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Antibiotic resistant gonorrhea detected
A new gonorrhea “superbug” has hit Japan. This new strain, named H041, is reportedly resistant to all existing antibiotics. Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, is not fatal but is is extremely widespread causing approximately 340 million cases annually worldwide. In the United States, the CDC reports that gonorrhea developed resistance to certain antibiotics (penicillin and tetracycline) as early as the 1980s. While no cases of H041 have been identified outside of Japan, the prevalence of gonorrhea and its increasing antibiotic resistance give reason for concern. Gonorrhea can cause pain during intercourse, scarring of the reproductive tract, increased susceptibility to HIV, and if left untreated, infertility.
Type-3 Polio Detected in Pakistan
Lab testing confirmed a child in Pakistan’s Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Area was infected with wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3). This discovery has important implications for polio eradication of this strain as the last WPV3 case in Asia was in November 2010. Of the three polio strains, WPV1 is the most widespread, WPV2 has been eradicated, and WPV3 is primarily in Asia where cases have been declining. The detection of WPV3 raises the spectre of its potential spread to other parts of Asia. Pakistan is one of only four remaining polio-endemic countries. For current data on global polio cases this year, visit the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Food Poisoning in Ukrainian Summer Camps
At the "Albatros” summer camp in Sevastepol, 78 children and 6 teachers have been hospitalized with food poisoning. According to preliminary data, the children ate “low-quality” food, which tends to include products served that have been inadequately refrigerated during summer months. Most all of those affected suffered only mild symptoms and are expected to recover quickly.
Two other regions - Zaporozhyea and Chernihiv – have reported similar cases in summer camps with children suffering from acute intestinal infections and symptoms of foodborne disease. A total of 34 children (18 and 16 respectively from the regions) required hospitalization and or medical care.
В оздоровительном лагере «Альбатрос» под Севастополем отравились 78 детей из России Отравившиеся дети были госпитализированы в инфекционную больницу Севастополя. По предварительным данным, дети употребили некачественные продукты питания. Состояние детей - легкой и средней степени тяжести.
Запорожская область, с подозрением на острую кишечную инфекцию в инфекционное отделение было госпитализировано 6 детей, которые находились на отдыхе в детском оздоровительном заведении «Салют» г. Приморск Запорожской области. Дети получили адекватное лечение.
Черниговская область, в детском спортивно-оздоровительному лагере «Колос» в с. Бигач Менского района Черниговской области выявлен 21 ребенок с признаками пищевой токсикоинфекции. Из них 16 госпитализированы в инфекционное отделение Черниговской областной детской больницы. Остальным предоставлена необходима медицинская помощь.
Undiagnosed Deaths in Chiang Mai Possibly Due to Insecticide
As written in a March 23, 2011 HealthMap blog entry, there have been seven mysterious deaths since January 2011 linked to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Downtown Inn. The undiagnosed deaths prompted travel warnings to be issued for the popular tourist destination, and led authorities to investigate many different potential causes (mushroom poisoning, toxic seaweed, and pure coincidence to name a few).
New findings released by a New Zealand news investigation team suggests the tourist deaths are connected, and due to a toxic bed bug insecticide. Small traces of the insecticide Chlorpyrifos were found in the hotel rooms where the victims had stayed. While additional test samples have been sent to the US Centers for Disease Control as well as Osaka University in Japan, other pesticides are now being looked at, as health officials work to determine the cause of the deaths.
Leptospirosis in Ukraine
For the first time in 10 years, leptospirosis has returned to the capital of Ukraine. Kiev officials have confirmed cases of leptospirosis in individuals who had gone swimming in a local pond.
Leptospirosis is a dangerous infectious disease that is accompanied by fever, possible liver damage and often requires intensive care treatment. Leptospirosis is sometimes found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine, and primarily occurs in warmer climates. As a general rule, pond beaches in the Ukraine should be decontaminated before swimming is allowed.
