Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Peak dengue season usually spans June to November in Florida, but cases can occur all year, with warm weather prolonging the season. Organizations should continue to reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes.

Situation: Florida reported 2 new locally acquired dengue cases this week, totaling 58 human cases this year. Most cases were reported in Brevard County (35), followed by Miami-Dade (21), Hillsborough (1), and Pasco (1) Counties. Additionally, 355 imported dengue cases were reported so far this year, mostly from Cuba (252). Florida also reported its 1st travel-associated Oropouche fever case this year, involving a Miami-Dade resident who had recent international travel to Cuba. Cuba is experiencing high mosquito-borne disease activity in recent weeks and months (see PHC 11/13). [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: The primary impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is the increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Organizations sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for price volatility. PHC recommends that continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high-consequence infectious disease threats.

Situation: Avian influenza continued to heavily hit poultry facilities in the past week, from 11/12 to 11/18, with many outbreaks occurring in previously affected counties (see PHC alert on 11/12). The majority of outbreaks were in Indiana's Elkhart and Lagrange Counties, with 25 new outbreaks, affecting 82,300 duck meat or breeder birds and 268,600 unspecified poultry birds. 3 new outbreaks were also reported in Ottawa County, Michigan, totaling 120,200 commercial turkey meat birds. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Informational update only.

Situation: The US CDC issued a Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions travel advisory due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Jinka, Ethiopia. The Level 1 advisory recommends that anyone traveling to Jinka should avoid contact with sick people who have fever, muscle pain, and rash symptoms, as well as avoid contact with bats, where bats live, nonhuman primates, dead bodies, or items that were in contact with dead bodies, particularly during funeral rites. See PHC alerts on 11/17, 11/14, and 11/13 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

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]