Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/ALL> New in IJID (04): April 2018
Echinococcosis -- PortugalOriginal ReportsRespiratory infections in elderly people: Viral role in a resident population of elderly care centers in Lisbon, winter 2013-2014International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 69, April 2018, Pages 1-7Maria-Jesus Chasqueira, Paulo Paixão, Maria-Lúcia Rodrigues, Cátia Piedade, Iolanda Caires, Teresa Palmeiro, Maria-Amalia Botelho, Madalena Santos, Martin Curran, Raquel Guiomar, Pedro Pechirra, Inês Costa, Ana Papoila, Marta Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (33): USA (WA), Panama (LS)
Hantavirus -- United StatesHealth District officials are investigating a suspected case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in a middle-aged Grant County resident. The individual is believed to have been exposed to contaminated deer mouse droppings while cleaning out their vehicle. According to the family, the ill individual is improving but is still hospitalized with respiratory failure from the illness that began the middle of April [2018]. Preliminary test results were positive for [a] hantavirus Read more [...]
PRO/ALL> New in IJID (03): March 2018
Pneumonia -- BangladeshEditorialTaking forward the Stop TB Partnership and World Health Organization Joint Theme for World TB Day March 24th 2018 -- "Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free World. You can make history. End TB"International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 68, March 2018, Pages 122-124Simon Tiberi, Eskild Petersen, Markus Maeurer, Francine Ntoumi, Dorothy Yeboa-Manu, Peter Mwaba, Cris Vilaplana, Osman Dar, Matthew Bates, Tumena Corrah, Martin Rao, Nathan Kapata, Esam I. Azhar, Ziad A. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Madariaga virus – Venezuela: (LA)
-- VenezuelaVittor AY, Armien B, Gonzalez P, et al: Epidemiology of emergent Madariaga encephalitis in a region with endemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis: Initial host studies and human cross-sectional study in Darien, Panama. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016; 10(4): e0004554. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004554; available at .A map of Lara, Venezuela: ][See Also:2016----Equine encephalitis - Panama: (DA) http://promedmail.org/post/20160709.4335298Madariaga virus - Panama Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (09): Asia, Pacific, vaccine, retinopathy
Dengue -- PakistanSince 2006, notification of dengue infection to public authorities in La Réunion is compulsory. Indian Ocean Regional Office of the French Institute for Public Health (Cire OI -- Santé Publique France), in collaboration with the vector control team (Lutte anti-vectorielle, LAV) of the French Health Agency Indian Ocean (ARS-OI), is closely monitoring this outbreak. The following actions have been implemented by public authorities:- reinforced vector control measures, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – South Africa (12): fatal, ST6, WHO update
Listeriosis -- South AfricaIn South Africa, the current outbreak of listeriosis, a serious foodborne disease, that has affected the country since early 2017 is showing a downward trend after the food source was identified in early March 2018 (see previous DON), but additional cases are expected. Between 1 Jan 2017 through 24 Apr 2018, 1024 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases have been reported to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) from all provinces. The majority of cases Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine infectious anemia – Canada (02): (AB) equine
Equine Infectious Anemia -- CanadaOn [Fri 27 Apr 2018], the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed a case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a Clearwater County, Alberta, horse. The horse had been sampled by an accredited veterinarian to comply with an organized club's requirements. No clinical signs of disease were noted at the time of sampling.A CFIA investigation is underway and as per program policy quarantine has been placed on the infected animal and its on-premises contact animals. The Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Blackleg, oilseed rape – UK: host resistance break down
Other Plant Disease -- United KingdomOilseed rape [osr] growers could suffer substantial losses after a study revealed an important source of genetic resistance against phoma stem canker is becoming less effective. Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire have declared that host resistant gene Rlm7 has become less successful in controlling stem canker.The disease is caused by 2 closely related fungal pathogens, _Leptosphaeria maculans_ and _L. biglobosa_ [see comments below], with Rlm7 the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Norovirus – USA (02): (CA) ex Canada (BC), oysters, RFI
