Outbreak News Today

In a major scientific study published in the journal Cell, scientists at the UNC School of Medicine and the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health have characterized the specific ways in which SARS-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 – infects the nasal cavity to a great degree – replicating specific cell types – and […]The post SARS-CoV-2: Researchers map infection in cells of respiratory tract appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Dengue fever Singapore health officials continue to report a rise in dengue fever cases in 2020. Through May 29, officials report more than 8,800 cases, after reporting 576 new cases last week. This is the fourth consecutive week the city-state has reported in excess of 500 cases. Singapore has just entered the warmer […]The post Singapore dengue and COVID-19 updates appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Keeping at least one metre from other people as well as wearing face coverings and eye protection, in and outside of health-care settings, could be the best way to reduce the chance of viral infection or transmission of COVID-19, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing all the available evidence from the scientific literature, […]The post COVID-19 spread prevention: Comprehensive review of physical distancing, face masks and eye protection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Health authorities in Argentina have reported a record year as far as dengue fever goes. In 2020 to date, more than 70,000 total cases, 41,754 confirmed cases and 24 deaths, surpassing the number seen in 2016 during the same period. The average notifications for the last two weeks of April and the first […]The post Argentina reports record dengue fever season appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews As the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) attempts top wind down the nearly two-year long Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the north eastern part of the country, health officials reported today on another outbreak, the country’s 11th since 1976, in the north western province of Équateur. The Ministry of Health reports […]The post Ebola: Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 11th outbreak, Reported in Équateur province appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new feline virus called fechavirus was discovered to be the cause of a outbreak of feline diarrhea and vomiting at the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) in 2018. The finding of the research and discovery is published in the journal, Viruses. According to the BC SPCA, staff […]The post Fechavirus, a new cat virus, cause of 2018 outbreak of feline diarrhea and vomiting appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Russian Health Ministry reports 9,268 new COVID-19 cases, bring the country total to 405,843. Moscow continues to account for the most cases with greater than 180,000 to date. Officials note an additional 138 fatalities, bringing the total to 4,693. On Saturday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the ChemRar Group announced […]The post COVID-19 in Russia: 400K cases, Avifavir approved for treatment appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan increased by 3,039 new cases and 88 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the country totals to 69,496 cases and 1483 deaths through Sunday. The most affected province due to COVID-19 pandemic is Sindh 27,360, followed by Punjab 25,056. 78% of the total positive cases are men […]The post Pakistan: COVID-19 outbreak, mandatory masks and locusts appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Perak State Health Department has reported a significant increase in chikungunya cases in the state during the first five months of 2020. Perak Health Department director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming said 454 cases of the mosquito-borne viral infection chikungunya have been reported in Perak from January until last Saturday. This is […]The post Malaysia: Dramatic increase in chikungunya cases in Perak state appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Costa Rica Ministry of Health has reported 2,689 dengue fever cases year to date. This is triple the number of cases reported during the same period last year (920). Dengue serotypes 1 and 2 are circulating in the country. In Pérez Zeledón canton, authorities declared a dengue outbreak as 215 cases were […]The post Costa Rica reports triple the dengue cases compared to last year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Swedish health authorities said last week that sampling and testing for COVID-19 infection detection in the elderly care, both among the elderly and among the staff, is desirable and required for early detection and prevention of the spread of infection. The Public Health Authority now publishes support for how sampling can be organized […]The post Sweden: COVID-19 testing for elderly care residents and staff, Recommendations for high schools, sports withdrawn appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Philippines health officials reported an additional 590 confirmed COVID-19 cases today, bringing the country total to 17,224. The number of daily confirmed cases has risen as a result of increased testing and the Department of Health’s (DOH) aggressive efforts to catch up on the testing backlog, according to Health OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario […]The post Philippines: COVID-19 cases rise as testing increased, clearing of backlog appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Brazil Ministry of Health (MOH) is registering nearly a half-million coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19 cases (498,440) through Saturday. Officials report approximately 40 percent of those infected (200,000) have recovered and the country has recorded 28,834 deaths. The MOH says the Central Public Health Laboratories (LACEN) has increased testing capacity significantly since […]The post Brazil COVID-19 cases near 500K, Public health labs increase testing capacity appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Health officials in Russia have reported (computer translated) two laboratory-confirmed cases of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever were confirmed among residents of Krasnosulinsky and Tselinsky districts. 