Disease

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – China

On 10 May 2016, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 11 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including 4 deaths.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Between 30 April and 5 May 2016, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 4 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including 1 fatal case.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Qatar

On 4 May 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Qatar notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

Africa meningitis: 13,000 cases, 1127 deaths through first 4 months

Meningitis epidemics in Africa are most prevalent in the “meningitis belt” that stretches across sub-Saharan Africa. About 26 countries and 450 million people live in this area.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Weekly Meningitis Bulletin for West Africa, through Apr. 30, a cumulative total of 13,423 suspected cases of meningitis have been notified with 1,127 deaths (CFR 8.4%).

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported the most cases and deaths with 3359 and 332, respectively. Nearly 10 percent of cases resulted in death.

Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger follow in order, each with more than 1000 cases year to date.