Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Organizations in Hawaii should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Hawaiian health officials reported a rise in whooping cough cases statewide, with 203 cases so far in 2025 as of 7/31, more than double the total cases (84) in 2024. All counties have reported cases, with the highest rates on Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. Infants under 1 year are the most severely affected, though elevated rates are also seen among toddlers, children, and adolescents. Health officials urged vaccination to protect infants who cannot complete the full vaccine series. A "cocooning" strategy was also encouraged, which involves adult close contacts of an infant being up-to-date on the Tdap vaccine to protect the child before they are eligible for vaccination. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Human rabies cases are rare in Wyoming, but 100% fatal if untreated. Organizations with employees who stayed at Jackson Lake Lodge in Teton County, Wyoming, should be informed of the potential bat exposure. Individuals can contact Jackson Lake Lodge at [email protected] or 307-543-3044 to determine which room they stayed in and to be connected with a public health official for risk assessment. Employees should seek immediate medical care if they are bitten or scratched by an animal with suspected rabies.

Situation: Health officials are investigating a potential rabies exposure at Jackson Lake Lodge in Wyoming after a suspected bat colony was discovered in an attic space above 8 guest rooms: 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530. Health officials are contacting guests who stayed in these rooms since 5/15 to assess possible bat exposure and determine if rabies prevention is needed. The impacted rooms have been closed, and mitigation plans are underway. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Italy typically occurs in the summer and early fall. Organizations should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing that covers skin, using mosquito repellents, and emptying standing water.

Situation: WNV case numbers in Italy have doubled in the past week, from 89 to 173 confirmed cases. Of these, 11 resulted in death and 72 progressed to a neuroinvasive form of the disease. Over half of the cases were reported in the Lazio Region, mostly in Latina Province. Rising WNV transmission in Italy poses a risk for the ongoing Jubilee of 2025, which is estimated to attract over 35 million pilgrims to Rome over the course of the year-long event (see PHC alert on 5/6). See PHC alerts on 8/1 and 7/11 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]