Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus – North America (11): USA (NJ, VA) equine
Equine Herpes Virus -- United StatesA 2nd Union County, New Jersey horse has tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), the New Jersey Department of Agriculture announced on 20 Mar 2018.That horse resides on the same property quarantined last week after a horse developed equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form EHV-1).The 2nd horse developed an elevated temperature and exhibited respiratory signs of disease, but the attending veterinarian did not note any neurologic Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Hydrogen sulfide – Russia (MS): air contamination, ill children
Other Human Disease -- RussiaDoctors in a Russian town treated dozens of children complaining of dizziness and nausea on [Wed 21 Mar 2018] because of noxious fumes coming from a local dump, authorities said.Residents of Volokolamsk, some 120 km [approx. 75 mi] west of the Russian capital, have long complained about high levels of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide from the Yadrovo landfill.Riot police were called in this month to disperse a protest calling for the closure of the site.Doctors treated Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Brucellosis – USA (02): (MT) elk,
Brucellosis -- United States[Montana] Fish, Wildlife, and Parks released their test results for Brucellosis in Elk and out of the more than 140 animals tested, 7 came back positive.Of the 100 elk sampled in the Tendoy Mountains [a mountain range in Beaverhead county Montana - Mod.TG], 1 was found to have Brucellosis. This is the first time an elk has tested positive for exposure in the Tendoys. A total of 30 elk in the Tendoys were outfitted with radio collars to learn more about movement patterns Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (14): Asia (Yemen) WHO
Cholera -- YemenCholera- The cumulative total of suspected cholera cases reported since April 2017 to 17 Mar 2018 is 1 080 422, with 2266 associated deaths across the country. At the governorate level, the trend from W9 -W11 decreased or was stable in all governorates expect for Al Mahweet (up by 13 per cent).- The overall case fatality ratio is 0.21 per cent, and the national attack rate is 386 per 10 000 people. Children (under 5 years of age) represent 28.8 per cent of the total suspected Read more [...]
PRO> Listeriosis – EU (02): background
Listeriosis -- Worldwide/UnknownA recent series of outbreaks in Europe reflects an increasing incidence of listeriosis in the region. In the following graph, I've contrasted disease rates per 100 000 in the European Union with those of the United States [1,2] (graph link: ).References:1. Berger S. Listeriosis: Global Status, 2018: 128 pages, 108 graphs, 1,203 references. Gideon e-books, .2. Gideon e-Gideon multi-graph tool, .-- Steve BergerGeographic MedicineTel Aviv Medical CenterTel Aviv, Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (23): Brazil
Yellow Fever -- BrazilBrazil confirmed 1098 [yellow fever] cases and 340 deaths in the period [1 Jul 2017 to 20 Mar 2018]. During the same period last year [2017], there were 632 confirmed cases and 201 deaths.The Ministry of Health updated the information provided by the state secretariats of health concerning the yellow fever situation in the country on [Wed 21 Mar 2018]. During the monitoring period (1 Jul 2017 to 20 Mar 2018) there were 1098 confirmed cases of yellow fever in the country with Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Leptospirosis – France: (Reunion)
Leptospirosis -- Région d'outre-mer de Réunion, FranceThis [Fri 23 Mar 2018], the Regional Health Agency (ARS) reported that 42 cases of leptospirosis have been reported in Reunion since the year began. One person has died. The south of the island has been particularly affected.Heavy rains can favor the appearance of certain diseases, and in particular leptospirosis. The cleaning of courtyards and gardens or bathing in fresh water after heavy rain is particularly risky. Following recent Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – EU: fatal, ST6, frozen corn, 2015-18, recall
Listeriosis -- Worldwide/UnknownConclusion----------An outbreak of invasive _Listeria monocytogenes_ (_L. monocytogenes_) infections defined by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and probably linked to frozen corn has been ongoing in five European Union member states (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom) since 2015. As of 8 March 2018, 32 cases have been reported and 6 patients have died due to or with the infection.WGS analysis of 6 non-human _L. monocytogenes_ isolates detected Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (10): human-animal interface, WHO
Avian Influenza -- Worldwide/UnknownNew infections: Since the previous update, new human infections with avian influenza A(H7N4), A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) viruses [have been] reported.Risk assessment: The overall public health risk from currently known influenza viruses at the human-animal interface has not changed, and the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission of these viruses remains low. Further human infections with viruses of animal origin are expected.Risk management: Selection of Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Aujeszky's disease – France: (Pyrenees) swine, OIE
