Outbreak News Today

Urinary tract infections (UTI’s) are one of the most common reasons people go to get medical treatment. There are an estimated 5-10 million outpatient visits and over 250,000 hospital admissions due to UTI’s. Around 10% of people will get a UTI in their lifetime. The urinary tract is broken down between the upper urinary tract […]The post Urinary Tract Infections 101 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The director of the Health Inspection in Burgas, Bulgaria Dr. Verginia Tzanova has announced that three outbreaks of trichinosis have been located in the region, according to a EU Scoop report. The outbreaks were reported in the towns of Karnobat (2) and Obzor (1) in southeastern Bulgaria. At least one of the outbreaks have been […]The post Bulgaria: Three trichinosis outbreaks reported in Burgas appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dr Enrico Garzon, Assistant Secretary for Livestock, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, Quezon City, Philippines reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Thursday of an additional outbreak of Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N6 virus. This is the fourth such outbreak in the Philippines since Aug. 2017. The current outbreak, which began on […]The post Philippines reports 4th H5N6 avian influenza outbreak since August appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the recent steep increase in cases of acute hepatitis C virus infection is associated with increases in opioid injection. The study examines data from CDC’s hepatitis surveillance system and from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national database that […]The post Hepatitis C: Increase in cases linked to increases in opioid injection appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

First evidence of the shingles vaccine programme shows a substantial reduction in cases and long-term complications. A new study in the Lancet Journal of Public Health shows a substantial decrease in shingles cases and associated complications in the first 3 years since the introduction of the shingles vaccination programme by Public Health England (PHE). Despite these very […]The post Shingles vaccine program in England: Results show substantial decrease in cases and associated complications appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A significant number of students from Eureka City Schools are sick from an outbreak of what Public Health officials believe to be Norovirus. Based on advice from Public Health officials, all Eureka City Schools’ sites (Alice Birney, Grant, Lafayette, Washington, Winship, Zane, Eureka High, Zoe Barnum, Winzler, and Eureka Adult School) will be closed on […]The post Norovirus prompts closure 10 Eureka City schools appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new test that measures RNA or protein molecules in human cells can accurately identify viral infection as a cause of respiratory symptoms, according to a Yale study. Performed with a simple nasal swab, the test could prove to be a quicker, cheaper way to diagnose respiratory viral illnesses than current methods, the researchers said. […]The post Test can accurately identify viral infection as a cause of respiratory symptoms: Yale study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, and they hold considerable potential for combatting antibiotic-resistance and other threats to human health. Timed with the hundredth anniversary of their discovery, a new review published in the British Journal of Pharmacology examines the challenges and opportunities of developing phages as health-promoting, commercially-viable biopharmaceuticals. In […]The post Bacteriophage (phage) therapy: A renewed interest in potential for combatting antibiotic-resistance appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Hepatitis A outbreaks have been reported throughout Europe in 2017 with several EU countries reporting large increases in hepatitis A cases compared to previous years, mainly affecting men who have sex with men. Poland has seen a huge increase in cases this year compared to recent previous years. According to a Radio Poland report, there were […]The post Poland: 550 hepatitis A cases reported in Warsaw appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With measles outbreaks currently reported in England and Greece, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel notices for travelers to these countries. Measles is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles virus is highly contagious and can remain so for up to […]The post Measles outbreaks prompt travel notices for England, Greece appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Arruda’s Dairy Farms of Tiverton, Rhode Island is recalling its pint, quart, and half-gallon containers of egg nog because they may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The recalled packages were distributed to home delivery customers and throughout eastern Rhode Island and the Fall River […]The post Rhode Island: Salmonella risk prompts egg nog recall appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Oregon Health Authority, Benton County Health Department and Oregon State University (OSU) reported today on a sixth case of meningococcal disease in a OSU Corvallis student since Nov. 2016. The latest case is a 21-year-old Oregon State undergraduate student enrolled at the Corvallis campus who was hospitalized Dec. 17 with meningitis while visiting family […]The post OSU reports 6th meningococcal disease case, Students 25 and under required to be vaccinated against Men B appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia health officials have reported an additional 18 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection since Oct. 31, bringing the country total to 1,749 cases since 2013. In addition, five deaths were reported. Among the 13 male patients and five female patients aged from 13 to 90, 15 had underlying illnesses, […]The post MERS: Saudi Arabia reports 18 additional cases, Suspect case in Hong Kong appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the gastrointestinal outbreak onboard the recent Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas voyage last week, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the causative agent of the outbreak was indeed norovirus. Norovirus sickened 310 passengers and 22 crewmembers (revised number). Federal health officials say cases reported are totals for the entire […]The post Norovirus confirmed as agent in Independence of the Seas outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

