Archive for Global Disease Alerts
PRO/AH/EDR> Hepatitis E – Japan: transfusion, fatal
Hepatitis E -- JapanA woman in her 80s died in November 2017 after being infected with the hepatitis E virus [HEV] through a blood transfusion at a Japanese facility in what is believed to be the world's 1st fatal case of this type, according to a report by the Japanese Red Cross Society. The organization reported to a government panel on Wed 31 Jan 2018 that the person who donated the blood may have been infected with the virus after eating raw deer meat. The same type of virus was found in the Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (37): Netherlands (GR) poultry, HPAI H5N6
Avian Influenza H5N6 -- NetherlandsBird flu has been identified on a farm in Oldekerk in Groningen and all 36 000 birds have been destroyed. The flu, a variant of H5 [see comment], was confirmed on [Sun 25 Feb 2018].Two other farms within a 3 km [approx. 1.86 mi] radius of the affected company are now being tested for the deadly virus and farm minister Carola Schouten has imposed a ban on moving birds, eggs and manure within a 1 km [approx. 0.6 mi] radius.Poultry farmers currently have to keep their Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (36): Viet Nam (HP) HPAI H5N6, poultry, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N6 -- VietnamInformation received on [and dated] 24 Feb 2018 from Dr Dong Pham Van, director general, chief veterinary officer, Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hanoi, Viet NamSummary: Report type: immediate notificationDate of start of the event: 19 Feb 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 22 Feb 2018Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed diseaseDate of previous occurrence: 23 Oct 2017Manifestation of disease: clinical diseaseCausal Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Rubella – Syria: (RA) IDP camp
Rubella -- SyriaAn IDP [international displaced persons] camp north of Raqqa [Ar Raqqah], Syria, has reported 60 cases of German measles (rubella) in the past few days, according to a Shaam Network report (computer translated). The cases were reported in children and some adults. One death of a child was reported.The Ain Issa camp, about 50 km [31 mi] north of Raqqa, includes about 3000 tents and is inhabited by more than 20 000 displaced people from Raqqa and Deir Al-Zour.Rubella, or German measles, Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Citrus tristeza virus – Portugal: northern & central
Other Plant Disease -- PortugalIn Portugal, two outbreaks of _Citrus tristeza virus_ (_Closterovirus_, CTV - EPPO A2 List) were reported in 2017. During official surveys, CTV was detected in June 2017 in 7 citrus trees (_Citrus sinensis_ [sweet orange] and _C. reticulata_ [mandarin]) growing in a private garden in the municipality of Sao Pedro de Merelim (Norte region). In October 2017, CTV was also detected in an urban area in the municipality of Sepins (Centro region) on asymptomatic citrus trees Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update (05): Asia, Pacific, Australia, vaccination, research
Dengue -- Worldwide/UnknownThe Philippines Department of Health announced that a "causal association" has been found between 3 pediatric deaths and the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia. Two of these deaths may have been caused by vaccine failure, according to a Department of Health (DOH) press release. The deaths were investigated by members of a Dengue Investigative Task Force (DITF) that was created by the Philippine General Hospital (PHG) in response to concerns over the safety of Dengvaxia (Sanofi Pasteur), Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Tuberculosis – USA: (AL) 2-year community outbreak, nightclubs, RFI
Tuberculosis -- United StatesThe Alabama Department of Public Health [ADPH] has detected multiple cases of tuberculosis in Dothan over the past 2 years and expressed frustration Friday [23 Feb 2018] over what the department says is a lack of cooperation from downtown nightclubs that have been identified as a common denominator in the cases.The department, in a written release, identified The Blue Bar, Chill Lounge, Club Escape, The G-Spot, and Imani Loungebar, specifically. "Numerous attempts have Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (09): Asia (Yemen) WHO
Cholera -- YemenHighlights:Cumulative figures------------------- The cumulative total from 27 Apr 2017 to 18 Feb 2018 is 1 063 786 suspected cholera cases and 2258 associated deaths, (CFR 0.21 percent); 1104 have been confirmed by culture.- 59.3 percent of deaths were severe cases at admission.- The total proportion of severe cases among the suspected cases is 16 percent.- The national attack rate is 383.5 per 10 000. The 5 governorates with the highest cumulative attack rates per 10 000 Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Influenza (09): WHO global update, vaccine recommendations
Influenza -- Worldwide/UnknownInfluenza activity remained high in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, while in the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, activity was at inter-seasonal levels. Worldwide, influenza A accounted still for the majority of influenza detections, but influenza B (mostly B-Yamagata lineage) increased in recent weeks.Up to now, the majority of countries in influenza season reported influenza-like illness reaching moderate levels in comparison with previous Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Undiagnosed deaths, ovine – India: (KA), nematodes suspected, RFI
