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12.03.2010 Fiji - Typhoid Fever
The number of people affected by the Fiji typhoid outbreak continues to rise with a further 13 confirmed cases reported this week, bringing the total to 112. A spokesperson for the Fiji Ministry of Health said inspectors are now looking for possible sources of the outbreak during a 2-week tour of affected areas beginning in the Northern Division. The inspection will cover sanitation and environmental contributors as well providing community leaders with information about protecting the clean water supply. Identifying typhoid carriers who may be unconsciously spreading the infection will be a priority.

11.03.2010 El Salvador - Dengue Fever
A total of 1,530 cases of Denge Fever were reported in El Salvador in the first 7 weeks of this year. Most of the cases were reported from the departments of La Libertad, La Paz, Santa Ana and San Salvador. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

10.03.2010 Australia - Dengue Fever
In Australia, a locally acquired case of Dengue Fever has been reported in the north Queensland town of Tully; the first in the town in at least 2 decades. Townsville has also recorded 13 locally acquired cases in this season. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

09.03.2010 Russia - HFRS
Public Health physicians in Chelyabinsk are alarmed that the incidence of HFRS (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, also known locally as mouse fever) is 90 times greater than the average for this time of year. The press office of the Regional Rospotrebnadzor (health protection agency) announced that there had been 60 cases of HFRS in the Ashinsky region between November 2009 and January 2010. HFRS in Russia is caused predominantly by the hantavirus _Pumala virus_. The control of the rodent population and contact avoidance are the best prevention. The total of 60 cases in one 3-month period is a significant morbidity for one region.

08.03.2010 Senegal - Poliomyelitis
The Senegalese Minister of Health and Prevention, announced last week that there were 2 cases of poliomyelitis reported in his country, affirming that these were the 1st such cases since 1998.

07.03.2010 Israel - Rabies
Twelve children from Beit She'an were treated for rabies last week, after a rabid dog they'd been in contact with bit 2 other people in the town. The small, long-haired dog, whose owner neglected to vaccinate, lived near the school; children used to pet and play with her. When the dog was diagnosed with rabies, the Health Ministry asked anyone who may have touched her to report to the nearest health clinic.

06.03.2010 Taiwan/exIndonesia - Chikungunya
Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (TCDC) announced that 3 imported cases of chikungunya virus infection had been confirmed this year. The age of the cases ranged from 5-27 years; 2 were male. Their disease onsets were between 2 and 22 Feb. All cases were found through fever screen when they landed at the airport. The cases came from Jakarta, Sumatra, and Surabaya, Indonesia.

05.03.2010 Sri Lanka - Dengue Fever
The mosquito-borne dengue fever is spreading once again in Sri Lanka, especially in northern Jaffna peninsula with a sharp increase in the number of patients, the data released by the Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lanka, Health Ministry showed. Over 8,000 dengue cases have been reported so far in the 1st 2 months of the year and 46 of them have been fatal according to the figures released by the Epidemiology Unit last Friday. The number of cases has risen nearly 260 percent from the corresponding figure during the same period last year. So far 8,001 cases have been reported for the months of January and February opposed to the 2,227 cases reported in 2009. The dengue epidemic was mostly prevalent in Colombo, Gampaha, and Jaffna districts. Nearly half of the deaths have been reported from these 3 districts. The Jaffna district reported the highest number of cases with 1,557 patients and 8 deaths while Gampaha district recorded 1,004 cases and 6 deaths. There were 954 reported cases and 7 deaths in the Colombo district.

04.03.2010 Indonesia - Activity at Semeru Volcano
Activity has increased at Semeru volcano in Indonesia. Harmonic tremor recorded at the volcano over the past few months November 2009 - 98, December 2009 - 148, January 2010 - 313, February 2010 - 298. In February 2010 ash emissions occurred on 41 occasions and reached a maximum height 200 m above the crater. On 28th February, lava avalanched 750 m from Jonggring Seloko crater. Between April 2009 and 1st March 2010 the activity at Semeru volcano changed to predominately ash emissions. Since 25th February 2010 lava avalanches have resumed at the volcano. People are advised to stay more than 4 km from the volcano on the SE side, and not approach the summit from other sides.

03.03.2010 Africa - Meningococcal Meningitis
Already 2,298 cases of Meningococcal Meningitis were recorded in the African meningitis belt. Burkina Faso was seriously hit by the disease with 1,251 cases. Togo reported the highest fatality rate with 25 deaths out of 108 cases.

02.03.2010 Brazil - Dengue Fever
An epidemic of Dengue Fever was reported in Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Acre, Roraima and Goias. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

01.03.2010 Vietnam - Avian Influenza (Human)
The Ministry of Health reported the first fatality from avian influenza type H5N1 in 2010. The ministry confirmed the deceased was a 38 years old woman from An Thai Trung Commune of Tien Giang Province who often slaughtered birds. The woman was diagnosed on February 23 and treated at a local clinic but showed no signs of recovery. She was then transferred to Sa Dec Hospital in Dong Thap Province after experiencing chest aches and breathing difficulties. Two days later she was announced dead following a serious case of pneumonia and shock from the infection. Post-mortem epidemiological tests confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus in her system. The first bird flu case was reported earlier this week when a 3-year-old girl from Khanh Hoa Province was diagnosed as being infected by the virus. She has since recovered. According to the health ministry, Viet Nam reported a total 58 bird flu fatalities. All five people who were diagnosed with the H5N1 strand of the virus in 2009 died from the infection.