During the past five years in Florida, health officials saw an average of six mumps cases annually. However, this year the the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has seen 56 cases through mid-December. While cases have been reported statewide, certain counties accounted for the bulk of cases– Broward, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach. This […]The post Mumps in Florida: Cases up significantly in 2017, Providers advised appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported the first death due to monkeypox in the current outbreak. According to officials, the patient was a confirmed case with a “background immune-compromised condition”. In addition, five additional confirmed cases and two probable cases have been reported since the last update, bringing the total confirmed cases to 61. […]The post Nigeria monkeypox: Additional cases, first death reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On Tuesday, the National Institutes of Health announced that it is lifting a funding pause dating back to October 2014 on gain-of-function (GOF) experiments involving influenza, SARS, and MERS viruses. NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. said in a message on the website: GOF research is important in helping us identify, understand, and develop strategies and effective countermeasures […]The post Gain-of-Function research on influenza, MERS funding pause lifted appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis) is contracted when a person becomes infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Hawai‘i, particularly east Hawai‘i Island, is the epicenter for angiostrongyliasis in the USA. Rats (Rattus spp.) are the definitive hosts while gastropods are intermediate hosts. In a new study published in the journal, PLoS One, researchers found that 94 percent of rats tested […]The post Rat lungworm: High percentage of rats test positive in Hawaii appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Federal and Kansas state health officials have linked one person’s Salmonella infection to taking rattlesnake pills from Mexico and are advising that the public talk to their doctor if they are considering taking rattlesnake pills, particularly if you in a group more likely to get a severe Salmonella infection like people with weakened immune systems, including people who are receiving chemotherapy or […]The post Rattlesnake pills linked to Salmonella infection in Kansas appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Bacterial meningitis was reportedly suspected when Indian Valley High School freshman, Ryan Freeland died last week. Now the Tuscarawas County (OH) Health Department has confirmed Monday that a blood culture confirmed the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Health officials say this is not confirmation of any specific person or cause of death ruling. What is Streptococcus pneumoniae and pneumococcal meningitis? Streptococcus […]The post Pneumococcal meningitis confirmed in Ohio teen appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Earlier this month, pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly announced that it will no longer be producing IV quinidine gluconate, but plans to continue distributing the product until the current stock expires (March 2019). As of today, intravenous quinidine gluconate remains available for the treatment of severe malaria. CDC and FDA are developing a strategy to ensure continued […]The post Malaria treatment: Eli Lilly announces discontinuation of IV quinidine appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The use of probiotics and xylitol chewing gum to alleviate sore throat symptoms — as an alternative to antibiotics — appears to have no effect, according to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). “Simple over-the-counter treatments could potentially limit the effects of both bacterial and viral infections and help patients […]The post Probiotics and xylitol chewing gum: No effect on sore throat appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Three hundred thirty three passengers (310) and crew (23) on the recent voyage onboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas were afflicted with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, resembling norovirus, according to federal health officials. The exact agent that caused the outbreak has not been identified. In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and the […]The post Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas: Suspected norovirus sickens 333 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the H1N1 influenza outbreak reported in Kumasi City, Ghana, 17 additional cases have been reported, bringing the outbreak total to 94. In addition, the death toll remains at four. Health officials say no new cases have been reported since 12 December 2017 and no new deaths have occurred since 5 December 2017. Ninety-five percent […]The post Influenza A H1N1: An update on the Kumasi, Ghana outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Naegleria fowleri is a protozoan parasite , more specifically an amoeba. This lethal parasite is commonly referred to as the “brain eating amoeba” in mainstream media. It is generally considered a rare cause of human infections in the US with a