Outbreak News Today

While more than 90 percent of Oregon children are vaccinated against pertussis, this protection is not enough to stop pertussis from spreading when those choosing not to vaccinate share social networks, schools or other connections, according to a new study by the Oregon Immunization Program. “The Timing of Pertussis Cases in Unvaccinated Children in an […]The post Unvaccinated children spread pertussis across communities during an outbreak, new study finds appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A new Purdue University-developed technology concept could provide pest control companies with a more effective way to control termites and prevent associated damage. The technology works by targeting the termite’s resistance genes that help the insect fight off a known fungus that can effectively eliminate termites. “Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each […]The post Termite control: Purdue develops insecticide and fungus combination, could be more effective appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Viruses that specifically kill bacteria, called bacteriophages, might one day help solve the growing problem of bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatment. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center have determined that phages can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve the health of mice that […]The post Bacteriophages: Viruses that specifically kill bacteria can potentially be used to combat ‘superbugs’ appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the mumps outbreak at Southeast Missouri State University at Cape Girardeau, MO, the Campus Health Clinic now reports the University has received 51 confirmed reports of Southeast students infected with mumps. The University continues to receive reports of students presenting to their health care provider or the Campus Health Clinic with symptoms of […]The post Mumps: Southeast Missouri State University puts case count at 51 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the human body to mount an immune response to a viral infection, host cells must identify the viral invader and trigger a signaling pathway. This signal then prompts the immune system to attack and subdue the pathogen. Using the dengue virus (DENV) as a model, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount […]The post Researchers identify tactic Dengue virus uses to delay triggering immune response appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The health district of Mbaïki in Lobaye prefecture has confirmed one case of monkeypox, according to a Journal De Bangui report (computer translated). According to Dr. Honoré Yangana, head of health district of Mbaïki, the case was confirmed in a child on Apr. 12: “Considering the signs that the patient presented, we suspected the monkeypox virus. We took the sample […]The post Monkeypox reported in Mbaïki, Central African Republic appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

WHO reports remarkable achievements in tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) since 2007. An estimated 1 billion people received treatment in 2015 alone. “WHO has observed record-breaking progress towards bringing ancient scourges like sleeping sickness and elephantiasis to their knees,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan. “Over the past 10 years, millions of people have been […]The post One billion people treated for NTDs in 2015 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of suspected cases of chikungunya in the Karachi area has eclipsed 1,000 since Dec. 2016, according to the Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services. Between 19 December 2016 and 30 March 2017, a total of 1018 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported in various districts in Karachi. No deaths have been reported so far. […]The post Pakistan chikungunya tally tops 1000 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received a report of a confirmed measles case in Lincoln County. Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. DHHS is working with West Central District Health Department and health care providers to reach Nebraskans at risk for exposure and […]The post 2nd measles case reported in Nebraska, this one in Lincoln County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Western Sydney, officials with NSW Health say there has been 22 cases of measles in NSW residents with onset in 2017. Of this, 16 locally acquired cases reported are related to the Western Sydney outbreak. A new case in Quaker Hill has prompted a public warning from NSW Health. […]The post Western Sydney measles outbreak now 16 locally acquired cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials with the County of San Diego have reported that a bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found alive on Saturday, April 15 at approximately 3 p.m. near the Oasis Deli in Nairobi Village. Trained park staff collected the bat, which was not one of the […]The post Rabid bat found at San Diego Zoo park appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Student health officials at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill are reporting an outbreak of gastroenteritis among on-campus residents living in several housing and Greek life facilities. While not confirmed, the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are consistent with norovirus. In an abundance of caution, Facilities Management is working to provide additional cleaning to high-touch areas such […]The post Suspected norovirus outbreak reported at Northwestern University appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

