Sunday 28 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (20): USA, Guinea, Sub-Saharan Africa

Ebola -- Worldwide/Unknown


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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (03): Russia, H5N8, update

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Russia
On 18 Feb 2021, the National IHR Focal Point for the Russian Federation notified WHO of detection of avian influenza A(H5N8) in 7 human clinical specimens. These are the 1st reported detections of avian influenza A(H5N8) in humans.
Positive clinical specimens were collected from poultry farm workers who participated in a response operation to contain an avian influenza A(H5N8) outbreak detected in a poultry farm in Astrakhan Oblast in the Russian Federation. The laboratory confirmation of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Leishmaniasis, cutaneous - Pakistan: (KP)

Leishmaniasis -- Pakistan
Dozens of people have been infected by leishmania in Saida Shah area of Charmang tehsil in Bajaur tribal district.
According to officials of the Health Department, the affected people include women and children. The local people said leishmania have affected the entire area, and the disease is spreading rapidly. They said about 140 people have been affected by the disease so far, and the number of patients is increasing.
People of the area have called upon the Health Department to send

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PRO/EDR> Measles update (04): Canada, UK, Pakistan

Measles -- Canada
There hasn't been a measles outbreak in Canada recently, and the country has gone more than a year without a single case of the disease.
Dr. Theresa Tam shared the news about this milestone on Twitter. She said that "Measles has also been self-isolating" since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Even though there has been enhanced surveillance going on regularly in Canada, it has been a full year without any reported cases of the disease. Dr. Tam said that this is "good news."
Canada puts

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (82): mapping escape mutants, variants, vaccines, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
---------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 613 598 (6565) / 28 892 (152)
European Region (61): 38 529 578 (163 763) / 849 461 (3357)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 492 895 (26 038) / 207 696 (401)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 360 314 (30 978) / 144 138 (341)
Region of the Americas (54): 50 246 580 (187 378) / 1 200

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PRO/AH/EDR> Lead poisoning - North America: USA, Canada, bald eagle

Poisoning -- United States
The Montana Raptor Conservation Center reported on their Facebook page they rescued a bald eagle on Tuesday [23 Feb 2021] suffering from lead poisoning. According to the post, the amount of lead found in the eagle was too high to register on their system.
The center said they have rescued 11 eagles so far this year [2021] and 9 were tested for lead poisoning. All 9 tested positive.
The center also stated that switching to non-lead hunting and fishing products could prevent thousands of

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Saturday 27 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever - Asia (04): Malaysia (SA) domestic, wild boar, 1st rep, OIE

African Swine Fever -- Malaysia
Information received on 26 Feb 2021 from Dr. Sarah Dadang Abdullah, Focal Point for Animal Disease Notification Malaysia, Malaysia
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 8 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 19 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the country
Causal agent: African swine fever virus, genotype 2
Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, laboratory (advanced), necropsy
This event pertains to a defined zone

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (81): transmission, reinfection, vaccine and case severity, WHO

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 607 050 (5754) / 28 740 (164)
European Region (61): 38 361 386 (172 843) / 856 034 (3130)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 466 857 (26 312) / 207 295 (475)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 329 304 (31 486) / 143 797 (415)
Region of the

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Friday 26 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Lassa fever - West Africa (04): Nigeria

Lassa Fever -- Nigeria
Key points:
Current week (7) (15-21 Feb 2021) / Cumulative 2021 week 1-7 / Cumulative 2020 week 1-7
Suspected cases: 113 / 817 / 2176
Confirmed cases: 19 / 102 / 586
Probable cases: 1 / 2 / 7
Deaths: 3 / 22 / 103
Case fatality rate (CFR [%]): 15.8 / 21.6 / 17.6
Number of states affected: 6 / 8 / 26
Local government areas (LGAs) affected: 15 / 32 / 101
Highlights
- In week 7, the number of new confirmed cases increased from 17 in week 6, 2021, to 19 cases. These were reported from 6

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PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus - North America (05): Canada (QB) horse, RFI

Equine Herpes Virus -- Canada
Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System officials have confirmed a horse from Outaouais Region, Quebec, as positive for neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) [also known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis or EHM]. The horse presented with clinical signs including fever, ataxia (loss of muscle control), mild cough, problems urinating and defecating, and recumbency (down and unable to rise). The horse, whose vaccination status was unknown, was euthanized. 6 horses were exposed and

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PRO/EDR> Mycobacterium abscessus - UK: (England) ex Iraq, post-autologous fat transfer

Hospital-Related Infection -- United Kingdom


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PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever - Americas (03): Trinidad & Tobago, monkey die offs

Yellow Fever -- Trinidad & Tobago
Members of the public are advised that there has been a recent increase in the number of deaths among the monkey population in South, Trinidad.
Laboratory testing by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed the presence of the yellow fever virus in samples obtained from the bodies of the dead mammals.
This was discovered amidst routine public health surveillance activities, which are usually conducted by the Veterinary Public Health Division and the Insect Vector Control

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PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax - Burkina Faso: (SO) livestock, human exp

Anthrax -- Burkina Faso
Per unofficial/media reports*, 2 people have died of anthrax and another was hospitalized in southwestern Burkina Faso, the Burkinabe government announced Thursday [25 Feb 2021]. "An outbreak of bacterial anthrax has been reported in the province of Bougouriba, precisely in Dano, in the commune of Gueguere", indicated the minister in charge of animal resources, Modeste Yerbanga, specifying that the deaths followed the recent death of 4 oxen, one of which has been eaten by locals. The town of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Enteritidis - UK, EU: Polish breaded frozen chicken products

Salmonella -- United Kingdom
Nearly 200 people in 8 European countries and the United Kingdom are involved in a _Salmonella_ outbreak ongoing since May 2018. _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Enteritidis infections have been linked to frozen breaded chicken products from Poland with the most recent illness in the UK in December 2020.
Denmark has 2 infections, Finland has 4, France has 33, Germany has 6, Ireland has 12, the Netherlands has 3, Poland has 5, Sweden has 6, and the United Kingdom has 122. A probable case was

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (38): Sweden, Afghanistan, poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Sweden
Information received on [and dated] 25 Feb 2021 from Dr Hakan Henrikson, chief veterinary officer, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation, Jonkoping, Sweden
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 23 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 24 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 19 Nov 2020
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent: highly pathogenic

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PRO/AH/EDR> E. coli EHEC - Austria: O146, unknown source

E. coli -- Austria
Austrian authorities are investigating an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing _E. coli_ [also called enterohemorrhagic _E. coli_ (EHEC)] infections that has affected a handful of people. Between September and December 2020, 6 people fell ill with infections from _E. coli_ O146:H28. Those sick live in 5 federal states. Two people needed hospital treatment. As yet, there is no indication as to the source of the outbreak, according to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES). It is

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (80): vaccine, USA variants, comments, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- United States
In New York, a new variant that carries a mutation that may weaken the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines has been identified as the B.1.526 variant. It was first discovered in November [2020] and now accounts for about one in 4 viral sequences in a database shared by scientists, according to the New York Times. In a paper published today from Columbia University [see reference below], the authors noted a steady increase in the detection rate of B.1.526 cases from late December [2020] to

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Thursday 25 February 2021

PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (04): Africa (Congo DR, Mozambique)

Cholera, Dysentery, Diarrhea -- DR Congo
1. Guerrant RL, Carneiro-Filho BA, Dillingham RA. Cholera, diarrhea, and oral rehydration therapy: triumph and indictment. Clin Infect Dis. 2003; 37(3): 398-405; .
2. Gregorio GV, Gonzales ML, Dans LF, Martinez EG. Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009; (2): CD006519; .
3. Gore SM, Fontaine O, Pierce NF. Impact of rice based oral rehydration solution on stool output and duration of diarrhea: meta-analysis of 13 clinical

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PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Typhimurium - USA: human, pet turtles

