Building the Future of Biodefense

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]

Recommendation: Organizations in the Western Pacific Region 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: Sustained declines in dengue incidence were observed across most countries in the Western Pacific Region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Fiji, Nauru, and Samoa. However, cases are still rising in Vietnam. Typically, dengue incidence peaks in November in Vietnam. Data from China only covers up to August, but cases were on an upward trend at that point. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: The measles death in a child serves as a reminder that measles can be a severe disease. Organizations in Alberta, Canada, should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.

Situation: Alberta confirmed its 1st measles-related death in a premature baby shortly after birth. The baby's mother was infected with measles during pregnancy. Alberta's measles outbreak started in March, reaching its highest levels in mid-July before declining. Close to 2,000 measles cases have been recorded so far in the province's record-breaking outbreak. This is the 2nd measles-related death in Canada this year, after an earlier death was reported from Ontario in May (see PHC alert on 9/20). See PHC alerts on9/5, 8/22, 8/15, 8/8, and 8/1 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]