Outbreak News Today

Global healthcare company, Grifols, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed collection and testing of blood samples for screening with Procleix Babesia assay under an Investigational New Drug (IND) study. Babesia is caused by microscopic parasites and is transmitted primarily through tick bites. However, as the disease is spread during ticks’ young […]The post FDA allows the use of Babesia test under an Investigational New Drug (IND) study for selected US blood banks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office have reported an animal anthrax case on a canton of Jura farm near the border with France to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Monday. One cow that died suddenly tested positive for Bacillus anthracis, the bacterial agent of anthrax. Officials say two other animals have fever; however, results […]The post Switzerland reports anthrax case on Jura farm, 1st case in 20 years appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of imported dengue fever cases reported in Italy has increased during the first months of 2017, according to the Ministero della Salute Monday. From the beginning of the year through Apr. 3, 25 imported dengue cases have been reported in returning Italian travelers. This number is about half the cases reported in all of […]The post Italy reports increase in imported dengue in 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, occur at lower temperatures than previously thought, a recently released study co-authored by two University of South Florida researchers shows. The study, led by Stanford University and published in the journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, found that transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika is highest at around 84 […]The post Zika, dengue may spread at lower temperatures than previously thought: Researchers appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A King County, Washington toddler may have contracted the parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, or the raccoon roundworm, county health officials report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is testing specimens from the child’s blood and spinal fluid and results are expected in two weeks. The toddler was hospitalized but is now recovering at home. […]The post Baylisascaris: Suspect case reported in King County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with Sacramento County Public Health are investigating a foodborne botulism outbreak that has sickened at least five people to date, all hospitalized ans in serious condition. The investigation surrounds food purchased at Valley Oak Food and Fuel gas station in Walnut Grove. Sacramento County Public Health is working closely with the Sacramento County Department of Environmental Management […]The post Botulism: Five hospitalized in Sacramento appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in San Diego County and Naval Base Point Loma officials are working together to notify individuals of a possible tuberculosis (TB) exposure at the base. The periods of exposure are from October 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017 in the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Complex in building OT3 and from February 1 […]The post TB exposure on San Diego area Naval Base appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With the additional reports of four confirmed measles cases in Hennepin County today, since April 11, 2017, 48 cases of measles have been identified in Minnesota. Cases are located in Hennepin (45), Ramsey (2) and Crow Wing (1) counties. Cases in Crow Wing and Ramsey Counties had likely exposure in Hennepin County. Overall, the majority […]The post Measles: 4 more cases reported in Hennepin County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The cluster of illnesses and deaths due to an unknown etiology may not be unknown anymore as the Minister of Health in the Republic of Liberia, Dr Bernice Dahn said seven specimens from the deceased tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis, the agent of meningococcal meningitis, according to a Reuters report today. The outbreak that began after a funeral […]The post Liberia mystery illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis: Reuters report appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the monkeypox outbreak in Likouala province in northern Congo, since the outbreak onset in late January, a total of 70 cases including 4 deaths have been reported through Apr. 23. The Congo government formally declared the outbreak on Mar. 13. Children under 15 years of age are the most infected, accounting for 60% […]The post Monkeypox outbreak in Congo: 70 cases, 4 deaths appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A suspected human anthrax outbreak that began in early April in the Koubia district in the north of Guinea has sickened five, including one fatality, as of Apr. 27. The index case, a 35 year old man from Hamdallaye village developed ill-health on Apr. 7. He presented to Matakaou health centre on Apr. 11 with fever, […]The post Guinea anthrax outbreak sickens 5, one dead appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While cotton tip applicators can be used for household cleaning, crafts and applying cosmetics, they are unfortunately also causing injuries to children. A study conducted by Nationwide Children’s Hospital researchers found that over a 21-year period from 1990 through 2010, an estimated 263,000 children younger than 18 years of age were treated in U.S. hospital […]The post Ear injuries: Dozens of children end up in the ER daily due to use of cotton-tip