Disease

H7N9 avian influenza: China

The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission released data today that shows 83 additional human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9), including 25 deaths, were recorded in December 2016. The 54 male and 29 female patients aged from 23 to 91 from Jiangsu (52 cases), Zhejiang (21 cases), Anhui (nine cases) and Fujian (one case).

Malaria - Venezuela

In 2016, the number of malaria cases in Venezuela ended up being around 200,000, the most seen in the South American country since 1971, according to a Efecto Cocuyo report.

Malaria was reported from 17 of the 23 states in Venezuela. In addition, a number of diphtheria cases were reported in six states in the country. Diphtheria was not seen in 24 years prior.

Australia - Melioidosis

Australian health officials reported a higher than usual number of cases of the bacterial disease, melioidosis, in Northern Territory during the last few months of 2016.

According to an Adelaide Now report, there has been 17 cases of melioidosis reported in the Northern Territory since October, including one fatality.

The increase has been blamed on the monsoon season and health officials warn the public about contact with mud, puddles and wind-blown soil during heavy rain.