2023
January 7, 2023Australia: Japanese Encephalitis A Victorian from a flood-affected region has been diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis. It's the first case of the virus detected in the state this season. The person is a resident of the Campaspe local government area in the state's north and authorities have not released details about their condition. The area was hit hard by flooding over recent months in towns including Echuca and Rochester, along the Murray River. Last week a man in his 80s from South Australia's Riverland region was admitted to hospital with the virus and another man from central New South Wales was diagnosed with the condition. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, and most people will experience no symptoms but about one per cent of cases will become severely unwell. Symptoms can include confusion, headaches, vomiting, seizures, disorientation and may lead to neurological damage or death. Canada; Avian Influenza Turkeys taken to a processing plant in Perth County, Ontario, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) agency reported. The agency issued a statement on the situation stating the poultry was delivered by an independent 3rd party to the plant. "The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), along with Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH), the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario are working together with the plant operator to respond to the situation. The suspected poultry containing HPAI in question is all on hold and not in the public domain," HPPH stated. Kenya: Anthrax Two people have died, and several others are receiving treatment for suspected anthrax at Tharimu village in Maara, Tharaka-Nithi County, after feasting on a sick cow during the festive season. They reportedly fell ill after slaughtering and eating the animal on Dec. 20. They are said to have eaten the meat after a local man who claimed to be a veterinary officer gave them the green light to do so. The owner of the cow said he intended to bury the carcass but that the "veterinary officer" had assured him the meat was safe for consumption. He said being the festive season, the meat was eaten by many people in the village. Some soon developed swelling and wounds on their bodies. "The cow was about to die when my son and 2 other people slaughtered it. They called on the man to test the meat, and he declared it safe for human consumption," the owner said. A local resident said some people who consumed the meat are still healthy but that they are anxious about developing complications. United States: Legionellosis A potential outbreak of legionnaires' disease is being investigated in several adjacent towns in Bergen and Passaic Counties, New Jersey, the health department reports. A total of 7 cases have been confirmed, with one "suspected" case still being investigated, the New Jersey Department of Health said. The cases -- which are treatable with antibiotics but have an incubation period of up to 2 weeks -- were reported between Nov. 9 and Dec. 21. Legionnaire's disease can occur when a person inhales aerosolized water -- typically from cooling towers, hot tubs, plumbing systems, decorative fountains, or cooling misters -- contaminated with the bacteria Legionella. India: Japanese Encephalitis Parents are very sad due to the sudden death of 3 siblings in Morena. One after the other, the health of all the 3 children suddenly worsened, fever came, then tremors started coming, and soon all 3 children fell asleep. The villagers are being told that 3 out of 5 children of a resident of Bhilsainya village of Kailaras development block of Morena district, have died. A few days back, a 3-year-old girl had a fever. After this, she started having tremors, was given medicine, and also got exorcised. She was admitted to hospital and died during treatment. Meanwhile, her 6-year-old sister also started having tremors; she died during treatment in the hospital. After this, their 17-month-old brother fell ill 2 days ago and died in front of his parents. Puerto Rico: Leptospirosis The Puerto Rico Department of Health reports nearly 800 total (confirmed, probable, and suspect) cases of leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona on Sept. 18. According to their data, 33 confirmed, 89 probable and 649 suspect cases (771 total) have been reported. The 771 cases were reported in 74 municipalities of all the health regions. Currently, 7 deaths are under investigation. Niger: Diphtheria Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) intends to provide, a response plan to the diphtheria epidemic, in support of the Ministry of Public Health, in the localities of Gouré and Tesker (Zinder region) plagued by this disease since mid-August 2022. According to the MSF report, the health district of Tesker started reporting cases of diphtheria Sept. 20; then it was Gouré's turn. As of Dec. 22, 40 cases have been treated and 14 deaths have been recorded in Tesker; in Gouré, there have been 479 people treated and 19 deaths. Faced with this situation, MSF is planning a response plan to ensure curative quality care and prevention to populations exposed to the disease. The organization also wants to help reduce morbidity and mortality related to the disease in the health districts of Tesker and Gouré. Taking into account the relatively calm security situation over the past 4 years at the departments of Tesker and Gouré, the teams will organize a mass vaccination for children aged 11 months to 7 years and over. India: African Swine Fever African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in wild boar populations in the Sigur plateau, with Forest Department officials concerned about its spread, after around 15 animals were found dead in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) recently. P Ramesh Kumar, Field Director of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, which is contiguous to the MTR, confirmed to The Hindu that samples from dead boars found in the Bandipur Reserve, which had been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) were positive for ASF, a viral disease. Dr. Kumar said wild boars had been found dead within the reserve over the last few weeks, but added that the situation was being closely monitored. The Bandipur tiger reserve in Karnataka and the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris are located in the Sigur plateau, with wildlife moving freely between the two reserves. In the Nilgiris, the deaths of wild boar in the Nilgiris forest division have also been noticed for a few weeks, primarily around Manjoor in the Kundah Forest Range. Field Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), D Venkatesh, said that around 15 wild boar had died in the tiger reserve recently. "We have formed teams to search for carcasses of any wild boar to destroy them to control the spread of the disease," he said. Afghanistan: Lumpy Skin Disease There has been a severe loss of livestock during winter. Lumpy skin disease in cattle, which emerged in May 2022, has spread to around 30 provinces in Afghanistan. As of December, 125,000 cattle have been vaccinated against the disease, and the FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations] plans to vaccinate nearly 4 million more by July. Untreated, this disease can result in low milk yield, reducing farmers' income. The event in Afghanistan started, reportedly, in May 2022 in the provinces of Laghman and Kandahar, bordering Pakistan. Philippines: Anthrax The Department of Health (DOH) said no additional human cases of anthrax were recorded in the province of Cagayan, declaring that the health event has been tagged as "controlled." The DOH also reported that no additional deaths due to anthrax among carabaos were logged as of Jan. 3. The DOH earlier said there were 12 suspect cases reported as of Dec. 22 and 3 tested positive for Bacillus anthracis via PCR. Human cases monitored by the regional health units have all been tagged as recovered. Regional units of both the DOH and the Department of Agriculture reported a number of carabaos that got sick and died after exhibiting symptoms of anthrax. Individuals have also been reported to have consumed meat of the sick carabaos. Kenya: Anthrax The Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services department of the Kisii County government has ordered that sheep and goats within Subugo sub-location and its environs be put under quarantine following an anthrax outbreak. Anthrax is a highly infectious disease that occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals. Human beings can be infected if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products, and the effects can lead to death. Bobasi sub-county Veterinary Officer Dr. Richard Ongwae, in a statement to newsrooms, said the quarantine restrictions will remain in place until further notice. In the meantime, Dr. Ongwae directed that no other animals should also be moved into the restricted area unless granted permission from him or the inspector in charge. He further directed that the animals not be moved into the areas unless previously disinfected as per the required directions. The Taoyuan City Health Bureau has received notifications since late December 2022, that people in Daxi District have been infected with legionnaire's disease. As of Jan. 3, of 12 suspected cases of legionnaire's disease, a total of 11 were confirmed. One case is still under examination, but the initial investigation revealed cases have a geographical relationship with other cases. The Health Bureau stated that before this notification of the 12 suspected cases of legionnaires' disease, they had previously gone to investigate twice together with the CDC and conducted sampling tests on the surrounding environment of Daxi and household water supply. They continued to expand the sampling and follow-up inspection of water mist facilities in the surrounding environment, tracking results and caring about the health status of the individuals. A 10-year-old, unvaccinated paint horse mare in Elbert County, Georgia, is positive for West Nile virus (WNV). She began presenting signs on Nov. 30 including front-end ataxia and muscle fasciculations of the head and neck. She tested positive for WNV on Dec. 6. The mare is currently affected and alive. West Nile virus is transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. United States: Strangles One mare in Macomb County, Michigan, is positive for strangles, with 7 other cases suspected and 42 horses exposed. The mare presented with an enlarged lymph node on Dec. 6. As many as 7 other cases are suspected, and 42 horses are exposed. The facility is under voluntary quarantine. |
January 14, 2023Kenya: Anthrax An 11-year-old boy has died while 7 other children are among 20 people presently admitted at the Olenguruone sub-county hospital in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, after consuming meat of a dead cow suspected to have been infected with East Coast fever. Locals had feasted on the carcass after a veterinary officer reportedly directed them to where the dead cow was buried. Village elder Joshua Langat told Citizen Digital that the boy is said to have drunk soup from the meat of the carcass. A nurse said the other victims, including the children, are in stable condition even as more are still being rushed there. Kisii County has announced free vaccination to combat an anthrax outbreak at Sugubo in Bobasi, which has sparked animal deaths in the area. The officers have since announced restrictions on the movement of animals in the affected area to stem infections. The constituency is vast, bordering Transmara to the West, Nyaribari Masaba and Nyaribari Chache to the North and Bonchari to the North East. It also annexes some parts of the Kisii town suburbs. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) on the Mainland, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel. The case involves a 54-year-old man living in Changsha, Hunan, who was in critical condition. Since 2014, 82 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities. Travelers to the Mainland or other affected areas must avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. They should be alert to the presence of backyard poultry when visiting relatives and friends. They should also avoid purchasing live or freshly slaughtered poultry, and avoid touching poultry/birds or their droppings. United States: Legionellosis The Minnesota Department of Health has issued a health advisory after 2 cases of Legionnaires' disease were contracted at Woodland Garden Apartments, a Duluth senior apartment building. The cases, which were diagnosed in October and December, are believed to have the same source of exposure, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria, Legionella, is found in soil and water and can multiply in water systems like large air conditioning system cooling towers, hot water heaters or tanks, fountains, pools, or hot tubs. The disease is especially dangerous for people who are age 50 or older, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic lung conditions and/or smoke. Tunisia: Respiratory Syncytial Virus The head of the pediatrics department at Ibn Al-Jazzar Hospital in Kairouan, Hussein Al-Majoul, stated that 29 cases of infection with the "bronchiolitis virus" (respiratory syncytial virus) were recorded in children and infants, and they are currently in the children's department at Ibn Al-Jazzar Hospital in Kairouan. He added, in a statement to the Tunis Afrique News Agency, that among these cases, there are 2 infants under 6 months of age who are undergoing artificial respiration, and 12 cases in the resuscitation department to receive "intensive oxygen." He described the condition of the rest of the cases as "stable" and they are currently receiving the necessary treatment. He confirmed that the region witnessed 2 weeks ago a wave of infections with the "bronchiolitis" virus, pointing out that the number of infections is seeing a gradual increase during this period, as between 160 and 200 imported cases suffering from respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and bronchiolitis, were recorded in the emergency department of Ibn Al-Jazzar Hospital." Latvia: African Swine Fever African swine fever has not disappeared. Last year, outbreaks of the disease were observed in several districts of Vidzeme, one of the Historical Latvian Lands, including Smiltenes. The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) states that the 2nd wave of the disease has already been experienced in Vidzeme this year. To prevent its spread, the only solution, for now, is to continue hunting wild boars. "If we talk about African swine fever (ASF), it must be said that it has not disappeared anywhere in Vidzeme either. Yes, now there are more cases of detection of wild boars with ASF compared to previous years. At the moment, such hot spots are Kauguru and Vaidava parishes in Valmiera municipality, as well as Raiskuma and Stalbe parishes in Cesu municipality," says Marcis Ulmanis, head of the Northern Vidzeme administration of the Food and Veterinary Service. Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease Cattle breeders in the Al-Dulail area revealed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] among their herds despite receiving vaccinations approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. In a statement obtained by Al-Ghad, the breeders called on the concerned authorities to open an investigation to find out the reasons for the increase in infections among their herds despite receiving the vaccinations. They made it clear that the cows that received vaccinations from the private sector did not contract the disease, unlike those that received the vaccine approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. The breeders pointed out that the spread of FMD has led to heavy losses, as the disease causes the cessation of milk production, due to increased body temperature of the cows and sloughing of their tongue epithelium, in addition to the need to use large quantities of medicines. They noted that vaccinations are considered one of the strategic options for the state, according to their statement. India: Malaria The national capital logged its first fatality due to malaria in the last 2 years. A 36-year-old man from Najafgarh succumbed to the disease, a report from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi showed. The city has recorded only 2 deaths since 2017 including this year's. There was not a single death due to malaria in Delhi in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021, and in 2020 one patient died, as per the data from MCD. The city recorded 263 cases of malaria in 2022. Nigeria: Lassa Fever The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that about 189 deaths were recorded in the country in 2022 from Lassa fever Also, 63 healthcare workers were infected by the disease in the year under review. According to the situation report released by the Centre, confirmed cases for the last week of 2022 stand at 1,067 across 112 Local Government Areas and 27 states. The report showed that 72 per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from the 3 states of Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi while 23 per cent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Ecuador: Avian Influenza Ecuador's Agriculture Ministry reported new cases of bird flu in Cotopaxi and Bolivar provinces, where local authorities assured health protocols are being conducting to prevent the disease from spreading nationwide. Bernardo Manzano, Agriculture Minister, said the 2 outbreaks were detected thanks to severe monitoring and surveillance by technical staff. Corresponding epidemiological fences were immediately implemented and samples were taken for analysis, said Manzano at a press conference in Guayaquil. According to Patricio Almeida, director of the Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency (Agrocalidad), the animal health emergency declared on Nov. 29 is in force in the country through February. During this period, movement of poultry, poultry products and by-products such as eggs, hens or chickens from the affected farms is banned. A total of 360,000 birds have died so far since the 1st case was reported; 90% died from the disease and 10% were slaughtered. Indonesia: Anthrax A resident of Wonogiri, Central Java, was suspected of having anthrax when he checked himself in Gunungkidul, DI Yogyakarta, in December. Head of the Gunungkidul Regency Health Service (Dinkes), Dewi Irawaty, said that anthrax was suspected. At that time, the patient complained of injuries or abnormalities in the skin. He explained that the test results were positive for anthrax and medical treatment was carried out. Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease Informed sources who attended the meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, which was chaired by Assistant Secretary-General for Livestock Ali Abu Nuqta in the presence of the President of the Syndicate of Agricultural Engineers and Cattle Breeders in the Al-Dulayl area, told Al-Ghad that the results of the tests conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture in the laboratories of the University of Science and Technology proved that the virus strain is endemic to Jordan, and it is not coming from abroad. The sources confirmed to farmers that the vaccine supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture confers protection against this "strain". Abu Nuqta agreed with the farmers not to license new farms for calves next to cow breeders' farms, and it was also agreed to transfer calf farms near cow breeders' farms, in addition to requiring that new cow farms be granted licenses with 3 new vaccinations instead of 2 vaccines. |
January 20, 2023Bangladesh: Nipah Virus Bangladesh has so far logged a 71 per cent death rate due to Nipah virus [NiV] among positive cases -- the 2nd highest fatality rate recorded since 2001, after rabies. The infective agent continues to pose threat in silence to public health across the country. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research [IEDCR] came up with the revelation at an event organized in the city to make people aware of the virus which is neglected by people. According to the IEDCR statistics, 231 NiV deaths occurred out of 326 positive cases since the country first detected the disease in 2001 and started surveillance. The IEDCR recorded another death in Rajshahi district on Jan. 3 due to the virus. A 35-year-old woman died in the district hospital after she drank date juice while the country recorded 3 NiV deaths in 2022. Comoros: Foot and Mouth Disease The National Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment (INARPE) and the National Livestock Directorate held a press conference Jan. 10 during which officials expressed the extent of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] in the country. "In fact, identified since Dec. 13, FMD has infected 52 animals and caused 30 deaths," deplores the head of the veterinary service and delegate of Comoros to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Dr. Youssouf Ousseni Moutroifi, who emphasized that "the disease is not to be taken lightly, especially given its fairly rapid spread." Iraq: Foot and Mouth Disease The veterinary hospital in Nineveh confirmed, on Jan. 14, that "foot and mouth" disease [FMD] is not transmitted to humans from infected buffaloes and cows in the province. The director of the hospital, Dr. Uday Al-Abadi, said in a statement received by IQ NEWS that "FMD infections appeared in buffaloes and cows in Nineveh Governorate, and the disease is not transmitted from animals to humans." He added, "We have mobilized all efforts in veterinary clinics, where blood and tissue samples were taken and sent to the central laboratories in Baghdad to determine the pathogenic strain of the virus that is causing the infection." He indicated that "an urgent request was sent to the veterinary department in Baghdad to provide a vaccine for this disease for the purpose of vaccinating livestock in Nineveh Governorate." FMD affects cows and goats. Its symptoms include fever, salivation and foot lesions. Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease Sheep and cow breeders in Jordan have affirmed the success of the first national campaign to vaccinate against foot and mouth disease [FMD], which was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in the last months of 2022, noting that it contributed to limiting this disease, as only minor infections were recorded among some farmers due to non-compliance with appropriate immunization dates and poor biosecurity measures applied in some farms. Laith Al-Hajj, head of the Coalition of Cattle Breeders Association, said the vaccines that were used in the immunization campaign are locally registered and approved vaccines for vaccination against FMD, and that they are used in a number of countries in the region. He appreciated the efforts of the ministry in vaccinating herds, stressing the success of the campaign in achieving its goals and the ministry's follow-up to the regulatory procedures for the sector, including the implementation of national immunization campaigns to control diseases, indicating that there are understandings with the ministry on several points that support the success and sustainability of preventive measures aimed at controlling epidemic diseases. United States: Avian Influenza Three juvenile grizzly bears tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in the fall of 2022 and were euthanized due to their sickness and poor condition, according to a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). They mark the first documented cases of avian flu in grizzly bears. The 3 bears -- 1 near Augusta, 1 near Dupuyer, and another near Kalispell -- were "observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness, among other neurological issues," the release states. A fox and a skunk in Montana also tested positive for HPAI, and the virus has been found in raccoons, black bears, and even a coyote in other states and countries. "We suspect these mammals probably get the virus from consuming infected birds," FWP wildlife veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey said in a prepared statement. Avian influenza (AI) virus is a naturally occurring virus in birds. AI viruses are classified into 2 groups, based on the severity of disease they cause in infected poultry. Low pathogenic AI viruses generally cause no clinical illness or only minor symptoms in birds. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds. Mexico: Avian Influenza An outbreak of avian influenza AH7N3 in farms in La Laguna and Southeast Coahuila is under control. In 2022, the state government, in coordination with authorities of the government of the republic, responded to the AH7N3 avian influenza outbreak that occurred in 550 farms with more than 6 million birds, both fattening and laying, in the Laguna and Southeast regions. José Luis Flores Méndez, secretary of rural development of the state, reported that as soon as the health emergency occurred, the corresponding protocols were applied, which allowed the isolation of sick birds from the groups, for their eradication. He explained that 300 poultry farms were in the Southeast Region, with a population of 4.5 million birds, the vast majority of which were layers of fertile eggs for the production of breeding pullets. Another 250 farms were located in La Laguna, with the rest of the birds, both for fattening and for egg laying. Switzerland: Listeriosis Swiss authorities have revealed a listeria outbreak that sickened 20 and killed one person in 2022. The Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (OSAV), and cantonal (regional) authorities detected an outbreak of listeriosis in July 2022 and identified smoked trout as the source. In early July [2022], an unusually high number of Listeria monocytogenes cases were reported to OFSP. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed they were linked. As part of an investigation carried out with OFSP, patients were interviewed, and evidence pointed to smoked trout produced by one company. Cantonal food authorities carried out an inspection of the firm in the canton of Thurgovie, also known as Thurgau, which found the bacteria in smoked trout and in the production environment. WGS matched the isolates from food samples and patients, confirming the link. |