Norovirus -- United StatesPublic health officials in the United States and Canada warn that all raw shellfish can harbor dangerous viruses, parasites and bacteria. Oysters are particularly prone to such pathogens. Quick steaming oysters will not kill norovirus and other pathogens, according to the CDC. To be safe, seafood must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 deg F [approx. 63 deg.C].Raw oysters can cause illness in anyone, but they are particularly dangerous for young children, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (17): USA (CA) equine
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesThe California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has reported that 2 more horses residing at a quarantined facility in Orange County have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).On [Fri 27 Apr 2018], the agency reported a new case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form of EHV-1). "A 24-year-old mare from the quarantined barn ... displaying neurological signs has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1. Based on clinical Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Human enterovirus 71 – Taiwan: China vaccine comment
Enterovirus -- ChinaThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday [Tue 1 May 2018] reported this year's [2018] 1st confirmed case of serious complications caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.A 3-year-old boy in southern Taiwan was hospitalized on [9 Apr 2018] after developing a fever with mild abdominal pain, weakness, and convulsions, alongside vomiting and a loss of appetite, the CDC said. A few days later, he started showing possible signs of developing serious complications, so the hospital Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Malaria, cervid – USA (04): (FL)
Malaria -- United StatesParasites that cause malaria in animals -- but not humans -- are commonly found in deer living in North America, new research shows. Many animals are able to clear these infections, but researchers found that infected baby deer were less likely to survive their 1st year of life than other deer. As reported recently in the journal Sphere, blood samples collected from 33 farm-raised fawns in Florida revealed that about 21 percent tested positive for microscopic malaria parasites. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Mycoplasma bovis, bovine – New Zealand (07)
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandInfectious bacterial disease _Mycoplasma bovis_ has been discovered on a Pahīatua sheep and beef farm in Tararua District. It is the 2nd infection of a cattle herd in the North Island after the virus was discovered on a farm near Hastings in December [2017].In a statement, the Ministry for Primary Industries [MPI] said the affected farm was connected to other infected properties through animal movements. Wairarapa MP Alastair Scott said MPI had blown its chance Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Chronic wasting disease, cervid – USA (08): (MO)
Chronic Wasting Disease -- United StatesThe Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports 33 new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been found following the testing of 24 486 free-ranging Missouri deer through its 2017-2018 sampling and testing efforts. The new cases were from the following counties: Adair (3), Cedar (1), Franklin (4), Jefferson (1), Linn (7), Macon (3), Perry (1), Polk (3), St. Clair (4), and Ste. Genevieve (6).Of the 33 new cases, 16 were from hunter-harvested deer, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – Belize: (CY)
Hepatitis A -- BelizeMinistry of Health staff from the Western Health Region are currently in Benque Viejo and surrounding areas monitoring a developing situation due to confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Arenal and Benque. According to a statement from the Ministry, there have been 3 confirmed cases in Benque Viejo and 11 suspected cases in Arenal.Part of the plan includes sensitization of school staff and students about hepatitis A, its transmission and risk factors. Food handlers in Benque and Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Treponeme-associated hoof disease – USA: (WA) elk, emerging problem
Other Animal Disease -- United States- Susceptibility: The disease appears to be highly infectious among elk, but there is no evidence that it affects humans. TAHD can affect any hoof in any elk, young or old, male or female.- Hooves only: Tests show the disease is limited to animals' hooves, and does not affect their meat or organs. If the meat looks normal and if hunters harvest, process and cook it practicing good hygiene, it is probably safe to eat. - No treatment: Currently, there is no vaccine Read more [...]
