Outbreak News Today

Many months into the Zika virus epidemic in the Americas and for the first time, the Bahamas have reported their first case. According to the Health Ministry, the confirmed case was recorded in New Providence. Officials say the case is in a Bahamian man who recently visited Jamaica. The Bahama Journal reports that Health Minister Dr. Perry Gomez […]

In a follow-up on the Naegleria fowleri, or “brain-eating amoeba” case reported in South Florida last week, Broward County health officials say the patient is hospitalized and receiving treatment and the investigation is ongoing. According to an emailed statement to Outbreak News Today, Florida Department of Health in Broward County Public Information Officer, Candy Sims writes, The Florida Department […]

Rabbit Creek Products of Louisburg, KS is recalling certain flavors of Bread mixes, Muffin mixes and Brownie mixes under the Rabbit Creek Products and other Private label brand names due to the potential presence of Escherichia coli O121 (E. coli O121). People usually get sick from E. coli O121, also referred to as STEC O121, […]

South Carolina has reported an additional case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse, the 12th case of 2016. The state veterinarian received the report on the most recent case out of Florence County on Friday. The case was an unvaccinated, 5 month old Paint. The colt did not survive. This is the first confirmed […]

A Blountsville, Alabama water park will be closed today due to the possible presence of the protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium, or “Crypto” under the advice of health officials. The Spring Valley Beach Water Park made the announcement late last night on Facebook: “Today we have taken preventative measures with the recommendation of the Health Department to close […]

In a follow-up to the gastrointestinal outbreak in the North Island’s Hawke’s Bay district, officials with Hawke’s Bay District Health Board are getting more reports of people seeking treatment for vomiting and diarrhea. 40 people presented to Hastings Health Centre, while other facilities are also seeing increased numbers. Hawke’s Bay Hospital has two older people in its Intensive Care […]

In Switzerland, between 300,000 and 700,000 patients per year visit a doctor due to acute diarrhoea. Until now, the financial burden on the Swiss health care system had been completely unclear. The study, recently published in the scientific journal Epidemiology & Infection, estimates the costs entailed until a patient is cured. In 2012, gastrointestinal diseases […]

A half-million doses of Dengvaxia, the dengue fever vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur, have been received in Paraná to support a large-scale public dengue immunization program initiated today in the State’s 30 most highly endemic municipalities. Paraná State, home to 10 million people, has seen a steep 3-fold increase in both dengue incidence and deaths in […]

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board issued a public health alert Saturday after dozens of cases of gastrointestinal disease reported linked to the Havelock North water supply. Eight people were hospitalized due to their illness, One death was reported; however, it has not been determined whether the cause of the GI illness was the cause of death. Water testing […]

Four human infections with influenza viruses that normally circulate in swine (swine influenza) were reported by CDC this week. When swine influenza viruses are detected in people they are called “variant” viruses and are designated with a letter v at the end of the virus subtype. The four human infections were caused by H3N2v viruses […]

Florida health officials reported Friday on the fifth fatality due to the bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, in a resident of Sarasota County. It is not reported on how the individual contracted the infection. Other fatalities have been reported in Broward, Citrus, Palm Beach and Santa Rosa counties earlier in the year. The total number of cases reported […]

Oakland County Health Division and Wayne County Wellness Services Division, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, have identified Hepatitis A infection in a food service worker at the Social Kitchen and Bar located at 225 E Maple Road, Birmingham, in Oakland County. The food service worker is a resident of […]

Public Health Wales is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with MMR vaccine following cases in a fourth county of Wales. Six cases of the infection have been reported since the beginning of July, with two new cases in Pembrokeshire in the last week. The new cases – one probable and […]

PharmaTech, LLC announced a voluntary recall all liquid products from October 20, 2015 through July 15, 2016 as a precautionary measure due to a potential risk of product contamination with Burkholderia cepacia. These products were manufactured in its Davie, Florida, facility, and distributed and labeled by six firms – Rugby, Major, Bayshore, Metron, Centurion, and Virtus. […]

According to Puerto Rico Department of Health, as of Aug 12 there have been 10,690 laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika in Puerto Rico. At the request of Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro García Padilla, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell on Friday declared a public health emergency for the Commonwealth, signaling that the current spread […]

