Disease

Plague – Madagascar

The Ministry of Health of Madagascar has notified WHO of an outbreak of plague. The first case was identified on 17 August in a rural township in Moramanga district. The case passed away on 19 August. As of 30 August, 14 cases, including 10 deaths, were reported. All confirmed cases are of the pneumonic form. Since 27 August, no new cases have been reported from the affected or neighbouring districts.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Jordan

Between 30 and 31 August 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Jordan notified WHO of 2 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death. Both cases are associated with a MERS-CoV outbreak currently occurring in a hospital in Amman city.

Philippines reports increase of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Health officials in the Philippines have seen a significant,in fact a three-fold increase in the number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reported during the first half of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.

The Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health reported 563 HFMD cases through the end of June 2015, while only reporting 180 in the corresponding period in 2014.

HFMD is typically a benign and self-limiting disease. Most common in young children, it presents as fever, oral lesions and rash on the hands, feet and buttocks. The oral lesions consist of rapidly-ulcerating vesicles on the buccal mucosa, tongue, palate and gums. The rash consists of papulovesicular lesions on the palms, fingers and soles, which generally persist for seven to 10 days, and maculopapular lesions on the buttocks.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus genus (group). This group of viruses includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and enteroviruses.