applicators appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of cholera cases reported in Haiti through Apr. 8 this year is down significantly compared to the same periods in 2015 and 2016, according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). A total of 4,871 suspected cholera cases were reported in Haiti, including 69 deaths to date. This represents a 60 […]The post Cholera cases down 60 percent in Haiti appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Portland, Oregon company, Smallbatch Pets Inc. has voluntarily recalled two lots of frozen 2lbs. chicken blend for dogs and cats, brand name Smallbatch, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed […]The post Salmonella risk prompts recall of Smallbatch dog and cat food appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa has reported an increase in the number of malaria cases over the past few weeks. This is likely related to people travelling over the Easter holiday to malaria-risk areas both within South Africa and to neighboring countries. Noting that the incubation period for malaria is 10 – […]The post South Africa reports increase in malaria in recent weeks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health of Somalia launched a preventative oral cholera vaccination campaign (OCV) today in Baidoa at the Baidoa Regional Hospital, targeting 224,000 persons aged 1 year and older. The launch was attended by the President of South West State H.E. Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social […]The post Somalia cholera outbreak death toll tops 600, 2nd vaccination campaign commences appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the chickenpox outbreak in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Punjab health officials told the Express Tribune that over 300 cases of chickenpox have been reported in the last four months mostly among adults, and the disease has claimed 18 lives in Faisalabad and its adjoining districts. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity said people do not […]The post Pakistan chickenpox update: Two additional deaths reported in Faisalabad appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the chikungunya outbreak in Karachi, Pakistan, the outbreak tally has risen to some 2,076 ‘suspected’ cases of chikungunya in the city, according to Sindh health ministry officials. The outbreak prompted a 9-member World Health Organization (WHO) team to visit Karachi last week to provide support for the Sindh health officials. It is reported that […]The post Chikungunya in Karachi: WHO recommends ‘radical measures’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles epidemic in Romania, European health officials, in an update Friday, report the outbreak tally is now 5,119 cases since the beginning of 2016. This includes 24 deaths. A local media report states that the country has run out of measles vaccine; however, Health minister Florian Bodog has recently said that […]The post Romania measles outbreak: More than 5000 cases since 2016, vaccine shortages reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of measles cases in Portugal have increased by three since we last reported on Apr. 25. According to the epidemiological bulletin released this Friday, the measles tally is now 27, as reported by Jornal de Noticias (computer translated). The report notes that most of the cases are located in the regions of Lisbon and […]The post Portugal measles cases rise to 27 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In March, Idaho Governor Butch Otter signed a bill into law that would require the state Department of Health and Welfare make available certain information regarding cytomegalovirus (CMV) to the public, particularly pregnant women and women who may become pregnant. The bill was spearheaded by the Nampa based advocacy group, Idaho CMV Advocacy Project. On Sunday’s show […]The post CMV, a new Idaho law and a personal story appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On Sunday’s airing of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show, we spent some time on this amazing story of an individual with a multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection and the use of an experimental therapy involving bacteriophages — viruses that target and consume specific strains of bacteria. I was joined by case study lead author and the primary […]The post Antibiotic resistant bacterial infection, bacteriophage therapy and an amazing story appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District wants citizens to be aware that two cases of mumps in adults have been identified in Wichita County. Mumps is a very contagious disease caused by a virus and is best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw that it causes. It may also cause fever, headache, […]The post Wichita Falls: Two adult mumps cases reported, Preventive measures urged appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up report on the unexplained cluster of illnesses and deaths in Liberia, as of May 4, a total of 28 cases including 12 deaths (case fatality rate: 43 %) were reported, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those, 26 cases including 10 deaths were reported from Sinoe County, all in persons […]The post Liberia unknown etiology cluster: Two deaths in Monrovia appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Nigeria is a hotbed for malaria, accounting for up to 25 percent of the global malaria cases and deaths, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In fact, the News Agency of Nigeria reports malaria was responsible for the loss of life of 4.3 million people in the country. In Lagos, the country’s most […]The post Malaria in Lagos, Treatment issues in Nigeria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the hepatitis E outbreak in the Diffa region in eastern Niger, as of May 3, a total of 282 suspected cases including 27 deaths have been reported. All reported deaths except for one death are among pregnant women. Since the beginning of the year, an increase in cases of jaundice was noted at […]The post Niger hepatitis E outbreak kills 26 pregnant women to date appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A leishmaniasis outbreak in Pakistan’s northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prompted a World Health Organization (WHO) workshop last month in Peshawar to instruct on the diagnosis, treatment and management of leishmaniasis. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 22,112 cases of leishmaniasis since Jan. 2014. Dr Shabina Raza, Director-General of Health Services for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting the Department of Health’s close collaboration […]The post Pakistan: More than 22,000 leishmaniasis cases reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2014 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Hanoi, Vietnam are ramping up preventive measures to protect against mosquito borne diseases like dengue fever as numbers have increased in the city, according to Vietnam News report Friday. As of April 2017, Hanoi has recorded 563 dengue fever cases in 173 communes, wards and towns of 26 districts, an increase of […]The post Dengue in Hanoi up 45 percent, Environmental sanitation campaign to launch appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Pinnacle Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling all “Best By” dates of Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, Frozen Waffles & Frozen French Toast Slices distributed nationally in the United States and one product into Mexico because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported. The products are being recalled as […]The post Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast recalled due to Listeria risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the dramatic increase of hepatitis A cases in San Diego County, county health officials reported the number of cases has risen to 80, as of May 1, including a third fatality. Sixty-six people have been hospitalized during the outbreak. Public health investigators are still evaluating cases; no common food, drink or drug […]The post Hepatitis A cases double, additional death reported in San Diego appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has identified four cases of mumps in Shelby County since March 2017. “With outbreaks in our neighboring states, it is not unexpected to see cases here in Shelby County,” said Alisa Haushalter, DNP, RN, director of the Shelby County Health Department. “Experiencing mumps in our community serves as another […]The post Memphis area: 4 mumps cases reported since March appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, one human infection with a novel influenza A virus was reported by the state of Texas. The person was infected with an influenza A (H3N2) variant (H3N2v) virus. This H3N2v virus was detected through the Department of Defense Global, Laboratory-based Influenza Surveillance Program. The patient became […]The post Texas reports novel H3N2v case, contact with swine reported appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Unilever is voluntarily recalling a limited number of boxes of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pint Slices, which may inadvertently contain Vanilla Peanut Butter Cup Pint Slices. Although the slices were individually wrapped and identified as Vanilla Peanut Butter Cup Pint Slices, the ingredient peanut butter (containing the known allergen peanut), is undeclared on […]The post Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pint Slices recalled over undeclared peanuts appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency is investigating a gastrointestinal illness (GI) outbreak throughout the county. The most common cause of widespread GI illness is Norovirus, more commonly called the stomach flu. The organism causing the present outbreak is unknown at this time but Public Health is working to identify the organism. Numerous […]The post Suspected norovirus outbreak reported in Yolo County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In the past six months, Washington State has reported four locally-acquired hantavirus cases, three in King County and now one in Franklin County. The most recent case was in a 25-year-old woman who died on Apr. 25. This has prompted the Benton-Franklin Health District to issue a reminder to the public about hantavirus. People become […]The post Hantavirus: Washington reports 4th case in six months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today issued a Health Alert Notice with updated guidance for healthcare professionals to interpret Zika test results for women who live in, or frequently travel (daily or weekly) to areas with a CDC Zika travel notice. This change is being made because CDC’s Zika testing guidance for […]The post CDC updates guidance on interpretation of Zika testing results for pregnant women appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of rat lungworm, or Angiostrongyliasis infections in Hawaii has now risen to 14, according to an AP report Friday. The latest confirmed case is one of the adults who drank kava and had been previously reported as a highly probable case in April. Cases of the potentially serious parasitic infection have been reported both on […]The post Hawaii rat lungworm