Outbreak News Today

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) has received laboratory confirmation of a case of dengue virus infection. All indications are that this infection was locally acquired in Key West. This individual has received medical treatment and is currently recuperating. The person is not a resident of Florida and has returned to their […]

Janssen Pharmaceutica NV announced that the Idylla™ Ebola Virus Triage Test (Idylla™ EBOV Test) was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Idylla™ Ebola Virus Triage Test is a diagnostic that detects the presence of the Ebola Zaire virus in patients with signs and symptoms of Ebola virus […]

General Mills is collaborating with health officials to investigate an ongoing, multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 that may be potentially linked to Gold Medal flour, Wondra flour, and Signature Kitchens flour (sold in Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls, and Acme). Out of an abundance of caution, a voluntary recall is being made. To date, E. coli […]

After reporting some 120,000 dengue fever cases in 2015, the highest number of cases reported, Malaysia appears to be continuing that treand with summer upon us and the health ministry has reported nearly 50,000 cases through the first five months on 2016. From Jan. 1 through May 31, Malaysia has seen 49,830 dengue fever cases, […]

In a follow-up on the mumps situation in Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said Tuesday that the number of mumps cases doubled, increasing from 10 to 21. The cases are related to an outbreak at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Most students have returned home for the summer and some started experiencing symptoms. […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared the end of Ebola virus transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Forty-two days have passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease tested negative for the second time. Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to ensure that any new cases are identified […]

Kashi Company is voluntarily recalling Kashi® Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars and Bear Naked® Soft Baked Granola, Cinnamon + Sunflower Butter in the continental United States because they contain ingredients made from sunflower seeds distributed by our supplier, SunOpta, that have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and […]

ALEPPO EVIL DOESN’T CARE ABOUT ALLAH’S WILL In the age of unknown microbes and deadly diseases caused by them, terrorism has a lot of different possibilities for any kind of asymmetric war. One of them is biological terrorism as a specific form of non-conventional terrorism which includes the misuse of live pathogens against humans. ISIS-ISIL-DAESH […]

Sixty-two per cent of American women polled say that after taking into consideration both the risk of contracting Zika virus and the seriousness of the illness that they are not too worried or not worried at all, according to a new Economist/YouGov Poll. A number of other questions concerning the Zika virus were asked including how concerned are […]

Texas health officials reported today the confirmation of the first locally acquired case of chikungunya in the state. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) says the patient is a Cameron County resident who got sick with the illness in November 2015 and was diagnosed with a lab test in January 2016. The case, however, was not […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is part of a coordinated public health response after the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the discovery of the first mcr-1 gene found in bacteria in a human in the United States. CDC is working with DoD, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, local health departments, and others to identify people […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday in updated guidance for the prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus that mounting evidence has shown that sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible and more common than previously assumed. A dozen studies have been published concerning Zika sexual transmission, both on male-to-female and male-to-male transmission. Ten countries […]

Zika virus was the main course on the May 29th airing of the Outbreak News This Week Radio Show as two expert guests joined me to shed light and offer insight on things as varied as starting a Zika lab to the latest research to making an argument for postponing the 2016 Rio Olympics. During the first […]

Whole Foods Market is issuing an advisory to customers who purchased Spicy Kimchi, White Kimchi, Kimchi Fried Rice and Kimchi Guacamole from one of its Los Angeles-area stores because the items contained fish, shellfish or tree nuts (pine nuts) that were not listed on product labels. All potentially affected products have been removed from store […]

Arizona state and local health officials confirmed today an additional measles case, bringing the total to 11. The case stems from the outbreak at the private detention center in Eloy. The potential exposure area is being expanded because some of the identified cases may have exposed other people within Pinal and Maricopa Counties. “This is […]

Countries that implement government-mandated vaccinations for chickenpox see a sharp drop in the number of Google searches for the common childhood disease afterward, demonstrating that immunization significantly reduces seasonal outbreaks. That’s one of the findings from a new University of Michigan-led study that analyzed thousands of Google searches for “chickenpox.” The researchers downloaded and analyzed […]

In a follow-up on the yellow fever situation in Peru, UN health officials report that through the first week of May 2016, 32 confirmed and probable yellow fever cases were reported, including four fatalities. Of the 25 Departments of Peru, cases were reported in 6 of them, in which Junín, a region in the central highlands and westernmost […]

