Outbreak News Today

NSW Health is urging people to watch for measles symptoms after a young adult who contracted the disease overseas spent time in Sydney’s CBD, inner west and Baulkham Hills area while infectious. The measles case was infectious while visiting the following locations in Sydney between 31 January and 4 February: Norton Plaza, Leichhardt – 31 […]The post Sydney: Measles case prompts health warning appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Health officials in Angola have reported a Zika virus related microcephaly case from Bengo province, according to a Prensa Latina report (computer translated). Eusebio Manuel, head of the Department of Health and Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health, was quoted as saying, “The disease was diagnosed in the neighboring province of Bengo and reconfirmed in […]The post Angola reports Zika related microcephaly case appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is warning people not to eat a number of brands of chilled oysters harvested from the Mahurangi Harbour north of Auckland as they may be contaminated with norovirus. The companies Matakana Oysters Limited, Orata Marine Limited, Seafood Harbour and Hutchings and Addison Limited are recalling all oysters harvested from […]The post Norovirus prompts oyster recall in New Zealand appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Spokane Regional Health District reported 152 cases of mumps in Spokane County as of Feb. 5, with several more under investigation, therefore, the number is expected to grow in coming days. In King County, the number of current cases in the county stands at 179 (72 confirmed, 107 probable), with 61.5 percent reported as up-to-date on MMR vaccine. […]The post Washington mumps outbreak up to at least 387 cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A landmark report by the World Health Organization in 2014 observed that antibiotic resistance — long thought to be a health threat of the future — had finally become a serious threat to public health around the world. A top WHO official called for an immediate and aggressive response to prevent what he called a […]The post UCLA biologists identify drug combinations that may be highly effective at reducing growth of deadly bacteria appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers has found that drought dramatically increases the severity of West Nile virus epidemics in the United States, although populations affected by large outbreaks acquire immunity that limits the size of subsequent epidemics. The study, published February 8 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, involved researchers from […]The post Drought linked to more severe West Nile virus epidemics appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The American Cancer Society has endorsed updated recommendations on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) supporting a two-dose schedule for boys and girls who initiate the vaccine at ages 9 to 14. The update comes after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the slimmed-down schedule in October 2016. […]The post American Cancer Society endorses two-dose regimen for HPV vaccination appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Health and Family Planning Commission of Henan Province reported an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in a 38-year-old man from Kaifeng who is in critical condition. Hong Kong health officials who are closely monitoring the situation said, “Since late 2016, the number of human H7N9 cases reported in the Mainland hugely increased from six in […]The post China reports H7N9 avian flu case in Henan Province, disease tally top 1100 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Michael Behnke, BSc, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences (PBS) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU SVM), has recently been awarded a National Institute of Health (NIH) R21 grant for his project, entitled “Large farm and small companion animal intestinal organoids as platforms for parasite enteric development.” The award is […]The post LSU researcher awarded grant to study Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The yellow fever outbreak in Brazil began in Dec. 2016 and since that time, some 1000 reported cases have or are being investigated, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health, or the Ministério da Saúde (computer translated). As of Feb. 6, 1,006 suspected cases of yellow fever were notified to the Ministry […]The post Brazil: The yellow fever outbreak by the numbers appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Columbia University, Vincent Racaniello, PhD joined me to look at a small portion of a huge through of viruses in the news on Sunday evening. The latest Zika virus research, the Brazil yellow fever outbreak, the first ever known Seoul virus outbreak in the US and so much more. […]The post Podcast: A look at some viruses in the news appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Officials with the Zamboanga City Health Office announced over the weekend that they will be conducting a diphtheria vaccination after reports of the death of a 2-year-old. According to a GMA News report, Dr. Rodel Agbulos, city health officer, has confirmed that a two-year-old patient has died of diphtheria. The child’s two siblings have also been […]The post Diphtheria: Zamboanga City to conduct mass vaccination campaign appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

