Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Africa (06): Kenya
Yellow Fever -- KenyaMembers of the public have been warned about the operation of rogue health officers at Nairobi City Hall who have been injecting travelers with water instead of the recommended yellow fever vaccine.In a notice, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko sounded the alarm to city residents and Kenyans over the unscrupulus health officials. Sonko said that the officers are luring unsuspecting Kenyans with cheaper prices of Sh 1000 [USD 9.92] for the vaccine, which goes for around Sh 2500 [USD Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Alkhurma virus – Saudi Arabia
Other Human Disease -- Saudi ArabiaGovernment hospitals in Jeddah have been alerted following a fresh outbreak of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever (AHF), which is named after a township located close to Makkah, where the 1st cases of Alkhurma fever were reported about 20 years ago.During the past years, more than 40 Alkhurma cases have been reported in the kingdom. The fever hits mainly shepherds and cattle owners as well as butchers, cleaners and housewives. Pilgrims who slaughter sacrificial animals Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Scrub typhus – Taiwan: Tomb Sweeping Day, Qingming Festival, alert
Scrub Typhus -- ChinaIn a press release issued by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) last week, the agency urged the public to take precautions against scrub typhus when doing outdoor activities such as cleaning graves, camping, hiking, and visiting chigger-infested areas such as bush areas that facilitate exposure to chiggers and increase the risk of acquiring scrub typhus.To prevent chigger bites, Taiwan CDC advised that the public wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC – Canada (02): (AB) O157, restaurant
E. coli -- CanadaFive people have been sickened by _E. coli_ after eating at Mama Nita's Binalot restaurant in southeast Edmonton, Alberta Health Services said on Thu 29 Mar 2018.While the health authority has yet to pinpoint the source of the bacterium, officials are warning anyone who has dined at the restaurant since 15 Mar 2018 to see a doctor if they have symptoms and also to mention that they may have been exposed to _E. coli_.The 5 sick patrons all ate at the restaurant within the same time Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (28): Panama (LS)
Hantavirus -- PanamaA 9-year-old child from Tonosi was positive for [a] hantavirus [infection] in Los Santos province.Carlos Munoz, Regional Los Santos Epidemiology Coordinator, stated that this is the 1st case in a child so far in 2018.Last year [2017] there was also another case in a child in August 2017.Munoz said that the children who suffer hantavirus infections are not complicated cases and generally maintain only fever from this disease [and do not progress to hantavirus cardiopulmonary Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Meningitis, undiagnosed illness – Nigeria (02): fatal, schoolchildren
Undiagnosed -- NigeriaThe Jigawa state commissioner of health, Dr Abba Zakari Umar, confirmed the deaths of 14 people as a result of the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis in the state.Speaking about the reports of the deaths of 42 people in Majiya village of Taura local government in the state: "The figures are totally incorrect," the doctor said. "[According to] our records, 51 cases were recorded in 14 Local Government Areas; 14 of them died."--Communicated by:EpiCore Global Surveillance Project Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Meningitis, meningococcal – Nigeria (03): (KN) fatal, sgA
Meningitis - Neisseria -- NigeriaThe Kano state government says the outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis was responsible for the deaths of 8 persons in Dungurawa village of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of [Kano] state.The state commissioner for health, Kabiru Getso, made the disclosure at a news conference in Kano on Wednesday [28 Mar 2018]. He said that the ministry received the information about the outbreak of a strange disease and dispatched its Rapid Response Team to the area. "The team Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Plague – USA: (NM) canine
Plague -- United StatesState health officials report a case of plague in a dog from Santa Fe County, making it the 1st diagnosed case of plague in New Mexico this year [2018].The Department of Health says it's checking the home of the dog's owner for risks to others and sending personnel around the neighborhood to inform residents and provide information on reducing risks.Plague is a bacterial disease of wildlife and is generally transmitted to humans and pets through the bites of infected fleas. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (62): France (PL), poultry, LPAI H5N1, H5N5, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N1 -- FranceInformation received on [and dated] 30 Mar 2018 from Dr Loic Evain, [Deputy Director General, CVO, General Directorate of Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry], Paris, FranceSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 22 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 27 Mar 2018Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 27 Apr 2017Manifestation of disease: Clinical diseaseCausal agent: Low Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (61): Finland, Slovakia, wild bird, HPAI H5N6, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N6 -- FinlandInformation received on 29 Mar 2018 from Dr Taina Aaltonen, Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Helsinki, FinlandSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 20 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 29 Mar 2018Report date: 29 Mar 2018Date submitted to OIE: 29 Mar 2018Date event resolved: 29 Mar 2018Reason for notification: New strain Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (20): Europe, Pacific, Americas
