Outbreak News Today

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The number of dengue fever cases and deaths are up sharply this year in Araguaína, northern Tocantins, according to a Sou de Palmas report (computer translated). 1,553 cases of dengue were confirmed from January to September this year, an increase of 352% over the same period last year. In addition, the number of […]The post Brazil: Dengue cases up 350 percent in Araguaína, Tocantins appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Earlier this month, officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. According to a World Health Organization release today, the patient is a 44-year-old male non-national farmer from Al Ain city, Abu Dhabi region, UAE. The patient has underlying comorbidities including diabetes […]The post MERS case confirmed in UAE, 1st in 17 months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Oklahoma The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced the first death caused by the flu in the state. The death occurred in Tulsa County in a patient who was 65 years of age and older. There have been 53 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported statewide. Persons of all ages have been hospitalized due to influenza; […]The post Oklahoma, South Carolina report 1st flu deaths appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In an update on the mumps outbreak at the College of Charleston, local media report seven additional outbreak cases, bringing the total to 18 since September. Officials say while most of these cases are not infectious, the college is expecting to see secondary cases of the virus at least until mid-November. In addition, […]The post College of Charleston mumps outbreak: 7 additional cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In a follow-up on the local Zika transmission situation in in Hyères city, Var department, France, health officials reported Wednesday (computer translated) an additional autochthonous case in an individual who resides in the close vicinity of the first two cases. The three cases had onset of symptoms in early/mid-August 2019, and all have […]The post France: 3rd local Zika virus case reported in Hyères city appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Central American countries in 2019 have seen an increased incidence of dengue fever, in fact, the cumulative incidence rate of dengue in the Central America region is higher than in the previous five previous years, with an incidence of more than 100 people with dengue per 100,000 people, according to the International Federation […]The post Dengue in Central America 2019: Incidence rate higher than in the previous five previous years appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Despite large declines since 1990 in child deaths from pneumonia and the flu, these and other lower respiratory infections (LRIs) remain a leading killer of children under age 5. A new scientific study finds LRIs responsible for one in seven child deaths globally. “Our findings reveal no ‘one size fits all’ solution exists to reduce […]The post Flu, pneumonia responsible for one in seven child deaths globally appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

GSK Brazil and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) today announced that the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) has granted Marketing Authorization Approval, under Priority Review, for single-dose tafenoquine (brand name Kozenis) for the radical cure (prevention of relapse) of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria in patients aged 16 years and older who are receiving chloroquine for acute P. […]The post Plasmodium vivax treatment: Brazil approves single-dose tafenoquine, or Kozenis for radical cure appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a $100,000 challenge to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS), a lethal fungus that has killed millions of bats in North America and pushed some native bat species to the brink of extinction. Funding will be awarded to individuals who identify innovative ways to permanently eradicate, weaken or disarm […]The post White-nose syndrome: FWS announces $100,000 challenge to save nation’s bats appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

To advance the development of a test that may be able to diagnose sepsis in less than 10 minutes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will partner with Cytovale of San Francisco. Under the cost-sharing agreement, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant […]The post Sepsis diagnostics: HHS to advance development of Cytovale rapid test appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In a follow-up on the dengue epidemic in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) is reporting an additional 10,000 or so cases since our last report. From the beginning of the year through Oct. 12, 360,646 dengue cases have been reported, including 1,373 deaths. This is up from 172,416 cases and 887 […]The post Philippines dengue outbreak continues rise, 360K cases to date appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Samoa In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Samoa, health authorities say there have been 15 confirmed cases, including three deaths. In addition, 314 suspected cases – most of them children under the age of four are being investigated. The government has also today ordered all preschools and day care centers closed […]The post Measles outbreaks in Samoa and Tonga appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Officials with New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are encouraging farmers in the center of the