Outbreak News Today

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) officials are trying to find out whether anyone was exposed to a pair of rabid bats that were left by an unidentified woman last week at a veterinary facility in St. Paul. On Thursday, Sept. 6, two dead bats were dropped off at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center […]The post Minnesota: Health officials seek woman, others who may have been exposed to rabid bats appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the two imported monkeypox cases from Nigeria reported in the past week in England, Nigerian health officials (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control- NCDC) report they are working with the UK’s public health agency; Public Health England (PHE), the public health departments in the affected states and other partners in Nigeria to […]The post Nigeria working with the UK on monkeypox investigation appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Researchers have identified how a viral protein, which plays a major role in causing deadly Nipah and Hendra virus infections, targets a critical function in human cells to suppress immune responses and promote fatal disease. The research team found the viral protein, called W protein, binds to two specific proteins in the host cell, importin […]The post Nipah and Hendra viruses: How a viral protein promotes fatal disease appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Three people have died and dozens more sickened as leptospirosis surges in Central Luzon since July 1. According to local media, from July 1 through Aug. 31, 128 people have been infected due to animal urine contaminated flood waters. A southwest monsoon and four tropical depressions are the cause of the flooding of the region in recent […]The post Leptospirosis kills three in Central Luzon since July appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) issued a rabies alert for the Friday Road, Fleetwood Place area in Cocoa. This is in response to a stray cat that tested positive on 9/07/2018. All residents and visitors in Brevard County should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are […]The post Florida: Rabies alert issued in Cocoa appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Taiwan health officials are advising the public to pay attention to food sanitation when traveling to areas where typhoid is endemic after reporting a typhoid cluster, the first of the year (computer translated). The cluster includes a new immigrant woman and her eldest son, visited Indonesia from Aug. 6 to Aug. 19. The husband and youngest son, who […]The post Taiwan reports imported cluster of typhoid appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe As Metro Health continues to investigate the food poisoning outbreak linked to Pasha Mediterranean Grill, the agency has reported that 347 cases have now been linked – with 18 confirmed diagnosis of Salmonella infection and 12 hospitalizations. The health agency confirms that they are contacting everyone who is calling in […]The post Pasha Mediterranean Grill Outbreak, Case Count Reaches 347 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles and polio vaccination campaign in Brazil, more than 10 million children from one to less than five years old were vaccinated with 20.8 million doses of polio and measles. However, the 95% target has not yet been reached, health officials note. Preliminary data from the Information System of the National […]The post Brazil measles vaccination campaign reaches 10 million appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ukraine Ministry of Health reported an additional botulism death in a man from the Kherson region, the eighth botulism fatality of the year. The probable cause of botulism is smoked homemade fish, which he and his wife eaten the day before. The woman is currently hospitalized for her illness in a severe resuscitation unit. […]The post Ukraine reports 8th botulism death of 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A 10-year investigation evaluating data from four surveillance systems captured information on the geographic distribution of outbreaks of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections in the U.S., who is at greatest risk, the rate of antimicrobial resistance of Newport infections, and how often antimicrobial resistance may be linked to an environmental cause of infection. The findings […]The post Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections in the US: A 10-year study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to a report Saturday, UK health officials are reporting a second individual has been diagnosed with monkeypox in England. There is no UK link to the patient diagnosed last week in Cornwall who is currently receiving care at the Royal Free in London. This second patient had travelled to Nigeria where they are believed to […]The post Monkeypox: 2nd case diagnosed in England, ‘very unusual’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A professor at the University of Texas-El Paso is reaching out to the community there to help with research on Chagas disease and its vector, the kissing bug. Joining me to talk about Chagas, kissing bugs, the community involvement and Chagas research being done is Rosa Maldonado, PhD. Dr Maldanado is an Associate Professor with […]The post Chagas disease: UTEP professor discusses research and involving community appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with The Epidemiology Department of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) issued a statement indicating that from Aug 26 through Sep 9, five cases of invasive disease due to Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus (GAS) were reported in the city and province. Two patients died, one resident of CABA and one of the province […]The post