Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (13): O157, romaine lettuce, increasing cases, fatality
E. coli -- United StatesCase count update-----------------Since the last update on 9 May 2018, 23 more ill people were added to this outbreak.As of 15 May 2018, 172 people infected with the outbreak strain of _E. coli_ O157:H7 have been reported from 32 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from 13 Mar 2018 to 2 May 2018. Ill people range in age from 1 to 88 years, with a median age of 29. 65 percent of ill people are female. Of 157 people with information available, 75 (48 percent) have been Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (15): WHO global update, Brazil
Influenza -- BrazilInformation in this report is categorized by influenza transmission zones, which are geographical groups of countries, areas, or territories with similar influenza transmission patterns.Summary-------Influenza activity returned to inter-seasonal levels in most of the countries in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere except for some countries in Eastern Europe. Activity increased in some countries in tropical America. In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, influenza Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Equine infectious anemia – USA: (TX)
Equine Infectious Anemia -- United StatesThe EIA [equine infectious anemia]-positive quarter horse from Bexar county has been euthanized and the affected Maverick county quarter Horse has been transferred to a quarantine facility.The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) reported 14 May 2018 the Texas Animal Health Commission [TAHC] has confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a Maverick county quarter horse and a Bexar county quarter horse."The Bexar county horse has been euthanized and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (09): update, alerts, prevention
Ebola -- Worldwide/UnknownThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported 42 cases of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the ongoing outbreak, Jessica Ilunga, spokeswoman for the country's Ministry of Public Health said on [Tue 15 May 2018].The DRC ministry of health publicly declared the beginning of the EVD epidemic on [8 May 2018].The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a press statement on [Mon 14 May 2018] said that from [4 Apr to 13 May 2018], a total of 39 Ebola virus disease cases had been reported Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (34): USA (WA) confirmed
Hantavirus -- United StatesHealth officials announced [Tue 15 May 2018] that they have confirmed a case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome [HPS] in a Grant County resident.Grant County Health District officials said the person is believed to have been exposed to contaminated deer mouse dropping while cleaning out their vehicle. The person has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.Officials said this is the 1st confirmed case of [a] hantavirus [infection] in Grant County Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) – Mexico: (YU)
Chagas -- MexicoWith the confirmation of 7 cases in the last epidemiological week reported by the Ministry of Health , the cases of American trypanosomiasis, known as the Chagas disease, number 15 in the State.Specialists point out that 3 out of every 10 infected patients suffer cardiac disorders and one out of every 10 presents digestive alterations (typically, enlargement of the esophagus or colon), neurological or mixed.According to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System, of the cases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – Israel (04): (HZ) bovine, wildlife, spread
Foot and Mouth -- IsraelThe 4-wheel-drive tour, planned for the Nahal Tavor and Nahal Issachar Nature reserve, has been, unfortunately, cancelled. I incidentally came across a news flash on one of the websites indicating that the said nature reserves have been closed to the public due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease affecting gazelles.A quick inquiry revealed that the measure has already been immediately applied and is already in force. We have to change the route, trying to maintain our Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Gonococcal disease: UK, Australia, antibiotic resist. ceftriaxone/azithro. ECDC
Gonorrhea -- United Kingdom"The 1st 3 cases of infection with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ displaying resistance to ceftriaxone (MIC = 0.5 mg/L) and high-level resistance to azithromycin (MIC over 256 mg/L) at a global level were reported by the United Kingdom (one case) and Australia (2 cases) in February and March 2018, respectively. The case from the UK and one case from Australia were travel-associated, and both acquired gonorrhoea in Southeast Asia. These strains Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquito – Jamaica
Pests -- JamaicaBonizzoni M, Gasperi G, Chen X, James AA. The invasive mosquito species _Aedes albopictus_: current knowledge and future perspectives. Trends Parasitol. 2013; 29(9): 460-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.07.003; - Mod.TYHealthMap/ProMED-mail mapJamaica: ][See Also:2017----Invasive mosquito - USA (15): (CA) http://promedmail.org/post/20171004.5360083Invasive mosquito - USA (12): (NM) http://promedmail.org/post/20170910.5307587Invasive mosquito - USA (10): (MI) Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – India (07): (KA) bovine
