Recent News

By Region: Africa

Killing polio workers threatens grave global consequences

(TheConversation) The murder of nine female health workers involved in child immunisation on February 8 in Kano (the largest city in northern Nigeria) is a chilling reminder that saving children’s lives is not a goal shared by everyone. Unless such incidents are effectively prevented in countries where the poliomyelitis (‘polio’) virus still circulates, vaccination campaigns Read More »

February 12, 2013
| Filed under Africa, Middle East, Biosafety, and Public Health
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Poliovirus detected from environmental samples in Egypt

(WHO) In Egypt, wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was isolated from sewage samples collected on 2 and 6 December 2012 in two areas of greater Cairo. Virus has been detected in sewage only; no case of paralytic polio has been reported. Genetic sequencing shows that the virus strains are closely related to virus from northern Read More »

February 11, 2013
| Filed under Africa, Biosafety, and Public Health
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Farmers, Traders Count Losses As Foot-and-Mouth Disease Persists

(AllAfrica) Livestock farmers and traders in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts are counting losses as foot and mouth disease that infected livestock in area some three months ago continues. The disease attacks the feet of livestock, paralysing their limbs. Musheri and Rwimiyaga (Nyagatare), Rwembogo, Kabarore (Gatsibo) sectors are the most affected areas. Proprietors of butcheries, dairies Read More »

February 8, 2013
| Filed under Africa, Agents & Toxins, and Public Health
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Fresh Outbreak of Lassa Fever

(AllAfrica) A Lassa fever outbreak in Lafia, Nasarawa State, caused the death of at least one out of three infected persons. According to the Chief Medical Director of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, Dr Ahmed Yakubu Ashiki, the status of the other victims confirmed the virus after diagnosis. All three victims were Read More »

February 8, 2013
| Filed under Africa, Agents & Toxins, and Public Health
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New Foot-and-Mouth Scare Hits Namibian Farmers

(AllAfrica) The movement of livestock has been restricted in certain areas of Namibia after a lone African buffalo was spotted in the Otjituuo communal area in Otjozondjupa. Anna Shiweda, acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, on Friday said cattle, goats, pigs, game and any cloven- hoofed animals may not be Read More »