We inform you about the latest infectious disease outbreaks from overseas. Read the new articles.
Information as of October 4, 2024
Experts commit to step up immunization programme in Central Africa|27 September 2024|African Region
Kinshasa – At their 2024 meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from 9 to 12 September, Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI) managers from Central African countries committed to consolidate gains made by the EPI in its 50 years of existence.
Marburg virus disease|30 September 2024|Rwanda
As of 29 September 2024, a total of 26 confirmed cases, including eight deaths (CFR: 31%), have been reported. The cases are reported from seven of the 30 districts in the county namely: Gasabo, Gatsibo, Kamonyi, Kicukiro, Nyagatare, Nyarugenge and Rubavu districts. Healthcare workers from two health facilities in Kigali account for over 70% of confirmed cases. The patients are being cared for in hospitals.
Avian Influenza A(H9N2)|20 September 2024|Ghana
On 26 August 2024, the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) for Ghana notified the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the country’s first reported human case of infection with a zoonotic (animal) influenza virus. Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the avian influenza A(H9N2) virus. According to epidemiological investigations, the patient, under five years old, had no known history of exposure to poultry or any sick person with similar symptoms prior to the onset of symptoms. The Ghanaian government has implemented a series of measures aimed at monitoring, preventing, and controlling the situation. According to the IHR (2005), a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO. Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the current risk to the general population posed by A(H9N2) viruses as low, but is continuing to monitor these viruses and the situation globally.
West Nile virus|3 October 2024|Barbados
The patient is a child less than 15-year-old residing in Bagatelle, St. Thomas. On 10 June, the patient reported the onset of symptoms including headache, fever, vomiting, neck pain and painful knees, and visited a private clinic on 14 June. A test for dengue conducted on the same day was negative.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus|2 October 2024|Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Humans acquire MERS-CoV through either direct or indirect interaction with dromedary camels, which serve as the virus’s natural host and zoonotic reservoir. MERS-CoV has demonstrated the ability to transmit between humans. To date, instances of non-sustained human-to-human transmission have been observed primarily among close contacts and within healthcare environments. Outside of health care settings there has been limited human-to-human transmission to date.