PHC Global Alerts
New detections of H5N1 in US poultry flocks are not unexpected. No human-to-human spread of H5N1 has been identified. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on January 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. The CDC is offering free seasonal influenza vaccines to farmworkers in high-risk states. Newton County, Missouri reported its 1st-ever avian influenza outbreak in a commercial flock. The affected layer flock was in Hathaway farm operating ...read moreas Opal Foods, located near Neosho, MO. 1.6 million birds have been culled. No human cases were identified in this event. [Confidence: Very High]
The growing measles outbreak in Hanoi warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. While Ho Chi Minh City has the largest outbreak, Hanoi’s cases have been rising rapidly for the past few weeks. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Hanoi should check their measles vaccination status. Hanoi's high measles activity continued, with 102 new cases identified the week of 1/10-1/17, totaling 566 cases since the outbreak started in 2024. H...read moreanoi has identified measles cases in all 30 districts and towns. See PHC alerts 1/13 and 1/6 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in Canada who used catering or event services that distributed the affected egg brands may wish to notify employees of this exposure. Businesses and individuals should dispose of any affected products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled some shelled eggs due to potential Salmonella contamination. The egg brands affected include Complime...read morents, Foremost, and Golden Valley (see public health message for specific affected lots). Affected eggs were distributed to British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, with possible distribution to other provinces and territories. No human cases were identified with this event. [Confidence: Very High]
For information only. The establishment of broader milk testing and information collection will clarify the extent of H5N1 infection in dairy cattle nationally. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on January 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. The USDA expanded its bulk milk testing program by adding 6 states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and West Virginia. 3...read more6 states are now in the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) that began Dec 6 (see PHC alerts 12/19 and 12/6 for earlier info). [Confidence: Very High]
Now that Marburg virus disease (MVD) was confirmed in at least once case, businesses should expect evolving public health measures such as travel delays and other restrictions. See PHC Marburg analysis 9/30. Businesses with staff in Tanzania should ensure their emergency plans are up to date for high consequence outbreaks. PHC will monitor the event and provide updates as needed. Tanzania's Ministry of Health confirmed an MVD case following recent denial of an MVD outbreak (see PHC alerts 1/16 and 1/15). Tests were conducted on...read more another 25 suspected MVD cases, all of whom tested negative. The confirmed case resides in a remote area in northern Tanzania. 300 close contacts are being monitored. This is Kagera, Tanzania's 2nd MVD outbreak since 2023. The Kagera region is a transit hub, with significant cross-border movement of the population to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in Rhode Island 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. Rhode Island reported its 1st measles case since 2013 in a child who recently traveled internationally. Contact tracing is underway, but the case had no close contacts at any school or daycare. [Confidence: Very High]
Seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses are highly contagious and can be spread in the workplace and schools, leading to worker absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Businesses in Taiwan should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Taiwan reported about 139,000 emergency department and outpatient clinic visits for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) during the week of 1/5 - 1/11, the highest number for the same period in the past 10 flu seasons. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles outbreaks can lead to absenteeism due to employee illness, caregiving to sick family members, or temporary school closures. The Netherlands' 2024 measles cases (190) were the highest annual total since 2013 (2,688). Cases were highest March - June, but were elevated all year. Nov and Dec's 21 cases alone were higher than 2023's annual total (7). [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in Alaska should inform employees about the possible measles exposure and 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. Alaska reported a measles case in a Southern Kenai Peninsula resident who recently traveled internationally. The case was on Alaska Air flight 228 fro...read morem Seattle to Anchorage and traveled through the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on 1/10. [Confidence: Very High]
Informational update only. The CDC issued a health alert asking clinicians to test hospitalized patients with suspected influenza A to help identify possible cases of severe avi...read morean influenza. Influenza testing is often not conducted consistently once the flu season is underway, which results in inaccurate surveillance data and can delay identification of atypical influenza. Subtype testing is needed to identify avian flu. [Confidence: Very High]
New Zealand's first whooping cough death serves as a reminder that whooping cough can be deadly. Whooping cough is also highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Businesses in New Zealand should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. New Zealand reported an infant died from whooping cough, the 1st death since the outbreak was declared on Nov 22. High cases continue, with 1,232 cases identified between Oct 19 - Jan 10 and 101 cases hospitalized. [Confidence: Very High]
