Kenya
Rift Valley Fever -- KenyaIf you are traveling to Kenya, which is located on the central-east coast of Africa the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level 1 Alert regarding an ongoing Rift Valley fever outbreak.The Ministry of Health (MoH) for Kenya confirmed on Wed 4 Jul 2018, a total of 94 human cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have been reported from Wajir (82) and Marsabit (11) counties, including 10 fatalities. This is a case fatality ratio of 11 percent. [There is Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Citrus canker – Martinique
Other Plant Disease -- FranceCitrus producers in 5 Martinique municipalities are facing up to the threat of the citrus canker after the disease was detected in the communes of Saint Pierre, Morne-Rouge, Ajoupa-Bouillon, Basse-Pointe and Lorrain.As a result, the prefecture of Martinique launched an alert. The bacterium, for which there is currently no cure, was 1st detected in the country in 2014, with Martinique the only country in the Caribbean where citrus canker develops.[Byline: Carl Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> West Nile virus (09): Europe update, Greece
West Nile Virus -- GreeceECDC is providing, for the current transmission season, weekly updates on the reported cases of West Nile fever in humans and equidae in the EU Member States and neighbouring countries (i.e. those included in WHO European region and/or bordering the Mediterranean Sea).Situation updateBetween [Fri 13 and Thu 19 July 2018], 6 cases of human West Nile fever were reported in the EU by Greece (3), Romania (2) and Hungary (1). In neighbouring EU countries, 18 cases were reported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bluetongue – Kenya: (SA, NK) not typed, ovine, OIE
Bluetongue -- KenyaInformation received on 20 Jul 2018 from Dr Obadiah Nyaga Njagi, Director of Veterinary Services, Directorate of Veterinary Services, State Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, NAIROBI, KenyaSummaryReport type: immediate notification Date of start of the event: 20 Jun 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 25 Jun 2018Report date: 20 Jul 2018Date submitted to OIE: 20 Jul 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (19): Uganda, WHO
Rift Valley Fever -- UgandaAn outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was confirmed on [Thu 28 Jun 2018]. As of [Tue 17 Jul 2018], 8 cases (6 confirmed and 2 suspected), including 3 deaths (CFR: 42 percent), were reported from west and central Uganda. The 6 confirmed cases were reported from 5 different districts: one from Kasese, 2 from Isingiro, one from Ibanda, one from Mbarara, and one from Sembabule district. One suspected case, identified on arrival at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, ran away Read more [...]
