Campylobacter: British Columbia
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is investigating the source of a gastro intestinal outbreak that affected participants and spectators of a mountain bike race in Squamish in June. So far 18 confirmed cases of Campylobacter infection have been recorded, all among those who took part in the race on 16 June. Approximately 800 racers from BC, Alberta and Washington State participated in the 67-kilometre race. All of the people who've been sick were either riders or spectators, no one from the community or surrounding area has reported symptoms. The goal in following up with those who attended the race is to determine the source of the bacteria. Race organizers are working with VCH and the BC Centre for Disease Control to contact participants and distribute an electronic survey that will help identify potential sources of contamination.
Source: Vancouver Coastal Health, 28 June 2007

Canadian Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report - 2004: Canada
This report summarizes trends in the three nationally notifiable bacterial STIs (genital chlamydia, gonorrhea and infectious syphilis) using data reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada by the provinces and territories. To provide a more complete picture of the burden of STIs in Canada, viral STI rates and the results of enhanced surveillance initiatives are included in the report. Finally, Canadian STI rates are given some context through a comparison with the rates of similar countries. The report is available online at:http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/07vol33/33s1/index_e.html.
Source: Canada Communicable Disease Report, Volume 33S1, May 2007

Outbreak of Salmonella Wandsworth: United States
Public health officials in OutbreakNet (the network of epidemiologists and other public health officials, facilitated by CDC) are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Wandsworth infections. Salmonella Wandsworth is a rare strain of Salmonella. Interviews comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons show that consumption of Robert's American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty was statistically associated with illness and therefore the most likely source of the outbreak. As of 28 June 28, 52 persons infected with Salmonella Wandsworth have been reported to CDC from 17 states. Among the patients for whom clinical information is available, 77% developed bloody diarrhea and 11% were hospitalized. No deaths have been attributed to this infection. Onset dates, which are known for 49 patients, ranged from 4 March to 11 June 2007. The number of cases has gradually increased, with 8 cases reported from 6 states before 1 May. The preliminary results demonstrate a strong association between illness and consumption of Veggie Booty, a snack of puffed rice and corn with a vegetable coating. The company that manufactures the product issued a voluntary recall. OutbreakNet officials in CDC and in State and local health departments, FDA, and the marketing and manufacturing companies are working collaboratively to learn more about production of Veggie Booty to determine how it may have become contaminated.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 June 2007

Tuberculosis in a Junior School: England
Several tuberculosis outbreaks in schools have been reported in the last decade, usually following transmission from an infectious staff member. The index case is rarely a child. In March 2007, a case of smear negative, culture positive tuberculosis in a nine-year-old was reported to the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Health Protection Unit in the United Kingdom. This preliminary report describes an ongoing outbreak investigation in the school attended by the child. The school is situated in a town with an ethnically diverse urban area and a population of around 200,000 inhabitants. The incidence of tuberculosis cases is 45 per 100,000, meaning that the town meets the World Health Organization's definition of a high incidence area. The school involved is attended by 190 children, over half of whom are from non-white or mixed ethnic backgrounds.
Source: Eurosurveillance Weekly, Volume 12, Issue 6, 28 June 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.