PRO> HTLV-1 Australia (02): Indigenous people, background
Other Human Disease -- AustraliaThe following background information on HTLV infection in Australia is abstracted from Gideon and the Gideon e-book series. [1,2]The 1st report of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma related to HTLV-1 infection in an Australian Aborigine was published in 1991. 3 such cases had been reported in non-Aboriginal Australians as of 1993. The 1st report of tropical spastic paraparesis related to HTLV-1 infection in an Australian Aborigine was published in 1993; and the 1st report Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Serratia marcescens – USA: peds, central catheters, pre-filled syringes, recall
Serratia marcescens -- United States1. Voelz A, Müller A, Gillen J, et al. Outbreaks of _Serratia marcescens_ in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units: clinical aspects, risk factors and management. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213(2): 79-87. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.09.003; abstract available at .2. Rabier V, Bataillon S, Jolivet-Gougeon A, et al. Hand washing soap as a source of neonatal _Serratia marcescens_ outbreak. Acta Paediatr. 2008; 97(10): 1381-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00953.x; Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Clubroot, oilseed rape – Canada: host resistance break down
Other Plant Disease -- CanadaEuropean clubroot differential (ECD) 04 is a key source of clubroot resistance for canola breeding programs around the world, said scientist Rudolph Fredua-Agyeman. [It] has been bred into most clubroot-resistant varieties, including Mendel -- a European winter cultivar that has also been used for Canadian varieties.But in 2013, clubroot strains started to overcome the resistance [ProMED-mail post http://promedmail.org/post/20150618.3447106]. Most notable of these strains Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mumps update (04): Mexico, USA (NY)
Mumps -- MexicoMumps is an acute infectious disease caused by the mumps virus. It is spread via coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing glasses or utensils, and touching a surface that has the virus on it. Mumps is suspected when there is swelling of one or more of the saliva glands. The swelling may just be on one side, but is more commonly on both. Sometimes the glands under the tongue or jaw are affected also. Other possible symptoms of mumps include: fever, headache, earache, tiredness, sore muscles, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – Madagascar (02): 2017-2018
Plague -- MadagascarPlague is endemic in Madagascar, with hundreds of cases reported annually. Plague season typically lasts from Sept to April each year and the 2017-2018 season was quite remarkable. By the end of April 2018, some 2671 cases of the plague had been recorded since the 1st case of the plague season was reported in August 2017, including at least 239 deaths.The number of cases in the 2017-2018 season is at least 6 times the annual average of around 400 cases, the outbreak began earlier Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (10): O157, romaine lettuce, fatality
E. coli -- United StatesSince the last update on [27 Apr 2018], 23 more ill people were added to this outbreak.As of [1 May 2018], 121 people infected with the outbreak strain of _E. coli_ O157:H7 have been reported from 25 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from [13 Mar 2018] to [21 Apr 2018]. Ill people range in age from 1 to 88 years, with a median age of 29. 63 percent of ill people are female. Of 102 people with information available, 52 (51 percent) have been hospitalized, including Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – USA (11): (OK) day care center
E. coli -- United StatesA Moore baby is hospitalized after contracting _E. coli_. The State Health Department confirms they are investigating several cases in children in the Moore area. The department says this is not related to the nationwide romaine lettuce _E. coli_ outbreak but instead, the bacterium can be traced back to a Moore day care.Earlier in April 2018, it was obvious that something was very wrong with a young child. "She wouldn't even lift up her head, she was not eating anything. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Vectorborne diseases – USA: increasing incidence, 2004-2016
-- United States"Introduction: Vectorborne diseases are major causes of death and illness worldwide. In the United States, the most common vectorborne pathogens are transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes, including those causing Lyme disease; Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and West Nile, dengue, and Zika virus diseases. This report examines trends in occurrence of nationally reportable vectorborne diseases during 2004-2016."Methods: Data reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies – Americas (21): USA, raccoon, fox, coyote, goat, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesA raccoon that bit 2 individuals in the Chisholm neighborhood in north Montgomery [Montgomery county] over the past weekend [21-22 Apr 2018] has tested positive for the rabies virus, the Alabama Department of Public Health [ADPH] confirmed. The people have been notified, and have begun receiving the rabies vaccine from their medical provider. The vaccine is necessary in a timely manner in order to protect them from this deadly disease. The Montgomery County Health Department Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Crimean-Congo hem. fever – Mauritania: (GD)
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever -- MauritaniaThe Mauritania Ministry of Health has reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] in Ould Yengé commune, Guidimaka region located in the southern-most part of the country.The case-patient is a 58-year-old male herder from Elghabra locality who became ill on [16 Apr 2018] (reportedly) after tending to a sick cow days earlier. He presented to a private clinic the same day [16 Apr 2018] with high fever, arthralgia and headache. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Eastern equine encephalitis – USA (04): (FL) equine
