USGS

• DI event: “DI” is short for “deflation-inflation.” A DI event is an abrupt deflation of Kīlauea’s summit that lasts from several hours to 2-3 days, followed by an abrupt transition to inflation that effectively cancels the preceding deflation over the ensuing hours to days. DI events are best recorded by tiltmeters at Kīlauea’s summit, which typically measure a few microradians (see definition below) of change for individual events. DI events indicate a decrease and subsequent increase in pressure within a magma reservoir located about 1.5 km (1 mi) beneath the east margin of Halema‘uma‘u Crater. The level of the summit lava lake generally tracks tilt during DI events, with the lava level dropping during the deflation phase and rising during the inflation phase. Many DI events at Kīlauea’s summit are also recorded, after a delay of minutes to hours, by a tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone, which is a sign that the pressure changes at the summit are being transmitted through the magma conduit to the East Rift Zone eruption site. DI events sometimes correlate with pauses and pulses in lava output from East Rift Zone eruptive vents. For more information, please go to: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/view.php?id=117 http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/howwork/subsidence/inflate_deflate.html

• Glow: Light from an unseen source; indirect light.

• Halema‘uma‘u Overlook: This visitor overlook, located on the southeast rim of Halema‘uma‘u Crater, has been closed to the public since early 2008, when sulfur dioxide gas emissions increased to hazardous levels. After the summit vent opened within Halema‘uma‘u Crater in March 2008, the visitor overlook area became even more hazardous. High levels of sulfur dioxide gas can pose an immediate danger to health and life, and intermittent explosive eruptions blast rock and lava fragments (some large enough to cause serious injury or death) from the vent on to the crater rim.

• Overlook vent or Overlook crater: The informal name of Kīlauea Volcano’s active summit vent. This vent is a crater within the floor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which, in turn, is within the floor of the larger Kīlauea caldera (also sometimes referred to as a crater). When the summit vent first opened in March 2008, it was about 35 m (115 ft) in diameter. It has since enlarged due to collapses of the overhung vent rim, and, as of May 2015, was about 215 m (705 ft) by 165 m (540 ft) in size. From November 2009 to present, the summit vent has hosted a lava lake that has risen and fallen dramatically over time, with lake levels that have ranged from about 200 m (655 ft) below the vent rim (e.g., in January 2010) to overflowing the vent rim (e.g., in April-May 2015). Lava lake level fluctuations—rising with summit inflation and dropping with summit deflation— are an ongoing process. For more information, please go to: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2013/3116/

• Incandescence: Visible light emitted from a hot surface. The color of the light is related to surface temperature. Molten lava displays bright orange to orange-yellow light from surfaces that
are hotter than 900 degrees Celsius (1,650 degrees Fahrenheit). Some surfaces can display dull red incandescence at temperatures as low as 430 degrees Celsius (806 degrees Fahrenheit). • Jaggar Museum Overlook (or observation deck): Perched on the rim of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit caldera, about 1.6 km (1 mi) north-northwest of the active summit vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, the Jaggar Museum Overlook (observation deck) affords spectacular views of Kīlauea’s summit vent activity. The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum is located on Crater Rim Drive in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the Kīlauea Visitor Center. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/jaggar_museum.htm

• Metric ton (t): A unit of weight or mass equal to 1,000 kilograms, 2,204.6 lbs, or 1.102 US (short) tons. Used to report gas measurements.

• Microradian: The amount of tilt or ground deformation on volcanoes is measured in microradians. One microradian of tilt is equivalent to the angle created by raising one end of a 1km- (0.6-mi-) long board by the thickness of a U.S. dime (1 mm, or 0.04 in). More specifically, a microradian is a measure of angle equivalent to 0.000057 degrees. For more information about tilt, please visit: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/methods/deformation/tilt/. http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/deformation.php http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/archive/2002/02_05_30.html

• Tephra: The general term for volcanic rock fragments exploded or carried into the air during an eruption. Such fragments can range in size from less than 2 mm (0.08 inches) to more than 1 m (3.2 feet) in diameter. The smallest tephra is called volcanic ash, pieces of pulverized rock and volcanic glass the size of sand or silt. Tiny ash particles can be less than 0.001 mm (0.00004 inches) in diameter. For more information about tephra, please visit: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/FAQ_SO2-Vog-Ash/P2.html#ash http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hazards/tephra/ http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/images/pglossary/tephra.php http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hazards/tephra/tephraterms.php

• Tonne (t): An old spelling for “metric ton,” a unit that is used to report gas measurements.