Detection of H5N1 avian flu in an individual with unknown exposure does not change PHC's recommendations for businesses. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on January 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. CDC testing confirmed the presumptive H5N1 avian influenza case reported by PHC on 1/13. The transmission route remains unknown. The repeated emergenc...read moree of new cases with an undefined exposure source underscores the need for businesses to maintain their preparedness plans. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses might consider including information about expanded vaccine eligibility in employee wellness communications. Seasonal flu is highly contagious and can be spread in the workplace and schools, leading to worker absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Businesses in Northern Ireland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Northern Ireland expanded the list of those eligible for seasonal influenza vaccine to include 50-64 year olds starting on Jan 15. When flu vaccine be...read morecame available in Oct, only those designated as high-risk for severe disease were eligible. Flu rates have been increasing in Northern Ireland. [Confidence: Very High]
Germany is the UK's 3rd largest source of pork and 2nd largest for dairy products. Businesses in the UK should expect supply disruptions while the ban is in place. The rapid banning of pork and dairy products is a reminder of the economic impacts of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at a country-wide level. The United Kingdom implemented an import ban on pigs, sheep, cattle and dairy products from Germany due to the recent detection of FMD. UK officials expect supply disruptions during the ban. [Confidence: Very High]
If Marburg virus disease (MVD) is confirmed as the cause of this outbreak, businesses should expect evolving public health measures such as travel delays and other restrictions. See PHC Marburg analysis 9/30. Businesses with staff in Tanzania should ensure their emergency plans are up to date for high consequence outbreaks. PHC will monitor the event and provide updates as needed. WHO reported 9 suspected MVD cases and 8 deaths across Biharamulo and Muleba districts in the Kagera region of the United Republic of Tanzania. Test r...read moreesults are pending. Tanzania's Kagera region last had an MVD outbreak in March 2023, an event that lasted for 2 months and involved 9 cases and 6 deaths. [Confidence: Very High]
Informational update only. Pandemic vaccines play a critical role in event response. Having signed agreements with vaccine suppliers ahead of time can shorten the time and improve access to vaccines during a pandemic. Norway signed an agreement with 2 vaccine suppliers to produce an avian influenza vaccine for humans if an influenza strain mutates and develops into ...read morea pandemic. The agreement includes the development of 2 vaccine doses for everyone in Norway. The vaccine would be available 4 - 6 months after WHO declared a new pandemic. [Confidence: Very High]
The growing measles outbreak in Hanoi warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. While Ho Chi Minh City has the largest outbreak, Hanoi’s cases have been rising rapidly for the past few months. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Hanoi should check their measles vaccination status. Hanoi reported 120 new measles cases in 22 districts, towns, and cities during the past week, totaling 556 since the outbreak started in 2024. See PHC alerts 1/13 and 1/6 for earlier info about measles in Hanoi. [Confidence: Very High]
Brazil reported very high dengue rates in 2024 (see PHC alert 7/30) and some states are starting 2025 with higher than usual cases. Businesses should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water, even in relatively dry months. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. Brazil's Ministry of Health deployed its emergency operations center to manage increased dengue cases in Sao Paulo. 7,300 suspected dengue cases and 1...read more4 deaths were identified this year. 5 other states (Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana) are on track to have high cases this year. The increase is tied to El Nino, which can allow mosquito proliferation. [Confidence: Very High]
Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. See PHC mpox critical threat for more information about the growing mpox clade 1b situation. Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health declared a public health emergency after identifying a 2nd mpox case this week, the country's 2nd case since WHO dec...read morelared mpox a global public health emergency in 2024. No clade information was provided. The public health emergency declaration allows Sierra Leone to mobilize resources to contain disease spread, such as enhanced surveillance and contact tracing. See PHC alert 1/13 for info about the 1st case. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses with employees in or near LA County should prepare for multiple days of disruption. Urge employees to heed evacuation orders and provide flexible work arrangements to allow employees to shelter in place. N95 masks protect against high concentrations of particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Telework can reduce traffic congestion during evacuation orders. Impacted employees should defer to local officials for warnings specific to their neighborhoods. People with homes should clear debris around the house, attach hoses to external water sources, and close windows. The National Weather Service Los Angeles issued an alert identifying areas under a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) warning in areas with both r...read moreed flag warning and high winds expected. These are similar conditions to the start of the devastating fires last week. See PHC alert 1/8 for info about the fires. Residents can check weather.gov/LOX for details about affected areas. [Confidence: Very High]