Eastern Equine Encephalitis -- United StatesA horse in Marion County tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE. It's the 2nd case of the disease reported in the county this year [2018] and the 12th nationwide.People who board animals in or reside around the Ocklawaha area should maintain a heightened awareness about the threat of EEE, the Florida Department of Health reported. The department also cautions that residents shouldn't have a false sense of security if their area Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Marijuana, canine – Canada (02) (AB)
Other Animal Disease — Canada
PRO/AH/EDR> Cytauxzoonosis, feline – USA: (TN)
Other Animal Disease -- United StatesSeveral local veterinarians and pet owners are reporting cases of Bobcat Fever, which is posing a threat to domestic cats in the mid-state. The disease is carried from bobcats to domestic cats through ticks. Experts say _Cytauxzoon felis_ (commonly known as Bobcat Fever) is a parasite that gets into the bloodstream. It's so aggressive even with treatment the mortality rate is 60 percent."Samson was definitely one of our family members, our whole community knew Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cutaneous & renal glomerular vasculopathy, canine – UK (05): (England)
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomA veterinary surgery in Malmesbury has told the BBC it's treating a dog from Hullavington which is suspected of having Alabama Rot. This is a condition that causes blood clots, skin lesions and potential kidney failure in dogs.As many as 2 other cases have been discovered in Wiltshire this year [2018], both of which were diagnosed after post-mortem examination.All 3 dogs affected were walked within a 10 mile radius.--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[This report adds Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Marijuana, canine – Canada: (AB)
Other Animal Disease -- CanadaTwo Edmonton dog owners are speaking out after their beloved dogs recently consumed marijuana on walks and had to be rushed to the veterinarian. For [MW] senior corgis Ringo and George are family members. "They are my life. It was scary."The trio had just returned from a walk in northwest Edmonton when Ringo threw up. Then the dog couldn't make it up the stairs. "His back legs got wobbly and they weren't supporting him. He became less and less responsive. Then he started Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Invasive mosquito – France
Pests -- FranceThe tiger mosquito has now been confirmed in 42 departments across the country, with an alert issued to warn of its danger as a carrier of disease, along with advice to prevent its spread.The species has been described as particularly invasive and a vector for serious diseases, including dengue fever and the viral infections chikungunya and Zika. This has made the insect a priority for authorities to monitor, especially during its imminent usual "active period" of 1 May - 30 Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Paraquat – Israel: human exposure, Parkinson's disease
Other Human Disease -- IsraelA pesticide, suspected of increasing the risk of Parkinson's disease, is widely used in Israel despite the fact that the health and environmental protection ministries have recommended halting its use. In Israel paraquat, an herbicide is widely used in vineyards and citrus groves, and in potato and cotton fields.A few months ago the Health Ministry prepared an opinion recommending that use of the substance be stopped. Not only does it poison those using it, wrote the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine Herpesvirus – North America (16): USA (CO, WY) equine
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesColorado State Veterinarian's Office workers are investigating a Weld County horse testing positive for equine herpesvirus. The horse's stable is under quarantine because of a Colorado Department of Agriculture investigation. The horse is undergoing treatment. Other horses that may have come in contact with the affected animal are being monitored but are not showing any signs of illness. The horse's location was not specifically disclosed for privacy reasons, according Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Malaria – Europe: hospital-acquired 2016-2018
Malaria -- Worldwide/UnknownBetween January 2016 and April 2018, 6 sporadic hospital transmissions of malaria were identified in the European Union (EU). Although uncommon, hospital transmission of malaria has been described previously. While the countries reporting these 6 cases (i.e. Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain) have not observed an increase in the number of sporadic hospital-acquired cases of malaria since January 2016, the concomitant occurrence of these cases in 4 countries makes the overall Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine ephemeral fever – Australia: (NS) numerous outbreaks
Other Animal Disease -- AustraliaCattle and dairy producers are being urged to look out for signs of 3-day sickness after an outbreak of the debilitating disease in the Inverell area. Northern Tablelands Local Land Services said numerous cases had been reported around the district, and Tenterfield had been particularly hard hit this year [2018. Otherwise known as bovine ephemeral fever, the virus is usually not fatal but can seriously affect condition, fertility and milk production.3-day sickness: Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (29): 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/AH/EDR> Anthrax – India (04): (TN) elephant
Anthrax -- IndiaFear of anthrax outbreak gripped the district after a 6-year-old tusker died of the deadly virus at Eriyapuram area in Thalawadi forest range in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) here on [Sat 28 Apr 2018].Following this, forest officials have launched a vaccination drive in all the hamlets and villages surrounding the Thalawadi forest range.It was local villagers who spotted the carcass of the elephant first. When alerted, forest officials examined the carcass in detail and found Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Treponeme-associated hoof disease – USA (02): (WA) elk, comment