Outbreak News Today

In Brazil, the yellow fever outbreak continues to roll on with some numbers not seen in decades. According to the Brazil Ministry of Health, 846 confirmed yellow fever cases and 260 deaths were reported in the period from July 1, 2017 to March 6 of this year. In the same period last year, 597 cases and […]The post Yellow fever cases rise in Brazil appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

TGV Therapeutics, the pharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections, announced it is working with the National Institutes of Health to expand its research on a drug that shows promise against new fungal superbugs. TGV Therapeutics and its advisors, Dr. George and Victor Tetz, said initial data indicate their drug candidate, MYC-053, is […]The post Fungal drug candidate, MYC-053, is effective against Candida auris appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Texas state health officials are warning people who attended or participated in a cheerleader competition in Dallas last month that they may have exposed to mumps. In a letter from Antonio Aragon with the DSHS Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Branch, he states: You that you or your child may have been exposed to a […]The post Texas warns people at cheerleader competition of possible mumps exposure appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Infants who receive multiple vaccines as part of the routine vaccination schedule are unlikely to be more susceptible to other infections not targeted by those vaccines in the two years following vaccination, according to a study from Kaiser Permanente published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The Kaiser Permanente study marks the first time […]The post Multiple vaccines do not damage infant immune system: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A possible hepatitis A-related death has been reported in a Louisville resident, Kentucky health authorities report. The individual had symptoms and laboratory test results that met the case definition for acute hepatitis A virus infection and also had additional health issues. This is the first known death from acute hepatitis A in Kentucky since the […]The post Louisville: Possible Hepatitis A-related death reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since December 2017 five human cases of rabies have been confirmed in South Africa. These cases were recorded in patients from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal (two cases) and the Eastern Cape. Another probable case of rabies was reported from the Free State in December 2017, involving a patient that presented and died with the clinical […]The post South Africa: Five human rabies cases confirmed since December appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Wales health officials have declared a measles outbreak as six confirmed cases have been reported in South East Wales. Confirmed cases have been reported Cardiff, Newport and Blaenau Gwent with probable cases under investigation. Public Health Wales said although cases are distributed across South East Wales, the first few cases are thought to have been exposed […]The post Measles outbreak reported in South East Wales appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Themis Bioscience and CEPI – the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations – announced today a partnership under which Themis will provide advanced vaccine development and manufacturing for Lassa fever and MERS. This is the first company agreement that CEPI has signed since it was established in 2017 as a coalition to finance and coordinate the development […]The post Partnership announced to develop vaccines for MERS and Lassa fever appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan has grown to 32 cases and four deaths, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) update published this week. During the past week, a 17 year-old male who presented to hospital on 19 February 2018 with a history of fever, headache, and joint pain […]The post South Sudan: Additional suspected Rift Valley fever death reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A bacterial outbreak that affected 22 babies at the La Altagracia Maternity in the Dominican Republic has been identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae, according to a El Caribe report (computer translated). To date, 14 children are currently being treated with antibiotics and eight children have been discharged. The outbreak has been linked to a lack of […]The post Klebsiella pneumoniae linked to Dominican Republic hospital outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the listeriosis outbreak in Australia linked to tainted rockmelon, health officials report two additional cases and one death. The number of people affected by the national listeria outbreak has risen to 17 with two more interstate cases linked to contaminated rockmelon, a man from Victoria and a woman from Queensland. NSW […]The post Australia listeria outbreak: 17 cases and 4 deaths appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A Denver resident was recently diagnosed with hantavirus, a rare but serious and potentially fatal respiratory disease carried by infected deer mice. No evidence of rodents was found during an inspection of the individual’s residence, but it is likely the individual contracted the virus in Denver. This is the second case of hantavirus in Denver […]The post Denver: Rare hantavirus case reported, 2nd case since 1993 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Brazil health officials have confirmed 723 yellow fever cases and 237 deaths in the period from July 1, 2017 to February 28 of this year. On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice for Brazil. Travelers to Brazil should protect themselves from yellow fever by getting yellow fever vaccine […]The post Yellow fever vaccine recommendations for travelers appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

