Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: China reports avian influenza H9N2 human cases sporadically. Historically, the risk of an outbreak has been extremely low. Employees in or traveling to China should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry.

Situation: The WHO reported 2 new H9N2 human cases from China. 1 case from Guangdong Province had symptom onset in late May, while the other case from Hubei Province had symptom onset in late June. Both cases reported exposure to poultry and recovered from the infection. In China, 132 H9N2 human cases have been reported since 2015. Additionally, the WHO provided an update on a recent H5N1 human case in Kampot, Cambodia, confirming a fatal outcome (see PHC alert on 7/7). [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Norovirus is highly contagious. Organizations in England should provide flexible work schedules to allow sick employees (or those with caregiving duties) to stay home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Encourage robust hand hygiene, as the virus is not killed by hand sanitizer.

Situation: The National Health Service announced that cases of norovirus in England are higher than normal, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated during hot weather if symptoms develop. In the most recent national data, norovirus laboratory reports over the most recent 5 weeks were 49% higher than the 5-season average for the same time period, though cases are now on the decline. See PHC alerts 4/11, 3/28, 3/07, 2/28, and 2/24 for earlier updates. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are endemic in central New York. Organizations should reduce mosquito habitats by eliminating sources of standing water and applying insecticides to outdoor water storage containers. Employees can reduce infection risk by wearing clothing that covers skin, using mosquito repellents, and emptying standing water.

Situation: New York health officials reported the 1st human WNV case in Onondaga County since 2019 in Cicero. The individual was hospitalized but later discharged. Additionally, the EEE virus was also detected in mosquito populations in Cicero, though no human cases have been reported yet. An EEE detection in mosquitoes indicates that the disease is circulating in the area. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Organizations in Mississippi should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: Mississippi health officials issued a health alert due to a rise in whooping cough cases. As of 7/10, 80 cases have been reported in 2025, up from 49 in all of 2024. Most cases (76%) involved children, and 10 people were hospitalized. No deaths have occurred. Cases were reported across the state, with 40% in northeast Mississippi. [Confidence: Very High]