Outbreak News Today

Building on the AMA’s efforts to protect the public against vaccine-preventable diseases, the AMA adopted policy during its Annual meeting to expand its existing policy to actively advocate for legislation, regulations, programs and policies that incentivize states to eliminate non-medical exemptions from mandated pediatric immunizations. “Getting vaccinated not only keeps individuals from becoming ill with […]The post Non-medical Vaccine Exemptions: AMA to expand advocacy and incentives to eliminate appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Vector-borne diseases With an increasing number of people in the U.S. becoming ill from vector-borne diseases—or infections spread through mosquito, tick and flea bites—the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted policy to further its efforts to address this emerging health care concern. Due to the increasing threat and limited capacity to respond to vector-borne diseases in […]The post Vector-borne Diseases, Homelessness: AMA policy adoptions appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the third time on Friday, the Emergency Committee met to hash out whether the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met the criteria for being declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and for the third time they said no. I look at their decision, the […]The post Ebola declared NOT a public health emergency of international concern appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On today’s show I’m going to look at one of my favorite topics–rabies. And I’m honored to have my two guests today, both returning guests. Pamela Wilson and Dr Rodney Rohde have teamed up to write a comprehensive look at many aspects of rabies–clinical signs and symptoms, epidemiology, lab testing, post exposure prophylaxis and even […]The post Rabies: Signs and symptoms, exposure, transmission and diagnostics appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since August 2018, an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak has raged in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, their 10th outbreak and the 2nd largest ever. Earlier this week the disease spilled over into neighboring Uganda. Joining me to discuss this and other topics related to Ebola is Mark Kortepeter, MD, Dr Kortepeter is a Professor […]The post Ebola: Pathology, treating patients and the current outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On this podcast, I wanted to look at the once common, highly contagious disease, chickenpox. Joining me today to answer some questions about chickenpox is Donald Kaye, MD. Dr Kaye is Professor of Medicine at the Drexel University College of Medicine. He is also an Associate Editor at the website, ProMED-mail. Related podcasts: Medical […]The post Chickenpox 101 with Donald Kaye, MD appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Only a few cases of the newly discovered Bourbon virus have been reported, and two of them ended in death, partly because no specific treatments are available for the tick-borne illness. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified an experimental antiviral drug that cures mice infected with the potentially […]The post Bourbon virus cured in mice using favipiravir appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since the beginning of 2018, Florida state health officials have reported 2014 hepatitis A outbreak cases, including 1466 in 2019 alone. 21 fatalities have been seen as of May 31. Since the beginning of the outbreak, five counties have reported more than 100 cases: Pinellas (383), Pasco (340), Orange (208), Hillsborough (187) and Volusia (111). […]The post Hepatitis A outbreak tops 2,000 cases in Florida appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Alberta, Canada are reporting one confirmed case of diphtheria and three identified carriers of the bacteria at an Edmonton area elementary school. Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to monitor and provide follow-up treatment for a small group of individuals who may have had close contact with this cluster of case and carriers. […]The post Diphtheria case confirmed in Edmonton appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital in Ohio, health officials now put the outbreak total to 16, including one death. In a statement from hospital officials, they note they are confident that they have identified the source of bacteria. Tests received this week from water samples taken […]The post Legionnaires’ Disease update: 16 cases linked to Mt. Carmel Grove City Hospital appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Delaware state health officials are reminding the public to avoid consuming raw dairy products as it announced a confirmed case of brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis in a 46-year-old Sussex County woman. The illness is a bacterial infection, which primarily affects those consuming, or coming into contact with, contaminated animals or animal products. The most […]The post Raw milk: Brucellosis infection prompts health warning from Delaware officials appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Half of Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected since the virus was discovered in 1976, scientists at the University of Cambridge estimate. The new findings come amid rising concern about Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and highlight the need for improved detection and rapid response to avoid future epidemics. The research, led by Emma […]The post Ebola spillover: Many times event is undetected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning yesterday concerning the potential risks of Fecal Microbiota for Transplantation (FMT) following the death of a patient. Two immunocompromised adults who received investigational FMT developed invasive infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E.coli). One of the individuals died. FMT used in these two individuals […]The post Fecal transplants: FDA issues warning following death of patient appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Earlier this week in Lakeland, FL, I attended an educational program and panel on Alzheimer’s disease–research, risk prevention and other topics were addressed. The event was hosted by the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. My guest on the show today is one of the expert panelists. Joining me today is Phil Sabel, […]The post Alzheimer’s disease: Risk factors, treatments and more appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Ebola situation in Uganda, the country’s Ministry of Health has registered three confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases, in which two have died. Teams from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda and Center for Disease Control (CDC) led by Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng […]The post Uganda Health Minister: As of now, there is no confirmed Ebola case in Uganda appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Malaysia health officials are reporting an additional human rabies case in a 61-year-old woman from Pending, Kuching, Sarawak. The case has a history of a bite from a stray dog on April 29, 2019. It happened when she tried to drive the dog away who was always barking at her. She washed […]The post Malaysia reports additional rabies death in Sarawak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Ebola cases in Uganda, the World Health Organization is reporting a second fatality. The 