Несистемное и очень некачественное проведение малых гидротехнических работ и дератизации (уничтожения грызунов) на киевских пляжах ставит под угрозу здоровье и даже жизнь людей. Так, впервые за 11 лет после последнего зафиксированного случая заболевания, в столицу вернулся лептоспироз.
Это опасное инфекционное заболевание, которое сопровождается волнообразной лихорадкой, поражением печени и, чаще всего, требует реанимационного лечения. Лептоспироз, преимущественно, попадает в воду с мочой больных домашних животных и крыс. Вот почему борьба с грызунами в зонах отдыха людей особо актуальна накануне открытия пляжного сезона.
«В 2010 году были случаи заболевания лептоспирозом и даже уже в 2011. И это на водоемах с официальными пляжами.
Legionnaires' Disease in Latvia
According to the Latvian Centre of Infectology (LTSI) since last autumn, the country has experienced extended cases of the acute infectious disease, legionellosis (or Legionnaires' disease). This month, Latvia has confirmed the death of one individual due to Legionella.
Experts have determined that all cases of infection have occurred in apartment buildings. This is typically the case for Legionnaires’ disease, as it prospers in humid, confined, and heavily populated spaces.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
“Legionnaires' disease primarily affects the lungs, it occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.”
“A mild form of Legionnaires' disease — known as Pontiac fever — may produce symptoms including fever, chills, headache and muscle aches. Pontiac fever doesn't infect your lungs, and symptoms usually clear within two to five days.”
По информации Латвийского центра инфектологии (ЛЦИ), начиная с осени прошлого года по стране стало резко распространяться опасное острое инфекционное заболевание легионеллез ("болезнь легионеров"). В этом году в результате этой болезни уже скончался один человек.
Как отмечает NRA, эксперты установили, что все случаи заражения произошли в квартирах многоквартирных домов.
Легионеллез (питтсбургская пневмония, понтиакская лихорадка, легионелла-инфекция) — редкое острое инфекционное заболевание. Заболевание протекает, как правило, с выраженной лихорадкой, общей интоксикацией, поражением легких, центральной нервной системы, органов пищеварения, возможно развитие синдрома полиорганной недостаточности.
Swine Flu Overwhelms Venezuela
Today, the Venezuelan government confirmed 415 cases of H1N1 influenza in Venezuela. This is twice as many cases as there were last week, meaning that the outbreak is quickly spreading throughout the country. Many schools such as ones in Mérida have closed in order to prevent the further spread of the disease. With about 900 other cases suspected in the country, public health officials recommend that Venezuelans get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Chickenpox in Ukraine
There have been many reports of children in nursery schools in Lviv, Ukraine having symptoms indicative of chickenpox. In one nursery, 10 children became ill, and an outbreak of chickenpox was declared. Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets. Children most commonly affected are typically between the ages of 6 months and 7 years.
Из детских садов города Львова стали поступать сообщения от воспитателей и мам о том, что у детей появились все признаки ветрянки. В одном из садиков в группе заболели уже 10 детей. В этом детсаду врачи уже объявили об эпидемии ветрянки. Ветрянка (ветряная оспа) - острая вирусная инфекция, передающаяся воздушно-капельным путем. Заболевают ветрянкой, как правило, дети в возрасте от 6 месяцев до 7 лет.
Meningitis in Ukraine
On February 11th, in Zakarpatie, about 60 people were hospitalized, suspected of having the deadly disease - meningitis. Most of the patients are associated with a local Roma camp. The town is in a panic and many are afraid of becoming infected from the Roma people. Parents are not letting their children outside and most others are trying to stay indoors. “Everybody is scared, the same as last year during the outbreak of the swine flu.” Locals say that the Roma district had suffered from meningitis in the past, but do not recall such a widespread event.
