Businesses in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who ate at or used Tim Hortons for catering or event services may wish to notify employees of this exposure. Employees who ate food from the restaurant and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A or experience gastrointestinal symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider. Alberta health officials confirmed a hepatitis A case in a restaurant worker at Tim Hortons Milbourne Market Mall in Edmonton. Those who ate or drank ...read moreat Tim Hortons from Feb 20 to Mar 5 may have been exposed. The hepatitis A vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing disease in people who have received two shots. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days of exposure. Immunization clinics will be scheduled in Edmonton for eligible individuals. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for continued price volatility. Iowa reported H5N1 avian influenza in a group of commercial young, female chickens (pullets) located in Buena Vista County. Approximately 400,000 pull...read moreets will be depopulated. This is Iowa’s 6th detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025. [Confidence: Very High]

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in Uganda, with outbreaks occurring periodically. Businesses in Uganda with employees working outdoors in grassy or wooded areas should remind them that tick bite prevention is important for minimizing exposure risk. Media sources reported a CCHF outbreak in Kyegegwa District. 1 case was confirmed an individual from Kaziz village, Kyatega and 2 suspected cases are ...read morein isolation. Another outbreak was reported in Jan this year in nearby Mubende district (see PHC alert 1/17). CCHF is a tick-borne disease that can also be spread to humans through contact with an infected animal's blood or body fluids. [Confidence: Very High]

Queensland's mosquito-borne illness risk is highest during warmer months, from Nov - May. The detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a reminder that these viruses are now circulating, and mosquito bite prevention is important. Businesses 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 covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Businesses in Queensland should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Queensland detected Japanese encephalitis (JE) in mosquitoes in Brisbane this week. This is the 1st time the virus has been detected in the area, thou...read moregh other parts of the state have reported detections in humans and other animals. Health officials warn that the risk of JE is likely to increase following flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. See PHC alerts 3/7, 2/13, and 1/22 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

These additional cases of avian influenza infections in cats underscore the need for businesses to maintain their preparedness plans. Businesses should follow the recommendations provided in the PHC analysis on 1/10, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. H5N1 avian influenza and other pathogens have been found in raw milk and raw cat food. Pasteurization inactivates H5N1, making pasteurized milk and milk products safe to consume. For additional context, see PHC analysis on 2/13. New York City confirmed 2 cats were infected with H5 avian influenza in 2 separate households. Officials urged pet owners to not feed their pets raw f...read moreood or milk and keep cats indoors to limit exposure with wild birds or other animals. They stated that the risk of avian influenza to the public remains low. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in New South Wales (NSW) can support mosquito control measures at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees living in or visiting the area should eliminate sources of standing water around their property and prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members NSW confirmed its 2nd Japanese encephalitis death this year in an individual who recently was in the Murrumbidgee region (see PHC alert 2/27). The 1st...read more death also reported travel to the Murrumbidgee region. A additional probable case was reported in an individual with recent travel to Moree Plains, Tamworth, and Gunnedah shires. So far in 2025, NSW has reported 5 cases of Japanese encephalitis. [Confidence: Very High]

Informational update only. Tanzania announced the end of the Marburg virus outbreak after 42 days with no additional cases since the last confirmed case died on 1/28. The outbre...read moreak totaled 2 confirmed cases and 8 probable cases in Kagera region since mid Dec 2024. All 10 cases died. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Queensland, Australia 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 covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Health officials reported 6 probable cases of dengue in Townville residents in Queensland, Australia, with most in the North Ward suburb. The public w...read moreas urged to take precautions against dengue with mosquito mitigation activities, wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. [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. Sierra Leone reported 1 death and 32 cases in the most recent week of data on the ongoing mpox outbreak. The cases were detected in Western Area Urban...read more and Western Area Rural districts. Sequencing from 8 samples detected clade 2b, a less virulent clade than clade 1a and 1b that are circulating in several countries in the region. There have been 72 cases and 1 death since the outbreak began in mid Jan. See PHC alerts on 2/3, 1/14, and 1/13 for earlier info.[Confidence: Very High]

