Disease

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

Between 17 and 25 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 7 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

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

On 21 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Qatar notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

Dengue Fever – Uruguay

On 1 March 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Uruguay provided PAHO/WHO with an update on the country’s ongoing dengue outbreak.

Since the confirmation of the first autochthonous case (see DON published on 25 February), Uruguay has been experiencing a sustained increase in the number of notifications of suspected and confirmed cases (570 and 17, respectively). The majority of cases have occurred in three departments: Montevideo (59%), Canelones (17%) and Salto (4%).

Disease

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

On 23 February 2016, the Department of Health (DH), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus.

Dengue Fever – Uruguay

On 13 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point (IHR NFP) of Uruguay notified PAHO/WHO a case of dengue.

Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus – Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Between 6 and 16 February 2016, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) notified WHO of 3 additional cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (VDPV1).

Disease

Zika virus infection – Maldives

On 7 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Maldives notified WHO of a case of Zika virus infection with onset of symptoms in June 2015, in a patient returning to Finland.

Zika virus infection – Region of the Americas

Between 27 and 30 January 2016, PAHO/WHO was notified of cases of Zika virus infection in Costa Rica, Curaçao, Jamaica and Nicaragua.

Guillain-Barré syndrome – Brazil

On 22 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Brazil notified PAHO/WHO of an increase of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) recorded at the national level.

Data from the hospital-based surveillance system reveal that, between January and November 2015, 1,708 cases of GBS were registered nationwide. While a number of states reported significant increases in reported cases – especially, Alagoas (516.7%), Bahia (196.1%), Rio Grande do Norte (108.7%), Piauí (108.3%), Espirito Santo (78.6%), and Rio de Janeiro (60.9%) – other states reported stable or even diminishing number of GBS cases as compared to 2014. Most of the states in Brazil are experiencing the circulation of Zika, chikungunya, and dengue virus.

Guillain-Barré syndrome – France - Martinique

On 25 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of France notified PAHO/WHO of 2 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Martinique.

At present, available information is insufficient to interpret the observed differences in GBS incidence globally and among Brazilian states. The potential cause of the reported increase of GBS incidence in certain Brazilian states remains unknown. Case-control studies are ongoing to determine the cause of the increase. These studies may provide evidence that corroborates or disproves a causal relationship between Zika virus, GBS and other congenital malformations. WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and conduct risk assessment based on the latest available information.

Hawaii Island declares state of emergency over dengue fever outbreak

The mayor of Hawaii Island has declared a state of emergency after more than 250 confirmed cases of dengue fever on the island since late October. The emergency period will be in place for 60 days or until further notice from officials.

Officials are using mosquito control measures along with public education and outreach to break the cycle of infection and transmission.

Dengue fever is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The disease causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, nausea and joint and muscle pain. In severe cases it can cause bleeding from the nose or gums, persistent vomiting and can be fatal, according to Health Canada.

Symptoms typically appear three to 14 days after a bite, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the best way to avoid infection. There is no vaccine or medication to prevent infection.

Dengue fever is not spread from person to person.

Disease

Dengue Fever in Sudan

According to the Sudanese Ministry of Health, a total of 523 suspected dengue fever cases, including 104 deaths, were reported in Sudan between 29 August (when the outbreak started) and 18 December.

In Darfur, 473 suspected cases-including 99 deaths-were reported in 27 localities. In Kordofan, 44 suspected cases-including four deaths-were reported in the eight localities of Abyei, Keilak, Babanousa (West Kordofan), Reif Ashargi, Kadugli, Habila, Lagawa (South Kordofan) and Shiekan (North Kordofan). In Kassala state, six suspected cases-including one death-were reported in the state capital Kassala town.

More Dengue Fever Cases In Penang, Malaysia

A total of 146 cases of dengue fever were reported in Penang between Dec 27 and Jan 2, up by 24 cases or 19.7 per cent from the previous week.

Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said there was an increase of 2,589 cases or 85.6 per cent last year from the 3,141 cases in 2014.

Pakistan - Water Borne Diseases

Four more children died in Civil Hospital Mithi on Tuesday, after an outbreak of water borne diseases which has claimed the lives of at least 16 children in the last six days.

More than one hundred ailing children, meanwhile, have been admitted to different hospitals in the drought-hit Thar district.

Parents of children brought in to Civil Hospital Mithi told Dawn.com that health personnel were responding with indifference to their children's plight.

Disease

Zika virus infection – Panama

On 2 December 2015, the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of Panama notified PAHO/WHO of the first 3 laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus disease.

