Outbreak News Today

A measles outbreak at the Hospital de Santo António, in Porto, Portugal has been reported by the Directorate-General for Health this week, according to a Jornal de Noticias report (computer translated). There are currently seven confirmed cases, including five health workers infected. Three are hospitalized, one in serious situation. There are 32 other cases under investigation. The report […]The post Measles outbreak reported at Portugal hospital appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a new Johns Hopkins study, researchers have added to evidence that Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), the world’s most common curable sexually transmitted infection (STI), disproportionately affects the black community. A report of the findings, published March 15 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, highlights the major racial/ethnic disparities in TV infection in the United States population, calling on […]The post Trichomonas vaginalis disproportionately affects the black community: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Richmond, VA health officials are investigating one confirmed case and one suspect case of mumps at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Mumps is a virus transmitted by respiratory droplets through coughing/sneezing, kissing, sharing drinks or lip balm, and contact with contaminated surfaces. It takes 12-25 days to develop symptoms, which can include low-grade fever, body aches, headache, and swelling […]The post Mumps reported at VCU appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

At least 14 people in the city of Uzgen, Osh oblast in southern Kyrgyzstan have been sickened with food poisoning caused by suspected botulism, including four children, according to a paruskg.info report. According to the press center of the Ministry of Health, on March 11 nine people sought medical care for symptoms of botulism, followed by five more the next […]The post Botulism outbreak in southern Kyrgyzstan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

From stately cruise ships to Olympic host cities, recent headline-grabbing outbreaks prove that norovirus — an incapacitating and vaccine-less stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea — can strike anywhere, anytime. Yet it often does its nastiest work on the road, where travel and close quarters mix with limited awareness and ability to control the […]The post Norovirus prevention: Handwashing is most effective appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new study published by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago suggests that the drug oseltamivir — commonly known as Tamiflu — does not cause an increased risk of suicide in pediatric patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration originally approved the drug in 1999, but subsequent case reports of abnormal behavior in […]The post Tamiflu-teen suicide risk link debunked in study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Valneva SE, a fully integrated commercial stage biotech company focused on developing innovative, lifesaving vaccines, announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial in the U.S. to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of VLA1553, its live-attenuated vaccine candidate against Chikungunya. The Phase I clinical trial is a randomized, observer-blinded, dose-escalation, multi-center study. It will […]The post Chikungunya vaccine enters Phase I clinical trial appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Michigan state health officials have confirmed the first measles case of the year in resident of Washtenaw County. The individual returned from travel abroad March 6 at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and was contagious upon returning to Michigan. Anyone who was in customs or baggage claim in the airport’s north terminal between 2 and 5 p.m. that day […]The post Michigan officials report 1st measles case of 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Johnson County, KS health officials have confirmed three cases of measles in children less than one year of age from a single child care facility. The infants were too young to be vaccinated against the contagious viral disease. Those at risk for the disease have been contacted and the investigation is ongoing. In order to prevent the spread of measles, the […]The post Kansas: 3 infants from single daycare contract measles in Johnson County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), from 1st January to 11th March 2018, a total of 1386 suspected Lassa fever cases have been reported, including 114 deaths (365/81 laboratory confirmed). 19 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 55 Local Government Areas with 84% of all confirmed cases reported from three states–Edo (43%) […]The post Nigeria: Nearly 1400 Lassa fever cases reported, Emergence of a new virus strain unlikely 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. Lymph nodes in the head and neck region become swollen and develop abscesses, resulting in nasal discharge and drainage from the throat. Though rarely fatal, strangles […]The post Treating strangles: New guidelines published appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Following the nerve agent attack in Salisbury on former double agent, Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia on Mar. 4, some are asking–What is this military grade nerve agent, Novichok? Outbreak News Today reached out to biodefense and bioterrorism researcher and Professor at Laboure College, Lawrence Roberge PhD for some thoughts and background. “Novichok-means newcomer. Developed by […]The post Novichok: A little background on the nerve agent appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On