Salmonella -- United States
CDC and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Typhimurium infections linked to small turtles. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback evidence show that contact with small turtles is making people sick.
Epidemiologic data
------------------
As of 20 Feb 2021, a total of 22 people infected with the outbreak strain of _Salmonella_ Typhimurium have been reported from 7 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (79): fitness facilities, variants, vs influenza, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- United States
Summary
-------
What is already known about this topic?
COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported from fitness and sports facilities.
What is added by this report?
21 COVID-19 cases were linked to an index case in a fitness instructor, who, along with a patient who was also an instructor, taught classes less than 1 day, 1 to less than 2 days, and 2 days or more before symptom onset; aggregate attack rates were 95%, 13%, and 0%, respectively.
What are the implications for public health

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PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease - Iran: dog, juvenile, 1st rep, 2016

Foot and Mouth -- Iran
Waters RA, Wadsworth J, Mioulet V, et al. Foot-and-mouth disease virus infection in the domestic dog (_Canis lupus familiaris_), Iran. BMC Vet Res. 2021 Feb 1; 17(1): 63. doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-02769-1. PMID: 33526020; PMCID: PMC7852191;
From the article above, we herewith present 2 copied segments: "Case presentation" and "Discussion and conclusions."
"Case presentation
------------------
Five puppies died after being fed lamb carcasses, the lambs having died during an outbreak of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (19): Guinea (NZ), Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- DR Congo
The 1st priority must be to make the response relevant to each context. Previous Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) research on the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa and forthcoming research on the 2018-2020 outbreak in the DRC (commonly known as DRC's 10th outbreak) demonstrates that the main challenge at the outset is to place context at the centre of understanding problems and charting a strategy forward. We know from previous responses that this cannot be reduced to an anthropological

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PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis - UK: raw breaded frozen chicken products, recall

Salmonella -- United Kingdom
People are being reminded to take care when cooking raw breaded chicken products such as goujons and nuggets after 2 ongoing outbreaks of salmonellosis. Products are being recalled by Iceland [Foods Ltd.], Aldi, and Lidl.
2 particular strains of salmonellosis are being investigated as they are linked to frozen, raw, breaded food products. Aside from raw, breaded uncooked chicken products, _Salmonella_ can be found in raw meat (processed and unprocessed), undercooked poultry, and

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PRO/AH/EDR> Plague - Congo DR: (IT) fatal

Plague -- DR Congo
Health officials and experts said on Friday [19 Feb 2021]. 31 people have died in an outbreak of plague that erupted in northeastern Congo DR 3 months ago, "We have more than 520 cases... of which more than 31 have been fatal," Patrick Karamura, health minister in Ituri province, where plague is endemic, told AFP. The cases are the bubonic form of the disease, except for 5 cases of pneumonic plague and 2 of septicaemic plague, he said.
Anne Laudisoit, an epidemiologist with a New York-based

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PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis, st Enteritidis - Canada: (NS,NL) eggs

Salmonella -- Canada
On Thursday afternoon [18 Feb 2021], Health Canada declared an outbreak of salmonellosis in 2 Atlantic provinces. The federal agency says 57 cases of _Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Enteritidis illness were confirmed, of which 25 are in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 32 in Nova Scotia.
According to the release, these individuals became sick between late October 2020 and January 2021. 19 of them have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported to date. The agency says 68 per cent of

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Wednesday 24 February 2021

PRO/PL> Greening disease, orange - Nepal: (SL)

Other Plant Disease -- Nepal
Orange farmers [in Salyan district, province of] Karnali are deeply distressed because harvest was slashed by half due to a pest attack during the flowering period. The winter was slightly warmer, which attracted pests to the crops, experts said. A majority of orange growers are in trouble as production has been dropping annually.
The bacterial scourge known as citrus greening has devastated orange orchards in Salyan. According to the Agriculture Development Office [ADO], 700 orange farmers

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PRO/AH/EDR> Equine rhinopneumonitis - Spain: (VC) EHV-1, horse, susp, RFI

Equine Herpes Virus -- Spain
The CES Valencia Spring Tour in Spain was forced to cancel several of their classes yesterday [21 Feb 2021], after horses at the show had fallen sick from what is suspected to be a virus outbreak. The S Tour was in its 4th week of competition and originally scheduled to continue through with another 3 weeks.
The International Jumping Riders Club today [22 Feb 2021] published the following information from the FEI regarding the situation:
"The FEI Veterinary Department has been advised of

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (77): animal, Spain, pet ferret

COVID-19 -- Spain
We found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 6 of 71 ferrets (8.4%) and isolated the virus from one rectal swab. Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection does occur in kept ferrets, at least under circumstances of high viral circulation in the human population. However, small ferret collections are probably unable to maintain prolonged virus circulation.
--
Communicated by:
Mary Marshall

[This report was just brought to our attention today, 24 Feb 2021. - Mod.MPP]
The full preprint can be accessed at

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PRO/AH/EDR> Buruli ulcer - Australia: (VI) increasing incidence

Mycobacteria, non-TB -- Australia
Cases of Buruli ulcer -- known colloquially as the 'flesh-eating bug' -- have begun appearing in the suburbs of Geelong [Victoria] as the painful disease continues to spread.
The number of cases is on the rise and cases are being reported in areas where it has never previously been seen, including Aireys Inlet, Belmont, Frankston, and Rye.
Local councils are increasing mosquito spraying programs while on the Mornington Peninsula, researchers are laying mosquito traps that attract female

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PRO/AH/EDR> Botulism, avian - Iran: waterfowl

Botulism -- Iran
Botulism disease, which for the 2nd consecutive year has caused the death of a large number of migratory birds in Miankaleh and Gorgan Bay, has reached Ashuradeh Island, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported on Tuesday [23 Feb 2021].
Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium _Clostridium botulinum_, and the birds become [intoxicated] by the ingestion of plants or animals infected with the toxin and lose their lives. _C. botulism_ is an anaerobic bacterium that grows in

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (76): vaccine effects, variants, UK vaccination impact, WHO

COVID-19 -- United Kingdom
How to understand the difference between vaccination to prevent COVID-19 and shots to halt infection.
The purpose of the COVID-19 vaccines is to prevent death and serious health complications that strain our overburdened healthcare system. All the vaccines authorized for emergency use do this, and their safety and effectiveness in clinical trials have surpassed expectations. But most people, quite understandably, want to know something more: Will being vaccinated stop the spread of COVID-19

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (18): Guinea, Congo DR (NK), West Africa

Ebola -- Guinea
Muyembe has been studying the Ebola virus ever since he first laid hands on it in 1976. While investigating a mysterious outbreak near the Ebola River in northern DRC, then known as Zaire, he collected blood samples from ailing villagers.
"Back then, we used our bare hands," with no gloves to hold a syringe, he said in an interview for the Bulletin of the World Health Organization in 2018. In retrospect, he called his survival "extraordinary. If I had not washed my hands, I would have

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Tuesday 23 February 2021

PRO/AH> Gulf war syndrome: depleted uranium NOT

Other Human Disease -- Worldwide/Unknown
Inhalation of depleted uranium from exploding munitions did not lead to Gulf War illness (GWI) in veterans deployed in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, a new study co-authored by a leading researcher of the disease at UT Southwestern (UTSW) suggests.
The findings, published today [21 Feb 2021] in Scientific Reports, help eliminate a long-suspected cause of GWI that has attracted international concern for 3 decades.
Using high-precision, multi-collector mass spectrometry for the 1st time in

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PRO/AH/EDR> Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Kenya

CJD -- Kenya
1. S-Juan P, Ward HJT, De Silva R, Knight RSG and Will RG. Ophthalmic surgery and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Br J Ophthalmol. 2004; 88(4): 446-9. Available at:
2. US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Fact Sheet. 2019. Available at:
3. Trop Med Int Health
Adam AM and Akuku O. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Kenya. 2005; 10(7):710-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2005.01435.x.
- Mod.UBA
HealthMap/ProMED map:
Kenya: ]
[See

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PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles - UK: (England - Cumbria), horse

Strangles -- United Kingdom
A warning has been issued after a case of strangles disease - a highly contagious respiratory infection that kills scores of equines in the UK each year - was reported in south Cumbria. The case is believed to be an isolated outbreak limited to the Furness area.
Strangles is one of the most common diseases diagnosed in horses worldwide. It is a highly contagious and debilitating disease that can affect any horse, on any yard, at any time.
Symptoms include: a high temperature above