28.02.2010 Chile - Great Earthquake (Update)
The Great earthquake in Chile has produced numerous aftershocks along a 600 km line from Santiago to Temuco. There are 21 active volcanoes close to the earthquake epicentres. It is possible that volcanic activity may increase in the area as a result of the earthquakes. The tsunami wave traveled 11,000 km.
Measured tsunami heights and arrival times (27th Feb, UTC):
Talcahuano, Chile 2.9 m, 06:53 UTC.
Easter Island 0.35 m, 12:05 UTC.
Papeete, Tahiti 0.16 m, 18:10 UTC.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands 0.15 m, 19:18 UTC.
San Diego, USA, 0.13, 20:36 UTC.
Kahului, Maui, 0.98 m, 21:47 UTC.
Port Vila, Vanuatu, 0.4 m, 22:46 UTC.
Norfolk Island, Australia, 0.4 m, 23:00 UTC.
Gold Coast, Australia, 0.2 m, 02:00 UTC (28th Feb).

27.02.2010 Chile - Great Earthquake (magnitude 8.8)
A great earthquake (magnitude 8.8) hit off the coast of Chile, at 3:34 am on Saturday 27th February 2010. A Tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Chile and Peru. A tsunami watch was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, Panama and Costa Rica. Sea level reading indicated a tsunami was generated and hit the coast of Chile with a height of 1.3 m. Large earthquakes sometimes cause nearby volcanoes to erupt. Volcanoes within 200 km radius of the earthquake epicentre include: Nevados de Chillan, Resago, Lomas Blancas, Nevado de Longavi, Laguna del Maule, San Pedro-Pellado, Cerro Azul, Descabezado Grande, Calabozos, and Planchon-Peteroa.

26.02.2010 Japan - Major Earthquake (magnitude 7.0)
A major earthquake (magnitude 7.0) hit the Ryukyu Islands, south of Japan, today at 20:31 UTC (Saturday 27th February at 5:31 am local time). The earthquake triggered a local tsunami warning for areas within 100 km of the epicentre. The closest volcano to the earthquake epicentre is Tori-shima 200 km north.

26.02.2010 Madagascar - Chikungunya
A district in the south east of the impoverished Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is battling a outbreak of the mosquitoborne chikungunya. Chikungunya virus, which is transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, causes high fever, headaches, and severe joint pain that can last several weeks. Around 44,000 families in and around Mananjary, a small port town on the Mananjary River (Fianarantsoa Province), have been affected by the outbreak.

25.02.2010 India - Hepatitis E
More than 160 human cases of Hepatitis E were reported in the Himachal Pradesh capital state Shimla since mid-January. The outbreak was caused by consumption of contaminated water of sewerage.

24.02.2010 Philippines - Measles
With almost 700 cases of measles reported around the country in less than 2 months, health authorities in the Philippines have heightened alert and declared outbreaks in 6 areas. Last Monday, the Department of Health in the Phillipines said that measles outbreaks had been declared in the following areas: Baseco Compound and Moriones in Tondo, Manila province; Barangay Pulang Lupa in Las Pinas City; Central Market in Dasmarinas, Cavite province; San Francisco town in Quezon province; and Balabagan town in Lanao del Sur province. According to a health secretary, the country has already recorded a total of 669 cases, 99 of which were reported in the 2nd week of February 2010. This year, the number of measles cases recorded from 1 Jan to 13 Feb 2010 is 70 per cent higher than the same period of the previous year.

23.02.2010 Thailand (Bangkok) - Rabies
The Bangkok City Hall is preparing 400,000 doses of the rabies vaccine for dogs and cats in Bangkok to prevent the spread of the disease among animals during the hot season. The move is aimed at allaying public fears after the owner of a pet shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market died from rabies on Sun 14 Feb 2010. The woman was a Public Health Ministry official and owner of the Take Care Pet Shop at the market. She died from rabies after being bitten by one of her dogs. The victim bought dogs from a pet farm in Chiang Mai province to sell at the weekend market. She was bitten by a 3 year old Rottweiler. The dog later died, followed by another 8 pets at the victim's house. Bangkok deputy governor Malinee Sukavejworakit said the doses of the rabies vaccine will be available free in Bangkok beginning in March 2010 to control the disease. Strays will also be caught and injected.

