Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Organizations in Taiwan should provide flexible work schedules to allow sick employees (or those with caregiving duties) to stay home until 48 hours after gastrointestinal symptoms have stopped. Encourage robust hand hygiene.

Situation: Health officials from Taiwan issued an advisory on the enhanced risk of gastrointestinal disease during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Just over 129,000 outpatient and emergency department visits for diarrhea were recorded in the most recent week of data. 66 diarrhea clusters were reported over the past 4 weeks, mostly in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, driven primarily by norovirus. Officials called for adherence to food hygiene and preparation guidelines to reduce the spread of disease in communal gatherings and dining events common during the holiday. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Anthrax outbreaks in animals and humans occur sporadically in Bangladesh, with most outbreaks reported in the northwestern region of the country and during the monsoon season. Organizations in Rangpur, Bangladesh, should caution employees to avoid contact with animals in the region, ensure any water from nearby sources is boiled before consumption, and not to consume meat obtained from sick animals or animals that died suddenly.

Situation: Bangladeshi media sources reported that 11 human anthrax cases were detected in Sundarganj, Gaibandha. Sundarganj borders Pirgachha, where 8 human anthrax cases were previously confirmed (see PHC alert 10/2). Additionally, Kaunia (2 cases) and Mithapukur (1 case) reported cases. Health officials are raising awareness, urging people not to consume meat from sick cattle and to seek immediate treatment if any symptoms appear. Cattle vaccination was intensified in the area as well as the border communities. See PHC alerts on 10/2 and 9/15 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Influenza can impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in Japan should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Health officials reported that the influenza season started in Japan, 5 weeks earlier than last year and the 2nd earliest in 20 years. From 9/22 to 9/28, 4,030 cases were reported, with the average number of influenza reports per sentinel site at 1.04, surpassing the epidemic threshold of 1.0. Okinawa had the highest rate at 8.98. School closures and class suspensions rose to 135 nationwide. Officials urged people to take preventive measures like handwashing, mask-wearing, and vaccination. [Confidence: Very High]