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PRO/AH/EDR> Theileria, cattle - Zimbabwe: (MV)

Other Animal Disease -- Zimbabwe
A new wave of theileriosis also known as January disease is killing hundreds of cattle in Masvingo Province, while a lot of deaths are not reported. Provincial veterinary services officer confirmed the epizootic and said the 552 cattle that have been reported dead since 1 Jan 2021 are an understatement of the situation on the ground. However, he said that the Government was intervening by availing 146 tonnes of tick grease; 96.6 tons have already been released to farmers. Awareness campaigns

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (75): mutation & recomb, transmission, school, Tanzania, WHO

COVID-19 -- Tanzania
"Abstract
---------
To trace the evolution of coronaviruses and reveal the possible origin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we collected and thoroughly analyzed 29 452 publicly available coronavirus genomes, including 26 312 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 strains. We observed coronavirus recombination events among different hosts including 3 independent recombination events with statistical significance between

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PRO/PL> Septoria blotch, wheat - UK: reduced fungicide sensitivity

Other Plant Disease -- United Kingdom
Considered by most agronomists to be by far the biggest threat to UK cereal crops, septoria has come into even sharper focus as it has developed reduced sensitivity to key fungicides, affecting their performance in the field. Septoria risk factors [include] mild winters, wet conditions in spring, susceptible wheat varieties, early sowing, and high rainfall.
The declining effectiveness of fungicides is placing more emphasis on an integrated approach. Early-sown crops are infected quickly,

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (17): Guinea, West Africa

Ebola -- Guinea
The tracking of antibodies in Ebola survivors suggests they wax and wane, which could make vaccine booster shots necessary.
A new outbreak of Ebola in Guinea has prompted international concern. It was among the worst affected West African countries during the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic, which resulted in more than 28 000 cases and 11 000 deaths in the region. Things are a little different this time around: health teams in West Africa are more experienced, and laboratory and surveillance

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Monday 22 February 2021

PRO/EDR> Poliomyelitis update (02): global, WPV1, cDPV

Polio -- Worldwide/Unknown
Poliovirus Weekly Update, 17 Feb 2021, World Health Organization
- New wild poliovirus isolates reported this week:
AFP cases: 0
Environment: 4
Others: 0

- New cVDPV isolates reported this week:
AFP cases: 10
Environment: 11
Others: 4
Summary of new WPV and cVDPV this week (AFP [acute flaccid paralysis] cases and ES [environmental specimens] positives):
- Afghanistan: 1 cVDPV2 case and 5 cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
- Pakistan: 4 WPV1 positive environmental samples
-

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (37): Estonia (LV), poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Estonia
[Information received on [and dated] 19 Feb 2021 from Dr. Olev Kalda, Chief Veterinary Officer, Management, Veterinary and Food Board, Tallinn, Estonia]
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 17 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 18 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Highly pathogenic avian influenza [HPAI] virus
Serotype: H5N8
Nature of diagnosis: laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to

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PRO/AH/EDR> Hemorrhagic septicemia, elephant - India: (OR, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary) susp.

Other Animal Disease -- India
A 3-member team from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) visited Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday [20 Feb 2021] to ascertain the death of 6 elephants.
Sources said, the Central team is on the same page with the Forest department about hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) being the cause and the measures undertaken to prevent further outbreak though it has collected samples and would seek more detail analysis.
Since there have been no more deaths, the

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (37): India (BR) HPAI H5N8, crow, alert

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- India
Bihar health authorities have sounded alert after pathogenic avian influenza [AI] (H5N8) viruses were detected in crows in the state.
Dozens of crows died in the state's West Champaran district in January 2021, following which the animal husbandry department officials collected samples and sent them for testing at a laboratory in Kolkata.
"The report confirmed H5N8 strain of bird flu. We have sounded alert and stepped surveillance to check the spread of this virus," Sunil Kumar Thakur,

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (16): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- Guinea
To limit the spread of the virus in Ebola, the provincial minister of health of North Kivu is increasing awareness sessions. On Saturday [20 Feb 2021], he met with pressure groups and citizen movements at City Hall. He called on everyone to get involved in raising public awareness for community engagement against this disease and against COVID-19.
Transmitting real information and avoiding rumors around Ebola in order to avoid the errors known during the 10th Ebola epidemic, this is the key

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (74): rapid testing, Israel vaccine results, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Israel
Avacta said in a statement that Porton Down had assessed its nasal swab test, which did not rely on saliva.
"The evaluated test was the anterior nasal swab test that has subsequently generated the excellent initial clinical performance data outlined above. However, in its evaluation Porton Down used artificial samples and did not use clinical samples," it said.
"We believe an accurate, rapid antigen test, that has been appropriately validated, will help to limit the spread of the

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Sunday 21 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus - North America (04): Canada (ON) horse

Equine Herpes Virus -- Canada
Three facilities in the Canadian province of Ontario are now under quarantine due to the neurological form of equine herpes virus, type 1 (EHV-1).
In early February 2021, health authorities were alerted to an outbreak of EHV-1 on a farm in the Municipality of Halton. According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), 2 horses were affected in the private facility. Both were euthanized following the sudden onset of severe incoordination and an inability to stand.
Most cases of

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (74): vaccines, variants, genomic surveillance, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
-------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 569 889 (6767) / 27 885 (232)
European Region (61): 37 429 340 (144 799) / 836 165 (3708)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 322 028 (25 836) / 204 530 (299)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 155 544 (25 401) / 141 597 (368)
Region of the Americas (54): 49 126 365 (168 687) / 1 165 711

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (15): Guinea (KA)

Ebola -- Guinea
On 14 Feb 2021, the authorities in Guinea declared a new Ebola outbreak. As one of the key medical organisations responding in the huge 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) immediately started mobilising a team of Ebola-experienced specialists to form the core of a response team. Anja Wolz is the Ebola emergency coordinator overseeing MSF's response and outlined the current situation in this interview.
How concerned are you by this new Ebola outbreak?
With

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PRO/AH/EDR> Influenza (04): USA (WI) swine origin H3N2v

Influenza H3N2 -- United States
According to the International Health Regulations (IHR), human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact. A novel influenza A virus is considered to have the potential to cause a pandemic if:
(1) the virus has demonstrated the capacity to infect and transmit efficiently among humans; and
(2) differs from currently-circulating seasonal human influenza viruses such that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene (or protein) is

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza, human (02): Russia, H5N8, 1st case

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Russia
Russia has registered the 1st case of a strain of bird flu virus named A(H5N8) being passed to humans from birds and has reported the matter to the World Health Organization (WHO), Anna Popova, head of consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, said on Saturday [20 Feb 2021].
Outbreaks of the H5N8 strain have been reported in Russia, Europe, China, the Middle East, and North Africa in recent months but so far only in poultry. Other strains -- H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 -- have been known here to

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Saturday 20 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Strangles - North America (02): Canada (PEI) horse

Strangles -- Canada
On Wednesday (17 Feb 2021), the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) was informed of a new confirmed case of strangles in a Standardbred on Prince Edward Island.
This case is in a different barn then the stable having been under quarantine since early November [2020]. Testing of other horses in the newly impacted stable at Red Shores at the Charlottetown Driving Park is underway, and the stable has been quarantined. No other horses in this barn had shown any clinical signs

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PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus - North America (03): Canada (QB) horse

Equine Herpes Virus -- Canada
A deadly outbreak of a highly contagious virus that's often fatal in horses has struck an equestrian farm in western Quebec.
The neurological form of EHV-1, sometimes called equine herpesvirus [or equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis (EHM, the neurologic form)], has already caused the deaths of 2 horses and infected nearly half of the other 39 animals housed in stables at the Luskville farm.
Staff at Venturing Hills, already under added strain due to the coronavirus pandemic, now have

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (73): post COVID, encephalopathy, USA safety monitoring, WHO

COVID-19 -- United States
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 563 122 (6694) / 27 653 (205)
European Region (61): 37 279 653 (148 890) / 832 331 (3437)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 296 192 (23 499) / 204 231 (305)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 6 130 143 (26 863) / 141 229 (360)
Region of the