22.02.2010 Indonesia (Bali) - Dengue
Dengue fever outbreak is expected to reach its peak this month as the number of patients soars. Data at the Sanglah Hospital, the island's largest medical facility, shows that the daily average number of dengue fever patients is growing, a 50 percent increase from January. Nowadays, currently dengue fever patients occupy 15 percent of the hospital's beds total of 750. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

21.02.2010 Zambia - Cholera
Lusaka has so far recorded 30 cases of cholera with Chipata Township recording the highest number of cases. The Ministry of Health reported yesterday that the number of confirmed cases had continued to rise in Lusaka and that Chipata Township had recorded 25 cases. Kanyama Township recorded three cholera cases while two other cases were in two other townships. The ministry had continued distributing chlorine in all the townships to help prevent the further spread of the waterborne disease.

20.02.2010 Cambodia - Diarrhea
A 28-year-old man has died and six more young people are seriously ill with diarrhea in Kampong Leng district, Kampong Chhnang province. District Governor Mean Eang Ly said no cases of cholera have been confirmed in his district, and that he is focusing on educating people about how to prevent the spread of diarrhea. Meanwhile, diarrhea cases seem to have decreased in Kampong Speu province after health officials implemented education campaigns in the area.

19.02.2010 Kenya - Cholera
Seven people are suspected to have died of cholera in two western Kenya districts. Five of the deaths occurred in Teso North District. Last week, four people died in Osajai village after suffering severe diarrhea and vomiting.

18.02.2010 Indonesia - Diphtheria
The local health agency in Bangkalan regency, East Java, is closely monitoring three districts following a recent outbreak of diphtheria in the area that has killed at least two children. The special monitoring has been implemented in Burneh, Blega and Tanah Merah districts. Less than a week after the deaths, two elementary school and a junior high school students in Burneh and Tanah Merah were also found to have the disease. Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The most common sites of infection are the tonsils and the pharynx, and a higher percentage of carriers are found among children below 15 years of age. The most frequent complications of diphtheria are myocarditis, which can lead to heart failure, and pneumonia, which can lead to respiratory failure.

17.02.2010 Indonesia - Chikungunya
At least 420 people in Sidomulyo, South Lampung regency (Sumatra), have been infected with the mosquito-borne chikungunya disease since early in the month, prompting local health authorities to declare the outbreak an emergency.

15.02.2010 Colombia - Dengue Fever
Colombia had reported a total of 11,179 cases of Dengue Fever with 30 deaths so far this year. In the southwestern Colombian city of Cali, 718 suspected cases of Dengue Fever attended the city's medical centres between January and February. Four children and an adult were claimed by the infection. Local authorities had declared a health emergency.

14.02.2010 USA - Mumps
In the United States, an outbreak of Mumps affecting 1,521 people was reported in New York and New Jersey. The outbreak started in June last year affecting mainly the Jewish community.

13.02.2010 Honduras - Dengue Fever
Honduras had recorded 1,406 cases of Dengue Fever for the first 4 weeks of January 2010, which represents an increase of 57 percent when compared to the same period of 2009.

12.02.2010 Egypt - Avian Influenza (Human)
Egypt announced a new human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The victim is a 37-year-old male from Helwan District, Helwan Governorate. He was admitted to hospitals. So far, a total of 97 cases with 27 deaths had been reported in Egypt.

11.02.2010 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human)
In Indonesia, one confirmed human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza were reported in Bekasi and Jakarta respectively. The 25-year-old victim from Bekasi died on 25 January this year while the 3-year-old victim from Jakarta had recovered. In addition, another suspected human case was reported in Lampung where dead chickens were tested positive for avian flu virus.

10.02.2010 Egypt - Avian Influenza (Human)
The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced 2 new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The 1st case is a 40-year-old female from Banha District in Daqahliya Governorate. She developed symptoms on 31 Jan 2010 and was hospitalized on 2 Feb 2010, where she received oseltamivir treatment. She is in stable condition. The 2nd case is a 29-year-old female from Elsadat District, Menofya Governorate. She developed symptoms on 27 Jan 2010 and was hospitalized on 3 Feb 2010, where she received oseltamivir treatment. She is in critical condition. Investigations into the source of infection indicated that both cases had exposure to sick and dead poultry. The cases were confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories, a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN). Of the 96 laboratory confirmed cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) reported in Egypt, 27 have been fatal. These are the 5th and 6th cases to be reported in 2010.

09.02.2010 Thailand - Cholera
In Thailand, Pattani province had reported more than 80 cases of Cholera since the beginning of 2010. None of the patients is in critical condition. Pipe water in the villages has been found to be infected with Cholera bacteria. Villagers in 12 districts have contracted the disease.

08.02.2010 Papua New Guinea - Cholera
In Papua New Guinea, another 500 people have been infected with Cholera over the holiday period, raising the total to about 1,900 cases. Close to 40 people died since the beginning of the outbreak more than 5 months ago. A first case of Cholera has been reported in the capital Port Moresby.

07.02.2010 South Africa - Measles
About 250 cases of Measles were reported in Western Cape province in the past five months. Eastern Cape had also experienced a surge in Measles cases during the past month.

06.02.2010 Haiti - Earthquake (Update)
In Haiti, there was recent growing caseload of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases in the camps. There were also reports of suspected cases of Rubella and Tetanus. The Ministry of Health, with support from Pan American Health Organization of World Health Organization, United Nation Children’s Fund and non-governmental partners, began a targeted immunization campaign on 2 February, focusing on populations in temporary settlements. The immunization campaign includes Rubella and Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccines for children under 7 years of age and Diphtheria and Tetanus for older.