Recently, movie star Zoe Saldana revealed that she was diagnosed with a autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s disease, of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. What is Hashimoto’s disease? What is the thyroid and how is the thyroid affected? These and many other questions were posed to the Founder and President of the Engelman Health Institute and permanent Clinical Consultant for […]

In the US this year, four cases of the “brain-eating amoeba”, Naegleria fowleri have been reported (Ohio, Texas, South Carolina and Florida) and one of the most tragic things about this parasite is the treatment for this rapidly progressive infection is largely unsuccessful. However, one researcher is trying to change that. In an interview recorded […]

In a follow-up to a previous report concerning a Cyclospora cluster reported in UK travelers to Mexico, Public Health England (PHE) has reported a total of 265 Cyclospora cases since June 1. Of this total, nearly 73 percent (193) reporting travel to Mexico. Most cases have been reported in England and Scotland with a small number from other areas […]

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living has identified the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year. The individual, a male in his 40s from the Southern Health – Santé Sud region, experienced neurological symptoms and was hospitalized. He is believed to have been exposed during the week of July 17. The investigation […]

In a follow-up to a report on the dengue fever situation in Negros Occidental province in the Visayas, Philippines, health officials in Bacolod City are reporting a significant increase in cases through Aug. 6 this year. According to the provincial health office, a total of 2,520 dengue cases were reported since the beginning of the year, […]

Health officials with the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados are reporting a big increase in dengue fever cases during the first seven months of the year, according to published data from the Barbados Government Information Services. Through July 23, there have been 1276 confirmed and suspected dengue fever cases. This compares to the same period […]

The state veterinarian’s office is investigating an outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) in a group of racing Quarter Horses in Tennessee. EP is a blood parasite that affects equines. Although it can be transmitted through infected ticks, today it is more commonly spread by blood and blood products through the sharing of needles, syringes or improperly cleaned […]

The China National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) announced this week five additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9). According to the NHFPC, two patients in Fujian were a 79-year-old man who had visited a market and died on July 10, and a 78-year-old man who had poultry exposure and is currently in serious condition. A patient […]

Rhode Island has seen a significant increase in hepatitis C virus-related hospitalizations and deaths in the last decade, underscoring the importance of diagnosis and treatment, according to a new report released Thursday by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI). “Building healthy communities and a healthy, thriving […]

While public health regularly see cases of cryptosporidiosis — commonly known as Cryptosporidium or crypto — there has been a recent rise over the normal threshold of cases across several jurisdictions in central Ohio, including Columbus, Franklin County and Delaware County. The three jurisdictions have reported more than 93 cases so far this year, which […]

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported an additional three locally acquired Zika virus cases in Miami-Dade County, bringing the total to 25. At the same time, DOH cleared an additional four blocks in the Southwest corner of the impacted zone in Wynwood. DOH has concluded that no local transmissions of Zika are occurring in […]

In a follow-up to a story earlier today, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) reported the following concerning Nigeria: In Nigeria, wild poliovirus type one (WPV1) has been detected from Borno state. Virus was isolated from two local government areas (LGA) of Borno; in Gwoza LGAs, in a child with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP – […]

In response to recent local transmission of Zika virus on the Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean Sea, US health officials issued a travel notice for travelers to the tourist destination. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people. Because Zika virus is […]

Florida health officials reported Wednesday that a individual from Broward County has contracted the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The Florida Department of Health says the unidentified person likely contracted the lethal amoeba after swimming in unsanitary water on a single private property. This is the fourth primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) case reported in the US since […]

Health officials in Canada are investigating dozens of Cyclospora infections in four provinces. To date, a total of 51 cases have been reported: in British Columbia (1), Alberta (2), Ontario (44), and Quebec (4). Individuals became sick between May and July 2016. The source of the outbreak has not been identified. Imported fresh produce products are […]

The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and Human Services and Natural Resources today urged Michiganders to adopt practices to protect their families, pets and livestock from rabies. Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms begin, there is no treatment for rabies. Rabies is fatal […]

In a follow-up to the Cryptosporidium outbreak in Maricopa County, Arizona, county health officials say the case tally is now at 32, according to a local media report. Some four public swimming pools have been linked to the parasitic outbreak. Super-chlorination protocols are being used to help eliminate the resistant protozoa. Cryptosporidiosis, or Crypto, is […]