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Friday 19 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (14): Congo DR (NK), Guinea, Liberia

Ebola -- DR Congo
Background
The state of the Guinean health workforce is one of the country's bottlenecks in advancing health outcomes. The impact of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak and resulting international attention has provided a policy window to invest in the workforce and reform the health system. This research constitutes a baseline study on the health workforce situation, professional education, and retention policies in Guinea. The study was conducted to inform capacity development as

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PRO/AH/EDR> Japanese encephalitis & other - India (01): (BR)

Japanese Encephalitis -- India
A child in Bihar's Muzaffarpur has been detected with symptoms of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Shrikrishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCK), and paediatrics department has confirmed the case on Friday [19 Feb 2021].
"Paediatrics department yesterday [Thu 18 Feb 2021] confirmed one case of AES in Muzaffarpur's SKMC Hospital," hospital superintendent Dr BS Jha said. "We are prepared to deal with this case; we have arranged the medicines. There will be a review meeting on 24 Feb

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (72): Africa reporting, UK lockdown impact, Israel vaccine, WHO

COVID-19 -- United Kingdom
Abstract
--------
Objective
To directly measure the fatal impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an urban African population.
Design
Prospective systematic postmortem surveillance study.
Setting
Zambia's largest tertiary care referral hospital.
Participants
Deceased people of all ages at the University Teaching Hospital morgue in Lusaka, Zambia, enrolled within 48 hours of death.
Main outcome measure
Postmortem nasopharyngeal swabs were tested via reverse

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PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease - Lebanon: (NA) cattle, spread, RFI

Foot and Mouth -- Lebanon
[Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in cattle in the district of Bint Jbeil, An Nabatiyah (Nabatieh) Province, Lebanon.]
The National News Agency reported that after monitoring cases of FMD [local vernacular name, Hafour] in the villages of the district, the Agricultural Services Center in the Municipalities Union of Bint Jbeil District, in cooperation with the Jihad Al-Bina Development Foundation, and in coordination with the Cattle Breeders Syndicate in the south, started a

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Thursday 18 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (71): world, animal, mink, WHO/FAO/OIE risk assessment

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
A global risk assessment conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal health (OIE), and WHO has shown that the overall risk of introduction and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, from the fur-farming system to humans and to susceptible wildlife populations in the WHO European Region is considered high.
The global tripartite conducted the risk assessment in light of the Region's high number of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (13): Liberia, Guinea, Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- Liberia
As of 15 Feb [2021], 192 contacts have been identified, including 164 contacts in N'Zerekore Health District and 28 in Ratoma Health District, Conakry. To date, no contacts have been reported to have travelled in neighboring countries. However, Nzerekore is the 2nd-largest city in Guinea and lies at the intersection of roads from Ganta (Liberia), Danane (Cote d'Ivoire), and roads to other major hubs in Guinea like Kankan and Macenta (Guinea). Therefore, there is concern about the exportation

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PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus - North America (02): USA (WA) horse

Equine Herpes Virus -- United States
The Washington State Veterinarian reported one confirmed case of respiratory equine herpesvirus (EHV-1), one suspected case, and 2 horses exposed at a boarding facility in Kitsap County. The positive horse had a stall mate quarantined with it and is being monitored.
[Byline: Kimberly S. Brown]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED

["Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) comprise 2 antigenically distinct groups of viruses previously referred to as subtypes 1 and 2 of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Equine influenza - USA (01): (WA) horse

Equine Influenza -- United States
Earlier in February [2021], the state veterinarian reported a case of equine influenza at a boarding facility in Kitsap County. The facility now has reported 2 additional confirmed cases of equine influenza. About 25 other horses were exposed on the property.
For an AAEP Fact Sheet on equine influenza, visit .
[Byline: Kimberly S. Brown]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED

[Caution should be exercised around this disease. We do not want to be the reason it transfers to other horses. It

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PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis - USA (02): queso fresco cheese susp, awaiting WGS, recall, alert

Listeriosis -- United States
Federal officials have identified at least one brand of cheese of interest in their investigation of an outbreak of _Listeria_ infections. The FDA is warning that consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve El Abuelito brand queso fresco cheese.
The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] has been working on the outbreak investigation with agencies in several states. This evening [Wed 17 Feb 2021], the FDA announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (12): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- Guinea


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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (70): gangrene, challenge trials, immunity, cancer, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
COVID-19 is described as a short-term illness caused by infection with the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Public health officials tend to say people will recover within 2 weeks or so.
However, it's become increasingly clear that this is not the case for everyone, and that the 2-week period is only the 'acute illness' phase.
The North Bristol NHS Trust's Discover project, which is studying the longer-term effects of coronavirus, found that out of a total of 110 patients given a 3-month

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PRO/AH/EDR> Australian bat lyssavirus - Australia: (QL) flying fox

Other Animal Disease -- Australia
Gold Coasters have been put on alert after a bat was found to be infected with a disease that's potentially fatal to humans.
A red flying fox was recovered from Albert Park on Monaco Street in Broadbeach and since tested positive for the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). It was discovered on Wed 3 Feb [2021] around 4:00 p.m.
Anyone who may have had contact with this bat is now being urged to get to the doctor and ask them to contact the Public Health Unit immediately.
Public Health

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PRO/AH/EDR> Klebsiella variicola - Italy: horse, 1st rep

Other Animal Disease -- Italy
A bacterium considered an emerging pathogen in humans has been linked to a serious lung infection in a horse in Italy.
The details of the horse's illness are described in a case report just published in the journal BMC Veterinary Research [see reference below].
The 17-year-old saddle horse was found to be infected with _Klebsiella variicola_. The researchers believe it is the 1st time _K. variicola_ has been identified as the cause of respiratory disease in a horse.
The bacterium was

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Wednesday 17 February 2021

PRO/PL> Undiagnosed diseases, mango - India: (GJ)

Undiagnosed -- India
The famous Gujarat saffron mangoes are under threat of an unknown disease due to which the mangoes are falling from the trees in several orchards. The crops have been infected with a white fungus in [Gir Somnath district], and spraying against it was not enough.
One grower said: "In the last 15 to 20 years, this year has been the worst. The saffron [mango] does not rest on the tree for a longer time and falls down very easily. The situation is serious as the production of mangoes is

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (36): Europe, wild bird, HPAI H5N5, H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Poland
Information received on [and dated] 12 Feb 2021 from Dr Bogdan Konopka, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, General Veterinary Inspectorate, Warsaw, Poland
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 31 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 30 Jan 2021
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent: Highly

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (69): superspreader, rapid test, convergent evolution, MIS-C, WHO

COVID-19 -- United States
Summary
-------
A small group of individuals with extremely high viral load for SARS-CoV-2 and mild illness was detected in Houston, Texas. Awareness of the social dynamics of these individuals is needed to understand their potential to be superspreaders within the community.
Abstract
--------
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a minority of index cases are associated with a majority of secondary cases suggesting that superspreaders could drive the pandemic. We identified a

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Tuesday 16 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (11): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- Guinea
The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Guinea Dr Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbogives has given an update on the preparation of the response to deal with the new Ebola epidemic declared mid-February 2021 in Guinea.
Five people have died of Ebola virus in Guinea, the health agency said on Mon 15 Feb 2021 as the government and aid groups began to roll out their response to the outbreak.
Dr Georges Alfred Ki-Zerbo says "the reasons for optimism are the lessons learned and the

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (68): animal-human interface, OIE, mink

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
USA: The 8-member gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is recovering well following the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (B.1.429 lineage) in several troop members earlier in January 2021. Some of animals had presented symptoms including mild coughing, congestion, nasal discharge and intermittent lethargy. These animals would be vaccinated with a recombinant purified spike protein vaccine intended for non-human use.
It was noted that the Wildlife Working Group has a longstanding

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses - Australia: (NS)

Ross River Virus -- Australia
[1] Berger SA. Infectious Diseases of Australia, 2017. 491 pages, 165 graphs, 2982 references. Gideon e-books,
. - Mod.TY
HealthMap/ProMED map:
New South Wales, Australia: ]
[See Also:
Ross River virus - Australia (02): (VI) https://bit.ly/3jU56we
Ross River virus - Australia: (NS) https://bit.ly/3u5Nqm8
2020
----
Ross River virus - Australia (02): (QL) https://bit.ly/3pwgbER
Ross River virus - Australia: (QL, NS)