Other Animal Disease -- FranceInformation received on [and dated] 22 Mar 2018 from Dr Loic Evain, directeur general adjoint, CVO, Direction generale de l'alimentation, Ministere de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Paris, FranceSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 5 Mar 2018Date of pre-confirmation of the event: 16 Mar 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 29 Nov 2010Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (59): South Africa, HPAI, swan
Avian Influenza -- South AfricaThe highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in swans was confirmed at a plot in De Kroon on [Mon 19 Mar 2018], the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development said in a statement to private veterinary practices. Quarantine has been imposed on the plot on which the outbreak occurred, with biosecurity instructions and regular monitoring. Other prescribed outbreak controls are currently under way on the outbreak site as well as the surroundings.The department Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Guinea worm (02): South Sudan, end of transmission
Guinea Worm -- South SudanSouth Sudan has succeeded in interrupting transmission of Guinea worm disease, the country's minister of health announced at The Carter Center on [Wed 21 Mar 2018]. "This is a great achievement for our young nation," Riek Gai Kok, the country's health minister told the global Guinea Worm eradication program's 22nd annual review at the Atlanta-based center. "Our health workers and thousands of volunteers have done exemplary work eliminating this disease across our country, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Diphtheria – Dominican Republic: (DA) alert
Diphtheria -- Dominican RepublicGiven the recent cases in Haiti of the dangerous acute infectious disease known as diphtheria, which has claimed the lives of several people in that nation, the Dominican Ministry of Public Health is carrying out a prevention campaign in the border area of [Dajabón] province. The ministry alerted the population about the existence of the contagious disease in the neighboring country through the Provincial Directorate of Health in Dajabón.The director Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Meningitis, undiagnosed illness – Nigeria: (KT) fatal, schoolchildren, RFI
Undiagnosed -- NigeriaA parent whose child was among those killed by yet to be identified disease that broke out at Government Science Secondary School [SS] in Kurfi has demanded explanation for the cause of his son's death. [The father], whose son, a 13 year old, was among the 8 that died, said, "We are being kept in the dark as to what was wrong before the death. I have reached out to the authorities and doctors to know the cause to no avail."[The father] said although the dead could not be returned Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (13): Canada (BC) RFI
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; .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: 756-63; .3. Bidinost C, Saka HA, Aliendro O, et al. Virulence Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (11): global (Afghanistan, DR Congo)
Polio -- Afghanistan- Afghanistan: 2 new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) have been confirmed this week, 1 occurring in Kunar province, and 1 in Kandahar province. These cases were advance notification last week. - Pakistan: 1 new WPV1 positive environmental sample has been reported in Sindh province. - Democratic Republic of the Congo: 1 new case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) reported, from Haut Lomami province. - Somalia: An advance notification of 1 new cVDPV2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium – USA (04): dried coconut
Salmonella -- United StatesCDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Typhimurium infections. Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet is the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC. DNA fingerprinting Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Russia: (YN) reindeer vaccination
Anthrax -- RussiaRegional authorities on [12 Mar 2018] kickstarted this year's major immunization effort as the 1st teams of veterinaries moved out the remote tundra area with vaccine doses against anthrax. In the course of the year [2018], at least 658 000 reindeer are to be vaccinated, the 1st 50 000 already in the course of March [2018], regional authorities say.It is all part of an effort to prevent an outbreak of the deadly infection, similar to the one in 2016 when a young boy died and at least Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease – Japan: dura mater graft, 1975-2017, latency
CJD -- JapanCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that, according to the most well accepted hypothesis (1), is caused by replicating, transmissible, abnormal forms of a host-encoded prion protein (prions). Most CJD cases occur spontaneously (sporadic CJD) or are inherited (genetic CJD). Iatrogenic CJD can occur after exposure to prion-contaminated instruments or products in medical/surgical settings. Cadaveric dura mater graft-associated CJD (dCJD) accounts for a common Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (19): Pacific, Americas, Europe, Asia
