Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: The hepatitis A vaccine is over 95% effective in preventing disease in people who have received two shots. A single shot of the hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A if given within 14 days after exposure. Organizations in New Brunswick, Canada, should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members.

Situation: New Brunswick health officials reported a hepatitis A case linked to the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews. Those who ate at Braxton's Restaurant or Right While Pub within the resort on 1/21-22 and 1/24-25 may have been exposed and are recommended to get the hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible, and within 14 days of dining at the restaurants, to reduce the risk of infection. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Informational update. Organizations in Suriname and Seychelles should reduce mosquito populations at their facilities by eliminating standing water. Employees can prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water near their homes. Organizations should inform employees with planned work travel to affected countries and support pregnant employees who opt not to travel. Employees should consult a doctor about vaccination against chikungunya before traveling to affected areas. Vaccine eligibility and availability may vary by country.

Situation: The US CDC issued a Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions travel advisory for Suriname and Seychelles after chikungunya outbreaks were reported. The Level 2 advisory recommends that anyone traveling to Suriname or Seychelles should protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites, getting vaccinated when traveling to outbreak areas (with medical guidance during pregnancy), reconsidering travel late in pregnancy, and seeking medical care if symptoms like fever, joint pain, or rash occur during or after travel. See PHC alerts on 1/30, 1/22, and 1/8 for earlier info. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Mass gatherings can increase disease spread, especially with multiple diseases circulating globally. Organizations in Italy and organizations with employees attending the Winter Olympics or Paralympics should provide flexible work schedules to support employees making vaccine appointments for themselves or family members to protect against measles and other circulating seasonal respiratory diseases.

Situation: ECDC issued infectious disease guidance ahead of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The Winter Olympics run from 2/6 to 2/22, and the Paralympics run from 3/6 to 3/15. The guidance highlights the risk of infection from measles, given the global resurgence, as well as seasonal respiratory infections, which are common during this time of year. Other risks include food-borne illness and sexually transmitted infections. The guidance comes amid media reports that at least 4 players on Finland's national women's hockey team experienced symptoms consistent with a norovirus infection, prompting the players to be isolated ahead of their first game. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: A tuberculosis (TB) cluster in Malaysia has limited impact on most organizations. TB requires prolonged contact with an infectious person, with workplace transmission mainly occurring in healthcare and correctional settings, which have protocols in place. Organizations should encourage employees who have had a persistent cough for more than 2 weeks to contact their healthcare provider and cooperate with public health authorities if they are contacted.

Situation: Health officials in Johor, Malaysia, identified a TB outbreak in Kota Tinggi. 33 cases were detected as of 2/4 through active screening activities of 804 close contacts. All cases have received treatment and are under close monitoring. One case died, though the death was not attributed to TB. Officials urged residents in the affected and surrounding areas, especially those with prolonged coughs or known exposure, to seek prompt screening for TB. [Confidence: Very High]