The risk for Zika infection, particularly in pregnant women, has many people taking stands on travel and events to areas where Zika is prevalent, and even to places where local Zika has yet to be seen. The debate about whether it is safe to hold the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero continues to rage […]

Dracunculus medinensis. The “fiery serpent”. Guinea worm. The next human infectious disease to be eradicated? According to the latest numbers and the trend over recent years, that will most likely be yes. According to the Carter Center, considered a neglected tropical disease, Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode […]

In a follow-up to a report Friday concerning a botulism case in Hong Kong linked to receiving botulinum toxin injection in China, Hong Kong health officials report an additional suspected case of botulism after receiving injections of botulinum toxin in the Mainland, prompting officials to urge the public that such injections should only be prescribed and performed by […]

The outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) caused by at least three viruses, rotavirus, adenovirus and norovirus, in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga has grown to some 3,000 cases since it began in late March. In addition, the death toll in “Asia’s Latin City” is now at 22. According to city health officials, the hardest hit barangays include Calarian […]

Health officials in Singapore reported today on an additional dengue fever fatality, the fifth death of 2016. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), the patient was a 79-year-old Singaporean Chinese male who stayed at Jalan Tenaga. He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) on 27 May […]

A day after 150 experts signed a letter written by such notable individuals as Prof. Amir Attaran with the University of Ottawa, Prof. Arthur Caplan with New York University, Dr. Christopher Gaffney with the University of Zürich and Prof. Lee Igel with New York University, to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, the UN health agency responded Saturday […]

In a follow-up report on measles cases reported in Arizona, state and local health officials have confirmed eight additional cases of measles stemming from the outbreak at the private detention center in Eloy. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to ten. Public health has issued a community wide health alert for Pinal County as […]

UN health officials reported update numbers on the mosquito borne viral diseases; dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus late last week and we find that the number of dengue fever cases, probable and confirmed, have topped 1.7 million across the Americas. Brazil alone has reported 1,130,316 probable and 115,330 laboratory confirmed cases of dengue fever through […]

Minnesota health officials issued a health advisory Thursday for health providers to be aware of diarrheal illnesses that may be due to visiting farms. The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of diarrheal illness associated with visiting the Nelson Farm in Litchfield, MN (Meeker County). Outbreaks associated with farm animal contact may include multiple […]

Columbia University Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Virology communicator, Vincent Racaniello, PhD, joined me in recording an interview about starting up a Zika laboratory and the weekly chronicles documented on the American Society for Microbiology blog, Zika Diaries, for the upcoming airing of Outbreak News This Week Radio Show Sunday evening on AM 1380 The Biz. Racaniello […]

The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has confirmed a third case of measles, and this person has been admitted to Nelson Hospital. Medical Officer of Health Dr Andrew Lindsay says that the new case appears to be unrelated to the first two, and that this indicates that measles is likely to be in the community. […]

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) received laboratory confirmation on Monday, May 23, 2016 of rabies in a deer. Health officials say the fawn was found by a property owner in the Myakka Valley Ranches Subdivision on Monday, May 16, 2016. A local veterinarian who lives in the area considered that this […]

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health received preliminary laboratory testing on Thursday, May 26, 2016 of a positive measles case and further testing is pending. This has prompted a measles alert to be issued. Health officials report the date of potential exposure of patrons and employees of the Maysville Road Kohl’s (located at 10310 Maysville Rd, Fort […]

Since April 2016 the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) has confirmed three cases of Tularemia in Minnesota. Tularemia is a naturally occurring disease of wildlife, particularly rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents. It is a disease that both people and animals can get through tick and fly bites or contact with infected animals. Tularemia […]

A sick hare with signs of Tularemia was killed by a North Pole resident on May 11th. The disease was present based on observations during a necropsy performed today by ADF&G wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen. In addition, a Fairbanks veterinarian reported a suspected case of Tularemia in a dog from the Chena Hot Springs […]

One of Zika’s mysteries is how the virus passes from an infected mother, through the placenta, to a developing fetus. The route may not be direct either — transmission via multiple cell types may be necessary. A study appearing May 27, 2016 in Cell Host & Microbe supports the possibility that placental immune cells called […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Zinbryta (daclizumab) for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Zinbryta is a long-acting injection that is self- administered by the patient monthly. “Zinbryta provides an additional choice to patients who may require a new option for treatment,” said Billy Dunn, M.D., director […]