Measles -- AustraliaPeople who took a flight from Bali to Australia 2 weeks ago should watch for symptoms of measles after a fellow passenger was diagnosed with the illness on [Sun 18 Mar 2018], the Department of Health and Human Services has warned. Qantas flight QF44 from Denpasar [Bali] arrived in Sydney [New South Wales] at 6:25 am on [Sat 10 Mar 2018] and the passenger then boarded QF415, arriving at Tullamarine [Victoria] at 10:35 am the same day. The man became unwell after the flight and Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Sporotrochosis – Brazil: (BA)
Sporotrichosis -- BrazilThe city of Camaçari, in the metropolitan region of Salvador, recorded a 475 per cent increase in cases of sporotrichosis in humans from [2015 to 2017]. Mycosis caused by fungi of the species _Sporothrix_ can be transmitted to humans as well as to animals, especially cats. The Municipal Health Department has filed a petition for inclusion of the skin-affecting disease in the mandatory public network notification list for all suspected cases to be registered.In [2017], Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Syria: (HA) refugee & IDP camp
Fever, Typhoid -- SyriaA local source inside Al-Hol camp for Iraqi refugees and displaced Syrians, confirmed on [Mon 19 Mar 2018] the spread of typhoid fever among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in the camp, which is located east of Al-Hasakah.The source, who preferred not to be named, said: "269 persons, mostly women and children, are infected with the disease due to water, which is not suitable for drinking and use." The source pointed to the existence of a state of fear and Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Botulism – USA (02): (AK)
Botulism -- United States1. Beller M. Botulism in Alaska: a guide for physicians and health-care providers -- 1998 update. Anchorage, Alaska: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, 1998.2. Wainwright RB, Heyward WL, Middaugh JP, Hatheway CL, Harpster AP, Bender TR. Food-borne botulism in Alaska, 1947-1985: epidemiology and clinical findings. J Infect Dis. 1988;157(6):1158-62. Abstract available at:.3. Chiou L, Hennessy T, Horn A, et al. A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (58): Ghana (BA) poultry, HPAI H9N2 not, LPAI H9N2, OIE
Avian Influenza -- GhanaAfter confirmation by the OIE Reference Laboratory and the delegate from Ghana, please be informed that the molecular and pathogenicity analysis performed confirmed H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus. As this isolate is not OIE notifiable, the report has been removed from WAHIS interface as of 19 Mar 2018.--communicated by:ProMED-mail[ProMED-mail's posting http://promedmail.org/post/20180215.5628421 presented an immediate notification submitted by Ghana's chief veterinary Read more [...]
PRO/AH> African swine fever – Europe (06): Poland, wild boar, OIE
African Swine Fever -- PolandInformation received on [and dated] 22 Mar 2018 from Dr Pawel Niemczuk, chief veterinary officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, POL Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Warsaw, PolandSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 2 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Mar 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: March 2018Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Mumps update (02): USA (VA,DE) resurgence
Mumps -- United StatesSummary-------A resurgence of mumps in the US among vaccinated young adults appears to be due to waning of vaccine-induced immunity, according to a recent analysis. Researchers found vaccine-derived immune protection against mumps lasts about 27 years after the last dose. The findings suggest that, in addition to the currently recommended 2 doses of mumps vaccine in childhood, a 3rd dose at age 18 may help sustain protection among adults. The study [was] published 21 Mar 2018, Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Schmallenberg virus – Europe (06): Ireland, ovine, bovine, spread
Schmallenberg -- IrelandSchmallenberg virus [SBV] is believed to have spread to all counties. Figures provided to AgriLand by the Department of Agriculture indicate that SBV positive test results have been recorded in both cattle and sheep this year [2018].Of the 311 tests (polymerase chain reaction) carried out on cattle, 6 positive results were identified. In addition, 96 tests were carried out on sheep at Regional Veterinary Laboratories, and 38 positive results were obtained [see source URL for Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Norovirus – South Korea (05): (KW) Winter Olympics
Norovirus -- South KoreaSouth Korea's public health authorities have confirmed that the "water tanks of portable toilets" were the reason behind an outbreak of norovirus [infection] at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics that affected around 300 security personnel for the event last month [February 2018].The authorities announced on Sun [18 Mar 2018] that according to the results of the epidemiological investigation of Horeb Youth Camp Center and other related facilities, the water tanks of mobile toilets Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (57): Germany (SH) backyard poultry, HPAI H5N6, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N6 -- GermanyInformation received on [and dated] 22 Mar 2018 from Dr Karin Schwabenbauer, ministerial dirigentin and chief veterinary officer, Directorate of Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL), Bonn, GermanySummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 20 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 20 Mar 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease Date of previous occurrence: Read more [...]