Zia Virus Causing Birth Defects

The devastating outbreak of a tropical disease known as the Zika virus has been plaguing regions of Latin America, leaving a trail of horrendous birth defects in its wake.

Zika, which was previously believed to be mild, now has the attention of the World Health Organization after rapidly spreading through Brazil and eight other surrounding countries. Microcephaly, an untreatable condition which inhibits the development of an unborn nfant’s brain and head, has been one of the major impacts to the infected.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some of the affected children will only experience mild disability, but most will be at high risk of developmental disabilities such as Down’s syndrome. The impacts on the children who experience microcephaly are similar in nature to the impacts a child might experience if the mother heavily used drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.

In Brazil alone, over 1,200 babies that were born with microcephaly were linked to Zika. In Brazil’s worst hit state of Pernambuco, 646 instances of the defect were recorded, up from a mere 12 last year.

Dengue Fever in Hawaii - Update

Hawaii Department of Health officials say there are 136 confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii's Big Island. The people impacted Friday included 119 Hawaii Island residents and 17 visitors. It's the largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease since 2001.

In the 2001 outbreak, there were 122 confirmed dengue fever cases. The outbreak, which lasted for 10 months, began in a rural region of the island and then spread to areas with thick vegetation and heavy precipitation.

Disease

Hawaii reports more dengue

The Hawaii Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of Friday, the Department of Health had reported 107 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. This is an increase of 6 cases from the previous update. These cases include 93 residents and 14 visitors.

Because dengue fever is only transmitted by mosquitoes, the Department of Health is spraying and treating areas with high mosquito presence and confirmed cases. The Department of Health plans to conduct spraying in various areas of South Kona, Hilo, Puna, and Kau.

Although spraying and treatment of areas is ongoing, the most effective method to reduce the spread and eliminate Dengue is to fight the bite. Minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellant and avoid activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

Zika virus infection – Guatemala

PAHO/WHO has received notification of a laboratory-confirmed autochthonous case of Zika virus infection in Guatemala. The case, who is a resident of the Zacapa department, developed symptoms on 11 November. An investigation is being carried out to detect further cases.

Zika virus infection – El Salvador

On 24 November, the National IHR Focal Point of El Salvador notified PAHO/WHO of 3 laboratory-confirmed autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection. The preliminary confirmation was provided by the national reference laboratory and has since been confirmed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Fort Collins. Salvadoran health authorities are implementing the corresponding prevention and control activities.

Microcephaly – Brazil

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Brazil has provided PAHO/WHO with an update regarding the unusual increase in the number of cases of microcephaly among newborns in the northeast of Brazil.

As of 21 November, a total of 739 cases of microcephaly were being investigated in nine states in the northeast of Brazil. The distribution of the cases was as follows: Pernambuco (487 cases), Paraíba (96 cases), Sergipe (54 cases), Rio Grande do Norte (47 cases), Piauí (27 cases), Alagoas (10 cases), Ceará (9 cases), Bahia (8 cases) and Goiás (1 case). One fatal case was reported in the state of Rio Grande do Norte.

Disease

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

Between 26 October and 1 November 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 7 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

Dengue Fever – Egypt

On 27 October 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Egypt notified WHO of an outbreak of Dengue fever in a village in the Dayrout District of Assiut Governorate.

Between 1 and 31 October 2015, a total of 253 cases were admitted to the Dayrout Fever Hospital due to acute febrile illness. Patients developed fever, headache, general body aches and abdominal pain with occasional vomiting and/or diarrhea but experienced no further complications or fatalities.

Disease

Dengue Fever in Hawaii

Four more people were diagnosed with dengue fever on Hawaii's Big Island today (Nov. 5), raising the number of locally transmitted cases to 19 people, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health.

Health officials say these "locally transmitted" cases are concerning because, although dengue has popped up sporadically in Hawaii before, in most previous cases, the disease was imported, meaning travellers brought it to the islands from elsewhere. In the new cases, people are contracting dengue from the bites of local mosquitoes.

Scarlet Fever Re-Emerges In Asia and Europe

Despite having been largely eliminated from countries for almost a century, outbreaks of the childhood disease known as scarlet fever (scarlatina) have been tracked in Europe and Asia in the past five years and is showing an increased resistance to antibiotic treatment.

Over the past five years there have been more than 5000 cases in Hong Kong (a 10-fold increase) and more than 100,000 cases in China. An outbreak in the UK has resulted in 12,000 cases since last year.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scarlet fever can affect individuals from different age groups, but the disease is mostly seen in children between 5 years old and 12 years old.