Anthrax -- IndiaThe anthrax scare has come back to Bandipur Tiger Reserve this summer [2018]. At least 10 head of cattle died due to this disease at Shivapura village over the past 2 weeks. This small village in Gundlupet taluk, 8 km [approx. 5 mi] from Melkammanahalli at the entrance to Bandipura Tiger Reserve, has triggered alarm among villagers and wildlife activists as the disease can infect humans as well as mammals.In 2013, there was panic among forest officers after the death of cattle on Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (08): summary, emergency plan, vaccine, roads
Ebola -- DR Congo[See source URL above to access downloadable PDF report which includes:A. Situation analysisDescription of the disasterB. Summary of the current responseOverview of host national society]"In response to the current outbreak, the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC RC) has already mobilized 36 volunteers. At the headquarters level, a WASH [water, sanitation and hygiene] specialist and a logistician are to be deployed on 12 May [2018] to be part of the joint assessment Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – Yemen (05): fatal, more cases
Diphtheria -- YemenThe World Health Organization (WHO) said on [Sat 12 May 2018] that the diphtheria outbreak has killed at least 91 people in war-torn Yemen since late October [2017].A total of 1725 suspected cases of diphtheria have been recorded in 20 of Yemen's 23 provinces, compared to 1516 suspected diphtheria cases with 84 associated deaths reported on [3 Apr 2018].Also in the day, a UN-backed national campaign for immunizing children against diphtheria was launched.In March [2018], the WHO, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Acinetobacter – USA: ped, antibiotic resistant, increasing frequency, 1999-2012
Acinetobacter baumannii -- United States1. Logan LK, Gandra S, Trett A, et al. _Acinetobacter baumannii_ resistance trends in children in the United States, 1999-2012. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2018 Mar 22. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piy018; ]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts[The following is the abstract of the journal article referenced in the news report above:Abstract--------"Background. _Acinetobacter baumannii_ is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections. Carbapenem-resistant Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (31): Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas
Measles -- United States[4] USA: Louisiana (New Orleans) travel associated[5] USA: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut: alert******[1] Japan (Okinawa)Date: Sat 12 May 2018Source: Japan Times [edited]Okinawa measles outbreak sparks vaccination checks at Japanese hospitals and nurseries - procedure being tightened after 94 more cases logged there on [Thu 11 May 2018].The government says it plans to ensure staff at hospitals and nursery schools get 2 measles vaccines amid an outbreak of the highly Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Malaria – USA: ex Costa Rica: (PU)
Malaria — Costa Rica
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (07): Congo DR, nurse, Uganda susp, WHO, border, vaccine
Ebola -- DR CongoThe 1st death of a new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization said it was preparing for the "worst case scenario."The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed a nurse, according to the Health Ministry.The nurse died overnight at a hospital in nearby Ikoko Impenge, where 4 new suspected cases of Ebola have been reported, Health Minister Oly Ilunga said at a news conference. Seven people with a hemorrhagic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Glanders, equine – India (03): (MP), control
Glanders — India
1. Elschner MC, Neubauer H and Sprague LD. The resurrection of glanders in a new epidemiological scenario: a beneficiary of “global change”. Curr Clin Microbiol Rep. 2017; 4(1): 54-60. Abstract available at .
2. Van Zandt KE, Greer MT and Gelhaus HC. Glanders: an overview of infection in humans. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2013; 8: 131. Available at .
A map of Madhya Pradesh State, India: . – Mod.AS]
[See Also:
Glanders, equine – India (02): (GJ)
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) – USA: ex El Salvador, central nervous system
Chagas -- United StatesA 31-year-old man who had recently received a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] presented to the emergency department with headache, confusion, and gait instability.He had immigrated to the United States from El Salvador 6 years earlier. Fever (temperature, 38.9 deg C [102 deg F]) and an ataxic gait were noted on physical examination.Laboratory test results were notable for a CD4 positive cell count of 60 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Infectious hematopoietic necrosis, trout – Italy: (TT) OIE
Other Animal Disease -- ItalyInformation received on [and dated] 11 May 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: 17 Apr 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 8 May 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 15 Oct 2015Manifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (06): Congo DR, susp, RFI, vulnerability, response, control
Ebola — DR Congo
PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever – Europe (11): Moldova (GA), domestic, OIE