50-year-old grandmother of the initial case, the 5-year-old boy, has died from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). There are currently 3 cumulative confirmed cases since the date of identification of the index case. The two fatalities and […]The post 2nd Ebola death recorded in Uganda appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Bats are responsible for roughly 7 in 10 rabies deaths among people who are infected with the rabies virus in the United States, possibly because people may not know of the risk bats pose, according to the Vital Signs report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The large percentage of deaths tied to […]The post Rabies: Every 10 minutes, someone in the US is treated for possible exposure appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is announcing activation of its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Thursday, June 13, 2019, to support the inter-agency response to the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of […]The post Ebola: CDC activates Emergency Operations Center appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Topics include health care water safety, conservation efforts, cooling tower maintenance and Legionella legal cases An international lineup of public health and sustainability experts from four continents will discuss complex hospital water systems, cooling towers, proactive water quality monitoring and other topics at the Legionella Conference 2019 on Sept. 11-13 in Los Angeles. NSF International and the National Environmental Health Association […]The post Legionella Conference 2019: International Speakers Announced appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By Robert Herriman @bactiman63 In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case reported in Uganda yesterday, officials from the Health Ministry say the 5-year-old boy who traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and was confirmed positive for EVD has died. In addition, two additional confirmed EVD cases are reported in […]The post Ebola update: Uganda boy dies, additional cases confirmed appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ministry of Health in Comoros Islands has confirmed a new measles outbreak, coming in the aftermath of the tropical cyclone that devastated the country in April 2019, according to a World Health Organization report. Through June 1, a total of 66 suspected measles cases have been reported, of which 16 were confirmed. There have […]The post Comoros Islands reports measles outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) in Quebec announced this week (computer translated) the recall of certain products due to possible norovirus contamination. The products that are the subject of this alert may have been prepared with lots of frozen raw raspberries from Chile that are being recalled by the Canadian Food Additives Agency. food inspection.These […]The post Norovirus prompts recall of raspberries cakes in Quebec appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The current and 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the DRC began in August 2018 and their were fears of it crossing neighboring borders all along. This week, it finally happened as the Uganda Ministry of Health reported a case in a 5-year-old boy who traveled from DRC. In this news brief, I look […]The post Ebola spreads to Uganda appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case reported in Uganda, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. responded: “This is a sobering development that everyone has been working to avoid, and highlights the complexity of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Despite […]The post CDC director reacts to Ebola case in Uganda: ‘A sobering development’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Winnebago County Health Department has identified three confirmed cases of Shiga toxin‐ producing E. Coli (STEC), a foodborne illness, in Winnebago County. The three confirmed cases experienced diarrhea beginning May 31. The exact cause of the illness has not yet been determined. The following are symptoms of E.Coli (STEC) and may be seen with […]The post Illinois: E. coli foodborne illness cases in Winnebago County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New York City health officials reported 23 additional measles cases this past week, bringing the outbreak to to 588 since September. New confirmed cases were reported in Borough Park (11), Williamsburg (5), Sunset Park (3), Port Richmond (2), and one each from Bensonhurst and Crown Heights. In Rockland County, the total measles cases have reached […]The post NYC measles outbreak up 23 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 The Uganda Ministry of Health confirms an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in Kasese District, according to a news release from Minister of Health, Hon. Aceng Jane Ruth. The confirmed case is a 5 year old boy from Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who travelled with his family on 9th June […]The post Ebola crosses the border to Uganda appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Millions of people worldwide have vitiligo, a condition that causes the skin to lose its natural color, resulting in patches of light skin. Although the white or light patches do not typically cause other symptoms, the condition can cause low self-esteem and depression in patients—of whom nearly half develop vitiligo before the age of 21. […]The post June is Vitiligo Awareness Month appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health warning last week, Kroger announced it is recalling Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (48 oz), Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (16 oz), and Private Selection Frozen Blackberries (16 oz) manufactured by Townsend Farms due to possible Hepatitis A contamination. No customer illnesses […]The post Kroger: Private Selection Frozen Berries recalled due to possible Hepatitis A contamination appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Viruses, spread through mosquito bites, cause human illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever. A new control technique harnesses a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia that blocks replication of viruses and breaks the cycle of mosquito-borne disease, according to an international team of researchers. “Wolbachia is present in around 50 percent of all […]The post Dengue virus failed to evolve resistance to Wolbachia: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is reporting the first human West Nile virus (WNV) case of the year in a Campbell County adult. “Wyoming residents should take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Clay Van Houten, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit manager with WDH. Mosquitos spread West Nile virus (WNV) […]The post West Nile virus comes early to Wyoming appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 From the beginning of the year through May, Philippines health officials are reporting some 77,000 dengue fever cases and more than 300 fatalities. And if nothing is done, this number will get much higher, according to a statement by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (computer translated). Duque is projecting large numbers of […]The post Philippines Health Secretary: May see some 240K dengue cases this year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By Robert Herriman @bactiman63 Ukraine health