Outbreak News Today

As co-leaders of an international collaboration, scientists at Scripps Research have discovered that tethering four antibodies together may be an effective strategy for neutralizing all types of influenza virus known to infect humans. The research, published this week in Science, suggests this strategy could lead to influenza prevention tools with the strength and potency to last […]The post Investigational therapeutic candidate for influenza made with four antibodies tethered together could have strength and potency to last throughout the flu season appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) reported recently that the more than 3 million children were vaccinated during a nationwide polio vaccination campaign that began in earlier this year. “As of 31 October 2018, we have immunized 3,112,035 children under 15 years old against polio, and […]The post Papua New Guinea: 3.1 million vaccinated against polio appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the locally transmitted dengue fever cases reported in the Region of Murcia, Spain (HERE and HERE), the Ministry of Health of Murcia and the National Center for Microbiology (CNM) of the Carlos III Institute have confirmed a father and son have been confirmed dengue positive without a travel history, according to a […]The post Spain dengue: Two additional autochthonous cases reported in Murcia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In 2015, Nepal health officials reported six children with unusual fever and severe respiratory features post two large earthquakes. By the end of the year, 101 cases of scrub typhus were confirmed in 16 districts and eight people succumbed to the disease, according to a Kathmandu Post report. The Nepalese officials were ill-equipped to deal with an outbreak […]The post Scrub typhus in Nepal since 2015: Kathmandu Post report appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Polish Ministry of Health reports today (computer translated) there have been 17 measles cases in Mazowsze in east-central Poland. Health officials say the situation is under control; however, they do say, ” If the unvaccinated population was bigger, we would certainly have several hundred cases.” Health minister Prof. Łukasz Szumowski said the cases all resulted from parents […]The post Poland: Measles outbreak in Mazowsze, ‘The situation is fully controlled’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Crazy things in the media this week, and it’s not politics–that’s one of the major things I look at on the show today–anti-vaxx article being pulled and the massive Twitter backlash, fear mongering, buffoonish statements concerning infectious diseases crossing the US-Mexico border and warnings not to dress up your chickens for Halloween. In addition, I […]The post Outbreak News This Week Radio Show 11-4-18 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the first time in 37 years, Wisconsin health officials have reported a confirmed human St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) case. The patient is a resident of Dane County. The last case in Wisconsin was reported in 1981. St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV) is transmitted from birds to man and other mammals by infected mosquitoes (mainly some […]The post Wisconsin: 1st human St. Louis Encephalitis case reported in the state in decades appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. According to the American Lung Association, anyone can get pneumonia. It’s commonly a complication of a respiratory infection—especially the flu—but there are more than 30 different causes of the illness. Older adults, children and people with chronic […]The post Pneumonia is the 3rd biggest killer in the Philippines, accounting for 10 percent of deaths appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a two week period, Thailand health officials reported an additional 4,000 dengue fever cases and eight deaths. According to the Thailand Bureau of Epidemiology, as of October 29, a total of 70146 cases were reported from 77 provinces. In addition, 92 dengue fatalities have been reported this year-to-date. The top five provinces with the […]The post Dengue cases top 70,000 in Thailand in 1st 10 months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Ukraine continues to report measles at high levels–more than 1,300 cases reported in the past week– and they continue to strongly encourage the public to get vaccinated, even calling immunization a matter of national security. Since the beginning of the year, 35,233 Ukrainians have suffered from measles and 15 people have died, including 11 children. […]The post Ukraine MOH: More than 35,000 measles cases this year, 11 children died appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update on the plague situation in Madagascar, an additional case was reported in the district of Tsiroanomandidy in central-western part of the country. This brings the total plague cases to 38 since August 1. A breakdown of the cases reported shows 32 bubonic plague cases, including four deaths and six pneumonic plague cases, of which all […]The post Madagascar: Additional plague case reported in Tsiroanomandidy, 38 since August appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