February 3, 2023India: Kyasanur Forest Disease This year's first case of Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) in Karnataka was detected at Halasoor near Balehonnur in Chikkamagaluru district, when a 27-year-old plantation worker tested positive for it. Dr. KH Manjunath, district surveillance officer, said, "The affected person is a plantation worker who had a fever. His test report confirmed KFD. He was treated at the government hospital and has been discharged." KFD is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. It was first identified in 1957 when an illness was reported in monkeys in the Kyasanur forest area of Shivamogga district. Initially limited to the district's 3 administrative subdivisions, the disease later spread to Uttar Kannada, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikkamagaluru districts. Philippines: Filariasis A fresh case of filariasis (also called elephantiasis) was recently discovered in a remote site in Koronadal City, a health official in South Cotabato confirmed. South Cotabato was declared "filaria-free" in 2013 and "malaria-free" in 2017. Jose Barroquillo Jr, sanitation inspector IV of the Integrated Provincial Health Office [IPHO] and provincial mosquito-borne disease coordinator, disclosed in an interview with 85.7 Brigada News FM that an individual in Sitio El Lalam, Barangay Assumption tested positive of filariasis parasite in a nocturnal blood smearing conducted among 38 residents of the sub-village. Barroquillo said that shortly after the discovery, the patient was subjected to medication. Households in the area were also provided with chemically-treated mosquito nets. India: Q Fever Several butchers have been told to stay off slaughterhouses in the city following reports of an outbreak of Q fever, a contagious bacterial infection typically spread by cattle and goats that carries flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, chest pain, diarrhea and nausea. Hyderabad-based National Research Centre on Meat (NRCM) confirmed through serological tests that 5 butchers among 250 samples had Q fever caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. It said other zoonotic diseases like psittacosis and hepatitis E were found in less than 5% of butchers. Psittacosis spreads from infected parrots to humans. The disease prompted the Hyderabad civic authorities to order infected butchers to keep off slaughterhouses. They were advised to go for advanced diagnostic tests. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation chief veterinary officer Abdul Vakil said there's no cause for alarm because only a few butchers have been infected. South Africa: African Swine Fever Farms in Gauteng, the North West and the Free State have been placed under precautionary quarantine after a new outbreak of African swine fever was detected on a farm in Gauteng. The department of agriculture, land reform and rural development said the farm has been put under quarantine. Provincial veterinary services have instituted forward and back-tracing investigations to identify properties that could have had direct or indirect contact with the affected farm. "This outbreak of African swine fever on a farm with good biosecurity measures in place again illustrates that the virus is highly contagious," the department said. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD), and stressed the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions. Since Jan. 15, one community-acquired LD case was reported. The case involved a male patient aged 86 with underlying illnesses, who lives in Vista Cove, Tsuen Wan. "Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any," a spokesman for the CHP said. Bangladesh: Nipah Virus The Bangladesh minister of health and family welfare, Zahid Maleque, has announced that Nipah virus cases in the country have risen to 8, including 5 fatalities, according to a local media report. This is more than the 3 cases that were reported in all of 2022. The health minister noted that most of the cases were from Rajshahi Division. This has prompted officials to urge the public not to drink raw date juice and not to eat half-eaten fruit that may be found. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the mortality rate due to Nipah is between 40% and 75% globally. In Bangladesh, it stands at 71%. Nipah is one of the WHOs 9 "priority diseases" (diseases that pose the greatest public health risk due to their epidemic potential and/or whether there is no or insufficient countermeasures). Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, 1,478 cows were infected with foot and mouth disease [FMD] in 56 farms, out of 14,456 cows in farms, where there are 92,000 cows in Jordan. The ministry reported the number of farms that have recorded infections with FMD since the beginning of the outbreak at the end of last year. About 56 farms were officially reported infected, according to the integrated electronic system for monitoring animal diseases. It showed that the number of cows infected with FMD is not classified within the outbreak stage and is within the global natural proportions, as the survey campaign confirmed that no infection of sheep with FMD was recorded. The ministry emphasized that all cows infected with FMD are in farms in the Al-Dulail area only. Comoros: Foot and Mouth Disease The foot and mouth disease [FMD] identified last December continues to afflict the cattle herd. The General Directorate of Livestock lamented 3 new cattle deaths, marking a total of 33 deaths out of the 85 infected. Dr. Onzade Charafoudine indicated that palliative treatment may be considered. The director general of livestock said he listens to breeders for preventive measures because technicians avoid going from farm to farm to avoid transmission through shoes, noting that this is a fever with various strains. Each strain has its own vaccine. He said the treatment depends on the strain identified, reassuring breeders that palliative treatment will soon be available. He asked breeders to be vigilant and contact the General Directorate of Livestock in the event of the first suspicious symptoms observed. Romania: Avian Influenza Romania has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, on a farm in the centre of the country, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said. The outbreak in the town of Codlea near the city of Brasov infected 42,154 poultry birds, killing 23,472 of them, the Paris-based body said, quoting information from Romania's health authorities. It was the first occurrence of the disease since May last year, the report said. Bird flu has wiped out tens of millions of birds in Europe in the past year. Many of the birds were slaughtered to stop the disease from spreading. United States: Avian Influenza A bobcat on the Spokane Indian Reservation tested positive for avian influenza this month. The disease has been found in raccoons in Washington, but this is the first time avian influenza has been found in a bobcat, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [WDFW] spokeswoman Staci Lehman said. "It's not unexpected," she said. "We know it has transferred to mammals. (But) we only had raccoons until now." In the past 9 months, WDFW has documented three raccoons with avian influenza, including one in Spokane County. While the disease is common in birds, it's rarer to find it in mammals. It has been detected in red foxes, striped skunks, and bobcats in other states, according to a WDFW blog post. Washington had the first detection of the disease in raccoons in North America, and the raccoons were the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a mammal in Washington state. As to whether the disease poses a risk to domestic animals or humans, WDFW said it's unlikely. "We don't want people to panic," Lehman said. "But we do want to get the word out. As usual, don't touch dead things." Malaysia: African Swine Fever The Negeri Sembilan veterinary services department has advised the public, especially wild boar hunters and swine breeders, to quickly report the death of any wild boar or commercially reared pig to the authorities. Its director, Dr Kamarulrizal Mat Isa, said a positive African swine fever (ASF) case was detected in a dead male wild boar. The death was reported by a worker at an oil palm plantation at Ladang Sengkang, Pasir Panjang, Port Dickson. Kamarulrizal said early notification would enable the department to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the disease in the state as the ASF virus can survive for long periods in tissues of infected animals. The bone samples obtained from the decomposed boar were found to be positive for ASF disease. ASF infection involving the dead wild boar may still occur as it is difficult to control. South Africa: African Swine Fever In a recent media release, South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development announced a new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) on a farm in Gauteng Province. Outbreaks of African swine fever started in the previously ASF-free areas of South Africa in 2019, and these outbreaks eventually affected many areas of the country. The spread of the disease seems to have slowed down, with fewer new properties becoming infected since October 2022. Control measures are based on quarantine and movement controls, with awareness drives to highlight essential biosecurity measures to enable pig owners to prevent infection of their pigs. Netherlands: BSE A positive case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE; 'mad cow disease') was found this week in the cadaver of an 8 year old cow in South Holland. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) has investigated which variant of BSE it concerns. The result of WBVR indicates that this is an atypical variant. Atypical cases of BSE occur sporadically in older cows, a type of 'old-age BSE'. The last time this occurred in the Netherlands was 2011. Scientists believe that the atypical variants can arise spontaneously. So far, 4 atypical cases have been identified in the Netherlands. The company that owns the positive cow has been blocked immediately. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority has carried out source and contact research in which the offspring of this cow younger than 2 years old are killed and tested. In order to perform BSE tests on brain material, the animal must first be killed. Dominican Republic: Diphtheria Several cases of diphtheria have been reported in the provinces of Barahona and Independencia (Enriquillo Region). A 4 year old boy died and 3 of his siblings have symptoms. There could be a diphtheria outbreak in those southern provinces. At least 3 patients affected with diphtheria (including the 4 year old boy who died of respiratory arrest) were referred to the emergency department at the Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital (HRUJM) from Duvergé municipality, Independencia province, and one from La Ciénaga, Barahona province. Diphtheria is a disease that is spread by contact and is prevented with a vaccine. |
February 10, 2023Netherlands: BSE A positive case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE; 'mad cow disease') was found this week in the cadaver of an 8 year old cow in South Holland. Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) has investigated which variant of BSE it concerns. The result of WBVR indicates that this is an atypical variant. Atypical cases of BSE occur sporadically in older cows, a type of 'old-age BSE'. The last time this occurred in the Netherlands was 2011. Scientists believe that the atypical variants can arise spontaneously. So far, 4 atypical cases have been identified in the Netherlands. The company that owns the positive cow has been blocked immediately. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (De Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit; NVWA) has carried out source and contact research in which the offspring of this cow younger than 2 years old are killed and tested. In order to perform BSE tests on brain material, the animal must first be killed. Dominican Republic: Diphtheria Several cases of diphtheria have been reported in the provinces of Barahona and Independencia (Enriquillo Region). A 4 year old boy died and 3 of his siblings have symptoms. There could be a diphtheria outbreak in those southern provinces. At least 3 patients affected with diphtheria (including the 4 year old boy who died of respiratory arrest) were referred to the emergency department at the Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital (HRUJM) from Duvergé municipality, Independencia province, and one from La Ciénaga, Barahona province. Diphtheria is a disease that is spread by contact and is prevented with a vaccine. The government's disease control agency has reported 2 more deaths from Nipah virus infection, taking the toll this winter to 7. The zoonotic virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, through foods contaminated by animals, and from humans to humans. Fruit bats, which contaminate date juice in winter, are the natural host of the virus, which is currently one of the deadly emerging pathogens. Most of the cases were from Rajshahi Division and all were currently receiving treatment. Tajikistan: Anthrax Two cases of animal anthrax infection were registered in Tajikistan in 2022. This was announced in Dushanbe by the head of the Committee on Food Security under the government of the country, Mahmadsaid Faizullozoda. He said that about 1.1 million tests were carried out in the country's food markets last year, including 245,500 tests of meat. Products that did not meet sanitary requirements and standards were withdrawn from sale and destroyed. Australia: Japanese encephalitis The Victoria state health department has warned people in northern Victoria to take extra measures to prevent mosquito bites, after a person contracted the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus while spending time in the Buloke Shire and Swan Hill area. Health authorities said they had confirmed the 2nd locally acquired case of the tropical virus this mosquito season. In late December authorities reported a Campaspe resident had contracted JEV. "People spending time outdoors in northern Victoria are strongly recommended to take measures to prevent mosquito bites to reduce their risk of mosquitoborne disease," a statement released by the Health Department says. "These include people who work, live or spend time outdoors in northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River." The statement urged residents and people visiting the area to wear repellent at all times while outdoors, and avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn. Japanese encephalitis is a flavivirus common across Asia, but was not found in Australia until recently. Heavy rains, flooding events and summer heat have led to an explosion in mosquito populations on the east coast, and in March 2022, the federal health department declared the outbreak an incident of national significance. Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease The Ministry of Agriculture said the results of the foot and mouth disease [FMD] virus analysis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Science and Technology, in coordination with the ministry, "revealed the emergence of a new strain of the virus called (SAT2), which was not previously registered in Jordan". The ministry added in a statement that this strain was registered in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Ethiopia. It indicated that, based on these results, the Ministry took a number of measures to contain the outbreaks and prevent their transmission to the surrounding areas, including: communicating with the manufacturers of veterinary vaccines to provide the vaccine that covers this strain; closing livestock markets in all regions of the Kingdom for 14 days; and forming a committee to limit the damages caused. France: Listeriosis The health authorities have been informed of the occurrence in France of 5 serious cases of listeriosis, including 4 in pregnant women who have presented premature deliveries. These 5 people, infected with the same strain of Listeria, reported symptoms between April and December 2022. The investigations conducted jointly by Public Health France (SpFrance), the National Reference Center (CNR) Listeria, the Directorate General for Food (DGAl), and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention ( DGCCRF), and in coordination with the General Directorate of Health (DGS), identified that the cases reported on the national territory had consumed in the weeks preceding their listeriosis vegetable specialties (cheese alternatives) with almond and walnut milk cashew nuts manufactured and marketed under the Jay & Joy brand. These investigations revealed irregularities in the company, in particular concerning the control of the risk of microbiological contamination of the products manufactured within the factory. Consequently, a prefectural order, aimed at suspending the marketing of all products stored and manufactured in the factory, was issued. Mongolia: Foot and Mouth Disease The western Mongolian province of Bayan-Ulgii has been quarantined for 21 days due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in animals. "The highly contagious FMD has been diagnosed in 3 locations of Nogoonnuur soum (administrative subdivision) of our province. Therefore, a quarantine regime has been imposed in the province for a period of 21 days," the provincial governor's office said in a statement. FMD is a viral infectious disease that spreads among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. The livestock sector is a main pillar of the Mongolian economy with over 71 million heads of livestock in the country as compared with its 3.4 million people. Peru: Avian Influenza The National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) confirmed samples of 3 sea lions Otaria flavescens from Lima and a dolphin Tursiops truncates from Paita had tested positive for type A avian influenza virus, while awaiting confirmation of samples obtained from a lion Panthera leo apparently killed by avian influenza virus infection, which occurred in the municipal zoo of the city of Huancayo (Junin). H5N1 influenza was confirmed in Peru in November 2022, when Senasa confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 type A avian influenza virus in Peruvian seabirds. According to reports from Serfor's Forestry and Wildlife Technical Administrations (ATFFS), more than 38,000 birds had been killed by avian influenza. United States: Strangles An 8-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Putnam County, Florida, is positive for strangles. She developed clinical signs on including fever, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and lymphadenopathy. Strangles was confirmed. Twelve horses are exposed. This was Florida's 49th confirmed case of strangles in 2022. Strangles in horses is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that aren't showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least 6 weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long term. Belgium: Avian Influenza Avian species across Belgium are already being hit hard by an outbreak of bird flu. Increasing numbers of seriously sick birds have been admitted to the Nature Aid Centre (Natuurhulpcentrum) in Oudsbergen in Flanders. Six peregrine falcons, which were almost wiped out in Belgium between the '60s and '90s, are among those afflicted, Het Belang van Limburg reports. "It has never been this bad," Sil Janssen, an employee of the Nature Aid Centre, told the Belgian newspaper. "The virus has never been so present. We have taken in ducks, geese, even a magpie. Quite remarkably, in January we also caught 6 peregrine falcons with the symptoms. Most of the birds are so sick that they cannot be saved." Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the animal kingdom. The small, nimble birds are predatory creatures who primarily hunt larger birds, such as pigeons, ducks, and gulls. While the birds are more commonly spotted in the countryside, special efforts are made to conserve the birds of prey in the Belgian capital, where the birds are known to breed on tall buildings. |
February 17, 2023Zimbabwe: Anthrax The Department of Veterinary Services has raised an anthrax awareness alert in Makoni District, Manicaland Province. The bacterial illness, which is rare but dangerous, affects animals but human beings in contact with the affected animals can also get infected. Rusape Town Council instructed farmers in a statement that for the next 30 days, no livestock can stray to other areas, in a move aimed at preventing the spreading of anthrax. Members of the public are being warned against consuming, purchasing, or selling livestock suspected to have died from anthrax. Argentina: Leptospirosis A few days ago, there was poisoning of people from the consumption of offal in Buenos Aires province. According to some studies, leptospirosis was confirmed in 2 of those affected. The Buenos Aires Ministry of Health reported that one of the dead and one of the internees contracted this disease, which is transmitted by contact with the urine of infected animals, through water, food and/or contaminated materials. Peru: Avian Influenza In November, the country declared a 180-day health alert after finding 3 cases of highly contagious H5N1 in pelicans. According to the SENASA agricultural health agency, the disease is transmitted by migratory birds from North America. Peru said Tuesday that 585 sea lions and 55,000 wild birds have died of the H5N1 bird flu virus in recent weeks, the latest report on the disease's impacts. Rangers found the bird flu had also claimed 585 sea lions in 7 protected marine areas, the SERNANP (natural areas protection agency) said. The dead birds included pelicans, various types of gulls, and penguins. Jordan: Foot and Mouth Disease The 1st phases of the action plan for controlling the spread of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] were launched in the vicinity of the epicenter of the spread within the Al-Dulail and Al-Khalidiyah regions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry said in a statement that the vaccination campaign began in the distant areas surrounding the focus, to prevent spread, followed by vaccination of animals closer to the epicenter of the outbreak. The minister said that the ministry is preparing to receive experts in epidemiology from the reference laboratory in Italy to verify the measures taken by the ministry in encountering the disease. All activities have been implemented under the supervision of an expert from the World Organization for Animal Health [WOAH] and in cooperation with the private sector. Ethiopia: Anthrax Livestock diseases are reported to be on the increase in Tigray with cases of anthrax and rabies reported in several zones. However due to the previous restricted movement, partners were not able to respond. Anthrax is hyper-enzootic in Ethiopia in both livestock and humans. Mexico: Leishmaniasis Municipalities where the Maya Train is being built, in the state of Quintana Roo, have experienced an exponential growth in cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by the gum fly. Local media pointed out that municipalities such as Lázaro Cárdenas and Benito Juárez have had an increase of 400% in the last year alone. Many workers of the Maya Train, whose work is considered a priority for the Government of the Fourth Transformation, have suffered from this disease. In Lázaro Cárdenas, the disease has affected 50 people in 2022 , which contrasts with what has happened in previous years: 5 cases in 2018; a total of 15 in 2019; no reports in 2020 and only 10 patients in 2021. In Benito Juárez, the year closed with a total of 90 cases last year, while in 2021 it had only 19 patients; in 2020, fewer than a dozen cases were registered. A couple consumed goat meat contaminated with anthrax. For now, the disease has been confirmed in the man. His wife's tests are ongoing, but she is also under observation in hospital. On Feb. 6, the director of RZI [Regional Health Inspectorate of] Dobrich, Dr. Svetla Angelova, notified the Regional Directorate for Food Safety [OBDH] in writing that there was a case of a resident in the village of Vladimirovo suffering from the cutaneous form of anthrax. Investigators found 15 kg [33 lb] of goat meat in the freezer. It has been stored together with other products. They took samples of the goat's meat. They sealed the freezer, confiscated the products inside, and sent the sample for testing. Spain: Sheep pox and goat pox The Council of Castilla-La Mancha has ordered the quarantine of all farms with sheep or goats in Albacete, Cuenca, Toledo, and Ciudad Real due to the spread of sheep pox. The measure affects 6,000 farms and a herd of 3.5 million sheep and lambs. The disease has already forced the slaughter of almost 40,000 animals, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. So far, outbreaks have only been detected in 2 provinces: Ciudad Real and Cuenca. The 1st outbreaks began in Cuenca at the end of last year, with 6 outbreaks in Villaescusa de Haro and 4 in Tébar and La Alberca de Záncara. However, the detection of a possible new outbreak in Ciudad Real on a large farm set off the alarms in view of a possible community transmission between the herds taking place. The general director of Agriculture, Cruz Ponce, has signed an order that prohibits the movement of animals between farms to prevent spread of the infection. There will be one exception: cattle may go to slaughterhouses for slaughter. The milk from the sheep can also be collected because this refers to the production of Manchego cheese, a star product of this autonomous community, which broke records last year. Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus Disease Equatorial Guinea confirmed its 1st-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease. Preliminary tests carried out following the deaths of at least 9 people in the country's western Kie Ntem Province turned out positive for the viral hemorrhagic fever. Equatorial Guinean health authorities sent samples to the Institut Pasteur reference laboratory in Senegal with support from World Health Organization (WHO) to determine the cause of the disease after an alert by a district health official. Of the 8 samples tested at Institut Pasteur, one turned out positive for the virus. So far 9 deaths and 16 suspected cases with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and blood-stained vomit and diarrhea have been reported. Further investigations are ongoing. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts and isolate and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease. Efforts are also underway to rapidly mount emergency response, with WHO deploying health emergency experts in epidemiology, case management, infection prevention, and laboratory and risk communication to support the national response efforts and secure community collaboration in the outbreak control. Sierra Leone: Lassa Fever The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has told the press that 2 people have died from Lassa fever in Dambala Selenga Chiefdom, Bo District, in Southern Sierra Leone. The district's health management team indicated that the 2 victims are females and there are currently no recorded cases. The report indicated that the 2 victims are related. The Ministry's Risk Communicator Lead, Harold Thomas, said the region is within the infection belt with Tonkolili being the only district in the north to have been recording cases over the years. According to the United States' Center for Disease Control (CDC), the virus is believed to be an acute viral illness spread by the common African rat. Pakistan: Leishmaniasis A parasitic infection spread by the sandfly, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), is spreading fast in Balochistan, with the Federal Ministry of Health reporting a spike in cases in the province in the 1st quarter of 2022. The majority of people affected were women and children. In CL, the site of the sandfly bite soon develops a papule or nodule, which may eventually develop into large plaques or ulcerating lesions, depending on the particular species of the parasite, and the host's immune response. A meningitis outbreak has swept across Jigawa state, causing concern among residents and health authorities alike. According to a statement released by Dr. Salisu Mu'azu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health in the state capital of Dutse, the outbreak has resulted in 80 confirmed cases out of 360 suspected cases, with 20 deaths feared. "It is with great sadness that we confirm the outbreak of meningitis in Jigawa state," said Dr. Mu'azu. "We have confirmed 80 cases and unfortunately, 20 people have lost their lives as a result of this disease." Bangladesh: Nipah Virus A 22-year-old youth from Narsingdi, who was infected with Nipah virus, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment. The patient was admitted to the hospital with fever. As his condition deteriorated, doctors suggested Nipah virus test, and it came out positive in the evening. He died shortly afterward. Latest epidemiological report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has shown that there have been 216 confirmed cases of diphtheria in the country, with 40 deaths recorded as of the 5th week of this year. Iraq: Foot and Mouth Disease The Iraqi governorate of Diyala, northeast of the capital, Baghdad, has recently recorded hundreds of cases of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] in buffalo pastures, amid government measures that prevented the transportation of livestock, to limit the spread of the disease, and calls for the provision of treatments and vaccines. FMD began to spread about a month ago in the buffalo pastures in the town of Khan Bani Saad in the governorate, and the governorate administration subsequently issued a decision banning the transfer of livestock between the towns of the governorate, except for those that underwent a medical examination, and the local administration confirmed at the time that it had provided vaccines following an emergency meeting. The cadres of the provincial veterinary department discussed the most important measures to contain the outbreak of the disease. Cameroon: Marburg Virus Disease Cameroonian authorities detected 2 suspected cases of Marburg disease in Olamze, a commune on the border with Equatorial Guinea, the public health delegate for the region, Robert Mathurin Bidjang, said. Equatorial Guinea officially declared its 1st outbreak of the Marburg virus, an illness similar to Ebola. Neighboring Cameroon had restricted movement along the border to avoid contagion following reports of an unknown, deadly hemorrhagic fever in Equatorial Guinea last week. Forty-two people who came into contact with the 2 children have been identified and contact tracing was ongoing, he added. The World Health Organization (WHO) said earlier on Tuesday [14 Feb 2023] that it was increasing its epidemiological surveillance in Equatorial Guinea. India: Glanders Six horses from Lal Darwaja area were found infected with glanders disease on. A notification issued by veterinary officers has restricted movement of these infected horses and animals belonging to the owners within 5 km [3.1 mi] area around Lal Darwaja area for one month. The owners of these horses brought the animals for testing after they didn't show much recovery despite treatment. After examination, the officials of the animal husbandry department suspected that the horses were infected with glanders disease. Samples of the horses were collected and sent for testing at Hissar 15 days ago. Moldova: African Swine Fever The National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) announced the identification of 4 cases of African swine fever (ASF) registered in the territory of the Republic of Moldova. According to the agency, the Republic's Center for Veterinary Diagnostics, through laboratory tests, confirmed the presence of the ASF virus in samples collected from domestic pigs from 4 backyard households in the villages Tomai (3) and Covurlui (1), Leova district. The agency requests pig owners to inform urgently in case of illness, death of animals or detection of wild boar corpses, and at the same time not to use in their feed freshly harvested cereals, food scraps, which can also cause pigs to fall ill with the ASF virus and to respect strictly the minimum biosecurity requirements. Canada: Avian Influenza Two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed in commercial poultry flocks in Quebec, reported the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). One case was in the Le Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality, while the other was in the Beauharnois-Salaberry Regional County Municipality. CFIA did not disclose the size of either flock, nor did it state what type of birds were raised at these facilities. This is the 4th case of HPAI in commercial poultry for Beauharnois-Salaberry during the 2022-23 outbreak and the 3rd for Le Haut-Saint-Laurent, although Le Haut-Saint-Laurent also had an earlier case that involved a backyard flock. Argentina: Avian Influenza The Argentinian Secretariat of Agriculture notified that cases of avian flu were found in Jujuy province. The disease was detected in an Andean goose in a National Park in Pozuelos. As a result, the authorities declared a sanitary alert for Argentina. Thus, Argentina and Uruguay join the list of American countries where HPAI H5N1 was reported, which includes Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, United States, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. |
February 24, 2023United Kingdom: Malaria In September 2022, the 1st case of Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin drug-resistant malaria reported in a UK resident who travelled to Uganda, an important destination for UK travellers. Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) consists of 2 or more drugs with different types of action on the malaria parasite and is the recommended choice of treatment for P. falciparum malaria. Following this case, the Malaria Reference Laboratory is monitoring closely for further evidence of ACT treatment failure. This case highlights the importance of malaria prevention for travellers, including good compliance with antimalarial prophylactic drug regimens, as the current preventive measures are more than 90% effective when used correctly. Bangladesh: Nipah Virus Nipah virus infection outbreaks are seasonal in Bangladesh, with cases usually occurring annually between December and May. Since the report of the 1st case in 2001, the number of yearly cases has ranged from zero to 67, although in the past 5 years, reported cases have been comparatively lower ranging from zero in 2016 to 8 in 2019. However, since Jan. 4 and as of Feb. 13, 11 cases (10 confirmed and one probable) including 8 deaths have been reported across 2 divisions in Bangladesh. A multisectoral response has been implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh, including strengthened surveillance activities, case management, infection prevention and control, and implementation of risk communication campaigns. Nipah virus infection outbreaks are seasonal in Bangladesh, with cases usually occurring annually between December and May. Since the report of the 1st case in 2001, the number of yearly cases has ranged from zero to 67, although in the past 5 years, reported cases have been comparatively lower ranging from zero in 2016 to 8 in 2019. Paraguay: Leishmaniasis So far in 2023, 13 confirmed cases have been recorded, 9 of the visceral type and 4 cutaneous. The people affected come from Central, Concepción, Itapúa, Paraguarí, Amambay, Caaguazú and San Pedro. There are 9 confirmed cases of visceral leishmaniasis and no deaths from the disease, according to the National Vector Diseases Program. In 2022, a total of 69 cases of visceral leishmaniasis were recorded, registering an increase of 19% compared with 2021, which reported 58 cases. Of the total confirmed cases, 87% (60 of 69) are male, affecting mainly, 32%, the age range of 20 to 39 years. Spain: Bluetongue The Galician Government has communicated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the detection of 4 outbreaks of bluetongue [BT] in bovines in as many municipalities in the provinces of Pontevedra and Ourense, a disease with no new cases in the community since 2009. Specifically, the surveillance program for this disease detected cases of BT serotype 4 in cattle from Castro Caldelas, Sarreaus, Fornelos de Montres and As Neves -- where 2 animals from the same farm tested positive. The results have been confirmed by the Algete Central Veterinary Laboratory, a national reference laboratory. These outbreaks, the Galician Government has stated, will mean the adoption of measures by the Galician Government, such as the start of a preventive vaccination campaign and disinfection services by vehicle cleaning and disinfection centers that depend on the Consellería do Medio Rural. Bluetongue is a viral disease of a non-contagious nature (not transmissible by direct contact between one animal and another), transmitted by different species of midges of the genus Culicoides, arthropods which transmit the disease by biting infected animals and, subsequently, healthy animals. Indonesia: Foot and Mouth Disease An outbreak of foot and mouth disease that infects cattle in Ponorogo Regency, East Java is showing a sharp increasing trend: from the under 100 cases previously reported, now more than 300 cattle have been infected. "Yes, most cases currently detected are in Sawoo District with 104 cases. The increased number of cases is suspected to be due to the non-optimal vaccination coverage", said Head of the Livestock Service Office, Food Security and Fisheries of Ponorogo Regency, Masun, in Ponorogo. He added, "currently there are 8 cows that have died due to FMD. "The most deficient vaccination rate is seen in Sawoo, Siman and Bungkal. Since the cattle in Pudak District have been 100% vaccinated, there has been just one case there, an animal kept outside the city", he said. South Africa: Lumpy Skin Disease Heavy rainfalls and extreme heat have affected the Eastern Cape hard, causing damage to the agricultural and farming sectors, especially due to the instability of the weather. Extreme weather conditions have badly affected farmers and livestock producers. In an interview with RACR (Rural Action for Climate Resilience), a few farmers say that they have noticed lumpy skin disease [LSD] in their livestock. The virus affects cattle and is transmitted by insects that feed on blood, such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. It causes fever and nodules on the skin and can lead to death. Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus Disease As of Feb. 17, there had been no new confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Equatorial Guinea (EG) or the surrounding countries. There were 2 suspected cases detected across the border in Cameroon, but blood samples of both individuals tested negative for both MVD and Ebola. Authorities in EG, Cameroon, and Gabon are increasing health surveillance and testing for any individuals displaying possible MVD symptoms, and so reports of suspected cases will likely increase in the days and weeks ahead. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to support EG's Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MINSABS) to assist those impacted by the outbreak and to prevent the virus from spreading further. The Kie-Ntem province in the mainland region of EG remains under a general quarantine, and travel out of the province is not allowed, except by medical workers. The U.S. Embassy will continue to send out regular updates to U.S. citizens living in or traveling to EG until health officials declare an end to the crisis. These alerts will also be posted to the Embassy's website here. More information on MVD can be found on the CDC's website. India: Japanese Encephalitis At least 5 students of Purubai Kanyashram hostel in the coastal Balasore district have tested positive for Japanese encephalitis 2 days after they were admitted to a government hospital complaining of fever, headache, and vomiting, district officials said. A student of the hostel, who complained of nausea and headache, passed away at Balasore district headquarters hospital a day after she was admitted. Though her samples did not indicate the cause of her death, 5 others who were admitted along with her to the district headquarter hospital were found positive for the virus. Indonesia: Diphtheria As many as 7 residents of Sukahurip Village, Pangatikan District, Garut Regency, died of suspected exposure to diphtheria. This was confirmed by the Head of the Surveillance Team, Dewi Ambarwati. She did not yet know the exact cause of the death of the 7 people. However, based on preliminary analysis, they had close contact with residents affected by diphtheria. These 7 people were not checked to determine whether they had diphtheria. However, because the time of death was very close they looked for those who had contact with those who had died and found 2 people who were positive for diphtheria, she said. Kenya: Malaria The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Entomology Research team has announced the discovery of a new malaria vector that poses a serious threat to Kenyans. In a statement from acting Director General Samuel Kariuki on Sunday, KEMRI said the vector known as Anopheles stephensi was first detected in Laisamis and Saku sub-counties of Marsabit County, where the research was being conducted. The discovery, made alongside the Ministry of Health's Division of National Malaria Program (DNMP), shows that the vector thrives in both urban and rural settings, which may translate to a high transmission rate. "Our surveillance studies indicate that the new vector, unlike the traditional malaria-causing mosquitoes namely A. gambiae and A. [funestus], is not only invasive and can spread very fast to new areas, but also adaptive to different climatic and environmental conditions," a part of the statement reads. Peru: Avian Influenza Bird flu has killed tens of thousands of birds, mostly pelicans, and at least 716 sea lions in protected areas across Peru, the authorities said, as the H5N1 strain spreads throughout the region. Peru recorded its first case of the virus in November in birds in the north of the country. Since then it has killed 63,000 birds, according to government data. "We have also recorded since mid-January the unusual death of many sea lions, so far we have about 716 dead sea lions in 7 protected natural areas of the coast," said Roberto Gutierrez, head of surveillance of the National Service of Natural Protected Areas. Since the beginning of 2021, bird flu has ravaged the world, killing more than 200 million birds due to disease or mass culling, the World Organization for Animal Health has said. Mexico: Brucellosis At a ranch in Valle de Trinidad kept in quarantine since October of last year, the Baja California State Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Livestock, dependent on the State Secretariat of the Countryside, found Brucella melitensis, which led to the ranch being placed in quarantine, informed the general director, Edgar Hernández Núñez. He explained that Brucella melitensis is a bacterium having not been detected in Baja California in the last 20 years, which represents a serious health risk. He added, Brucella melitensis is "facultative intracellular," meaning the bacteria hides in the cells and can go unnoticed in various tests. Therefore, a sheep herd can be sampled today, come out negative, but 2 months later, some of the sheep can appear positive. Cambodia: Avian Influenza An 11-year-old girl from southeast Cambodia's Prey Veng province died of H5N1 human avian influenza, the Ministry of Health's Communicable Disease Control Department said. The girl fell ill with a high temperature, cough, and sore throat, the department said in a news release, adding that she first sought local health service, but her condition had worsened, having rapid breathing, so she was then transferred to the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh. "On Feb. 21, the doctor took her samples for diagnosis at the National Institute of Public Health, and the results confirmed that she was positive for H5N1 bird flu, while the girl died," the news release said. The news release called on people not to touch ill or dead poultry, and if suspected of having been infected with the virus, they should consult with doctors or make a hotline call to 115. Bulgaria: Q Fever Ticks spread Balkan flu [Q fever], also known as cow fever. This is shown by the data of the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCCPD). Since the beginning of the year 2023, 7 cases of cow fever have been detected in Bulgaria. For comparison, during the same period last year, not a single patient was registered. In addition to being bitten by a tick, Balkan flu can also be contracted from a sick animal -- a cow, goat, or sheep, "Telegraf" reports. This can happen by inhaling sprays and dust containing the pathogen, or by consuming contaminated products. The biggest outbreak in Bulgaria was registered at the end of 1992 in Panagyurishte. The disease began as an influenza epidemic with more than 2,000 cases of acute respiratory illness, cough, and bronchopneumonia. A few years later, another wave was recorded in the same area. In 2004, another outbreak was registered in Botevgrad, affecting more than 200 people. Just 3 years ago, 14 positive samples were detected in 4 farms in Yambol. Brazil: Leishmaniasis Since the beginning of the year, 2 people have died from visceral leishmaniasis in Rondonopolis, 218 km from Cuiaba, according to the Municipal Health Secretariat. A 3rd death is being investigated. The 2 victims are men, one 54 years old, resident of the municipality, and the other 52 years old, from Nova Brasilandia, 223 km from the capital. Regarding the 3rd case, the secretariat reported that the patient, aged 32, lived in Vila Paulista and died last week. The Municipal Regional Hospital is taking care of the body and should issue a report on the cause of death within 10 days. According to the secretary, the city is considered endemic for the disease, which means that it can affect the entire population of the region. |
March 15, 2023Zimbabwe: Anthrax Three people have been admitted at a clinic in Biita district (Masvingo Province) after consuming meat from cattle suspected to have died of anthrax. The trio, all members of the same family, were admitted at Murwira Clinic in Ward 22 of Bikita West. Veterinary officials said the district appeared to have fallen prey to both anthrax and January disease (theileriosis), with Ward 26 worst affected by the outbreak. They warned villagers against consuming meat from animals that succumbed to the 2 diseases and encouraged them to report any outbreak promptly. Vaccines and drugs to treat cattle were expected, but veterinary officials urged villagers to religiously dip their animals in the meantime. Venezuela: Diphtheria The sole health authority and president of the Bolívar State Public Health Institute (ISP), Manuel Maurera, confirmed 3 cases of diphtheria in that entity. Diagnoses were confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and are found in the Sifontes municipality of the entity. "We immediately activated all the blockade, immunization and vaccination equipment to significantly increase coverage," Maurera said in a radio interview. The expert pointed out that thanks to the actions of the authorities they have "totally" controlled the situation. "That is what is called epidemiological surveillance." In addition, he assured that when a case is suspected, they send the test results to Caracas for analysis and that is what gives them information for action. Kazakhstan: Sheep pox and goat pox An outbreak of sheep pox has been detected in the Katon-Karagai region in eastern Kazakhstan, BaigeNews.kz reports with reference to Khabar 24. According to official figures, about 200 heads of small ruminants are infected. Specialists of the veterinary service note that the disease is not dangerous for humans. Now in the villages of the region they are preparing to declare a quarantine and start vaccinating animals. Veterinarians say that all small ruminants will have to be vaccinated -- this is about 5,000 heads of sheep. In parallel, disinfection and investigation of the causes of the disease will begin. "In the territory of the Katon-Karagai district, sheep pox has not been registered over the past 50-60 years. The likelihood of infection due to the importation of sires from other regions of the republic or other reasons for the infection is being investigated by the veterinary inspection of the district," commented the director of the KSE "Katon-Karagai-Vet" East Kazakhstan region, Rakymgali Baigereev. Uganda: Rift Valley Fever The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) VHF laboratory confirmed 12 Rift Valley fever (RVF) human cases on March 1, the World Health Organization reports. The 12 cases were reported in the greater Mbarara areas (Mbarara district, Mbarara City, Kazo and Isingiro districts). There are 9 human cases in the sub-county of Rwanyamahembe, Mbarara district, 1 human case in Nyakayojo, Mbarara City linked to Mbarara City Abattoir, 1 human case in the Isingiro district and 1 human case in the Kazo district. Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne virus that is endemic in parts of Africa. It primarily infects animals like sheep, cattle and goats and it can have an economic impact on a community due to the loss of livestock. Humans get infected through contact with infected animal blood or organs. Butchering and slaughtering of animals is a primary cause of transmission to humans. Certain occupations are at a higher risk of getting Rift Valley fever like farmers, herders and veterinarians. It can also be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and the bites of blood-sucking flies. Canada: Avian Influenza The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported the country's 1st case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in nearly a month. However, the most recent case did not involve a commercial poultry operation. CFIA reported HPAI was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. The number of birds affected was not released. Prior to this, the last cases of HPAI were confirmed on Feb. 8 in which 3 commercial poultry flocks in Quebec were affected. Two of those cases were in the Beauharnois-Salaberry Regional County Municipality, and the other was in the Le Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality. One day prior was Nova Scotia's most recent case, also involving a non-commercial operation. The last case of HPAI in a commercial poultry operation in Nova Scotia was on Feb. 11, 2022. While Nova Scotia was the 1st province to have a commercial poultry operation affected by HPAI during the 2022-23 outbreak, it has only had 2 cases in commercial poultry. United States: Leptospirosis When the folks at SeaWorld's animal rescue team saw a lethargic juvenile sea lion at La Jolla Cove, they knew something was wrong. The problem turned out to be 2 things, both of them rather unexpected. First, the male sea lion rescued on Jan. 12 tested positive for a rare and contagious bacterium that is harmful -- and potentially deadly -- to both animals and humans. It was the 1st time the bacteria have been found in local waters in 8 years, SeaWorld San Diego veterinarian Dr. Kelsey Herrick said. Then there was the surprising matter of the rocks in the animal's stomach. Sea lions eat them from time to time. But this 1.5-old pinniped had gulped down about 100. "That was very striking," Herrick said. "We were like, 'Wow, that is a lot of rocks.'" And that find earned the sea lion an affectionate nickname: Rocky. Herrick said there is no evidence of a local outbreak of leptospirosis, a potentially lethal bacterial disease. It's also what she called a "zoonotic" pathogen, in that it can transfer from animals to humans and back. Russia: Anthrax In Chuvashia, 2 people were hospitalized with symptoms of anthrax infection. The case was confirmed on March 14. "Infection occurred in the Tsivilsky municipal district after receiving a wound during the slaughter of livestock," the source explained. The injured were taken to the district hospital. In 2022, a case of anthrax infection was detected in a resident of the village of Rozhdestvenskaya in the Stavropol Territory. In the territory of the village, preventive enterprises were carried out, which included disinfection of premises, prophylaxis with antibiotics, as well as vaccination of farm animals. Canada: Avian Influenza Within the last 2 weeks, 4 dead skunks found in Larimer County, Colorado have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, marking a growing trend of the deadly disease showing up in mammals in Colorado. The county's 4 deaths are the most HPAI mammal deaths in the state. HPAI has devastated domestic poultry operations and killed countless wild waterfowl and raptors in Colorado and elsewhere in one of the most deadly outbreaks in years. In Colorado, it was first detected in the wild population in geese, in March 2022. "We always suspected this transition (from wild waterfowl to mammals) would happen,'' Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said. "Because it's so new and science takes time, we don't know what kind of impacts it will have. The number of fatalities doesn't cause alarms to go off but we certainly are testing and monitoring.'' |