Buenos Aires reports 5 cases of invasive disease due to Streptococcus pyogenes in recent weeks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Ministry of Health in Sonora are reporting two suspect melioidosis cases in siblings from Huasabas who died, according to a local media account (computer translated). Samples collected during autopsy revealed the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. According to the general director of Health Promotion and Prevention of Diseases of the Ministry of Health in Sonora, Gerardo Alvarez […]The post Mexico: Suspect melioidosis reported in Huasabas siblings appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Monday two confirmed deaths in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The deceased persons were residents of Glenn County and Yuba County. As of September 7, CDPH has reported 56 human cases of WNV from 21 California counties this year. Additionally, 422 dead birds from 18 […]The post California reports 1st human West Nile virus deaths of 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Federal and state health and regulatory officials announced the investigation into a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak linked to cage-free large eggs from Gravel Ridge Farms. To date, 14 people have been sickened in two states-Tennessee and Alabama. Two people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. On September 8, 2018, Gravel Ridge Farms recalled cage-free large eggs because they might be […]The post Salmonella outbreak affecting Tennessee and Alabama linked to Cage Free Eggs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A University of Florida entomologist recently urged Floridians to protect themselves against biting mosquitoes because of unusually high levels of mosquito-borne virus transmission, particularly Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE and West Nile Virus, in sentinel chickens, horses and humans so far this summer. Joining me today is said entomologist, Jonathan Day, PhD. Dr Day is […]The post Florida experiencing high levels of mosquito-borne virus transmission: How to protect yourself? appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Have you ever received a hospital bill and couldn’t quite figure out how it could possibly be that expensive? I recently had a same day surgery at a local hospital which had a price tag of $47,000. Fortunately for me, a contract with my health insurance negotiated the cost down to $6,000. How is this possible? […]The post Hospital bills: The enormous costs, negotiated insurance prices and the self-pay patient appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A small number of people who are infected with HIV-1 produce very special antibodies. These antibodies do not just fight one virus strain, but neutralize almost all known virus strains. Research into developing an HIV vaccine focuses on discovering the factors responsible for the production of such antibodies. HIV-1 genome influences immune reaction A Swiss […]The post HIV vaccine: Special antibodies that neutralize all strains may be the answer appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week the recall of all rabies vaccine manufactured by Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Ltd from Jilin province. The FDA notes: The trigger came from the National Medical Products Administration of China (formerly China Food and Drug Administration) wherein the agency found Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Ltd. in violation of […]The post Philippines FDA recalls rabies vaccine manufactured in China appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the first time since 1992 classical swine fever (CSF) has been found in Japan. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (computer translated), the outbreak was confirmed over the weekend on a farm in Gifu Prefecture. To date, 546 hogs have been culled and a export ban has been instituted. Around 140 pigs at the farm have died […]The post Japan reports 1st Classical swine fever outbreak in a quarter century appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Government of South Australia (SA Health) are warning the public not to eat a number of alfalfa sprout products produced by Adelaide business Sunshine Sprouts, after several people became ill with Salmonella Oranienburg. SA Health’s Acting Executive Director Public Health Services, Dr Chris Lease, said there had been spike in cases of Salmonella […]The post Australia: Spike in Salmonella Oranienburg cases linked to alfalfa sprouts appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

By: Candess Zona-Mendola of MakeFoodSafe Diners over Labor Day Weekend got more than they bargained for when they ate at Pasha Mediterranean Grill in San Antonio. This week, Metro Health has reported a Salmonella food poisoning outbreak linked to the restaurant. The currently 255 reported illnesses were all isolated to the location at 9339 Wurzbach […]The post Salmonella Outbreak in San Antonio Linked to Pasha Mediterranean Grill; Over 250 Sick appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On the September 9 airing of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, I am joined by two great guests. In the first half, practicing infectious disease physician, Associate Professor of Medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Toronto and CEO of BlueDot, Dr Kamran Khan joined me to talk about some current […]The post Outbreak News This Week: Guests include Kamran Khan MD and Michael Osterholm, PhD appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has confirmed that the Asian Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was discovered in Somerset County, making it the seventh county in New Jersey where the tick has been found. The tick was found on a dog at a residence and was confirmed to be the Asian Longhorned tick earlier […]The post New Jersey reports additional Asian Longhorned tick appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the first Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in South Korea since the 2015 outbreak, health officials say the 61-year-old man who had travelled to Kuwait for business between 16 August and 6 September. He was hospitalized with fever, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms shortly after returning to the Republic of Korea and is currently […]The post South Korea MERS: Unusual, but not unexpected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Appalachian District Health Department (AppHealthCare) and Appalachian State University reported Saturday on a case of meningococcemia in an Appalachian State University student who lives off campus. Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection caused by bacteria that can also cause meningitis. The individual diagnosed with the disease does not have meningitis. The individual diagnosed with the infection is being […]The post Appalachian State University: Confirmed case of meningococcemia in off-campus student appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A leptospirosis outbreak in Israel, which has sickened dozens, has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a travel notice for people traveling there. Health officials in Israel have reported an outbreak of leptospirosis in the Golan Heights region of northern Israel. Cases have been linked to seven water sites, six […]The post Leptospirosis outbreak prompts travel notice for Israel appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Utah County Health Department (UCHD) is experiencing an increase of Pertussis cases, many in infants and young children. UCHD anticipates even more cases now that school is back in session. The number of cases at this point in the year is almost double that of the same timeframe in 2017. Pertussis, or whooping cough is […]The post Pertussis cases nearly double this year in Utah County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health’s (MoH) update on the North Kivu Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the number of confirmed outbreak cases has now reached 100. In addition, there are another 31 probable cases are reported. Of the 100 confirmed, 58 died, 35 are cured and 7 are hospitalized. The Minister of […]The post Ebola in the DRC: 100 confirmed cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with Public Health England are reporting a case of imported monkeypox, the first such case seen in the United Kingdom. The patient was staying at a naval base in Cornwall prior to transfer to the expert infectious disease unit at the Royal Free Hospital, London where they are now receiving appropriate care. The patient […]The post England reports monkeypox case, believe to be contracted in Nigeria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Here are the top five posts on Outbreak News Today for the week Sept 1 through Sept 7: 5. Myanmar rabies: 18 deaths recorded at Yangon hospital The Yangon General Hospital in Myanmar reported 18 human rabies deaths from January through August this year. This total is only for those treated at the Yangon hospital and does not include numbers […]The post Infectious disease news: Top 5 posts for the week Sept. 1-7 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the state’s first two human cases of West Nile virus infection in 2018 have been confirmed in a 43-year-old man from San Juan County and a 71-year-old woman from Doña Ana County. Both cases required hospitalization. Mosquito populations remain on the rise after weeks of rain statewide. […]The post New Mexico reports 1st human West Nile virus cases of 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New syphilis cases in the Houston and Harris County rose 59 percent in the first half of 2018, mirroring a trend that points to steep increases in sexually-transmitted diseases nationwide. Houston Health Department (HHD) statistics indicate new infections, known as primary and secondary syphilis, totaled 263 during the first six months of 2018 compared to […]The post Houston: Syphilis cases up 59 percent in the first half of 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to the Korean Centers for Disease Control- KCDC today (computer translated), a 61-year-old male patient who visited Kuwait was diagnosed with Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS). This is the first case reported in South Korea since 2015. He returned home Friday from a business trip to Kuwait from Aug. 16 to Sept. 6. He was […]The post South Korea: 1st MERS case reported since 2015 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the second case of imported Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Dallas County for 2018. The 5-year-old resident of Irving was infected during recent travel to India. CHIKV is transmitted to people through mosquito bites from Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These are the same mosquitoes that have been […]The post Chikungunya: 2nd travel associated case reported in Dallas appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In Australia, New South Wales (NSW) Food Authority advises that ‘Eggz on the Run’ is undertaking a voluntary recall of Glendenning Farms eggs as part of an investigation into human illness. A cluster of human cases of Salmonella Enteritidis, have been detected in the Sydney area. To date there have been 23 confirmed cases. The NSW Food Authority […]The post Australia: Salmonella cluster in Sydney prompts egg recall appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In British Columbia, Canada, Fraser Health is warning any passengers who were on the BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Mayne Island on Friday, August 31st at 7 p.m. of a possible