Disease

Rubber Tree Fugal Disease - Thailand

A key rubber tree-growing area in Thailand has been hit by an outbreak of a fungal disease, which could halve the area’s output. Thailand is the world’s top producer and exporter of the natural rubber, accounting for up to 40% of global rubber supply.

The disease, called Pestalotiopsis, has spread into Thailand after hitting plantations in neighboring Indonesia and Malaysia. The three countries account for around 70% of the world’s natural rubber production.

The Rubber Authority of Thailand said the disease, which causes leaves to turn yellow and spotted as it spreads, was recently found in three districts in Narathiwat, a key rubber growing province in southern Thailand.

Measles - Lebanon

Lebanon health officials are reporting a measles outbreak in the country. Since November 2018, a total of 1,171 cases have been reported and no deaths. Measles cases have been reported in all eight Lebanese governorates.

Lassa Fever - Nigeria

Nigerian health officials reported five additional confirmed Lassa fever cases in the week ending Oct. 13. No deaths were reported. This brings the outbreak total for 2019 to 726 confirmed cases, including 154 deaths (21% CFR).