The suspected measles deaths in the 2 children is a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. 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. The Vietnam Ministry of Health reported 2 deaths in children with a fever and rash from Nam Tra My District, Quang Nam Province. The district reported...read more 255 children with rash and fever symptoms were admitted and treated since Jan, and measles was detected in 19 cases, suggesting the deaths are likely due to measles. Health officials are intensifying the public health response, including immunization campaigns, in the district but the remote location and difficult travel conditions pose challenges. [Confidence: Very High]

Oropouche virus disease (OVD) during pregnancy was found to have negative birth effects, reminiscent of Zika virus (See PHC alert 11/20). Businesses should consider informing employees with work-related planned travel to areas where Oropouche is circulating and support pregnant employees who choose not to travel. Pregnant employees or those planning to get pregnant in the next 3 months should consult with their medical provider about the Oropouche-related risks associated with travel to areas where Oropouche may be circulating. The Panama Ministry of Health confirmed its first Oropouche fever death in an adult male with comorbidies. The case had recently traveled to the provi...read morence of Darien. So far in 2025, Panama reported 221 Oropouche cases in Darien, Panama East, and Panama Metro. Health officials urged the public to seek health care if they have a fever and a severe headache. This is the first Oropouche death in Panama, but 4 deaths were reported in 2024 in Brazil. [Confidence: Very High]

Intermittent cancellation of poultry sales have limited business impacts outside of agricultural and food-related businesses. No human cases have been detected, but additional infections in poultry create opportunities for the public to be exposed to the virus. Businesses that are sensitive to the price of poultry should assume a readiness posture to respond quickly if needed; PHC will update as appropriate. New York City confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in live poultry markets in 4 of 5 NYC boroughs in the past week. Since 3/6, 5 live poultry m...read morearkets were affected in Brooklyn (2), Queens (1), Bronx (1), and Staten Island (1) boroughs. The number of affected birds is available for 3 of 5 markets from USDA and totals 1,490 birds so far. See PHC alerts 3/6 and 2/10 for earlier information. [Confidence: Very High]

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. Businesses in Wyoming should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Wyoming reported 30 whooping cough cases this year in 8 counties with most cases concentrated in Sheridan County. This was a sharp increase from previ...read moreous years, with 19 whooping cough cases reported in 2024, 0 in 2023 and 2 in 2022. Whooping cough activity is likely underreported given the similar presentation with other respiratory viruses. See PHC alert 2/12 for an earlier update. [Confidence: Very High]

Dengue is endemic in Paraguay and peak season occurs between March and April, but an increased circulation of DENV-3 serotype could lead to a surge in cases since the population may lack immunity against it. Businesses should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. Dengue in Paraguay are steadily increasing, with an average of about 1,000 cases per week. The DENV-3 serotype reappeared in the country after 9 years...read more of absence. Dengue has 4 serotypes, and infection from one does not protect against infection from the others, but does increase the risk of severe illness with subsequent infections. DENV-1 and DENV-2 serotypes are also circulating in the country. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk 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. Sao Paulo, Brazil confirmed the 1st detection of mpox clade 1b in Brazil in an individual who reported contact with a family member from the DRC. No s...read moreecondary cases were detected so far. Clade 1a and clade 1b both circulate in the DRC with 5 other African countries reporting community transmission of clade 1b this year so far. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Information on vaccination before domestic and international travel can also be included in employee wellness communication. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. With spring and summer travel approaching, CDC is emphasizing vaccination as the most important tool to prevent the spread of measles. As of Mar 6, th...read moree US has reported a total of 222 measles cases (2 fatal) in 12 states this year: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. If individuals suspect they have measles, they should isolate and contact their health care provider. [Confidence: Very High]