March 30, 2023Tanzania: Marburg Virus Tanzania has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. Preliminary tests carried out following the deaths of at least 5 people in Kagera and Bukoba turned out positive on some of the samples for the viral hemorrhagic fever. Tanzanian health authorities sent samples to the reference laboratory to determine the cause of the disease after an alert by district health officials. So far 5 deaths and 7 suspected cases with symptoms including fever, fatigue, and blood-stained vomit and diarrhea have been reported. Advance teams have been deployed in the affected districts to trace contacts, isolate, and provide medical care to people showing symptoms of the disease. Since the 1st Disease Outbreak News on this event was published on Feb. 23, 8 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) have been reported in Equatorial Guinea. This brings the total to 9 laboratory-confirmed cases and 20 probable cases. There are 7 deaths among the laboratory confirmed, and all probable cases are dead. Of the 8 new confirmed cases, 2 were reported from the province of Kié-Ntem, 4 from the Litoral, and 2 from Centre-Sur provinces. The areas reporting cases are about 150 kilometers apart, suggesting wider transmission of the virus. WHO has deployed experts to support national response efforts and strengthen community engagement in the response. MVD is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever and is among the viral hemorrhagic fevers that require assessment under the International Health Regulations. Peru: Leptospirosis Lambayeque registers 20 cases of leptospirosis after sewage system collapse: Intense rains in Lambayeque caused the collapse of the drainage system in several parts of the region, as well as the presence of sewage in the streets of the affected neighborhoods. This has resulted in the proliferation of leptospirosis, a disease contracted through direct contact with the urine of an infected animal or surfaces contaminated with this substance. Currently, 20 cases of leptospirosis have been registered in Lambayeque. Specialists from the Regional Health Management (Geresa) - Lambayeque indicated that it is rainwater combined with sewage water that has triggered the appearance of the disease. In this sense, the regional authorities recommended not to travel through areas where there is sewage water because it could be mixed with the urine of rodents, which causes the aforementioned disease. Ecuador: Leptospirosis In Durán, a rat extermination and hygiene campaign is underway to contain the increase in leptospirosis cases. In the Durán Emergency Operations Committee session, the mayor of the canton, Dalton Narváez, and the members of the roundtable approved the declaration of a health emergency proposed by technical roundtable 2. According to information offered by Ruth Quinteir, director of the Health District, there are 51 confirmed cases of this disease in the canton, a figure that exceeds historical records from previous years. Narváez indicated that the council has been carrying out several actions together with the Ministry of Health, and that now these will be "redoubled" for the health of the Durán people. The measure will be valid for 30 days, in which it is expected that the resources obtained will be used to prevent the spread of leptospirosis, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya and also to improve the city's sanitary and storm sewer systems. Madagascar: Plague A 24-year-old man died in the village of Ambalamanakana, Ambositra after showing symptoms of plague. The plague tends to spread in the district of Ambositra. The man, a farmer, died in the regional referral hospital of Ambositra March 21. He presented the symptoms of plague, according to the findings of the doctors, reported by the military police. The deceased's 11-year-old sister is also suspected of being infected. She was admitted to the basic health center (CSB) of Ambalamanakana, where she is undergoing treatment. Medical teams descended on their village shortly after the time of death to carry out response activities to limit the spread of the disease. This farmer would be the third victim of the plague, in the district of Ambositra, in a week. On March 17, another person, living in the town of Ambositra, died after showing the same symptoms. Three members of his family were ill. One of them visited relatives who live in the town of Ambositra, where he went to see a doctor. He tested positive for the plague and is hospitalized. The other 2 are suspected of having contracted this disease. The bodies were buried, the same day of the deaths, while respecting the protocol of dignified and secure burials of people who died of the plague. Russia: Brucellosis In Tuva, an alarming situation with brucellosis is observed in 6 administrative territories, where 11 foci of the disease have been identified. The Government of the Republic of Tuva reported that after 30 local residents infected with brucellosis were identified in the republic, including 12 minor children, the head of the regional Rospotrebnadzor, Lyudmila Salchak, proposed an extraordinary medical examination of livestock workers. In addition to the sick, 11 more people who had contact with the infected are subject to examination. According to the chief sanitary doctor, indirect reasons for the spread of brucellosis may be noncompliance with veterinary requirements when handling pets. The Republican Rospotrebnadzor, together with the authorities, is developing measures that will help prevent the emergence of new foci of infection. Uganda: Rift Valley Fever The Uganda government is reluctant to impose a livestock quarantine in Mbarara despite registering 5 confirmed cases of death among humans resulting from Rift Valley Fever [RVF], the Resident District Commissioner, Emmy Turyabagyenyi Kateera has revealed. According to Kateera, when they informed the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries about the outbreak, they deployed a team on the ground to manage the situation. Mbarara District Veterinary Officer, Andrew Bakashaba, says that they registered 50 cows infected by Rift Valley Fever in Rwanyamahembe Sub County on different farms. He, however, says that they are currently managing the situation through sensitization. Bakashaba has warned residents against eating meat from animals that have died on their own, noting that RVF is transmitted from animals to humans through infected meat. He has also asked people to always watch out for meat that has a veterinary medical stamp as proof that it's been tested and found to be clean. Turkey: Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination is being carried out in Thrace by teams to protect nearly 800,000 sheep and cattle from the SAT-2 serotype of foot-and-mouth disease, known as FMD. Vaccines sent to the region by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry every year are administered to animals by veterinarians. Manufacturers also support the intensive work of the teams. Producers are trying to take precautions by pouring lime in front of animal pens. Kirklareli province director of Agriculture and Forestry Mehmet Aksoy told Anadolu Agency (AA) that there is no problem with FMD in Thrace. Stating that Thrace has been free from FMD for 13 years, Aksoy said that vaccination studies have been carried out regularly, and that the studies initiated to vaccinate approximately 500,000 animals in Kirklareli are nearing the end. China: Avian Influenza One case of H3N8 was reported in Zhongshan City. The case was a 56-year-old female with multiple myeloma and other basic medical history. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease and a history of wild bird activities around her home. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention checked and tested the case specimens, and the result was positive for H3N8 avian influenza virus nucleic acid. The center has guided Zhongshan City to carry out epidemiological investigations, close contact tracking management, investigation of epidemic-related places, on-site elimination, and other epidemic disposal work in accordance with relevant plans. No abnormalities have been found in close contacts so far. Experts believe that this case is a sporadic case, and the risk of virus transmission is low at this stage. Experts suggest that the public should try to avoid direct contact with live poultry and dead poultry in daily life; take personal protection, pay attention to food hygiene, separate raw and cooked meat, and cook meat thoroughly before eating. People with respiratory symptoms such as pain, fever, cough, and sore throat should wear a mask and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If they have been in contact with birds before the illness, they should take the initiative to tell the doctor. Farmers' markets at all levels and types should abide by the Guangdong Provincial Poultry Management Measures and implement measures such as market poultry management and sanitation. Chile: Avian Influenza The Ministry of Health reports the 1st case of bird flu in humans in Chile, reported in northern Chile. The sick person corresponds to a 53-year-old man affected by a severe influenza case. The patient is stable. The health protocols established for the management of this disease were activated and the corresponding tests were taken for analysis by the Institute of Public Health (ISP), which confirmed that it is avian influenza. The source of contact is investigated and whether there is a history of others affected in the patient's environment. The H5N1 virus or "bird flu" is a virus that can be transmitted from birds or marine mammals to humans, but there are no known cases of human-to-human transmission. The Ministry of Health calls on citizens not to handle sick or dead birds or mammals and urges poultry workers to follow the corresponding safety protocols and to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. |
April 7, 2023Bulgaria: Q Fever The first case in 12 years of Q fever has been found in Veliko Tarnovo. The diagnosed person is from the municipality of Svishtov, and the disease was detected in the period March 20-26, reports the newspaper Borba. The last case of Q fever in Veliko Tarnovo was in 2011, the archives of the Regional Health Inspectorate of Veliko Tarnovo show. The infection is usually transmitted by farm animals -- mainly cows, goats, and sheep. In these animals, the disease normally proceeds without clinical manifestation. Infection can occur during the breeding period of the animals by inhalation of splashes or dust containing the causative agent, or by consumption of contaminated products (unpasteurized milk). United Kingdom: Avian Influenza Scientists are investigating the possibility that bird flu was transmitted among a pack of bush dogs at a zoo in England. A total of 10 bush dogs at the unnamed zoo died in what is being described as an isolated event last November. The H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected in the dead animals through retrospective sampling, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. While mammal-to-mammal transmission has not been confirmed in the dogs, it is one line of investigation. There is a possibility that the dogs caught the virus through infected birds fed to them by zookeepers. In its updated risk assessment for bird flu, the UKHSA said the UK is currently at Level 3, meaning there is "limited mammalian transmission." This is a change in wording from the last assessment, when the alert level was described as "changes in the virus genome that could lead to mammal-to-mammal transmission." Switzerland: Q Fever Several cases of Q fever have occurred in Upper Valais. The canton doctor recommends that people at risk see a doctor if they have flu-like symptoms. He also recommends that pregnant women in this region have a blood test as a precaution, even if they have no symptoms. A total of 6 cases of Q fever were recently diagnosed in the region between Visp and Brig. A herd of goats was identified as the carrier of the pathogen. In addition to the usual hygiene measures, the authorities have taken additional steps. This is to keep the risk of transmission to humans as low as possible. The disease in the affected goat herd is now under control. But some people could have been exposed before the measures ordered by the canton veterinarian were initiated, the canton warns. Russia: Anthrax The first residents of the village of Staroe Aktashevo in Chuvashia, where cases of anthrax infection were detected in March, were vaccinated against the infection. This was reported in the Tsivilsky central regional hospital of the republic. "A mobile FAP (paramedical and obstetric station) went to the village of Staroe Aktashevo and vaccinated the residents, and a team of doctors vaccinated the workers of the livestock complex," the report says. According to the preventive vaccination schedule, according to epidemic indicators, persons at risk who work with animals are vaccinated against anthrax. Among them are veterinarians, employees of meat processing plants, enterprises for the processing of raw leather and wool, hunters, farmers, fur purveyors, and butchers. Bolivia: Yellow Fever After 19 years, a positive case of yellow fever is registered in the department of Santa Cruz. This autochthonous case was laboratory confirmed. The case is a 17-year-old man who was doing his military service with the Puerto Suárez Regiment that was assigned to Mutún, according to Carlos Hurtado, head of Epidemiology. He also pointed out that the investigation and search for contacts will be carried out and for people suspected of the disease in that locality. Similarly, they will carry out focus blocking and fumigation. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the transmitter of this disease. Netherlands: Typhoid Fever A typhoid outbreak on an old cruise ship housing asylum seekers in the Netherlands in 2022 was caused by sewage leaking into the drinking water supplies, an investigation said. The Dutch government's use of ships for asylum seeker accommodation has been widely criticized by rights groups, and the results of the investigation come just days after the UK said it was considering using ferries and barges in a similar manner. Cases of fever and abdominal pain were first reported on the Liberty Ann cruise ship docked in the Dutch city of Haarlem, west of the capital Amsterdam. Health authorities identified that it was typhoid fever, which is caused by an infection with the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and is deadly in around 1% of cases. Nearly 350 people were exposed to the bacterium, with 52 asylum seekers and 20 staff contracting typhoid fever, the investigation found. All recovered from the illness, though 25 were hospitalized. All asylum seekers and staff were moved to other accommodation. Bangladesh: Scabies MSF teams in the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh are overwhelmed by the ongoing outbreak of scabies and are calling on other health actors to take their responsibility. For over a year now, MSF and other health organizations present in the camps have been trying to manage an outbreak of scabies. The number of scabies patients has surpassed MSF's capacity to respond alone. Witnessing a high upsurge of scabies cases, MSF scaled up its treatment for scabies since March 2022 and has since completed around 135,000 scabies-related consultations. United States: Avian Influenza The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County, Texas. This is the 1st confirmed case of HPAI in mammals in Texas. Detected in all states across the US except Hawaii, HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. The virus can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination. For mammals, current data show transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of infected animal carcasses, though mammal-to-mammal transmission does not appear sustainable. Other mammal species susceptible to HPAI include foxes, raccoons, bobcats, opossums, mountain lions, and black bears. Symptoms can include ataxia (incoordination, stumbling), tremors, seizures, lack of fear of people, lethargy, coughing and sneezing, or sudden death. Indonesia: Foot and Mouth Disease The government has decided to revoke the declared emergency status for foot and mouth disease (FMD), which had spread and attacked livestock, causing numerous sudden deaths. This was decided at a ministerial-level meeting between the coordinating minister for human development and culture, Muhadjir Effendy, minister of health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, minister of agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, and head of BNPB [National Disaster Management Agency] Suharyanto. "According to the recommendation of the minister of agriculture, the 'emergency status conditions' for FMD can be terminated, becoming 'certain conditions' since the FMD pandemic is over," Muhadjir said. Even though the emergency status for FMD has been revoked, this disease still requires special requirements. "This means a special situation where, even though it's not a pandemic, it still needs special handling, and this is important for rearranging regulations, especially those related to assignments from BNPB," he said. Chile: Avian Influenza Chilean authorities reported a new bird flu outbreak at an industrial facility in the Maule region in the southern part of the country. "This finding was made after a complaint made to the Maule SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero; agriculture and livestock agency) about an increase in mortality on the farm of around 70 birds and another 60 were symptomatic of the virus," the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. The statement said the birds, which were egg producers, in the industrial plant were sacrificed. The center had between 4,000 to 5,000 specimens. The first bird flu outbreak in an industrial setting was detected in mid-March, forcing the country to suspend its certification as a country free of highly pathogenic avian influenza for 30 days. Authorities later determined there was no spread of the first case and the plant culled 40,000 birds. Argentina also detected bird flu in an industrial setting while Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, remains free of contagion but has had to investigate several suspected cases. The United Nations Agency for Food and Agriculture (FAO) is holding a meeting in Santiago with representatives from Latin American countries regarding an action plan to control the spread of the disease. Outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have been reported in 14 countries of the region. Myanmar: Malaria Malaria has surged by more than 1,000% in eastern Myanmar since 2020, a blow in a region pushing to eliminate the deadly parasitic disease by 2030. Across Kayin state -- a mountainous, forested province also known as Karen – 4,510 cases were reported in January 2023, compared to just 399 over the same period in 2020. Last year, roughly 32,000 cases were reported overall -- in both 2019 and 2020, that figure hovered at around 8,000. According to the figures from the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), the recent jump upends years of low and declining transmission in the state -- which shares a long, porous border with Thailand. At a small clinic south of Phop Phra, on the Thai side of the winding Moei River that separates the 2 countries, health workers told the Telegraph that although the case-load remains far smaller than in the 1990s, they now see malaria cases on an almost daily basis. "The situation has really changed, it's not a development we wanted to see," says Eh Moo, head of the clinic's antenatal unit, which offers healthcare for migrants and refugees from Myanmar. "It's not as bad as 30 years ago, when I started working here, but the increase suggests transmission is changing, especially on the Burma side of the border." Iraq: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever The Public Health Department in the Iraqi governorate of Dhi Qar announced the registration of new cases of hemorrhagic fever in the governorate, and the director of the governorate public health department, Hussein Riyad, stated, according to Shafaq News agency, that "medical examinations confirmed that 2 people were infected with hemorrhagic fever in the governorate. We are awaiting the arrival of (the results of) examinations for other suspected cases from the capital, Baghdad." He indicated that "these recorded cases occurred despite the summer season not starting yet," noting that "this matter makes us face a summer raging with infections, which will probably carry with it many deaths. The health department holds the relevant authorities and departments in the governorate responsible for any spread of the disease, since there was no commitment to the terms of combating this deadly epidemic during the last period." |
