Alerts
Florida, USA, is experiencing a notable increase in locally acquired dengue cases in 2023. According to the Florida Department of Health, 154 cases have been reported, distributed primarily in the counties of Miami-Dade with 139 cases and Hardee with 9 cases. . This represents a significant increase compared to the 68 local cases recorded in all of 2022. Additionally, 477 travel-associated dengue cases have been reported this year.
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ixchiq, the first chikungunya vaccine. Ixchiq is approved for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus. Ixchiq is administered as a single dose by injection into the muscle. It contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus and may cause symptoms in the vaccine recipient similar to those experienced by people who have chikungunya disease. The safety of Ixchiq was evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in North America in which about 3,500 participants 18 years of age and older received a dose of the vaccine with one study including about 1,000 participants who received a placebo. The most commonly reported side effects by vaccine recipients were headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea and tenderness at the injection site.
As of 28 Oct 2023, the Africa CDC reported a total of 2779 yellow fever cases, and 36 deaths have been reported in 7 African Union countries this year. The impacted countries are: Cameroon (41 cases; 4 deaths), CAR (326; 5), Congo (324; 2), Gabon (79; 0), Guinea (178; 4), Nigeria (1,819; 21), and Uganda (12; 0).
The health department in Kozhikode has issued an alert against leptospirosis in the district in the wake of a rise in the number of patients and deaths in October [2023]. Kallai, Beypore, and Nadakkavu are some of the places where the number of patients is high. Those venturing out into muddy waters should take doxycycline, the preventive tablet, as they are at high risk of contracting the infection. The District Medical Officer said the tablets were available for free at all government hospitals. Those who have symptoms such as high fever, headache, severe body pain, joint pain, and redness in eyes should immediately consult a doctor.
