Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the nerves, eyes, and skin. Locally acquired leprosy is very rare in the US, but it can occur in southern and southwestern states with the 9-banded armadillo, which is an animal reservoir of M.leprae. Leprosy has a low impact on organizations as it is not easily transmitted between people and is treatable with antibiotics.

Situation: According to media sources, Florida health officials confirmed a case of leprosy in Leon County in November in an elderly person who reportedly contracted the disease in the state. 36 confirmed cases were reported in Florida so far this year, the highest number of cases in Florida in the past 20 years. Cases have increased over that time period, with a range of 2 to 29 per year and an annual average of 14 cases [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases have been commonly detected in Arabian Peninsula countries since 2012, mostly in Saudi Arabia. Over 2,000 cases have been detected globally since 2012, though case numbers have been reported at very low levels in recent years. Most human cases occur after contact with a camel, but human-to-human transmission can occur. Past outbreaks occurred after importation from the Arabian Peninsula to other areas and in healthcare facilities. Employees traveling to Arabian Peninsula countries should be encouraged to avoid contact with camels, drinking raw camel milk, and eating undercooked camel meat.

Situation: France confirmed 2 new MERS-CoV cases this week. The individuals recently returned from the same trip to an unspecified country on the Arabian Peninsula. No information on the source of exposure was provided. No evidence of further transmission has been identified in France, and contacts are under monitoring. Health officials state the risk of human-to-human transmission for the general public is Low. These are the first MERS-CoV cases identified in France since 2013, when 2 cases were reported. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Employees working in or visiting Ocoee, Florida, should seek medical attention if symptoms appear. Organizations in the area that own or manage buildings with cooling towers should stay up to date on testing and maintenance, as contaminated towers can infect a large number of people. The disease can range from mild to fatal.

Situation: According to media sources, Florida health officials confirmed 14 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Florida, all linked to a gym exposure. Health officials did not specify which gym is involved, but media sources reported that some members of Crunch Fitness on East Silver Star Road in Ocoee reported having Legionnaire’s disease. Crunch Fitness stated they are cooperating with health officials, but have not been made aware of a confirmed source yet. As a precaution, the gym closed parts of the gym and started testing their pool and spa systems through a certified third-party specialist. [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 hit commercial poultry facilities, mostly in Indiana, over the past 2 weeks, from 11/19 to 12/2. Indiana's Elkhart County had 1 new outbreak, and Lagrange County had 16 new outbreaks, affecting 31,100 duck meat and breeder birds, 33,800 commercial broiler production birds, and 204,600 unspecified poultry. North Carolina's Wayne County had 3 outbreaks in commercial turkey breeder hens affecting 27,600 birds, and South Dakota's Edmunds County had 2 outbreaks affecting 59,400 commercial turkey breeder and meat birds. [Confidence: Very High]