As of February 2, 2017, a total of 57 Zika cases were reported in the country. There were 38 (67%) females and 19 (33%) males. Age ranged from 7 years-59 years (median 32 years). There were no deaths. These were detected in the following areas: National Capital Region – 20 cases (35%), CALABARZON – 18 […]The post Philippines Zika tally now 57, including seven pregnant women appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Mexico registered the first case of microcephaly linked to the Zika virus in a baby who died shortly after birth, according the the Ministry of Health Friday (computer translated). However, the Health Secretariat noted that it does not rule out that other children may be born with this disease. “There is a possibility that more cases of […]The post Mexico reports 1st Zika related microcephaly case in Oaxaca appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The most frightening aspect of Zika virus has been its ability to produce severe fetal birth defects during pregnancy, especially microcephaly—a small head. Now, scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have uncovered the details behind the virus’s unique ability to cross the placental barrier and expose the fetus to a […]The post Why Zika causes birth defects and dengue does not: Scripps Florida research appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The death of a 25-year-old Bogota woman from rabies in January has prompted an alert in Colombia, according to a El Tiempo report last week (computer translated). The woman was reportedly bitten on a finger by a cat in December that was acquired five months prior from the Tequendama area in Cundinamarca. According to the […]The post Bogota woman is 2nd human rabies death in Colombia in 15 months appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Scientists from the Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have developed a new substance that has cured severe malaria in humanized mice. Severe malaria, caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, causes dangerous circulatory disorders and neurological complications. If the affected person is not treated immediately, the disease will inevitably lead […]The post Severe malaria: German researchers develop new agent that’s successful in mice appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Colistin is used as the “last-resort antibiotic” for dreaded multidrug-resistant pathogens, especially in hospitals. However, gut bacteria that have become insensitive to colistin now exist — owing to the mobile resistance gene mcr-1. In early 2016, bacteria carrying this resistance gene were detected in Germany for the first time. Since then, there has been growing […]The post Rapid test detects mobile resistance gene mcr-1 appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Between the years of 2012-2016, the rate of new hepatitis C cases in the Algoma district has increased by 7.2%, according to new data released by Algoma Public Health. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that is carried in the blood and can cause severe damage to the liver. The virus is spread through the […]The post Ontario: Hepatitis C cases up in Algoma district appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Out of an abundance of caution, Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food of Wheeling, IL is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Hunk of Beef product because of a potential contaminant Pentobarbital, which was detected in one lot of Hunk of Beef Au Jus. Pentobarbital can affect animals that ingest it, and possibly cause side effects […]The post Hunk of Beef dog food recalled due to potential Pentobarbital contamination appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Ruth’s Salads announced a recall of Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread in 7oz plastic containers. The product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes. Consumers who have purchased this 7 oz Ruth’s Original Pimento Spread with the Lot #16, Sell By Date 4/30/2017 are urged to return the product to the place of purchase […]The post Pimento spread recalled due to Listeria risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Seven measles cases have been confirmed at the IPU New Zealand in Palmerston North, according to MidCentral DHB Sunday. Medical Officer of Health, Dr Greg Simmons said “The MidCentral Public Health Service is working closely with the Institute who are following all recommendations. Public Health will continue to work with the Institue to provide assistance […]The post Measles: 7 cases confirmed in Palmerston North, NZ outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Thailand Bureau of Epidemiology has reported nearly 2,300 dengue fever cases since the beginning of the year. The cases have been reported in 68 of the country’s 77 provinces. To date, two dengue related fatalities have been report. Songkla, Pattani, Narathiwat, Pattalung and Yala provinces have seen the highest morbidity rates to date. Nine […]The post Thailand reports 2,300 dengue cases in January appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up to the mysterious disease known as “black urine” disease, the Secretary of Health of the State of Bahia says the number of cases of acute myalgia has risen to 64, the Gazeta da Bahia reported (computer translated). The cases have been reported from Dec. 14, 2016 to Jan. 24, 2017. To date, two fatalities are suspected […]The post Brazil’s ‘black urine’ disease puzzle remains unsolved appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

