Outbreak News Today

Ontario province has reported 15 additional cases of the parasitic infection, Cyclosporiasis, in the past week, bringing the total in the province to 71 and the Canadian outbreak total to 81. Canadian health agencies continue to investigate locally-acquired Cyclospora infections in four provinces- British Columbia (1), Alberta (2), Ontario (71), and Quebec (7). One patient required hospitalization for […]

After reporting 47 locally transmitted Zika virus cases in Florida through Aug. 31- in Pinellas, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties- state agriculture officials have finally and not surprisingly detected the virus in mosquitoes in an affected area. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has detected Zika in three mosquito samples from a small […]

Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of Diamond of California® Macadamia Nuts, distributed in retail stores nationwide, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, […]

Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies (5 pack), Chocolate Chip Muffins (5 pack and 10 pack boxes) and Variety Pack (20 pack) due to the presence of small pieces of plastic caused by a manufacturing failure at a contract manufacturer’s bakery in Illinois. The product being […]

Uganda has successfully freed 821,230 people, the largest number to be freed from river blindness globally based on the latest WHO guidelines. This has expedited the process of achieving its goal of eliminating river blindness (onchocerciasis) nationwide by 2020. At its peak, the vector-transmitted parasitic worm caused eye and skin disease in 37 districts in […]

Hospitalizations for infective endocarditis, a heart valve infection often attributed to injection drug use, have increased significantly among young adult Americans–particularly in whites and females–according to a new study by researchers from Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine. The findings, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases on Sept. 1, shed light on […]

Officials with the Malaysia Ministry of Health are reporting a Zika virus case in a 58- year-old woman who resides in Bandar Botanic, Klang, Selangor. She is the mother of a female confirmed with Zika infection in Singapore. She and her husband visited their daughter in Singapore on Aug 19 and returned to Malaysia two days later. The […]

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is investigating an outbreak of Mumps in the Springdale area after two cases have been confirmed and several suspected cases have been identified. This is the largest cluster of mumps cases that Arkansas has experienced since 2010. In response to the outbreak, ADH is requiring students in the same […]

On April 1, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in a Memorandum that an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing is equivalent to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, respectively, in biological science—allowing individuals with a nursing degree the same rights to do moderate and high complexity testing as certified laboratory professionals. In addition, the […]

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health is working closely with local health departments in Berkeley and Jefferson counties to investigate reports of illnesses linked to a national outbreak of hepatitis A. Nationally, more than fifty people have been impacted by the outbreak associated with Egypt-sourced frozen strawberries used […]

Seqirus announced this week that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AFLURIA® QUADRIVALENT (Influenza Vaccine) for use in persons 18 years of age and older. AFLURIA QUADRIVALENT is an inactivated influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine. […]

On August 30, a new rabies case was confirmed in Brevard County, Florida. The adult mare had no previous vaccine history and had not been off the premises in over a year, according to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC). Clinical signs began on August 26 and the horse was euthanized for humane reasons the same […]

Singaporean health officials have reported more locally acquired, or autochthonous Zika virus cases today, including the first case in a pregnant woman. She is living in the Aljunied Crescent/ Sims Drive area. The number of cases are up to 115 as of Wednesday. This includes 24 new cases reported today plus nine cases that were detected as a result […]

In a new study, 30 percent of transgender youth report a history of at least one suicide attempt, and nearly 42 percent report a history of self-injury, such as cutting. The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center study also discovered a higher frequency of suicide attempts among transgender youth who are dissatisfied with their weight. “Our […]

Taiwan health officials reported the case of a toddler diagnosed with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) who tested positive for enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). The case is a 5-year-old boy who resides in Taipei City and has no recent travel history. On August 14, 2016, he sought medical attention at a clinic after developing weakness in his left arm. […]

The Ministry of Health and Social Development confirmed five cases of the Zika virus in the British Virgin Islands last week. Three of the cases were tested locally and found to be positive and two cases were tested overseas and found to be positive as well. The cases were contracted in the Cane Garden Bay and […]

New guidelines for the treatment of 3 common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been issued by WHO in response to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are all caused by bacteria and are generally curable with antibiotics. However, these STIs often go undiagnosed and are becoming more difficult to treat, with […]

