Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (25): Romania (BH) domestic swine, OIE
African Swine Fever -- RomaniaInformation received on [and dated] Mon 9 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: 25 Jun 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 6 Jul 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (12): FAO, forecast
Rift Valley Fever -- Worldwide/UnknownAfter a period of abnormal, heavy rainfall and floods in the Eastern African region, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was 1st reported in humans in Kenya; later it was confirmed that the disease was present in animals. These outbreaks are ongoing and pose a threat to the whole Eastern African region. Although the upcoming [dry] season from July 2018 onwards will be unsuitable for the vector populations in most of the Eastern African region (except for Ethiopia, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (51): Congo DR, cases, response
Ebola -- DR CongoThe epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 6 Jul 2018: - A total of 53 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, of which 38 were confirmed and 15 were probable. - 24 people have been cured of Ebola virus disease since the beginning of the epidemic. 29 deaths were recorded, including 14 confirmed cases. News from the Ebola response------------------------------ Strategic Review of the Response From 3-5 Jul 2018, the Ministry of Health, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (28)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesNew numbers that were just released show the amount of hepatitis A cases in Indiana are still growing. Just this week, there were 2 more cases reported in Lawrence County, which brings the total number of people infected to 28. In the state, 202 are reported with hepatitis A.FOX59 News reports a Bedford man is bedridden after contracting the virus. The health department says they are working to figure out how he became infected. The individual reported says he had recently Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – USA (09): (VA) EEE & WNV equine vaccination
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus -- United StatesVirginia's 2018 mosquito season is proving to be one of the worst in years, animal health officials said as they encouraged owners to ensure their horses' EEE and WNV vaccines are up to date.Recent deluges of rain have created stagnant pools of water perfect for mosquito breeding, while cooler temperatures have helped to slow the maturation of larvae, delaying the pests' season this year [2018]. "Now it has hit in full force, and horses Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (38): Americas (USA) deer, fox, skunk
Rabies -- United StatesBrunswick police on Tuesday [3 Jul 2018] said there appears to be a "widespread rabies epidemic" in the city after a 4th confirmed case of the disease. Police were notified this week that a 4th wild animal has tested positive for rabies in the past 3 weeks. A rabid animal -- a fox -- attacked a man who was gardening on Bouchard Drive on 29 Jun 2018. The man was able to subdue the fox with a shovel without being exposed, according to police.On 13 Jun 2018, a woman on High Street Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (41): Americas, Europe, Pacific
Measles -- CanadaIn June [2018], a 26-year-old patient died of the disease. And last February [2018], a 32-year-old mother who was not vaccinated died at CHU [Centres Hospitaliers Régionaux et Universitaires] Poitiers.The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is now mandatory for children born after 1 Jan 2018. The 2nd dose that is administered later guarantees immunity.[Byline: Alexandre Muffon Cattin]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts[Healthmap/ProMED map France Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yersiniosis – Norway: undefined source
Foodborne Illness -- NorwayThe Norway Institute of Public Health reports investigating an outbreak of gastrointestinal bacterium, _Yersinia enterocolitica_ O:9. To date [Sat 7 Jul 2018], 18 people from several counties have been diagnosed with the infection. The patients are between 13 and 60 years old and 60 percent of them are women. They are residents from Troms, Oslo, Akershus, Trøndelag, Vestfold, Rogaland, Nordland, Hordaland and Møre og Romsdal, and are tested in May and early Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive tick – USA (07)
Pests -- United StatesThe presence of the longhorned tick, a non-native species dangerous to livestock, pets and humans, has been confirmed locally in Putnam and Lincoln counties, according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The tick has also been found in Tyler, Taylor, Ritchie and Hardy counties.The ticks were discovered on pet dogs in Putnam and Lincoln counties in June [2018].The longhorned tick is considered a serious threat to livestock, particularly cattle, and is known to carry Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> St Louis encephalitis virus – USA: (CA)
St. Louis Encephalitis -- United StatesThe Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed that _Culex_ mosquitoes in Fresno have tested positive for the Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus.According to a press release from the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH), the infected mosquitoes were found in the areas of East Floradora Avenue and Highway 41, and Shields and Van Ness avenues. The notification was made by the FCDPH on Thursday [3 Jul 2018].SLE virus is mosquito-transmitted Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Colorado tick fever virus – USA: (OR)
Tick-borne disease — United States
Yendell SJ, Fischer M, Staples JE. Colorado tick fever in the United States, 2002- 2012. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2015; 15(5): 311-6. Abstract available at: .