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 […]The post Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF): Two additional cases reported in Russia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In an update on the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), no new cases were reported during the week May 20-26. Since the resurgence of the outbreak on 10 April 2020, seven confirmed cases have been reported from Kasanga, Malepe and Kanzulinzuli Health Areas in Beni […]The post Ebola: Outbreak update, Vaccine recommended for approval in EU appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread malaria parasite worldwide, with up to two billion people at risk of infection. As well as causing illness and death in its ‘active’ stage of infection, the parasite can hide as hypnozoites, a dormant stage, in the liver, and is a significant cause of ‘relapsing’ malaria. These hypnozoites, undetectable with […]The post Plasmodium vivax: Serological exposure markers can detect recent infections appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported an additional 617 COVID-19 cases and 78 deaths. This brings the Commonwealth’s totals to 95,512 cases and 6,718 deaths of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Middlesex County has reported the most cases with 20,972 followed by Suffolk (17,786), Essex (13,994) and Worcester (10,816) counties. On Thursday, the Boston […]The post Massachusetts COVID-19 cases top 95K, Boston Marathon goes virtual appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced this week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for a new pediatric formulation of SIRTURO® (bedaquiline). SIRTURO® is now indicated for use as part of combination therapy in the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (5 years and older and weighing at least […]The post FDA approves Sirturo for treating children with pulmonary multidrug-resistant TB appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Through Friday, Costa Rica health officials reported a total of 1022 confirmed cases, with an age range of zero to 89 years. There are 480 women and 542 men, of whom 830 are Costa Rican and 192 foreigners. Ten deaths have been reported– one woman and nine men with an age range of 45 to […]The post Costa Rica: COVID-19 cases top 1,000, Third phase of reopening appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews While most of the attention on infectious diseases in Brazil is focused on the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the country (465,000 cases and 28,000 deaths), other outbreaks are making their mark in the largest South America country. This include some one million dengue fever cases and by far the most measles […]The post Brazil sees more than 3,000 confirmed measles cases in 1st five months of 2020 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Thailand Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a national warning over dengue fever this week. Since the beginning of the year, 14,136 patients from all 77 Thailand provinces have been reported. 11 deaths have been recorded. The five provinces with the highest cases per 100,000 population include Rayong (73.00 per 100,000 population), […]The post Thailand dengue: National warning issued appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As if the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t scary enough, the flu season is not far away. How severe will the flu season be as it converges with the COVID-19 outbreak? What can we do to prepare? Dr. Benjamin Singer, a Northwestern Medicine pulmonologist who treats COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit, outlines the best defense […]The post When COVID-19 meets flu season appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews On Friday, March 6, 2020, the first case of coronavirus in Peru was confirmed. As of May 28, 2020, 141,779 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. Lima continues to be the region with the highest number of COVID-19 infected to date with 87,478. The number of COVID-19 related fatalities has now reached 4099. To […]The post Peru COVID-19 update: ‘We continue at a very critical moment regarding the disease situation’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Mass testing Norway’s Institute of Public Health announced this week (computer translated) that it does not recommend testing large groups of healthy people, such as all employees in a company, for COVID-19. Now that there is little spread of coronavirus in Norway, such testing has no purpose. Not long ago, health officials planned […]The post Norway COVID-19: Widespread testing ‘has no purpose’, Health director says lockdowns were unnecessary appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the second time in May 2020, The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has reported an additional human case of West Nile virus (WNV) local transmission infection in a Miami-Dade resident. WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the […]The post Miami-Dade County reports 2nd West Nile virus case this month appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Clinical-stage, natural killer cell-based therapeutics company, NantKwest and ImmunityBio, a privately-held immunotherapy company announced ImmunityBio has been selected to participate in