Through the first nearly five months of 2016, measles cases have nearly tripled the numbers seen in Singapore in 2015, health officials report. As of 21 May, a total of 50 measles cases were reported in 2016, as compared to 17 cases in 2015 during the same period. This has prompted health officials to urge […]

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) worked with local, state and federal partners this week to investigate an abnormal test result from routine air monitoring conducted in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Testing at one location in suburban Ramsey County Wednesday yielded a result consistent with the bacteria that can cause anthrax infection (Bacillus anthracis). […]

Preliminary tests of ground squirrels (whistle pigs) found dead in desert areas of Ada and Elmore counties have come back positive for plague. Idaho public health and Idaho Fish and Game officials are asking people to take precautions as outdoor summer activities shift into high gear over the long Memorial Day weekend. Last year, plague […]

Between August 2015 and 17 May 2016, WHO has been notified of 273 cases of Lassa fever, including 149 deaths in Nigeria. Of these, 165 cases and 89 deaths have been confirmed through laboratory testing (CFR: 53.9%). The cases were reported from 23 states in Nigeria. Since August 2015, ten health care workers (HCW) have […]

Singapore health officials report investigating a surge of patients with gastroenteritis in the Owen Road area. As of 23 May 2016, more than 180 cases have been reported. Stool samples collected from cases tested positive for Rotavirus The National Environment Agency (NEA) closed Pek Kio Market and Food Centre through Friday for cleaning and sanitization. […]

Mississippi health officials reported today the first case of human West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year in a resident of Lamar County. In 2015, Mississippi had 38 WNV cases and one death. “While WNV can occur any time of the year, we see the bulk of our cases during peak season, which […]

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is confirming the first sexually transmitted case of Zika virus in Georgia. A non-pregnant female was infected by her male partner who had traveled to Brazil earlier this year and was among Georgia’s confirmed travel-related cases. The woman who was infected had not traveled out of the country. […]

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is investigating a suspected case of botulism after receiving injections of botulinum toxin in the Mainland, and hence reminded the public that such injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors for appropriate use. According to the attending clinician, […]

The yellow fever outbreak that began in the capital of Luanda late last year continues on as health officials report an additional approximately 100 cases during the past week. Here are the details for Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda: Angola: 2536 suspected cases As of 25 May 2016, Angola has reported […]

In a follow-up to the ongoing reports on the anthrax outbreak in Sirajganj District in Bangladesh, local media report that the total human cases reported has topped 100 in the past month, calling it the “highest ever anthrax infection across the country”. The district has now seen 106 cases as more than a dozen additional were […]

The Arizona Department of Health Services, Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Pinal County Public Health Services District have confirmed two cases of measles in Arizona. Both are recovering. One of the cases may have exposed the public at the following times and locations: Saturday, May 21, 2016: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 North Maricopa […]

On Thursday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, Dr Thomas Frieden addressed the National Press Club on Zika virus and the response efforts being taken. During his talk, Frieden, who called Zika “unprecedented and tragic”, listed 10 things that have been learned in the past five months: First, it is an extraordinarily complex response. […]

In a follow-up to a report last week concerning measles on Horowhenua, a district on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, MidCentral Public Health Service reports an additional six confirmed measles cases this week, bringing the total cases to nine in the district. Schools that have been affected by the current measles outbreak re-opened […]

The Multidrug Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network (MRSN) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) characterized a transferrable gene for colistin resistance in the United States that may herald the emergence of truly pan-drug resistant bacteria. Colistin is the last agent used to combat bacteria that are resistant to the strongest antibiotics. […]

A week after the first confirmed reports of local transmission of Zika virus in Argentina, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel notice for the South American country. Argentina’s first locally acquired Zika cases occurred in Tucumán Province. The country joins Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay,Peru, Suriname and Venezuela as South […]

The largest known outbreak of the bacterium, Elizabethkingia anophelis, has grown by one in Wisconsin reported an additional confirmed case this week, bringing the total confirmed cases to 61 since last Nov. 1. In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) have reported four “possible” cases. Counties with confirmed cases include Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du […]