A leptospirosis outbreak in Los Angeles County, California, affected over 200 pet dogs in 2021, emphasizing the critical role of canine vaccination in public health. Researchers from the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) detailed their findings in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. The study focused on dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis at two animal hospitals, conducting serotyping and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on samples from four dogs. Upon reviewing data from 59 infected dogs and 15,536 controls after the outbreak, they found that none of the 47 vaccinated dogs were fully immunized against the disease.
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Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection in dogs that can cause acute kidney injury and pose a risk to humans through contact with contaminated water or animal urine, especially from rodents. In humans, the disease can lead to flu-like symptoms and is treatable with antibiotics. All isolates from the dogs were identified as Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola.
In related health news, an outbreak of hantavirus among passengers and crew of the MV Hondius Dutch cruise ship has grown to 13 cases, three of which have been fatal. The ship had been active in April and May; several passengers remain in isolation, with 18 Americans in a biocontainment unit in Nebraska due to the virus's long incubation period of up to 42 days. The World Health Organization stated the situation is being monitored closely.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better cardiovascular health before the pandemic were almost 50% less likely to experience severe COVID-19 illness compared to those with poorer heart health. This study included nearly 30,000 participants and emphasized the link between cardiovascular health and COVID-19 outcomes.
A survey conducted across 37 countries revealed that over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales remain widespread, posing a challenge to global efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Among respondents, 65.3% indicated that antibiotics could be purchased without a prescription. The accessibility of critical antibiotics points to significant gaps in antibiotic stewardship.
Additionally, the FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) is set to meet to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-27 season, specifically whether to advise the use of the LP.8.1 subvariant or consider other subvariants.
Lastly, the FDA reported a new Salmonella outbreak linked to Mogo brand Pure Moringa Oleifera capsules, with 18 reported cases in 14 states. Additionally, the UK Health Security Agency noted a 22% increase in Lyme disease cases in the UK last year, highlighting the expanding geographic distribution of ticks carrying the disease.