handful of cases (2-3) reported annually on average, almost universally fatal. However, researchers in […]The post Naegleria fowleri: Study on death estimates, treatment success and the northward expansion of infections appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Survivors of the first known Ebola outbreak, which occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1976, may be key to development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs to treat future outbreaks, according to a new study led by researchers at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. UCLA researchers located the 14 Ebola survivors […]The post 1976 Ebola outbreak survivors may be able to stave off future infections: Study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Beachgoers know there is always some risk of disease, but a recent study by a Kent State University researcher shows they may not be aware of all the dangers the beach poses. In November, Tara C. Smith, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology in Kent State’s College of Public Health, published the findings of a study […]The post MRSA: Higher-than-expected prevalence found at beaches around Lake Erie appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Valley fever cases in November saw a 50-percent spike over the previous month, leading experts at the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence to predict a significant increase in cases in 2018. Fortunately, the recent — and timely — approval of a new rapid assay test for Valley fever, developed with assistance from […]The post Valley fever: Experts predict a significant increase in cases in 2018 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update on polio news from the most recent week, we look at updates from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Australia. Syria According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the total number of confirmed type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, or cVDPV2 cases has risen to 74 this year with the addition of four new […]The post Polio news: Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Australia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Piller’s Fine Foods, a Waterloo, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 1,076 pounds of ready-to-eat salami and speck products that may be adulterated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Saturday. The ready-to-eat speck prosciutto and salami items were produced on Sept. 22 and Oct. 12, 2017, respectively. The following […]The post Salmonella prompts salami and prosciutto recall appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local public health agencies recently completed a follow-up investigation of the Bourbon virus case identified during the summer of 2017. Results of blood testing among participants are protected health information and will not be released. It is important […]The post Bourbon virus: Missouri officials complete investigation appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in their latest FluView an additional case of human infection with a novel influenza A virus. The case was reported during the week of Dec. 3 in Iowa. This person was infected with an influenza A(H3N2) variant [A(H3N2)v] virus and reported direct contact with swine during the […]The post Iowa reports influenza A(H3N2) variant case, reports contact with swine appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In 2017, Venezuela has reported 609 probable cases of diphtheria through the end of November. In addition to the 324 cases which occurred since the summer to the end of 2016, the South American country has recorded 933 cases. The outbreak began in July 2016 in Sifontes municipality, Bolívar state and has since spread to 21 other states in […]The post Venezuela reports more than 600 suspect diphtheria cases in 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A case of Hepatitis A has been identified in a food handler that worked while potentially contagious at Huddle House in Dexter, Missouri. The restaurant, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Senior Services and Stoddard County Health Center, is investigating and has taken necessary control measures to decrease the risk of spreading the […]The post Missouri: Dexter Huddle House food handler positive for hepatitis A appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The University College London’s (UCL) Director of Student Support and Wellbeing announced Friday that a person associated with UCL was recently admitted to hospital with suspected meningococcal meningitis. UCL is working closely with Public Health England and have identified all of those who had close contact with the person and arranged a course of antibiotics for them as […]The post University College London: Suspect meningococcal meningitis case reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Escherichia coli O157, or E. coli O157 multi-province outbreak, Canadian health officials have reported and additional nine cases, two additional provinces and a fatality. The outbreak now involves five provinces and is linked to romaine lettuce. Currently, there are 30 cases of E. coli O157 illness under investigation in five provinces: Ontario, (6), […]The post Canada reports death linked to E. coli outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

