Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: The polio vaccine is more than 99% effective in preventing poliovirus infection. Travelers to Laos should verify their polio vaccination status before travel. Enhanced health screenings at ports of entry on the Thailand - Laos border may lead to travel delays.

Situation: Thailand announced that it received reports of a vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak in Savannakhet, Laos. 2 pediatric cases were reported in October, both of whom were asymptomatic. The outbreak in Savannakhet started in August 2025 with the first pediatric case, with further cases detected in September, totaling at least 5 cases so far. While no cases have been detected in Thailand yet, the country issued the advisory due to the risk of cross-border spread, particularly in areas with low polio vaccination coverage. At-risk provinces in Thailand include Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Phanom. Enhanced surveillance, including screening of travelers at the Thailand-Laos border entry points, was implemented in Thailand. Travelers to Laos were advised to get vaccinated, including receiving a booster polio vaccine. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in the United States (US) should not eat, sell, or serve products containing moringa leaf powder from India while a Salmonella outbreak investigation is ongoing. Anyone with these products at their workplace or home should dispose of them. People at high risk of Salmonella-related complications may wish to avoid all products containing moringa leaf powder while this investigation is ongoing.

Situation: The US CDC is reporting a Salmonella outbreak linked to Member's Mark Super Greens powdered supplements containing moringa leaf sold at Sam's Club. 11 people from 7 states have been infected so far, with 3 people hospitalized, but there are likely more unrecognized cases. No deaths have been reported. An FDA traceback identified a single lot of organic moringa leaf powder imported from Vallon Farm Direct PVT LTD in India. As the investigation continues, additional products containing moringa leaf powder made by this importer may be added to the list of products to not eat, sell, or serve. [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: According to media sources, avian influenza was detected at a 2nd poultry farm in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido on 11/2, affecting almost 236,000 egg-laying chickens. The number of chickens to be culled represents about 4% of all egg-laying hens in Hokkaido. Additionally, media sources reported avian influenza at a poultry farm in Tainai City in Niigata Prefecture on 11/3. Rapid tests on 10 chickens found 9 positive for A-type avian influenza. Approximately 630,000 egg-laying chickens housed at the facility will be culled. If confirmed as highly pathogenic, this would mark the 1st case in a Niigata farm this season and the 3rd confirmed case nationwide. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: The hepatitis A vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing disease in people who have received two shots. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days after exposure. Organizations traveling to or working in the northern Sagaing Region of Myanmar should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. The US State Department lists Myanmar under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.

Situation: According to media sources, an outbreak of hepatitis A is spreading rapidly in the northern Sagaing Region of Myanmar, affecting both civilians and resistance fighters in liberated areas. Since mid-Oct, cases of jaundice and liver disease have surged, with some villages reporting that about 2 out of every 5 people have been infected. Medicine shortages caused by junta blockades, along with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, are driving the spread of the virus. [Confidence: Very High]