This is an example of the impact measles can have in healthy adults and the importance of vaccination. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Measles outbreaks can lead to absenteeism due to employee illness, caregiving to sick family members, or temporary school closures. Basketball player Dwayne Washington, currently playing in the Basketball League of Serbia, is out for 3 weeks due to a measles diagnosis and has been unable to travel with the team for EuroLeague. [Confidence: Very High]
This new H5N1 case and death in an individual with exposure to sick birds in Cambodia does not change PHC's recommendations for enterprise business. No human-to-human spread of avian influenza has been detected. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on Jan 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Cambodia reported a human death from H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in an individual with exposure to sick birds through his family's backyard...read more poultry business. The case resided in Chamkar Andong Commune in Kampong Cham province. This is Cambodia's 1st H5N1 case and death this year. [Confidence: Very High]
Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. See PHC mpox critical threat for more information about the growing mpox clade 1b situation. Sierra Leone identified its 1st mpox case since WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency in 2024. No clade information was provided nor was ...read morethere any mention of the case's travel history. It's unclear how the case was infected. Contact tracing is underway. [Confidence: Very High]
Detection of H5N1 avian flu in an individual with unknown exposure does not change PHC's recommendations for businesses. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on January 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Public health officials reported a presumptive case of H5N1 bird flu in a child living in San Francisco. The child has since recovered, and the initia...read morel public health investigation did not determine how the child was infected. CDC is performing confirmatory H5N1 testing. While the case was not severe, the unknown transmission route is concerning. The ongoing emergence of new cases underscores the need for businesses to maintain their preparedness plans. [Confidence: Very High]
Influenza season has begun in Japan and cases are higher than usual this season. Influenza is expected to have an impact on employee absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties, especially with so many schools and daycares closed due to high cases. Businesses in Japan should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Japan reported an average of 64 influenza cases per clinic during the last week of Dec, the highest number of cases since record keeping began in 1999...read more. The week of Dec 29, 317,812 cases were identified, nearly 3 times more than the same period in 2023. Most prefectures (43 of 47) have reached the “warning level,” defined as an average of 30 or more cases per clinic. 1,838 schools and day care centers were closed due to high cases. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in Finland and Estonia should inform employees about the possible measles exposure and 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. A person infectious with measles travelled on the Eckerö Line M/s Finlandia ferry from Tallin to Helsinki on Tuesday 7th January, between 18.30–21.00. No additional exposure locations have been provided. [Confidence: Very High]
This growing measles cluster in Taiwan warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses, especially given the large number of close contacts being monitored. Businesses in Taiwan should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Taiwan reported 3 new measles cases linked to a hospital cluster originating in an individual with recent travel to Vietnam (see PHC alerts 1/7 and 12...read more/31 for info about the hospital cluster), totaling 19 linked cases in the cluster. The new cases were all previously identified close contacts. [Confidence: Very High]
The continued high measles activity in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Vietnam should check their measles vaccination status. Ho Chi Minh's measles outbreak continues to grow, with 451 measles cases identified the 1st week of Jan, totaling 4,494 cases and 7 deaths since the o...read moreutbreak started. Districts with high measles activity included Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, and Thu Duc city. [Confidence: Very High]
California's proactive testing is expected to detect additional H5N1 cases in dairy herds. No human-to-human spread of H5N1 has been identified. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on January 10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. The CDC is offering free seasonal influenza vaccines to farmworkers in high-risk states. California detected H5N1 avian influenza in additional dairy herds, with about two thirds of the state's dairy herds (719) affected. See PHC alerts from 1/2, 12/16, 12/12, 12/6, and 11/22 for info about earlier totals. [Confidence: Very High]