Disease

Dengue Fever in Sudan

The under-secretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Health announced that samples taken from patients in West and Central Darfur tested positive on Dengue fever.

Disease

Cholera – Iraq

WHO has received notification from the National IHR Focal Point of Iraq of additional laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera.

As of 8 October, a total of 1,263 laboratory-confirmed cases of Vibrio cholerae 01 Inaba were reported. These cases were reported from at least 15 governorates of the country – These are Babylon (469 cases), Baghdad (304 cases), Qadisiyyah (146 cases), Muthanna (155 cases), Basra (61 cases), Wassit (41 cases), Karbala (33 case), Najaf (32 cases), Thi-qar (6 cases), Maysan (6 cases), Diyala (2 cases), Duhok (2 cases), Erbil (2 cases), Kirkuk (2 cases), Salah al-din (1 case) and Suleimaniyah (1 case).

India - Dengue Outbreak in Delhi - Update

The number of dengue cases in Delhi has mounted to a staggering 10,683, making it the worst outbreak of the vector-borne disease in the national capital since 1996. The deadly virus, however, had claimed over 420 lives, nearly 20 years ago, while the casualty count for this year stands at 41.

According to a municipal report on the vector-borne disease released on Monday, over 3,000 fresh dengue cases have been reported in the past one week, taking the total number of people down with the vector-borne fever in the city this year to a menacing 10,683.

Disease

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

Between 7 and 10 August 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Jordan notified WHO of 5 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 2 deaths.

West Nile virus – Portugal

On 14 September 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for Portugal notified WHO of a confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. The patient is a 71-year-old male from the town of Almancil (Loulé municipality) – Algarve Region, Portugal with no recent history of travel. On 20 July, he was hospitalized with neurological symptoms.

Dengue Fever in Taiwan

The number of dengue fever cases in Tainan since the start of summer recorded a daily increase of 523, bringing the total to 10,157, a record high for the municipality in southern Taiwan, the city's department of health said Friday.

Tainan is by far the worst-hit area of the country, with only two of the city's 37 districts remaining free of the mosquito-borne disease. Its southern neighbour, Kaohsiung, has seen 1,277 cases.

Disease

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Japan - Advisory

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their travel notice for Japan after the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) case count to 264,541 cases through Aug. 19, 2015.

While cases have steadily increased since mid-March, health officials say the cases have been in decline during the past several weeks.

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.

Dengue Fever in India

Delhi is witnessing its biggest outbreak of dengue cases in five years. The strains of the disease that have emerged as the more dominant subtypes this year involve rapid drops in platelet levels, leading to a rush at clinics, hospitals and blood banks. Doctors believe the coming four weeks could see a rise in cases as the temperatures haven't dipped yet.

By September 5, 1259 cases of dengue had been recorded. This is the highest since 2009, when 1512 cases were recorded. The Delhi Health Department has issued an advisory to all hospitals not to refuse admission to any dengue patient. The hospitals have also been asked to increase the number of beds made available for the treatment of dengue patients.

Disease

Southern Taiwan hit by dengue fever outbreak

The authorities in Taiwan are struggling to cope with an outbreak of dengue fever in the south of the island, with 2 000 infections reported.

More than 100 new cases of dengue fever have been reported everyday in the city of Tainan since Monday last week. The outbreak has killed four people in the city, all elderly in their 70s who had chronic disease.

Dengue fever is spread by mosquito bites and early diagnosis markedly lowers the risk of serious illness, according to the World Health Organisation.

Disease

Chikungunya – Spain

On 3 August 2015, WHO was notified by the National IHR Focal Point for Spain of a case of chikungunya infection in the city of Gandia, Valencian Community. This is the first time that an individual with no history of travel to a chikungunya-endemic area tests positive for the disease in Spain.

Dengue Fever in Delhi, India

With nearly 120 dengue cases reported this season, fears of a possible outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease have gripped municipal corporations and health officials. In their latest report, the civic bodies have reported 66 fresh cases in the past one week.

Disease

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

On 16 July 2015, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 5 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, including 3 deaths.

Dengue Fever in American Samoa

The American Samoa health department has declared that the number of dengue fever infections has reached a level where it is considered to be a epidemic.

The number of suspected dengue cases has reached 122 in the past six weeks. Three deaths have been reported. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service reports 13 confirmed cases of DENV-3 infection.