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PRO/AH> Foot & mouth disease - Syria: (HA) livestock, spread, Iraq susp, RFI

Foot and Mouth -- Syria
According to an unofficial/media report [see in the commentary below], there is a widespread [outbreak] of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in northeastern Syria. Per the news article, veterinary doctor Adnan Hamed from Derik in the far north and east of Syria told Shafaq News: "The disease has spread widely throughout Syria, especially in the areas administered by the Autonomous Administration in northern and eastern Syria." Hamed stated, "The Russian vaccine used to come from Damascus and be

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PRO/EDR> Botulism - Australia: (NS) injection drug related, possible iv route, RFI

Botulism -- Australia


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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (67): impact on children, borders, ice fishing, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Germany
Young children typically are "superspreaders" of respiratory germs, so it's puzzling that they don't seem to be major transmitters of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. They're also relatively absent among hospitalized patients. Initially, that was thought to be because they're less likely to become seriously ill if infected. Later studies indicate that those of primary school age, at least, may be less likely to catch the virus in the first place. Still, they're not immune to an array of

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Monday 15 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (10): Guinea, Congo DR (NK)

Ebola -- Guinea
Health officials in Guinea are racing to contain a new outbreak of Ebola that has killed at least 4 people and raised concerns across west Africa, which previously suffered the worst from the virus.
On Mon 15 Feb 2021 morning, a 4th victim died in Guinea, and 4 others are being treated in an isolation centre, suffering vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding. At least 7 of the people who contracted the virus attended the funeral of a nurse in Goueke, a town near the Liberian border, on 1 Feb 2021

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PRO/AH/EDR> Hantavirus - Americas (02): Argentina (SA)

Hantavirus -- Argentina
The Ministry of Public Health reports that 5 positive cases of [a] hantavirus [infection] have been registered in the [Salta] province from the beginning of 2021. Of those people affected by the virus, one death resulted.
The infected individuals are residents of the Oran Santa Rosa colony General Mosconi and Hipolito Yrigoyen. Of the patients, 3 are female and 2 are male. The epidemiological surveillance is the same as that followed for mosquito transmitted diseases. Given a nonspecific

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PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever - Singapore: possible restaurant source

Typhoid -- Singapore
Officials in Singapore are investigating if 2 typhoid fever cases are linked to eating at a food outlet. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said 2 people fell ill after having food prepared by Hooi Kee Eating House on Clemenceau Avenue in Singapore Shopping Centre. Both people ate at this site several times between [2 Jan 2021 and 18 Jan 2021]. They were later admitted to hospital. One has since been discharged and the other is in stable condition in hospital. SFA has

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (66): dual CoV infections, lockdowns, post-COVID, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- China
Abstract
--------
Compared to other human coronaviruses, the genetic diversity and evolution of human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) are relatively understudied. We report a fatal case of COVID-19 pneumonia coinfected with HCoV-229E in Hong Kong. Genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E from a nasopharyngeal sample of the patient showed that the SARS-CoV-2 strain HK13 was most closely related to SARS-CoV-2 type strain Wuhan-Hu-1 (99.99% nucleotide identity), compatible with his recent

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PRO/AH/EDR> Kyasanur Forest disease - India: (KL)

Kyasanur Forest Disease -- India
A case of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) has been reported from Mullankolly under the Pulpally Family Health Centre in Wayanad [district in Kerala].
KFD, also known as monkey fever, is a viral disease transmitted to humans through a species of ticks usually found on monkeys.
The patient, a 30-year-old youth, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sulthan Bathery. The patient was hospitalised on Wednesday [11 Feb 2021], and samples were sent to the virology laboratory at Sulthan

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PRO/EDR> Botulism - Uzbekistan: home canned tomatoes, fatal

Botulism -- Uzbekistan
Botulism is caused by a potent neurotoxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission, resulting in death by asphyxiation. Currently, the therapeutic options are limited, and there is no antidote. Here, we harness the structural and trafficking properties of an atoxic derivative of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) to transport a function-blocking single-domain antibody into the neuronal cytosol where it can inhibit BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A1) molecular toxicity. Post-symptomatic treatment relieved toxic

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PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax - India: (OD, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary) elephant, susp, RFI

Anthrax -- India
Within 13 days, 5 elephants have died inside Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district of Odisha, officials said. All the carcasses were found near water bodies, they said. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Sashi Pal said the elephant deaths were due to some bacterial infection. "The water bodies in the sanctuary may have been infected," he said.
Divisional Forest Officer, Kalahandi (South Division), Ashok Kumar said, stagnant water is being treated with bleaching powder to

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PRO/PL> Gibberella ear rot, maize - USA: (OH)

Other Plant Disease -- United States
If you had damaged corn or were rejected at an elevator because your vomitoxin levels were too high, you are not alone. This was a widespread issue across Ohio. Vomitoxin is [due to] _Gibberella_ ear rot. Like with most ear rots, there have not been clear results on management strategies. Harvesting early is very important, getting the grain cooled down and dry can stop the spread. Some hybrids are more resistant than others, but this often is not indicated. Some fungicide studies have been

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Sunday 14 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (09): DR Congo, (NK) Guinea

Ebola -- DR Congo
In the afternoon of this Sun 14 Feb 2021, the Guinean Government declared "an epidemic of Ebola virus disease in the prefecture of N'Zerekore, sub-prefecture of Gouecke", after examining the samples taken from sick people. According to the Guinean Ministry of Health, more than 3 people have already been killed by this disease, which officially killed 2536 people between the end of 2013 and the end of 2015. All the victims were said to have attended the funeral of a nurse at the center of

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PRO/EDR> Foodborne illness - India (03): (MP) fatal

Foodborne Illness -- India
One person died, and 9 others fell sick after consuming a spurious toddy drink in Dhar district on Sat 13 Feb 2021.
The incident was reported at Kudadipura village in Kukshi tehsil. Block medical officer Dr Abhishek Rawat at Kukshi health centre said that 10 villagers including 3 minors were admitted here after they complained of vomiting and diarrhea after consuming a toddy at their village.
The doctors started their treatment at the health centre. But, as the condition of 7 villagers

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PRO/EDR> Cholera, diarrhea & dysentery update (03): Africa, Mozambique

Cholera -- Mozambique
1. Guerrant RL, Carneiro-Filho BA, Dillingham RA. Cholera, diarrhea, and oral rehydration therapy: triumph and indictment. Clin Infect Dis. 2003; 37(3): 398-405; .
2. Gregorio GV, Gonzales ML, Dans LF, Martinez EG. Polymer-based oral rehydration solution for treating acute watery diarrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009; (2): CD006519; .
3. Gore SM, Fontaine O, Pierce NF. Impact of rice based oral rehydration solution on stool output and duration of diarrhea: meta-analysis of 13 clinical

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PRO/AH/EDR> Salmonellosis - Finland: restaurant

Salmonella -- Finland
At least 30 people have fallen ill after eating at a restaurant in Finland during the end of January 2021.
An investigation by public health officials in the town of Kokkola, also known as Karleby, found salmonellosis was behind the illnesses. The 1st infection was recorded on 27 Jan 2021, and no patients have been reported since 29 Jan 2021. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Sigrid's restaurant carried out cleaning and extensive disinfection after the

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PRO/AH/EDR> Listeriosis - USA : queso fresco cheese

Listeriosis -- United States
Connecticut / 1
Maryland / 4
New York / 1
Virginia / 1
------------------------
Total / 7
The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for _Listeria_. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to determine whether a sick person is part of an

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (65): animal, China, origin, WHO mission, Huanan market

COVID-19 -- China
A team of experts selected by the World Health Organization [WHO] to investigate the origins of the virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic returned last week from Wuhan, site of the world's 1st outbreak. The team, having broken the ice with Chinese scientists, plans to produce a joint report on the possible origins of the virus.
The 2 groups of scientists, from China and the WHO, agreed to pursue some ideas that the Chinese government has been promoting, like the possibility that the virus

