Outbreak News Today

In a follow-up on the measles situation in Iceland, four Icelandic individuals have been diagnosed with measles in the country. The first individual was infected abroad but the three remaining were infected in Iceland. The infection was transmitted to these three individuals onboard a domestic aircraft on 15 February 2019. Of these four infected individuals, two are […]The post Iceland: All four measles cases were unvaccinated appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Philippines Department of Health’s (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau reported today that there are 36,664 dengue cases reported covering the period from January 1 to February 23, 2019. This is 14,703 or 67% higher compared to the same time period last year (21,961 cases). This has prompted the DOH to remind the public to practice the […]The post Dengue cases up 67 percent in the Philippines appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On Saturday, March 9th more than 750 people will gather at Elva Rouse Park in St. Petersburg to join the fight to find a cure for a deadly illness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord, taking away their ability […]The post Tampa: Families and patients join the movement to cure ALS appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In diffuse cutaneous leishmanisis (DCL), a rare form of leishmaniasis, parasites grow uncontrolled in skin lesions across the body. For the first time, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have now profiled how the human immune system responds to a DCL infection and, in turn, how Leishmania amazonensis adapts to the human host. American tegumentary leishmaniasis– […]The post Cutaneous leishmaniasis: How does the body responds to DCL? appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Vancouver, BC, British Columbia health officials report seventeen confirmed cases of measles have been reported in 2019 amongst BC residents as of Mar. 7. Two cases with rash onset in January and one case in February, respectively, were adults who acquired measles during travel to the Philippines, where […]The post Canada: 17 measles cases reported in British Columbia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New Jersey health officials are reporting a hepatitis A cluster affecting the homeless and/or drug users in the southern counties. To date, 26 case have been reported in Camden (9), Burlington (6) and Gloucester (11) counties. Anyone can get hepatitis A, but recently, these southern counties have reported increased cases among those who have had close, personal […]The post New Jersey reports hepatitis A cluster among homeless, substance abusers appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By Jory Lange Chicago’s Department of Public Health is investigating a Salmonella food poisoning outbreak linked to Supermercado Rivera. Six Chicagoans have been infected with Salmonella. All six people consumed food from Supermercado Rivera’s kitchen. The Salmonella-contaminated food was purchased on February 23 and February 24. Some of the people who got sick ate […]The post Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Supermercado Rivera in Chicago appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The outbreak of measles in Japan continues with 33 additional cases reported in the week of Feb. 18-24, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo. This brings the total to 258 cases in the first eight weeks of 2019. Osaka prefecture has reported the most cases with 94, followed by Mie (50) […]The post Measles in Japan: Most are genotype D8 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles situation in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services is now reporting 10 measles cases in the state in 2019. This is more than the total reported in all of 2018. Texas reported nine cases of measles in 2018 and one in 2017. The latest case is in an adult […]The post Texas reports more measles, tops 2018 total appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Bureau of Epidemiology with the Thailand Ministry of Health have reported a total of 2063 chikungunya cases from 19 provinces, through Mar. 4. The southern part of the country has seen the most cases. No deaths have been reported. The areas with the highest morbidity include Phuket, Songkla, Pattani and Pangnga. More than […]The post Chikungunya outbreak tops 2,000 in Thailand appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On the most recent episode of Outbreak News TV on YouTube, I talk to Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Amesh Adalja, MD. He was named one of STAT’s “13 Clinicians to Follow on Twitter and in 2015 named one of 5 “Pennsylvanians to Watch” by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. We discuss […]The post Amesh Adalja, MD on Outbreak News TV appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in New Jersey are reporting a confirmed case of measles in Ocean County. The Department of Health is warning residents who could have possibly exposed others to the infection between February 26 and February 27, 2019 at the following locations: Congregation Sons of Israel- Park Avenue, 401 Park Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701 February 26, 2019 […]The post New Jersey: Measles returns to Ocean County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Here is a look at some interesting infectious disease and health news, opinion and research reported across the globe: Study finds Ebola survivors in Liberia face ongoing health issues Survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Liberia had a higher prevalence of certain health issues — including uveitis (eye redness and pain), abdominal, chest, neurologic, […]The