Undiagnosed -- IndiaOver 400 sheep affected with the round worm disease died in Mulabagilu taluk in one week.Veterinarians say that the infection is being caused by the sheep drinking impure water from ponds and lakes which filled up during ample rains in November 2017. The larvae that have entered the sheep's stomachs in this manner have hatched inside their intestines, finally choking them to death.The sheep rearers are shocked by the magnitude of their losses.There are 22 veterinary centres in Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Schmallenberg virus – Europe (04): UK (N. Ireland), ovine
Schmallenberg -- United KingdomSchmallenberg virus is progressing west across Northern Ireland, according to the province's Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute [AFBI].The Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was 1st identified in Germany in late 2011 as a cause of malformations in newborn calves and lambs.It was 1st detected in Northern Ireland in a cattle herd in County Down in October 2012. Three further cases were confirmed the following spring in County Down in 2 cattle herds and one sheep flock. In 2017, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Measles update (13): Europe (France), USA (TX)
Measles -- FranceA 5th case of measles was confirmed at the end of last week [week of Sun 4 Feb 2018] in a school of the Cite scientifique on the campus of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. The 1st patient was diagnosed in mid-January [2018] and the campus now has 4 students with measles and a teacher-researcher. "A student from Bordeaux infected the others, says a report to the management of the University of Lille.Screening kits and vaccines have been sent to the Scientifique City health center, among other items. Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (09): China (JS), H7N4
Avian Influenza -- ChinaOn [Wed 14 Feb 2018], the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of one case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N4) virus. This is the 1st human case of avian influenza A(H7N4) infection to be reported worldwide [see ProMED-mail post Avian influenza, human (07): China (JS) H7N4, 1st report http://promedmail.org/post/20180214.5628629].The case-patient was a 68-year-old woman from Jiangsu Province Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis – South Africa (07): fatal, more cases
Listeriosis -- South AfricaA listeriosis outbreak, believed to be the world's largest, has claimed 172 lives in South Africa, the Department of Health said on [Thu 22 Feb 2018].As of [Tue 20 Feb 2018], the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported 915 laboratory-confirmed cases of listeriosis, the department said in its latest update on the pandemic that has gripped the country since January 2017. According to media reports, 57 people lost their lives last week [week of Sun Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis B – USA: (FL) 2011-2016
Hepatitis B -- United StatesIn April 2016, CDC noted an increase in acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Pasco county, Florida, through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by HBV, which is transmitted through blood, semen, or other body fluids and is usually an acute, self-limiting illness in adults; however, some infected adults develop chronic HBV infection. HBV infection is preventable by vaccination. The Florida Department Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever – Pakistan (03): multidrug resistance, fatal
Typhoid -- PakistanA major outbreak of typhoid fever in Pakistan may have been caused by a highly drug-resistant microbe, scientists have warned. Research by the Wellcome Sanger Institute has shown that the typhoid strain behind the outbreak, which began in Hyderabad in Pakistan in November 2016 and has since spread, has acquired an extra piece of DNA that renders it resistant to multiple antibiotics."It is significant because it marks the 1st time we have seen such high levels of drug resistance Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium – USA (02): chicken salad, CDC report
Salmonella -- United StatesCDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) 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 Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – Australia: (VI) MSM
Hepatitis A -- AustraliaThere has been a rare hepatitis A death in Victoria as the state experiences a spreading outbreak of the very infectious disease.Victorian's deputy health officer Dr Brett Sutton confirmed a man recently died from locally acquired case of hepatitis A, a viral infection of the liver.There have been 42 confirmed cases of the disease in the past 2 months in Victoria, with another 23 still being confirmed. The health department said all those affected so far are men, many who Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (08): Africa, Asia
Diarrhea -- MozambiqueOn [Fri 27 Oct 2017], the Ministry of Health in Mozambique notified WHO of an outbreak of cholera. From [Mon 14 Aug 2017 through Sun 11 Feb 2018], 1799 cases and one death (case fatality rate equal to 0.06 percent) of cholera were reported from the 2 provinces; Nampula (1580 cases) and Cabo Delgado (219 cases). Underreporting of the number of cases and deaths is likely. This outbreak has been confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests and culture. The outbreak started in Memba district Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever – West Africa (13): Nigeria
Lassa Fever -- NigeriaNigerian health officials reported 68 new confirmed Lassa fever cases during the past week from 7 states: Edo (35 cases), Ondo (19), Bauchi (1), Ebonyi (7), Anambra (4), Imo (1) and FCT (1) [Federal Capital Territory] with 4 new deaths in confirmed cases from 2 states: Ondo (2), and Bauchi (2).From [Mon 1 Jan - Sun 18 Feb 2018], a total of 913 suspected cases, and 73 deaths have been reported from 17 active States (Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo, Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Gummy stem blight, cucurbits – China: (Northeast)