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (64): vaccine, reinfect. France, plasma, viral load, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
---------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 524 130 (7214) / 26 930 (126)
European Region (61): 36 436 128 (137 791) / 809 441 (4210)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 165 612 (23 753) / 202 222 (394)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 976 060 (25 039) / 139 129 (295)
Region of the Americas (54): 48 021 725 (207 123) / 1 127

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (08): Congo DR (NK), Guinea

Ebola -- DR Congo
There are fears of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after the country has been hit with new cases of the disease.
It's known that Ebola can linger in bodily fluids, namely semen, for over a year after the initial infection. A 2016 study published in the Lancet Global Health found that 24 out of 429 men in Liberia tested positive for Ebola in their semen at least 12 months after they'd recovered from the disease. In one of the men, Ebola virus RNA was

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Saturday 13 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Equine herpesvirus - North America (01): USA (VA) horse

Equine Herpes Virus -- United States
Officials at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) confirmed on 26 Jan [2021] that a horse at a Hanover County boarding facility was confirmed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. Thirty-two horses at 2 different facilities were exposed. The positive horse, a cross-bred gelding, began showing clinical signs on 25 Jan [2021]. Signs included dribbling urine and hind limb ataxia, progressing to recumbency (down and unable to rise). The horse, which had been

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PRO/AH/EDR> Plague - USA (01): (NM) cat

Plague -- United States
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports a cat has been diagnosed with plague in Los Alamos County, making it the 1st plague case in New Mexico this year [2021].
"NMDOH staff will conduct an environmental investigation to ensure the safety of the immediate family and neighbors," said Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins. "We also offer a friendly reminder: even in the midst of a global pandemic, other diseases still occur in New Mexico, and there are steps people can take to

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (35): Japan (CH), Nepal (KT), poultry, HPAI H5N8

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Nepal
Bird flu has been confirmed in Sanglekhola of Tarkeshwar Municipality in the district.
The flu has been detected among chickens and ducks reared there. According to Chief of the Livestock Department of the Municipality, Dhanapati Ray, the viral disease has been detected among chickens and ducks reared by 2 locals, [PT] and [ST].
The flu was confirmed following a sample test conducted at the Tripureshwar-based central laboratory.
With this, the local authorities have urged all to adopt

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PRO/EDR> Typhoid fever - USA: nonimported XDR Salmonella Typhi infections, 2019-20, alert

Typhoid -- United States
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing
1. information on extensively drug-resistant (XDR) _Salmonella_ Typhi (Typhi) infections among US residents without international travel, and
2. treatment recommendations for XDR Typhi infection.
Background
Typhoid fever is a systemic illness caused by the bacterium _Salmonella enterica_ serotype Typhi (Typhi). Most people in the US diagnosed with typhoid fever acquired it during international travel, but some

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (34): Europe, wild bird, poultry, HPAI H5N5, H5N8, H5N3, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Austria
Information received on [and dated] 10 Feb 2021 from Mr Dr Ulrich Herzog, Chief Veterinary Officer, Consumer Health, Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection (BMASGK), Vienna, Austria
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 10 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 10 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: New strain of a listed disease in the country
Manifestation of disease: Clinical disease
Causal agent: Highly

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (63): children, China, nebulizer-associated spread, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 516 916 (7394) / 26 804 (191)
European Region (61): 36 294 484 (147 171) / 805 071 (4042)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 141 859 (19 581) / 201 828 (322)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 951 021 (26 230) / 138 834 (375)
Region of the

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Friday 12 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (07): Congo DR (NK) WHO

Ebola -- DR Congo
In its latest report on the epidemiological situation of the 12th epidemic of the Ebola virus disease published this Friday, 12 Feb 2021, the provincial ministry of health in North Kivu reports that 1200 doses of vaccines have already been deployed in the city of Butembo to curb the spread of the epidemic.
The ministry indicates in the wake that these vaccines have already been received in Butembo, as has cold chain equipment that will keep the product at the recommended temperature.
In

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PRO/AH/EDR> Rift Valley fever - Eastern Africa (03): Kenya, human, animal

Rift Valley Fever -- Kenya
In a follow-up on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in Kenya, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports as of 4 Feb 2021 that there are 32 total [human] cases reported, of which 14 are confirmed and 11 deaths.
RVF in humans has been reported in Isiolo and Mandera counties and in animals in Isiolo, Mandera, Murang'a, and Garissa counties.
The 1st case of suspected RVF was reported in late November 2020 following a sudden death of an adult male who was a herder. This was a case from

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (61): meat facility, S Korea, T lymphocytes, S Asia, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the agent of a major global outbreak of respiratory tract disease known as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infects the lungs and may cause several immune-related complications such as lymphocytopenia and cytokine storm, which are associated with the severity of the disease and predict mortality. The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immune system dysfunction is not fully understood. Here we

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (62): Latvia (RA) animal, cat, OIE

COVID-19 -- Latvia
Information received on [and dated] 10 Feb 2021 from Dr. Maris Balodis, Chief Veterinary Officer and Director General, Food and Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Riga, Latvia
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 17 Dec 2020
Date of confirmation of the event: 1 Feb 2021
Report date: 10 Feb 2021
Date submitted to OIE: 10 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: Emerging disease
Morbidity: 1 (scale 0 to 5)
Mortality: 0 (scale 0 to 5)
Zoonotic

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (33): Latvia (JM) wild bird, HPAI H5N8, 1st rep

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Latvia
Laboratory tests have confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza for 2 dead swans in Jurmala, Dzintaru Beach. This is the 1st case of avian influenza in Latvia, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) said [10 Feb 2021].
The Ministry of Agriculture intends, on the basis of information provided by the PVD, to impose additional biosecurity measures for poultry keepers throughout the country, including ban of keeping poultry outdoors in order to prevent direct or indirect contact with wild

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (06): Congo DR (NK) WHO, 2nd fatal case

Ebola -- DR Congo
On 7 Feb 2021, the Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared [the 12th] outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) after the laboratory confirmation of one case in North Kivu Province. The case was an adult female living in Biena Health Zone. To date the source of infection is still under investigation.
On [25 Jan 2021], the case presented with nasal bleeding. From [25 Jan-1 Feb 2021], she reportedly received outpatient care at a local health centre. From [1-3 Feb

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PRO/AH/EDR> Zika virus (01): Americas, research, observations

Zika virus -- United States
Domesticating Zika virus
------------------------
Why hasn't Zika virus (ZIKV) disease caused as much devastation in Africa, its continent of origin, as it has in the Americas? Outside of Africa, this flavivirus is transmitted by a ubiquitous mosquito subspecies, _Aedes aegypti aegypti_, which emerged from the African forerunner subspecies _Aedes aegypti formosus_ and acquired a preference for human blood and a peridomestic lifestyle. Now, this subspecies colonizes many intertropical cities,

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PRO/AH/EDR> Feline panleukopenia - Australia: (SA) alert

Parvovirus, Other Animal Disease -- Australia
Feline parvovirus (FPV); synonymous with feline panleukopenia virus) is closely related to mink enteritis virus and the type 2 canine parvoviruses (CPV) causing canine parvoviral enteritis. All are now designated as members of the species _Carnivore protoparvovirus 1_. FPV can cause disease in all felids and in some members of related families (such as raccoon, mink), but it does not harm canids. Conversely, some currently circulating CPV strains (CPV-2a, -2b, and -2c) have been shown to cause

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PRO/PL> Stripe, stem & leaf rusts, wheat - Ethiopia

Other Plant Disease -- Ethiopia
A study [by] a team of modelers along with surveillance experts identified long-term trends and hotspots for wheat rust outbreaks in Ethiopia. Today, crop surveillance data fuel an early warning system for wheat rust outbreaks, but a comprehensive understanding of past outbreaks has been lacking. [The team] evaluated 13 years' worth of surveillance data from more than 13 000 fields across Ethiopia [by] geographical analysis, statistical tools, and data-driven modeling to identify long-term,

