Infectious disease surveillance update

Abstract

Section snippets

Unknown disease in DR Congo

Public health authorities in DR Congo have reported an outbreak of unknown origin in the Panzi district in Kwango province. As of Dec 5, 2024, there had been 406 infections identified, 31 confirmed deaths, and more than 100 suspected deaths. Infections reportedly began on Oct 24, and the disease is predominantly affecting children, with most cases occurring in those younger than 14 years. The signs and symptoms include fever, headaches, cough, dyspnoea, anaemia, and rhinorrhoea. In response to

Salmonella Typhimurium in the USA

As of Dec 5, 2024, 68 cases of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infection have been reported in 19 states in the USA. Information is available for 50 infected individuals, of whom 18 have been hospitalised and no deaths have been reported. The infections have been linked to cucumbers grown in Sonora, Mexico. The distributor has issued a voluntary recall on all cucumbers sold by importers on or after Oct 12, 2024. The US Food and Drug Administration's investigation is ongoing.

Legionellosis in Spain

On Nov 20, 2024, public health authorities in Spain reported three confirmed cases of legionellosis in Valencia. Beyond residing in municipalities affected by flooding due to DANA (high-altitude isolated depression), the three infected individuals had no epidemiological link. All three had risk factors related to previous pathologies, and as of Nov 22, two of them remained in hospital. The regional Ministry of Health is emphasising the importance of following all recommendations approved by the

Chikungunya in Réunion

From Aug 23 to Dec 6, 2024, Public Health France recorded 32 cases of chikungunya in Réunion. In addition to three isolated cases, there are three active outbreaks—one in the west of the island and two in the south. The Regional Health Agency of Réunion has deployed control measures and is encouraging rapid performance of PCR tests in suspected cases.