African Swine Fever -- MoldovaInformation received on [and dated] 11 May 2018 from from Dr Vitalie Caraus, Head, Sanitary and Veterinary Surveillance Division, National Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, MoldovaSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 7 May 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 10 May 2018Reason for notification: First occurrence of a listed diseaseManifestation of disease: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Mycoplasma bovis, bovine – New Zealand (08): (CA) ovine
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandA sheep and beef farm near Cheviot [Hurunui district] in north Canterbury has been confirmed infected with the cattle disease _Mycoplasma bovis_.It is the 1st time the disease has been detected in the region, and brings the total number of farms infected throughout the country to 36.Late last year [2017] the disease was discovered on a lifestyle block in Rangiora, north of Christchurch, but that is considered in Canterbury, whereas the new detection is in a new, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis – Nepal: new genotype
Leishmaniasis -- NepalAbstract--------_Leishmania donovani_ is the responsible agent for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian subcontinent (ISC). The disease is lethal without treatment and causes 0.2 to 0.4 million cases each year.Recently, reports of VL in Nepalese hilly districts have increased as well as VL cases caused by _L. donovani_ from the ISC1 genetic group, a new and emerging genotype.In this study, we perform for the 1st time an integrated, untargeted genomics and metabolomics approach Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (19 ): USA (SD, TX, WA) equine
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesResources from the USDA [US Department of Agriculture], AAEP [American Association of Equine Practitioners], AVMA [American Veterinary Medical Association], and others may be found online.ProMED-mail covers equine herpesvirus reports frequently, and I thought it time to provide an in-depth comment as there are may different components of this disease. The majority of this comment has been extracted from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) at Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (18): (MI, UT, KY)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesPublic health officials and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are continuing to see an elevated number of hepatitis A cases in the state.Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2016, public health response has included increased healthcare awareness efforts, public notification and education, and outreach with vaccination clinics for high-risk populations. No common sources of food, beverages, or drugs have been identified as potential Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Botulism, avian – Australia: (NS)
Botulism -- AustraliaHealthy birds, affected birds, and dead birds in various stages of decay are commonly found in the same area. The toxin affects the nervous system by preventing impulse transmission to muscles. Birds are unable to use their wings and legs normally or control the 3rd eyelid, neck muscles, and other muscles. Birds with paralyzed neck muscles cannot hold their heads up and often drown. Death can also result from water deprivation, electrolyte imbalance, respiratory failure, or Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – India (06): (TN) ovine
Anthrax -- IndiaWith the death of 22 sheep in Karaikeni between [Sun 6 and Wed 9 May 2018], the district, for the 1st time, recorded the incidence of anthrax infection. According to Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, R Rajasekaran, anthrax infection will be declared endemic to Karenina village next year [2019].Up to 2 weeks ago, as many as 56 sheep owned by M and R died under mysterious circumstances in Karaikeni village in T Kallupatti block in Peraiyur taluk in the district. Sources said, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Contaminated water – Cambodia: (KH) illness, deaths
Waterborne Illness -- CambodiaKratie [Kracheh or Krahes] provincial authorities yesterday [Sun 6 May 2018] distributed clean water to villages where at least 11 people have died and more than 100 others have been hospitalised since [Thu 3 May 2018] after drinking tainted water from the Prek Ter canal and rice fields in Chetr Borei district's Kantuot commune.Provincial Governor Va Thorn said yesterday [Sun 6 May 2018] so far 11 people have died and more than 120 others have been hospitalised after Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (05): Congo DR, outbreak update, vaccine, preparedness, research
Ebola -- DR CongoIn an update today [10 May 2018], the WHO said that, as of yesterday, a total of 32 Ebola cases have been reported, including 2 confirmed, 18 probable, and 12 suspected. 18 deaths are among the cases.All of the illnesses are in the Bikoro health zone in the DRC's Equateur province and are from the area covered by the Ikoko-Impenge health facility, about 19 miles [about 31 km] from Bikoro's central health zone office.Of 21 cases, 17 had epidemiologic links to other patients, the WHO Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (31): Brazil
Yellow Fever -- BrazilIn recent decades, yellow fever (YF) has been recorded beyond the limits of the area considered endemic (Amazon region). At the same time, the observation of a seasonal pattern of occurrence of human cases, based on the analysis of the historical series, supported the adoption of surveillance based on a pattern of seasonality. Thus, the YF monitoring period begins in July and ends in June of the following year. Human cases and epizootics in non-human primates (NHP) have recently Read more [...]
