Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2006 Edition: Canada
In March 2003, the Community Acquired Infections Division, Public Health Agency of Canada brought together an Expert Working Group on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from across Canada to begin planning the revision of the 1998 Canadian STD Guidelines. The content of the 2006 guidelines reflects emerging issues and highlights changes in the STI literature since the release of the 1998 guidelines. These guidelines were created as a resource for clinical and public health professionals, especially nurses and physicians, for the prevention and management of STIs across a diverse patient population, including neonates, children, adolescents and adults. The guidelines are available on-line at:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti_2006/sti_intro2006_e.html.
Source: Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Community Acquired Infections Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, January 2007

Latent Tuberculosis Infection: United States
Crews aboard ships live and work in crowded, enclosed spaces. Historically, large tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and extensive transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have occurred on U.S. Navy ships. On 13 July 2006, smear- and culture-positive, cavitary, pulmonary TB was diagnosed in a sailor aboard an aircraft carrier. The patient, aged 32 years, had a negative human immunodeficiency virus test. The M. tuberculosis strain cultured was susceptible to all first-line TB medications. The sailor was born in the Philippines, had latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnosed in 1995 shortly after enlisting in the U.S. Navy, and completed the 6-month daily isoniazid course that was standard treatment at that time (current treatment standard is 9 months). This report describes the contact investigation conducted by the U.S. Navy and CDC and demonstrates the importance of timely diagnosis of TB, identification and treatment of new LTBI, and cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies during large contact investigations.
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Volume 55, Nos. 51 & 52, 5 January 2007

Pneumococcal Disease: South America and the Caribbean
Global health experts released the most comprehensive study ever conducted on the impact of pneumococcal disease in South America and the Caribbean. Until now, there has been no comprehensive estimate of the burden of pneumococcus in Latin America. Pneumococcal disease kills 18,000 children every year in South America and the Caribbean and is responsible for four major types of illness: ear infections, pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. Every year, children under five years old in Latin America suffer from pneumococcal illnesses that include an estimated 1.3 million cases of acute middle ear infections that can lead to deafness, 330,000 cases of pneumonia, 1,200 cases of sepsis and 3,900 cases of meningitis. In Latin America, it is estimated that annual routine pneumococcal vaccination covering 92% of children would save the lives of 9,478 children every year. It would also prevent 678,000 cases of ear infection, 176,000 cases of pneumonia, 2,100 cases of sepsis and 660 cases of meningitis. Despite its systematic approach, researchers say that even this study represents a minimal estimate of disease, as surveillance for pneumococcal disease is technically difficult and only exists in a few countries.
Source: Press Release, Pan American Health Organization, 13 December 2006

Malaria: Jamaica (Update)
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor an outbreak of malaria in Jamaica. As of 3 January 2007, the Jamaican Ministry of Health has reported 192 confirmed cases with the majority occurring in Kingston. Six of the cases have been reported in the adjacent parish of St. Catherine and a single case has been reported in the parish of Clarendon. Although one case has been reported in a US resident who traveled to Kingston in November 2006, no cases have been reported among Canadian travelers to date. All confirmed cases were caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum. No deaths have occurred and there is no evidence of chloroquine resistance among treated cases. PHAC is temporarily recommending chemoprophylaxis and personal protective measures to prevent malaria in persons staying overnight in Kingston.
Source: Travel Health Advisory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 5 January 2007

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.