Outbreak News Today

An outbreak of the bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii, has hit the Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca in Spain, infecting a dozen of patients, according to a La Verdad report (computer translated). The Ministry of Health says 28 patients have been affected by the outbreak strain of Acinetobacter since June, 12 getting infections (pneumonia, bacteremia or infection in […]

Health officials in Mesas County, Colorado announced today the first human tularemia case of 2016. The patient was likely exposed to the disease, often referred to as Rabbit Fever, in the Redlands area. The Mesa County Health Department says rabbits from the east side of the Redlands and southwest of Fruita have tested positive for tularemia this summer. […]

On 8 September 2016 the National IHR Focal Point for Austria notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed case of Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. This is the second case of MERS-CoV in Austria. (The first MERS-CoV case in Austria was notified on 30 September 2014). The patient is a 67 year old male visitor […]

Officials in Florida have reported the 20th case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in 2016. The 11 year old Quarter Horse mare from Sumter County was last vaccinated for EEE in late Summer 2015 per the owner and had no recent travel history. Clinical signs began on August 13 and the horse was euthanized […]

The short answer is yes. Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, lives in virtually all water systems. These bacteria exist in the natural environment of lakes, ponds, and rivers but in such small concentrations that they typically pose little threat to humans. The trouble starts when the bacteria survive the conventional treatment provided […]

The mysterious illness that sickened more than 100 at a Lamar County, Alabama school recently has been identified as norovirus, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Monday. The gastrointestinal outbreak swept through South Lamar School in Millport last week sending a large number of students home sick. Health officials say the school cooperated […]

The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced the state’s second West Nile virus-related death in 2016. The individual was a man who resided in central North Dakota and was older than 60 years of age. “This death is an unfortunate reminder that West Nile virus can cause very severe disease, especially for those over […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) injection, the first drug approved to treat patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Exondys 51 is specifically indicated for patients who have a confirmed mutation of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping, which affects about 13 percent of the population with DMD. […]

Today, one premise in Hillsborough County, Florida was placed under quarantine for strangles, according to a Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) alert. The horse began showing respiratory signs in September 7 after being imported from a Louisiana Kill Facility and as was isolated. A respiratory panel taken returned positive for strangles and EHV 4. The one […]

Kellogg Company is voluntarily recalling approximately 10,000 cases of Kellogg’s® Eggo® Nutri-Grain®Whole Wheat Waffles because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. No other Eggo products are impacted by this recall. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune […]

Minnesota health officials reported three additional Legionnaires’ disease cases in the city of Hopkins, bringing the outbreak total to 12. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says two of the three new cases required hospitalization for their illnesses. The investigation into the source of the cases is ongoing. Minnesota typically sees 50 to 60 cases of […]

A domestic cat has tested positive for Yersinia pestis, the bacterial agent of plague, according to Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH). The cat, from the Evergreen area, is now under the care of a veterinarian. Dave Volkel, JCPH Environmental Health Specialist said, “Everyone is reminded of the importance of keeping their pets from roaming free and using […]

The Singapore AgriFood & Veterinary Authority (AVA) issued a recall of Farmland brand canned “Tuna Chunks in Polyunsaturated Oil” imported from Thailand after testing revealed high levels of histamine. The histamine levels raised the risk of scombroid fish poisoning. Scombroid fish poisoning is an acute syndrome characterized by facial flushing, sweating, rash, a burning or peppery taste in the […]

Florida Governor Rick Scott announced today that following 45 days with no evidence of active Zika transmission, the entire Wynwood zone, which was originally about one square mile, has been lifted. Scott said, “When we announced Wynwood as the first place in our nation to have local transmission of the Zika virus, Wynwood was immediately sent […]

Officials with the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today their investigation into an additional locally acquired dengue fever case. The patient is a 59-year-old female with a good health history. She presented with symptoms of fever, chills and skin rash on Sep. 9. Laboratory testing was positive for dengue […]

Rabies is a disease that most people have at least a rudimentary knowledge of, starting at childhood on through adulthood. On Sep. 28 this year, World Rabies Day will be highlighted for the 1oth year, a day dedicated to rabies prevention. On the Sunday, Sep. 18 airing of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show in the […]

In a follow-up to a report earlier this month concerning the malaria epidemic in Venezuela, the organization, Observatorio Venezolano de la Salud (OVS) estimates the number of cases by the end of 2016 will be 350,000 (computer translated). Through August 2016, nearly 150,000 malaria cases have been reported, a 72 percent increase over 2015. In recent weeks, […]

