Outbreak News Today

The Liberia-U.S. clinical research partnership known as PREVAIL has launched a study of people in Liberia who have survived Ebola virus disease (EVD) within the past two years. The study investigators hope to better understand the long-term health consequences of EVD, determine if survivors develop immunity that will protect them from future Ebola infection, and […]

In an update to a report earlier this week, The Central District Health Department (CDHD) is now reporting 100 cases of Salmonella associated with the Boise Co-op deli. The outbreak is linked to food purchased from the deli after June 1, 2015 and preliminary test results showed Salmonella growth in raw turkey, tomatoes and onion. However, additional laboratory tests […]

In 2014, nearly 14,000 dengue fever cases were recorded across the country of Myanmar, leaving 89 dead. In 2015 to date, according to health minister Dr Than Aung said the case count so far has eclipsed 7,000. Specifically, 7,043 dengue cases, including 28 deaths have been reported by the Health Ministry. Dr Aung said, “The number of patients […]

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control reports today that during June 9 and 15, 2015, a total of 20 new dengue cases, including 16 indigenous dengue cases and 4 imported dengue cases from Malaysia and Thailand, were confirmed in Taiwan, prompting health officials to urge the public to remove vector-breeding sites and ensure the cleanliness of the […]

During the coming monsoon season, survivors of the recent earthquake that destroyed parts of Nepal face a “very high” risk of a hepatitis E outbreak that could be especially deadly to pregnant women, according to a consensus statement from a group of infectious disease experts from around the world. The document, published in the Lancet […]

Eight additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) were reported by the Korea CDC (computer translated) and four additional cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (three cases) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (one case). According to the preliminary information of the health authority of […]

On 13 June, WHO and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Public Health and Welfare presented the results of their joint assessment of the MERS outbreak. The assessment led to a series of recommendations. These include further strengthening of measures to control the current outbreak, such as continuing to strengthen contact tracing, and enhanced precautions […]

Based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today finalized its determination that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary dietary source of artificial trans fat in processed foods, are not “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS for use in human food. Food manufacturers will have three years to […]

By Jovanka Ciares Chances are you are one of the tens of millions of Americans that suffer from one kind of digestive discomfort or another 2 or more times per week. Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, all seem to be part of the “new normal”. But does it have to be? The over-the-counter remedies for various […]

UK health officials say that hepatitis B and C cases accounted for 93 percent of infectious disease reports in English prisons during 2014. 1,174 of 1,268 infectious diseases reported were either hepatitis B or C, health officials note. The number of single reports of infectious diseases made to Public Health England (PHE) has more than doubled since 2011 […]

Idaho health officials reported today that initial testing of dead voles (commonly called meadow mice) found in an area near Highway 19 immediately west of Caldwell indicates possible plague. The mortality event appears to be localized and not widespread; however Idaho public health officials and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are urging people to […]

Following a report nearly two months ago concerning the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease being present in blacklegged (deer) ticks in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania health authorities reported last week that the number of Lyme disease cases increased by 25 percent from 2013 to 2014, according to newly released […]

In a follow-up to a report nearly two weeks ago, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) met with local healthcare providers and LGBT organizations last week as part of their ongoing efforts to stop the spread of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The meeting follows a confirmed fifth IMD case in DuPage County – the first in […]

The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) has received a report of a confirmed case of bacterial meningitis (meningococcal disease) in an adult Milwaukee resident. The MHD has identified close contacts to the case, and has provided appropriate information and medical resources, including the availability of antibiotics, to these individuals. Meningococcal disease is spread through the […]

Using Twitter and Google search trend data in the wake of the very limited U.S. Ebola outbreak of October 2014, a team of researchers from Arizona State University, Purdue University and Oregon State University have found that news media is extraordinarily effective in creating public panic. Because only five people were ultimately infected yet Ebola […]

Mississippi health officials are confirming its first case of chikungunya virus in a Mississippi resident who recently returned from Honduras. Last year there were eight cases of chikungunya reported in Mississippi. All cases were in international travelers – five to the Dominican Republic, one to Haiti, and one to Puerto Rico. Chikungunya is a risk to […]