exposure to measles. In addition, Island Health is warning that this same traveller is believed to have visited the Saturna Lighthouse Pub on Saturna […]The post Measles alert in British Columbia: Tsawwassen to Mayne Island ferry passengers warned appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Finland National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reported today (computer translated) that the number of gonorrhea cases increased from 2016 to 2017. Last year there were nearly 600 gonorrhea cases reported in Finland, or about 180 more cases than there were in 2016, according to THL’s published Infectious Diseases in Finland 2017 report. Officials reported increases […]The post Finland report increase in gonorrhea cases in 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Malaysian health officials are reporting a decrease in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the past month. Weekly reporting of HFMD case reporting showed a decrease since August 5, 2018. For the week 36 (September 2 to September 6, 2018), 1,475 cases were reported, a reduction of 140 cases (8.7%) compared to 1,615 […]The post Hand, foot and mouth disease cases decreasing in Malaysia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Papua New Guinea National Department of Health (NDOH) reported an additional circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) case this one from the capital city of Port Moresby. This brings the total polio cases reported in the country to 10 since the outbreak began in June. “This is very concerning—every new case of polio isn’t just a statistic. […]The post Papua New Guinea: First polio case reported in Port Moresby appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The El Paso Department of Health has reported the fourth human West Nile virus (WNV) case this year. The latest case is a man under the age of 20 who lives in Northeast El Paso. He has no underlying medical conditions. “The current weather conditions, with rain and warm temperatures, are creating the perfect situation […]The post El Paso reports 4th human West Nile virus case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Thailand Department of Disease Control has reported 84,941 influenza cases through August 25, including 12 deaths. Provinces with the top five morbidity rates (cases per 100,000 population) were Bangkok, Chiangmai, Rayong, Phayao, and Ubonratchathani. The disease incidence is about 3 times higher than the median of the past 5 years There were 93 influenza outbreaks. Provinces […]The post Influenza in Thailand: Disease incidence is 3 times higher than the 5 year median appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Thailand Disease Control Department reported this week an additional human rabies fatality, the 16th case this year. The case is a 50-year-old Tak woman who was apparently bitten by a dog about one year ago. According to the Disease Control Department director general, Dr Suwanchai Watanayincharoen, the woman was bitten by an unvaccinated dog on […]The post Thailand: Tak woman is 16th rabies victim appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

What is sexually transmitted disease (STD) contraction law? Is against the law for a person to knowingly infect someone or put someone at risk for contracting a STD? These and other questions are answered when I talk to leading STD contraction lawyer, Todd Kelly. Mr Kelly is an attorney with The Carlson Law Firm based out […]The post STD contraction law explained appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the report of a measles case in Burleigh County, North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that subsequent testing found the individual with measles in Burleigh County to be negative. Therefore, the NDDoH has determined that the threat […]The post False alarm: Burleigh County patient tests negative for measles appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A regional emergency meeting convened by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) took place today in Bangkok, which included veterinary authorities and many other stakeholders from 12 countries, including the private sector, ASF experts, and representatives of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The topic was African Swine Fever (ASF), which officials say is accelerating and […]The post African Swine Fever in Asia: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) is investigating a potential foodborne illness cluster following numerous, independent complaints of foodborne illness reported by individuals who have dined at Pasha’s Mediterranean Grill on Wurzbach Road during the past Labor Day weekend. As of Sept. 5, more than 60 individuals reported foodborne illness symptoms after eating […]The post San Antonio: Dozens sickened with food poisoning, linked to Pasha’s Mediterranean Grill appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The hepatitis A outbreak in Kentucky, which started 10 months ago and has affected 71 percent of the state’s counties, has grown to 1,562 cases through late August. This includes 63 new cases reported the week ending Aug. 25. Fifty-six percent, or 881 people required hospitalization for their illness and 12 people died. Jefferson County has […]The post Kentucky hepatitis A outbreak tops 1,500 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Countries in WHO South-East Asia resolved to accelerate efforts to control dengue which threatens nearly 1.3 billion people with frequent and largescale outbreaks, and control malaria, that continues to be endemic in the Region. “We need to intensify multi-sectoral approach at the national as well as the grassroots level to reach the most vulnerable and […]The post Dengue threatens 1.3 billion people in South Asia, Countries intensify efforts to control appeared first on Outbreak News Today.