Operation Warp Speed, a new national program aiming to provide substantial quantities of safe, effective vaccine for Americans by January 2021. Efforts will focus on the development, testing, and large-scale manufacturing of ImmunityBio’s COVID-19 […]The post COVID-19: ImmunityBio vaccine part of ‘Operation Warp Speed’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new University of Florida study published this week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene adds to the body of research demonstrating that DEET is safe for humans when used according to manufacturer instructions. “DEET is one of the most widely used insect repellants in the U.S., yet the existing literature regarding […]The post DEET: Safe for humans when used according to manufacturer instructions, according to University of Florida study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Brazil Ministry of Health recorded approximately 20,000 new coronavirus disease 2019 cases in the past 24 hours, eclipsing the 400,000 case mark with 411,821 through Wednesday. The Ministry reported on the recovery of 166,647 people, a number that represents 40.5% of the total confirmed cases in the country. To date, the country […]The post Brazil: COVID-19 cases top 400,000, Deaths projected to be 125K by August appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

One of the most commonly used diagnostic tools, particularly during this pandemic, is the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR), which uses a person’s respiratory sample to detect viral particles and determine if the person may have been exposed to a virus. Laboratory professionals across the U.S. and the globe have used RT-PCR to […]The post COVID-19 RT-PCR testing: Beware of false negatives, researchers caution appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Approximately 2,000 US cases of malaria are diagnosed annually. Without appropriate treatment, about 15 percent become severe. Mortality from untreated severe malaria (particularly cerebral malaria) approaches 100 percent. On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Artesunate for Injection to Amivas, a Maryland company specializing in treatments for rare and neglected tropical diseases. Joining me […]The post Severe malaria treatment receives FDA approval appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Two men from Kampong Speu province, Cambodia died after they ingested poisonous puffer fish Monday, according to a Phnom Penh Post report. In addition to the two fatalities, two women and one man from Srae Ken village recovered at the hospital. The group apparently caught the fish at O Toang Veal Lvea dam before preparing […]The post Cambodia: Puffer fish poisoning kills two in Kampong Speu province appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Frederick, Maryland company specializing in treatments for rare and neglected tropical diseases, Amivas, announced Tuesday that Artesunate for Injection 110 mg, powder and solvent for solution has received marketing approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Artesunate for Injection is indicated for the initial treatment of severe malaria in adult and […]The post Malaria: FDA approves artesunate for injection to treat severe forms appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

How hepatitis A virus (HAV) manages to enter liver cells called hepatocytes and initiate infection had remained a mystery for fifty years until now. University of North Carolina School of Medicine researchers designed experiments using gene-editing tools to discover how molecules called gangliosides serve as de facto gatekeepers to allow the virus entry into liver […]The post UNC researchers discover gatekeeper to hepatitis A virus infection of human cells appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In a follow-up on a post from April, officials in Ethiopia are reporting at least seven suspected human cases of dracunculiasis, or Guinea worm infections, in recent weeks. The cases come from Duli village, Gog district in the Gambella region. The last cases in Ethiopia were reported in December 2017. Worm specimens from […]The post Ethiopia reports 7 suspected Guinea worm cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The World Health Organization (WHO) reported receiving On 28 April 2020, WHO received information regarding a confirmed yellow fever case in Mango village, Oti district, Savanes region in the northern part of Togo in late April. The case is a 55-year old female with no travel or vaccination history for yellow fever. On […]The post Africa: Confirmed yellow fever case in northern Togo appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Country update The Russian Ministry of Health has reported through May 26, 362,342 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 3,807 deaths. Some 131,000 people have recovered from their illness. More than 9 million tests for the virus have been performed. The city of Moscow has reported 169,303 cases, followed by the Moscow region (35,163) and […]The post Russia COVID-19 update, 1st case reported in a cat appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Two additional H9N2 influenza cases have been reported in China, according to a Taiwan CDC release Monday (computer translated). One case was a 6-year-old boy in Weihai City, Shandong Province who had an onset on April 28 and the second case is a 10-month-old baby boy in Xiamen, Fujian Province with onset on […]The post China reports two additional H9N2 avian flu cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Biotechnology company, Novavax, Inc. today announced enrollment of the first participants in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX‑CoV2373, a stable, prefusion protein made using its proprietary nanoparticle technology. NVX‑CoV2373 includes Novavax’ proprietary Matrix‑M™ adjuvant to enhance immune