05.02.2010 Japan - Fukutoku-Okanoba Volcano
An underwater eruption occurred 5 km north-northwest of Iwo Jima Island, Japan on 3rd February. The eruption was observed by Japanese coast guard. Ash and steam was visible rising 100 m above the ocean surface. Yellow-green colour was visible on the ocean surface in December 2009. The volcano last erupted in 2005. A temorary island has formed on three occasions.

04.02.2010 Egypt - Avian Influenza (Human)
Egypt announced three new human cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The victims were a one-and-a-half-year-old child, a 3-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man from Ad Daqahliyah governorate, Assiut Governorate and Ash Sharqiyah respectively. They were admitted to hospitals and in stable condition. A total of 94 cases had been reported in Egypt including 27 deaths.

03.02.2010 Peru - Landslides
Since 23 January 2010, following heavy rainfall and flooding, major landslides have occurred in all provinces and departments of Cusco Region, Peru. Train services from Cusco and Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the principle access point to Machu Picchu, have been suspended due to track damage. One tourist from Argentina and two tour guides have been confirmed as killed on the Inca trail as a result of a landslide.

02.02.2010 Marshall Islands - Tuberculosis (MDR)
In less than two months the number of people with the drug-resistant disease has risen from six to 10 in the western Pacific nation. The Majuro Hospital are already in the process of doubling the bed capacity in the TB isolation unit.

01.02.2010 Vanuatu - Eruption at Gaua Volcano (Update)
Eruptions have increased at Gaua volcano, Vanuatu during January. Ash emissions have increased significantly since 16th January. Ash emissions reached a height 3000 m. Strombolian eruptions occurred on 24th January. Explosions were seen and heard from villages on the east coast of Gaua on 29th January. Water level in Lake Letas has risen up to 30 cm since 22nd January. People are advised to avoid the volcano until further notice.

31.01.2010 Vietnam - Cholera
45 people were hospitalised for acute diarrhoea last week in An Phu General Hospital, An Giang Province, seven of whom tested positive for the vibrio cholera bacteria, according to a Ministry of Health report last Friday.

30.01.2010 Indonesia - Dengue
Since December 2009, 176 people have been hospitalized and 2 people have died in East Kalimantan of Indonesia after infected with Dengue Fever. Local expert claimed the outbreak was already out of control. Local authority in Jember regency of East Java has recorded a total of 141 cases of dengue fever in the first 11 days in 2010 and the number is expected to increase in coming weeks. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

29.01.2010 Egypt - Avian Influenza (Human)
The Ministry of Health in Egypt reported the 91st human case of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The case was a 20-year-old woman from Beni Suef, Beba District. She developed symptoms on 6 January. Her family reported that she had contact with sick and dead poultry. She remained in a stable condition.

28.01.2010 Zimbabwe - Measles (Update)
In Zimbabwe, an estimated 1,052 suspected cases and 161 confirmed cases of Measles were reported respectively. At least 41 people died from the disease. Harare, the capital, was the most affected place and recorded an accumulative 52 confirmed cases of the disease by 10 January. The spread of the disease was attributed to the reluctance of receiving measles vaccination on religious grounds in some people.

27.01.2010 Israel - Mumps
Over the past 4 months some 600 cases of mumps have been reported in the Jerusalem district and over 850 nationally in Israel, the majority of whom (70 percent) have been male. Case investigation has shown that the outbreak emerged in male attended religious high schools and colleges (yeshivas). Female cases have been mainly secondary, household contacts.

26.01.2010 Yemen - Dengue
A major dengue outbreak has been occurring in the Taiz governorate. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

25.01.2010 Philippines - Rabies (Human)
In Virac (Province of Catanduanes), a 23 year old man from Bigaa district died of rabies 2 months after being bitten by a dog. Catanduanes is one of the the 7107 islands that comprise the Philippines.

24.01.2010 Chile - Hanta Virus
The Regional Secretary of the Ministry of Health of the Araucania region, Loreto Uribe, has confirmed a new case of a hantavirus infection in the area. The affected person was a youth of 24 years, a resident of the Lumaco area, who several months ago moved from the Biobio region to Araucania to work in this rural area.

23.01.2010 Australia - Melioidosis
In Australia, 9 new cases of Melioidosis were reported in Northern Territory in the past one month. The bacterium causing the disease lives below the soil surface. People may get infected while walking in muddy water and handling water or mud-soaked items after flooding.

22.01.2010 Nicaragua - Dengue Fever
Nicaragua declared a state of health emergency in the Leon municipality, 90 km northwest of the capital Managua, in facing an outbreak of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF), after confirming the death of a woman due to DHF and the hospitalization of 2 pregnant women and a youth of 12 years of age. At least 10 cases of Dengue Fever have presented in the Leon municipality. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

21.01.2010 Nepal - Enteric Fever
In Nepal, 40 Israeli travellers contracted Enteric Fever after travelling in Pokhara.

20.01.2010 Cote d'Ivoire - Yellow fever (Update)
Local Health Department in Cote d'Ivoire reported a Yellow Fever outbreak of 10 suspected cases and 6 deaths in Minignan and Madinani health districts of Denguele region. The affected areas are in the north-western part of the country near the Guinea and Mali borders. The Ministry of Health began vaccinating people in nearby areas.

