Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: The conflict in Myanmar, combined with the earthquake in March, has resulted in mass displacement and economic and political instability. Limited access to healthcare, clean water, and food can lead to infectious disease outbreaks. Employees in Myanmar and India should ensure access to potable water. The US State Department lists Myanmar under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.

Situation: Media sources reported a suspected cholera outbreak along the Myanmar-India border. Around 300 cases, including at least 7 deaths, were reported across villages in Mizoram, India, as well as Chin State, Myanmar. At least 1 town in Mizoram implemented temporary travel restrictions, preventing entry or exit to villages in Lawngtlai. Many of the affected villages hosted internally displaced persons from the humanitarian crises in Myanmar. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Heavy rainfall and flooding can disturb bacteria in soil and contaminate water, increasing the risk of diseases like leptospirosis. Organizations in Jamaica should advise employees working outdoors in areas with recent heavy rainfall or flooding to cover open skin wounds, wear boots, and use masks. Employees should avoid contact with floodwater when possible.

Situation: Jamaica reported a surge of leptospirosis cases over the week, with at least 1 severely ill individual. Cases were detected in St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth parishes. Health officials implemented enhanced surveillance across all parishes that were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread destruction and flooding. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: This positive avian influenza human case in Washington does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected so far. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.

Situation: Washington health officials reported that the preliminary positive avian influenza case in a Harbor County resident was confirmed as H5N5. H5N5 is an avian influenza virus that, before this case, was not previously reported in humans, though it was detected in animals. The individual, an older adult with underlying conditions, remains hospitalized. The affected person had a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that was exposed to wild birds. Health officials stated that the backyard flock or wild birds are the most likely source of exposure; however, the investigation is ongoing. Officials have not identified any increased risk to the public. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: This new H5N1 case in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for organizations. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Organizations should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10 and 2/13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.

Situation: Cambodia confirmed a new H5N1 human case in a 22-year-old man from the Kien Khlesang Village in Phnom Penh that resulted in death on 11/15. Health officials are investigating the case to identify the possible source of infection, search for suspected cases, distribute Tamiflu to close contacts, and conduct health campaigns among residents in affected villages. [Confidence: Very High]