For more definitions of volcanic terms (with photos), please see: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/images/pglossary/

EARTHQUAKE TERMS:
• LPs: Long-period (LP) events refer to a type of earthquake with a drawn-out, wave-like pattern when viewed on seismic records (seismograms). LP earthquakes are attributed to motion of fluids (gas, water, and/or magma) within conduits, cracks, and chambers beneath the ground surface, and have a gentler, rolling motion that is difficult for humans to detect. Most earthquakes that people feel are short-period events associated with rupture of a fault, with chaotic, rapid changes in ground motion. On seismograms, LP earthquakes are recognized by the relatively even spacing between adjacent peaks on the record. This spacing—or period—can be between 0.2 and 2 seconds
(frequencies of 0.5 to 5 Hz), compared to short-period earthquakes, which are characterized by periods that are fractions of a second. LP earthquakes are also known at other volcanoes as low-frequency earthquakes, tornillos, or B-type earthquakes

• VLPs: Very-long-period (VLP) events are earthquakes similar to LP events, but with much longer periods (that is, more time between adjacent peaks on a seismic record)—typically between 20 and 100 seconds (frequencies between 0.01 and 0.05 Hz). If LP earthquakes are analogous to waves on the ocean, then VLP earthquakes are like ocean swells. VLPs can only be detected by specially designed seismometers, since the “shaking” is so gentle. At Kīlauea, VLP earthquakes are common and associated with magma and gas migration through a constriction located near a shallow magma reservoir about 1.5 km (1 mi) beneath Halema‘uma‘u Crater.

• Composite seismic event: A composite seismic event records several processes occurring one after another—a combination of short-period, long-period (LP) and very-long-period (VLP) earthquakes that occur as part of a single, drawn-out event. These events have been recorded frequently at Kīlauea since the start of the current summit eruption in March 2008, and are usually associated with rockfalls into the summit lava lake (as seen by HVO cameras). Composite seismic events typically begin like “normal” short-period earthquakes, with chaotic shaking indicating the occurrence of a rockfall and small explosion as the rockfall makes contact with the lava lake. After a few seconds, the seismic signature transitions to an LP event as gas is released from the upper part of the lava lake. The disturbance in the column of lava in the lake is felt all the way down to a small magma chamber beneath the summit, where it triggers the release of VLP energy that follows the LP event. Thus, a composite seismic event begins like a normal earthquake, but transitions to an LP and then a VLP event, the latter of which can last for several minutes before the energy dissipates completely.

• Volcanic tremor: Active volcanoes are characterized by continuous release of seismic energy as fluids (magma, gas, and/or water) move through subsurface conduits, as gas is released from magma, and/or as lava erupts at the surface. This background seismic “hum” of the volcano is called volcanic tremor. Volcanic tremor is frequently associated with gas and lava output and is often a sign that a volcano is erupting or is on the verge of erupting. Volcanic tremor is distinguished from earthquakes by its sustained nature, lasting from minutes to days and fluctuating in intensity, depending on the activity of the volcano. Harmonic tremor refers to volcanic tremor displaying a steady or dominant period associated with ground shaking. Spasmodic tremor features bursts of energy.

OTHER TERMS / HAWAIIAN WORDS:
• CD: Hawai‘i County Civil Defense

• Mauka / makai: Hawaiian terms for directions relative to the coast. Makai or ma kai is toward the coast, and mauka or ma uka is toward the highlands, or away from the coast.
• Pali: Hawaiian term for cliff or precipice.

USGS

“…..Since eruptions in the Leilani Estates neighborhood began on May 3, the flows of lava have destroyed 36 structures as of Friday — at least 26 of them homes — and covered 117 acres.…..”

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Friday, May 11, 2018, 4:39 PM HST (Saturday, May 12, 2018, 02:39 UTC)

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25’16” N 155°17’13” W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
Volcanic unrest in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. While no lava has been emitted from any of the 15 fissure vents since May 9, earthquake activity, ground deformation, and continuing high emission rates of sulphur dioxide indicate additional outbreaks of lava are likely. The location of future outbreaks is not known with certainty, but could include areas both uprift (southwest) and downrift (northeast) of the existing fissures, or resumption of activity at existing fissures. Communities downslope of these fissures could be at risk from lava inundation.

Residents in lower Puna should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts).

For maps showing the locations of eruption features, please see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

For information on volcanic air pollution, please see: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

Kīlauea Volcano Summit
Tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue to record deflationary tilt. Based on this and field observations of the past two days, the lava lake level continues to drop. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls have generated small ash clouds mixed with white condensed water vapor intermittently throughout the day. These ash clouds have been relatively low concentration and have risen only a few thousand feet above the ground generating very localized ashfall. More explosive activity generating larger ash clouds remains possible.

Earthquake activity in the summit remains elevated. Many of these earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

For information on volcanic ash, please see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai’i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

WHO

Abuja, 10 May 2018 – With six weeks of declining numbers and only a handful of confirmed cases reported in recent weeks, the critical phase of Nigeria’s largest-ever Lassa fever outbreak is under control, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Nigeria is endemic for Lassa fever and people could be infected throughout the year, making continued efforts to control any new flare ups crucial.