April 14, 2023Brazil: Foot and Mouth Disease The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry has banned the storage, sale and use of vaccines against foot and mouth disease [FMD] in 7 states as it seeks to boost Brazil's export prospects. The measure is part of efforts to guarantee Brazil's status as free of FMD and expand zones free of the disease without vaccination by 2026, the ministry said. Espirito Santo, Goias, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Tocantins and the federal district are affected by the order. In 2018, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) declared Brazil free of FMD with vaccination, improving the country's access to top-tier importing markets which had remained limited by concerns over the highly contagious disease. FMD causes fever, mouth and foot blisters in cattle and swine, as well as sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. The states which will no longer need to vaccinate their cattle and buffalo herds have about 113 million head, representing nearly half of the country's total, the statement said. "The withdrawal of vaccination lowers some costs, generating an immediate benefit to farmers," the ministry said, adding it hopes they will increase investments to maintain Brazil's current health status. Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus A new provisional death toll from the Marburg virus outbreak that has been raging for more than 2 months in Equatorial Guinea has reached 10 confirmed deaths, the health ministry said. No cases were reported in the last 48 hours, and there are 14 positive cases and 10 hospitalized, including 2 confirmed and 8 suspected, the ministry said. A new death has been reported, bringing to 10 the provisional death toll since the beginning of the epidemic. A total of 604 people in contact are being monitored, compared with 825 on March 30, the ministry said. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on Equatorial Guinea to report cases of the Marburg virus because of fears of more widespread contamination than previously thought. The UN agency was alarmed at a potential "large-scale epidemic", which could affect neighboring Gabon and Cameroon. Cases have been reported outside the province of Kié-Ntem, where it caused the 1st known deaths. Philippines: Diphtheria Health authorities in the Philippines have reported 20 total diphtheria cases, a 567 per cent increase compared with the 3 cases reported during the same period in 2022. Eight cases have been reported in the Metro Manila area, followed by Calabarzon with 5 and 3 cases in Central Luzon. Six deaths have been reported to date (30% case fatality rate). This compares with zero deaths reported last year through March 18. Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that make a toxin. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets like from coughing or sneezing, People can also get infected by touching open sores or ulcers of people with diphtheria. When the bacteria get into the respiratory system they can cause sore throat, mild fever, and swollen glands in the neck. The bacteria make a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and can make it difficult to breathe and swallow. The toxin can also cause heart, nerve, and kidney problems if it enters the bloodstream. Skin infections caused by C. diphtheriae typically consist of shallow ulcers and do not result in severe disease. France: Avian Influenza France has launched a tender for 80 million doses of bird flu vaccines in order to be ready to start its vaccination program in the autumn, the first member of the European Union to start such a scheme. The announcement came after the French health and safety agency earlier on Thursday endorsed the government's plan to vaccinate millions of poultry birds against bird flu, setting out 3 scenarios for the campaign. Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has killed hundreds of millions of birds around the world, but governments have been reluctant to roll out vaccination programs mainly because of the trade curbs these would entail. France -- the worst affected European Union country last year, when it culled more than 20 million birds -- said in December it aimed to start vaccinations this autumn. The pre-order, to be confirmed if final test results are positive, is to vaccinate ducks only, a spokesperson at the French agriculture ministry said. Ducks are very receptive to the virus and remain asymptomatic for many days, increasing the risk of transmission. United States: Avian Influenza Three domestic cats in the US -- two in Nebraska and one in Wyoming -- have recently tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza after eating wild birds, scientists say. A dog in Canada died of bird flu last week. In Wyoming, the State Veterinary Laboratory said in a brief statement that a barn cat tested positive for bird flu near Thermopolis, a small town about 110 miles southeast of Casper. "This is the first report of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) in a domestic cat in Wyoming, and it likely became infected from ingesting meat from wild waterfowl," the lab's statement said. There was no information about the cat's condition, but Dr. Myrna Miller, the lab's supervisor of virology, said several semi-feral cats and skunks were recently found dead at or near the ranch. The other animals have not been tested. After a previous version of this article was published on Thursday night, Dr. Miller informed BNO News about a recent case in Nebraska where two domestic cats had also tested positive for H5N1. Dr. Sarah Sillman, from the University of Nebraska's Veterinary Diagnostic Center, wrote in a case report that two domestic cats died in January after being infected with bird flu, presumably from predation of wild birds. Costa Rica: Malaria Dr. Carla Alfaro Fajardo, director of the Huetar Atlántica region's health services network, confirmed that CCSS [Caja Costarricense De Seguro Social; Costa Rican Social Security Fund] personnel are following up 62 cases of malaria in Limón. "We have a malaria outbreak concentrated in the canton of Pococí, specifically in Cariari, and in the central canton of Limón, specifically in Moín and in various neighborhoods of the community of La Colina," she said. In a press release, the CCSS reported that, in the past 48 hours, they have detected a significant increase in the number of cases and 100 people are receiving prophylaxis after being in contact with positive cases. Together with prevention messages for residents and tourists who spend their days off in the area, the authorities call for vigilance against the circulation of anopheles mosquitoes and the elimination of possible breeding sites for this insect. Fever is a major symptom of malaria, along with at least one of the following: chills, sweating, headache and muscle pain. In the presence of these symptoms the CCSS authorities ask people who reside or visit places where this disease exists to seek health advice. As they highlighted, the CCSS has the medicines to treat this disease and reduce the risk of complications in sick people. Care is provided to both insured and uninsured individuals. Philippines: Leptospirosis According to the Leptospirosis Surveillance Report from the Philippines Department of Health, the archipelago has eclipsed the 1,000 case mark as of March18. Since the beginning of the year, health officials reported 1,015 total cases, a 188 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Cases are up in 16 of the 17 regions in the country. A total of 85 deaths have been reported to date, a 70 percent increase from the 50 fatalities reported last year at this time. United States: Chronic Wasting Disease Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of 2 new cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in separate deer breeding facilities in Hamilton and Frio counties. These cases mark the 1st detection of the disease in each county. A single case in a Hamilton County facility was detected using live animal testing conducted to determine whether the animal was movement-qualified to transfer from the property to a registered release site. A single case in a Frio County facility was detected using postmortem testing following a natural mortality conducted to meet TPWD surveillance requirements. The samples submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in College Station were ultimately sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, where the presence of CWD was confirmed in all samples. Officials took immediate action to secure all deer at the facilities. TPWD and TAHC plan to continue working together to conduct additional investigations into the extent of the disease within the facilities. Kyrgyzstan: Anthrax A total of 3 cases of anthrax were registered in Osh region, the Department of State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision reported. These data are for 2 months of 2023. Anthrax is an acute zoonotic disease. Sources of infection for humans are mainly livestock. The disease has the most common cutaneous form and the generalized form. In the generalized form, the disease is severe, and mortality from complications is up to 100%. Nepal: Leishmaniasis A fresh case of Kala-azar has been found in Bajura with the beginning of summer. According to the District Hospital Bajura, 6-year-old Nima Chhiring of Baudi of Himali rural municipality-3 was lately diagnosed with a parasitic disease. The child who was constantly ill since the past 3 months was admitted to the Hospital on April 12. Before this, he was treated at the local health facility, but not recovered. Hospital information officer Nripa Raj Giri told RSS that the child was diagnosed with the Kala-azar. He is malnourished and severely anemic as well. In these conditions, the child is prescribed for ICU care and preparations are underway to send him to an advanced health facility. |
April 21, 2023Sudan: Malaria In Toker, Red Sea state, Sudan, 80 cases of malaria infections were reported within a week. Four people died. The Ministry of Health in Khartoum has stressed the need for urgent action to control the increase of malaria infections in the city. Osman Salem told Radio Dabanga from Toker that 4 malaria patients died of malaria in the hospital of Toker on April 10. "The hospital is overcrowded with patients, while there is a large shortage of medical staff and medicine," he said. On Monday, journalist Osman Hashim reported that a group of people from Toker met with a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Red Sea capital of Port Sudan and expressed their concerns about mesquite trees and their impact on the prevalence of malaria in the area. Through the past few years, locals have been continuously complaining about mesquite trees. United States: Bluetongue Idaho Fish and Game received a positive detection for bluetongue -- a virus transmitted by gnats that is similar to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) -- in a yearling, male mule deer collected west of Homedale along the Snake River. The carcass was collected on March 12 after a landowner reported seeing 3 dead deer. Fish and Game was able to recover and necropsy 2 of the animals, and both necropsies presented findings of a hemorrhagic disease. However, samples from only one deer resulted in a positive detection of a hemorrhagic disease, specifically bluetongue. Bluetongue is transmitted the same way as EHD and both are classified as hemorrhagic diseases. Both have been documented in most areas of Idaho and occur sporadically in most years. The diseases more commonly affect Idaho's white-tailed deer herds, including recent large outbreaks of EHD in white-tailed deer in the Clearwater Region. Bluetongue is less common than EHD, but it is found in livestock throughout the Great Basin, although it is rarely fatal to livestock due to blue tongue virus vaccinations, according to Nicole Walrath, Fish and Game's state wildlife veterinarian. Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus Disease The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reported an additional confirmed Marburg virus disease (MVD) case, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 15. In addition, another fatality has been reported, bringing that total to 11. Including the 20 probable cases (all fatal), 31 total deaths have been reported. Bata district, in the northwest part of the country, has reported the most confirmed cases with 9, including 6 deaths. The remaining cases are reported in 3 districts in varying locations across the country. This is Equatorial Guinea's 1st MVD outbreak. Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic symptoms within 7 days. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. China: Avian Influenza In a follow-up on the human H3N8 avian influenza case in Zhongshan City, Guangdong province, the World Health Organization (WHO) offered up some additional details: The case was a 56-year-old female from Guangdong province with an onset of illness on Feb. 22. The case was detected through severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance systems. She was hospitalized for severe pneumonia on March 3 and died on March 16. The patient had multiple underlying conditions. She had a history of exposure to live poultry before the onset of the disease. No close contacts of the case developed an infection or symptoms of illness at the time of reporting. Environmental samples were collected from the patient's residence and the wet market where the patient was exposed before the onset of illness. The results of testing showed that the samples collected from the wet market were positive for H3. Senegal: Avian Influenza Thousands of waterbirds have reportedly died in Senegal and The Gambia in recent weeks as both countries are hit hard by an outbreak of bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza; HPAI). More than 1,700 birds have been reported as killed by the virus in Senegal, where the victims have included great white pelicans, great cormorants, grey-headed gulls, and various tern species, including West African crested tern. Additionally, HPAI has been confirmed in The Gambia following the testing of corpses collected at Tanji Bird Reserve. Reports suggest that the number of birds affected is well into the hundreds, with West African crested and Caspian terns being the species hardest hit. New Caledonia: Leptospirosis Heavy rains are a climatic phenomenon that can cause many health hazards. Indeed, in addition to the risk of flooding, they can also promote the spread of certain diseases, in particular leptospirosis. This serious and life-threatening infection is caused by bacteria found in standing water. New Caledonia has recorded 102 cases of leptospirosis and 2 deaths linked to the disease since the beginning of the year, due to the abundant rains, which favor the survival of the bacteria in the soil and stagnant water. Symptoms of leptospirosis are fatigue, high fever, and muscle aches. It is recommended to avoid walking barefoot. Philippines: Diphtheria In an update on the diphtheria situation in the Philippines this year, the Philippines Department of Health reports a 1000% increase in cases year to date. Through March 23, health officials report 33 diphtheria cases, this compares to the 3 cases reported during the same period in 2022. As many as 8 fatalities have been reported for a case fatality rate of 24%. No deaths were reported due to diphtheria at this time in 2022. A total of 36% of the cases (12) and half the deaths have been reported from the Metro Manila region. The Calabarzon region has seen the 2nd most cases with 7. Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that make a toxin. The toxin can cause people to get very sick. Diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets like from coughing or sneezing, People can also get sick from touching open sores or ulcers of people sick with diphtheria. When the bacteria get into the respiratory system they can cause sore throat, mild fever, and swollen glands in the neck. The bacteria make a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and can make it difficult to breathe and swallow. The toxin can also cause heart, nerve, and kidney problems if it enters the bloodstream. Skin infections caused by C. diphtheria typically consist of shallow ulcers (sores) and do not result in severe disease. For some people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death. Even with treatment, about 1 in 10 patients with respiratory diphtheria die. Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from the disease. |
April 28, 2023Ghana: Malaria Ghana has become the 1st country to approve a highly effective malaria vaccine developed at Oxford university in the UK. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, the 1st to exceed the World Health Organization's target of 75% efficacy, has been cleared for use by Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority in children aged 5-36 months, the group at highest risk of death from malaria. Prof Adrian Hill, the director of the Jenner Institute, which is part of the Nuffield Department of medicine at Oxford University, said: "This marks a culmination of 30 years of malaria vaccine research at Oxford with the design and provision of a high efficacy vaccine that can be supplied at adequate scale to the countries who need it most." However, observers warned it was "no silver bullet" in the complex fight against the mosquito-borne disease. An estimated 619,000 people died from malaria in 2021, the vast majority of them children in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the WHO. In Ghana, where the disease is both endemic and perennial, an estimated 5.3 million cases and 12,500 estimated deaths were recorded. India: Japanese Encephalitis The Bihar state government has put all government health centers across the state on alert mode with the reporting of 6 fresh cases of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in April. That accounts for 50% of the total 12 cases registered this year. However, no death due to AES has been reported in the state so far. United States: Lyme Disease Tick-borne diseases are becoming more of a threat to both dogs and their owners in Michigan, and it is only expected to get worse. The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, (Ixodes scapularis) is one of several ticks in Michigan which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, and their habitat and instances of human encounters is increasing each year. Tania Arens, office manager at Betsie River Veterinary Clinic, said veterinarians at the clinic are seeing not only an increase in animals testing positive for tick borne diseases, but also new diseases. According to Arens, out of 479 tests, 76 came back positive for Lyme disease, 48 were positive for anaplasmosis and 3 were positive for ehrlichiosis. The epidemiological situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5 of Eurasian lineage has been worsening. To date, 10 regions of the country have reported protected marine wildlife positive to HPAI H5, with cases from Arica to Biobío. So far, 35 animals have been confirmed positive for HPAI: 2 marine otters, 25 sea lions, 4 Humboldt penguins, 2 porpoises, and now 2 Chilean dolphins, one in Maule and the other one in Nuble. Uruguay: Avian Influenza Nicolas Chiesa, director-general of Farming at the Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry (MGAP), has confirmed a fresh outbreak of bird flu in Uruguay. The fresh outbreak was reported in backyard poultry in the town of Juan Soler, department of San Josea, north of Uruguay's capital. According to the source, 110 sick hens were culled. This is the 9th bird flu outbreak in the South American nation, the 2nd reported one in San Josea. Canada: Strangles An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding in Grey County, Ontario, is positive for strangles, and 24 other horses are exposed. On March 23, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding in Grey County, Ontario, was examined after developing a fever and submandibular draining tract. The exudate was positive for S. equi by PCR. The horse has lived on the property for a year, and no new horses have arrived on the property recently. Twenty-four horses are now exposed, but none are showing clinical signs. The facility owners are working with the farm veterinarian to implement voluntary movement restrictions and biosecurity measures. Iran: Foot and Mouth Disease The Federal Center for Animal Health has released 3.5 million doses of vaccine containing a new strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus type SAT-2. This is an African type of FMD, exotic for the Eurasian continent, including Russia. Madagascar: Plague The plague outbreak remains active in the Amoron'i Mania region. The authorities are embarking on a major awareness campaign for the prevention of the disease. The instructions are strict in the district of Ambositra. All quarters must be cleaned. The plague has been spreading in the Amoron'i Mania region since March. Singapore: African Swine Fever A consignment of live pigs from Indonesia's Pulau Bulan to Singapore has been found to be infected with African swine fever (ASF). The virus was detected in pig carcasses in an abattoir in Jurong where the animals are slaughtered for food, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said. The deadly swine disease, which does not infect humans, is highly contagious among wild boars and pigs. This is the 1st time ASF has been detected in pigs imported into Singapore, said SFA. SFA added that it has stopped the import of live pigs from Pulau Bulan, which accounts for about 15% of Singapore's total pork supply. This makes up about 2/3 of Singapore's supply of freshly slaughtered pork. Brazil: Leishmaniasis Teams from the Zoonoses Control Center of the Municipal Health Department (SESAU) are carrying out visits in the rural area of Cacoal. The Miguel Arcanjo line had a high number of confirmed cases of leishmaniasis in dogs and therefore receives special attention. In 2022, more than 10 dogs were euthanized due to the leishmaniasis disease in the municipality. The mapping of the disease carried out by health agents should take about 2 days and aims to visit about 40 homes located in the surroundings of the municipality's rural area. The health teams responsible for surveying the disease index emphasize dogs do not transmit the disease after infection and owners should be aware of the signs, which in most cases are manifested through lesions very characteristic of leishmaniasis, such as, the appearance of round wounds which do not bleed. Mauritania: Newcastle Disease Two poultry farms, closed as a preventive measure last week, following the sudden death of poultry, were affected by Newcastle disease [ND], said the Mauritanian Ministry of Livestock Development. According to Mauritanian authorities, poultry infected with this highly contagious virus have not been vaccinated. The ministry reassured that the virus has not spread outside these 2 foci. As a reminder, laboratory tests had confirmed the absence of avian influenza in the dead poultry. Also, the Ministry of Livestock Development assured that the analyses will be continued to detect other poultry diseases that are not contagious to humans. Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus Disease The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reports an additional confirmed Marburg virus disease (MVD) case in Bata [Litoral province], bringing the total confirmed cases nationally to 17 and the 11th confirmed case in Bata. The number of MVD deaths in confirmed cases has risen to 12 (CFR 70.5%). This brings the total deaths to 35: 12 from laboratory-confirmed cases and 23 from probable cases. India: Leptospirosis The number of cases of leptospirosis doubled in 2022 with the highest of 2612 cases in the last 4 years in Tamil Nadu. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and is due to urine of infected animals, such as cattle, horses, pigs, dogs and rodents. Cases spiked last year, and the 1st death was reported in the last 4 years. Until March this year, 755 cases have been reported as the surge in cases continues. However, officials say that the increased infection rate was likely due to rapid spread during the monsoon season. Tamil Nadu recorded 849 cases of leptospirosis in 2019, followed by 376 cases in 2020. The cases remained low in 2020 likely due to the lockdown since the transmission was low. The cases surged in 2021, [with 1,046 cases recorded] that year. In 2022, more than double [2,612 cases] was reported. Sri Lanka: Lumpy Skin Disease Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera inquired about the measures taken to control lumpy skin disease [LSD], which is currently spreading in several divisional secretariats in the North Central province. This disease, which was widespread in the Northern province, has now been brought under control in that province. However, although the provincial livestock department had informed the farmers not to bring affected cattle to the North Central province, the livestock department revealed that the disease spread in the province due to the fact that the farmers in the North Central province ignored the advice. LSD is caused by the virus called capripox and spreads due to ticks, fleas, and other blood-sucking insects. The disease causes low mortality, impairing milk production. Tanzania: Marburg Virus Disease In a follow-up on the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports on one additional case and death. On March 21, the Ministry of Health in Tanzania declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease. As of April 16, 9 cases and 6 deaths (CFR 66.7%) have been reported. All cases were reported from the Bukoba Rural district in Kagera Region. Contacts totaled 212, of which 206 have completed their monitoring period. This is Tanzania's 1st ever MVD outbreak. Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%. It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Ukraine: Anthrax Russian soldiers contracted anthrax while digging trenches in the Zaporizhzhia region. During the preparation of the trenches, the occupiers accidentally dug up a cattle burial ground and contracted anthrax. As a result, the entire unit involved in the work is now under quarantine. It is noted that 2 enemy soldiers were initially sent to the Melitopol hospital, but after the diagnosis was confirmed, they were quickly discharged and taken to an unknown destination. United States: Malaria A 14-year-old Iowa middle schooler has died of the mosquito-borne disease malaria. The boy recently visited his home country of Liberia in West Africa for the 1st time in 8 years, and he began feeling sick 2 weeks after returning home to Iowa, according to the Metro Youth Football Association. He was diagnosed with malaria and was taken to Iowa City Children's Hospital, where he died The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said "the vast majority" of malaria cases in the United States are from travelers who visited sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. There are about 2,000 malaria cases in the US each year, the CDC said Denmark: Avian Influenza A flock of 30,000 chickens will be euthanized following an outbreak of bird flu in Denmark, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) said. The virus was detected in a large indoor flock of chickens on a farm in Augustenborg, some 188 km southwest of the capital city of Copenhagen, reports Xinhua news agency. The DVFA in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency expects to euthanize the entire flock over the next few days. "The risk of bird flu has decreased, but the disease can still affect a herd, as the outbreak at Augustenborg unfortunately also underlines," said Signe Hvidt-Nielsen, the veterinary director of DVFA. |
