26.08.2010 - West Nile Virus (Greece)

The number of people killed by the so-called "West Nile virus" in northern Greece has risen to 8, which brings to 92 the number of people infected by the bite of the tiger mosquito, which transmits the disease. That is the new summary of the epidemic unleashed in early August 2010 by the Greek Center for Disease Control and Prevention, following the death yesterday of the 8th infected person and registration of 15 new cases of the disease. In the total of the 92 cases are included 44 patients who have been discharged, 37 hospitalized individuals -- 8 of them in intensive-care units -- and 3 infected individuals who have not been interned in hospitals, in addition to the 8 fatalities. In more than half the cases, the disease has affected the central nervous system of patients, most of whom are elderly. The West Nile virus causes encephalitis. In the affected regions transfusions and blood donations have been banned. The Greek Ministry of Health has also enacted a temporary ban on the donation of blood by people who have been visiting the northern states in recent weeks. The number of infected people continues to slowly increase, with a risk of continued WV virus transmission until cold weather arrives. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has become established in Greece and it is capable of transmitting WN virus. [ProMed]

17.08.2010 - Viral meningitis (Alberta, Canada)

Alberta Heath Services is reminding Albertans to keep clean, as an outbreak of viral meningitis has spread across the province. Symptoms start out much like a summer cold with dry coughs or fevers, but since April 2010, 90 of those colds turned into reported cases of viral meningitis in Alberta. The cases reported concern people between the ages of 10 and 30, and for people who do recreational activities in large groups. A lot of the cases have been related to sports tournaments and recreational activities. Albertans are encouraged to avoid sharing water bottles or soft drinks, to wash hands thoroughly, and to clean surfaces of gym equipment and common household surfaces. The majority of viral meningitis cases don't cause death and of the 90 recent viral meningitis cases in Alberta, no one has died from the disease. Viral meningitis can cause fever, dry cough, headaches, body aches, weakness, tiredness and rash and can usually last 7 to 10 days. It is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most cases, particularly during the summer and autumn months, are caused by enteroviruses. The viruses can also stay on surfaces for days and can be transferred from objects. Viruses also can spread directly when infected people cough or sneeze and send droplets containing the virus into the air we breathe. [ProMed]

12.08.2010 - Plague in cat (Montana, USA)

Veterinarians at White and White Veterinary Hospital in Ennis, Montana, have diagnosed the 1st case of plague this summer in an indoor/outdoor pet cat. Over the years, veterinarians there have diagnosed numerous cases of plague and tularemia, all in domestic cats and in the summer months. A diagnosis of plague is confirmed either by growing the culprit bacteria from a fine needle aspirate or by demonstrating an increase in antibodies in the cat from the onset of the disease, compared to a convalescent blood sample taken 3 to 4 weeks later. An independent lab in Colorado confirmed the cat did have plague. The cat has since made a full recovery. Indoor/outdoor cats in rural areas that hunt rodents are the most likely to encounter the 2 diseases. Signs in animals include swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, anorexia and a high fever. The causative bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted to people through fleabites and direct contact with infected animals. Each rodent species is host to one or more species of fleas which, when infected, are carriers. These fleas generally do not infest other animals unless their natural hosts are unavailable. Domestic cats and dogs can also contract plague from infective fleas. They may carry infected fleas home to their owners or, especially cats, serve as a direct source of infection. [ProMed]

Curriculum Biosafety

26.08.2010 - West Nile Virus (Greece)

17.08.2010 - Viral meningitis (Alberta, Canada)

12.08.2010 - Plague in cat (Montana, USA)