Two individuals with symptoms after contact with H5N1-infected birds is concerning, but multiple respiratory viruses that cause flu-like symptoms are currently circulating. PHC will monitor the situation and report actionable updates as needed. 2 individuals developed flu-like symptoms after contact with H5N1-infected birds in Oakland County, Michigan (see PHC alert 1/10 for info). Testing is...read more underway. 9 others who had contact with the infected flock are asymptomatic, but being monitored. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses with employees or operations in Los Angeles County should be prepared for additional boil water notices or water outages due to the ongoing firefighting efforts. Businesses should ensure access to bottled water at their facilities until the boil advisory is lifted. The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power is advising consumers in the area of the Pacific Palisades wildfire to boil water before use. The recommen...read moredation will remain in place for at least the next 2 days. Water pressure fluctuations associated with the fires may have led to inadequate sanitation. [Confidence: Very High]
Winter virus season has begun and is expected to have an impact on employee absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Businesses in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Hamilton Health Services reported that admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increased at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio....read more RSV-related hospitalizations more than tripled from Nov - Dec, and emergency room visits for RSV more than doubled in Dec 2024 compared to Dec 2023. Cases are expected to stay high after school resumes following winter break. [Confidence: Very High]
Whooping cough is highly contagious; a single case in the workplace can infect 15 others. The average worker absenteeism for whooping cough is 6 days. Businesses in California should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. California's 2024 whopping cough cases (2,305) were higher than any annual total since 2019 (4,846), with cases continuing to climb in 2025. Health of...read moreficials urged vaccinantion, particularly for pregnant women, caregivers, and children. [Confidence: Very High]
For information only. The establishment of broader milk testing and information collection will clarify the extent of H5N1 infection in dairy cattle nationally. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on October 22, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Raw milk should not be consumed. Pasteurization inactivates H5N1, making pasteurized milk and milk products safe to consume. 15 states were added to the USDA's H5N1 milk testing program: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ne...read morevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia. Mandatory testing that stated on Dec 6 (see PHC alert 12/6) now covers 28 states, which is about 65% of the US's milk production. [Confidence: Very High]
The growing outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases in Vietnam warrant greater attention from enterprise businesses. Both measles and chickenpox can spread easily in schools and workplaces, leading to outbreaks that disrupt school schedules and require worker absenteeism for caregiving duties. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Vietnam should check their measles vaccination status. Hai Duong reported 1 measles and 2 chickenpox outbreaks. 9 measles cases were identified in Tan Dan ward. 23 chickenpox cases were identified in late ...read moreDec in two schools: Mac Thi Buoi Primary School and Van To Kindergarten. None of the chickenpox cases and only 3 of the 9 measles cases were vaccinated. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in Montreal should inform employees about possible measles exposure and 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. Montreal reported a measles case who visited multiple public places while contagious. The case visited Herzl Clinic and Jewish General Hospital on Jan...read more 1, and 4 shops (Blue & Persille, Fairmont Bagel, Le Toledo Bakery, and Falero Fish Market) on Jan 3. [Confidence: Very High]
Informational update only. PHC will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any actionable developments. WHO issued a report on human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) in China in response to the recent flurry of media cov...read moreerage. WHO's findings are consistent with official Chinese statements that HMPV and ARI rates are within normal limits for this time of year and Chinese healthcare facilities are not overwhelmed with cases. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses with employees in or near LA County should prepare for multiple days of disruption. Urge employees to heed evacuation orders and provide flexible work arrangements to allow employees to shelter in place. N95 masks protect against high concentrations of particulate matter from wildfire smoke. Impacted employees should defer to local officials for warnings specific to their neighborhoods. People with homes should clear debris around the house, attach hoses to external water sources, and close windows. High winds caused the rapid escalation of the Pacific Palisade fire in Los Angeles on 1/7. Residents in specific areas are under a mandatory evacuatio...read moren order, with others told to shelter in place. Much of LA County is without power. High winds and dangerous fire conditions are expected to last through 1/9. When winds return to normal patterns, air quality will markedly worsen. Fire maps and evacuations zones can be found at protect.genasys.com and NotifyLA provides real-time updates. [Confidence: Very High]