Other Plant Disease -- China_Cucurbita maxima_ (pumpkin) is a typical cucurbit that is susceptible to gummy stem blight. In recent years, this major fungal disease has decimated pumpkin yields in Northeast China in increasingly numerous outbreaks with more rapid spread in recent years.We conducted a systematic study of the growth and morphological characteristics of various purified strains of _Cucurbita_ gummy stem blight (GSB) fungus from across Northeast China. DNA samples of 30 isolates with Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Pertussis (03): USA, Nigeria, Australia, Indonesia
Whooping Cough -- United StatesA case of whooping cough has been reported at Canyon Ridge High School, the school district announced [Fri 2 Feb 2018]. The district was notified [Thu 1 Feb 2018] by South Central Public Health District. "We are working with local health officials to monitor the situation, and at this time, the school will remain open and operating normally," Twin Falls School District spokeswoman Eva Craner wrote in a statement.Whooping cough - also known as pertussis - is also affecting Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hepatitis A – USA (09): (KY, UT, MI)
Hepatitis A -- United StatesCases / Hospitalizations / Deaths751 / 609 (81.1%) / 25 (3.3%)--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[Cumulatively, 14.6 percent of the total males are MSM, 2.9 percent of the total are healthcare workers, and 4.4 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 of the now Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Varicella update (03): shingles research, India alert
Shingles, Chicken Pox -- IndiaSong H, Morley KW, Trowbridge RM, et al. Herpes zoster at the vaccination site in immunized healthy children. Pediatr Dermatol. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Feb 6. doi: 10.1111/pde.13415 [Epub ahead of print], abstract available at:.Abstract--------In this case series, we report 7 immunized healthy children without underlying immunodeficiency who presented with herpes zoster that correlated with varicella-zoster vaccination site. The morphology of the lesions included erythematous Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (08): Yemen, RFI
Avian Influenza -- YemenAlready dealing with a raging conflict and the world's worst hunger crisis, many people in Yemen are now dying from what is thought to be bird flu [avian influenza]. As the country faces this new health crisis, hospitals remain critically short of resources after years of conflict have caused the country's health system to crumble.[Byline: Katia Lopez-Hodoyan]--Communicated by:ProMED-mail[This is a brief report, which does not specify many details on the epidemiological Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Botulism, avian – New Zealand (02): (WL) waterfowl, susp
Botulism -- New ZealandAvian botulism is thought to be behind the deaths of up to 400 mainly mallard ducks at Waikanae beach's Pharazyn Reserve, Kapiti Coast District Council parks and recreation manager Alison Law said.The council was working with animal welfare groups to collect sick and dead birds from the reserve and had posted signs warning pet owners to take care.A bird carcass had been sent to Massey University's Wildbase Pathology unit for testing for the disease, Law said. "Although it is Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever – Americas (15): Brazil (RJ)
Yellow Fever -- BrazilThe Ambassador of Chile in Brazil, Jaime Gazmuri, confirmed to Tele 13 the death of the 2nd Chilean infected with yellow fever. The deceased is a 20-year-old young man, that adds an additional case to another young man whose death was confirmed this past [Fri 16 Feb 2018].The 2 young men met on Ilha Grande [island in the state of Rio de Janeiro], along with a 3rd [infected] Chilean, who is currently under observation.Gazmuri stated that the 20-year-old "was admitted [to hospital] Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (09): Asia (Kazakhstan) livestock, wolf, OIE
Rabies -- KazakhstanInformation received on 20 Feb 2018 from Dr Zhomart Nurkenov, Chairman of Committee of Veterinary Control and supervision, RSE "National Reference Center for Veterinary," Ministry of Agriculture, ASTANA, KazakhstanSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Start date: 24 Jan 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Feb 2018Report date: 19 Feb 2018Date submitted to OIE: 20 Feb 2018Date event resolved: 20 Feb 2018Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Cutaneous & renal glomerular vasculopathy, canine – UK (02): (England) spread
Other Animal Disease -- United KingdomA veterinary practice has warned dog owners and walkers after 2 dogs were found to have the flesh-eating disease Alabama Rot.Bellevue Veterinary Clinic says it has been treating 2 dogs for the condition, symptoms of which include lesions and sores across the dog's body.It's thought the dogs picked up the disease after walking in woods near Gare Hill on the outskirts of Longleat Forest.The vet, from Frome, told Somerset Live: "We have recently been treating 2 Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Bovine tuberculosis – USA (02): (MI) bovine
Bovine TB -- United StatesA trace investigation from a bovine tuberculosis (TB) infected herd in Ottawa County has led to the identification of a bovine TB positive roping cattle herd in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Ottawa County cattle, which originated from a bovine TB infected herd in Indiana, had spent time at a Kalamazoo County farm. All the cattle on the Kalamazoo County farm were removed and 2 were found infected with bovine TB."The thorough investigation done by the Michigan Department Read more [...]