More than 11,000 people died during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2013-16, demonstrating both the deadly nature of the virus and the limitations of the medication used to fight it. Now, University of Guelph researchers have shown that an innovative antibody delivery method could offer an effective way to prevent and treat Ebola […]The post Ebola: Innovative antibody delivery method could prevent and treat infection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Following measles outbreak in Zamboanga and Davao Cities, officials in Negros Oriental declared a measles outbreak today, according to a Philippine media report. The outbreak was declared after cases were reported in a number of areas, including Dumaguete City. The exact number of cases has not been disclosed. According to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Enrique […]The post Philippines: Measles outbreak declared in Negros Oriental appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 1121 suspected Lassa fever cases, including 110 fatalities have been reported from 18 Nigerian states. Most cases have been found in Edo and Ondo states in southwest Nigeria. The Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has prompted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to […]The post CDC issues travel notice for Nigeria over Lassa outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are investigating an outbreak of nine Salmonella infections across eight states (Colorado-2, Indiana-1, Iowa-1, Massachusetts-1, Michigan-1, New York-1, Virginia-1 and Vermont-1). One person was hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging […]The post Salmonella outbreak linked to pet guinea pigs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the Imugen Babesia microti Arrayed Fluorescent Immunoassay (AFIA), for the detection of antibodies to Babesia microti (B. microti) in human plasma samples, and the Imugen Babesia microti Nucleic Acid Test (NAT), for the detection of B. microti DNA in human whole blood samples. These tests are intended to be used as donor screening tests on samples […]The post Babesia microti tests approved by FDA for screening blood, organ and tissue donors appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Pfizer Canada Inc. has announced the availability of TRUMENBA (meningococcal group B vaccine) in Canada, following approval by Health Canada in October 2017. TRUMENBA is a vaccine indicated to help prevent invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B bacteria, for individuals 10 through 25 years of age. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is […]The post Meningococcal B vaccine, Trumenba, now available in Canada appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Diagnosis of Zika infection is complex. Molecular tests for exposure are only reliable in the first two to three weeks after infection while the virus is circulating in the bloodstream. Antibody tests are confounded by cross-reactivity of antibodies to Zika with dengue, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis viruses following infection or vaccination. A new blood […]The post New Zika blood test extends the window of accurate detection from weeks to months after the onset of infection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The mumps outbreak in Hawaii, once described as “by far the worst in several decades” in the state, has reached the one-year mark, and while cases are still being reported, health officials do say there are signs the outbreak is slowing. The current outbreak began a year ago in March 2017 with two clusters of cases […]The post Hawaii mumps outbreak 1 year later: 900 cases and signs of slowing appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in Victoria, Australia, Deputy Chief Health Officer, Victoria, Dr Brett Sutton says cases of hepatitis A continue to increase in Victoria, with one death having been confirmed as part of the outbreak. There are now 58 confirmed outbreak cases, seven probable cases and one death. An additional 16 cases […]The post Hepatitis A: More cases reported in Victoria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Steve’s Real Food of Salt Lake City, Utah is voluntarily recalling one lot of 5lb Raw Frozen Dog Food Turkey Canine Recipe due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Symptoms of infection in people include nausea, vomiting, […]The post Salmonella risk prompts recall of raw frozen dog food appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Quidel Corporation, a provider of rapid diagnostic testing solutions, cellular-based virology assays and molecular diagnostic systems, announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Sofia Lyme FIA to be used with the Sofia 2 Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer for the rapid differential detection of human IgM and IgG antibodies […]The post Lyme Fluorescent Immunoassay receives FDA nod appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Metro North Public Health Unit (MNPHU) has confirmed a case of measles in an infant boy in the Brisbane area. Public Health Physician Dr Megan Young said MNPHU was working with the health care facilities and venues where the child had visited, and urged anyone who was in those areas around the same time to […]The post Measles confirmed in Brisbane infant appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the multi-state Salmonella I 4,[5],12:b:- linked to kratom had grown to 40 sick people from 27 states. Three people in Washington state have been affected