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Thursday 11 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (32): Bulgaria, Latvia, poultry, wild bird, H5, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza, Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Bulgaria
Information received on [and dated] 9 Feb 2021 from Dr Damyan Iliev, Chief Veterinary Officer & Deputy Executive Director, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Sofia, Bulgaria
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 3 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 10 Jul 2020
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent:

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (60): SARS-CoV-2-related viruses, pangolin, bat

COVID-19 -- China
Abstract
--------
Among the many questions unanswered for the COVID-19 pandemic are the origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the potential role of intermediate animal host(s) in the early animal-to-human transmission. The discovery of RaTG13 bat coronavirus in China suggested a high probability of a bat origin. Here we report molecular and serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses (SC2r-CoVs) actively circulating in bats in Southeast Asia. Whole genome sequences were obtained from 5

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PRO/PL> Root rots, pea - Canada: (AB)

Other Plant Disease -- Canada
Widespread root rot [was] found in Alberta pea fields. The severity in surveys last year [2020] reached levels at which the disease can become an economic threat. They found root rot in every field visited on an estimated 66% of roots examined.
"Root rots continue to be a real issue in peas," said Alberta Agriculture's Michael Harding. "Mycosphaerella and ascochyta were by far the most commonly observed pathogen. [They] were very, very common on peas in 2020."
Field peas in Alberta were

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (59): dementia risk, UK REACT, mutation, mAb therapy, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
Wang Q, Davis PB, Gurney ME, Xu R. COVID-19 and dementia: Analyses of risk, disparity, and outcomes from electronic health records in the US. Alzheimers Dement. 2021 Feb 9. doi: 10.1002/alz.12296. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33559975;
The investigators adjusted for demographics and COVID‐19 risk factors (cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, asthma, chronic kidney disease), many of which are also risk factors for dementia. In addition, they adjusted for living situation, that

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ross River virus - Australia (02): (VI)

Ross River Virus -- Australia
Health authorities are warning Gippsland residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes following the detection of Ross River virus in 10 people in Wellington Shire so far this year [2021].
While the latest warning from the Victorian Health Department is for people travelling to the Bellarine Peninsula and surf coast regions, where there has been a big jump in cases in recent months, local infections show the virus is still present in mosquitoes in Gippsland.
Well known Sale woman

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (31): Algeria (OB) poultry, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Algeria
Information received on [and dated] 8 Feb 2021 from Dr Ahmed Chawki El Karim Boughalem, Directeur des Services Veterinaires, Direction des Services Veterinaires, Ministere de l'Agriculture, du Developpement Rural et de la Peche, Alger, Algeria
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 17 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 26 Jan 2021
Reason for notification: new strain of a listed disease in the country
Causal agent: highly pathogenic avian

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Wednesday 10 February 2021

PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (58): animal, China, origin, WHO mission

COVID-19 -- China
Representatives from China and an international joint mission team led by the World Health Organization (WHO) today [Tue 9 Feb 2021] in Wuhan detailed the results of a 2-week probe into the zoonotic source of the outbreaks, which didn't reveal a definitive source but did shed new light on the events.
At the nearly 3-hour briefing, officials laid out 4 main theories, some of them less likely possibilities. The 10-person joint mission team has been in China since 14 Jan [2021] and followed

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PRO/AH/EDR> Anthrax - Australia: (NS) sheep

Anthrax -- Australia
The 1st case of anthrax to occur this summer [2021] has been confirmed in New South Wales (NSW), prompting the state's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) to urge producers to vaccinate at-risk livestock.
In late January [2021], anthrax was detected in an unvaccinated mob of ewes and lambs on a property in the state's Central West. The property had a previous history of anthrax. The affected animals were ewes which had not been vaccinated for anthrax, and

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (57): China (Hong Kong) animal, dog, OIE

COVID-19 -- China
Information received on [and dated] 9 Feb 2021 from Dr. Thomas Sit, Chief Veterinary Officer/Assistant Director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR-PRC)
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 28 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Feb 2021
Report date: 9 Feb 2021
Date submitted to OIE: 9 Feb 2021
Reason for notification:

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (56): meat facility outbreak, vacc 2nd dose, routes, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- Canada
Abstract
--------
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raises concerns about their resistance to neutralizing antibodies elicited from previous infection, or from vaccination. Here we examined whether sera and monoclonal antibodies from convalescent donors, prior to and following a single immunization with the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines, neutralize the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain and a variant, B.1.351 from South Africa. Prevaccination sera weakly neutralized Wuhan-Hu-1 and sporadically

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (30): China (JS) wild bird, HPAI H5N8, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- China
Information received on [and dated] 8 Feb 2021 from Dr. Huang Baoxu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Animal Health and Epidemiology Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Qingdao, China (People's Republic of)
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 29 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: New strain of a listed disease
Manifestation of disease: Clinical disease
Causal agent: Highly

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PRO/ALL> New in IJID (02): February 2021

COVID-19, Antimicrobial resistance, Hospital-Related Infection, Rickettsia, Salmonella, Legionnaires', Acinetobacter baumannii, Staph, Sepsis, Tuberculosis, Influenza, Lassa Fever, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Avian Influenza, HIV/AIDS, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Tetanus, Gastroenteritis, Sexually Transmitted Infection, West Nile Virus, Hepatitis A, Strep -- Worldwide/Unknown
Editorial
---------
COVID-19: A PCR-defined pandemic
Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Christian G. Meyer. IJID 2021:103: 278-279

Reviews
-------
Severe COVID-19 infection and pediatric comorbidities: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Boyan K. Tsankov, Joannie M. Allaire, Michael A. Irvine, et al.
IJID 2021:103: 246-256

Meta-analysis on facemask use in community settings to prevent respiratory infection transmission shows no effect.
Sergio Alejandro Gómez-Ochoa, Taulant

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Tuesday 9 February 2021

PRO/EDR> Undiagnosed hemorrhagic disease - Tanzania: (MB) RFI

Undiagnosed -- Tanzania
A mystery illness that causes people to vomit blood has killed 15 people in Tanzania and hospitalized more than 50 others.
The New York Post reported that the illness killed its mostly male patients within hours of them developing symptoms []. The illness is being reported in the southern Mbeya region of the country, according to the U.K. Sun.
Expert medical teams have been deployed to the area to try to uncover the cause of the outbreak. Tanzania borders the Democratic Republic of the

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PRO/AH/EDR> African swine fever - Asia (03): China (Hong Kong) domestic, OIE

African Swine Fever -- China
Information received on 6 Feb 2021 from Dr. Thomas Sit, chief veterinary officer/assistant director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR - PRC)
Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 2 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021
Report date: 5 Feb 2021
Date submitted to OIE: 6 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: Recurrence of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Peste des petits ruminants - Thailand: (PB) goat, 1st rep, OIE

Peste des petits ruminants -- Worldwide/Unknown
Information received on [and dated] 8 Feb 2021 from Dr Sorravis Thaneto, Director General, Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 28 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 3 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease in the country
Causal agent: Peste des petits ruminants virus
Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains

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PRO/EDR> COVID-19 update (55): vaccines, variants, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- South Africa
South Africa recently received 1 million doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine and was poised to start vaccinating healthcare workers, but yesterday [7 Feb 2021], health officials announced a pause for the rollout to investigate early findings that it offered little protection against mild-to-moderate disease caused by variant 501Y.V2, lineage B.1.351 that's dominant in the country.
New questions about the vaccine come as World Health Organization (WHO) advisers this week consider it

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Monday 8 February 2021

PRO/PL> Undiagnosed disease, mustard - India: (PB)

Undiagnosed -- India
A mystery disease has damaged the standing mustard crop in [parts of] Sangrur District. Fearing damage in other areas in coming days, the Agriculture Department has started efforts to contain the disease spread. "I have taken 13 acres on lease and sown mustard on it. But for the last 10 days, plants have been shriveling and not bearing any fruit. It's ripening time," said a farmer. The shriveling of mustard has given tension to other farmers, who have demanded quick action to prevent the

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PRO/AH/EDR> Rabies (05): Americas (Peru)