This growing measles cluster in Taiwan warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses, especially given the large number of close contacts being monitored. Businesses in Taiwan should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Taiwan reported 2 new measles cases linked to a hospital cluster originating in an individual with recent travel to Vietnam (see PHC alert 12/31 for i...read morenfo about the hospital cluster), totaling 16 linked cases in the cluster. 3,123 close contacts were identified tied to this cluster, the highest number of contacts for any measles cluster during the past 5 years. 2 other imported measles cases were also identified in the past week. [Confidence: Very High]
Numerous viruses cause illness during winter respiratory virus season, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Businesses should anticipate employee questions and should continue their standard hygiene and health recommendations for this time of year. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has caused respiratory illness in humans for decades, and most people have been infected by the age of 5. Several countri...read morees have reported an increase in HMPV infections in the past weeks, with many media sources covering the issue. Like other respiratory illnesses, HMPV has a varying impact from year to year. It can cause significant disease in the very young, the elderly, and the medically vulnerable. HMPV is a poor candidate for pandemic spread due to the global population's past exposure to the virus. [Confidence: Very High]
Employers can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communication. See PHC mpox critical threat for more information about the growing mpox clade 1b situation. France reported its 1st case of the deadlier clade 1b mpox in an individual who had not personally traveled, but had contact with individuals who rece...read morently visited central Africa. The case resides in the Brittany region of western France. [Confidence: Very High]
Detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is expected each year. The increase in HMPV cases in China this winter and media reports about subsequent hospital surge has led many countries to issue statements indicating that HMPV activity is normal for this time of year. Businesses should anticipate employee questions and should continue their standard hygiene and health recommendations for this time of year. India's Ministry of Health issued a report about detection of 2 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka found during routine respiratory il...read morelness surveillance, the 1st cases identified this season. The report indicated that HMPV is circulating globally and India has not had an unusual surge of influenza-like or severe acute respiratory illnesses. [Confidence: Very High]
Death of a human case of H5N1 avian influenza is an example of the cumulating H5N1 developments that warrant greater attention from enterprise business. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be proactively reviewed and updated in preparedness for high consequence infectious disease threats. Businesses should continue to follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on October 22, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Update to the severe case of H5N1 identified in Louisiana: the case died, marking this the US's 1st H5N1-related death. The case was over the age of 6...read more5 and had underlying health conditions, both risk factors for severe illness and death. See PHC alerts 12/27 and 12/16 for earlier info about this H5N1 human case. [Confidence: Very High]
The rising mpox cases and deaths do not change PHC's recommendations to businesses. Businesses can support employees in obtaining mpox vaccinations by providing flexible work schedules. Information on the availability of mpox vaccines and treatment can also be included in employee wellness communications. See PHC mpox critical threat for more information about the growing mpox clade 1b situation. Uganda's mpox outbreak has not slowed; 199 new cases were reported in the past week with over half in the capital of Kampala. Uganda reported a total ...read moreof 1,027 confirmed cases and 12 deaths since the outbreak began in late July 2024. Uganda's mpox outbreak involves the more transmissible and deadlier clade 1b. [Confidence: Very High]
The growing measles outbreak in Hanoi warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. While Ho Chi Minh City has the largest outbreak, Hanoi’s cases have been rising rapidly for the past few weeks. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Hanoi should check their measles vaccination status. Hanoi's measles cases continue to rise rapidly, with 101 new cases in 28 districts identified in the past week. 436 cases were identified in 2024 spre...read moread across all 30 districts. See PHC alert 1/2 for earlier info about measles in Hanoi. [Confidence: Very High]
Respiratory virus season has begun in Ireland and is expected to have an impact on employee absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Businesses in Ireland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Ireland reported doubling of seasonal influenza cases and hospitalizations the week of 12/16-12/23, with 2,375 cases and 531 hospitalizations. Cases a...read morere expected to stay high in the upcoming weeks. Vaccination helps prevent illness, hospitalization, and death. [Confidence: Very High]
The average worker absenteeism for mumps is 5 days. Businesses in Czechia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Czechia reported 654 mumps cases in 2024, the highest annual total since 2017. Mumps can be a serious disease, especially in adults, and can lead to i...read morenfertility. A safe and effective mumps vaccine exists (MMR) and is available in Czechia, but recent vaccination rates (90% in 2023) were below the 95% target. [Confidence: Very High]