by this outbreak in Clark, Walla Walla and King Counties, prompting health officials to recommend that people should not consume any form […]The post Washington reports 3 Salmonella cases linked to tainted kratom appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since the end of November 2017, Kinshasa province has been facing an outbreak of cholera. Since that time, 1065 cases including 43 deaths (case fatality rate = 4%) have been reported from 32 out of 35 health zones in Kinshasa province. In January 2018, following intensive rains and flooding events, case numbers increased from less than […]The post Kinshasa reports over 1,000 cholera cases in 3 months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Connecticut health officials are reporting that the flu season has peaked; however, flu activity is still widespread. “The positive news is that we appear to be past the peak of the flu season. This however, does not mean the season is done. We still have several more weeks to go, and I continue to urge […]The post Connecticut Health commissioner: ‘We appear to be past the peak of the flu season’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in South Africa announced that they have confirmed the source of the listerioisis outbreak, that as of the end of February, 945 cases and 176 deaths have been reported since Jan. 2017. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said the source has been traced to a food facility in Polokwane. “The source of […]The post Listeriosis outbreak in South Africa: Source traced to a food facility in Polokwane appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A 4-year-old Venezuelan child suspected of having measles and pneumonia died on Mar. 2 at the Children’s Hospital in Boa Vista, according to the city of Boa Vista. She was among the 12 cases investigated for suspected measles, according to a g1.globo report (computer translated). According to the city hall, the child came a few days ago from the city of […]The post Brazil reports more measles in Venezuelan refugees appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Peru Ministry of Health has issued a health alert due to a confirmed measles case in a 46-year-old man who lives in Callao, according to a El Comercio report (computer translated). The patient visited Puno for the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Upon returning from the trip, he presented the measles symptoms. The National Center […]The post Peru: Health alert issued over measles case in Callao appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dr. Thomas Parran Jr. was the sixth Surgeon General of the United States, serving from 1936 to 1948. He served in other roles in the Public Health Services (PHS), including Chief of PHS’s Division of Venereal Diseases. He was a major researcher on syphilis during his career and authored the book, Shadow on the land: syphilis in 1937. After […]The post University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health: Petition circulates to change name of Parran Hall appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Kenya free of dracunculiasis transmission following the recommendation of the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE). During its 12th meeting held at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland the ICCDE reviewed the report of an International Certification Team that visited Kenya in October 2017 to assess […]The post Kenya certified free of Guinea worm disease transmission appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update on the Salmonella I 4,[5],12:b:- multistate outbreak linked to kratom, 12 more sick people have been reported and 7 more states (Delaware, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin) are included in this outbreak, bringing the total to 40 sick people from 27 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Forty-five […]The post Salmonella outbreak linked to Kratom: More cases from more states appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A team of investigators has found that the mcr-1 drug resistance gene, which encodes resistance to a drug that is used as a last resort, has been found for the first time in Shigella flexneri. Shigella are one of the leading causes of diarrhea worldwide. The research is published March 2nd in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of […]The post mcr-1 drug resistance gene found for first time in Shigella appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Clark County Combined Health District in Springfield, Ohio reported on their Facebook page Thursday: Clark and Champaign counties are currently experiencing an outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. The outbreak has been linked to calves in both counties. The best protection against Cryptosporidiosis is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm […]The post Ohio: Cryptosporidium outbreak reported, Two dozen affected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the meningococcal meningitis case reported in a Smith College student recently, the school reported that confirmatory testing performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B was the causative agent of the meningitis. This is the same strain that caused an outbreak at University of […]The post Meningitis B confirmed in Smith College student appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) continues to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella illness at several locations in Weld County. The source of the outbreak is the Burrito Delight restaurant, which has voluntarily closed both of its locations in Fort Lupton and Dacono. It is still under investigation as to what […]The post Salmonella outbreak linked to Burrito Delight still under