Outbreak News Today

In a follow-up on the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) outbreak in Iran, health officials now put the outbreak at 33 cases, according to a news release (computer translated). Officials with the Communicable diseases department with the Ministry of Health say the spread of the disease in the country is comparable with the same period last year. […]The post Iran: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreak now at 33 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

To get the latest updates and advice on a myriad of travel health topics, I was joined by nurse practitioner and President and CEO of Passport Health of Tampa, Dr. Duellyn Pandis on the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show. We discussed several travel destinations and the travel issues and advice for each. Dr. Pandis went over […]The post Travel medicine and Passport Health of Tampa: An interview with Dr. Duellyn Pandis appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As Los Angeles Pride festivities continue, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) reminds men who have sex with men (MSM) that they may be at increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) and therefore need to be vaccinated. Public Health reports that there have been 28 outbreak-associated cases of meningococcal disease […]The post LA health officials remind gay men of increased risk of meningococcal disease appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

H3N2 canine influenza, or ‘dog flu” was reported in the state of Florida in late May and now outbreaks are reported in at least nine states. I was joined by Maddie’s® Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD on the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show to […]The post Canine influenza 101: An interview with Dr. Cynda Crawford appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The tick-borne disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), is suspected in the death of 2-year-old Kenley Ratliff of Plainfield, according to multiple media reports. According to a Today report, the child was taken to the ER with a high fever and prescribed amoxicillin. After 24 hours with no improvement, Kenley was taken back to the ER and […]The post Indianapolis: Rocky Mountain spotted fever suspected in child’s death appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In 2015, 902 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a recently released annual summary from the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). The data come from reports that state, local, and territorial public health agencies made to the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS) using NORS. […]The post Norovirus the most common cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in 2015 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Department of Public Health announced that a yellow fever vaccination campaign began Jun 9 and will run through Jun 18. A total of 135, 571 people aged 6 months and older will be vaccinated against yellow fever during this period in the municipalities of Cambundi-Catembo, Cahombo, Quela and Cangandala, in the routine campaigns to immunize […]The post Angola: Yellow fever vaccine campaign begins in Malanje appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced an additional 12 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) from June 2 to 8. The eight male and four female patients, aged from 4 to 68, had onset from May 20 to June 3. Three of them are from Beijing, two each from Anhui, Chongqing and Henan, and […]The post H7N9 avian influenza: 12 more cases reported in China appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Niagara County Department of Health was made aware that an individual brought a baby raccoon to Mr. Quiggleys Saloon at 635 West Avenue, Lockport, NY on Friday, June 2, 2017. Several individuals have been reported as having handled and/or petted the animal. Subsequent investigation by the Department indicated the animal was one of 13 […]The post Baby raccoon brought to Lockport bar prompts rabies investigation, dozen of raccoons euthanized appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Mars Chocolate UK and Mars Ireland are voluntarily recalling the following products detailed below due to the potential presence of Salmonella from the ingredients used in making chocolate. No other brands or varieties of chocolate, pack formats, bar sizes or best before dates are affected. The precautionary recall in the UK and Ireland concerns only […]The post Salmonella potential prompts Mars candy recall in the UK appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Cornell and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research scientists have developed a way to produce a protein antigen that may be useful as vaccine for schistosomiasis – a parasitic disease that infects millions of people, mostly in tropical and subtropical climates – according to new research in the journal Protein Expression and Purification, June 2017. If […]The post Cornell researchers develop process that may lead to vaccine for schistosomiasis appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning people of the risks of Salmonella infection associated with contact with live poultry. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that from January 2017 through May 25, 2017, 372 ill persons in 47 states have been infected with several Salmonella strains that have […]The post California: 21 residents affected by nationwide Salmonella outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In the U.S. territories, 5 percent of women who had confirmed Zika virus infection during pregnancy had a baby or fetus with Zika virus-associated birth defects, according to a report published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Among the women with confirmed Zika infection during the first trimester, 8 percent or nearly 1 in […]The post CDC report highlights the threat of Zika virus infection in pregnancy appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Happy Sprout Inc. of Springfield, VA is voluntarily recalling all packages of soybean sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections to individuals with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe […]The post Food recall: Possible Listeria prompts recall of soybean sprouts appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Through May 6, the Philippines has reported a significant decrease in dengue fever cases, according to newly published data from the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. A total of 33,760 dengue cases were reported nationwide since the beginning of the year. This number is 32% lower (49,565 cases) compared to the same time period […]The post Dengue update: Philippines report decrease in cases, At epidemic levels in Laos appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the cholera tragedy in war-torn Yemen, UNICEF and WHO released the following joint statement Thursday: The number of suspected cholera cases in Yemen continues to rise, reaching 101,820 with 791 deaths as of 7 June 2017. Worst affected are the country’s most vulnerable: children under the age of 15 account for […]The post The cholera outbreak is making a bad situation for children drastically worse: UNICEF appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to a report last month concerning suspected polio in Syria, a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) outbreak has been confirmed in Deir-Ez-Zor Governorate, according to The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) today. The virus strain was isolated from two cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and one healthy contact (collection date: 25 April […]The post Polio returns to Syria: cVDPV2 outbreak confirmed appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last October at the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC), six European Economic Area (EEA)/ European Union (EU) countries were judged to still have endemic transmission. These include Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Romania. Three countries hit especially hard from measles this year are discussed below: In Italy, 2,851 measles cases have been […]The post Measles: Six European countries still have endemic transmission appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Building on insights from an HIV vaccine regimen in humans that had partial success during a phase 3 clinical trial in Thailand, a Duke-led research team used a more-is-better approach in monkeys that appeared to improve vaccine protection from an HIV-like virus. Adding three more targets to the investigational vaccine, for a total of five, […]The post HIV investigational vaccine protected monkeys from HIV-like virus: Duke research appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since we first reported on the first confirmed cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, or “dog flu” in Florida late last month, the experts at Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida reports the virus has been confirmed in a total of eight state, primarily in the southeast. In addition to Florida, vets report confirmed cases […]The post Dog flu reported in eight states: What shelters should do to prevent spread appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on a report earlier this year on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Pennsylvania, state agriculture officials are reporting third case of CWD in a captive deer farm in four months. The five-year-old white-tailed deer died on a farm in Fulton County in April 2017 – the same premises on which it was born […]The post Pennsylvania reports 3rd Chronic Wasting Disease case in captive deer appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on previous reports on hepatitis A outbreaks in Europe and in the Americas, the World Health Organization (WHO) released some updated data and information on the situations in these two regions. Between June 2016 and mid-May 2017, an unusual increase in cases of hepatitis A affecting mainly men who have sex with […]The post Hepatitis A: Outbreaks affecting gay men in Europe and the Americas, vaccine availability issues appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to a World Health Organization outbreak update published Tuesday, for the five weeks from Apr. 21 through May 29, Saudi Arabia reported an additional 25 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection cases, including six fatalities. Twelve of the 25 reported cases during this time period were associated with three simultaneous, yet unrelated clusters of […]The post MERS: Saudi Arabia reported 6 fatal cases, United Arab Emirates and Qatar report cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has declared an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in the west part of South Zone, and is reminding all South Zone residents of the importance of immunization to prevent further illness. Pertussis – a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing that lasts for weeks – can impact all age groups; however, […]The post Whooping cough: Outbreak declared in South Zone appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While syphilis cases and rates have grown in many parts of the world, including the US, England and Japan, health officials in Denmark are reporting cases remained stable from 2015 to 2016. According to the Statens Serum Institut- SSI (computer translated), 742 notifications of newly acquired syphilis was reported in 720 persons in 2016. In 2015, there were […]The post Denmark: Syphilis cases in 2016 basically same as 2015 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year’s first rubella case of 2017 today in a 34-year-old male who resides in northern Taiwan. According to the CDC: On March 11, the case left for the Philippines. On June 4, he returned to Taiwan via Flight BR272. He arrived in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport […]The post Taiwan reports imported rubella case in traveler to the Philippines appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Just a few days ago, UNICEF Regional Director, Geert Cappelaere, upon return from a visit to Yemen said the number of suspected cases is expected to reach 130,000 within the next two weeks. Today, posted on the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Yemen’s Twitter page are the most up-to-date numbers from the tragedy in the country. […]The post Cholera case count nears 100,000 in Yemen appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

New Mexico health officials have confirmed the first human plague case of 2017 in a 63-year-old man from Santa Fe County. The patient is currently hospitalized and being treated. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is conducting an environmental investigation at the man’s home to look for ongoing risk and to ensure the health of […]The post Plague: New Mexico reports 1st human case of 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has become aware of a dangerous, potentially lethal substance contained in street drugs surfacing in central and South Georgia. Dozens of patients have been hospitalized and there are reports of deaths that may be associated with the drugs, but confirmation is pending. The overdoses have been reported over […]The post Georgia reports overdoses possibly linked to street drugs appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Patrons of more than two dozen restaurants and food establishments in Texas, Oklahoma and California are being advised to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), if not already vaccinated against hepatitis A who may have consumed potentially contaminated tuna. On May 18, Hilo Fish Company began recalling tuna sourced from Sustainable Seafood Company in Vietnam and Santa Cruz Seafood, […]The post Hepatitis A exposure risk in TX, OK, and CA appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new review looks at cervical cancer screening in the era of HPV vaccination. The review notes that trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vaccines against HPV infection, but the complete effect of HPV vaccination as a cancer prevention strategy may not be fully evident for decades, given the slow progression from HPV […]The post HPV vaccines, testing and the prevention of cervical cancer appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new CDC analysis finds that among the 21 U.S. jurisdictions studied, 76 percent reported health care-associated cases of Legionnaires’ disease, a concerning finding since Legionnaires’ disease acquired from health care facilities can be particularly severe. The findings highlight a possibly deadly risk to patients from exposure to Legionella in health care facilities, according to […]The post Legionnaires’ disease in hospitals is widespread, deadly, and preventable: CDC appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In an update on the hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego County, CA, health officials reported an addition 53 cases in May, bringing the total to 133. Of the total, 80 percent required hospitalization for their illness and three died. The cases range in age from 21 to 82 years (median = 42 years), and […]The post San Diego hepatitis A outbreak: 53 cases in May appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While the overall sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported last year in England saw a decrease, syphilis cases bucked this trend with a 12 percent increase in 2016 compared to 2015. There were 5,920 diagnoses of syphilis reported in 2016 in England, the most cases reported since 1949. According to Public health officials, the increase in cases […]The post England: Syphilis cases up 12 percent, Most cases in nearly 70 years appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of measles cases in Minnesota continue to trickle in at a ever slowing pace. During the past two weeks, Minnesota health officials have reported six confirmed cases, bringing the state total to 75. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70 people from 16 states were reported to have measles […]The post Minnesota measles cases still trickling in appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Friday alerted greater Boston healthcare providers and local boards of health to a mumps outbreak after 12 cases have been reported since the end of March. To date, the vast majority of confirmed and probable mumps cases in Massachusetts have been among vaccinated college students and others linked […]The post Boston mumps outbreak prompts health alert appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Global Garlic Inc., 11501 NW 107th ST, Miami, FL, is recalling its 16oz packages of “Queso Fresco/ Whole Milk” and (“Queso Fresco x LB(Barra)/Whole Milk Cheese” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, and organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and […]The post Queso Freso recalled over Listeria risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last month, we saw the first official Venezuela Ministry of Health bulletin in about two years. Health officials reported 324 diphtheria cases in 2016, after eradicating the disease over two decades ago. During the first four months of 2017, 86 additional diphtheria cases have been reported, according the Bulletin of the International Epidemiological Center (computer translated). Of this […]The post Venezuela reports 86 diphtheria cases in 1st four months of 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Twenty five people have been sickened, 10 in critical condition and one boy died from a suspected anthrax outbreak in Bhangpur upazila in Pabna District in west central Bangladesh, according to a Daily Star report. The outbreak is linked to the handling and consumption of tainted cows late last month. Anthrax is a bacterial pathogen in livestock and […]The post Bangladesh: Anthrax outbreak sickens 25, kills one appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Kulon Progo in the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia are reporting 58 cases of the bacterial disease, leptospirosis, including eight fatalities since the beginning of the year. According to health officer Bambang Haryatno, leptopirosis is not only caused by rodents in the rice fields, but rat urine in homes can cause this disease. “The public […]The post Indonesia: Leptospirosis kills eight in Kulon Progo appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

“Lyme disease is growing and growing and growing”, New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said in a press conference at Central Park on Sunday. Schumer, who was part of passing a Lyme disease law in 2016, is calling on Washington to implement it. “We need that implementation done now, Schumer said. I am calling on the […]The post Sen. Schumer calls on HHS Sec Price to implement Lyme disease law immediately appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The typhoid outbreak that began in Muchinga province in early March has grown to at least 127 cases, including one death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). More than half the cases have been reported in children 14 years and younger. Officials say substantial reductions in the weekly case incidence have been observed since the […]The post Zambia typhoid outbreak incidence dropping appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Global Lyme Diagnostics announced today that its new test for Lyme Disease, the GLD Test, is now available. “We are pleased to provide a much-needed Lyme-specific diagnostic solution,” said Mickey Ramchandani, CEO of Global Lyme Diagnostics. “We look forward to working with the community to advance Lyme Disease screening, awareness and education.” The GLD Test […]The post Lyme disease: Global Lyme Diagnostics announces new test is available appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Oakland County Health Division is investigating 15 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul, a specific strain of salmonella. Cases have also been identified in other Michigan counties, as well as Ohio and Illinois. “The ongoing investigation suggests that the salmonella is being spread through personal contact,” said Dr. Pamela Hackert, chief of medical services at the Health […]The post Salmonella outbreak prompts closure of Rochester restaurant appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

UNICEF Regional Director, Geert Cappelaere, recently returned from a visit to Yemen to oversee the organizations’s response to the unprecedented cholera outbreak and said it’s turning an already dire situation for children turn into a disaster. As of Friday, over 73,700 suspected cholera cases and 605 associated deaths have been reported in 19 governorates over the past month. […]The post Yemen: Cholera outbreak turning an already dire situation for children into a disaster appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Since our last report on May 22, nearly two weeks ago, Nigerian health officials have reported an additional 468 meningococcal meningitis cases, including 44 deaths. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), from the beginning of the outbreak on Dec. 13, 2016 to Jun 2, 2017, a total of 14,473 suspected cases and […]The post Nigeria reports additional 468 meningitis cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Results of a definitive clinical trial show that a new, disposable diagnostic patch effectively detects obstructive sleep apnea across all severity levels. Results show that the total rate of clinical agreement between the patch and standard in-lab polysomnography was 87.4 percent with 95 percent confidence interval of 81.4 percent to 91.9 percent. According to the […]The post Sleep apnea patch found effective in clinical trials appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As news on the inmate outbreak at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, National Capital Region (NCR) continues to be released, a new Phil Star report (computer translated) notes that the culprit is the etiology of bacillary dysentery, Shigella sp. The outbreak that has sickened more than 1200 inmates, hospitalized hundreds and killed two with underlying medical […]The post Manila area prison outbreak update: Shigella identified as cause appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up report on the severe dengue fever outbreak in Sri Lanka, health officials are reporting an surge in patients at hospitals in recent days, according to local media. This is putting a larger strain on an already overburdened healthcare system. ‎Deputy Editor News Features at The Sunday Times, Kumudini Hettiarachchi reports that patients are […]The post Sri Lanka dengue: ‘Patients are flocking into hospitals’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated guidance for people who travel to or live in Miami-Dade County to lift the Zika cautionary (yellow) area designation. There have been no new cases of local Zika virus transmission identified and no cases under investigation in Miami-Dade County for more than 45 days. Lifting […]The post Zika virus: Updated guidance for Miami area appeared first on Outbreak News Today.