Measles -- France[6] Americas: 9 countries[7] Argentina (Buenos Aires)[8] USA (Kansas)******Europe------[1] FranceDate: Sat 24 Mar 2018Source: Outbreak News Today [edited]Measles is currently affecting several French regions and the rapid increase in the number of cases since the beginning of the year [2018] may give rise to fears of another major epidemic throughout the country, French health officials report this [week of Sun 18 Mar 2018].Since our last report one week ago, the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed urticaria reaction – France: (BF) students
Undiagnosed -- FranceIn Saone-et-Loire, the Romenay school will remain closed until [Wed 28 Mar 2018]. For the moment, the health authorities still do not know what the cause is. Analyzes are in progress and a [suggested cause] has been discarded.Last week [week of Sun 18 Mar 2018], more than a 100 students complained of itching and redness. Asked by our colleague from France 3 Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, the mayor confided that the children had felt the "same sensation as a sting of nettles". For the Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Varicella update (06): Australia (NS), USA (LA), South America (Venezuela)
Chicken Pox -- AustraliaMaitland City Council has been made aware of a suspected case of chickenpox at Maitland Pool, New South Wales Australia (Hunter Valley). Council is urging anyone with symptoms of the disease to see a doctor as soon as possible.Symptoms include an onset of slight fever, runny nose, and feeling generally unwell; and an itchy skin rash which usually appears as small lumps, turns into blisters and then scabs over a 3--4 day period.An individual with chickenpox is contagious from Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Palytoxin – UK: coral poisoning susp.
Poisoning -- United KingdomA total of 10 people were taken to hospital after inhaling chemicals released from a fish tank in an Oxfordshire village.The "potentially toxic" fumes were emitted from coral being cleared from an aquarium at a house [on] Hanney Road, Steventon, on [Mon 26 Mar 2018] evening.About 50 emergency services personnel attended, including a hazardous area response team and 3 ambulances.Scientist Dr Mike Leahy said the people were probably exposed to "palytoxins" released by the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Alcohol poisoning – Canada: (NT) methanol susp.
Poisoning -- CanadaA 67-year old man was charged for the unlawful manufacturing and sale of liquorRCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) in Fort Resolution, N.W.T., have arrested a man after several people reported to police that they felt sick after drinking homemade alcohol they purchased.A 67-year-old man has been charged for the unlawful manufacture and sale of liquor, following a police investigation that started last [Wed 21 Mar 2018].On [Thu 22 Mar 2018], police executed a search warrant at Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Drug abuse – USA: (IL) synthetic cannabinoids, bleeding disorder
-- United StatesThe Illinois Poison Center has reported 9 cases of severe coagulopathy associated with smoking synthetic cannabinoids to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) since [Sat 10 Mar 2018]. All 9 cases reported using synthetic cannabinoids, (e.g., K2, spice, synthetic marijuana, fake weed/legal weed, genie, etc.); however, a common product used by the cases has not yet been identified.The patients all live in the Chicago metro region, but reside in 3 different, distinct areas Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Meningitis, meningococcal – Nigeria (02): fatal, sgA, RFI
Meningitis - Neisseria -- NigeriaAt a news conference held in Kano on [Wed 28 Mar 2018], the Commissioner of Health, Kabiru Gesto, revealed that the unknown disease responsible for the death of 8 persons is an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis.The government had initially dispatched a rapid response team to carry out an investigation. "The team reported that the 1st case was reported on [Thu 15 Mar 2018] in the area and the victims died instantly before reaching a health facility," he said. Getso Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Gonococcal disease – UK: antibiotic resistance, ceftriaxone/azithromycin
Gonorrhea -- United KingdomA multidrug-resistant isolate of _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ (see definition in ref 1) has been confirmed by the PHE Reference Laboratory as resistant to the current recommended dual 1st-line therapy (2). The isolate has a ceftriaxone MIC [minimum inhibitory concentration] of 0.5 mg/L and an azithromycin MIC greater than 256 mg/L (high-level azithromycin resistant, HLAziR). On wider antimicrobial susceptibility testing, the strain was susceptible only to spectinomycin. This Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (27): Argentina (NQ)
