Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: Canada
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection may result in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), such as bacteremia, meningitis and bacteremic pneumonia, or in non-IPD, such as pneumonia, sinusitis and otitis media. In June 2001, a heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was approved for use in children in Canada. A review of S. pneumoniae-induced disease incidence and vaccine recommendations in Canadian infants and children younger than 5 years of age indicates that PCV7 appears to be safe and effective against IPD and non-IPD in children younger than 5 years of age and, more importantly, in children younger than 2 years of age (who are at highest risk for IPD). An examination of postmarketing data showed a reduction in incidence of pneumococcal disease in age groups that were vaccinated and in older age groups, indicating the likelihood of herd protection. Concurrently, there was a reduction in the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates. The results from the present review suggest that PCV7 is currently benefiting Canadian children by lowering S pneumoniae-associated disease. Additional gains from herd protection and further reductions in antimicrobial resistance will be achieved as more Canadian children younger than 5 years of age are vaccinated with PCV7.
Source: The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Volume 17, Number 1, January/February 2006

Gonorrhea: Alberta
In 1996, Health Canada, with input from an Advisory Committee and Expert Working Group, identified the elimination of locally transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Canada by the year 2010 as a goal for the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 1997 the reported rate of gonorrhea in Canada was 14.9/100,000 population compared to 219.8/100,000 population in 1980. However reported rates of gonorrhea in Canada during 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 were 20.1, 21.6, 23.0, and 24.9/100,000 population, respectively. In the province of Alberta, reported rates of gonorrhea have also been increasing from 18.5/100,000 population in 1998 to 32.3/100,000 population in 2003. These increases have been particularly apparent in the Capital Health Region, a large urban region located in central Alberta. This report presents a descriptive analysis of an outbreak of gonorrhea in the Capital Health Region. It also presents the results of spatial analyses that were used to investigate geographic variations in the incidence of gonorrhea within smaller area units of the Capital Health Region. The approach provided information that was useful in identifying epicentres of the outbreak. It also provided some insight into various stages of the epidemic and the geographic variability of incidence rates across the 17 sub-regions of the Capital Health Region where prevention and control activities could be targeted.
Source: Canada Communicable Disease Report, Volume 32, Number 4, 15 February 2006

Infectious Syphilis: Minnesota
According to new preliminary data released by the Minnesota Department of Health, infectious syphilis cases have nearly tripled among men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to 2004. As of 31 December 2005, there were 99 infectious syphilis cases reported compared to 34 cases in 2004, a jump of almost 200 %. Health officials noted that cases among males in 2005 have ranged in age from 18-61 years with the majority of cases occurring among men 30-49 years old. About 37% of the cases among MSM were co-infected with HIV.
Source: News Release, Minnesota Department of Health, 6 March 2006

Outbreak of Chikungunya Virus: French Island Territory of Réunion
The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring a significant ongoing outbreak of chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne disease, on the French Island Territory of Réunion, located in the south western region of the Indian Ocean. Between 28 March 2005 and 26 February 2006 a total of 2,849 cases of chikungunya infection have been confirmed and notified through Réunion's surveillance network. Further information can be accessed online at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2006/chiku060303_e.html.
Source: Travel Medicine Program, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3 March 3006

The details given are for information only and may be very provisional. Where incidents are considered of national importance and are ongoing, the initial report will be updated as new information becomes available.