responses and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Preliminary immunogenicity and safety results […]The post COVID-19 vaccine: Novavax initiates Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Hepatitis A Victoria Health Deputy Chief Health Officer, Dr Angie Bone issued a health advisory Friday due to an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Victoria affecting predominantly people who use drugs, as well as people experiencing homelessness. As of 6 May 2020, there have been 56 confirmed cases and 6 possible cases of […]The post Australia: Victoria hepatitis A, Melbourne café salmonella outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The Ukrainian Information Service reports (computer translated) two cases of foodborne botulism in the Podolsky district of the Odessa region. According to the report, five people had the meal of smoked fish, home-cooked silver carp, in which a husband and wife couple contracted the intoxication. The status of the patients is not reported. Laboratory diagnosis […]The post Botulism reported in Ukrainian couple, Linked to smoked fish appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Mexico health officials reported (computer translated) an additional 2,764 COVID-19 cases on Sunday and a record 3,329 additional cases on Saturday, bringing the total cases in the country to 68,620. More than 400 COVID-19 related deaths were reported over the weekend, bringing the death toll to 7,394. Almost 70% of people who have […]The post Mexico City COVID-19 death toll nears 2,000 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

South Korea is a standout in the current battle against COVID-19, largely due to its widespread testing and contact tracing; however, key to its innovation is publicly disclosing detailed information on the individuals who test positive for COVID-19. These measures prove more effective at reducing deaths among than comprehensive stay-home orders, according to new research […]The post South Korea COVID-19 response methods more effective than lockdowns: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Health officials in Finland report based on the epidemiological, medical and functional indicators, the COVID-19 epidemic has continued to slow compared to the previous two weeks. The weekly average of cases reported to the communicable diseases register has clearly fallen for more than a month. The incidence of new cases has also declined […]The post Finland: COVID-19 cases fallen for more than a month, risk of spread in schools is small appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Sweden’s Public Health Authority has launched a survey to measure and estimate how many in the community have had COVID-19. Blood samples are collected from laboratories in clinical chemistry and clinical immunology in nine regions: Jämtland, Jönköping, Kalmar, Skåne, Stockholm, Uppsala, Västerbotten, Västra Götaland and Örebro. The collection takes place during eight weeks in the […]The post COVID-19 antibody study in Sweden appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Over the past week, New Zealand health officials have reported one COVID-19 case over the past week. The last case since May 18 was reported on May 22 was linked to the St Margaret’s cluster in Auckland and is a household contact of an earlier case. The total number of confirmed cases of […]The post New Zealand reports one COVID-19 case in a week appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Case counts Brazil’s Ministry of Health is now reporting 363,211 COVID-19 cases through Sunday evening, securing the country the spot as nation with the second most cases globally. Officials say nearly 150,000 cases have recovered and death toll has risen to 22,666 (6.2% CFR). The health ministry says despite their “ranking” globally as […]The post Brazil COVID-19: 2nd most cases in the world, Trump’s travel ban appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Lyme disease can have unusual presentations. Physicians and the public should be aware of its different manifestations, as people spend more time outside in the warmer weather and as the areas in Canada where the black legged tick is found expand. Lyme disease can affect the heart (known as Lyme carditis), which can result in […]The post Canada: Fatal Lyme carditis case shows need for awareness of unusual symptoms appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews As of Sunday, 16,550 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Japan, including 820 deaths. Last Thursday, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the partial lifting of the state of emergency in much of Japan. “Based upon the assessment by the experts on the current situation such as the epidemiological situation and medical treatment […]The post Japan COVID-19: Plans to fully lift the state of emergency in Tokyo appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews South African health officials reported an additional 1240 COVID-19 cases Sunday, bringing the country total to 22,583- the most cases in Africa. Western Cape province has reported 2/3s of the cases with 14,470, followed by Gauteng (2773) and Eastern Cape (2690). 22 additional death were also recorded, giving South Africa a total death […]The post South Africa COVID-19 update: Mponeng gold mine closed, Don’t neglect malaria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Texas animal health officials reported receiving four new reports of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in equine and cattle– Hudspeth County, Kerr County, McMullen County and Zapata County. The VSV-infected animals have been isolated on their individual premises and are being monitored by their veterinarians. The four premises will remain under Texas Animal Health Commission […]The post Vesicular stomatitis confirmed on more Texas premises appeared first on Outbreak News Today.