HealthMap/ProMED maps available at:
United States:
Oregon, United States: . – Mod.TY]
[See Also:
Colorado tick fever virus – Canada: (SK)
PRO/AH/EDR> Mycoplasma bovis, bovine – New Zealand (12): Notice of Direction
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandTwo Taranaki farms have been issued notices of direction as they are tested for the cattle disease due to _Mycoplasma bovis_. Both properties -- one a dairy farm and the other a lifestyle block -- are near Inglewood, with the 1st notice of direction issued on 28 Jun 2018 and the 2nd last week.It was the 1st time that testing for the bacterial disease has been carried out in the region, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) told Radio New Zealand. MPI issues Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (22): (WA) restaurants
E. coli -- United StatesThe King County Health Dept. announced on Friday afternoon [6 Jul 2018] that it had closed 2 Redmond restaurants: I Love Sushi and Sodexo's Cafe Mario, both located at Nintendo of America at 4600 150th Ave NE, Redmond, WA. The eateries were "Closed by a Public Health food inspector on 5 Jul 2018 at 5:30 pm due to the imminent health hazard of an ongoing suspected foodborne illness investigation," said a news release from the health dept.The health department, in a posting Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (37): Americas (USA) raccoon, feline, human exposure
Rabies -- United StatesHealth officials are warning the public about the dangers of trying to help wild animals after a woman who rescued a baby raccoon exposed 21 people in south Weld County to rabies.According to a [Mon 2 Jul 2018] release from the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, the woman took the raccoon into her care after finding it on her property. Its mother had abandoned the animal.Health officials said during its time with the unidentified Weld County woman, the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – USA (08): (FL) equine
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesTwo horses in Suwannee County, [Florida], have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as [EEE]. The Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County is letting residents know that there is an increase in mosquito-borne diseases in the area. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to "Drain and Cover":Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Europe: Germany (RP) 2017, increased incidence
Hantavirus -- GermanyIn the last year [2017], more people in Rhineland-Palatinate [Germany], became infected with hantavirus than in 2016.A total of 49 cases were notified (in 2017), as reported by the LUA Koblenz on [Thu 5 Jul 2018]. In 2016, there were 7 cases.One source of infection is mouse droppings. The virus usually causes illnesses with flu-like symptoms: high fever, headaches, and abdominal and back pain. Additionally, infection can lead to kidney failure.The virus is excreted in the saliva, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ciguatera toxin – Bahamas (2): (NW) conch, correction, Vibrio sp. laboratory confirmation
Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- The BahamasThe Ministry of Health warned yesterday of a recent outbreak of conch poisoning. Health authorities yesterday [4 Jul 2018] confirmed 4 cases of conch poisoning stemming from Potter's Cay in the past 72 hours but said the outbreak of _Vibrio parahaemolyticus_ could easily be prevented by vendors washing their conch supplies in fresh water._V. parahaemolyticus_ is a bacterium found in brackish saltwater, which, when ingested, causes symptoms including abdominal Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Scabies – Iraq: (NI)
Scabies -- IraqMosul, Iraq's former Islamic State (IS) capital, is witnessing a growing rate of scabies infections in its western region, medical workers reported as the city struggles to overcome destruction resulting from the war against the extremist group. Moamen Shahwani, a doctor at the health department in Mosul, was quoted by the Iraqi website Sky Press in a press statement that western Mosul has recorded 150 scabies cases, warning that parasites causing the disease are spreading in the city.He Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (50): Congo DR, Japanese response, CIDRAP, WHO, survey
Ebola -- DR CongoIn response to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), the government of Japan (GOJ) dispatched the Japan Disaster Relief Infectious Diseases Response Team (JDR-IDRT) from [Mon 11 Jun 2018-Sat 30 Jun 2018] upon the request from the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The JDR-IDRT consists of a total of 14 members, including 7 technical experts in the areas of epidemiology, public health, and laboratory.Prior to the JDR-IDRT deployment, an assessment team Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – Europe (04): fatal, ST6, frozen corn, 2015-18, recall
Listeriosis -- Worldwide/UnknownFrozen corn and possibly other frozen vegetables are the likely source of an outbreak of _Listeria monocytogenes_ that has been affecting Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom since 2015.Experts used whole genome sequencing to identify the food source, which initially was thought to be limited to frozen corn. As of 8 Jun 2018, 47 cases including 9 deaths had been reported.The same strains of _L. monocytogenes_ have been detected in frozen vegetables Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (27): global