Rabies -- Peru
The Departmental Veterinary Medical College of Lima warned that there is a risk that canine rabies could be reintroduced in the capital.
This situation could be due to the weakness of the epidemiological surveillance system in the capital, a vital tool to identify the increase in cases. Last year [2020], in Lima only, 11 samples were received and processed for the diagnosis of rabies, when in the capital, there are about 2 million dogs.
"There should be approximately 4000 annual samples

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PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever - Americas (02): Brazil (PR) monkeys

Yellow Fever -- Brazil
In a follow-up on epizootic yellow fever situation in Parana state, Brazil, the State Department of Health reported 3 more deaths of infected monkeys (epizootics) that occurred in the municipality of Palmas, in the area of the 7th Regional Health, in Pato Branco, in the southwest part of the state.
The epidemiological monitoring period for yellow fever in Parana began in July 2020 and continues until June this year [2021]. The State has so far registered 104 reports of animal diseases in 23

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PRO/AH/EDR> Sarcina troglodytae, novel pathogen - Sierra Leone: (Tacugama) chimpanzee, fatal

Other Animal Disease -- Sierra Leone
1. Owens LA, Colitti B, Hirji I, et al. A _Sarcina_ bacterium linked to lethal disease in sanctuary chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 3; 12(1): 763. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21012-x. PMID: 33536429;
2. Ratuapli SK, Lam-Himlin DM, Heigh RI. _Sarcina ventriculi_ of the stomach: a case report. World J Gastroenterol. 2013; 19(14): 2282-5. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i14.2282. PMID: 23599657; PMCID: PMC3627895; .
The research mentioned above included a case-control study that found a

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (54): post-COVID syndrome, reinfection, variants, WHO, global

COVID-19 -- United States
Almost 80% of people who have been exposed to the coronavirus need further examinations and tests, told the Bulgarian National Radio Director of the Bulgarian Cardiac Institute and Director of the Department of Cardiology at the Heart and Brain Hospital in Pleven Assoc Prof Yana Alexieva.
She explained that 1600 patients have so far taken part in the free screening and treatment campaign, Life After COVID-19, for helping post-COVID patients. In her words, a Swiss national survey found that

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Sunday 7 February 2021

PRO/AH> African swine fever - Africa (02): Tanzania (SY) domestic, OIE

African Swine Fever -- Tanzania
Information received on [and dated] 3 Feb 2021 from Dr Hezron Emmanuel Nonga, director of veterinary services, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dodoma, Tanzania
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 4 Jan 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 2 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent: African swine fever [ASF] virus genotype X
Nature of

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PRO/AH/EDR> Ebola update (05): DR Congo, (NK) fatal

Ebola -- DR Congo
The Ministry of Health announced this Sun 7 Feb 2021 a resurgence of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement sent to 7SUR7.CD, the communication unit indicated that the minister of health had received a medical report of a new case of Ebola virus disease in Biena, in the territory of Butembo in North Kivu.
According to the same source, the case is a farmer, wife of an Ebola virus disease survivor. On 1 Feb 2021, she presented with typical features and went to the

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PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness - India: (TG)

Foodborne Illness -- India
At least 40 persons took ill after having dinner at a function in Peddapur of Metpally mandal late on Friday night, 5 Feb 2021. A resident threw a small party to celebrate construction of his house. The guests were served mutton curry and makka gudalu (deep fried maize/corn kernels seasoned with garlic, coriander seeds, and spices). At least 40 of the 60 villagers who participated in the function developed symptoms of food poisoning, like diarrhea and vomiting later in the night.
They were

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PRO/EDR> Infant botulism - USA: (ND)

Botulism -- United States
The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) [has] received a report of an infant diagnosed with botulism. The infant is recovering at home after hospitalization and botulism antitoxin treatment.
Infant botulism is a disease that affects children younger than one year. Constipation is usually the 1st sign of illness, and other signs and symptoms may include poor feeding, decreased movement, diminished facial expression, weak and altered cry, loss of head control, and progressive weakness.

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (53): animal, mink, Denmark, zoonotic aspects

COVID-19 -- Denmark
In June-November 2020, SARS-CoV-2-infected mink were detected in 290 of 1147 Danish mink farms. In North Denmark Region, 30% (324/1092) of people found connected to mink farms tested SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive, and approximately 27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25-30) of SARS-CoV-2-strains from humans in the community were mink-associated. Measures proved insufficient to mitigate spread. On 4 Nov 2020, the government ordered culling of all Danish mink. Farmed mink constitute a potential virus

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PRO/AH/EDR> Yellow fever - Americas (01): Brazil (SC) monkey

Yellow Fever -- Brazil
In the municipalities of Palmeira, Anita Garibaldi and Bocaina do Sul, in Serra de Santa Catarina [SC], monkey deaths have been confirmed by the Central Laboratory (LACEN) as yellow fever. The last confirmation came this Tuesday [2 Feb 2021], in Palmeira.
According to the Municipal Health Secretariat, the monkey was found dead in the Sao Sebastiao do Canoas locality on 19 Jan 2021, but the results of the tests were only released now. The test showed that the animal was infected by the

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PRO/AH/EDR> Avian influenza (29): Europe, wild bird, poultry HPAI H5N8, H5N4, LPAI H7N7, OIE

Avian Influenza H5N8 -- Worldwide/Unknown
Information received on [and dated] 5 Feb 2021 Mr Dr Ulrich Herzog, chief veterinary officer, Verbrauchergesundheit, Bmasgk, Vienne, Austria
Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 4 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 4 Feb 2021
Reason for notification: recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 28 Apr 2017
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
Serotype: H5N8
Nature

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (52): immunity, recomb, passport, reinfect, WHO

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 473 409 (8161) / 25 719 (193)
European Region (61): 35 346 896 (146 569) / 759 122 (6059)
South East Asia Region (10): 13 001 816 (25 566) / 199 982 (314)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 806 978 (23 968) / 136 611 (416)
Region of the Americas (54): 46 675 418 (241 002) / 1 085 189

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PRO/AH/EDR> Foodborne illness - India: (AS) RFI

Foodborne Illness -- India
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered after over 170 persons were hospitalized with suspected food poisoning after they consumed food at a government function in Karbi Anglong attended by a chief minister and health minister. A 35 year old man who reportedly attended the program in Diphu on Tuesday [2 Feb 2021] died at his residence.
"Frankly, it looks like a case of food poisoning," Ng Chandra Dhwaj Singha, deputy commissioner, Karbi Anglong, told EastMojo. "We have sent the food samples

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Saturday 6 February 2021

PRO/AH> Equine infectious anemia - North America (01): USA (TX) horse

Equine Infectious Anemia -- United States
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed equine infectious anemia (EIA) in one quarter horse on a Dallas County premises on 26 Jan 2021. This is the 1st confirmed case of EIA in Texas this year [2021]. The horse was confirmed positive after testing was performed to meet regulatory requirements. The premises has been quarantined and will not be released until TAHC's requirements are met. TAHC staff are working closely with the owner and local veterinarian to monitor potentially

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PRO/AH> African swine fever - Asia (02): Philippines (LE,AL) spread

African Swine Fever -- Philippines
At least 12 villages in Dulag, Leyte have been placed under strict surveillance due to new cases of African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Sunday [31 Jan 2021]. These villages are within the 7 to 10 km (4.3 to 6.2 mi) radius of a confirmed ASF case in Combis village as validated by the result of a laboratory test released on 29 Jan 2021.
"Village officials were given a thorough orientation briefing by the regional task force and proper advice on how to

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PRO/AH/EDR> COVID-19 update (51): variant mortality, frailty, USA variants, WHO

COVID-19 -- Worldwide/Unknown
WHO region (no. countries/territories):
Total confirmed cases (new cases in last 24 hours) / Total deaths (new deaths in last 24 hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Pacific Region (19): 1 465 248 (9309) / 25 526 (200)
European Region (61): 35 196 220 (167 526) / 772 666 (4932)
South East Asia Region (10): 12 982 540 (26 101) / 199 668 (377)
Eastern Mediterranean Region (22): 5 783 010 (23 796) / 136 195 (384)
Region of the Americas (54):

Read more about it at HealthMap Global Disease Alerts via http://healthmap.org/ln.php?8170027&promed&0