In Germany, 5 mute swans and one Canada goose found dead in Nuremberg of Bavaria State were confirmed on 22 June to be infected by highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (H5N1). Another 3 mute swans in Saxony State were also confirmed on 26 June to be infected by the same virus. Health authorities said that they did not expect the disease to spread outside the southern region.

The H5N1 Avian Influenza infection among poultry has spread from central Bangladesh to northern districts, affecting 16 districts in total. More than 5 000 chickens were culled to prevent further spread.

Since late March 2007, 45 drug-resistant Tuberculosis cases and 8 deaths have been reported in the Western Cape, South Africa. The number of cases has more than quadrupled compared to 3 months ago. A total of 437 drug-resistant tuberculosis cases and 290 deaths have been reported in South Africa. Most were from KwaZulu-Natal.

So far in 2007, 4 fatal cases of Rabies have been registered in Ukraine. The infections were caused by wild animal bites (wolves and foxes), domestic animal bites (cats and dogs), as well as farm animal bites. More than 100 000 people in Ukraine consult medical care each year for suspected Rabies after animal bites.

The Hong Kong Department of Health has confirmed an imported case of Dengue Fever. The 45-year-old patient developed symptoms of fever and headache on 31 May and consulted a private doctor. No hospitalisation was required. He had travelled to the Philippines alone before the onset of the illness.

This was the ninth imported dengue fever reported in 2007. There were 31 cases in 2006 and all of them were classified as imported cases.

The World Health Organization has confirmed a Zika virus outbreak on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia which started in April this year.

[Editor’s Note: Like Dengue Fever virus, Zika virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes causing similar but milder symptoms. It is not spread person-to-person. The symptoms include fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis and pain in small joints of the hands and feet.]

(Source: ProMED-mail 27 June 2007)

An outbreak of Typhoid Fever has occurred in Nepal. At least 15 cases were reported daily during the last few days. The worse affected areas were Baglung municipality, Bhakunde, Pala, and Khunga. The outbreak was due to the high temperature and contaminated water.

In Pakistan, an outbreak of Typhoid Fever has been reported in Islamabad. More cases were expected in the next few days.

In Senapati district of Manipur state in eastern India, a total of 12 people suffering from Typhoid Fever were admitted to a community health centre of the district in the last few days.

(Source: ProMED-mail 27 June 2007)