This past week saw 491 surveillance posts published on Virus Watcher, with no system alerts triggered. The most frequently discussed diseases included vibriosis (non-cholerae), human rabies, avian influenza H5N1, norovirus, and Ebola. This highlights a diverse range of public health concerns emerging from various regions.
A significant high-severity community alert reported a rapidly spreading Cyclospora outbreak affecting 18 U.S. states, with Michigan experiencing an unusually high number of cases. Concurrently, global attention remains focused on measles, as Bangladesh reported a rising number of suspected measles deaths, and experts noted the effective loss of measles elimination status in the United States.
Ebola outbreaks continue to be a critical issue, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where confirmed cases have risen to 1,155, including 304 deaths. The United Nations has also warned of the potential for a severe economic and development crisis across Africa, estimating costs up to $3.6 billion due to the Bundibugyo strain outbreak for which no vaccine or treatment is yet available. Separately, Nepal is grappling with a surge in avian influenza H5N1 cases, leading to extensive poultry culling and the closure of its only zoo.
The week's top stories
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Cyclospora Outbreak Spreads Across 18 U.S. States A fast-moving Cyclospora outbreak has been reported across 18 U.S. states, with Michigan at the epicenter experiencing over 300 cases in 11 days.
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NHS Expands Vaccine Eligibility for Winter Virus The NHS announced expanded eligibility for a free vaccine against a potentially deadly winter virus, now including adults aged 65-74 with chronic respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems from September.
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Nepal Battles Surge in Bird Flu Cases, Poultry Slaughtered Nepal is facing a surge in bird flu cases, leading to the slaughter of over 596,000 poultry and the closure of its only zoo.
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Ebola Cases Rise in Democratic Republic of Congo The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased to 1,155, resulting in 304 deaths, as reported by government data.
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United States Effectively Loses Measles Elimination Status Scientists and public health experts argue that the United States has effectively lost its quarter-century status of measles elimination due to recent outbreaks.
This week by the numbers: 491 surveillance items processed, 5 diseases active.
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