What is health promotion and what is its role and importance in disease outbreaks? Author of the new book, Health Promotion in Disease Outbreaks and Health Emergencies, Glenn Laverack, PhD joined me on the show to answer these questions and more. He discussed the role of community involvement, communications and social media in a health emergency. In […]The post Outbreaks and the role of health promotion appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Tens of millions of animals are used for scientific and commercial research in the US that benefits humans and animals alike. Despite the obvious benefits, animal research draws much criticism in some circles with the most common argument revolving around the case that it is cruel and inhumane. Director, Center for Comparative Medicine at the Baylor College of […]The post Animal research: The benefits, the regulations and the reality appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) puts the number of laboratory-confirmed cases at 602 nationally as of Dec. 13, including 40 deaths. Six out of 10 cases have been reported from Gauteng Province while Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal accounted for an additional 20 percent of cases. The […]The post South Africa Listeriosis outbreak: Cases top 600 this year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Denver Public Health reports that new data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that the number of gonorrhea cases in the Denver metro area has increased significantly among young people, especially in people under the age of 30. From 2012 – 2016 infection rates increased 97 percent in Colorado, and five Denver […]The post Gonorrhea cases up big in Denver: Future antibiotic resistance concerns health officials appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While the cholera outbreak appears to be slowing in war-torn Yemen, with the number of cases closing in on 1 million since April, diphtheria has raised it’s ugly head in the country for the first time in a quarter century and even longer since the last outbreak. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as of Dec. […]The post Yemen cholera and diphtheria: ‘The ongoing war and blockade are sending Yemen’s health system decades back in time’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to new estimates published today, between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses each year, higher than a previous estimate of 250,000 to 500,000 and based on a robust, multinational survey. The new estimate, from a collaborative study by CDC and global health partners, appears this week in The Lancet. The estimate […]The post Seasonal flu deaths up globally: Survey appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Marmex Corp is voluntarily recalling All lots of Blue Pearl All Natural Male Enhancement Supplement, 500mg to the consumer level. FDA analysis has found the products to contain sildenafil. The presence of the undeclared active ingredients renders them unapproved drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established. Use of products with undeclared sildenafil […]The post Blue Pearl Male Enhancement recalled due to undeclared sildenafil appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Most children born with microcephaly – small head size for age – and evidence of congenital Zika virus infection face severe health and developmental challenges at ages 19-24 months, according to results from a new investigation led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the State Health Secretariat of Paraíba and the […]The post Congenital Zika: Children face severe health and developmental challenges over time appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Slovakia have confirmed a second measles case this month in the capital city of Bratislava, according to a local media report. It is not clear where this patient got infected. According to Katarína Nosálová, spokesperson of the regional office of Public Health Authority (RÚVZ) in Bratislava, an intense public health investigation is ongoing. Both cases […]The post Second measles case confirmed in Slovakia capital appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Auckland health officials have reported an additional 200 confirmed and probable mumps cases in the past month, bringing the case total to 1,003. This is the most cases seen in one year in decades. Low vaccination rates are fueling Auckland’s mumps outbreak. “The majority of cases are aged 10 to 29 years as this age group has […]The post Mumps in Auckland: Case count tops 1,000 this year appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Through early November 2016, the Philippines saw nearly 192,000 dengue fever cases on to consecutive years of more than 200,000 cases. However, this year the numbers are down by a significant amount. According to Department of Health data, a total of 117,654 dengue cases were recorded nationally through Nov. 4. This is a decrease of 38.6 […]The post Dengue cases down in Philippines, Most cases in Manila area appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In the wild, chimpanzees face any number of dire threats, ranging from poachers to predators to deforestation. That’s why scientists, investigating an outbreak of respiratory disease in a community of wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, were surprised and dismayed to discover that a human “common cold” virus known as rhinovirus C was killing […]The post Human ‘common cold’ virus kills healthy chimpanzees appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the report of an increase in diphtheria cases in Indonesia this year, Minister of Health Prof Nila Moeloek and Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan launched an Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) in Cengkareng, Jakarta, Monday. ORI is given to children 0-18 years old. In Jakarta, ORI will be conducted in health facilities, schools, […]The post Indonesia begins diphtheria vaccination campaign appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services say health officials across the state are seeing an increase in outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses- investigating eight norovirus outbreaks in the last six weeks. Outbreaks of norovirus often increase in winter months and this year’s activity is similar to outbreaks seen in 2016. This year’s outbreaks have occurred […]The post Montana reports increase in norovirus outbreaks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.