Earlier this week, Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood made headlines for his giving his opinion about the debunked theory of the vaccines-autism link. In a video, LaHood said, “I’m here to tell you vaccines can and do cause autism.” Although LaHood was not mentioned specifically, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District released a statement concerning this topic, which […]

Utah public health officials are investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk. To date, nine cases of Salmonella Saintpaul infection have been reported in people who reported raw milk consumption before their illness began. Onset dates range from March 20, 2016 to August 14, 2016. The cases range […]

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a resident of Milford has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the first human case of WNV associated illness identified in Connecticut this season. The patient, between 70-79 years of age, became ill during the fourth week of August with encephalitis […]

Two terror suspects in Kenya, part of an extremist cell of medics loyal to ISIS, were arrested Sunday after police received a tip on the diabolical plot. According to the Kenyan Anti-Terror Police Unit, Mohamed Shukri Yerrow, an intern doctor at Malindi sub-county hospital, along with Abdulrazak Abdinuur were arrested. The suspects were planning large-scale attacks akin to […]

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported today on three additional locally acquired Zika virus cases. The cases were reported in Miami-Dade County, one is associated with the Miami-Beach investigation. This brings the total in the state to 46. In addition, 16 new travel related cases were reported today, five in Miami-Dade, three in Palm Beach, two […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Erelzi, (etanercept-szzs) for multiple inflammatory diseases. Erelzi is a biosimilar to Enbrel (etanercept), which was originally licensed in 1998. Erelzi is administered by injection for the treatment of: moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with methotrexate (MTX); moderate to severe […]

Initial data from a Liberian public health program show about 9 percent (38) of 429 male Ebola survivors had fragments of Ebola virus in their semen. Of those, 63 percent had semen samples that tested positive for Ebola fragments a year after recovering from disease and, in one man’s case, at least 565 days after […]

A 3-year-old Morris County gelding and a 1-year-old Ocean County mare have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a serious, mosquito-borne illness in horses. The gelding was not vaccinated against EEE while the mare was only recently vaccinated but had not yet had a booster. Both were euthanized on August 23rd and August 26th, […]

New Jersey researchers have identified what is believed to be the first strain of Escherichia coli bacteria from a patient in the United States that harbored two mobile genes making it resistant to both broad spectrum carbapenem antibiotics as well as colistin, an older antibiotic increasingly used as a last resort for multidrug-resistant infections. Their […]

The Singapore Ministry of Health reported today an additional 26 locally transmitted, or autochthonous Zika virus cases, bringing the total to 82. The local transmission of Zika virus in Singapore has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a travel notice to the Asian city-state. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in […]

On August 22, 2016, Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) officials notified the management of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) of plans to investigate a case of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) identified in a team member of the facility in Hope Hull, Ala. ADPH and HMMA are working closely to ensure that the individuals potentially exposed are […]

The Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) reported on an additional 26 locally acquired Zika virus cases today. Today’s total and Monday’s new cases (15), brings the outbreak total to 82. Of today’s cases, the MOH reports 17 cases live or work in the Sims Drive/ Aljunied Crescent area and five live or work in Kallang Way and […]

Iagnosis, a leading developer of telemedicine solutions and the creator of DermatologistOnCall®, today announced a partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) to offer accessible teledermatology care options for patients needing treatment for psoriasis. NPF reports that more than 8 million Americans are affected by psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly […]

Shigellosis is an acute bacterial disease of the intestines caused by several species of the bacterium, Shigella. It is typified by loose stools, frequently containing blood and mucus (dysentery), accompanied by fever, vomiting, cramps and occasionally toxemia. It can cause bacillary dysentery because of the invasive ability of the organism that may result ulcerations and abscesses […]

In a follow-up to a report last week about local transmission of Zika virus in Pinellas County, local media report Monday that the individual infected with the mosquito borne virus is actually a Tampa firefighter (Hillsborough County) who resides in neighboring Pinellas County. According to the WTSP report, the firefighter infected works at Fire Station […]

Health officials in Spokane County, WA reported a human case of West Nile virus (WNV), as well as four cases in horses—all likely acquired in Spokane County. This is the first human WNV case reported since 2009. Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the human case, which occurred in a male in his 40s who was […]