The UK is conducting contact tracing and will notify potentially exposed individuals. The risk to the overall population is exceedingly low. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced of a Lassa fever exposure in England. The individual traveled to England from Nigeria in Feb, where La...read moressa fever is endemic, before returning to Nigeria where they were diagnosed. UKHSA states the risk of infection for the UK population is very low. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk 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. Uganda reported an increase in new mpox cases in the past month. 1,957 cases and 16 deaths were confirmed so far in 2025 with clade 1b detected in all...read more sequenced samples. Media sources also reported an mpox outbreak of 6 cases in Rubirizi District, primarily in students from a secondary school, following schools reopening. Officials implemented isolation facilities and contact tracing. See PHC alerts 3/3 and 2/25 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in commercial flocks can drive up egg and poultry prices by affecting major producers. Businesses sensitive to egg and poultry prices in the United Kingdom should contingency plan for price volatility. Over 2 million birds and poultry were culled in the United Kingdom (UK) because of H5N1. 68,900 free-range layers were lost from the egg market in Feb...read more. The National Farmers' Union said national flocks were being built up and while tight, there were currently no impacts on supply, but the situation could change if the rate of culling increases. Eggs from free-range hens are estimated to make up 72% of the total UK market. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Morocco 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. Morocco announced the continuation of national measles vaccination campaign until the end of March. The vaccination campaign started in January with e...read morexpanded eligibility for adults amid the rise in measles cases (see PHC alert 1/16 and 1/13). Media sources reported that national incidence continuously declined in recent weeks, but regional disparities in vaccination coverage remain. [Confidence: Very High]

Mandatory masking in healthcare facilities has low business impact but is a reminder that temporary mitigation strategies may be needed to control the spread of measles. Businesses in Ontario, Canada may want to notify their employees of this policy change. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment. With the rising measles cases in the Ontario region, Norfolk General Hospital now requires masks to be worn in the emergency department, patient waiti...read moreng areas, and outpatient clinics. In the rest of the hospital, masks are encouraged, but optional. [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. Angola reported 3 confirmed mpox cases in Cuanza North province, the 1st cases of 2025. 4 cases were detected in Luanda and Uige in 2024, totaling 7 c...read moreases since the mpox emergency started. Mpox clade 1b was previously detected in the country, but clade information was not provided for the recent cases. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Ontario, Canada should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Businesses may wish to notify their employees about the policy change. Southwestern Public Health in Ontario, Canada is implementing measles vaccination clinics and lowering the age of children being vaccinated as the loc...read moreal outbreak continues to grow, totaling 110 cases since October 2024. Children usually receive their first measles vaccine dose at 12 months old, but 6-11 month old children can receive their first vaccination dose in March. Grand Erie Public Health made a similar change in Feb (see PHC alert 2/18). [Confidence: Very High]

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. Businesses in Mexico should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Mexico issued an alert following an increase in whooping cough cases in 2025. There were 120 confirmed and 492 probable cases reported so far in 2025,...read more an 8-fold increase in confirmed cases compared to the same time in 2024 (15 confirmed, 189 probable cases). Regionally, other countries in the Americas observed a rise in whooping cough following low incidence reported during pandemic years. Officials called for enhanced surveillance. [Confidence: Very High]

This whooping cough death is a reminder that the disease can be deadly. It 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 the Bogota, Colombia should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Bogota, Colombia confirmed a death due to whooping cough in a child less than 2 months old in Feb. So far in 2025, 22 probable cases were detected, wh...read moreile in the past year, Bogota reported 9 cases in children under 1 year old. Nationally, confirmed cases increased, with other countries in the regional also reporting similar trends. Officials urged immunization, with over 200 offering vaccination. [Confidence: Very High]

Another human case and numerous detections of poliovirus in wastewater samples signal ongoing circulation in the environment. The polio vaccine is more than 99% effective in preventing poliovirus infection. Travelers to Pakistan should verify their polio vaccination status before travel. Pakistan reported a case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a Thatta, Sindh resident, the 4th case in Sindh and 6th nationwide this year. See PHC ale...read morerts 2/24, 2/13 and 1/22 for earlier cases. This week, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program also reported detection of polio in wastewater samples from Chaman, Loralai, Noshki, Quetta, Zhob, DI Khan, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Karachi Central, Karachi East, Karachi Keamari, Karachi Korangi, Karachi Malir, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal, and Sukkur. [Confidence: Very High]