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaHealth authorities in Neuquen confirmed that the death of a 32-year-old man in San Martin de los Andes city on [15 Mar 2018] was due to [a] hantavirus [infection], according to information provided in recent hours by the Malbran Institute, after having received test results.The head of Health Zone IV of Neuquen province, Nestor Saez, explained to the Telam agency that "the man had some previous health visits before hospitalization in which the impression was one of influenza Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease – India (09): (MH)
Kyasanur Forest Disease -- IndiaAn outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), or monkey fever -- a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever -- has been reported in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra. The cases have been reported from Dodamarg and Sawantwadi tehsils [sub districts] of the district. Since January this year [2018], the state has seen 62 cases, and 2 deaths, due to the disease. This is the 3rd year in a row when Sindhudurg district has reported a KFD outbreak.A study by the National Institute Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – South Africa (10): fatal, ST6, WHO response
Listeriosis -- South AfricaThe country has activated a national multisectoral task force to coordinate investigation and response activities:The Minister of Health, South Africa, held a press conference on 4 Mar 2018 to announce the source of the outbreak. Following the source identification, the national authorities have taken measures to limit further infections and associated mortality, including but not limited to the issuance of safety recall notices, compliance notices, and measures related Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (25): Brazil
Yellow Fever -- BrazilThe entire territory of Brazil will be the area recommended for yellow fever vaccination. This measure will be done gradually, beginning this year [2018] and being concluded in April 2019. The expansion and prevention has as its objective anticipation and prevention against the disease for the entire population in case of an increase in the area of virus circulation.Some states in the north east and part of the south and south east are not part of the areas currently recommended Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis – Sweden: human, avian, feline
Salmonella -- SwedenA variety of bacteria are known or suspected of being able to cause enteritis in dogs and cats. _Campylobacter_ spp, _Clostridium difficile_, _C. perfringens_, and _Salmonella_ spp. are most commonly implicated, but many other organisms are likely involved. Poor understanding of the intestinal microflora and the fact that many, if not all, of these microorganisms can also be found in healthy individuals complicates testing, thereby affecting the use of specific treatments and Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (12): USA, seasonal, 2nd wave influenza B
Influenza -- United StatesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that while flu season is winding down, a 2nd strain that is more severe in younger children remains prevalent.In an update, the CDC says that reports of the influenza A virus are on the decline while reports of the influenza B virus were more prevalent. A spokesperson for the CDC told CNN that influenza B can be "just as severe" as influenza A, and that "we also know that influenza B tends to be more severe for younger Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Core rot, apple – India: (HP)
Other Plant Disease -- IndiaDr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF) advised to start management of apple core rot disease which, over the past few years, has emerged as one of the major constraints in apple production. It affects almost every orchard of [Himachal Pradesh] resulting in loss of 30 to 40 per cent."Every year this disease results in economic loss of Rs 720 million [about USD 11 million] to the state as the affected fruits initially do not produce any symptoms," officials Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease – South Korea (04): (KG) swine, st. A, OIE
Foot and Mouth -- South KoreaInformation received on 28 Mar 2018 from Dr Oh Soon-Min, Director - Chief Veterinary Officer, General Animal Health Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), SEJONG-SI, Korea (Rep of)SummaryReport type: Immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 26 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 27 Mar 2018Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 10 Mar 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (60): South Africa, wild bird research halted
Avian Influenza -- South AfricaScientists have been banned from handling seabirds in South African coastal colonies, as authorities race to quell an avian-flu outbreak that is threatening endangered species.On [23 Mar 2018], the South African Department of Environmental Affairs announced that it would be halting research activities for fear of unintentionally spreading the infection to other bird colonies. Researchers say that the move is unprecedented, but they see no other way to protect birds. Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (12): (MI, UT, IN)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesCases / Hospitalizations / Deaths789 / 635 (80.5 percent) / 25 (3.2 percent)--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[Cumulatively, 14.6 percent of the total males are MSM, 2.8 percent of the total are healthcare workers, and 4.8 percent of the total are food handlers. More cases continue to occur, spreading north and west of the main southeastern Michigan focus of the outbreak. The total cases continue to increase and have altogether in numbers and in fatalities surpassed the numbers Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (15): Canada (BC)
