Building the Future of Biodefense
Biothreat intelligence to deter and detect natural, accidental, deliberate and novel biological agents.
ADVISORY
Canada salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios: 52 sick, 9 hospitalized
08/07/2025
Canada
Recommendation: Organizations in Canada should not eat, sell, or serve recalled Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, or Dubai brand pistachios and pistachio-containing products while a Salmonella outbreak investigation is ongoing. Anyone with these products at their workplace or home should dispose of them, including products that are not easily identifiable, such as baked goods. People at high risk of Salmonella-related complications may wish to avoid all pistachios and pistachio-containing products while this investigation is ongoing.
Situation: Canada is investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products. Health officials have reported 52 cases in British Columbia (3), Manitoba (1), Ontario (9), and Quebec (39). 9 individuals have been hospitalized. The products are linked to the following brands: Habibi (Pistachio Kernel, UPC 70847446000626), Al Mokhtar Food Centre (Pistachio UPC 2 60164 54022 8), and Dubai (Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, UPC 6 11834 51237 1). The products were distributed to Ontario and Quebec. Dubai brand pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate bars were also available to purchase online. The recalled pistachios may have been used and sold in baked goods. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Potential first-ever case of locally acquired malaria in Washington state
08/07/2025
Washington, Pierce County
Recommendation: Malaria is not endemic in the United States (US). About 2000 malaria cases are reported annually in the US, with most linked to international travel where malaria is more common. Organizations in Washington can support mosquito control measures at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees should prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, and consult with their healthcare provider before departure about malaria prevention and treatment.
Situation: Health officials reported that an East Pierce County woman with no travel history was diagnosed with malaria on 8/2. If confirmed, this would be the first known locally acquired case of malaria in the state of Washington. Malaria is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes. Health officials are implementing mosquito trapping and testing in the area to monitor for further activity. Officials stated that the risk of infection remains very low and that mosquito populations in Pierce County are declining. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Legionnaires’ disease cluster in NYC's Central Harlem grows to 67 cases, 3 deaths; cooling towers suspected
08/06/2025
New York, New York City County
Recommendation: Legionnaires’ disease spreads through inhaling aerosolized contaminated water from sources like cooling towers, pools/hot tubs, showers, or fountains. Organizations in New York City should inform employees about the Legionnaires' cluster. Employees working or living in Central Harlem and neighboring communities should seek immediate medical attention if flu-like symptoms appear. Organizations that own or manage buildings in New York City affected areas with cooling towers should inspect and test their cooling towers, and if Legionella is found, ensure full remediation within 24 hours, as per official guidance.
Situation: A Legionnaires' disease cluster in Central Harlem and bordering communities of New York City continues to grow to 67 cases, including 3 deaths. Cases were reported from the following zip codes: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037, and 10039. Health officials believe the illnesses are related to contaminated cooling towers and are continuing to inspect buildings. The New York City mayor asked businesses to inspect their cooling towers. Health officials urged New Yorkers to contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience flu-like symptoms. See PHC alerts on 8/05, 7/31, and 7/28 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
WATCH
Taiwan raises the chikungunya travel advisory for Guangdong Province to Level 2
08/06/2025
TaiwanChina, Guangdong Sheng
Recommendation: Organizations in Guangdong Province, China, should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor storage containers, as well as encouraging employees to prevent mosquito bites. Organizations should support pregnant employees who opt not to travel to the affected area. Employees should consult a doctor about vaccination against chikungunya before traveling to Guangdong Province.
Situation: Taiwan increased its travel advisory from Level 1: Caution to Level 2: Warning for Guangdong Province, China, due to the chikungunya outbreak. Taiwanese health officials stated the chikungunya situation in Guangdong is severe and urged travelers to the region to maintain mosquito prevention measures. Estimates of the total number of cases associated with the outbreak vary depending on the reporting source, but likely exceed 7,000 cases. See PHC alerts on 8/4, 7/30, 7/28, 7/25, and 7/22 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
ADVISORY
Australian Capital Territory reports a record-high number of influenza notifications
08/05/2025
Australia, Australian Capital Territory
Recommendation: Influenza and other respiratory diseases are expected to impact employee absenteeism due to illness or caregiving duties. Organizations in the Australian Capital Territory should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.
Situation: The Australian Capital Territory reported 5,138 influenza notifications in the first 7 months of 2025. This count surpassed annual influenza totals in previous years with data available, indicating a severe season for the state. Notifications started to decline at the end of June, reflecting trends observed nationally. See PHC alerts on 5/23, 5/7, and 4/1 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
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