Polio -- AfghanistanNew wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 0- Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 11- Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22New cVDPV cases reported this week: 0- Total number of cVDPV cases in 2018: 13- Total number of cVDPV cases in 2017: 96HeadlinesSummary of new positives this week:- Afghanistan: an advance notification has been received of 1 new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case- Pakistan: 3 new WPV1 positive environmental samples have been Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (24): Romania, domestic, spread, concern
African Swine Fever -- RomaniaGiven the high concentration of new cases of African swine fever [ASF] infection within a short period, located on Romania's border areas adjacent to the Ukraine region of Odessa, there is an emergency for both countries. In general, the ASF situation in the European Union has recently deteriorated, both in terms of number of new cases and the size of territories affected.As viewed by Rosselkhoznadzor's experienced specialists, the development of such an epizootic situation Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (21): (TN) O157, 2 clusters, 2 sources
Foodborne Illness -- United StatesA cluster of 15 _E. coli_ infection cases in June 2018, all among children, came from 2 different sources, Knox County Health Department investigators have concluded: a somewhat unusual outcome.The health department announced Fri 6 Jul 2018 that 2 different strains of _E. coli_ O157 sickened the children, 9 of whom were hospitalized and 7 of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that affects the kidneys and occurs in 5-10 percent of infected Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Neospora caninum, bovine – UK: (Wales), spread, prevention
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomConcerns over increasing reports of _Neospora_ outbreaks in cattle have been highlighted at the meeting of the National Access Forum for Wales held in Welshpool on Tuesday [3 Jul 2018]. _Neospora_ does not harm dogs, but dogs can carry the disease, which often goes undetected. The disease does, however, cause harm to cattle and sheep, and it can result in the abortion of unborn young.NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Board chairman, Hedd Pugh, said: "In recent months, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Kenya (04): (KR) bovine, human fatal case
Anthrax -- KenyaOne person in Kimasian village in Ainamoi Constituency died after contracting anthrax. The 24-year-old mason contracted the epidemic disease while skinning the carcass of a cow with the disease. The deceased man was infected through a wound in his hand. Medical records from the Kericho County hospital indicated that the mason died from a cutaneous form of anthrax as evidenced by his skin.Dr. David Rotich, a veterinary department officer with the county, said laboratory testing had Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (23): Ukraine, domestic swine, wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- Ukraine[1] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Zaporizhia) domestic swine[2] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Volyn) wild boar[3] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Poltava) domestic swine[4] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Zakarpattia) wild boar[5] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Dnipro) domestic swine[6] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Sumy) domestic swineFollow-up reports:------------------[7] African swine fever - Ukraine: (Donetsk) domestic swine and wild boar[8] African swine Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever – Eastern Africa (11): Rwanda (SU), bovine, spread
Rift Valley Fever -- RwandaA Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak has been reported in Kamonyi District, weeks after RVF wreaked havoc in livestock in Eastern Province. The disease has been detected in cows that died in the district's 4 sectors of Rukoma, Kayenzi, Ngamba and Nyarubaka.Rwanda Agricultural Board reports, as of [30 Jun 2018], at least 11 cows died from RVF, one cow is showing signs of RVF disease, and 24 have aborted in the process. Rukoma sector has so far been hit hardest by the outbreak, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis E – Namibia (09): (ER) more cases
Hepatitis E -- NamibiaThe Ministry of Health and Social Services in Erongo Region, various local authorities and the governor's office are on high alert for more cases of hepatitis E, after 4 persons tested positive for the disease in Swakopmund. The cases were detected in Mondesa and DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community). The acting regional health director, Dr. Amir Shakir, yesterday indicated there are 32 other suspected cases whose results are pending. He explained that samples from the cases Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – Europe: ex Morocco