state to vaccinate their livestock following confirmation of the second case of anthrax for 2019. Drought conditions have created a favorable environment for anthrax infections and the most recent case occurred further west than […]The post Australia: Anthrax reported in New South Wales, Vaccination encouraged for livestock appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Health officials in San Diego County are reporting three mumps cases in three unrelated people at three different high school campuses in the county–High Tech High School International, La Jolla High School and San Pasqual High School. “We are working closely with school officials to inform the school communities about the symptoms of […]The post San Diego: 3 high schools report mumps cases, County reports the most cases in 25 years appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews North Dakota health officials have received reports showing multiple clusters of people with syphilis across the state, most recently in Stark and Cass Counties. A growing risk factor for these infections is illicit drug use, primarily methamphetamine, which can promote risky sexual behavior. In 2019, there have been 72 confirmed reports of people […]The post Syphilis: North Dakota reports clusters in Stark and Cass Counties appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Themis Bioscience and CEPI – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations – announced today the first administration to healthy volunteers in a Phase 1 clinical trial with Themis’ vaccine candidate against Lassa fever. The MV-LASV Lassa fever vaccine candidate, is based on Themis’ proprietary measles vector platform and exclusively-licensed discoveries made at Institut Pasteur. The MV-LASV […]The post Lassa Fever Vaccine: Phase 1 clinical trial begins appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Oklahoma state health officials report experiencing a 283% increase in the number of congenital syphilis cases in women since 2014. In addition, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is already seeing a 92% increase in the number of cases from 2018 to 2019, and is urging health care providers to test patients […]The post Oklahoma: Congenital Syphilis cases increasing at ‘an alarming rate’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews UK health officials have detected Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks in two areas of England. This is the first time the virus has been detected in ticks in the UK. Public Health England reports, the virus has been detected in a small number of ticks in Thetford Forest and an area on […]The post England: Tick-borne encephalitis virus reported for the first time in ticks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Guam health officials report confirming another locally transmitted dengue fever case this week, bringing the total to 11 for the year. The Guam Public Health Laboratory of the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to receive reports of suspect cases as a result of the department’s increased community outreach and […]The post Guam: Local dengue cases rise to 11 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Former US senator from North Carolina, Kay Hagan, died today from encephalitis caused by the tick-borne disease, Powassan virus, according to a Politico report. She served in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2015. She was 66. Hagan apparently contracted the viral infection in Washington in 2016. Powassan virus is transmitted to humans […]The post Powassan virus complications the cause of death of former Sen. Kay Hagan: Report appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Alabama state health officials reported the first human case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in 2019. The patient, a Baldwin County resident, became ill in September, has died. According to Dr. Sherri Davidson, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) interim state epidemiologist, just because the case counts are low for Alabama, it should […]The post Alabama report 1st human Eastern equine encephalitis of the year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The World Health Organization (WHO) released updated numbers of the malaria epidemic in Burundi and the total cases has eclipsed 7 million for 2019. From 1 January to 20 October 2019, a cumulative total of 7,233,138 malaria cases with 2,691 deaths (case fatality ratio 0.03%) have been reported across the country. An average […]The post Burundi malaria cases top 7 million appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Measles In an update on the measles outbreak in Ukraine, 45 additional people became ill with measles during the past week, which includes 18 adults and 27 children. During the week most new measles cases were registered in Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia and Odesa regions. Since the summer of 2017, more than 115,000 people have […]The post Ukraine: More measles, Diphtheria vaccination coverage appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan reports that since late September, Sudan has seen 193 Rift Valley Fever (RVF) cases, including four deaths. The cases were reported from Red Sea, River Nile and Khartoum states. More than half have been reported from Red Sea State. The State Ministry […]The post Rift Valley fever outbreak in Sudan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In an update on the dengue fever outbreak in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services reported an additional 251 cases on Sunday, bringing the total for the month to 7,168 and for the year to 95,121. In addition, the official dengue death