Pediatric influenza-related deaths in Michigan this season are a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Michigan reported 2 new pediatric influenza-related deaths in Kent County residents during the last week, totaling 5 statewide this season. Influenza ...read moreactivity remains high, with over 15,000 flu-related visits to healthcare providers across MI in the past week (Feb 8-15). [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Hong Kong should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. Employees traveling internationally should consult with their healthcare provider 6-8 weeks before traveling to discuss which vaccines would be appropriate based on their itinerary. Hong Kong issued an alert advising the public to check their measles vaccination status is up-to-date before traveling abroad. Officials cite measles ...read moreoutbreaks in Texas, United States, Vietnam, and the Philippines as high risk. [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. South Africa reported its first 3 mpox cases of 2025 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng province. The index case was in an individual with recent travel to Kampal...read morea, Uganda with two other cases, also in Ekurhuleni, detected through contact tracing. The index case was confirmed as clade 1, but no information was provided on the subclade. Although no sequencing was released on the 2 linked cases, this is likely the 1st known instance of clade 1 local transmission in South Africa. [Confidence: Very High]

For informational purposes only. These clusters of cases in the DRC were renamed to Acute Febrile Syndrome (AFS) because an official cause of the outbreak(s) remains unknown. Investigation and testing are ongoing. PHC will monitor the event and provide updates as needed. PHC recommends reviewing and updating business continuity plans to prepare for high-consequence infectious disease threats. Update on outbreak of unknown illness in Equateur, DRC (see PHC alerts 2/25 and 2/21 for earlier info): in Basankusu Health Zone, 524 new cases and 7 ...read moredeaths were reported in the last week, totaling 943 cases and 52 deaths. No new cases were reported in the Bolomba Health Zones last week; 12 cases and 8 deaths were identified since early Feb. There is no known link between the outbreaks in the health zones. Testing has ruled out Ebola and Marburg. About half of the samples tested for malaria in Basankusu returned positive (309; 54.1%), which is common in the area and may indicate a co-infection. Further investigation and testing are ongoing. [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 Feb 13, including lowering barriers to seasonal flu vaccines for their employees. Employees should avoid live-animal markets and not have contact with or consume diseased poultry. Cambodia confirmed an H5N1-related death in a 2 year old boy in Tang village within Preah district, the country's 2nd H5N1 case this year (see PHC ale...read morert 1/13 for earlier info). The case was exposed to dead chickens at his house. [Confidence: Very High]

As PHC warned, the primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should contingency plan for price volatility. Media sources reported that Denny's is adding a temporary surcharge to any meal that includes eggs due to the rising cost of eggs tied to avian influe...read morenza outbreaks. The pricing decision will be implemented market-by-market and restaurant-by-restaurant. Denny's joins Waffle House, which also implemented a temporary surcharge this month (see PHC alert 2/4). [Confidence: Very High]

Pediatric neurologic complications with influenza in Massachusetts this season is a reminder that the illness can be severe or fatal. Businesses should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) reported an increase in influenza-related neurologic complications among pediatric cases the reas...read moreon for which is unknown. One explanation may be the high influenza activity, yielding higher than normal number of cases with complications. Other possible reasons include the circulating influenza type(s) confer higher risk or the affected population has a higher risk than before. [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk 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. Pakistan reported its 1st case of locally acquired mpox in a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa resident. The case is the spouse of an individual who developed mpox s...read moreymptoms after traveling to an unspecified Gulf country. The clade was not specified. [Confidence: Very High]