TP Food Processing, Inc. of Westminster, CA is recalling Lemongrass Satay; and Shrimp Satay (Lot code 2016) because the acidified sauces were not properly produced making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. No illnesses, customer complaints, or illnesses have been reported to date. Below are the product descriptions: The sauces […]The post Satay Sauces recalled due to botulism risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the Lassa fever outbreak in West Africa, one new laboratory confirmed case was reported from Edo state while 9 new suspected cases were reported from Kano (5 cases) and Bauchi (4 cases) states of Nigeria in the past week. Laboratory results of the 9 suspected cases from Kano and Bauchi states are […]The post Nigeria: Edo State reports confirmed Lassa fever case in past week appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Niger Ministry of Health notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a hepatitis E outbreak in the eastern part of the country. The outbreak emerged on Jan. 9 in the Diffa region when clinicians at the Centre Mere-Enfant de Diffa started admitting pregnant women with acute jaundice syndrome. According to the Regional Director of Public Health […]The post Niger reports hepatitis E outbreak in Diffa region appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the second year in a row, the Philippines reported more than 200,000 dengue fever cases, according to the Department of Health, National Epidemiology Centre, Philippines. After reporting 200,415 suspected cases of dengue, including 598 deaths in 2015, health officials on the archipelago report 211,108 suspected cases of dengue reported in 2016, including 1019 deaths. Regions of the country […]The post Dengue deaths top 1000 in the Philippines in 2016 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Measles has been reported in increased numbers in several European counties, most notably Romania. In addition to Romania, Belgium, Italy and Germany has been affected by measles into 2017. This has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue new travel notices for the above countries. In Belgium, through Mar. 31, Wallonia reported 266 […]The post Measles prompts travel advisory for Belgium, Italy and Germany appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the meningococcal meningitis outbreak in several Nigerian states, the number of suspected cases has increased by another 1000 and the death tally has topped 600, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Health officials put the officials numbers at a total of 5,695 suspected cases, in which 221 (4%) are […]The post Nigeria meningitis outbreak tops 600 deaths appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As people across the northeastern U.S. begin venturing back into the outdoors with the arrival of spring, they will make 1 billion fewer trips than they otherwise would have if Lyme disease didn’t exist, a new Yale study concludes. In an analysis published in the journal Environmental and Resource Economics, researchers found that perceived risks of contracting […]The post Lyme disease still has a big cost to society when it comes to outdoor activities: Yale researchers appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As one author writes in The Island: Sri Lanka is in the grip of a severe epidemic of Dengue fever and Dengue hemorrhagic fever. The epidemic did not happen over a short period. Dengue has been in Sri Lanka since 1962. However, it was not a major public health problem. The disease was progressing at a […]The post Dengue in Sri Lanka: More than double the cases from 2016 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced last week this year’s fifth measles case in a female flight attendant who resides in northern Taiwan. On April 8, the case developed fever and oral herpes. On April 9, she developed rash over the body. On April 10, she sought medical attention at a hospital. […]The post Taiwan reports 5th measles case, Taipai warns of enterovirus outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the number of leprosy, or Hansen’s disease cases in Florida in 2017, Florida state health officials have reported five additional confirmed cases since late February, bringing the total to seven. The additional cases reported since February 26 have been reported from Brevard, Pasco, Polk and Volusia (2) counties, according to official […]The post Florida reports five additional leprosy cases since late February appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Last week, Florida Governor Rick Scott directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to meet with communities to identify additional strategies to fight the rising opioid usage cases in Florida. The Attorney General’s Office will also be participating in these workshops. […]The post Opioid usage in Florida: Scott directs agencies to hold workshops appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials with the Epidemiology Service of the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB) are reporting the first outbreak of meningococcal disease in the city in 30 years, according to a Redaccion Medica report last week (computer translated). The two fatal cases, a 39-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman, were linked to a occupational center for disabled […]The post Barcelona reports 1st meningococcal disease outbreak in three decades appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Recognized for easing psoriasis symptoms of dry, itchy, flaky skin, five products have recently been awarded the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Seal of Recognition. The NPF Seal of Recognition highlights