update: 14 cases confirmed appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A whooping cough, or pertussis outbreak has been reported in the northwest portion of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, according to health officials. Since March, some 200 confirmed and suspected cases of whooping cough have been reported. This has prompted health officials to encourage vaccination among adults and children in the area. “Our immediate focus is […]The post Saskatchewan: Whooping Cough outbreak reported in Prince Albert Parkland Health Region appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last Sunday, in an interview on the Outbreak News This Week Radio show, CIDRAP Director, Mike Osterholm, PhD, told me when asked about the Minnesota measles outbreak that they expected the outbreak to grow substantially. At that time, Minnesota’s case tally was 32. As of Friday, May 5, The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) put the outbreak total at […]The post Measles outbreak grows by a dozen cases during past week appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Leishmaniasis is a group of several related neglected tropical diseases which are all transmitted by the bite of sandflies. Of these, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe, with very high fatality if untreated and great impact in rural areas of Brazil, East Africa, and especially the Indian subcontinent. In a paper published in the […]The post First molecular diagnostics for insecticide resistance in sandflies appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in Lanarkshire, Scotland, linked to JB Christie Bakeries, the number of confirmed cases has increased from nine to 42, according to NHS Lanarkshire today. Most of the cases recall having consumed food produced by the baker JB Christie before mid-April, through its outlets in Airdrie and Coatbridge. As […]The post Scotland: Lanarkshire hepatitis A outbreak now 42 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting 88 mumps cases in Dallas County for 2017. DCHHS has identified 68 related mumps cases between students, staff members and household contacts in relation to the Cedar Hill ISD outbreak. Not all cases are Dallas County residents. DCHHS has identified 17 unrelated mumps cases in Mesquite, […]The post Dallas County mumps tally now 88 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

What started as a friendship between Tish Bruckner and Kristine Swifta decade ago is now the deepest, lifelong bond few others may ever experience. It’s the bond between a living donor and a kidney recipient. Bruckner gave the gift of life to friend Swift, who was declining in health from Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), in […]The post Living Donor & Kidney Transplant Recipient Form Lasting Bond Through the Transplant Institute of Florida at Largo Medical Center appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A dead rabbit in Whitewater has tested positive for tularemia. A Mesa County couple found the carcass on their property and called Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) after learning about the disease, also known as rabbit fever, in 2016. “We had heard about it on the Redlands last year and decided that if we ever […]The post Mesa County reports tularemia case in dead rabbit appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With National Nurses Week kicking off May 6, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2017’s Best & Worst States for Nurses. In order to help newly minted nurses find the best markets for their profession, WalletHub’s analysts compared the relative attractiveness of the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 18 […]The post Wisconsin ranked ‘Best state for Nurses’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) serotype H7N3 was reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Friday by Joaquin Braulio Delgadillo Alvarez, Director General of Animal Health, National Service of Health and Agrifood Quality (SENASICA), Ministry of Agriculture, Stockbreeding, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food, Mexico. The outbreak started on Apr. 18 on a farm […]The post Mexico: H7N3 avian influenza reported on Jalisco farm appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) in Peru are reporting 5,924 confirmed cases of dengue nationwide through Apr. 22, with 60 percent reported from the northern coast, according to a El Comercio report (computer translated). Thirteen dengue related deaths have been reported. In addition, 13,897 probable cases are also reported. The northwestern city of Piura has […]The post Dengue fever: Peru reports 6000 confirmed cases, northern coast most affected appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Immunization Division is investigating an outbreak of six laboratory-confirmed cases of pertussis at multiple schools in Chambers County. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory and reportable disease in Alabama. “Our concern is that children who have been vaccinated have contracted the disease,” said Dr. […]The post Alabama: Pertussis outbreak reported in Chambers County schools appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Children with bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are less likely to die than adults with this condition and have different risk factors for treatment failure, a new study led by a Children’s National Health System clinician indicates. However, the multi-center study shows that young patients have high rates […]The post MRSA blood infections are less fatal in kids, but cause significant complications appeared first on Outbreak News Today.