Infection Control News: February 04-08, 2019

Long-running Ebola outbreak is now an international health emergency, say experts. News

Lawmakers mull proposal to end religious exemptions for measles shots in New York State. News 

Ottawa’s new medical officer tables stay-the-course 2019 budget. News

Los Angeles is dealing with a deadly, flea-borne typhus outbreak. News

Over 109,000 people died from measles in 2017 — needlessly. News

The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed one new Ebola infection in Katwa and reported 2 new deaths from Katwa and Butembo. Also 2 more infections were reported in healthcare workers, according to a weekly situation report from the World Health WHO. WHO Situation Report.

Saudi Arabia MH reported 3 more MERS-CoV cases, 2 of them linked to ongoing outbreak activity in Wadi ad-Dawasir. Over the past several days, 12 Middle MERS-CoV cases have been reported involving secondary healthcare & household related exposure. Report

Sweden reported a rare human influenza H1N2 infection, which appears to be a reassortant of the seasonal influenza A strains 2009 H1N1 and H3N2. The CDC said the health risk is likely similar to other seasonal flu viruses. Report

The WHO said flu activity has slowed slightly in North America, but picked up in Europe and North Africa. Report

A new research review found school HPV vaccinations programs led to a big drop in pre-cancerous cervical cells. Learn more in this video from Global news. Video