today’s show, we talk about schistosomiasis. Health authorities say more than 200 million people are infected worldwide and in terms of impact, this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease. My guest, Parasitology teacher and author of the book, Parasites: Tales of Humanity’s Most Unwelcome Guests, Rosemary Drisdelle joined me […]The post Schistosomiasis: In terms of impact, it’s second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Researchers are developing a promising alternative to antibiotic treatment for infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The approach uses antibodies to target the K. pneumoniae protective capsule polysaccharide, allowing immune system cells called neutrophils to attack and kill the bacteria. The early stage, in vitro research was conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and […]The post Promising alternative to antibiotic treatment for multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Truvada is a pill that people who are HIV negative can take to decrease their risk of acquiring HIV infection. This is called HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. Truvada contains two medications, tenofovir and emtricitabine, both of which are also used to treat HIV in people who are HIV positive. To date, just four cases […]The post Truvada resistant HIV reported in King County man appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the measles case recently reported in Melbourne, and second measles case has been confirmed with the infection likely to have been acquired overseas. The latest case was infectious on AirAsia flight D7241 from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne and at Tullamarine Airport on Wednesday March 7 from 9:30am until midday. The cases attended a […]The post 2nd measles case reported in Melbourne appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has confirmed a second case of measles. It is likely this person has caught the disease on flight SQ285 which landed in Auckland on 22 February 2018. The latest case is an Auckland University of Technology (AUT) student and ARPHS is working closely with AUT to determine the […]The post Auckland University of Technology student contracts measles, health officials call for vigilance appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a lab-confirmed case of measles. This includes following up with individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Members of the public may have been exposed to measles on Air Canada flight AC 0879, a direct flight that departed from Zürich Airport in Zurich, Switzerland at 9:25 a.m. […]The post Toronto issues measles alert: Possible exposure on Air Canada flight from Zurich appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A former employee at the Denny’s restaurant located at 4030 Dutchman’s Lane in St. Matthews, in metropolitan Louisville, has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A. The employee worked at the restaurant from February 9-22, 2018. As a result, customers who ate at the restaurant during that time period may be have been exposed to the […]The post Louisville metro Denny’s former employee tests hepatitis A positive, City reports 124 cases to date appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the second time this month, Peru health officials report (computer translated) a confirmed measles case in the country. The National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Diseases of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) says the case is a 16-year-old adolescent living in the city of Juliaca, Puno. Health Minister Dr. Abel Salinas Rivas, who […]The post Second measles case confirmed in Peru appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A Chinese woman who ate several frogs in 2013, in an effort to sooth her rheumatism, has a tapeworm removed from her breast five years later, according to a Chinese news source (computer translated). Years after eating the undesirable antidote for her ailment and the years of pain, not only in her breast but other […]The post Tapeworm: Woman contracts Spirometra after eating frogs, has parasite removed from her breast appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A national increase in syphilis cases continues to impact Montana and public health officials are concerned. During the first couple of months in 2018, nine new syphilis cases were reported in Montana, continuing the 2017 outbreak experienced when 49 cases were reported. The increase in cases is alarming when compared to the average of 12 […]The post Montana: ‘Increase in syphilis cases is alarming’, More women affected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

PDX Aromatics of Portland, Oregon DBA Kraken Kratom, Phytoextractum, and Soul Speciosa, has initiated a recall of certain kratom-containing powder products because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons […]The post Kratom powder recalled due to Salmonella potential appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) situation in South Sudan, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has declared a Rift Valley fever outbreak today in Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties of Eastern Lakes State. The RVF outbreak was first suspected in December 2017, following three […]The post Rift Valley fever outbreak declared in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Philippines Department of Health has reported a near tripling of measles cases during the first month of 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, according to a Measles Disease Surveillance Report recently published. A total of 877 suspect measles cases were reported nationwide from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3, 2018. This is