In response to newly acquired Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections among Filipinos living in Riyadh, the Philippines Embassy is reiterating its previous advisories to Filipinos, especially workers in the healthcare sector, to continue taking all necessary precautions and observe health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the DOH against MERS-CoV. […]

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today released an epidemiology report outlining its initial findings through June 5 about how highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was likely entering new premises during this period of time. After conducting investigations on over 80 commercial poultry farms, APHIS analysis indicates that […]

The number of individuals identified as having positive tuberculosis (TB) skin tests has increased from 54 to 85, the Indiana State Department of Health confirmed today. These individuals are associated with a student who was confirmed with a case of TB. That student is currently isolated and responding well to treatment. Additionally, one secondary suspect […]

In Vietnam, a massive anti-dengue fever campaign was launched Sunday across eight disease-prone cities and provinces nationwide. This comes after reports the country has more than 20,000 cases of dengue fever infections. South and Central provinces including Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau are hot spots of the disease. In Ho Chi Minh […]

In a follow-up to reports earlier this year, Health Protection Scotland (HPS) says the botulism outbreak linked to people who inject drugs is ongoing , in fact, they says that dozens of people have been hospitalized with confirmed or probable wound botulism. To date, 47 people in Scotland have been admitted to hospitals between 21 […]

In a follow-up to the report of the first diphtheria case in Spain in 30 years, European health officials say the case in a 6-year-old highlights the challenge for preparedness against diphtheria in the European Union. Because there are so few cases reported in the EU and the fact that there are vaccinated children, health officials […]

Researchers have found that an increase in incidence of liver cancer in north-east Thailand is linked to a raw fish delicacy called koi pla, according to a BBC report. Koi pla is made from small fish caught from rivers and lakes in the region. So what’s the connection between this traditional dish and liver cancer? The liver […]

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday described the South Korea Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak as “large and complex” and showing a similar epidemiological pattern to previous hospital-associated MERS-CoV outbreaks in the Middle East, which became “under control” thanks to strong infection control measures. The joint mission by the World Health Organization and the Republic of […]

Illinois health officials have identified 23 cases of mumps in a local outbreak in Champaign-Urbana, primarily in university students. Local media reports that a Champaign-Urbana Public Health District official said most of the patients had been vaccinated, so the illness hasn’t been severe. However, health officials say the outbreak could grow. Mumps is a contagious, vaccine-preventable, acute […]

Karachi health officials have reported the eighth case and fatality due to infection with the parasite, Naegleria fowleri late last week, according to a Pakistan news source. The adult male died at a private hospital on Wednesday and it is believed he contracted the amoeba via domestic water use. Director Health Karachi Dr Zafar Ejaz […]

Nearly 30 individuals testing positive for Salmonella have been reported to the Central District Health Department (CDHD) since Monday, June 8. CDHD is currently investigating each reported Salmonella case to help determine the exact source of the illness. So far, there is a possible link to the Boise Co-op. However, other cases not associated with the food […]

King County Public Health officials have confirmed a measles infection in an adult international traveler who was in King County during the time that the traveler was contagious. The traveler, whose vaccination status is unknown, was most likely exposed in central Asia, where there is a current measles outbreak. Health officials list the following Seattle […]

The Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak linked to a Greenwood County, South Carolina daycare facility has increased by three cases, according to a S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) investigation update Friday. This brings the total cases involving individuals at The Learning Vine childcare facility and their family members to 11. 186 other individuals tested negative […]

British health officials reported Friday an increase in travel associated malaria cases in the country in 2014, compared to 2013, according to a Public Health England report. The report notes that there was an overall increase of 5.7% in imported malaria infections reported in the UK in 2014 (1,586) compared with 2013 (1,501). There were 3 […]

The Florida Department of Health has reported eight cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection so far in 2015, including two fatalities. The deaths have been reported in Brevard and Marion counties, according to a health department update Thursday. The eight cases have been reported from the following counties–Brevard (1), Broward (2), Duval (1), Marion (1), Pasco (1), […]

The situation of the meningitis epidemic in Niger, caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, has improved thanks to intensive efforts at the national and international levels. A significant reduction of cases is now being reported in all affected areas and two support centres in Niamey, the capital, were closed as no case has been recorded […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the Brio Neurostimulation System, an implantable deep brain stimulation device to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, a movement disorder that is one of the most common causes of tremors. The Brio Neurostimulation System can help some patients when medication alone may not […]