officials reported an additional 1,133 measles cases in the past week, including 505 adults and 628 children. This brings the total cases this year to 53,112. In addition, 18 deaths have been reported. The Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine says since the beginning […]The post Ukraine: More than 110,000 cases and 39 deaths since mid-2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Measles Health officials with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) report since the beginning of 2019, a total of 87,000 suspected measles cases (1.8 % CFR) through May 18. This represents an increase of more than 700 percent, compared to the epidemiological situation for the same period in 2018. For the […]The post DRC: Measles up 700 percent, Ebola update appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles situation in Moscow, Idaho, Public Health – Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) announced that it has received confirmation of a second case of measles in a Latah County resident. The initial case was a child too young to be immunized and the second case is a family member that […]The post Idaho confirms 2nd measles case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Public Health Department of the Integrated Center for University Health and Social Services (CIUSSS) of Capitale-Nationale (computer translated) has confirmed a measles case in an adult who contracted the illness in Asia. The individual was contagious between May 24 and June 1, 2019. The patient sought care at the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec […]The post Quebec City reports 1st measles case since 2015 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 The landlocked African country of Burundi reports a lot of malaria, year in and year out, and during the first five months of 2019, the malaria burden is high once again. From the beginning of the year through May 25, Burundi has reported a total of 3,207,552 clinical malaria cases, including 1,273 […]The post Malaria: Burundi reports more than 3 million cases in first 5 months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Florida Department of Health in Osceola County issued a rabies alert for the Kenansville, Florida area. This is in response to a raccoon that tested positive for rabies on June 7, 2019. All residents and visitors in Osceola County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals […]The post Rabies alert issued for Osceola County, FL appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last Friday, the UN held it’s first World Food Safety Day and some staggering figures were released: An estimated 600 million — almost 1 in 10 people in the world — fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420,000 die every year, resulting in the loss of 33 million healthy life years. Children under 5 […]The post Global Food Safety: 420K deaths annually linked to tainted food appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New Kaiser Permanente research published in the journal Pediatrics finds children who were up to date on their pertussis vaccine schedule were far less likely to develop the disease than unvaccinated children. The research also finds that most pertussis cases were in fully vaccinated children and that the risk of illness increased with the time […]The post Pertussis: Waning effectiveness a significant contributor to recent outbreaks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On today’s show, I want to introduce you to some really good infectious disease news sources, blogs and aggregator websites. This groups of sites in not all-inclusive of course, but each of these sites have staying power and put out quality content consistently. 1 million STD cases daily across the globe Rabies in the US: […]The post Infectious disease websites and blogs worth checking out appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Children who receive the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine are significantly less likely to contract shingles, according to a new study led by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research published today in the journal Pediatrics. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. According to the […]The post Chickenpox vaccination considerably lessens likelihood of shingles: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Los Angeles Los Angeles County health officials are assessing a non-resident measles case that traveled through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while infectious and is also looking to identify others who are at risk for measles and may have been exposed to this person. Public Health urges residents, especially those who travel internationally and those […]The post Measles exposure advisory: Los Angeles and Union County, NJ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDEsk @bactiman63 New York City health officials are advising providers to test for Legionella in adults with pneumonia, particularly patients who are > 50 years or have lung disease, immune-suppression, or a history of smoking. Legionnaires’ disease follows a seasonal pattern in New York City, with an increased number of cases reported from June […]The post NYC officials advise providers to look out for Legionnaires’ disease appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Iceland’s Chief Epidemiologist announced this week they are preparing to launch general vaccination for chickenpox in the country in 2020. While the chickenpox vaccine has been on the market in Iceland for 20 years, it has been little used. Chickenpox is very common in Iceland–almost all Icelandic children have contracted chickenpox by […]The post Iceland to start vaccinating against chickenpox appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By NewsDesk @bactiman63 Sussex County, NJ are investigating two cases of tick-borne viral infection with Powassan virus, the New Jersey Herald reports. One of those persons who tested positive for the virus died in May, according to officials, but the immediate cause of death has yet to be determined, while a second individual confirmed to […]The post Powassan virus: Two cases reported in Sussex County, NJ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The New Indian Express reports that the Delhi government is reporting an “acute shortage” of rabies vaccines in government run hospitals. The shortage is due to a drop in vaccine supplies, prompting hospital and health officials to call a meeting. “The shortage of rabies vaccines at city government-run hospitals has led to patients thronging anti-rabies […]The post Delhi reports rabies vaccine shortage appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Nipah virus situation in Kerala, India, Union Minister of Health and Family, Dr Harsh Vardhan stated today, “There have been no new cases of Nipah virus disease”. A case of Nipah was reported from Ernakulum district, Kerala on 3 June, 2019. The condition of one positive case is stable. There […]The post Nipah virus update: ‘No new cases in Kerala’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Oswego County, NY are reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Scriba. There was no known contact between the raccoon and either humans or pets. This is the ninth rabid animal confirmed in Oswego County this year. Seven raccoons and two skunks have already been found throughout […]The post Raccoon test positive for rabies in Oswego County, 9th animal this year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.