almost […]The post Measles in the Philippines: Cases nearly triple in January appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A shigella outbeak, linked to catering by Seattle-based Eric Gorbman Catering, is being investigated by Public Health — Seattle & King County officials. To date, 17 cases have been reported. The investigation surrounds private parties at Temple Beth Am and Temple Beth Shalom in Seattle on March 3. The parties were catered by Eric Gorbman Catering with additional […]The post Shigella outbreak reported in Seattle appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Nurse practitioner and President and CEO of Passport Health of Tampa, Dr. Duellyn Pandis joined me in this interview from last summer to catch up on various topics of travel health and medicine. We discussed several travel destinations and the travel issues and advice for each. Dr. Pandis went over in detail the issue with the […]The post Travel health topics with Dr. Duellyn Pandis appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In this podcast, I pull out two interviews from the past couple years concerning organ donation. The first interview, from June 2016, I am joined by President and Founder of the Living Kidney Donors Network (LKDN) and two-time kidney transplant recipient, Harvey Mysel to discuss kidney paired donations, or paired exchanges and how they work. In the second interview, I […]The post Organ donation: Kidney paired donations, Donate Life Month appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In this January 2017 interview, Professor of Law at UC Hastings College of Law, Dorit Rubinstein Reiss, PhD joined me to discuss the types and issues of vaccine exemption, the role and purposes of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act and the corresponding National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and other topics of vaccine law. Related: Thoughts on the […]The post Vaccine law and exemptions appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released their 2018 Blueprint list of priority diseases –pathogens that have potential to cause a public health emergency with the absence of efficacious drugs and/or vaccines. This list includes some of the usual suspects–Ebola virus, Marburg virus and Nipah virus. The last pathogen on the list is called “Disease X”. WHO defines […]The post Disease X: The exact reason why we need the Global Virome Project appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Animal rabies in Thailand is at outbreak levels so far in 2018, with 359 confirmed cases of rabies reported in 37 provinces since the beginning of the year, health officials are concerned about the lack of knowledge the public has about the deadly viral disease. Thai news source, The Nation reports that a survey given recently […]The post Rabies in Thailand: Deadly disease largely misunderstood appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

European health officials reported 1,073 cases of measles from 15 countries in Jan. 2018. Greece and France reported the most cases with 431 and 231 cases reported, respectively. Other countries reporting a significant number of cases in January include Italy (168) and Romania (100). For the period of Feb. 1, 2017 through Jan. 31, 2018, Europe […]The post Europe: Greece, France report the most measles in January appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A recent Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria voyage ending Friday saw 74 passengers and crew come down with bouts of diarrhea by an unknown etiology. The voyage that started Feb, 21, returned to Ft. Lauderdale, FL Friday where a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) environmental health officer and an epidemiologist boarded the ship to conduct […]The post Cruise ship outbreak: Cunard’s Queen Victoria see 74 ill appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Earlier this week, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today warned consumers not to consume The Maiden’s Creamery “Wild Meadow” raw goat milk cheese made by Mark Harvey, 1277 Copes Corner Road, South New Berlin, NY 13843 due to possible Listeria contamination. The product is packaged in various sizes of sealed flexible plastic packaging, […]The post NY Consumer alert: Possible Listeria in The Maiden’s Creamery ‘Wild Meadow’ raw goat milk cheese appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Group A streptococci are bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin. The vast majority of GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses, such as strep throat and impetigo. Occasionally, however, these bacteria can cause much more severe and even life threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis (occasionally described as “the flesh-eating bacteria”) and streptococcal […]The post Group A strep: Scarlet fever in England, invasive group A strep in Region of Peel appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Salmonella outbreak linked to two Burrito Delight restaurants in Colorado, health officials in Weld County continue the investigation. In mid-February, 17 people from the Greeley Aims Community College campus became sick from food catered by the Burrito Delight restaurant. An additional 20 patrons became sick after eating food directly from the […]The post Colorado salmonella outbreak: ‘It appears the outbreak has peaked at 37 cases’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Ireland health officials report investigating two cases of suspected meningococcal meningitis in Navan, Co Meath in two children under twelve years of age. As of Friday, one child is hospitalized while the other has died. Health Service Executive (HSE) Consultants in Public Health Medicine from the HSE Health Protection Team are