post Infectious disease bric-a-bracs: Ebola survivors in Liberia, Staph infections appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Earlier this week, researchers from the Hastings Center published an article in the journal Health Affairs, in which they make the argument that patients should not be considered consumers. The concept of patient-centered care has increasingly merged with the concept of patients as consumers, which “is conceptually confused and potentially harmful,” the authors contend. Joining […]The post Healthcare not a market? G. Keith Smith MD dismantles article appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the infections caused by an antibiotic-resistant form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria linked to surgeries performed in Tijuana, Mexico, UN officials report there has been 20 cases (80 percent confirmed) identified in nine states in the US. A confirmed case is defined as Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase–producing carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (VIM-CRPA) isolated from a patient […]The post Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas infections linked to surgeries performed in Tijuana update appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

“It is my hope to declare Philippines a rabies-free country by 2030”, said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III as March is Rabies Awareness Month. The country’s Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) renew their commitment to end the rabies disease through a campaign to increase awareness about rabies prevention. Rabies is a […]The post Rabies is responsible for the deaths of at least 200 Filipinos each year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Brooklyn and Queens, city health officials report a dozen new cases, bringing the total to 133 since October. Most of these cases have involved members of the Orthodox Jewish community. The neighborhood of Williamsburg saw 11 new cases during the past week, while one travel-related case was […]The post New York City measles outbreak rises to 133 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

My guest on today’s show is Amesh Adalja, MD. He is very familiar if you read news on various issues of infectious diseases and medicine as he is a frequent expert commenter. He was named one of STAT’s “13 Clinicians to Follow on Twitter and in 2015 named one of 5 “Pennsylvanians to Watch” by […]The post Medicine and the media with Amesh Adalja, MD appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A nationwide cohort study of all children born in Denmark to Danish-born mothers between 1999 through 2010 concluded that the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine does not increase the risk of autism, does not trigger autism in susceptible children, and is not associated with clustering of autism cases following vaccination. The findings are published […]The post Vaccines: Large study demonstrates no link found between MMR vaccine and autism appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New York State Senator Sue Serino is calling on her colleagues to make Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) a priority, which includes increased funding for research, education and prevention initiatives in this year’s State Budget. “Knowing how truly life changing these diseases can be, and how rapidly they’re spreading across the state, the fact that this […]The post Lyme disease: Senator Sue Serino calls for more funding in New York, Launches ‘Let’s Talk Ticks!’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported on two suspected norovirus outbreaks linked to two taco restaurants starting last week. The first outbreak is linked to the Tijuana Taco, 1005 Bristol Ave. SW, Lakewood. As of yesterday, 51 customers say they got sick after they ate there. On Feb. 27, the Health Department closed the restaurant as employees cleaned […]The post Norovirus outbreaks in Lakewood, WA; Linked to taco restaurants appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In June 2018, an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) was declared in Papua New Guinea following laboratory confirmation of cVDPV1 isolation in two healthy community contacts of the index case. Since the declaration, a total of 26 confirmed cVDPV1 cases have been reported in nine provinces. The International Federation of Red Cross and […]The post Papua New Guinea polio: ‘The epidemic is fairly under control” appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ireland Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed an outbreak of measles in north Dublin. Since the beginning of February, five cases, affecting adults and children, have been reported. Dr. Ruth McDermott, Public Health Specialist said: “Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious. The best protection is to be vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps, and […]The post Ireland: North Dublin reports measles outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While health authorities report seeing decreases in the number of measles cases in Madagascar in recent week, the numbers are still astounding (reporting more than 7,000 new cases in the most recent week). According to UN officials, since the beginning of September 2018, 82,905 cases have been reported in all 22 regions of the country. There […]The post Measles epidemic: 80,000 cases, nearly 1,000 deaths in Madagascar appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Ukrainian health officials reported an additional 2,751 measles infections during the past week, bringing the outbreak total for 2019 to 24,042 (10,588 adults and 13,454 children). In addition, a ninth