toll stands at 107; however, unofficial and local media numbers […]The post Bangladesh dengue outbreak update appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Philippines health officials reported Monday on a third confirmed polio case in the country. The case is a four-year old female from Datu Piang in the Province of Maguindanao who did not receive any dose of the oral polio vaccine (OPV). The patient was initially reported as a case of acute flaccid paralysis […]The post Philippines reports 3rd polio case, this one in Maguindanao province appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The next Ebola outbreak could be predicted using a new UCL-developed model that tracks how changes to ecosystems and human societies combine to affect the spread of the deadly infectious disease. The model could help policymakers to decide where to target vaccine deployment, or develop healthcare infrastructure, to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks […]The post Ebola outbreaks: UCL-developed model may predict next one appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In this video, I look at some of the important infectious disease outbreaks in the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria. The recent yellow fever outbreak in Bauchi State, with the epicenter being the Yankari game reserve of Alkaleri LGA. In addition, I examine the outbreak in the country outside of Bauchi. A monkeypox outbreak […]The post Nigeria outbreaks 2019 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Oregon state and local health officials are reporting two measles exposures linked to an individual with the disease who passed through Portland International Airport earlier this month. The two cases, a Lane County resident and a visitor to Washington County, have been diagnosed with measles. The two new cases reportedly were on the […]The post Oregon: Measles exposures linked to Portland International Airport appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews While the dengue fever epidemic in the Philippines is the largest in the last ten years and more than double last years total, the province of Pangasinan has only seen a slight increase this year. The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 7,566 dengue cases from January 1 to October 21, marking a […]The post Philippines: Dengue cases up slightly in Pangasinan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In a follow-up to a report from August, Kalamazoo County health officials report investigating eleven cases – ten confirmed and one possible – of the serious and rare disseminated gonococcal infections (DGI). DGI can occur following a sexually transmitted gonorrhea infection. Symptoms may include fever, chills, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. DGI can […]The post Michigan: 11 disseminated gonorrhea infections investigated in Kalamazoo County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Davao City In a follow-up on the polio vaccination campaign in Davao City, the City Health Office (CHO) says its anti-polio immunization already hit 95 percent of its target since it started on October 14. The immunization drive will continue through Sunday. Technical division chief with the CHO, Dr. Julinda Acosta said, […]The post Polio vaccination: Davao hits 95 percent coverage, Campaign starts in Dagupan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Kansas and federal officials are reporting Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) cases in horses in Sherman County, making Kansas the eighth state to report confirmed cases of VSV this year. Three of 5 horses on the premises are showing clinical signs of VSV and one of the horses has met confirmed case definition […]The post Kansas is the 8th state to report Vesicular stomatitis appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews During the week ending October 13, officials in Kenya reported an additional 100 new suspected cases, with eighty-five percent of cases being reported from Nairobi and Wajir. Since the beginning of the year, Kenya has seen 4,476 cholera cases, including 37 deaths. Twelve of the 47 Counties of Kenya reported cholera cases, namely: […]The post Kenya: 1/4 of counties have reported cholera appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Since our last report one month ago, the number of malaria cases in Burundi has increased nearly one million cases. Since December 2018 through September 2019, health officials have reported 6,831,659 total malaria cases in the country, including 2,545 deaths. In just the latest week reported, the week ending September 29, 121,704 cases […]The post Africa: Burundi malaria cases rise to 6.8 million cases through September appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Los Angeles County health officials reported investigating another confirmed measles case in a resident. This is the 20th measles case among Los Angeles County residents in 2019. Officials warn that other people may have been exposed to measles since public locations were visited by the person with measles while infectious. The potential public […]The post Los Angeles reports 20th measles case of 2019 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee voted to recommend approval of the investigational antibiotic cefiderocol for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, in patients with limited or no alternative treatment options. The Advisory Committee voted 14 to 2 that […]The post Investigational antibiotic, Cefiderocol, receives U.S. FDA Advisory Committee recommendation for approval to treat complicated UTIs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Earlier this week, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker introduced the STOP (Study, Treat, Observe, and Prevent) Neglected Diseases of Poverty Act, legislation that would provide the necessary tools to address, and ultimately eliminate, neglected diseases of poverty in the United States. Neglected diseases of poverty, many of which are neglected tropical diseases are a group of chronic and […]The post Neglected diseases of poverty: Sen. Cory Booker introduces bill to address Chagas, dengue and hookworm appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Officials with Public Health Wales are urging people to make sure they have received the MMR vaccination as it investigates cases of suspected mumps in universities in Wales. To date, 28 suspected cases of mumps among people who attend universities in Cardiff and Cwm Taf have been reported. Dr Rhianwen Stiff, Consultant in […]The post Mumps outbreak in Cardiff, Wales appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews We recently reported that several East Coast universities in the US were experiencing mumps outbreaks, including South Carolina. In recent days we see an update out of the College of Charleston and a report out of Clemson University. College of Charleston State health officials reported a mumps outbreak at the College of Charleston […]The post South Carolina mumps: Additional cases at College of Charleston, Clemson reports confirmed case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Vaping lung injury In an update on the outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this week that the case tally is now 1,604 cases have been reported to CDC from 49 states (all except Alaska), the […]The post Vaping illness cases top 1600, Flavored e-cigarettes study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

BlueWillow Biologics®, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced this week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its investigational new drug (IND) application for BW-1010, the company’s next-generation anthrax vaccine candidate. The Phase 1 clinical study is expected to begin enrollment this year and is being funded by the National Institute of Allergy […]The post Intranasal anthrax vaccine: BlueWillow Receives FDA Clearance to Begin Phase 1 Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Scientists have made a breakthrough in the hunt for a new vaccine for killer hospital bug Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). University of Exeter researchers first identified a gene in C. diff responsible for producing a protein that aids in binding the bacteria to the gut of its victims. In collaboration with researchers at Paris-SUD University, they then showed that […]The post Breakthrough in the hunt for a new vaccine for C. diff appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews The North Carolina Department of Health announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2019-20 flu season, which occurred the first week of October and involved an adult in the central part of the state. “We are very saddened by this death and send condolences to the loved ones of this person,” said […]The post North Carolina reports 1st flu death of season appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Connecticut health officials has confirmed a fourth case of measles in a school aged child from Fairfield County. The public health investigation of this case has determined that the child was not infectious while at school. “We are monitoring and investigating this case very closely, including working with our local health departments and […]The post Connecticut reports 4th confirmed measles case of 2019 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews In a follow-up on the mumps outbreak affecting Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) students, Belgium newsource, RTL Info reports (computer translated) the outbreak on the Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe campus in Brussels has affected several dozen people in recent weeks. On campus, students have heard about mumps cases, but are not worried. (translated:) ” I have never had […]The post Mumps outbreak at a Brussels university update appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Since May, Public Health France has reported a number of travel-associated and locally acquired dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika cases through seasonal enhanced surveillance: Dengue fever Health officials have reported 529 imported cases of dengue fever, of which 16% had stayed on Reunion Island, which experienced a large outbreak recently. 10 regions have […]The post France reported 9 locally transmitted dengue cases though Oct. 18 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Two mule deer taken in September have tested positive for chronic wasting disease, including one taken during the archery season from deer gun unit 4B in McKenzie County, where CWD had not previously been found. The other deer was harvested during the youth season in unit 3A1 in Divide County where CWD was first detected […]The post North Dakota: Chronic Wasting Disease reported in McKenzie County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews Global polio cases Global health officials reported an additional six wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases during the past week–two in Afghanistan and four in Pakistan–bringing the total WPV-1 cases this year to 94, nearly triple the number reported in 2018. In Afghanistan, cases were reported from Bermal and Khogyani in Paktika and […]The post Polio news: Six additional wild poliovirus type 1 cases reported, while wild poliovirus type 3 declared eradicated appeared first on Outbreak News Today.