Hepatitis A -- Worldwide/UnknownWe report on 2 distinct hepatitis A virus strains that are causing cases in travelers returning from Morocco and autochthonous cases in several European countries between 1 Jan and 18 Jun 2018.On 2 May 2018, Denmark reported a cluster of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections with the subgenotype IA strain DK2018_231, through the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)'s Epidemic Intelligence Information System (EPIS) for food- and waterborne diseases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (33): Brazil, monkeys
Yellow Fever -- BrazilKaren Strier knew something was wrong as soon as she entered the patch of Brazil's Atlantic Forest in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais where she has been studying primates for 35 years. Instead of the usual deafening roar of howler monkeys, some of the most common monkeys in the region, there was an "eerie silence, like when something is wrong," says the University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist. "It was stunning." The animals had been silenced by the yellow fever Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ciguatera toxin – Bahamas: (NW) conch, alert
Food-related toxin -- The BahamasWith 4 confirmed cases of conch poisoning in New Providence, [Bahamas], the Ministry of Health cautioned Bahamians against consuming the delicacy in the wake of this latest outbreak. Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands confirmed the 4 Bahamians suffering from the illness. The earliest case, he said, dates back to [Sat 30 Jun 2018].Dr. Sands revealed that an additional 6 persons have been hospitalized with symptoms of conch poisoning. He said even though the number of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – Belgium: (OV) poultry, OIE
Newcastle Disease -- BelgiumInformation received on [and dated] Thu 5 Jul 2018 from Dr Jean-François Heymans, Director, Animal Health and Safety of Products of Animal Origin, Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), Brussels, BelgiumSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: Thu 28 Jun 2018Date of confirmation of the event: Wed 4 Jul 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: Mon 9 Aug 2010Manifestation Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – USA (03): (OR) B. abortus vaccine infection, needle stick, 2017
Brucellosis -- United StatesHatcher SM, Shih D, Holderman J, Cossaboom C, Leman R, DeBess E. Notes from the field: Adverse event associated with unintentional exposure to the _Brucella abortus_ RB51 vaccine - Oregon, December 2017. doi: On 7 Dec 2017, a previously healthy, middle-aged male veterinarian was evaluated at an Oregon emergency department (ED) for cough, malaise, myalgia, fever, and arthralgia of 4 days' duration. The patient reported having sustained a needle stick while administering Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (22): Romania (CT) domestic swine, OIE
African Swine Fever -- RomaniaInformation received on [and dated] Thu 5 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: Wed 4 Jul 2018Date of confirmation of the event: Wed 4 Jul 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – China (08): (YN) st O, swine, OIE, RFI
Foot and Mouth -- ChinaInformation received on [and dated] 4 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: 10 Jun 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 27 Jun 2018Report date: 4 Jul 2018Date submitted to OIE: 4 Jul 2018Reason for notification: new strain of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: clinical Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine tuberculosis – France: red fox
Bovine TB -- FranceMichael Gove's pledge to cull thousands of badgers to end the tuberculosis epidemic in England's cattle faces a scientific challenge, from research showing foxes can also carry the disease.If confirmed, it could make Gove's cull pointless because it is based on the belief that badgers are the only wild animals to infect cattle.Last month French government scientists published evidence showing foxes could also carry and transmit bovine TB (bTB). "Infection in wild red foxes was Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Nerve agent poisoning – UK (03): (England) Novichok
Poisoning -- United KingdomA couple rushed to hospital by paramedics dressed in hazmat suits were poisoned by the same nerve agent used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, police confirmed.Female victim DS, 44, and her partner male victim CR, 45, are fighting for life after they were exposed to the deadly Novichok substance in Amesbury [England] on [Sat 30 Jun 2018].They were exposed just 300 yards [275 m] from where Mr Skripal and his daughter ate on the day they were poisoned 4 months ago, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – Fiji: (CK,TL) bovine
Brucellosis -- FijiRecent tests carried out by the Livestock Department within the Ministry of Agriculture detected brucellosis bacteria in livestock in Savusavu and Taveuni [Cakaudrove province].The ministry's senior livestock officer Anasa Ralogaivau said brucellosis was a highly contagious zoonosis caused by consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat from infected animals, or by close contact with their secretions.Mr Ralogaivau said after the discovery, transportation of cows and cattle Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Neospora caninum, bovine – UK (02): (Wales) spread, preventn, cntrl, comment,RFI