currently with the parents, guardians and […]The post Ireland: Two children suspected with meningococcal meningitis in Meath appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported Friday that three vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) strains were isolated from environmental samples collected on 4 and 11 January 2018, in Banadir province (Mogadishu). These latest isolates are genetically linked to cVDPV2 strains collected from environmental samples in the same province on 22 October and 2 November 2017. Since detection […]The post Somalia: Circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 confirmed in environmental samples appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Starwest Botanicals is voluntarily recalling Starwest Botanicals Organic Cardamom Pods Green (Whole), which is packaged in Mylar 1 pound bags and in bulk packs. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea […]The post Organic Cardamom Pods recalled due to Salmonella risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is managing an outbreak of four cases of tuberculosis in Thunder Bay. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and is treated with antibiotics. “Tuberculosis is not very contagious and requires prolonged contact with someone who is sick to be at risk of acquiring the disease,” says […]The post TB outbreak in Thunder Bay appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Outbreaks of previously unknown viral and other diseases have the potential to inflict serious and massive negative health and economic impact on the world. A new program, a really big idea, is set to start this year and looks to stay one step ahead of this situation identifying viruses in advance and provide timely data for […]The post The Global Virome Project: Providing timely data to battle future pandemics appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new study comparing the effectiveness of individual ZMapp antibodies versus a cocktail of antibodies, administered to mice using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors, showed the ability to achieve 100% protection against infection by Ebola virus. The study, which reported the best results using a single rAAV-delivered antibody, is published in Human Gene Therapy, a […]The post ZMapp antibody delivered by viral vector protects against Ebola infection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers improve participation by as much as 30 percent and reduce absenteeism during critical periods of patient surges by about 6 percent, findings from a multi-institutional study show. Previous work focused on the impact of health care worker vaccination on improving patient outcomes. The findings expand the potential benefits […]The post Vaccinated health care workers had a 30 percent reduction in absenteeism compared with nonvaccinated health care workers: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced today five confirmed cases of angiostrongyliasis, or rat lungworm, in foreign workers from Thailand. All five cases have consumed raw or undercooked apple snails and they are all currently hospitalized for treatment. They have been provided with specific medication. According to the epidemiological investigation, 9 Thai workers […]The post Angiostrongyliasis confirmed in five Thai workers in Taiwan appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reintroduced his legislation to protect Ohioans from deadly “superbugs” by combatting antibiotic resistance. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics to fight disease have led to resistant bacteria and a growing shortage of effective antibiotic drugs. This impacts more than two million Americans each year – with an estimated 23,000 dying as […]The post Ohio: Sen. Brown reintroduces STAAR Act to battle superbugs, IDSA applauds bill appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Victoria issued a health alert today over a foreign backpacker who tested positive for measles. It is believed that the infection was acquired overseas. The patient attended a number of locations in and around Melbourne while infectious including: Saturday 3 March – Flinders Backpackers (Elizabeth Street, Melbourne), Flinders Street Railway Station, tram routes 16 […]The post Measles case reported in Melbourne, likely acquired overseas appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Florida Department of Health in Levy County (DOH-Levy) today issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Levy County. A case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been confirmed in a flock of Emus in the Bronson area and there is a heightened concern residents could become ill. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is spread to horses and […]The post Eastern Equine Encephalitis detected in Emu flock prompts health advisory in Levy County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

13-year old Olivia Goodreau has been living with Lyme disease for half her life. She joined me today to tell her story from the tick bite to a myriad of symptoms to visiting 51 doctors before being diagnosed with the tick-borne disease. Olivia also talked about her nonprofit organization, LivLyme Foundation, which supports the work of researchers and […]The post Lyme disease: Olivia’s story, the LivLyme Foundation and the TickTracker app appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to chicken salad, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an additional 105 more ill people, bringing the total to 170 cases in seven states. Iowa has reported 149 cases, or 87 percent of the total. Indiana and South Dakota are new states reporting outbreak […]The post Tainted chicken salad linked to 105 additional Salmonella cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.