19.01.2010 Cambodia - Dengue Fever
The number of Dengue Fever infection in Cambodia rose in 2009, but the number of fatality was significantly lower than that in 2008. There were 11,625 cases of Dengue Fever and 36 deaths in 2009, compared with 9,245 cases and 65 deaths in 2008.

18.01.2010 Peru - Rabies (Human)
The Health Department in Peru reported that 7 children died in Amazonas, presumably of a bat-related Rabies outbreak. The disease has been found in several specimens of bats that live in the area, and all the victims showed typical symptoms of Rabies.

17.01.2010 Guinea - Yellow Fever
Guinea confirmed a case of Yellow Fever in the Mandiana prefecture. A total of 6 other suspected cases were reported by the health services in another district. The authority has announced the launching of a routine vaccination campaign in the Mandiana area in January 2010.

16.01.2010 Guadeloupe - Dengue
In Guadeloupe of France, a sudden and significant increase in the number of Dengue Fever cases was observed. In the past 3 weeks, 89 cases were laboratory confirmed. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.

15.01.2010 South Africa - Malaria
More than 947 confirmed cases of Malaria were reported in Limpopo since the start of the rainy season, and the number of patients was expected to soar.

14.01.2010 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human)
A new human case of avian influenza (H5N1) virus infection was reported in Indonesia. This would be the 162nd since 2005 and the 1st in 2010. The patient, a 4-year-old child, has recovered but remains in hospital for observation. The child had been in contact with a dead backyard chicken. A suspected 2nd human case of avian influenza (H5N1) is being treated in the same hospital. The patient is severely ill and the outcome of laboratory tests is awaited. It is not known whether this patient had any contact with diseased fowl. Both patients are resident in Pekanbaru, Riau province.

13.01.2010 Haiti - Mayor Earthquake (Update)
A major earthquake (magnitude 7.0) hit Port Au Prince, Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2010 at 04:53 pm local time. Many buildings have collapsed in the capital, causing tens of thousands of casualties, and deaths. The earthquake hit along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone (EPGFZ) which extends from Jamaica through the southern peninsula of Haiti to the Dominican Republic.

12.01.2010 Haiti Region - Mayor Earthquake
Today, at 21:53 UTC a mayor earthquake with magnitude 7.0 occurred 15km SW of Port-Au-Prince/Haiti

10.01.2010 Costa Rica - Eruption at Turrialba Volcano (Update)
A new crater has formed on the eastern side of the summit of Turrialba volcano, Costa Rica, along with a new fissure 65 x 20 m in diameter on the western side of the summit. Blocks from the eruption on 5th January were ejected towards the west. Thirty-six people have been evacuated from the slopes of the volcano. Residents are being warned to stay at least 6 km from the crater.

08.01.2010 Democratic Republic of Congo - Nyamuragira Volcano
The volcano erupted on Jan 2nd 2010 and the eruption continues at Nyamuragira volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In only 4 days lava has traveled 21 kilometers, and is only 7 kilometers from the Goma-Sake road. Four craters were active at the beginning of the eruption. The lava flows are still within the boundaries of Virunga National Park. Volcanologists from Goma said lava could reach the Goma-Sake road within 2 to 3 days. Chimpanzees of Tongo have not been harmed.

07.01.2010 Saudi Arabia - Alkhurma Virus
Laboratory tests in Jeddah confirmed 4 cases of Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever (AHFV) disease in Makkah province. These are the 1st cases after an absence since 2003. The 4 people living in neighborhoods north of the Jeddah. Alkhurma virus is a flavivirus related to Kysanur Forest disease virus. From 8 Feb 2001 to 9 Feb 2003, a total of 37 cases of acute viral hemorrhagic fever were identified in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and 20 of them were laboratory confirmed. Acute febrile flu-like illness with hepatitis (100 percent), hemorrhagic manifestations (55 percent), and encephalitis (20 percent) were the main clinical features. The case fatality rate was 25 percent. The original report indicated that the virus seemed to be transmitted from sheep or goats to humans by mosquito bites, soft ticks or direct contact with infected animals.

06.01.2010 Costa Rica - Volcanic Eruption at Turrialba
Today, an eruption occurred at Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica. The eruption emitted ash and gas. The volcano had been showing signs of activity since the weekend. Twenty people were evacuated. This is the first eruption at the volcano since 1866.

05.01.2010 Philippines - Volcanic Activity at Mayon Volkano
Activity continues at Mayon volcano, Philippines. Over the past day 21 rockfall events were recorded by seismographs, and were related to lava avalanches. The alert status of Mayon volcano was lowered from 4 to 3 on 2nd January.