From 17 September through 15 October 2018, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) National Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported eight additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including three deaths. Of the eight cases reported, three were hospital contacts from one hospital in Dammam and two were household contacts in Riyadh. From […]The post Saudi Arabia: Three MERS deaths reported in past month appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

More than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and one person dies of the disease every hour. Fortunately, melanoma is highly treatable when detected early. As National Healthy Skin Month begins, the American Academy of Dermatology has released new guidelines to help doctors provide the best possible treatment […]The post Melanoma: New guidelines for treatment from the AAD appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

FDA is alerting patients, caregivers and health care professionals that the labels attached to some EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors, and the authorized generic versions, may block access to the auto-injector and prevent the ability to easily access the product. In a letter to health care professionals from Pfizer, the manufacturer of the Mylan EpiPen, […]The post FDA issues an alert about some EpiPen auto-injectors appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new study, based on 27 years of data from Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, suggests that temperature increases over the last three decades have already caused major declines in local populations of tsetse flies. This analysis, published in the journal PLOS Medicine this week, provides a first step in linking temperature to the risk of sleeping sickness in Africa. […]The post Sleeping sickness vector, the tsetse fly, and temperature increases in Zimbabwe appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are 59,000 human deaths annually in over 150 countries, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia, and this is likely a underestimation. Rabies is present on all continents, except Antarctica. The number of rabies-related human deaths in the United States has declined from more than 100 annually at […]The post United Kingdom: Last case of classical human rabies was in 1902 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Here are the top five posts on Outbreak News Today for the week Oct. 27 through Nov. 2: 5. Costa Rica reports rare human rabies case Costa Rica reported their first human rabies case since 2014 in a man who handled a bat. 4. Ebola update: ‘We seem to be facing a second peak of the outbreak’ In our […]The post Infectious disease news: Top 5 posts for the week Oct. 27- Nov. 2 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

More than 100 working dogs employed by the federal government across the United States have been infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease, which may lead to heart problems, according to a new study presented today at the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Annual Meeting. Chagas disease is a […]The post Chagas disease reported in dogs working along the U.S.-Mexico border appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has received reports of 432 suspected cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer so far in 2018. EHD is a viral disease of white-tailed deer that can cause localized die-offs when conditions are favorable for transmission. Infected animals develop a high fever, and dead animals often […]The post Illinois: Hundreds of deer killed by viral disease in 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak reported in the Orthodox Jewish community of Williamsburg, Brooklyn last month, health officials report an additional eleven cases, bringing the outbreak total to 17 in communities in Williamsburg and Borough Park. The children with measles range in age from 7 months to 4 years. Three infections, including the initial case […]The post Brooklyn Orthodox Jewish Community measles outbreak rises to 17 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the report of a measles case in Spartanburg County, SC earlier this week, The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports as part of their contact investigation, two additional cases have been identified. All three cases are children who are unvaccinated, not of school age and do not attend […]The post Three measles cases reported in Spartanburg County: All children, all unvaccinated appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last year, a 26-year-old man receiving treatment for leukemia went to a Swiss hospital’s emergency room with a fever, a sore throat, and a cough, and was admitted. His condition worsened, and 17 days later, he died from severe complications of measles. The man’s weakened immune system was unable to fight off the disease, even […]The post The importance of herd immunity in protecting the vulnerable: A look at a fatal measles case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

23-year-old Kansas State University student-athlete, Samantha Scott reportedly died suddenly due to Lemierre syndrome, a rare, life-threatening infection. Scott was a four-year member of the rowing team and the squad’s top coxswain this season. An architectural engineering major and a native of Fort Morgan, Colo., she was also an Academic All-Big 12 selection last season while leading the team’s […]The post K-State rower, Samantha Scott, dies from rare Lemierre syndrome appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Lakewood, New Jersey, The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents that a 4th case of measles has been confirmed in Ocean County. This individual could have exposed others to the infection while in Ocean County on October 31. Anyone who visited CHEMED Health Center, 1771 Madison Ave, […]The post New Jersey: 4th measles case reported in Ocean County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

