Disease

Malawi - Cholera

Cholera cases in Malawi have tripled and four more people have died, the Ministry of Health said on Monday, a month after the spread of the disease from Zambia was thought to have been contained.

Ministry of Health spokesman Joshua Malango said the number of cases had increased to 527 from 157 recorded in January, and that deaths had doubled from four to eight. He said new cases continued to emerge in Central and Northern Malawi districts, including the administrative capital, Lilongwe where 10 new cases were recorded at the weekend.

Australia – acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Kimberley public health staff are advising Kimberley communities that there is currently an outbreak of Acute Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN) in the Kimberley region primarily affecting Aboriginal children aged between two and 13 years. Younger children, adolescents and adults can also be affected.

APSGN is a kidney disease that can develop after certain skin and throat infections. You cannot give APSGN to other people, however, the bacteria that cause the skin infections and sore throats can be passed from person to person.

Michigan, USA – hepatitis A

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported last week they continue to see an elevated number of hepatitis A cases in the state.

Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2016 through February 14, 751 cases, including 609 hospitalizations have been reported. This includes 25 fatalities.

Hong Kong – Parrot fever

Hong Kong health officials have reported investigating two linked cases of psittacosis, or parrot fever, a bird-borne disease. Preliminary investigation revealed that the pair had no recent travel history. However, they reported having visited the Bird Garden in Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, twice last month and had purchased a parrot from a bird shop there.