A case of human West Nile virus (WNV), which is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, has been confirmed in Mobile County, according to Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department. This is the first human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient confidentiality laws, no other […]

On Jul. 24, Nigeria marked two years since the last case of wild poliovirus. Today, it will have been two years since the last case of polio had onset of paralysis on the African continent. However, if a local media report is correct, hopes of polio-free certification may have to be reset. The Nigeria news […]

The risk of Salmonella has prompted the Shamir Salads company in Israel to recall hummus and eggplant tahini products. Salmonella was detected during routine sampling on the production line. The Health Ministry said in a statement that “last night Ministry inspectors visited the ‘Tehinat Hanasich’ factory following a report of possible Salmonella in the factory. Preliminary […]

The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) reported an additional 33 hepatitis A cases in the past week, bringing the outbreak total to 168, prompting state health officials to enlist the help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Three CDC investigators arrived Sunday to work with the dozens of Hawaiian investigators working on […]

Colorado has seen a sharp increase in the number of cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in 2016. People, animals and mosquito pools have tested positive from the following counties this season: Adams, Arapahoe, Bent, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gunnison, La Plata, Larimer, Mesa, Morgan, Rio Blanco and Weld. So far this year, 13 […]

An additional locally transmitted Zika virus infection has been reported in Miami-Dade County, according to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday. This brings the total to 22 non travel associated Zika cases. The Wall Street Journal had the opportunity to review an internal report on the investigation and spell out the details known HERE. In […]

A study published by The BMJ on Tuesday provides more details of an association between Zika virus infection in the womb and a condition known as arthrogryposis, which causes joint deformities at birth, particularly in the arms and legs. Microcephaly (a rare birth defect where a baby is born with an abnormally small head) and […]

On 28 May 2016, the Ministry of Health of Kenya notified WHO of an outbreak of Chikungunya in Mandera East sub-county. The first reports of an increase in cases with febrile illness and joint pains occurred in May 2016. Samples were collected and shipped to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Arboviral Laboratory in Nairobi. […]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, but can occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self limiting, but more severe clinical presentation with neurological symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis […]

Despite recording more than 200,000 dengue fever cases in 2015, Philippines health officials are recording even more cases in 2016 to date, based on the latest data from the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) released Wednesday. Through July 23, health officials report 70,697 suspected dengue cases. This is an increase of more than 19 percent compared […]

Utah County Health Department (UCHD) officials are investigating the death of a female Utah County resident related to hantavirus. The female was between the ages of 18 – 44, from Utah County, and had no other apparent health issues. This is the second death related to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the state in 2016, […]

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response announced a $4.1 million agreement with Hologic, Inc. of Marlborough, Massachusetts, to advance the development of a blood screening test that will help detect the presence of Zika in the blood supply. This is the second blood […]

In a follow-up to a report last month, the number of dengue fever cases in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka increased significantly in July, according to data from the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). After reporting less than 300 dengue cases from Jan. through June, health officials reported 550 cases in July. […]

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported that four additional non-travel associated Zika virus cases are being investigated in Miami-Dade County, bringing the total to 21. DOH still believes active transmissions are only taking place within the identified one-square mile area in Miami-Dade County. Florida Governor Rick Scott said today after the announcement of the news […]

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has confirmed a Zika-associated death in a newborn female, making it the first Zika-related death in the State of Texas. HCPH received a positive Zika test result on an infant who was born with birth defects, including microcephaly. The child died shortly after being born. The mother traveled to Latin […]

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an outbreak of suspected Acute Jaundice Syndrome (AJS) in Sortony, North Darfur, in which some 134 cases have been reported since May. Sortony hosts over 21,000 people who were displaced from Jebel Marra following hostilities earlier this year. Seven samples sent for analysis tested […]

The San Francisco Department of Public Health reported Monday that the candy that sickened 19 people at a Quinceañera in the Mission District on Saturday night is suspected to be edible marijuana. Lab tests of the gummy ring candies themselves have found THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. In addition, the lab work […]

A bird species that does a poor job spreading West Nile virus (WNV) but is particularly likely to get mosquito bites may explain why human infections with the disease are relatively uncommon in Atlanta, Georgia–despite evidence of high rates of virus circulating in the local bird population, according to a new study published online Monday […]