New York City officials are warning about the alarming rise of leptospirosis, a disease spread by rat urine, after a record-high number of cases in 2023. The disease, caused by bacteria in the urine of infected Norway rats, can lead to various serious illnesses. Factors associated with climate change have contributed to the spike in cases. The city is also considering a rat birth control program to address the booming rat population.
A case of measles has been confirmed in a non-Los Angeles County resident who traveled through the county, potentially exposing others to the disease at various locations. Health officials are advising individuals who were at specific locations during the exposure dates to confirm if they have been vaccinated against measles. Those who have not been vaccinated and have been exposed are at risk of contracting the highly contagious disease, which can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and vulnerable adults.
An out-of-state visitor diagnosed with measles may have exposed others on the Las Vegas Strip, prompting the Southern Nevada Health District to alert individuals who may have been in contact with the infected person at various locations between April 1 and April 6. Measles symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, with a distinctive rash appearing one to four days after the initial symptoms. The Health District advises those who may have been exposed to monitor their health and contact their healthcare providers if symptoms develop within 21 days, as well as review their immunization status.
The Philadelphia medical examiner’s office found powerful synthetic opioids called nitazene analogues in at least five overdose deaths in the last two years, suspecting their involvement in a dozen more. These drugs, up to 40 times stronger than fentanyl, are contributing to the city's rising overdose deaths, making the illegal drug market even more toxic. Nitazenes, like fentanyl, can be produced in a lab and are difficult to detect outside of a lab, posing a new danger to the drug supply. Health officials urge people to carry naloxone and be aware of the potential presence of nitazenes in illicit drugs.
The Whatcom County Health Department confirmed the first death attributed to the animal tranquilizer xylazine, also known as "tranq," in the county. Xylazine, often mixed with fentanyl, has been increasingly detected in illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) drug products and overdose deaths. It is not an opioid, so opioid overdose counteragents like Narcan are ineffective in reversing its effects. The department urges the public to be aware of the dangers of xylazine, provide naloxone if an overdose is suspected, and call 911, as naloxone will not reverse the effects of xylazine.
Whatcom County reports its first death from the powerful animal tranquilizer Xylazine, also known as the "zombie drug," which was found in combination with fentanyl and methamphetamine in the individual's system. Xylazine is known for its dangerous effects, including reducing brain activity, causing severe skin wounds, and leading to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Authorities warn that naloxone spray will not reverse Xylazine effects, but should still be administered if fentanyl overdose is suspected. The county has been testing for Xylazine in suspected overdose deaths since 2022 and urges the public to be aware of the risks associated with this drug.
Law enforcement in Virginia and across the nation are warning about a deadly drug combination of fentanyl and xylazine, a synthetic animal tranquilizer, found in illegal drugs. The addition of xylazine to fentanyl is making the opioid epidemic even deadlier, posing a significant risk to young people, including high school and college students. The DEA has seized mixtures of xylazine and fentanyl in 48 of 50 states, with a rising number of cases. Authorities urge parents to talk to their children about the dangers of these narcotics amidst one of the deadliest opioid epidemics in history.
Chicago is experiencing a measles outbreak, with 31 cases reported in the city and surrounding areas. The virus, once considered eliminated in the US, has reemerged in various states. Vaccination is crucial for protection, with the MMR vaccine being highly effective. Symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, and there is no specific cure for measles. Unvaccinated individuals should consider quarantine if exposed, and those unsure of their vaccination status can contact their state's health department for information.
Visitors to Cohen Children's Medical Center in New York may have been exposed to measles after a child with the virus was admitted to the emergency department. The potential exposure period was from March 20 to March 21. The health department is urging individuals who were at the medical center during this time and are experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider before seeking care. Measles is highly contagious and can be more serious for children under 5 years old. The county's health department is working to identify and notify high-risk patients who may require timely treatment.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified geckos as the likely source of a salmonella outbreak affecting seven provinces, with 35 confirmed cases and five hospitalizations. Individuals who became ill had direct or indirect contact with geckos or their environments, and some cases involved children aged five and under. The agency emphasizes the importance of reptile owners and business operators in preventing illnesses linked to these pets, as symptoms of salmonella poisoning can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps.
Washtenaw County in Michigan has confirmed its second case of measles, with at least four cases reported in metro Detroit. Health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. The CDC recommends getting the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, especially as measles cases are increasing both abroad and in the United States. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a red, raised rash.
Customers of a popular East Bay restaurant, Sons of Liberty Alehouse in San Leandro, are being warned of possible measles exposure on March 9 between 4:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Alameda County Public Health Department issued an alert, advising those who dined, worked, or visited the restaurant during that time to watch for symptoms such as fever, coughing, and rash, which can appear one to three weeks after exposure. Vaccinated individuals are generally protected, but those with young children or in healthcare or childcare roles are urged to contact their doctor and public health officials if they suspect exposure.
American Medical Response reported a total of 49 suspected opioid overdoses in Manchester and Nashua in February, with 36 in Manchester and 13 in Nashua, four of which were fatal. This marks the third consecutive month of a decrease in total suspected opioid overdoses compared to the monthly average.
The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network advisory due to an increase in global and U.S. measles cases, with 58 confirmed cases reported in the U.S. from January to March 2024, most linked to international travel. The advisory provides guidance for measles prevention, emphasizing the importance of MMR vaccinations for international travelers and children aged 12 months and older. Declining vaccination rates have increased the risk of measles outbreaks, prompting recommendations for healthcare providers, health departments, and parents/international travelers to ensure vaccination, surveillance, and communication efforts.
A new CDC report warns of a deadly waterborne disease problem in the US, with Legionella bacteria causing 184 outbreaks from 2015 to 2020, resulting in 786 illnesses, 544 hospitalizations, and 86 deaths. Most outbreaks were linked to public water systems, and Legionella-associated outbreaks continued to increase, particularly in community and noncommunity water systems. The bacteria spreads through contaminated aerosols from water systems, causing potentially fatal pneumonia or less serious illness. The report highlights the need for improved detection and prevention measures, as well as the importance of early antibiotic treatment for survival.