In a follow-up on the cluster of Legionnaires’ disease in Hopkins, MN in Hennepin County, city officials and local media report additional cases in individuals who live or work in the city. The Star Tribune reports the case tally has nearly doubled in recent days as the total now stands at nine. Following the five initial cases […]

Dozens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections that may be linked to piercing aftercare saline spray has prompted a warning from Public Health England (PHE) this past week. Health officials are warning people who have recently had body piercings. The product, linked to cases of serious infection, has been provided by piercing studios in many parts of the […]

Much has been made of the health of Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in recent weeks and months. William N. Handelman M.D., a St. Petersburg , FL physician and host of the weekly talk radio program, Dr. Bill – Your Radio M.D, heard on AM 860 The Answer in the Tampa Bay area chimed in on some thoughts on […]

On Thursday, health officials with the Orange County Health Care Agency issued a Health Officer Order that requires the Children’s Dental Group of Anaheim to cease the use of that facility’s on-site water system for any patient dental procedures. What triggered the order? Ten confirmed and probable cases of serious infections in pediatric patients receiving root canals […]

In a follow-up to the Legionnaires’ disease situation at Seattle’s University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), hospital officials have reported a fourth case of the bacterial infection. Public Health – Seattle & King County says they were notified of the case on Friday. The patient, a forty-something male non-resident, was also hospitalized in the Cascade Tower where […]

While the mosquito borne virus, Zika, has captured the attention of most of the world as it spreads through the Americas and Southeast Asia, India is grappling with a different mosquito borne virus transmitted by the same mosquito vector, Aedes spp. In India’s capital city, Delhi, with a population in the metro area of well […]

What is Echinococcus? Echinococcus granulosus is a relatively small tapeworm (3-6 mm in length) that is found in dogs and other canids, wolves for example. Humans are accidentally infected through association with dogs. Where is this parasite found? It can be found anywhere there is a close association with infected dogs. It is most common […]

The Philippines has reported in excess of 100,000 dengue fever cases through Aug. 20. Three locally acquired Zika virus cases have been confirmed in Iloilo City. Chikungunya outbreaks have been reported from several regions. Malaria is endemic is some regions and lymphatic filariasis is also an issue on the archipelago. The Zika cases, which get […]

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) reported the first equine West Nile virus (WNV) case of the year in the Toronto area. The horse displayed signs of fever, muscle tremors, gait abnormalities (ataxia) and weakness. The horse’s vaccination history is unknown; the horse is recovering under veterinary medical supervision. In 2015, […]

While France has yet to report a Zika virus local transmission, the European country has reported almost 1,000 travel associated, or imported cases through Sep. 15 this year, according to Sante Publique France. From Jan. to Sep. 15, 978 imported Zika virus cases have been reported. This includes 30 pregnant women and 5 cases of neurological […]

Through Aug. 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,786 mumps cases, the most reported in the US since 2010. Two states are being hit particularly hard by the contagious viral disease of recent–Arkansas and New York. In Arkansas, the outbreak in the northwest part of the state, which has been called […]

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Friday that it has detected Zika in one mosquito sample from the same small area in Miami Beach, where four other samples had previously tested positive for Zika. All samples have consisted of Aedes aeqypti mosquitoes and are from an area where increased trapping and intensified mosquito […]

Officials with the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), Department of Agriculture and New Mexico Environment Department are investigating cases of cryptosporidiosis, or “crypto,” among residents of the state. Since August 31st, there have been 6 confirmed cases. Each reported to NMDOH consumption of raw milk products. The affected individuals are from Bernalillo County. Epidemiologists, […]

Health officials in Dallas County, TX have reported a record number of 13 brucellosis infections in residents this year to date. All cases reported consuming unpasteurized cheese brought into the U.S. from Mexico by friends or relatives, unpasteurized cheese while traveling in Mexico, or unidentified cheese products from local street vendors. Affected patients in 2016 have […]

Viamet Pharmaceuticals announced on Thursday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation to VT-1598, a novel candidate for the oral treatment of coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever. Valley Fever is an invasive fungal infection found primarily in the southwest United States that affects an estimated 150,000 people […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing the addition of Bacillus cereus Biovar anthracis to the list of HHS select agents and toxins as a Tier 1 select agent. Emerging B. cereus strains that cause anthrax-like disease have been isolated in Cameroon (CA […]