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission reported 12 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) with onset of symptoms between April 24 and May 22, according to a Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) notification Friday. The patients comprise six men and six women aged from 4 to 77, three of whom (one […]

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 12) investigating a confirmed case of cholera, and reminds the public to observe good personal, food and environmental hygiene whether in Hong Kong or travelling abroad. The case involves a 62-year-old woman, with underlying illness, who has had diarrhoea […]

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced this year’s first case of Japanese encephalitis in a 31-year-old housewife who resides in southern Taiwan. Health officials say she sought medical attention at a clinic on June 2 after developing headache and fever. On June 4, when her symptoms persisted and she began to develop dizziness […]

The Korean Centers for Disease Control reported an additional 12 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases (computer translated), bringing the total cases to 138. In addition, an additional fatality has also been reported putting the tally at 14 since the first patient was reported on May 20. National authorities are implementing containment strategy which consists […]

To assist doctors in diagnosing Ebola virus disease quickly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will pursue development of an Ebola virus diagnostic test for use in a doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, or field setting that will provide results within 20 minutes. “Fast […]

To further strengthen the nation’s infectious disease response capability, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected nine health departments and associated partner hospitals to become special regional treatment centers for patients with Ebola or other severe, highly infectious diseases. HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has awarded […]

One week after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) advised travelers to Chile for the “Copa America Chile 2015” to ensure their vaccinations were up to date, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of five positive cases of measles. Details of the cases are as follows: A 31-year-old male from Santiago developed symptoms on 12 […]

By Holly Batterman, MD Several months ago, doctors from the Global Virus Network questioned whether the United States was ready for the next viral disease threat. Referencing the mosquito-borne virus chikungunya – and noting that it was headed to the United States — the researchers concluded: “This article may have been the first occasion where […]

Indiana health officials released the following updates on the TB and HIV situations in Clark County and Scott County, respectively: State and county health officials are investigating a confirmed case of tuberculosis (TB) in a student at Rock Creek Community Academy in Clark County. The student who had active symptoms of TB, was diagnosed with TB […]

The Minnesota Poison Control System saw a 35 percent jump in e-cigarette and e-juice poisonings among children from birth to 5 years old between 2013 and 2014. This marks the second year of significant increases in nicotine poisonings related to e-cigarette products, which can contain fatal levels of nicotine for children. Today, the Minnesota Department […]

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is urging individuals traveling to the Caribbean this summer to be wary of mosquitoes, which may transmit the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), while on their trip. The chikungunya virus is also being spread in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. “The most effective […]

A Wisconsin firm is voluntarily recalling its potato salad, due to the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The product was distributed to Jewel stores in the Chicago area and may have been sold at delicatessen counters between May 30 and June 9 under the brand name Garden Fresh Steakhouse Potato Salad. Jewel was notified by […]

California state health officials have issued an alert for consumers to avoid consumption of the following from coastal waters in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties: recreationally harvested oysters and clams any recreationally or commercially caught anchovies and sardines internal organs from any crabs captured recreationally or commercially (routinely screened, commercially harvested oysters and clams remain […]

Public Health England (PHE) is working with the NHS, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NHS England to investigate a small number of mycobacterial infections potentially associated with heater cooler units used during cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery. After an alert from European colleagues at the end of February regarding Mycobacterium chimaera […]

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Gregory Taylor, yesterday announced a $4.5 million USD contract between the Government of Canada and Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. to manufacture a number of courses of ZMapp™ monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment for Ebola. The ZMapp™ treatment, developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical, uses two […]

Public Health Wales, the Regulatory Service for Cardiff, the Vale and Bridgend Councils, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the Food Standards Agency are working together to investigate an outbreak of Campylobacter with links to an unnamed restaurant in Cardiff. Seven people with confirmed campylobacter infection and two people with suspected infection ate at […]

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recorded five epidemiologically linked cases of measles infection in May and June 2015. The first (index) case was a four-month-old boy living in Hong Kong. He presented with fever on May 8 and was admitted to a public hospital on the same day. He developed skin rash […]