Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Heat is the top killer among extreme weather events, and the upcoming heat wave in the United Kingdom (UK) is a reminder to review plans for such events this summer. Organizations should provide adequate cool water, frequent rest breaks, and shade or a cool rest area for employees working outside. Organizations should consider providing flexible scheduling options, especially for outdoor workers or workers commuting by transit modalities that lack air conditioning. Organizations may wish to include cooling tips in their wellness communications.

Situation: The UK Health Security Agency placed 6 regions in England under an amber health alert on 7/11, meaning that weather impacts are likely to be felt by the entire region, with an increased risk to health for vulnerable individuals. This weekend, temperatures are predicted to rise above 30°C across most of England, while Wales and Scotland could also record their hottest day of the year. The heat health alert is in place until 7/14. Hosepipe bans were imposed on more than 7 million people due to water shortages across England, according to media sources. Central and eastern parts of Scotland are also under a warning of extreme danger of wildfires over the weekend. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Informational update only. New World screwworm (NWS) primarily affects livestock but can also impact pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans. NWS fly larvae can cause serious and often deadly damage to an animal. NWS was eradicated from the US in the 1960s, and reintroduction of the disease could lead to commercial financial losses, trade restrictions, and costly eradication efforts.

Situation: Mexico reported a new case of NWS in Ixhuatlan de Madero, Veracruz, 160 miles north of the sterile fly dispersal grid and 370 miles from the US border. Before this detection, the closest NWS case was 700 miles away from the US border, suggesting continued encroachment despite outbreak control measures. In response, the US halted the planned phased reopening of livestock trade through southern ports to protect the US livestock and food supply. USDA is intensifying NWS control efforts, including monitoring in Mexico, expanding eradication programs, and constructing sterile fly dispersal and production facilities in Texas. Continued coordination with border states and Mexico will be ongoing. See PHC alerts on 7/1, 6/24, 5/30, and 5/13 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) only affects cattle and is not transmissible to humans, and does not pose a risk from the consumption of cattle-related products. Disease outbreaks can result in economic impacts through temporary milk production reduction, temporary or permanent bull sterility, hide damage, and, occasionally, cattle death. The spread of the disease in cattle in Europe may disrupt local and international trade.

Situation: The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) noted that the recent LSD outbreaks in France and Italy mark the first ever detection of the disease in either country (PHC alert 6/30). WOAH reiterated that the disease does not pose a risk to human health, and limiting the economic impacts is possible through movement restrictions and animal vaccines. Misinformation is circulating, particularly regarding LSD vaccines, and poses a challenge to response efforts. By detecting LSD, both Italy and France lost their LSD-free status, which triggered automatic import bans for some countries, such as the UK. France reported 10 outbreaks in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, and Italy reported 14 outbreaks in Lombardy and Sardinia so far. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in South Carolina 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: South Carolina confirmed its 1st measles case of the year in an unvaccinated resident from Upstate with recent international travel. The individual was not infectious while traveling and is at home isolating. Health officials advised the public to review their vaccination status and to get vaccinated. [Confidence: Very High]