04.01.2010 Solomon Island Region - Mayor Earthquake
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit 22 km ENE of Coleman Seamount in the Solomon Islands at 9:36 am local time on 4th January 2010. A tsunami possibly hit uninhabited Tetepare Island. Landslides occurred on Tetepare and Rendova islands. More than 500 homes were destroyed in Marovo. Kavachi is an active undersea volcano 88 km SE of the earthquake epicentre.

03.01.2010 India (Jaipur) - Poliomyelitis
In 2009, the state recorded three cases of Poliomyelitis. During the nation-wide pulse polio drive to be held on January 10 this year, the Dept of Health in India have plans for more intense efforts in the Bharatpur region, especially among the areas near Uttar Pradesh. Two of the three polio cases in 2009 have been reported from Bharatpur district.

02.01.2010 Portugal (Madeira)/exEquatorial Guinea - Malaria
Three people are sick with malaria in the Madeira archipelago of Portugal. One is in intensive care for complications of the disease in the Central Hospital of Funchal; the other 2 remain hospitalized but stabilized. These people from Madeira were working in Equatorial Guinea and returned for the Christmas holidays. There is a 4th, a Brazilian national who also may be infected and is undergoing diagnostic tests. Although they are cases of imported malaria, it is noteworthy that the archipelago of Madeira has a sub-tropical humid climate, conducive to the development of emerging diseases which are usually more prevalent in the tropics.
For example, for about the last 3 years the presence of the vector _Aedes aegypti_ has been documented, and it is now endemic in Madeira, posing the threat of dengue in the short term. In the archipelago, including the island of Porto Santo, weather conditions have allowed the survival of _Anopheles_. Studies indicate that the next 30 years will see the emergence of diseases in Madeira, such as dengue, yellow fever, and malaria.

01.01.2010 Indonesia (Sumatra) - Chikungunya
More than 12,000 people in Lampung province in the Southeast of Sumatra have reportedly contracted the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus since mid December 2009, the highest recorded number in the last 10 years, says the provincial Health Agency.

31.12.2009 Cote D'Ivoire - Yellow Fever (Update) A total of 21 people have died in an outbreak of yellow fever since the disease was detected in November 2009 in Cote d'Ivoire's northern province of Ordienne. A total of 37 suspected cases were also reported in the province.


30.12.2009 Indonesia - Rabies on Bali (Update) We have received updated information from the Bali Animal Welfare Association about human rabies deaths since the present outbreak was identified in mid-2008. There have now been 27 human deaths in total. All of those previously listed as actual or suspected are now confirmed as rabies deaths. The ages of several of the victims have been corrected. A 32-year-old man, originally of Flores Island (NTT - Lesser Sunda Islands), and only recently arrived in Bali, appears to have been the 1st victim to be bitten, in July 2008. He was apparently bitten by a dog brought from Flores and died on 17 Jan 2009. However, 5 other people had died before his death. The last 3 victims are a 37-year-old person from Denpasar and a 28-year-old person from Tabanan, both died on December 24th 2009 and a 35-year-old person from Gianyar, who died on December 20th 2009.


29.12.2009 USA (Pennsylvania) - Shigellosis According to a health advisory issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH), they have received 14 reports of shigellosis in the Reading, Pennsylvania metro area. Of the 14 reported cases, 9 are children, two teenagers and 3 adults. It affects at least 2 schools and there is suspected links to day cares. More severe complications may include convulsions in children, Reiter's syndrome and hemolytic uremic syndrome depending on the species of Shigella implicated.


28.12.2009 Cote D'Ivoire - Yellow Fever (Update) An epidemic of yellow fever rages in the north of Cote D'Ivoire, with 12 cases confirmed until Dec 24th 2009. An unexpected epidemic in the Denguele region, declared by the WHO and the Ivorian authorities in mid-November 2009 (see 24.11.2009), was extended in this area and old savanna region (in the far north, bordering on Mali). Up to Dec 24th, 36 suspected cases, of which 12 are confirmed by Institute Pasteur of Cote D'Ivoire, were reported, with 19 deaths. With the technical and financial support from WHO, the Ministry will vaccinate about 300,000 people in the region of Denguele from 26-31 Dec 2009 to prevent the spread of the epidemic and to protect persons not yet affected.


27.12.2009 Malaysia - Dengue Fever About 4,000 cases of Dengue Fever with 5 deaths were reported in Sarawak. This represented a 3-fold increase as compared with the same period last year. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.


26.12.2009 Kenya - Anthrax (Human) One person has died and several others have been admitted to hospital suspected to be infected with anthrax in Trans Mara District. The district hospital reported, more than 40 person asked for for treatment after they had eaten infected meat. One person had died, 3 had been admitted to hospital, while 39 others with mild symptoms were treated and discharged. The affected area was prone to anthrax outbreaks. In October 2009, one person died and 33 others were admitted to hospital after eating the carcass of an infected animal. There are fears that more infections might occur as hundreds of animals continue to be slaughtered for the end of year festivities without being inspected.