For the 5th time since 2013, Taiwan has reported an imported human H7N9 avian influenza case. According to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (computer translated), the case has been identified as a 69-year-old man with a history of travel to Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China. The Commissioner for Disease Control (DSCD) said that the case presented […]The post Taiwan reports human H7N9 avian influenza case, dozens of additional cases reported in China appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Loblaw Companies Limited has announced the recall one specific lot code of PC Organics brand Apple, Blueberry & Green Pea strained baby food from the marketplace because it may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says if you […]The post Loblaw recalls baby food over botulism fears appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to officials with the National Tropical Disease in Hanoi Saturday, three men were hospitalized and one died after eating raw pig blood curd during Lunar New Year festivities, according to state media. The report states: a 60 year old man from the northern province of Nam Dinh suffered high fever, acute diarrhea and rash in […]The post Vietnam: Man dies from ‘swine bacteria’ after consuming pig blood curd appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

USGS Summary Baylisascaris procyonis, the common raccoon roundworm, is the most commonly recognized cause of clinical larva migrans (LM) in animals, a condition in which an immature parasitic worm or larva migrates in a host animal’s tissues, causing obvious disease. Infection with B. procyonis is best known as a cause of fatal or severe neurologic […]The post Baylisascaris: Everything you wanted to know is found in USGS monograph appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

According to a Situation Summary from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Thursday, in Brazil, between 1 December 2016 and 2 February 2017, 901 cases of yellow fever were reported (151 confirmed, 42 discarded, and 708 suspected cases remain under investigation), including 143 deaths (54 confirmed, 3 discarded, and 86 under investigation). The overall case- […]The post Brazil yellow fever outbreak eclipses 150 confirmed cases appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

On 17-18 November 2016 WHO held an informal consultation to review its draft methodology for prioritizing diseases under its Research and Development Blueprint. The meeting brought together experts in human and animal health, epidemiology, applied mathematics and safety as well as relevant researchers and clinicians. The R&D Blueprint is a global strategy and preparedness plan […]The post The emerging pathogens the WHO calls priority appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Their is a plethora of news related to various viruses and viral disease happening today that I wanted to discuss some of these issues with my returning guest on the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show. Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Columbia University, Vincent Racaniello, PhD joined me to look at a small portion of this […]The post Zika research, yellow fever, Seoul virus and other viral disease news appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

In a follow-up on the first ever known Seoul virus outbreak in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of Jan. 31 reports 10 confirmed cases in Wisconsin (3) and Illinois (7) who were exposed to infected rats in several rat-breeding facilities in those two states. In addition, ten additional states […]The post Seoul virus outbreak rises to 10 in Wisconsin and Illinois, Additional states notified of risk appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Palpa District Public Health Office (DPHO) reported this week on 13 new leprosy cases in the central Nepal district, according to a Kathmandu Post report. About 16 cases are reported annually in the district. The number of leprosy patients taking drugs has reached 13 in the district so far and of them eight patients have […]The post Nepal: 13 leprosy cases reported in Palpa appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Abbott announced Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized its molecular test, the Abbott RealTime ZIKA test, to detect Zika virus in whole blood (when collected alongside a patient-matched serum or plasma sample) for emergency use. This is the first molecular test made by a commercial manufacturer authorized to detect Zika […]The post Zika testing: FDA authorizes Abbott molecular test for emergency use appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Five Hills Health Region has declared a pertussis outbreak involving school-aged children, within the Five Hills Health Region. Pertussis is a potentially serious and highly contagious infection of the lungs and throat. Pertussis starts like a common cold with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, a mild fever and cough that progressively gets worse […]The post Saskatchewan: Pertussis outbreak declared in Five Hills appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Genesee County has seen a recent increase in gastrointestinal illnesses which causes mild to severe diarrhea. “We would like to remind everyone that Genesee County normally experiences an increase in gastroenteritis illnesses this time of year, but we continue to watch this closely,” stated Genesee County Health Department Health Officer, Mark Valacak. The viruses that […]The post Genesee County reports increase in norovirus appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With the serious migrant situation continuing to unfold across Europe, and the continuing movement of migrant populations across borders in North America, I am frequently asked if international refugees and other international migrants are factors in the dissemination and possible introduction of infectious diseases into their destination countries. The basic answer is quite easy: Of […]The post International Refugees, Migrants, and Infectious Diseases: Helping People on the Move is a Good Way to Help Ourselves appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has identified three confirmed cases and one suspected case of a non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, Mycobacterium chimaera, all of which occurred in persons with a history of open-chest cardiac surgery. M. chimaera are slow-growing mycobacteria which can cause infections that occur most often at the surgical […]The post Los Angeles: Post-surgical Mycobacterium chimaera cases confirmed appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A confirmed case of mumps has been identified in the TCU community, according to officials with Brown-Lupton Health Center at Texas Christian University (TCU). TCU has been working with Tarrant County Public Health to identify and contact other students who may have been exposed. At this point, there have been no other reported cases. It […]The post Mumps case confirmed at Texas Christian University appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