Florida Governor Rick Scott today authorized an additional $10 million in state funds to fight Zika, bringing the total funds now authorized for Zika to $36.2 million. The $10 million are solely allocated for the battle against Zika, which includes: Mosquito surveillance and abatement; training for mosquito control technicians; enhanced laboratory capacity; and the purchase of CDC Zika Prevention […]

Another Hawaii food service worker has tested positive for hepatitis A, according to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Thursday. On the island of Oahu, an employee at Ohana Seafood, the seafood vendor located within the Sam’s Club warehouse store at 1000 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City tested positive for the contagious virus. Food handled by the […]

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced the publication of detailed results from a randomized phase III study (ZOE-70) of its investigational shingles vaccine, showing 90% efficacy in adults aged 70 years and older that is maintained for at least four years. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The study, from which headline results […]

The mumps outbreak in northwest Arkansas continues to grow and these numbers could rise significantly in coming weeks, according to a state epidemiologist, local media reports. The number of suspected and lab confirmed cases of mumps stands at 162 in the Springdale area of the state and according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), numbers could double […]

The Missoula City-County Health Department confirmed this week that a food service worker in the county tested positive for Hepatitis A. While the food service employee was excluded from work during most of the time that they had symptoms, there is a potential for customer exposure because Hepatitis A can be spread before a person […]

Officials with Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee have reported a spike in cases of the viral, childhood disease, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) during the past week prompting University Health Services (UHS) to issue an alert. “We are aware of more than a dozen cases so far,” Lesley Sacher, director of the FSU Health […]

In a follow-up to an earlier report on the Legionnaires’ disease situation at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), Public Health-Seattle and King County said Wednesday that the hospital reported a second fatality in a patient on the cardiac care unit in which Legionella, the bacterial cause of Legionnaires’ disease, may have been a contributing factor. Health […]

Four cases of mumps have been confirmed this week in Garfield County, and at least 34 more suspected cases are under investigation after students in two Enid Public Schools exhibited symptoms of the disease. Those currently affected range in age from less than one-year old to 41 years of age, with the majority of cases […]

Kentucky has reported more than 150 human West Nile virus (WNV) cases since the mosquito borne virus was first reported in the state in 2002, including two cases in 2015. For the first time in 2016, WNV has been reported in a person, in fact two cases have been reported in Louisville–one fatal and one […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) has today concluded its mission to Saudi Arabia to support the Ministry of Health in ensuring a safe pilgrimage season (Hajj). So far there has been no major health threat or event of concern, with no major disease outbreak reported among the nearly two million pilgrims attending the holy sites. […]

At least three confirmed cases of the gastrointestinal infection, Shigellosis, has been reported in preschool students at Heritage Academy in Zephyrhills, according to a school press release. Pasco County health officials report that some 21 students are being tested for the bacteria, Shigella. The students that are positive are not being allowed back to school […]

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported today on an additional locally transmitted Zika virus case in Miami Beach, bringing the state total to 71. In addition, Gov Rick Scott announced that following his request in August for additional lab support personnel to help the state expedite Zika testing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention […]

On Tuesday, The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed an additional case of hepatitis A in an Oahu food service worker. The infected case is an employee at Harbor Restaurant at Pier 38, located at 1133 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu. Affected dates of service are Aug. 26 through Sept. 12, 2016. “Because of […]

Health officials in Malaysia reported on two additional confirmed Zika virus cases in sisters, one of which is pregnant, according to local media. These are the fifth and sixth Zika cases in the country. In a press release from the Minister of Health (computer translated), we learn that according to a study conducted by Specialist Virology […]

The Singapore National Environmental Agency (NEA) reported eight additional locally transmitted Zika virus cases on Wednesday, bringing the outbreak total to 341. In Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center for Zika Virus (CECC for Zika Virus) announced the seventh imported Zika case identified in Taiwan. The case is a 20-year-old female Singaporean who resides in Aljunied Crescent, […]

Through the first week of September, Haiti has reported 26,799 suspected cholera cases, including 242 related deaths, according to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The numbers of cases and deaths reported in 2016 are higher than those reported during the same period in 2015 and 2014. From Oct. 2010 through Dec. 2015, Haiti […]

Genesee County is seeing an increase in Shigella, a bacteria that causes gastrointestinal illness which includes mild to severe diarrhea, which has prompted an advisory for the public. Other symptoms of shigellosis include fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and stools containing blood and/or mucus. Shigella cases are on the rise across Michigan, according to health officials. […]