investigation as case count climbs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The confirmation involved one single patient; Brazilian investigators say it suggests the virus may be contagious for a period which stretches longer than previously thought The presence of yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease was detected almost a month after the patient was infected, according to […]The post Yellow fever virus is detected in urine and semen almost a month after infection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update yesterday from the Brazil Ministry of Health (computer translated), the yellow fever outbreak case tally continues to grow. Brazil confirmed 723 cases and 237 deaths in the period from July 1, 2017 to February 28 of this year. In the same period last year, 576 cases and 184 deaths were confirmed. Three states […]The post Yellow fever cases continue rise in Brazil appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to a report yesterday, NSW Health is now confirming 15 listeriosis cases linked to the national rockmelon outbreak, three of whom have died. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director Communicable Diseases NSW Health, said four of the additional cases are from Victoria and one is from Tasmania. The onset of their illness occurred the week after […]The post Listeria outbreak rises to 15 cases, 3 deaths in Australia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

There has been a large increase in the number of cases of syphilis reported in New Zealand but many cases are going unreported, because it is often mistaken for other conditions. In 2017 there were 400 cases reported by sexual health clinics, up 500% on the 80 reported in 2012. MidCentral DHB Sexual Health Physician […]The post New Zealand: Syphilis cases up 500 percent since 2012 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

There has been an increase in reported salmonella sickness with owners of reptiles and amphibians in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit area. Salmonella germs are naturally found in the digestive tract of some animals, including lizards and amphibians. It is shed in their droppings which spreads the germs onto their bodies and […]The post Canada: Increase in salmonella cases linked to reptiles reported in NE Ontario appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, is hosting Legionella Conference 2018 – Managing Legionella and Other Pathogens in Building Water Systems on May 9-11, 2018, in Baltimore, Maryland. The three-day conference is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and marks the first time experts from industry, academia, public health, medicine and government […]The post Legionella Conference 2018: Approaches for successfully preventing the spread of Legionella in buildings, hospitals and other at-risk facilities appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Nigeria is currently experiencing what is described as an “unprecedented outbreak” of Lassa fever. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and partners like the World Health Organization (WHO)are intensifying the outbreak response. So what is Lassa fever? I was joined by infectious disease physician, Dr Judy Stone in this Mar. 2016 interview to learn the […]The post Lassa fever: An interview with Dr Judy Stone appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the KwaZulu-Natal agriculture and rural development department report that two children tragically died from rabies and the department warned that a new spike in rabies had been picked up along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, according to a Times Live report. Departmental spokesman Khaye Nkwanyana said the cases had been detected in Durban‚ on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast‚ […]The post Rabies: Two children have died in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on two infectious disease issues in San Diego County, mice with hantavirus and tularemia positive ticks, San Diego County Vector Control has issued some updated information and warnings for the public. Vector Control officials said five Western harvest mice caught in routine trapping in open fields in 4S Ranch and in the rural […]The post Hantavirus, tularemia warnings issued in San Diego County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The secret to stopping some viruses from making people sick might be hidden in red wine and chocolate — but that doesn’t mean indulging in more bonbons and vino, Kansas State University researchers say. “Resveratrol is a small, natural compound in many plants like grapes, cocoa beans, peanuts and blueberries,” said Shuai Cao, postdoctoral researcher […]The post Resveratrol shown to prevent vaccinia from replicating in the early stages: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo linked to raw sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurant locations, federal health officials declared the outbreak over yesterday. Ten people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo were reported from three states- Wisconsin (6), Minnesota (2) and Illinois (2). No hospitalizations and no deaths were reported. Epidemiologic evidence indicated that raw […]The post Salmonella outbreak linked to raw sprouts served at Jimmy John’s declared over: 10 cases from 3 states appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified its response to the Lassa Fever outbreak as the number of confirmed Lassa Fever cases from January 1 this year rose to 317 as at the 25th of February 2018, crossing the total number of confirmed cases recorded in 2017. The outbreak has affected 18 states […]The post Lassa fever ‘unprecedented outbreak’ recorded in Nigeria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.