While Ebola virus disease (EVD) is notorious for being one of the world’s most deadly infections, it actually has a wide range of outcomes, where asymptomatic presentation may be as common as fatality. Now, researchers have developed a new scale, described in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, which can help predict which patients are most at […]The post New scoring system predicts Ebola severity appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Neonatal herpes is a rare but potentially devastating complication of genital herpes during pregnancy, which can cause brain damage, breathing problems, seizures and even death. Neonatal herpes infection can occur when an infant is exposed to herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2) in a woman’s genital tract during birth. For the […]The post Neonatal herpes global estimates published appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today announced that in view of an unusual increased number of hepatitis A cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-positive) in recent months, one-off hepatitis A vaccination would be arranged for MSM attending designated public […]The post Hepatitis A vaccination to be offered to gay men to stem outbreak appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Janakiram Seshu, associate professor of biology and associate dean of The Graduate School at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), has received a $404,250 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to support his research to better understand and prevent the spread of Lyme disease. “Dr. Seshu’s top-tier efforts in […]The post How Lyme disease survives in hosts: UTSA professor receives $400K to study appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Governor Rick Scott announced Wednesday 34 grant awards for Zika virus research following his authorization of $25 million in state funds for Zika research and vaccine development last fall. Grant funding will be used to help expedite the development of a vaccine to prevent Zika infection, understand and mitigate long-term impacts of Zika virus on […]The post Florida: Gov. Rick Scott announces grant funding for Zika research appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) has been notified of a laboratory confirmed case of measles in an infant who arrived recently from overseas. The child was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Room (ER) in West Islip on January 19, for evaluation and was released, and was seen at HRHCare Martin Luther […]The post Measles confirmed in infant on Long Island appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The Missouri University of Science and Technology Student Health Services announced Wednesday a confirmed mumps case in a Missouri S&T student. The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the case on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and notified Missouri S&T officials at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Dr. Dennis Goodman, director of student health services at Missouri S&T, advises students to be […]The post Mumps confirmed in Missouri S&T student appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

A couple of weeks ago, officials at the Kettering Medical Health System in Ohio announced a scabies outbreak among Kettering Medical Center employees. On Monday, the number had risen to 86. According to a local media report, not only has that number climbed to 106 cases at Kettering Medical Center, scabies cases have been reported a second Kettering Health Network […]The post Scabies outbreak strikes second Ohio hospital appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

Scientists have identified new ways to provide vaccines against polio, which do not require the growth of live virus for their manufacture. Despite the success of vaccines produced from ‘virus-like particles’ (VLPs) for hepatitis B and human papilloma viruses, poliovirus VLPs have proved to be too unstable to make practical vaccines. Now, a research team […]The post Scientists prove new approach to Polio vaccines works appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month and dental health having an effect on appearance, general well-being and even earnings, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2017’s States with the Best & Worst Dental Health. In order to determine which places boast the best set of teeth in the U.S., WalletHub’s […]The post Dental health: Best and worst states appeared first on Outbreak News Today.

The number of confirmed yellow fever cases in the Brazil outbreak, which began in December 2016, has grown to 149, including 52 confirmed fatalities, according to the Brazilian Health Ministry today (computer translated). Five states report suspected/confirmed yellow fever cases–Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Bahia, São Paulo and Tocantins. Minas Gerais accounts for nine out every 10 […]The post Brazil: Yellow fever outbreak grows, CDC issues travel notice appeared first on Outbreak News Today.