May 5, 2023Iraq: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever On April 12, the veterinary hospital in Diyala announced the registration of a death case of death of a young man due to hemorrhagic fever west of Baquba, while indicating that an important decision had been taken in this regard. Dr. Ibtisam Mohamed told (Baghdad Today) that the deceased owned a sheep farm in the Umm al-Azam area, indicating that "all preventive measures were taken through a joint team in terms of spraying pesticides (acaricides)." Dr. Ibtisam Mohamed confirmed that "a decision was taken to ban the transfer of herds of cattle and sheep from this area within a radius of 15 km for a period of 14 days, in implementation of the preventive guidelines." Senegal: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever The World Health Organization reports the Ministry of Health of Senegal has reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in a 35-year-old male patient. He was a butcher residing in Fadia city, Guédiawaye district, Dakar region. The date of onset of symptoms was April 10 with fever and flu-like syndrome. Samples were collected for suspected viral hemorrhagic fever after he developed a hemorrhagic syndrome and thrombocytopenia. He died on April 22. Public health measures are being taken. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus Nairovirus of the Bunyaviridae family. The CCHF virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of 10% to 40%. Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks and the virus remains in their bloodstream for about one week after infection, allowing the tick-animal-tick cycle to continue when another tick bites. Although several tick genera are capable of becoming infected with CCHF virus, ticks of the genus Hyalomma are the principal vector. Nigeria: Diphtheria Since the beginning of 2023, 557 confirmed cases of diphtheria have been detected in Nigeria, affecting 21 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In December 2022, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was notified of suspected diphtheria outbreaks in Kano and Lagos states. A total of 1439 suspected cases have been reported, of which 557 (39%) have been confirmed, including 73 deaths among the confirmed cases (case fatality ratio of 13%). Nigeria has previously reported diphtheria outbreaks, with the most significant reported in 2011 affecting the rural areas of Borno State, in the northeast of the country. Diphtheria is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease which spreads between people mainly by direct contact or through the air via respiratory droplets. The disease can affect all age groups, however unimmunized children are particular at risk. It is potentially fatal. The disease can be treated by administering diphtheria antitoxin as well as antibiotics. Vaccination against diphtheria has reduced the mortality and morbidity of diphtheria dramatically. Cambodia: Malaria Nagaland has been witnessing a decrease in Malaria positive cases -- from 8,479 in 2009 to only 5 in 2022 while malaria deaths is also down from 35 to zero during the same period, a health department official said. He said that between the period 2005 to 2022, the highest 8,479 Malaria positive cases was detected in 2009 while it came down to 5 in 2022, adding that Dimapur, Kohima, Peren and Phek reported the positive case while other districts didn't have any. The malaria related deaths in Nagaland during the same period was highest in 2006 at 75 while 2009 was 2nd at 35 deaths, but after a patient's demise in 2016, the malaria death has been zero from 2017-2022. Peru: Leptospirosis Through April 1 the Diresa [Direccion Regional de Salud - Regional Health Directorate] reported 151 cases of leptospirosis throughout the region, with 62% of cases concentrated only in the district of Chulucanas. The regional director of Health of Piura, Myrian Fiestas Mogollón, warns that the cases are increasing and that the symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of dengue. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which occurs mainly after rains and is caused by the Leptospira bacterium, which is spread by rodents through urine. "Rainwater and water from collapsed drains are a source of Leptospira. The urine of the rodents contaminates the water and the bacteria is transmitted to people when it comes into contact with any micro-wound on the skin," said the regional health director. In addition, leptospirosis can also be spread by breathing air with soil particles infected by the bacteria. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Leptospira bacteria can cause life-threatening infections in the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, or heart. Kenya: Malaria A major outbreak of avian flu affecting the region's largest colony of black-headed gulls has been confirmed at a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust site. 'Numerous' cases have been recorded at North Cave Wetlands, a nature reserve near Brough in the East Riding [Yorkshire, England]. Avian flu has already decimated seabird populations on the Farne Islands in Northumberland in the past year, and wildlife charities has been concerned that the virus would spread to other conservation sites. A statement from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said: "We have submitted samples for testing to provide confirmation, but we strongly suspect that this is an outbreak of avian (bird) flu. Similar outbreaks are being seen in gulls at other sites around the country. Tanzania: Marburg Virus Disease Tanzanian health authorities said that an 18-month-old child has died of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the northwestern region of Kagera. The death of the child brought to 6 the number of patients killed by the disease since its outbreak in the region on March 21 It was announced in a statement by Minister of Health, Ummy Mwalimu, when she released an update on the disease. The minister said the child belonged to a woman who had been diagnosed with the disease and was undergoing treatment in an isolation center. Mwalimu said since the disease outbreak, 9 cases have been reported, of which 3 patients recovered and 6, including the child and a health worker, died. After coming back from the brink of extinction, critically endangered California condors are now battling a new, deadly threat: the avian flu. In recent weeks, 20 California condors have died, including 13 that laboratory testing confirmed were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). An additional 2 condors tested positive but are still alive, and results from 4 other birds' tests are pending. Wildlife officials fear the highly contagious virus, also known as H5N1 bird flu, will continue to spread among the small but growing population of North America's largest birds, undermining decades of slow recovery efforts. The virus, which has been sweeping the continent since December 2021, has also killed bald eagles and prompted commercial bird farmers to slaughter millions of chickens and turkeys to limit transmission. The now-deceased condors were part of the Southwest flock that flies freely throughout the desert landscape of northern Arizona and southern Utah; the flock's range includes a variety of protected public lands, including Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Uruguay: Leishmaniasis The departmental director of Rivera Health, Carlos Sarries, confirmed that 19 cases of leishmaniasis in dogs were registered. These cases "began to be detected at the border level," said the director of health, and clarified there are no cases in humans. As detailed, the survey was carried out in the neighborhoods presenting "propitious conditions" for the development of this disease, both due to the environmental situation and the health status of the dogs. After confirming the positive cases, the situation was reported to the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the directorate of Zoonoses and Vectors. A response to this situation was proposed, which implies the transfer of a team to the city of Rivera to develop a work session aimed at the diagnosis of leishmaniasis in dogs. Likewise, Sarries also confirmed that a strategic plan for cleaning and detecting the disease will be drawn up to prevent the spread of leishmaniasis. Singapore: African Swine Fever Pigs at an Indonesian farm that supplied livestock to Singapore were confirmed to have been infected with the African swine fever [ASF] virus, the Indonesian authorities said. The authorities tested pig samples from the farm on Pulau Bulan, in the Riau Islands province, after a consignment of live pigs sent to Singapore was found to be infected with the virus. The virus was found in pig carcasses at an abattoir in Jurong where the animals were slaughtered for food. The veterinary authority official at Riau Islands province, told the Straits Times that the pigs were likely to have been infected by a new strain of the African swine fever virus as their clinical symptoms differed slightly from those found in previous cases in North Sumatra and other parts of Indonesia. Lithuania: Legionellosis After an outbreak of legionellosis in Kaunas, 12 people are being treated in hospitals, the National Public Health Center (NVSC) reported. Nine cases were recorded in Kaunas district, 3 in Kaunas city. According to the NVSC, all the sick are being treated in hospitals. The center also indicated that the focus of this outbreak has not yet been identified. "According to the information obtained during the epidemiological investigation, there are currently no established links with any single place (for example, a public place) where sick persons could have been infected while visiting. Laboratory tests of water are being carried out in the residences of those who have become ill," the report states. Kaunas hospital representative Saulius Tvirbutas told BNS that the 2 patients are in a serious condition and being treated in the intensive care unit for adults. Philippines: Diphtheria The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it issued an Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions regarding the Republic of the Philippines reporting increased diphtheria cases in various regions. As of May 1, the CDC says if you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. And before visiting the Philippines, discuss the need for a booster dose with your healthcare professional. Diphtheria is a severe infection caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that make a toxin. When the bacteria enter the respiratory system, they can cause sore throat, mild fever, and swollen glands in the neck. In addition, the bacteria make a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and can make it difficult to breathe and swallow. For some people, respiratory diphtheria can lead to death. Even with treatment, about one in 10 patients with respiratory diphtheria die. Without treatment, up to half of patients can die from the disease, says the CDC. India: Yellow Fever Amid a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine across the state, travelers from Vadodara to Africa and Central and South America are left in a state of quandary. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) center for vaccination has been out of stock since March. The shortage has been due to a production shortfall from the government manufacturer, officials at the civic body's health department said, resulting in 6 of the 7 centers in Gujarat turning away travelers to the endemic countries. The yellow fever vaccination center at the Padmavati Shopping Complex in Vadodara has been closed since March. The center administers vaccines to people travelling to 29 African countries as well as 13 countries in Central and South America, which are identified as endemic nations. It was opened in May 2022 to make the process faster for travelers from Vadodara and nearby districts. France: Legionellosis Since Feb. 10, at least 15 cases of legionellosis have been diagnosed in Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes) and its agglomeration, the Grand-Est regional health agency [ARS] announced in a press release. According to the health authorities, the people concerned are aged "50 to 89 years." For the time being, the experts have not been able to identify the cause of these contaminations. Research is still ongoing. All those infected with Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionellosis, were hospitalized. According to the ARS du Grand-Est, "14 patients are cured or are in the process of being so. A septuagenarian died at the end of April as a result of the infection." Legionellosis is a disease whose first signs are rather mild -- cough in particular -- before a rapid worsening, "in the vast majority of cases", according to the Regional Health Agency. In the event of a significant infection, this pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure and death. According to the authorities, this disease "mainly affects adults and more particularly vulnerable people" such as the elderly. Other populations, such as smokers, diabetics or immunocompromised people are also at risk. Canada: Chronic Wasting Disease In Alberta, Chronic Wasting Disease is present in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It's a significant concern to wildlife managers and hunters in the province but, at this point, there is no solution to the problem. Data for the 2022-23 hunting season shows a province-wide contamination of 23.4%. Joel Nicholson, senior wildlife biologist with Fish and Wildlife in Medicine Hat, said, "There are pockets of prevalence that are unbelievably high (in Saskatchewan). We are headed in the same direction. We're pushing 1 in 4 from a mule deer standpoint. The prevalence only seems to go one direction without major intervention." The leading edges of the known distribution are being monitored, along the westward and northern spread. Since CWD was first confirmed in Alberta in 2005, the level of control, from aggressive to less so, has varied. |
May 12, 2023Canada: Avian Influenza Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to be problematic in Quebec, with 3 new commercial poultry flocks being affected. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the presence of HPAI was confirmed in 2 flocks in Les Maskotains Regional County Municipality on April 22. The day before, a case of HPAI was confirmed in the La Vallée-du-Richelieu Regional County Municipality. Details on the types of birds in the flocks or the number of birds involved has not yet been disclosed by CFIA. In April, 12 commercial poultry flocks and 1 non-commercial flock have been affected by HPAI. Of those, 7 were in Les Maskotains. England: Lyme Disease It's a bacterial infection spread by ticks that strikes thousands of Brits every year. Now, an interactive map reveals where in England Lyme disease has infected the most people. The bacteria, which causes a circular rash around the bite, as well as a fever, headache and tiredness, was detected among more than 1,000 people across the country last year. But that figure, which only reflects lab-confirmed infections, doesn't include the thousands of patients unwell with Lyme disease but aren't tested. Experts are urging people to stay safe when outdoors this spring and summer, warning that the once rare disease is now on the rise in the UK. Since the UK's 1st confirmed case in 1985, the recorded incidence of Lyme disease has steadily been increasing. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for 2022 show that there were 1,156 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in England and Wales. Sri Lanka: Leptospirosis It is not surprising that various diseases spread from time to time, but it is unfortunate that such diseases become epidemic. The current rain situation has also caused the spread of certain diseases. Apart from dengue and influenza, rat fever [leptospirosis] is also affecting the people of this country. As reported by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, 2,642 cases of rat fever were diagnosed in Sri Lanka by the end of April. Compared with the previous years, we can see some increase in the number of patients reported only in the first 4 months of this year. From January to April this year alone, 326 cases of rat fever have been reported from Galle district, of which 19 patients have died, said Southern Province Health Services Director Specialist Dr. Chandima Siritunga. Ratnapura district has reported the highest number of rat fever cases so far this year. That number is 410. Educating people about rat fever is important because such awareness is particularly helpful in reducing morbidity and mortality. Philippines: Leptospirosis Health officials in the Philippines report a 135% increase in leptospirosis cases...according to the latest data from the Epidemiology Bureau. Through April 8, a total of 1,152 leptospirosis cases have been reported nationally, up from 490 cases during the same period last year. Of the country's 17 regions, 15 have reported increases in cases, with the Western Visayas reporting the most with 231, followed by the Cagayan Valley region with 160 cases. Officials have reported 113 leptospirosis deaths, up from 69 reported during the same period in 2022. The regional director of Health, Myrian Fiestas Mogollón, informed that in the Piura Region there are 251 confirmed cases of leptospirosis and 311 suspected cases, and, to date there have been no deaths. Chulucanas, Sullana, La Matanza, Bellavista, and Tambogrande were the districts with the most infections. The symptoms of leptospirosis are: high fever, intense headache, myalgia (muscle pain) mainly in the lower extremities and waist. India: Anthrax The chief district medical officer (CDMO) of Koraput Arun Padhi reviewed the health situation in the villages of Dasmantpur block after 12 cases of anthrax were reported 3 days earlier. Sources said that of the 12 cases, one succumbed during treatment at the Koraput medical college and Hospital 2 days before, while 2 others are getting treated at the Dasmantpur community health center. The condition of the remaining 9 is currently stable. According to information, some residents of Tentuliguda village developed spore-like formations on their bodies the prior 3 days. The disease later spread to neighboring Gulimusa and Dasmantpur villages. Soon a medical team from Dasmantpur community health center (CHC) rushed to the area and began treatment. Preliminary examination suggests locals of Tentuliguda village reportedly consumed cow meat in a feast after which they began showing symptoms of anthrax. Iraq: Foot and Mouth Disease The director of the Chibayish Organization for Tourism and Environment, Raad Al-Asadi, told Shafaq News agency, "About 500 buffaloes in the Chibayish district, in the far south of Dhi Qar governorate, were infected with foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] as a result of the poor environmental conditions in the marshlands." He indicated that "these infections were recorded during the past month, and at the beginning May.” In turn, the administration of the veterinary hospital in Dhi Qar governorate said that the follow-up teams have already detected the presence of FMD. The director of the veterinary hospital, Muhammad Aziz, told Shafaq News Agency that the disease "takes 3 days for its passage inside the buffalo's body, with the use of some simple medicines. He implied that "there is a foot-and-mouth disease called (SAT) that entered the country by importing animals from Jordan; there is no vaccine against this [strain] at the present time, and Iraq is in the process of announcing a tender to purchase the matching vaccine." Pakistan: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Pakistan health authorities are alarmed after 2 people died of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in the country's Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The 1st death from the disease, commonly known as Congo fever, was reported on May 5 in Karachi, the country's largest city and capital of the southern Sindh province. According to the provincial health authorities, the 28-year-old man was a butcher by profession, who first complained of fever on April 30. When his condition did not improve, he was taken to a city hospital 2 days later where his health continued to deteriorate. But his tests for dengue and malaria were negative. He was moved to intensive care after testing positive for the CCHF virus. He died the next day. Iran: Leptospirosis Every year with the gradual warming of the weather and the peak of rice cultivation, the disease "leptospirosis" which is popularly known as "rice field fever" is prevalent in the northern provinces of the country and usually until the end of the harvest. Leptospirosis is one of the common diseases between humans and animals, with high prevalence in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions such as the northern regions of Iran. This bacterium has many ways to enter the body and causes a wide range of symptoms. Rice field fever is very similar to influenza, cold, and coronavirus disease, and this has caused some sufferers not to take it seriously; this carelessness sometimes costs a person's life. Last year (2022), 178 people in Mazandaran and 300 in Gilan province were infected with rice field fever. In 2021, 215 people were infected with rice field fever in Mazandaran province, of which 2 deaths were recorded. Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences announced this statistic 2 years ago. Ecuador: Leptospirosis The Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health confirmed the death of another person infected with leptospirosis in the Andean country. The victim was a 23-year-old resident in the city of Durán, in the province of Guayas, the most affected by this condition in the national territory, with at least 126 infected. Local media revealed that the death took place on April 18. Citizens in the city of Durán have denounced that they live with a lack of sanitary sewerage and stagnant water from the past rains. According to figures from the Ministry of Health, in Ecuador there are a total of 157 people affected with this zoonotic disease, caused by a bacterium called Leptospira, mainly after heavy rains. |
May 26, 2023Equatorial Guinea: Marburg Virus Equatorial Guinea's vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, declared May 15 an end to a Marburg virus outbreak, which caused 17 confirmed cases in the country, including 12 deaths. A total of 17 laboratory-confirmed cases and 23 probable cases were reported in the Central African country between Feb. 13 and May 1. Among the 17 confirmed cases, there were 12 deaths and all those considered probable died, the UN agency said. South Africa: Diphtheria South Africa has recorded 2 positive cases of diphtheria disease. The Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, called for vigilance and urged the public not to panic. The Department of Health described diphtheria as an uncommon serious infection. However, it is vaccine preventable. The infection is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium (Corynebacterium diphtheriae), which may lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm issues and even death. "The symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat (with the formation of a membrane on the tonsil and throat), and swollen glands in the front of the neck. Close contacts of known cases are at increased risk of infection," said the Department of Health. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) notified the Department of Health of the 2 lab-confirmed cases detected in April. The bacteria that cause the infection spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing in most cases. United States: BSE The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a neurologic disease of cattle, in an approximately 5-year-old or older beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina. This animal never entered slaughter channels and at no time presented a risk to the food supply or to human health in the United States. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this cow was positive for atypical L-type BSE. The animal was tested as part of APHIS's routine surveillance of cattle deemed unsuitable for slaughter. The radiofrequency identification tag present on the animal is associated with a herd in Tennessee. APHIS and veterinary officials in South Carolina and Tennessee are gathering more information during this ongoing investigation. Atypical BSE generally occurs in older cattle and seems to arise rarely and spontaneously in all cattle populations. Indonesia: African Swine Fever Indonesia is developing a blood serum that can provide temporary immunity among pigs against the African swine fever virus [ASFV] after containing an outbreak of the disease in the country's biggest pig farm. The farm is located on Bulan Island a 100 sq km island belonging to Indonesia's Riau Islands Province. It is situated nearly 30 km south of Singapore and is capable of exporting around 240,000 pigs a year to Singapore, according to data from the Riau Islands Agriculture Agency. Exports from the island constitute about 15% of the Republic's total pork supply. The World Health Organization reports on an anthrax outbreak in Muranga County in central Kenya. Since April 10, a total of 15 cases and three deaths (20% case fatality) have been reported from 5 sub-counties. It is not disclosed what type of anthrax is implicated and how it was contracted. Anthrax is a bacterial pathogen in livestock and wild animals. Ruminants such as bison, cattle, sheep, and goats are highly susceptible, and horses can also be infected. Anthrax is a very serious disease of livestock because it can potentially cause the rapid loss of a large number of animals in a very short time. Affected animals are often found dead with no illness detected. Namibia: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Namibia has declared an outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) after one person died of the disease in the capital Windhoek, the government said. The patient was suspected of having the virus when he was first treated at a clinic in the eastern city of Gobabis on May 16. He was later transferred to Windhoek Central Hospital, where he died on May 18, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Laboratory results confirmed he had CCHF, which is a tick-borne virus that can also transmit between humans by close contact with blood or bodily fluids. It has a fatality rate of between 10% and 40%, the World Health Organization says. CCHF is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and some Asian countries. Its symptoms include fever, muscle ache, dizziness, light sensitivity, and vomiting and can lead to organ failure and internal bleeding. It was first detected in Crimea in 1944. Australia: Murray Valley Encephalitis An additional case of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) has been confirmed in Western Australia, according to health officials last week. The adult was most likely to have been exposed to infected mosquitoes while travelling from the Pilbara through coastal parts of the West Kimberley in late April/early May. This is the 4th confirmed case of MVE reported in WA since 2018 and the 3rd reported this year. Throughout Australia, there have been 14 confirmed cases of MVE in 2023. India: Yellow Fever The central government is cracking down on unauthorized centers administering yellow fever vaccine and issuing fake certificates and has asked states to identify and take action against them, according to people familiar with the matter. "Following reports that certain unauthorized centers are administering vaccination and issuing invalid or fraudulent yellow fever vaccine certificates, resulting in the quarantine of passengers, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterates taking extreme caution to the invalid vaccination certificates issued from these unauthorized centers," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter that was sent to the states. Although administering yellow fever shots is controlled by the government, there have been reports of some private centers providing the shots illegally in certain parts of the country. The quality of vaccines cannot be monitored and the certificates issued by these centers may not be valid for re-entry into India or entry into other countries that are free of the disease. Mexico: Meningitis The head of the Ministry of Health in Tamaulipas, Vicente Joel Hernández Navarro, indicated that 3 confirmed cases of fungal meningitis are being treated in Mexico. He stressed that this fungus is the same one that has already caused dozens of deaths in Durango but the variant needs to be identified. "We have 11 patients; 7 in the United States and 4 in Mexico. Of those who are in Mexico, 3 have a confirmed diagnosis and one is awaiting results of the cerebrospinal fluid sample," the official told El Sol de Tampico. He added that the fungus identified in the patients is Fusarium solani, and they are investigating if it is the same variant that affected the patients in Durango or another. Uganda: Rift Valley Fever A 42-year-old man has died after presenting signs of Rift Valley fever in Bushenyi District in western Uganda, health officials said May 16. The victim was a resident of Kyaruhijika village in Rwijangye Parish, Kyabugimbi Sub County. Rift Valley fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever that is most commonly seen in domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats but can also be transmitted to humans. The fever is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus, according to scientists. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus was first identified in 1931 during an investigation into an epidemic among sheep on a farm in the Rift Valley of Kenya. North Korea: Foot and Mouth Disease It is reported that foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] has occurred and is spreading in Pyongan Province, North Korea. A source from South Pyongan Province and North Pyongan Province said on May 21: "Recently, symptoms such as death of cows or blisters in the mouth and teats were found at farms in Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, Yongcheon, and Anju City, South Pyongan Province." He told SPN Seoul Pyongyang News. The source said, "As FMD broke out at a local farm, we are concerned that it is another big bad news for North Korea's livestock sector since the African swine fever outbreak that started in Wusi County, Jagang Province in January 2019." In 2019, 'foot-and-mouth disease' killed many working cows in Jagang and Yanggang provinces, causing great damage to farms. Iraq: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever On May 23, the Ministry of Health announced the number of infections and deaths due to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, while identifying the most affected governorate. "The last official statistic of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever recorded since the beginning of this year 2023 in Iraq amounted to 128 cases, including 18 deaths," said the ministry's spokesman, Saif Al-Badr, in a statement to the official agency, noting that "most of the infections and deaths are concentrated in Dhi Qar governorate." He added, "The role of the Ministry of Health is the early detection of infected people, so if the disease is at an early stage, the possibility of recovery is very high, but if the infected person is late in visiting health institutions, the possibility of death is very high." Over the past period, 8 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have been recorded in Georgia, mainly in the regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli, director of the Tbilisi Infectious Diseases Hospital Tengiz Tsertsvadze writes on the social network. According to Tsertsvadze, 6 patients have already been discharged, and 2 are continuing treatment. According to him, reservoirs of infection are numerous domestic and wild animals, which are parasitized by ticks. Recently, 8 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been registered in Georgia, mainly in the regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli. All 8 patients were admitted to the Center for Infectious Pathology and AIDS. All survived and 6 of them have already been discharged, while 2 patients continue treatment. With the advent of the hot season in Georgia, as in many countries of the world, the spread of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever becomes relevant. |
June 2, 2023Israel: West Nile Virus Health authorities announce that mosquitos carrying West Nile virus have been found near the southern city of Yeruham and surrounding Ramat Negev Regional Council, the first time this year the disease has been detected in Israel. The Environmental Protection Ministry says mosquitos infected with the virus were found in Nahal Revivim, near Lake Yeruham, and outside the educational centers of Nitzana and Midreshet Ben Gurion. It calls on the public in those areas to ensure there are no sources of standing water on their property, to use insect repellents, place screens on windows, and wear clothing that covers the skin. Latvia: Lyme Disease More than 20% of the ticks analyzed in all Latvian laboratories have been tested positive for Lyme bacteria this year. The bacteria can cause Lyme disease against which there are no vaccines. The other dangerous tick-borne illness -- encephalitis -- has only been found in a few ticks. At the Latvian Infectology Center, encephalitis has not been detected at all this year, but 26% of the tested ticks have shown The Lyme Disease bacteria. Most testing is done by the Central Laboratory. Currently, ticks are very active. It is important to remove a tick as soon as it is found. After removing the tick, it is recommended that you pay attention to possible flu-like symptoms and address the doctor in case such appear. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Last year, 50 patients with tick-borne encephalitis and 11 patients with Lyme disease were treated at the Latvian Infectology Center. Currently one person is being treated as an inpatient for a severe case of Lyme. Afghanistan: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever The health department of Balkh province reported that in the past week 10 positive cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been recorded in north region of the country, and 2 people have died. Local Balkh officials said that incidents of this illness were rising in the country's north, and they urged religious leaders and the media to warn people about the dangers associated with the disease's spread. "Ten positive cases of Congo have been recorded; sadly, we had 2 deaths. The Abu Ali Sinai regional hospital in Balkh has its own particular preparations, and the 50-bed Antani hospital is also ready," said Najibullah Tawana, director of the health department of Balkh. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), transmission to humans occurs through "contact with infected ticks or animal blood," and CCHF "can be transmitted from one infected human to another by contact with infectious blood or body fluids." After 2 years without any [human] cases of yellow fever, São Paulo health authorities reported during the weekend that 2 patients had died from the disease this year, after 4 people were infected. Although both fatalities took place in the State of São Paulo, one of the victims was a resident of Minas Gerais. The state had had no cases of the disease since 2020 when one record was confirmed. From January to March, the vaccination coverage for yellow fever stood at 82%. In 2022, this percentage was 64.4%, the authorities also said while insisting vaccination against yellow fever was available at every healthcare facility. The first dose must be applied at 9 months of age and the 2nd at 4 years of age. After the age of 5, for those who are not up to date with the vaccine, a single dose is recommended. In addition to reinforcing their vaccination strategy, São Paulo health authorities are sensitizing practitioners to detect suspected situations early. Yellow fever is an acute infectious disease, with rapid evolution and high lethality in its most severe forms. It presents symptoms such as sudden fever, chills, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. It has a seasonal pattern, with most cases between December and May. Infection occurs through wild mosquitoes, which live in the forest and do not inhabit the urban environment of cities. Senegal: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever In a follow-up concerning Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Senegal, health officials report a 2nd case of the disease on May 9, this case from the Linguère district in the Louga region. The first case was confirmed in a 35 year old male patient. He was a butcher residing in Fadia city, Guédiawaye district, Dakar region. The date of onset of symptoms was April 10 with fever and flu-like syndrome. Samples were collected for suspected viral hemorrhagic fever after he developed a hemorrhagic syndrome and thrombocytopenia. He died on April 22. CCHF is a widespread disease caused by a tick-borne virus of the Bunyaviridae family. The CCHF virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of 10-40%. Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks and the virus remains in their bloodstream for about one week after infection, allowing the tick-animal-tick cycle to continue when another tick bites. Cote d’Ivoire: Yellow Fever A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive case of yellow fever was reported in Côte d'Ivoire on May 8 following confirmation at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar. The patient is a 35 year old man from Cocody-Bengerville in Abidjan. His yellow fever vaccination status is unknown. Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms of yellow fever (fever, chills, headache, backache, and muscle aches) develop 3-6 days after infection. About 15% of people infected with yellow fever virus will develop severe illness that can lead to liver disease, bleeding, shock, organ failure, yellowing skin (jaundice), and sometimes death. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, laboratory testing, and travel history. Yellow fever virus spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are no medications to treat or cure yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccine is the best protection against this disease. Vanuatu: Leptospirosis In a follow-up on the leptospirosis situation in Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health reported 7 new leptospirosis cases from May 15 to May 24. This brings the total cases to 75 since the beginning of the year with six deaths. Leptospirosis is a disease spread by animal urine. People get infected when they come in contact with urine of infected animals or with urine-contaminated water, soil, or food. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine or by eliminating contact with potentially infected animals. Protective clothing and footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities. |
June 9, 2023Namibia: Food-borne illness Fifteen members of a Namibian family have died after eating toxic porridge, in one of the country's worst cases of suspected food poisoning, police said. Local media reported the deeply impoverished family had eaten porridge made from cereal residues left from brewing an alcoholic drink. The victims -- part of a family of 21 in a village in the northeastern region of Kavango East -- fell ill after dinner on May 28 and were rushed to hospital, police said. As of May 31, 15 had died, police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi told AFP. "So far this is the biggest number of deaths suspected to be from the ingestion of possible toxic material," Shikwambi said. An investigation has been opened, with results awaited from autopsies and lab tests, she added. Vietnam: Anthrax According to a report by the Center for Disease Control of Dien Bien province, in Tua Chua district, there were 3 outbreaks of skin anthrax with 13 cases in Muong Bang commune (1 outbreak), and in Xa Nhe commune (2 outbreaks). No deaths have been recorded so far. All cases had an epidemiological history related to slaughtering and eating buffalo meat. In order to actively prevent anthrax infection from animals to humans, the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) sent a dispatch to request the director of the Department of Health of Dien Bien province to direct the units to urgently perform the following key tasks: Closely monitor the health situation of those involved in slaughtering and using the same source of bovine meat with the above cases and those in close contact with the disease for timely prevention and treatment; strengthen supervision and early detection of suspected cases of anthrax; and treat the environment in the outbreak area according to regulations. Israel: Pertussis At least 215 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported to the Health Ministry since January, accounting for a 12-fold increase over the same period in 2022, when there were only 17 cases. The vast majority of the current cases are in Jerusalem and among ultra-orthodox groups within Orthodox Judaism that are characterized by their strict adherence to Jewish laws. A total of 9 cases were identified in the Tel Aviv area. Pertussis is a highly contagious but preventable disease caused by bacteria that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for babies, who can experience severe coughing and wheezing, among other symptoms like vomiting, fever, and a runny nose. In the worst cases, apnea (pauses in breathing), cyanosis (turning blue), and death can occur. India: Leptospirosis Even before the monsoon starts in Mumbai, city hospitals have started reporting cases of leptospirosis in the city. Last week, 2 persons were admitted to the government-run Sir JJ Hospital for monsoon-related ailments. Both were in their early 30s and were admitted and treated for leptospirosis. Speaking about the cases, Dr. Madhukar Gaikwad, a doctor at Sir JJ Hospital, said, "People having a history of walking in water logging areas or working in sewage are usually tested for leptospirosis. Both the cases admitted to the hospital are labourers who have a history of working in sewage in order to clean them. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is commonly transmitted through exposure to contaminated water." Tanzania: Marburg Virus Disease Tanzania declared the end of the Marburg virus disease outbreak, which was confirmed just over 2 months ago in the northwestern Kagera region. It was the country's first outbreak of the disease. A total of 9 cases and 6 deaths were recorded in the outbreak, which was declared after laboratory analysis confirmed that the cause of deaths and illnesses that were reported earlier in the region was Marburg. The national health authorities with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partner organizations immediately rolled out outbreak response to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. The last confirmed case tested negative for the 2nd test of Marburg set off the 42-day mandatory countdown to declare the end of the outbreak. Across the African region, WHO has been working with countries to reinforce readiness and response to health emergencies, with teams of first responders trained in the key aspects of outbreak preparedness, response and control. Ghana: Anthrax A patient has succumbed to a suspected case of anthrax in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region after consuming the carcass of a dead anthrax-infected cow. In a statement issued on June 2 by the regional health directorate of the Ghana Health Service, regional director of Health Services, Dr. Emmanuel Dzotse, said they received notification of 2 suspected cases of anthrax with one death in the Binduri District "following the consumption of dead cattle". "In all, 4 cattle have died in the affected community," the statement noted. The directorate reported that: "So far, 11 suspected cases have been identified, and contact-tracing efforts are underway in the affected community." The directorate warned all the neighboring districts, especially those sharing borders with Binduri, to be on high alert and intensify surveillance activities to prevent the further spread of the disease. It noted that samples from all the suspected cases [have been taken] for testing and treatment with ciprofloxacin and doxycycline. Italy: West Nile Virus The West Nile virus [WNV] circulation season begins early. The integrated surveillance of West Nile and Usutu viruses, launched in May, has already detected positivity in a pool of birds of the target species (crow, magpie, jay) in the province of Varese, [Lombardy region], as well as in a pool of mosquitoes in Catania [Sicily region]. Last year, 588 confirmed cases in humans were reported in Italy, of which 76 were in Lombardy with 7 deaths (26 in the neuro-invasive form). "Although to date no confirmed cases of infection in humans with West Nile virus contracted in April and May 2023 have been notified," explains the Italian National Institute of Health, "it is possible that the circulation of this or other insect-borne pathogens could increase in the next few weeks." The Ministry of Agriculture announces the country started to apply the NAVET-ASFVAC vaccine, developed by Vietnamese and US scientists, against African Swine Fever (ASF), certified and validated by the US Department of Agriculture. The head of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, affirmed this vaccine "is totally safe, does not spread ASF, nor is it a new strain; on the contrary, it helps to eradicate ASF, by creating effective antibodies in meat pigs; it can be applied to all types of small, medium and high production standard farms, as long as complying with the vaccine application and biosafety prospectus." He said a team of Vietnam and Animal Health technicians from Agriculture are working on a vaccination plan for meat pigs from 8 to 10 weeks of age on a smaller scale, complying with biosecurity protocols, applying appropriate procedures, generating laboratory evidence, and from there, using it on a larger scale to 100% of pigs, to move towards declaring the Dominican Republic free of African Swine Fever. Iraq: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Deaths are still being announced among people with hemorrhagic fever in a number of Iraqi governorates during the past few days. In the latest figures, the Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq announced a few days ago that 2 deaths were recorded in Erbil Governorate, while the Kirkuk Governorate in the north of the country recorded one death on June 3, calling on citizens to be careful and not to buy meat of unknown origin and to avoid mixing with livestock. This sounds an alarm, according to experts, who warn that the disease, which was confined to a number of governorates such as Dhi Qar in the south of the country, has begun to spread throughout the country. In the latest statistics revealed by the Iraqi Ministry of Health about a week ago, the ministry confirmed that hemorrhagic fever infections in the country amounted to 139 since the beginning of this year, including 20 deaths, calling on the Ministries of Interior and Municipalities to "address the issue of grazing, indiscriminate slaughter, and improper transportation of animals between cities and provinces." China: Avian Influenza The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food, and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel. The case involves a 54-year-old female living in Nanchong, Sichuan, who had exposure to live domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms. She developed symptoms on May 19] and was admitted for treatment on the same day. She is in serious condition. From 2014 to date, 84 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities. The Center for Disease Control of Dien Bien province informed that it had just received a case of a 2-year-old child suspected of having anthrax and not being exposed to the source of the disease. The leader of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Dien Bien province said that one more suspected case of anthrax was a child with diabetes, a 2-year-old living in Pu Xi commune, Tuan Giao district. Ghana: Anthrax The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council has banned the movement of ruminants following the outbreak of anthrax disease in 2 districts of the region. The communities that have so far recorded cases are Bansi in Binduri District and Sapeliga in the Bawku West District. In a press statement after an emergency meeting of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee on June 5, the Chief Director, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, indicated that with immediate effect, a ban has been placed on the movement of ruminants such as goats, sheep, pigs, cattle and dogs from the eastern corridor of the region. The affected districts are Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Pusiga, Garu, Tempane and Binduri districts. The Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) have been tasked to ensure that slaughtering, sale and consumption of cattle, sheep, goats and dogs are banned for a period of one month effective June 6. Additionally, the Police are to apprehend or arrest any person or group of persons who flout the directive. |
