Building the Future of Biodefense

Recommendation: Heavy rainfall and flooding can disturb bacteria in soil and contaminate water, increasing the risk of diseases. Organizations in Hawaii with employees affected by flooding may wish to include health and safety-related information in their communications. This should cover adhering to local health guidance, wearing personal protective equipment, protecting open wounds, ensuring access to clean water, and warning about flood hazards, including mold and cuts from submerged metal.

Situation: Hawaii issued an emergency proclamation ahead of a severe storm system expected this week. A "Kona" low weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, strong to severe thunderstorms, and high winds starting as soon as midweek and continuing through the weekend. A statewide flood watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday, with variations in the flood watch start time by island. Media sources reported that the amount of rain could range from around 10 inches to 30-plus inches, with rainfall rates potentially exceeding 2-3 inches per hour. The storm is expected to hit Kaua'i and O'ahu first before moving to the rest of the state. Based on some forecasting models, the high-end potential of the storm is significantly outside of the realm of "normal" wet season weather. [Confidence: Very High]

Recommendation: Organizations in Adams, Broomfield, Denver, and Weld Counties, Colorado, should inform employees about the potential measles exposures. Organizations should provide flexible work schedules to support employees who need to make vaccine appointments for themselves or their family members. Measles is highly contagious and can quickly spread among unvaccinated individuals in a work environment.

Situation: Colorado health officials reported 4 new measles cases, 3 in Adams County and 1 in Weld County. All individuals were linked to Broomfield High School or Broomfield Heights Middle School, where previous cases have been reported (see PHC alerts 3/5, 3/3, 3/2). The public may have been exposed to measles at the Denver International Airport - Gate B48, Concourse B, terminal train (2/16), Chippers Bowling Alley in Broomfield (2/19-20), Coldstone Creamery in Westminster (2/19, 2/22), Arby’s in Westminster (2/21), Woodside Baptist Church in Denver (2/22), Broomfield Heights Middle School (2/24), and at various health facilities which can be found at the source link. Exposed individuals should monitor for measles symptoms (7-21 days from exposure). [Confidence: Very High]