Cholera -- Canada1. Bhattacharya MK, Dutta D, Bhattacharya SK, et al. Association of disease approximating cholera caused by _Vibrio cholerae_ of serogroups other than O1 and O139. Epidemiol Infect. 1998; 120(1): 1-5. Available at:2. Sharma C, Thungapathra M, Ghosh A, et al. Molecular analysis of non-O1, non-O139 _Vibrio cholerae_ associated with an unusual upsurge in the incidence of cholera-like disease in Calcutta, India. J Clin Microbiol. 1998; 36(3): 756-63. Available at:3. Bidinost C, Saka Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (26): USA (NM)
Hantavirus -- United StatesThe 9-year-old boy, originally from Farmington, New Mexico, has [a] hantavirus [infection]. It started with flu-like symptoms, but within days was being airlifted to Children's Hospital in Aurora [Colorado] in critical condition. Hantavirus [infection] is a deadly disease usually carried by deer mice, and spread through contact with rodent feces [urine and saliva - Mod.TY]."Basically it's a killer disease. If you do contact [a] hantavirus there is no cure or medicine for Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Borna virus – Germany: fatal
Encephalitis -- GermanyBorna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) has been associated with human disease in 4 cases in Germany resulting in the death of 3 people. As 3 of the cases belong to a cluster of solid organ recipients from a single donor, donor-derived BoDV-1 transmission is possible. There is no evidence that the donor had any clinical manifestation of the disease.BoDV-1 in humans occurs rarely; however considering the severity of this disease, Member States may consider adding BoDV-1 to the list of Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (17): Americas (USA) bat, human exp
Rabies -- United StatesA bat may have exposed 4 people in Latta to rabies, DHEC announced in a press release [Mon 26 Mar 2018].The bat, found in a bedroom, tested positive for rabies on [21 Mar 2018]. A pet dog may have also been exposed, DHEC said."Rabid bats have been known to transmit the rabies virus to humans and pets," said David Vaughan of DHEC's Bureau of Environmental Health Services. "People - especially children - sometimes don't realize they've been bitten and it is very easy to overlook Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Monkeypox – Africa (04)
Monkeypox -- DR CongoMonkeypox cases in West Africa and Central Africa:Since the global eradication of smallpox, monkeypox has emerged as the most prevalent orthopoxvirus infection in humans. The majority of documented human monkeypox cases have occurred in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where it was 1st recognized as a human disease in 1970; however, during the last decade, the number of cases in other west and central African countries have been increasing; many of these countries had Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (24): Germany ex Brazil (RJ)
Yellow Fever — Germany
PRO/PL> Wart & brown rot, potato – Georgia, Russia: interceptions
Other Plant Disease -- United StatesPotato wart disease (PW) is caused by the fungus _Synchytrium endobioticum_, which is considered one of the most important pathogens of the crop. It is endemic in Europe and has also been reported from a number of locations in the Americas, Australasia, and Africa. The pathogen can also affect tomato and some solanaceous weeds.On infected tubers, "eyes" develop into characteristic warty, cauliflower-like swellings. If infected early, the whole tuber can be replaced Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Carbon monoxide poisoning – USA: (MD)
Poisoning -- United StatesAt 10:58 p.m. on 25 Mar 2018, the emergency communications center in Charles County received a call for multiple Denny's patrons exhibiting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after a gas leak occurred in the restaurant.The building has been evacuated, and at least 5 people are being checked out by EMS crews for carbon monoxide poisoning. It is reported that the gas leak is coming from the grill area of the restaurant.Motorists who may be bound for this area should expect Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Megaesophagus, canine – Australia (VC): undiagnosed cause
Other Animal Disease — Australia
PRO/EDR> Human pegivirus-2 – China: co-infection with HIV & HCV
Other Human Disease -- ChinaIn 2015, the 2nd human pegivirus (HPgV-2) was independently reported by 2 groups in the USA (1,2). Previous reports have indicated that HPgV-2 (also known as HHpgV-1) is a transfusion-transmitted virus and is associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (1-5). The distribution and prevalence of HPgV-2 infection worldwide are of great importance but remain to be determined. In this study, we demonstrate the existence of HPgV-2 in the southern province of Guangdong Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Megaesophagus, canine – Australia (02): (VI) undiagnosed cause, comment