25.12.2009 Pakistan (Karachi) - Skin Diseases A large number of people living in the coastal areas of Karachi, majority of them children and women, are suffering from various skin diseases such as scabies, ectoparasite skin infection and eczema due to polluted water and lack of hygiene. The residents of these areas are mostly poor fishermen. The skin diseases have spread on a vast scale in coastal areas such as Rehri Goth, Ibrahim Hyderi and other areas of Bin Qasim Town. Every third adult and second child in Ibrahim Hyderi is suffering from a skin disease and it seems that outbreak is spreading rapidly, a doctor at a medical centre in the area reported.


24.12.2009 Australia - Dengue Fever In Australia, Queensland health authorities announced that there had been 10 confirmed Dengue Fever cases in the latest outbreak which began in Townsville in early November. The authorities fear that there might be a bigger outbreak once the wet season begins.


23.12.2009 Cambodia - Avian Influenza (Human) Cambodia announced a confirmed human case of H5N1 Avian Influenza. The 57-year-old male, from Kampong Cham Province developed symptoms on 11 December. The case was admitted to Hospital and in a stable condition. The authority is conducting field investigations into the source of his infection. Of the 9 cases confirmed to date in Cambodia, 7 have been fatal.


22.12.2009 United Kingdom - Mumps The authority in United Kingdom is urging college and university students to protect themselves with 2 doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination after a surge in the number of cases of Mumps in the country.


21.12.2009 Zimbabwe - Measles There was an outbreak of Measles affecting more than 340 cases so far in Zimbabwe. The affected areas included the districts of Bubi, Murambinda, Makoni, Chipinge, Chirumanzu, Zvishavane and Marondera. The reason of this outbreak was mainly because of local people who denied their children of vaccination.


20.12.2009 Philippines - Volcanic Activity at MAYON Volcano
Today, Mayon volcano has been raised to level 4 alert (out of maximum 5). This means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within days. An extended danger zone has been declared in a radius of 8 km from the summit at the southern sector and 7 km at northern sector. Areas outside of this Extended Danger Zone should prepare for evacuation in the event explosive eruptions intensify. Over the past day 222 volcanic earthquakes were recorded at Mayon volcano, Philippines. One explosion occurred which produced a plume rising 500 m above the summit. Harmonic tremors were continuously recorded by the seismic instruments. There was an intense crater glow at night and incandescent lava continuously rolled down the slopes. A lava flow extends 4.5 kilometers downslope from the crater along Bonga-Buyuan Gully. Sulphur Dioxide emission increased from 2,034 to 7,024 tonnes per day. At least 40,000 people have been evacuated from the danger zone surrounding Mayon volcano. Evacuation centers have been set up in Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, and Guinobatan towns; and Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao Cities. Residents are being removed from a 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano. A lahar risk is present on the southern side of the volcano, and residents have been warned to avoid river channels, especially after periods of rainfall. Lahars following the 2006 eruption of Mayon volcano killed 1200 people.


19.12.2009 Hongkong - Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Twenty children at a Tuen Mun kindergarten-childcare centre have fallen ill with hand, foot and mouth disease, the Centre for Health Protection in Hongkong confirmed. The nine boys and 11 girls aged two to five developed oral ulcers and a rash over their hands and feet from December 7. They all sought medical treatment and are stable.


18.12.2009 New Zealand - Measles (In-Flight-Exposure) Health authorities in New Zealand currently trying to contact 84 people exposed to measles by a baby who flew from London to Christchurch via Auckland. The baby arrived in Auckland on Air New Zealand flight NZ1 on Mon 7 Dec 2009, before travelling to Christchurch on flight NZ509. Auckland and Canterbury health authorities are trying to contact people sitting near the baby on both flights; for the international leg, 56 people sitting in rows 56-60 were at risk while 28 people sitting in rows 13-17 were exposed on the domestic flight. It is important people in those rows were alerted to the risk of measles because it is serious and highly infectious disease which could spread rapidly in unimmunised groups. These passengers, or their family members, who have symptoms suggestive of measles are advised to immediately seek advice from a doctor. Call ahead to alert your doctor or practice nurse about the possibility of measles as this will allow them to arrange to assess you safely without infecting others. People who suspect they may have measles should avoid contact with young children and pregnant women. The baby's parents had taken it to their doctor for cold-like symptoms before travelling. They were given antibiotics but measles was not suspected. They've done what any other parent would do - they've sought advice and they've followed that advice. It had not become apparent that the baby had the measles until this week. Those most at risk of contracting the disease were those who had not had the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or who had just had one dose of it. Anyone born before 1969 was likely to be immune without having had the vaccine due to prior exposure to measles virus infection. Measles is spread by breathing, coughing and sneezing, and can cause a rash, high fever, runny nose and sore, watery eyes. It is occasionally fatal. The measles incubation period is up to 21 days.


17.12.2009 India (Delhi) - Dengue The tally of those affected by dengue in the capitol Delhi since the beginning of this year crossed the 1,100 mark. With the onset of winter, the health department is hoping that the number of dengue cases will drop, since the breeding of the carrier mosquito cannot occur below 15 deg C [59 deg F]. In 2008, the national capital reported 2 dengue deaths and a total of 1,312 cases.