PRO> Poliomyelitis update (13): positive environmental samples
Polio -- SomaliaNew wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 0Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 8Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22New cVDPV cases reported this week: 1Total number of cVDPV cases in 2018: 4Total number of cVDPV cases in 2017: 96Headlines:Summary of newly-reported viruses this week: - Pakistan: 1 new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) positive environmental sample has been reported, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. - Democratic Republic of the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – France: O26, unpasteurized cheese, alert, recall
Foodborne Illness -- France1. Schmidt H, Geitz C, Tarr PI, et al: Non-O157:H7 pathogenic Shiga-toxin producing _Escherichia coli_: phenotypic and genetic profiling of virulence traits and evidence for clonality. J Infect Dis 1999; 179(1): 115-23; available at 2. Bettelheim KA: Role of non-O157 VTEC. Symp Ser Soc Appl Microbiol 2000; (29): 38S-50S; abstract available at A map of France: . - Mod.LL][See Also:E. coli EHEC - Canada: cheese, 2013, 60 day rule http://promedmail.org/post/20180220.56392382016 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous – Syria: (ID)
Leishmaniasis -- SyriaCases of sandfly-borne skin disease surge in rebel-held Idlib as international funding dries up and sanitation services falterAcross medical clinics in rebel-held Idlib province, doctors have noticed a startling trend since the beginning of the year [2018]. New cases of leishmaniasis are exploding at rates approximately double those witnessed last year [2017], with local specialists citing 6273 confirmed cases province-wide in just the 1st 4 months of 2018. That puts 2018 on Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (22): Americas (USA) raccoon, human exposure
Rabies -- United StatesA total of 1 person has been referred to their health care provider after providing care to a raccoon that tested positive for rabies, according to the S.C.[South Carolina] Department of Health and Environmental Control.The contact occurred near the city of Edgefield, after which the raccoon underwent testing at DHEC's laboratory where it was confirmed to have rabies on [Wed 2 May 2018]."Rabies is transmitted when saliva or neural tissue of an infected animal is introduced Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – Canada (07): O157, romaine lettuce
E. coli -- CanadaFederal health officials say 6 Canadians have been stricken by a strain of _E. coli_ that has a similar genetic fingerprint to romaine lettuce from the US southwest that has already sickened 149 people in 29 states.The Public Health Agency of Canada says 2 of the 6 Canadians reported travelling to the USA before falling ill due to _E. coli_ O157, 3 became infected in Canada and the remaining case is under investigation. The 6 Canadian illnesses were reported between late March and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Trypanosomiasis – Angola: (CN)
Trypanosomiasis -- AngolaA total of 21 positive cases of sleeping sickness were diagnosed in the last 2 weeks in the municipality of Banga, Kwanza Norte province, during the prospecting campaign held by the Provincial Department of the Institute of Combat and Control of Trypanosomiasis (Icct).Angelino Francisco Correia, the supervisor of the campaign, said that 2800 had been examined, and 21 cases were diagnosed, of which 5 were confirmed as sleeping sickness patients.The official called the active Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – Marshall Islands: 2016-2017
Hepatitis A -- Marshall IslandsIn mid-September 2016, a case of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection was reported to the Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS). On 4 Nov 2016, MOHHS received laboratory confirmation of 4 additional cases, prompting activation of an outbreak investigation by the MOHHS Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) team and solicitation of technical assistance from the Pacific Island Health Officers' Association, the WHO, and CDC. CDC began participating Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Braenderup – USA (02): eggs, recall
Salmonella -- United StatesCase count update-----------------Since the last update on 16 Apr 2018, 12 more ill people were added to this outbreak.35 people infected with the outbreak strain of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Braenderup have been reported from 9 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from 16 Nov 2017 to 14 Apr 2018. Ill people range in age from 1 to 90 years, with a median age of 65. 50 percent of ill people are female. Of 28 people with information available, 11 (39 percent) Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (30): Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe
Measles -- Australia[1] Colombia ex Venezuela[2] USA: New York City, alert[3] USA: Pennsylvania ex Italian tourist, alert[4] PAHO epidemiological reportAsia and Pacific----------------[5] Pakistan (Sindh)[6] Viet Nam infectious disease warning[7] Japan (Okinawa) ex Taiwan[8] West Australia: traveler alertAfrica------[9] SudanEurope------[10] Spain (Catalonia, Tortosa)[11] England******Americas--------[1] Colombia ex VenezuelaDate: Sat 5 May 2018Source: Caracol Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Malaria – USA (02): ex Costa Rica (PU) comment
Malaria — United States
Although CDC declared that there is no risk for malaria to American travelers in Costa Rica as of 2014, 6 of 11 cases reported by the latter in 2017 were classified as “autochthonous” [1].
For much of the past 50 years, Costa Rica has reported the lowest rates of malaria in Central America, and rates for the entire region have decreased dramatically since 2000 [2,3]. [I’ve compared data for these countries