measles death was reported a 57-year-old woman from Kiev. Lviv, Vinnytsya and Rivne have seen the most cases year to date. In the Lviv region, 19,671 children were vaccinated in the […]The post Measles in Ukraine: 9th fatality reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in Bangladesh is reporting that between February 9 and 24, five members of a family in Baliadanga upazila, Thakurgaon died after complaining of fever, headache, nausea, and pain in muscles and joints. The IEDCR reports one of them was found to have carried the deadly Nipah virus (NiV). […]The post Nipah virus reported in Thakurgaon, Bangladesh appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Governor of Svalbard ordered the killing of two reindeer found in Tverrdalen due to suspicion of rabies. The animals were sick and could not stand upright. Samples of both animals are sent to the Veterinary Institute in Oslo for examination on Monday. The Governor of Svalbard encourages people to be aware and report if they see reindeer or […]The post Norway: Two reindeer killed due to suspicion of rabies appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Iceland health officials on Saturday reported a confirmed measles case in a 11-month-old child. The unvaccinated child was in the same flight as a person with infectious measles during a flight last month. The child was admitted to Hringinn’s Children’s Hospital Friday. Officials say the likelihood of further transmission is low as long as you’re vaccinated. […]The post Iceland reports 2nd measles case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Finland National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is reporting more norovirus cases in the early part of 2019 than during the same period last year. From January through February, some 900 cases have been reported, primarily in big cities and affecting the elderly the most. Hospital outbreaks are also being reported. “The norovirus […]The post Finland officials warn of norovirus increases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Sri Lanka health officials are reporting 8,904 dengue fever through the end of February 2019. Colombo (2017), Jaffna (1354) and Gampaha (1093) districts have seen the most cases. Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses (DENV-2 serotype is prevalent in this outbreak). This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes […]The post Sri Lanka reports 8,900 dengue cases in 1st two months of 2019 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Victoria agricultural officials are responding to a confirmed incident of anthrax in sheep on a single property near Swan Hill. Victorian Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Cameron Bell said quarantine notices had been put in place until the necessary biosecurity requirements, including carcass disposal and site disinfection, were completed. He said the case was on a […]The post Anthrax confirmed near Swan Hill, Victoria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles epidemic in the Philippines, government officials are now reporting 16,349 cases in all 17 regions through Mar. 2. In addition, the death toll to this epidemic is 261 through the first two months of the year. Calabarzon region accounts for 24 percent of the cases with 3,877, followed closely […]The post Measles (Tigdas) epidemic in the Philippines: 16K cases in first two months of 2019 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up in the report of a diphtheria fatality in the district of Johor Bahru at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Malaysian health officials are reporting three more confirmed cases in children and relatives living in the same house as the child that died on Feb. 21. The four-year-old sister, a four-year-old boy living […]The post Malaysia diphtheria update: 3 more cases in Johor Bahru district appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Just as strep throat can run rampant in elementary schools, strangles, the “strep throat” of horses, caused by a different Streptococcus bacterium, Streptococcus equi sp equi, is highly contagious. It is also known as equine distemper. According to the African news source, Vanguard, the contagious bacterial infection has killed more than 4,000 donkeys in northern […]The post Strangles, or ‘Equine strep’ kills thousands of donkeys in Niger appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) case increases on the archipelago of Mayotte, Santé publique France reports (computer translated) 63 confirmed cases of RVF as of Feb. 21. No deaths have been reported. Officials note that 26 cases (72%) were in direct or indirect contact with animals: 21 cases in direct contact with animals including 18 breeders […]The post Rift Valley fever in Mayotte update appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testified on the measles outbreaks in the U.S. at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing Wednesday. From January 1 to February […]The post Measles testimony before Congress: Drs. Fauci and Messonnier appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), myiasis is infection with a fly larva, usually occurring in tropical and subtropical areas. There are a number of ways to contract it–getting an infection from accidentally ingesting larvae, from having an open wound or sore, or through your nose or ears. People can also be […]The post Maggots: Hong Kong reports two human myiasis cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Libya Health Ministry says that the country has seen some 5,000 cases of the parasitic disease, leishmaniasis in the past six months, according to a media account. “There are currently 5,000 patients who are being treated,” said Ahmad al-Qarari, who heads the centre for