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other local health departments to investigate a cluster of 15 cases of Shigella flexneri infection in Los Angeles and other Southern California counties. Ten cases occurred among residents of Los Angeles County (including Long Beach […]

A Deschutes County horse has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first detection of the disease in Oregon horses for the 2016 season. The affected horse is a 14-year old mare with no history of vaccination for WNV. The horse is under veterinary care and is responding to treatment. Last year, six […]

The Department of Health today reported a Yankton County resident died of West Nile virus (WNV) associated causes, the state’s first WNV related death this season. The individual was in the 80 to 89 age group. To date this season, South Dakota has reported 74 cases of human WNV; 12 percent have had the most […]

Ohio’s first two human West Nile virus (WNV) cases in 2016 are being reported by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). A 68-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy, both from the same area of Marion County, are recovering. Marion Public Health has conducted an environmental assessment in the affected area and has implemented mosquito control […]

In a follow-up on the hepatitis A outbreak in Virginia, The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) says the outbreak total has risen by five cases, bringing it to a total of 40. VDH continues the investigation into the outbreak. They have identified a potential association with smoothies from Tropical Smoothie Café restaurants in Virginia. On August 12, […]

Mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis has infected one human and seven horses this summer in North Carolina, state health and agricultural officials report. Also known as EEE or ‘Triple E,’ the virus can cause inflammation of the brain. While there is a vaccine for horses, there is none for humans. State Health and Human Services’ Division of […]

The Florida Department of Health today reported the 43rd non travel-associated Zika virus case in the state in Miami-Dade County. DOH continues door-to-door outreach and targeted testing in Pinellas, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and mosquito abatement and reduction activities are also taking place around the locations that are being investigated. DOH believes ongoing transmission […]

Officials with Yunnan Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission announced (computer translated) a confirmed case of H9N2 avian influenza in a Mengzi City boy. Confirmation of the virus was made by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention via a nucleic acid assay. The 10-year-old child was treated for the infection and has recovered. This is the second […]

Researchers at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) recently identified compounds that potentially can be used to inhibit Zika virus replication and reduce its ability to kill brain cells. These compounds now can be studied by the broader research community to help combat the Zika public health crisis. NCATS is part of the […]

A study shows that stimulating the production of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), one of the cytokines released by cells of the immune system, can be an effective strategy for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, considered one of the six most important parasitic diseases affecting humans. The principal investigator in this research is João Santana da Silva, Full […]

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced it has initiated a clinical study of its preventive Zika vaccine (GLS-5700) in 160 subjects in Puerto Rico, where the Zika virus outbreak has been declared a public health emergency. The CDC estimates Zika will infect more than 25% of the Puerto Rican population by year end, providing the potential […]

On Sunday’s show, I had two fantastic guests to discuss two very interesting topics. In the first half, the Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics, Peter Hotez, MD, PhD joined me for an interview to discuss […]

With the announcement yesterday of 41 locally transmitted Zika virus infections in Singapore, health officials in at least two Asian countries have responded to the issue. In Taiwan, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) raised the travel notice level for the country to Level 2: Alert for Zika virus on August 29, 2016.Pregnant women and women […]

In the European Union (EU), an increase in the number of human West Nile virus (WNV) cases has been reported in recent weeks, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In the past two weeks, 43 total WNV cases were reported, 32 last week and 11 the week prior. Before this spike, the […]

In a follow-up to reports on the diphtheria situation in Malaysia, the health ministry is reporting the first case of the disease in Perak State, bringing the country total to 28, including 5 deaths. According to Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the patient, a four-year-old girl from Taiping became ill on Aug. 12 presenting […]

Due to two recent cases of young children being infected with E. coli, state health officials are reminding Michigan residents of the potential health risks associated with consuming unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized milk products, commonly referred to as raw milk or raw milk products. The two E. coli O157:H7 cases, which were reported in Oakland […]

Officials with the Province of Buenos Aires Ministry of Health are warning the public not to consume homemade or raw sausage, particularly product without a manufacturer’s label due to an increase in the parasitic infection, trichinosis. According to a Perspectiva Sur report (computer translated), as of Aug. 23, 49 cases of trichinosis have been reported in three districts in the […]