USC researchers have identified biomarkers associated with severe birth defects in babies born to women infected with the Zika virus, a discovery that could lead to screening tests and a better understanding about how the infection leads to fetal abnormalities. The findings appear in the Nov. 2 Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight. “The highest risk […]The post Zika-related birth defects: USC discovery could lead to test for prenatal screening appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ministry of Health reported Wednesday on an outbreak of mumps in students at the University of Valencia, according to an El Mundo report (computer translated). To date, six cases have been confirmed in student and another four cases are under investigation. All the cases, students ages 20 and 21 years, are linked to a university party, which was […]The post Spain: Mumps outbreak at the University of Valencia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The town of Janiuay, in central Iloilo province in the Visayas, Philippines has reported a huge increase in dengue fever cases in 2018 compared to last year, according to a local media report. The municipality of 63,000 has reported 154 confirmed dengue cases with two deaths from January to October, a whopping 875 percent increase from the […]The post Iloilo town reports dramatic increase in dengue appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

From July through September 2018, six cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported from Niger, genetically linked to a cVDPV2 case in Jigawa and Katsina States, Nigeria, according to WHO. The virus was isolated from children with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) from Zinder region, located in the south of Niger and on […]The post Africa: Niger reports six polio cases since July appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles situation in Ocean County, NJ, state health officials are warning residents about two additional confirmed cases of measles — a highly contagious disease — who could have exposed others to the infection while in Ocean County between October 25 and 30. These individuals developed symptoms after being exposed to an […]The post Measles in Lakewood, NJ: Two additional confirmed cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New Jersey health officials report a 10th medically fragile child confirmed to have the adenovirus infection has passed away. The child had been a resident of the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell. To date, a total of 27 pediatric cases have been associated with this outbreak. In addition, a staff member at the facility — […]The post 10th death linked to adenovirus infection in New Jersey rehab facility appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

About two weeks ago, Pinellas County, FL health officials reported a rise in hepatitis A cases–reporting some 58 cases through late October. In neighboring Hillsborough County they are seeing the same thing. Health officials report 38 cases of hepatitis A as of October 25, 2018 “unprecedented number”, officials note. The 38 cases reported this year to date […]The post Florida: Hillsborough County experiencing ‘unprecedented number’ of hepatitis A cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health reports investigating a probable case of botulism, and again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors. The female patient, aged 41 with underlying illness, developed generalised weakness, difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness since September 28. […]The post Hong Kong investigates probable case of iatrogenic botulism appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health officials Thursday reported announced the first reported flu-related death of the 2018-19 flu season, which occurred last week 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 […]The post North Carolina reports 1st flu death of the season appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