disease control at the health ministry of Libya’s UN-backed unity […]The post Libya: Leishmaniasis outbreak reaches 5,000 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The measles outbreak in the Vancouver, Clark County, Washington area has reached 70 confirmed cases after two additional cases was reported on Saturday. These and the case in King County and four in Multnomah County, OR brings the total outbreak cases in the region to 75. Measles: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declares a state of emergency New […]The post Vancouver, WA measles outbreak reaches 70 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dengue in the Western Visayas Health officials in the Western Visayas has called on the public not to be complacent due to possible emergence of dengue cases even during the dry season. As of February 16, dengue cases in the region totaled to 2,762, an increase of 118 percent compared to the same period in 2018. […]The post Philippines health and disease updates: Measles, dengue, rabies and ‘sin taxes’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Clark County health officials reported an additional three confirmed measles cases on Friday, bringing the outbreak total to 68. Four of the cases were in adults. In addition, two suspect cases are being investigated. All 68 cases were either unimmunized (59), underimmunized (2) or unverified (7). To date, the majority of lab results of confirmed cases […]The post Washington: 3 additional measles cases confirmed in Clark County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with Temple University Student Health Services has been notified that several Temple students have tested positive for mumps. Local media reports the number of cases stand at 7. Director Student and Employee Health Services, Mark Denys, MHA, BS, RN writes– The most important step for community members is to be aware of the symptoms and take […]The post Philadelphia: 7 mumps cases reported at Temple University appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Here are the top five posts on Outbreak News Today for the week Feb. 23 through Mar. 1: 5. Cruise ship outbreak: 91 sickened on Princess Cruises Island Princess; Samples sent for norovirus testing The number five post of the week was about another cruise ship outbreak, this one on the Island Princess. Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on […]The post Infectious disease news: Top 5 posts for the week Feb. 23- Mar. 1 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Canadian health officials issued an update on the active outbreak investigation of Salmonella illnesses linked to a frozen breaded chicken product yesterday. As of March 1, 2019, there have been 555 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella illness investigated as part of the illness outbreaks across the country: British Columbia (42), Alberta (84), Saskatchewan (18), Manitoba (27), Ontario […]The post Canada salmonella outbreak rises to 555 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since our last report nearly one month ago, the Palau Ministry of Health has reported nearly 20 additional confirmed dengue fever cases and including the three cases reported last week, the outbreak total has risen to 95 since Dec. 1. There have been no deaths attributed to dengue infection during this outbreak. On Dec. 7, the […]The post Palau dengue update: 3 additional cases in past week appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Illinois Department of Health reports that on February 22, 2019, an Illinois resident with a now confirmed diagnosis of measles was on a flight that arrived in Concourse B at Chicago Midway Airport. The passenger was unvaccinated and infectious on that day. People may have been exposed to measles if they were at Midway Airport […]The post Chicago: Potential measles exposure at Midway appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the African swine fever outbreak in Vietnam, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture (MARD) announced this week an escalation and spread of the pig virus in the country. According to MARD (computer translated), Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung chaired an emergency meeting to prevent and limit the spread of African swine fever (ASF). As of […]The post African swine fever spreading in Vietnam appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of hantavirus cases in Capiatá in Paraguay’s Central Department has risen to five, according to a Hoy news report (computer translated). All the cases are reported in children between 2 and 7 years old. The first case confirmed by a private laboratory continues to be hospitalized in intensive care and the rest presented improvement and […]The post Hantavirus cases reported in Paraguay appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials are reporting a malaria outbreak in Cauca Department in southwestern Colombia, according to a RCNRadio report (computer translated). The outbreak has affected 322 people in the rural areas of Guapi and Timbiquí: ( the towns of Calle larga, Belén, San Agustín, Pascualero and Cascajero ( in Guapi ) and in the mining area of Santa María, Chacón Playa and Coteje […]The post Colombia: Malaria outbreak reported in Cauca Department appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak In Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) reported two new cases of measles infection. Both cases are related to the school outbreak, and had been receiving follow-up care as they were known to have been exposed to persons with measles infection. This brings the total of people with measles, who […]The post Vancouver measles update: 15 cases reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.