PRO/AH> Varroosis, apis – New Zealand: (CB)
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandSouth Canterbury beekeepers have faced a challenging summer with drought and the varroa mite impacting hives. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released its Bee Colony Loss Survey report for 2017 on [16 Mar 2018], which sampled 30 per cent of New Zealand beekeepers to determine the rate of hive loss and the main reasons for it.MPI aquatic and environment health manager Dr Michael Taylor said a severe drought for the middle of the South Island last year [2017] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cutaneous & renal glomerular vasculopathy, canine – UK (04): (England)
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomA new case of a disease deadly to dogs has been confirmed in West Sussex -- the 2nd in the county this year [2018]. Veterinary specialists Anderson Moores said Alabama rot had been found in Findon, one of 29 cases reported in the UK so far in 2018. Cases were previously announced in Petworth and Brighton in January [2018]. A map showing cases can be seen at , along with advice on symptoms and how best to treat them.A spokesperson for Anderson Moores said: "Unfortunately, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (06): Asia, Pacific, Africa, research
Dengue -- AustraliaA new study has found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, especially in the 1st 2 months following infection. The study is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)."Clinicians in dengue-endemic areas should be aware of this association, especially for patients with dengue who have neurologic deficits or for patients with stroke who have unexplained fever," writes Dr Chia-Hung Kao, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, China Medical Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (11): Netherlands, seasonal reassortant A(H1N2) identified
Influenza — Netherlands
PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV (11): Saudi Arabia
MERS -- Saudi ArabiaAccording to the spreadsheet data I have been keeping, the most recent information available is current as of [20 Mar 2018]:There have been a total of: 1814 newly confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including734 reported fatalities [reported case fatality rate of 40.5 per cent]1061 recoveries, and 18 currently active cases [those who have not been reflected in reports of fatalities or recoveries]Since the last update (through 13 Mar 2018) there have been:3 newly confirmed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus – Americas (23): Argentina (BA)
Hantavirus -- ArgentinaIn recent hours, the Tapalque municipality confirmed the diagnosis of a case of [a] hantavirus [infection] in a rural area of this locality.According to public information on the Olavarría home page, "On Line News", the reported case occurred in the rural area of San Bernardo, and, after its detection, an alert for the area was issued by Zoonoses. Few details are known about the affected patient and the situation.Nonetheless, this is a new case in the region, which adds Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (16): Africa (S Africa), Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Israel) human, animal
Rabies -- South AfricaThai authorities plan to vaccinate more than 10 million dogs and cats within the next 6 months in reaction to a deadly rabies outbreak that has spread across the country. The country's Department of Livestock Development (DLD) sought to reassure the public at a press conference on [Wed 14 Mar 2018], saying there were enough stocks of vaccine -- more than 12.2 million doses -- to protect animals against the disease, the Bangkok Post reported.The department's director-general Read more [...]
PRO/AH> White nose syndrome, bats – North America (01): (SC) surveillance
White nose syndrome -- United StatesThe fungus that causes the devastating bat disease white nose syndrome [WNS] is now present in 3 new counties in South Carolina: Cherokee, Spartanburg and York.The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recently received confirmation from the National Wildlife Health Center that the fungus was present on bats in these 3 counties. No obvious signs of WNS were seen on any of the 83 tri-colored bats observed in mid-Feb [2018], when fungal growth has had the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax – Kazakhstan: (ZM) bovine, OIE
Anthrax -- KazakhstanInformation received on 21 Mar 2018 from Dr Samat Tyulegenov, director general, RSE "National Reference Center for Veterinary" of the Committee of veterinary control and supervision, Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, KazakhstanSummaryReport type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 19 Mar 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 19 Mar 2018Report date: 20 Mar 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Meningitis, meningococcal – Fiji: fatal
Meningitis - Neisseria -- FijiThe Health Ministry has declared an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Fiji. Over recent years Fiji has had an increase in cases of meningococcal disease. Prior to 2016, there were 1 to 10 cases per year reported. In 2016 there were 29 cases, and in 2017 there were 48 cases. In 2018, there have been 18 cases as of [21 Feb 2018].Even with the recent increase in cases, meningococcal disease remains uncommon in Fiji; however, this disease has a high death rate. According Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Monkeypox – Africa (03): Central African Republic (HK) comment