It is suspected that an epidemic of meningitis has the potential to touch other parts of Ukraine. On January 28, in Svyatoshynskyi district of Kiev, a second-grade boy died from meningitis while other children were infected.
The most common symptoms of viral meningitis are high fever, vomiting and headache. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is therefore classified as a medical emergency.
На Закарпатье уже госпитализировано около 60 пациентов с подозрением на смертельную болезнь - менингококк. Большинство заболевших - это представители местного цыганского табора.
В городе паника - люди боятся заразиться от цыган. Местные не пускают детей на улицу и сами стараются меньше выходить. "Все перепуганы, как в прошлом году во время эпидемии "свиного гриппа". Местные говорят, что в ромском районе и раньше болели менингитом, но такой мощной эпидемии не припоминают.
Похоже эпидемия менингококка может затронуть всю Украину. 28 января в Святошинском районе Киева от менингита умер второклассник. Признаки вирусного менингита - температура до 40, рвота, головная боль.
Chlamydia Epidemic in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has issued a warning over the growing number of cases of chlamydia, particularly among youths. “If you are under 30 and you are breathing you need a chlamydia test," stated the deputy chief medical officer. Although over 1,800 New Brunswick youths have been diagnosed, a focus group has revealed that most youths in New Brunswick are unaware of the risks infection poses. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to infertility in both women and men if untreated (although sterility is a very rare complication in men). Having chlamydia also increases the likelihood of becoming infected with HIV if exposed to it.
Cholera Spreading in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Papau New Guinea
The number of deaths in Greater Accra, Ghana from cholera has risen to six with 505 cases recorded as of February 14. The 1st case was reported on January 10, and the number of cases has continued to rise despite the government’s efforts to combat the outbreak by offering free treatment to those affected and undertaking a public education campaign.
Eleven are now dead and 252 cases suspected due to a cholera outbreak in Côte d’Ivoire’s capital of Abidjan. The epidemic began in Adjame on January 21 and is being attributed to garbage piling up throughout the city. An educational campaign as well as free treatment of cases are both being conducted in an attempt to stop the outbreak.
Cholera cases continue to be recorded in Papau New Guinea (PNG) due to a lack of government funding and an initially poor response to the outbreak. Over 10,000 cases and 483 deaths have been recorded in 7 of 19 PNG provinces since the outbreak began in September 2009.
Playboy Mansion Hit with Legionnaires’ Disease
On February 3, Hugh Hefner hosted a fundraiser for Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue Autism Foundation at the infamous Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in California. Unfortunately, many of his guests became very sick within 24 to 48 hours after leaving the event with severe flu-like symptoms such as coughs, chills, fevers, and respiratory infections. Investigators discovered that these people were experiencing a mild form of Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever. So far, 170 people have been reported with the disease.
Pontiac Fever is a respiratory infection caused by the Legionnella bacteria, which is typically found in water-delivery systems such as shower heads, hot tubs and air conditioners. The Playboy Mansion spread may be linked to a fog machine. Symptoms usually persist for 8-10 days, but resolve themselves without any antibiotics.
The Playboy Mansion is only one of various DOMAINfest Global Conference locations in Santa Monica under investigation for helping spread the disease.
Meningitis on campus
Two US universities have seen meningitis cases recently. In New York, a St. Lawrence University junior has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. At St. Lawrence, approximately 95% of the students have been vaccinated. At Texas A&M, a 20-year old junior living off-campus died of bacterial meningitis on Friday. He was the second student this academic year to be infected at Texas A&M. Texas’ one-year old law requiring meningococcal vaccination does not apply to students living off-campus.
Pneumoccal and meningococcal meningitis are the most common forms of bacterial meningitis. The pnemococcal vaccine routinely given to children under 2. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends everyone between 11-18 years of age be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. According to the National Meningitis Association, there are 1500 cases of bacterial meningitis every year. Many states and schools require the vaccine for incoming freshman. For more information on the vaccine, visit the CDC’s site.
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