The primary business impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial flocks is through increased cost of eggs or poultry products when outbreaks become more widespread. Businesses that are sensitive to egg and poultry prices should have a contingency plan for continued price volatility. The USDA egg market overview showed continuing price increases. Prices for national trading of truck lot quantities of graded, loose, white large shel...read morel eggs increased to $8.07 per dozen. Depopulation led to a loss of 26.8 million birds in 2025 and 13.2 million in Dec. The ongoing avian flu outbreaks in commercial poultry will continue to contribute to price volatility. The magnitude of the bird loss is resulting in delayed replacement for some facilities while marketers struggle to cover the demand (see PHC alert 1/28). [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Kosti and Rabak, Sudan should ensure access to potable water and encourage employees to seek treatment if they develop gastrointestinal symptoms. The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that over 800 cases were admitted to a hospital in Kosti and more than 2 dozen died between Feb 19 - Feb...read more 21 within White Nile State, Sudan. Officials suspect the White Nile River as the source of contamination were many collected water after a major power outage. The market and most restaurants are closed. [Confidence: Very High]

Informational update only. Update to Ebola virus disease outbreak in Uganda (See PHC alert 2/11, 2/6, 2/5, 2/4,1/30 for earlier info): Health officials discharged all remaining ...read more8 patients after testing negative twice. 216 contacts continue to be monitored. The outbreak was declared on 1/30, totaling 9 cases with 1 death. [Confidence: Very High]

If traveling to or working in the Alpes-Maritimes region in France, businesses should provide flexible work schedules to allow for vaccination of themselves or family members if not already vaccinated. The Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur Regional Health Agency (ARS) confirmed 5 meningitis cases since Jan 1 in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France, two of...read more which were fatal. As a result, the High Authority of Health (HAS) has updated its vaccine recommendations mandating all infants be vaccinated against meningococcus B and A, C, W, Y. In adolescents aged 11 to 14 years, ACWY vaccination is now recommended regardless of their vaccination status. [Confidence: Very High]

Dengue occurs in Tonga every year, with most cases identified between Jan - Sept. Businesses 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 covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Tonga health officials declared a dengue outbreak after identifying 11 cases in the last week. Most cases were identified in Tongatapu. Additional cas...read morees are expected in upcoming weeks. Residents were warned to implement mosquito control measures. [Confidence: Very High]

Cyclone season usually occurs from Jan - March on Reunion island, a rainy and warm time period that increases the risk of mosquito borne illnesses. Businesses 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 covering skin, using mosquito repellants, and emptying standing water. Reunion, France's chikungunya outbreak continues, with 362 new cases identified in the past week, totaling 927 during 2025 and 1,069 since the outbrea...read morek started in Aug 2024. Tampon's cases recently increased by 80%. The highest cases during the outbreak were in Tampon (228) and Étang-Salé (169). See PHC alert 1/8 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Businesses in Spain 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. Spain reported measles outbreaks in Basque Country and Mililla that both started due to residents who traveled recently. The Basque measles outbreak s...read moretarted on Jan 16 with an imported case involving a traveler from Bizakia, and then quickly expanded to 34 confirmed linked cases, including 16 healthcare personnel. Melilla's measles outbreak started with a resident who had traveled to Morocco, a country with recent high measles activity (see PHC alert 2/3). [Confidence: Very High]

Employers can support at-risk 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. Kenya reported 3 new mpox cases for a total of 41 since the outbreak began in July 2024. There were 271 contacts identified for monitoring. The deadli...read moreer clade 1b was previously detected in Kenya during this outbreak though sequencing was not released for the new cases (See PHC alert 2/11). [Confidence: Very High]

Dengue is endemic in the Philippines, with cases highest between June - Oct, but cases are higher than usual and occurring during a traditionally slow period of the year. Businesses should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. The Quezon City Health Department declared a dengue outbreak as cases continue to rise. 1,769 dengue cases were identified so far this year, nearly 200% higher than the same time period last year. [Confidence: Very High]

Detection of a severe case of H5N1 avian flu in an elderly individual with exposure to sick birds does not change PHC's recommendations for enterprise business. No human-to-human spread of avian flu has been detected. PHC recommends that business continuity plans be reviewed and updated in preparation for high consequence infectious disease threats. Wyoming reported the state's 1st human case of H5N1 avian influenza in a Platte County resident who had exposure to sick birds in their backyard flock...read more. The case required hospitalization. The patient had underlying conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness. [Confidence: Very High]