About 10 days ago, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory for Japan due to the outbreak in the country, particularly in in Tokyo and the neighboring prefectures. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, the total cases have reached 1,486 through Oct. 24. In […]The post Tokyo rubella cases top 500 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With the reports of three additional wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Afghanistan, bringing the total global cases to 25, it has eclipsed the total WPV1 cases for all of 2017 (22). The three new cases have been reported from Maywand district, Kandahar province, from Pornus district, Nuristan province, and from Nawzad district, Hilmand province. This […]The post Polio: Wild poliovirus cases in 2018 top 2017 total appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update on the measles outbreak in Israel, health officials put the outbreak case tally at 1,150, up from nearly 900 cases a week ago. The majority of cases have been reported in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Post reported today that a one-and a half year-old baby died from the measles on Thursday at Shaare Zedek […]The post Measles outbreak in Israel: 1,150 cases, infant death reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder have now shown that the regions in the United States where pathogenic mycobacteria are most prevalent in showerheads are the same regions where nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections are most common. The study, published in the journal, mBio, emphasizes the important role of showerheads in the transmission of […]The post Showerheads and mycobacterial lung infections: Study describes correlation appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has detected an alarming increase in reported syphilis cases across Wyoming, especially in Fremont County Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sex without a condom. There have been 34 Wyoming cases reported so far in 2018, which represents a 36 percent increase over last year’s total for the entire year. […]The post Wyoming reports 36 percent increase in syphilis appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in North America and its incidence has risen sharply in the last decade. Since its progression depends on environmental factors, increases in daily temperatures, a manifestation of climate change, might be contributing to a rise in the number of ticks as well as a greater availability of […]The post Lyme disease: Rising temperatures are expected to boost the number of cases in the US appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Haskell In an update on the adenovirus outbreak at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, health officials report laboratory tests have confirmed another medically fragile child with adenovirus as part of an ongoing outbreak investigation. The most recent date of illness onset was on Oct. 29. To date, a total of 27 confirmed […]The post New Jersey: Additional confirmed adenovirus case; Voorhees facility affected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Singapore has eliminated measles, and Australia, Brunei Darussalam and Macao SAR (China) have eliminated rubella as public health problems, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. Both viruses are highly contagious, but their spread is preventable with safe and cost-effective vaccines. Initial symptoms for both include fever and rash. But measles can be deadly, causing devastating health complications, […]The post Singapore eliminates measles; Australia eliminates rubella appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Honduras received a certificate this week for the elimination of the vector that transmits Chagas disease, the Rhodnius prolixus bug, according to a health ministry report (computer translated). In view of this important event, the health authorities stated that “today we can announce that the Rhodnius prolixus bug in Honduras, a dangerous vector […]The post Honduras eliminates Chagas vector appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Additional vaccine clinics have been set in Rockland County as the number of measles cases continue to rise. The Health Department will be holding measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine clinics on: Thursday, November 1, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Community Outreach Center, located at 21 Remsen Avenue, Suite 201, Monsey, NY 10952 […]The post New York: Rockland County measles outbreak hits 40, Rules for schools appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The National Health Commission in China has reported an additional human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Guangxi. The case involved a 44-year-old man from Hechi in Guangxi. He developed symptoms on October 18, was hospitalized on October 21 and died on October 27. The patient denied that he had contact with live poultry before the […]The post H5N6 avian influenza death reported in Guangxi, China appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a Biologics License Application for Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine. The dengue vaccine candidate has been granted priority review by the FDA as it would represent the first and only medical prevention tool against dengue, including severe dengue, which is considered an unmet medical need. The […]The post Dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia: FDA grants priority review appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a multi-state cluster of Salmonella infections linked to ground beef. Since late August, NMDOH has identified 30 New Mexico residents that were diagnosed with Salmonella after preparing ground beef at […]The post New Mexico reports dozens of Salmonella cases linked to ground beef appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms that a Wisconsin dairy herd in Dane County has tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Meat inspectors identified a carcass during a routine slaughter inspection and sent a sample to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory for testing. Through animal identification records, the carcass was […]The post Bovine Tuberculosis confirmed in Dane County, Wisconsin herd appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) received a report of measles in a Spartanburg County resident who had recently traveled outside the U.S. DHEC confirmed the case after receiving test results from its certified public health laboratory Monday, Oct. 29. DHEC has begun a contact investigation and is in the process […]The post South Carolina: Measles confirmed in Spartanburg County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

More than ten weeks after the declaration of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic, we seem to be facing a second peak of the outbreak, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Through Oct. 29, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health reports a total of 276 cases of hemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, of which […]The post Ebola update: ‘We seem to be facing a second peak of the outbreak’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Patients with a certain drug-resistant urinary tract infection were more likely to have a relapse of their infection within a week than those with non-resistant infections and were more likely to be prescribed an incorrect antibiotic according to a study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology […]The post Inappropriate antibiotic use may lead to drug-resistant bacteria and recurrent UTIs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.