16.12.2009 Taiwan - Dengue So far this year there have been 648 local infections with dengue with 2 deaths. The Taiwan authorities of the Department of Health said last week that this year's local dengue fever is concentrated in Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County, namely, Kaohsiung City 438 cases, Kaohsiung County 81 cases and 64 cases in Pingtung County. Because since the beginning of winter in southern Taiwan the high temperature has not decreased, the epidemic remains high.


15.12.2009 Philippines - Eruption at Mayon Volcano
More than 30,000 people have been evacuated from an eruption of Mayon volcano in the Philippines. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level for the Mayon volcano Monday night to 3 out of a maximum 5, indicating a larger eruption could occur "within days to weeks." There are at least 50,000 people who need to be moved to a safer location. Most of the residents that are targeted for forced evacuation are on the southern side of the volcano around Camalig, Daraga and some parts of Legazpi City. The volcano is showing signs of increased activity, including an increase in volcanic earthquakes, strong crater glow, and lava flows.


14.12.2009 Brazil - Dengue The number of recorded dengue cases in the cities of Caceres and Cuiaba in Mato Grosso state increased from 688 in October to 4,878 in November 2009, with a total of 5,179 for all of 2009.


13.12.2009 Canada (Ontario) - Mumps The outbreak at Nipissing University and Canadore College last month (traced to someone who travelled outside of the country) has spread to West Nipissing, with a total of 13 confirmed cases in the district. The average age of people infected is 20 and has been primarily males.


12.12.2009 Central African Republic - Yellow Fever The Department of Health in the Central African Republic reported 4 suspected cases of Yellow Fever in the Prefecture of Ombella Mpoko and Prefecture of La Lobaye. Three of them died of the disease.


11.12.2009 USA - Dengue Fever 20 local cases of Dengue Fever were reported in Key West, Florida. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.


10.12.2009 Indonesia - Avian Influenza (Human - susp.) A suspected human case of Avian Influenza was reported in West Sumatra. The victim was a 37-year-old man who had contact with dead ducks before falling ill.


09.12.2009 China - Hepatitis C Today, health authorities in east China's Anhui Province confirmed that 16 renal patients have been infected with hepatitis C after receiving dialysis at a local hospital. Aided by experts sent by the Ministry of Health, health departments in Huoshan County have provided free health checks for 58 dialysis patients in the county hospital. Once the provincial medical diagnostic center confirmed that the patients were infected with Hepatitis C, they would receive free treatment at the county hospital. Free medical examination would also be carried out for the patients' family members. The hospital had just expanded the dialysis room by 160 square meters and added four new dialysis machines in order to separate the patients and reduce the infection rate. Provincial health authorities are still testing the blood and investigating the cause of the incident.


07.12.2009 Philippines - Anthrax At least 50 people from the remote Isabela village in Luzon/Philippines have been hospitalized after having contact with anthrax-contaminated carabao (water buffalo) meat. According to reports, the victims, all residents of Dicamay 2 in Jones, Isabela, showed signs of anthrax infection after consuming meat of carabaos believed to have been infected with anthrax. In addition to the number of villagers affected, reports also indicated that at least 6 carabaos have already died due to anthrax since 16 Oct 2009.


06.12.2009 India - Encephalitis The eastern districts of Uttar Pradesh have been affected by encephalitis and the death toll has risen to 552.


05.12.2009 Malaysia - Cholera Malaysia reported two outbreaks of Cholera in Kuala Terengganu and Sabah states respectively. A total of 185 and 18 cases were reported in the respective states. The disease spread through contaminated food and drinks because of unhygienic food handling.


04.12.2009 India - Dengue Fever 999 cases of Dengue Fever with 2 deaths were reported in Delhi so far this year. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.


03.12.2009 England/exSpain - E. coli O 157 As of 27 November 2009, 14 cases of gastrointestinal illness with onset dates ranging from 12 to 21 November 2009 and travel history to Benidorm, Spain were reported in United Kingdom. The causative agent was E. coli O157. The source of the infection had not yet been identified.


02.12.2009 Taiwan - Dengue Fever Taiwan reported more than 70 indigenous Dengue Fever cases at the end of November, making a total of 387 cases since summer this year. The affected areas were mostly in southern Taiwan including Kaohsiung City, Kaohsiung County and Pingtung County. Spread by mosquito, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Travelers should use repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and Permethrin on clothing, bedding and mosquito netting and wear light-weight long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors.


01.12.2009 Vietnam - Avian Influenza (Human)
A 23-year-old man has died of avian influenza, bringing Vietnam's bird-flu death toll to five this year, health officials in Vietnam said today, also confirming two more deaths from swine flu. The Ministry of Health in Vietnam reported the man, from the north-western town of Dien Bien Phu, was admitted to hospital with high fever and respiratory illness on November 26, and died two days later. Samples from his body tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus. Health authorities said that the patient had eaten duck's blood curd a week before developing symptoms.

Source: WHO, CDC, ISID, Eurosurveillance, ProMED, RKI, OIE, Volcanolive, Int. Press,...

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