The growing measles outbreaks in Vietnam warrant greater attention from enterprise businesses. While Ho Chi Minh City has the largest outbreak, Hanoi’s cases continue and have been rising rapidly for the past few weeks. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Hanoi should check their measles vaccination status. Hanoi's measles cases continue to rise rapidly, with 76 new cases identified in the past week, totaling 285 cases in 2024. Cases occurred in all 30 di...read morestricts. Media sources reported that Hanoi health officials requested the Vietnam Ministry of Health temporarily shift the age of children provided free measles to those aged 6 - 9 months, a policy change allowed during outbreaks. [Confidence: Very High]
The continuing large measles outbreak in Vietnam warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Vietnam should check their measles vaccination status. Vietnam's 2024 measles cases (38,364 suspected and 6,725 confirmed) and 13 deaths were 130 times higher than 2023's annual total. Provinces with the h...read moreighest cases were Dong Nai (6,360), Ho Chi Minh City (4,758), Binh Duong (4,745), and Ca Mau (2,405). [Confidence: Very High]
COVID, influenza, and mpox are highly contagious and can lead to severe illness or worker absenteeism for illness or caregiving duties. Businesses in Louisiana should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members and may want to consider including information on the availability of these vaccines in employee wellness communication. Media sources reported that Louisiana public health staff have been forbidden from advertising or promoting COVID-19, influenza, or mpox vaccines. Ano...read morenymous workers said the policy was communicated verbally and not written. The LA Department of Health told NPR it was reevaluating priorities and messaging around COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, but not mention mpox. [Confidence: Very High]
Informational update only. China CDC announced a pilot surveillance program to investigate cases of pneumonia of unknown origin. The program is intended to expand laboratory sur...read morege capacity and improve early identification of emerging infectious diseases. [Confidence: Very High]
For information only. The establishment of additional raw milk product testing will identify potential infection risk in these products. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on October 22, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. The USDA initiated a testing program to assess 300 samples of aged raw cow’s milk cheese (made with unpasteurized milk and aged at least 60 days) fo...read morer avian influenza. Per US regulation, raw cow's milk cheese must be aged at least 60 days to reduce pathogen risk. Testing began in late Dec and continues through March or until 300 samples have been tested. [Confidence: Very High]
Businesses in New South Wales should inform employees about the possible measles exposure and 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. New South Wales reported a measles case in an individual who recently traveled to south east Asia. The case visited Byron Bay Beach, Coffs Central Sho...read morepping Centre, a hotel, and other public sites Dec 16 - 18 (see the public health message for details about exposure dates and locations). [Confidence: Very High].
This measles death in an unvaccinated adult serves as a reminder that measles can be a severe disease. The continuing large measles outbreak in Vietnam warrants greater attention from enterprise businesses. Businesses in Vietnam should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. People traveling to Vietnam should check their measles vaccination status. Dong Nai reported a measles death in an unvaccinated adult, the province's 3rd measles death this year and the 1st in an adult. Dong Nai's 2024 measles activity has been very high, with over 6,400 cases so far. [Confidence: Very High]
Human rabies cases are rare but 100% fatal if untreated. Businesses should remind employees who work outdoors to avoid interacting with wild animals and seek medical care if they are bitten or scratched by an animal with suspected rabies. Employees traveling to countries with high levels of rabies in dogs should seek treatment immediately for dog bites. Kentucky reported a human death from rabies, its 1st since 1996. The exposure source was not identified. The case may have been exposed during international travel. [Confidence: Very High]
Detection of genetic changes in a severe human case of H5N1 avian influenza in a poultry worker is an example of the culminating H5N1 developments that warrant greater attention from enterprise business. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be proactively reviewed and updated in preparedness for high consequence infectious disease threats. Businesses should continue to follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on October 22, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Update to Louisiana's case of severe avian influenza in a poultry worker (see PHC alert 12/16 for earlier info): The virus mutations found in the case...read more's samples did not match those from poultry samples collected on the case’s property, indicating that the mutations occurred within the case after infection. The case's virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in Louisiana birds and the severely ill human case in British Columbia. This is different from the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some US poultry outbreaks. [Confidence: Very High]
Detection of H5 avian flu in a livestock worker does not change PHC's recommendations for businesses. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on October 22, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Los Angeles County reported its first human case of H5 avian influenza in an individual with occupational exposure to ill livestock. The case had mild symptoms. No human-to-human transmission has been identified in this event. [Confidence: Very High]