June 25, 2023Taiwan: Hantavirus A carpenter in his 50s in Lingya District, Kaohsiung City began to develop symptoms such as high fever, headache, back pain, and loss of appetite successively on May 24. He sought medical treatment at the clinic but did not get relief. It has now been confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a hantavirus infection. The anti-epidemic personnel captured 23 rats around his workplace and found a large number of rat tracks. It was determined that he might have been infected at work. This is the 1st case in Kaohsiung and the 3rd in the country. The Gao City Health Bureau stated that the case lived alone and had no recent history of going abroad. The place of activities on weekdays was at home and work. The epidemic prevention personnel started emergency prevention and control after receiving the report, and disinfected and exterminated rodents at the work place, residence and surrounding environment. Health and education information was issued to clean up the environment. The State Veterinary Surgeons' Association of Sri Lanka has warned that the lumpy skin disease which has been ravaging cattle in the North Western and North Central provinces is gradually spreading toward the Western Province. Noting that this could seriously impact the local milk production, Dr. Sisira Piyasiri has urged authorities to expedite the necessary vaccination program in the Central, North Western and Uva provinces where a high volume of milk production is done. Brazil: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever The Ministry of Health confirms the occurrence of 3 deaths from Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in Campinas/São Paulo, referring to an outbreak in the municipality. Through June 14, the Health Department of the state of São Paulo was waiting for laboratory confirmation of a possible 4th death from the disease in the region. Since the notification of cases, the Ministry of Health maintains contact with the state to monitor surveillance and assistance actions, providing technical support and assisting in carrying out the actions. The municipality of Campinas is an endemic area, and the seasonal period for the disease in the country extends from May to September. The transmission of RMSF occurs only through contact with a tick infected by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. There is no transmission from person to person. Timely treatment is essential to prevent more severe forms of the disease and deaths. Philippines: Japanese Encephalitis A total of 4 people have died of Japanese encephalitis and the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has recorded 10 more people who have fallen ill with it. Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) which can be transmitted through bites from mosquitoes called Culex tritaeniorhynchus that live in rural/agricultural areas such as rice-growing and pig-farming regions. Most people who get infected experience mild or no symptoms. In people who develop severe disease, early symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. These symptoms may be followed by disorientation, coma, and seizures. Seizures are commoner in children. The Veterinary Department in Kakamega has issued a quarantine notice in Likuyani to control the spread of Anthrax disease, which has been reported in the sub county. Joseph Gathungu from the Directorate of Veterinary Services who is in charge of disease control said livestock movement will be restricted until the outbreak of the disease is contained. Speaking at the Agricultural Society of Kenya Kakamega Show, Gathungu said the Quarantine notice is one of the ways the department controls the spread of livestock diseases. He noted that apart from quarantine notices, the department carries out vaccinations, and issues movement permit books to monitor movement of cattle from one county to another. Vietnam: Anthrax In early June, Lai Chau recorded 3 cases of anthrax in humans in Chan Nua commune, Sin Ho district. Through testing, anthrax bacteria were detected in samples of dead buffalo meat and soil samples at buffalo slaughter households. The 3 patients belong to 6 households of Phieng Diem and Chieng Chan villages of Chan Nua commune. The Center for Disease Control of Lai Chau Province in collaboration with the Sin Ho District Health Center monitored the patients, took samples for testing and treated the environment, and increased awareness to the public about the danger of the disease. In the coming days, Lai Chau will continue to strengthen communication about the dangers of anthrax, and measures to prevent anthrax, and spread the word to people about not slaughtering, not eating, not using, and not trading in products from infected animals. Encouraging people to clean the environment and housing, regularly wash their hands with soap, eat cooked food and drink boiled water. People with symptoms of suspected disease should immediately go to medical facilities for timely examination and treatment. Ghana: Anthrax The Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly (ASEMA) has confiscated some meat products suspected to be infected with anthrax bacteria at Kasoa's new market. The products included legs, ribs, tail, head, and other parts of the cow. Following the outbreak of the disease in the Upper East Region, the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC) ordered a ban on the sales and transportation of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. This measure is to control and avert the spread of the disease and its devastating impact on the lives of animals and human beings. Subsequently, some suspected unwholesome smoked beef displayed on the market was confiscated amid protests from owners. United States: Brucellosis The Wyoming state veterinarian received confirmation from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Ames, Iowa, that 7 cattle originating in a herd from Sweetwater County, Wyoming, were positive for brucellosis. The brucellosis-positive cattle, also known as reactors, were initially identified at the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory (WSVL) in Laramie. The herd was identified on a routine slaughter sample submitted as part of Wyoming's voluntary custom slaughter brucellosis surveillance program. The sample indicated a possible brucellosis reactor, prompting testing of the herd. Although the herd is located in Sweetwater County, there are several links to Wyoming's designated surveillance area (DSA), where a brucellosis reservoir in elk persists. The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB), in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is conducting an epidemiologic investigation into the source of the herd's brucellosis exposure. A quarantine was placed on the herd following the results from WSVL. Russia: Brucellosis A new focus of brucellosis has been detected in the Dzhidinsky district of Buryatia. The disease was confirmed in 42 cattle. According to the Republic's Veterinary Administration, this is the 2nd outbreak in the Dzhidinsky district. The 1st one was found on an adjacent farm. "Possible causes of brucellosis in animals can be unauthorized importation of a sick animal into the farm, contact with a wild infected animal, or grazing of livestock with already infected livestock," the veterinary department clarified. As Baikal-Daily reported, the 1st focus of brucellosis in the Dzhidinsky district was detected at the end of May -- for the 1st time in Buryatia since 2020, when 21 cows were killed. The farm is now under quarantine. The veterinary service conducts a clinical examination of animals; disinfection barriers have been installed. According to veterinary rules, to prevent further spread of the disease, infected cattle are killed and disposed of. South Korea: Q Fever An analysis came out that Q fever, a zoonotic disease with a high fatality rate, is likely to become sporadically prevalent in Korea, so it is necessary to be alert. Q fever is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and was designated as a notifiable infectious disease in Korea in 2006. When infected with Q fever, fever, muscle pain, chills, and acute hepatitis similar to influenza appear, and about 5% of infected patients progress to chronic Q fever, which presents as endocarditis or vascular infection, and active disease management is important as it has a mortality rate of about 20%, even with appropriate treatment. The main source of infection is milk, urine, or calving products of cows, sheep, and goats infected with Q fever, but infection can also be mediated through wild animals, pets, birds, and ticks. Humans are infected through inhalation of germs converted into aerosols (fine particles), and these aerosols can spread up to 5 to 15 km from the source of infection. Although there have been cases of infection in hospitals after a pregnant woman infected in a foreign country gave birth, human-to-human transmission is considered extremely rare. United States: Malaria The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota and Manatee counties confirmed a 2nd case of malaria on the Suncoast and has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert. The 1st case was reported on May 26; that patient has been treated and has recovered, health officials say. Since then, a 2nd case has been reported and that patient is currently undergoing treatment. The health department is advising residents on the Suncoast to take precautions, such as wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, applying bug spray, and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active. Both counties are conducting aerial and ground mosquito spraying to reduce the risk of further cases. Afghanistan: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever In the previous month, 3 cases of Congo fever, also known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), were reported by Takhar Provincial Hospital's medical staff, one of which resulted in patient death. According to Afghan officials, the other 2 were sent to the infectious diseases Hospital in Kabul for medical treatment. According to officials, 91 persons in Afghanistan had been infected with the disease the previous week. Authorities added that 7 people have passed away so far this summer. The authorities added that they are trying to stop the disease's spread. "We are fully prepared because this disease is not new, and we have better measures in Takhar provincial hospital than in the past," said Hayatullah Emami, director of Takhar Provincial Hospital. In Mazar-e-Sharif city's Abu Ali Sinai Balkhi Hospital, 2 people died from Congo fever last month, while Faryab and Jawzjan saw 10 confirmed cases. |
July 14, 2023United States: Anthrax The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirms the state's 1st anthrax case in animals in more than a decade in Kittson County, affecting multiple cattle and a horse, and has quarantined the affected property. The Board recommends producers keep their livestock up to date on anthrax vaccinations, especially in northwest Minnesota. Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which can emerge in greater concentrations after rainstorms, flooding, or excavation. The disease has been concentrated in northwest Minnesota in the past. |
Dec. 15, 2023Ghana: Avian Influenza The Ashaiman Municipality in the Greater Accra Region has recorded massive cases of avian influenza (bird flu). A total of 7,947 birds, mainly fowls, had so far died within the Irrigation Development Authority (IDA) enclave in the municipality since November. Avian influenza or bird flu is a disease caused by infection and spread among birds to human and can cause fatalities. United States: Chronic Wasting Disease First report of CWD in Kentucky, in a 2.5y/o buck from Ballard County, which borders both Illinois and Missouri. On Dec. 7, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife announced a positive case of CWD was detected in Kentucky. The confirmed case was found in a 2.5-year-old male white-tailed deer collected in Ballard County. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has a CWD Response Plan calling for the implementation of specific measures following a positive CWD detection in Kentucky. In response to a new detection within KY, this response plan was enacted on Dec. 16 and aims to contain, reduce, and eliminate the spread of CWD in Kentucky. Previously, KDFWR's response plan was enacted in September 2021 in response to a detection within 10 miles from its border. CWD is an untreatable disease of the brain and nervous systems caused by a protein called a prion. It kills white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, caribou, and moose. CWD is highly contagious and has spread widely across deer and elk populations in North America over the last 2 decades. United States: Avian Influenza The Georgia Department of Agriculture and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a duck breeding facility in south Georgia tested positive for Avian Influenza. According to officials, the facility in Sumter County has the 1st positive case of bird flu in a waterfowl flock in the state. Bird flu does not pose a risk to the food supply, and none of the affected animals have entered the food chain. "For the 1st time in 2023, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial Duck breeding operation in Georgia," Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. "Our team of Animal Health Specialists responded immediately by quarantining the affected premises, beginning depopulation of all birds on site to prevent further spread of the disease, and they continue to monitor all other flocks within the control area. While HPAI does not represent a significant threat to humans or the safety of our food supply, its impact on poultry is devastating, and we'll continue to work overtime with our partners at APHIS to protect Georgia's poultry industry." As pork lechon, ham, and other pork dishes are the favorite Noche Buena food of many Bicolano families, the Department of Agriculture in Bicol is warning the consuming public to buy only meat from meat vendors who can show a Certificate of Meat Inspection, or COMI, or Meat Inspection Certificate. Or look for the seal of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) on raw pork meats. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), ASF [African swine fever] virus can live for 105 days in raw ground pork, 30 days in smoked meat, 300 days in dried meat, 1,000 days in frozen pork meat, 182 days in salted meat, 110 days in chilled meat, 105 days in offal, 300 days in skin and fats of raw meat, 18 months in blood stains in refrigerators, 15 days in blood of infected hog, and 11 days in manure of ASF-affected hog. Some hogs will not manifest symptoms of ASF until 4 to 19 days. According to the World Animal Health (WOAH), the incubation period of the ASF virus is 4-19 days. Some ASF-infected hogs show symptoms such as red, discolored skin or skin lesions, diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, difficulty breathing, heavy discharge from the eyes and nose, and loss of appetite. Infected hogs may die within 2 to 10 days, and oftentimes, mortality is 100% of all hog population. Bangladesh: Dengue Bangladesh has registered 537 new hospitalizations due to dengue in a day, taking the tally this year to 316,160. The death toll from the mosquito-borne disease rose by 2 to 1,643 in a 24-hour count. Of the patients newly hospitalized with the disease, 120 cases were in Dhaka, while 458 were outside the capital. Currently, 2,571 patients are hospitalized with dengue. Of them, 675 are in Dhaka and 1,896 are outside the capital. The dengue outbreak has been significantly worse this year than in previous years. Experts have blamed a prolonged monsoon and rising temperature, along with a lack of effective measures to kill the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the known carrier of the virus, for the outbreak. China: African Swine Fever The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced that samples taken from a pig farm in Yuen Long had tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) virus. An AFCD spokesman said, "AFCD staff inspected a licensed pig farm at San Tin, Yuen Long, and took samples from 30 pigs for testing. Results showed that samples from 19 pigs tested positive for ASF virus. The AFCD has immediately suspended transportation of any pigs from the farm concerned until further notice according to the contingency plan on ASF. The AFCD is arranging culling of all pigs, totaling over 900, on the farm concerned for the sake of prudence. The culling operations will commence early next week." India : Leishmaniasis After missing the deadline thrice, India is poised to achieve the elimination target for visceral leishmaniasis, or kala azar, this year with no block in the country reporting more than one case per 10,000 people. In October, Bangladesh became the 1st country in the world to be officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating kala azar as a public health problem. India now needs to sustain its momentum over the next 3 years in order to receive the WHO certification. "With the elimination target just a year away, the team started working rigorously after the pandemic. And we started to see the results. We haven't seen more than one case per 10,000 population in any of the blocks since January this year," said Rajiv Manjhi, the joint secretary overseeing kala azar and other vector-borne infection programs. Kala azar is a parasitic infection transmitted by sandflies. It causes fever, weight loss, and spleen and liver enlargement. Left untreated, it can be fatal in 95% of cases. Germany: Zika Virus On Nov. 21, 2 patients presented at a hospital with acute symptomatic Zika virus infection after a 3-week trip to Thailand. The 34-year-old woman complained of headaches, arthralgia, fatigue, painful lymph nodes, night sweats and a rash. Her 33-year-old partner had similar symptoms with headaches, limb pains, night sweats commencing 1-2 days earlier, and a rash. Both had no fever. On presentation they complained of limb pains, itchy rash, fatigue and painful lymph nodes. On examination, the woman had still palmar erythema and generalized strikingly tender borderline enlarged lymph nodes. The man presented with a slight exanthema on his trunk. Both patients had been visiting southern Thailand. Bangladesh: Nipah virus This year in Bangladesh, the Nipah virus has claimed the lives of 10 individuals, marking the highest death toll from the infection in 7 years. Besides, an additional 14 people have been diagnosed with the virus. Narsingdi [district] recorded this year's 1st Nipah virus patient, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research (IEDCR). During a discussion titled "Spread and Risks of the Nipah Virus" held at the IEDCR headquarters Dec. 10, it was revealed that, for the 1st time this year, the virus has been detected in breast milk. During the winter, a festivity surrounding date juice contributes to the spread of a deadly disease across the country. Consequently, researchers and doctors have advised against consuming date juice. "Nipah virus spreads through bat secretions or saliva. Consuming contaminated raw date palm sap can also lead to the transmission of this virus. Infected individuals can transmit the virus to members of their families or healthcare workers," said Professor Tahmina Shirin, director at the IEDCR. Zambia: Anthrax Zambia has reported its largest anthrax outbreak for a decade, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of late November, 684 suspected cases and 4 deaths have been recorded. A large-scale outbreak occurred in 2011 with 511 suspected cases. Anthrax is caused by a spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. It does not typically spread from person to person. When anthrax spores are ingested from contaminated animal products, inhaled, or enter the body through skin cuts, they can germinate, multiply, and produce toxins. Depending on the type of exposure, symptoms can appear within a few hours to 3 weeks. Cutaneous or skin anthrax presents with an itchy bump in the exposed area that develops into a black sore. Some people then get headaches, muscle aches, fever, and vomiting. Gastrointestinal anthrax causes initial symptoms similar to food poisoning but can worsen to severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Canada: Strangles Four horses in Ontario have been confirmed positive for strangles, and 2 additional cases are suspected. The horses live in the Regional Municipality of Halton and Bruce County. In the Regional Municipality of Halton, a 19-year-old Warmblood gelding was confirmed positive after developing a unilateral nasal discharge. The pasture mate, who was not showing clinical signs, was also confirmed positive. A 3rd horse has developed submandibular lymph node abscessation. All 3 horses are in isolation. In Bruce County, 3 horses developed nasal discharge, and 2 of the 3 developed submandibular lymph node enlargement. Two horses tested positive for Streptococcus equi on bacterial culture. The horses are under voluntary quarantine. Strangles in horses is an infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Brazil: Avian Influenza Nearly 1,000 seals and sea lions in southern Brazil have died from bird flu outbreaks, say authorities, who are scrambling to isolate the deadly virus from commercial poultry flocks. The southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul has confirmed an unprecedented 942 sea mammal deaths following infection by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which was reported for the 1st time ever in the South American country this year. Oceanographer Silvina Botta, at the Rio Grande Federal University (FURG), said the carcasses have to be buried or incinerated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of contaminating humans or other animals. |
Dec. 20, 2023Taiwan: Malaria The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the country's first death from malaria in 18 years, noting it was an imported case. The case was a Taiwanese businessman in his 50s who developed symptoms 2 days after returning to Taiwan from Nigeria, according to a CDC press release. Six days after returning to Taiwan, he died of complications related to malaria, which led to brain lesions and septic shock. At a press conference, CDC physician Lin Yung-ching said that the man was from southern Taiwan. He was in Nigeria from mid-to-late October for about 24 days but did not take preventative medication for malaria. Two days after returning to Taiwan, he developed a high fever, chills, and other symptoms. He went to a clinic for treatment the next day, but his symptoms did not improve. He also developed pain and tightness in his chest, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, and other symptoms. When he went to seek medical treatment, he was found to have palpitations, hypotension, and a fever. South Korea: Avian Influenza The government on Dec. 13 confirmed 2 additional highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) cases at chicken farms, the latest in a series of infections nationwide. A highly pathogenic H5N1 AI strain was found at a poultry farm in the southwestern city of Iksan, which raised around 130,000 chickens, while a separate case was confirmed at a nearby farm, which raised some 75,000 chickens, according to the agriculture ministry. The latest outbreak brought the total number of AI cases this winter season to 10. The country confirmed the season's 1st highly pathogenic avian influenza case, which broke out after an 8-month hiatus. Health authorities cordoned off the farms and implemented quarantine measures, including the culling of chickens there. They also issued a standstill order for 36 hours. India: Malaria A sudden surge in the number of malarial infections on a tea estate in Jalpaiguri [district in West Bengal state] has prompted the district health administration to send health teams to the garden and also pass an alert that residents dwelling in other parts of the district should refrain from visiting the tea estate until the situation comes under control. Sources said in the past one month, more than 60 persons have been detected with malaria in Bamandanga-Tondu, a tea garden in Nagrakata block of the district. "In this year, 92 cases of malaria have been reported from the tea gardens. However, 72 cases were detected in the past one month. Teams have been sent to curb the infection. We are also distributing mosquito nets in association with the block administration," said Irfan Mollah Hossain, the block medical officer of health (BMOH) of Nagrakata. India: Kyasanur Forest Disease A case of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) was detected at Attisara village in Tirthahalli taluk Dec. 14. Confirming the development to The New Indian Express, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Rajesh Suragihalli said the patient is a 53-year-old woman. She had a fever and tested positive for KFD. The patient has been admitted to JC Hospital in Tirthahalli and will be under observation for the next 5 days. KFD is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to the southwestern part of India. The disease is caused by a virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae. KFDV is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera) which act as a reservoir of KFDV. Canada: Equine Herpesvirus Equestrian events in Nova Scotia have been cancelled to prevent the spread of equine herpesvirus-1. CBC News reported cancellations came after an outbreak killed 4 horses. The 4 horses were at the same barn, according to Dr. Trevor Lawson, an equine practitioner in Nova Scotia and the president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Lab results confirmed 1 case while the other 3 are presumptive positives. "I think any time we see neurologic disease in horses, it's a very serious incident. Quite often it does not go well," Lawson told CBC News. Half of all horses who get the disease will die, Lawson said. Equine herpesvirus-1 is highly transmissible. Brazil: Yellow Fever After recording a death from yellow fever, Amazonas health agency warns about vaccination against the disease. The man was from Presidente Figueiredo, in the Manaus Metropolitan Region, and died 15 days after the onset of symptoms. The Amazonas Health Surveillance Foundation issued an alert for vaccination against yellow fever. According to the agency, the patient was from Presidente Figueiredo, in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus, was between 20 and 30 years old, and had no co-morbidities. He worked in the rural area of the municipality and had been vaccinated against the disease in 2015. In October of this year, the man began to have a fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. He was taken to a hospital in Manaus but died 15 days after the onset of symptoms. Algeria: Foot and Mouth Disease Due to the seriousness of the disease and to limit it to a specific area and prevent its spread, the governor of the state of M'Sila issued a decision that includes the temporary closure of livestock markets and preventing the gathering of animals across the territory of the state. This decision comes after it was confirmed that livestock in an agricultural farm in the Khettouti Sed El Djir commune was infected with foot-and-mouth disease. According to the governor's statement, to avoid the spread of a disease, it was temporarily decided, depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation of foot-and-mouth disease, to close all weekly and daily livestock markets and to prohibit all animal gatherings across the territory of the state until the animal health situation stabilizes. The movement of animals, especially sensitive animals (cows, goats and sheep), will also be subject to conditions, including the possession of a health certificate proving the safety of livestock from foot-and-mouth disease. Argentina: Western Equine Encephalitis The National Ministry of Health reports that positive results for Western equine encephalitis (WEE) were obtained in samples from a patient residing in the department of General Obligado, Santa Fe province, where the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) previously registered cases of the disease in horses. This is the 1st case in humans in decades. Based on the epidemiological alert that the National Ministry of Health issued, as a result of the appearance of cases in horses, epidemiological surveillance in humans was initiated. The diagnosis was obtained from samples sent by the Olga Stucky de Rizzi Public Hospital, in Reconquista, where the patient is hospitalized and is progressing favorably. In this framework, the case was approached as suspicious due to the symptoms presented and the history of residence in a region where there were confirmed cases in horses. Western equine encephalitis is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes that act as vectors, mainly in rural areas. |