PRO/PL> Bacterial canker, kiwifruit – Argentina: 1st rep, pollen (BA)
Other Plant Disease -- ArgentinaIn the Mar del Plata area [Buenos Aires province] of Argentina, many kiwifruit orchards composed of only male plants (_Actinidia deliciosa_ cv. Chieftain) have been established for pollen production, since the country was considered unaffected by _Pseudomonas syringae_ pv. _actinidiae_ (EPPO A2 List). Routine controls have been conducted to verify the absence of the bacterium in the pollen that is produced and commercialized. In February 2015, some bacterial colonies Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Arsenic poisoning – UK: magnetic toy, human exposure
Poisoning -- United KingdomA young girl is thought to have been poisoned by arsenic after playing with a putty toy that was removed from online retailer Amazon last month [January 2018].Victim NK was found to have 10 times the safe level of the deadly poison in her urine after playing with Magnetic Putty, according to her mother FK.FK claimed the toy was bought as a Christmas present for her 2 daughters before she was warned by her sister over its possible toxic contents. She and her partner MK then Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Mycoplasma bovis, bovine – New Zealand (03)
Other Animal Disease -- New ZealandAnother farm in Southland has tested positive for the cattle disease _Mycoplasma bovis_, bringing to 8 the number of infected properties in the province.The Ministry for Primary Industries says the farm was connected with other infested farms in the area through movement of calves.It was placed under movement restrictions several weeks ago._Mycoplasma bovis_, a bacterial disease, is commonly found in cattle globally. It does not infect humans and is not a food safety Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Canine influenza – USA (03): (NV) H3N2
Influenza H3N2 -- United StatesYour pup may need an extra shot to stay healthy this winter, Las Vegas veterinarians say.A new-to-the-U.S. strain of the canine influenza, H3N2, has been detected in Northern Nevada for the 1st time, with 52 cases confirmed this month, according to DogFlu.com, an informational site created by pharmaceutical company Merck Animal Health. It joins an older strain, H3N8, that has been present in the state since 2015, also mainly confined to Northern Nevada.Local veterinarians Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease – Botswana: (CT) dove
Newcastle Disease -- BotswanaVeterinary authorities in Botswana on [Mon 19 Feb 2018] reported a fresh outbreak of Newcastle disease in the central part of the country. The disease was first suspected after the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism discovered that wild doves and other unnamed birds showed [clinical signs] corresponding to the disease before dying within a day or 2.The outbreak was confirmed by the director of the Veterinary Department in the ministry, Read more [...]
PRO/EDR> Hand, foot & mouth disease update (02): Caribbean (Cayman Islands)
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease -- Cayman Islands [UK]An outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease that surfaced a few weeks ago is still affecting some schools on Grand Cayman.The disease is not uncommon on the island and typically affects children under 10 and especially those aged 5 and younger. Children with the virus typically have a fever, sore throat, a red rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, mouth sores, and loss of appetite. There is no specific treatment other than to let the illness Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st I 4,[5],12:b:- – USA: kratom
Salmonella -- United StatesCDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] I 4,[5],12:b:- 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 is performed on _Salmonella_ bacteria isolated Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (34): Sweden (BL) HPAI H5N6, new strain, OIE
Avian Influenza H5N6 -- SwedenInformation received on [and dated] 20 Feb 2018 from Dr Ingrid Eilertz, Chief Veterinary Officer Director and Head, Swedish Board of Agriculture Department for Animal Welfare and Health, Ministry for Rural Affairs, Jonkoping, SwedenSummaryReport type: immediate notification (final report)Date of start of the event: 28 Jan 2018Date of confirmation of the event: 19 Feb 2018Reason for notification: new strain of a listed disease in the countryCausal agent: Highly pathogenic Read more [...]
PRO/AH/EDR> Influenza (08): Nepal (Kathmandu) post influenza cough, type B association susp.
Influenza — Nepal
PRO/EDR> Norovirus – South Korea (04): (KW) Winter Olympics
Norovirus -- South KoreaThe Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said that a total of 283 cases have been confirmed as of Sun [18 Feb 2018], as 8 additional people were found to have been affected by the virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.Five of the 8 cases were reported in Pyeongchang, while 3 other patients were reported in Gangneung.The KCDC said that, currently, 49 patients are quarantined for treatment, while 234 others have recovered.--Communicated by:ProMED-mail Read more [...]
