Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Aedes aegypti is not widespread throughout mainland Chile, but it is established in Argentina. The presence of the invasive mosquitoes alone does not indicate that those diseases are circulating, as the mosquitoes must first bite an infected individual before transmitting a disease to others. Organizations in Chile and Argentina should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. The temporary border closure may lead to travel delays.

Situation: The Los Libertadores Border Complex between Chile and Argentina will be temporarily closed from 2/19 to 2/20 after officials detected a suspected Aedes aegypti mosquito, a known carrier of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The closure allows for chemical treatment to control the vector. Transit will be suspended at the Guardia Vieja (Chile) and Uspallata (Argentina) border area. The crossing is expected to reopen at noon on 2/20. This follows a similar detection of the mosquito at Santiago airport in late January (see PHC alert 1/30). [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: The average worker absenteeism for mumps is 5 days. Organizations in Maryland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Maryland Department of Health reported an uptick in mumps-related inquiries due to individuals with parotitis, which is inflammation of the salivary glands, presenting to acute care settings in late January. Media sources reported 14 mumps cases were recorded so far this year, mostly in adults in the Baltimore metropolitan area, which is higher than the 6 or fewer mumps cases typically reported in the state annually. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in the United States (US) should not eat or sell Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules 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 of the Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules while this investigation is ongoing.

Situation: The US CDC reported a new multistate outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella Newport linked to certain lots of Rosabella brand moringa powder capsules and distributed by Ambrosia Brands LLC. 52 lot codes with expiration dates in 2027 were affected and can be found via the source link. The product is available nationwide primarily online on the company's website (tryrosabella.com), Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shein, and eBay. 7 people from 7 states were infected so far, with 3 people hospitalized, but there are likely more unrecognized cases. The Salmonella strain in this outbreak is resistant to all first-line and alternative antibiotics commonly recommended for treatment. Onset of illnesses ranged from 11/7/25 to 1/8/26. No deaths have been reported. [Confidence: Very High]