over-the-counter products that are proven to safely and effectively manage symptoms of psoriasis. Independently reviewed by a panel of dermatology medical experts as well as […]The post Psoriasis Topicals: National Psoriasis Foundation awards Seal of Recognition to 5 products appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) laboratory confirmed mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first positive samples to be confirmed this year. The mosquito traps were collected from the 75108 zip code of Balch Springs and the 75149 and 75150 zip codes of Mesquite. “Mosquito season is underway […]The post West Nile virus detected in Dallas County mosquitoes, first of 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While parts of Europe have been experiencing a large measles outbreak with thousands of cases, the situation in Portugal is not to date alarming. However, health officials reported an additional four cases in the past week bringing the total cases to 10, according to an RTP Noticias report (computer translated). The newest cases were reported […]The post Portugal measles tally rises to 10 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Government officials in the Federal District in Brazil say the syphilis situation has reached epidemic status and the exact reason for the rise is still unknown, according to a G1.Globo report (computer translated). In 2016 alone, 1,288 cases were reported in the federal capital. The number is well more than double the 529 cases reported in […]The post Brazil: Syphilis reaches epidemic status in Federal District appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up report on the measles outbreak in Hennepin County, Minnesota, The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed five new cases of measles in Hennepin County children, bringing the total number of outbreak cases to eight. All eight confirmed cases are unvaccinated children between the ages of 1 and 4 living in Hennepin County. Seven […]The post Measles outbreak grows in Twin Cities area appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

April 14, 2017 was World Chagas Day. Despite 6-7 million patients worldwide, in both poor and wealthy regions, Chagas disease remains one of the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases globally. Treatments currently exist, however diagnosis remains difficult and current medicines need improving. In addition, the vast majority of patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the […]The post Dr. Peter Hotez on World Chagas Day 2017 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission reported on 14 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including two deaths. The eleven male and three female patients, aged from 39 to 81, had onset from March 27 to April 11, including three from Sichuan, two each from Henan, Shandong and Xizang, and one each from Anhui, […]The post H7N9 avian influenza in China: 14 additional human cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A Florida Museum of Natural History study provides new insights into the complex, shared history between blood-sucking lice and the vitamin-producing bacterial sidekicks that enable them to parasitize mammals, including primates and humans. Lice depend on bacteria to supply essential vitamins missing from blood, their only food source. These bacterial partners live in specialized cells […]The post Lice and their bacterial sidekicks have evolved together to parasitize mammals appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Outbreak News This Week Raduio Show got a little “batty” as we focused on two stories concerning our webbed winged mammalian friends. In the first half, I was joined by Micaela Jemison, Director of Communication and Public Engagement with Bat Conservation International as she gave a lot of great information on the serious problem with the […]The post Bats: White-nose syndrome, Fresh Express recall and general bat info appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

An additional case of measles has been confirmed on the province’s south shore, requiring notification to parents and guardians of students at Hebbville Academy. The current outbreak of measles now has 15 confirmed cases; one other case was identified since last public release on April 4. “We are currently investigating this particular measles case to […]The post Nova Scotia measles tally now 22 from two outbreaks appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Cases of reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea have risen dramatically in DuPage County since 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that syphilis, once nearing elimination, is thriving. April is STD Awareness Month. The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) recommends that all sexually active people protect themselves from […]The post Illinois: ‘Dramatic increase’ of STDs in DuPage County appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the report of the first measles case reported in Michigan in late March, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services today announced a second confirmed case of measles in the state. This case is an adult and the direct result of an exposure to the state’s first case of the year in […]The post Measles in Michigan: 2nd case reported, linked to first case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The City of Mesquite has confirmed that more than 50 duck deaths at various Mesquite parks during the past few weeks is being caused by a duck virus also known as Duck Enteritis Virus, aka duck plague, Anatid herpes, Eendenpest, Entenpest and Peste du canard. The public is not at risk, as the disease is […]The post ‘Duck plague’ kills dozens in Mesquite, Public not at risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) posted results for the annual immunization assessment of children attending kindergarten in California in the 2016-17 school year on Wednesday. The report found that vaccination rates among kindergartners are at their highest point since 2001. Compared to 2015-16 results, the percentage of students attending kindergarten in 2016-17 who […]The post Vaccination rates in California kindergarteners rise to new high appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the mumps situation at Penn State University, University Health Services report investigating 77 mumps cases since Jan. 29. Many of these students have since recovered and returned to classes. “While many students who contracted mumps earlier this semester are no longer infectious, we are still continuing to see several new cases each […]The post Penn State mumps tally now 77 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a recent test of Asian tiger mosquitoes collected in Brazil, researchers found fragments of Zika virus RNA, raising concerns that it may be carried by species other than Zika’s known primary vector, the yellow fever mosquito. The research does not conclude that the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can transmit Zika to humans, but […]The post Zika RNA fragments found in Asian tiger mosquito in Brazil appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Three cases of measles have been identified in Hennepin County residents, two of the patients are siblings, while the third child has been in close contact with other two, according to Minnesota health officials. At least two of the patients are 2-year-old Somali Minnesotans and all three children were not vaccinated. There was no travel history […]The post Minnesota: Hennepin County reports 3 measles cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is advising health care providers to be on alert for mumps in their patients as the state experiences a 22-year high in mumps cases. State, regional and local health departments are currently investigating multiple outbreaks throughout the state, including one involving possible exposures on South Padre Island, a […]The post Texas issues mumps advisory: Cases reach 20-year high appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The death of up to 16 hippopotamus in the Binga District of Zimbabwe is being investigated by state officials and anthrax is at the top of the list for the cause of death, according to local media. The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) said initial testing indicates anthrax. The reported hippo deaths were first reported […]The post Anthrax outbreak in hippos investigated in Zimbabwe appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

After reporting Naegleria fowleri deaths in the double digits in 2015 and 2014 (HERE and HERE) in Pakistan, and five deaths reported last year, health officials in Karachi have reported the first such case of 2017. According to a Geo.tv report, a 23-year-old man from Tando Allah Yar succumbed to the lethal amoeba while admitted at […]The post Pakistan: 1st Naegleria fowleri death of 2017 reported in Karachi appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the meningitis outbreak in Nigeria, since the beginning of this year, the country has reported 4637 suspected cases and 489 deaths across five states (Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger). A vaccination campaign is underway in the country. The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, which coordinates the provision of emergency […]The post Nigeria: Meningitis deaths near 500, Vaccination campaign underway appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The George Washington University Colonial Health Center has confirmed that two resident students on the university’s Foggy Bottom campus have contracted the mumps. The cases were reported to the D.C. Department of Health. Following their guidelines, we are informing the community of this public health issue. The students have been isolated in accordance with Centers […]The post George Washington University: Two mumps cases reported at Foggy Bottom appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A study of almost 5,000 Latin American-born residents of Los Angeles County found that 1.24% tested positive for Chagas disease, a parasitic infection that can cause life-threatening heart damage if not treated early. Chagas disease is one of the leading causes of heart failure in Latin America. This is the first epidemiological study to back […]The post Chagas study: Confirms it is a major public health challenge for the US appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Japanese health officials reported the first psittacosis, or “parrot fever” cases in two pregnant women that were fatal, according to a Japan Times report. According to a research team at the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, two maternal deaths related to the disease were found in a probe it conducted in fiscal 2016. It […]The post Japan reports 1st ‘parrot fever’ cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Veterinarians with Los Angeles County are reporting a number of H3N2 canine influenza cases in dogs this year in the county. As of April 7, there have been 34 sick dogs reported, including 5 confirmed by laboratory testing (PCR) and 29 suspected. The sick dogs, plus an additional 8 healthy but exposed dogs, are under quarantine or isolation […]The post Los Angeles reports dozens of confirmed and suspected canine influenza, or dog flu cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.