In the last reporting week, ending on 6 May 2018, three new confirmed cases of Lassa fever were reported. This year a total of 423 confirmed cases including 106 deaths have been recorded. The national case numbers have consistently declined in the past six weeks, and have dropped below levels considered to be a national emergency when compared with data from previous outbreaks.

“Nigeria is to be congratulated for reaching this important milestone in the fight against Lassa fever,” says Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, Regional Emergencies Director for Africa. “But we cannot let our foot off the pedal. We must use the lessons learnt to better prepare at risk countries in our region to conduct rapid detection and response.”

WHO will continue to support the Nigerian government to maintain an intensified response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria. Thirty-seven health workers have been infected with Lassa fever, eight have died. This highlights the need for implementing standard infection prevention and control precautions with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all work practices at all times. WHO continues to help states which have reported new cases by strengthening their capacity to conduct disease surveillance, treat patients, as well as implement infection prevention and control measures, laboratory diagnostics, and engage with communities.

WHO Country Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu said, “Communities are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any rumors to the nearest health facilities because early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”

Health care workers are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for Lassa fever when handling patients, irrespective of their health status. Lassa fever should always be considered in patients with fever, headache, sore throat and general body weakness, especially when malaria has been ruled out with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and when patients are not improving. Health workers should adhere to standard precautions, and wear protective equipment like gloves, face masks, face shields and aprons when handling suspected Lassa fever patients.

WHO is monitoring and supporting Nigeria’s neighbouring countries to help improve their level of preparedness to readily respond to any potential outbreaks.

Note to the editors:

Lassa fever is a viral infection, primarily transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine, faeces, or blood. Person-to-person transmission is through direct or indirect contact with body fluids of an infected person. Prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good community hygiene to keep rats out of the house and prevent contamination of food supplies. Effective measures include storing grains and other foodstuff in rodent-proof containers, proper disposal of garbage far from the home, and maintaining clean households.

CDC

“….Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, serve, or sell recalled eggs produced by Rose Acre Farms’ Hyde County farm. Throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

• These eggs were sold under multiple brand names, including Coburn Farms, Country Daybreak, Food Lion, Glenview, Great Value, Nelms, Publix, Sunshine Farms, and Sunups.
• Check egg cartons for the following numbers: P-1065 (the plant number) and another set of numbers between 011 and 102 (the Julian date), or, for Publix and Sunups egg cartons, plant number P-1359D and Julian date 048A or 049A with Best By dates of APR 02 and APR 03…..”

At A Glance

WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) and a broad range of partners are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) working with the Government to contain an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Bikoro health zone, Equateur Province. The outbreak was declared three days ago.  WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will travel to the DRC over the week-end to take stock of the situation and direct the continuing response in support of the national health authorities.

As of 11 May, 34 Ebola cases have been reported in the area in the past five weeks, including 2 confirmed, 18 probable (deceased) and 14 suspected cases. Five samples were collected from 5 patients and two have been confirmed by the laboratory. Bikoro health zone is 250 km from Mbandaka, capital of Equateur Province in an area of the country that is very hard to reach.

“WHO staff were in the team that first identified the outbreak. I myself am on my way to the DRC to assess the needs first-hand,” said Dr Tedros. “I’m in contact with the Minister of Health and have assured him that we’re ready to do all that’s needed to stop the spread of Ebola quickly. We are working with our partners to send more staff, equipment and supplies to the area.”

A multidisciplinary team including WHO experts, along with staff from the Provincial Division of Health and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), arrived in Bikoro on 10 May. This first group of responders is now gathering more data to understand the extent and drivers of the epidemic. The team will also set up an active case search and contact tracing, establish Ebola treatment units to care for patients, set up mobile labs, and engage the community on safe practices. WHO will also work with national authorities in planning further public health measures such as vaccination campaigns.

“WHO is supporting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in coordinating this response; this is the country’s ninth Ebola outbreak and there is considerable expertise in-country,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “However, any country facing such a threat may require international assistance. WHO and its partners including MSF, World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Congolese Red Cross, UNOCHA and MONUSCO , US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are all stepping up their support.”

The response plan to the outbreak includes surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing; community engagement and social mobilization; case management and infection prevention and control; safe and dignified burials; research response including the use of ring vaccination and antivirals; and coordination and operations support.

“It is too early to judge the extent of this outbreak,” said Dr Peter Salama, WHO Deputy Director-General for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “However, early signs including the infection of 3 health workers, the geographical extent of the outbreak, the proximity to transport routes and population centres, and the number of suspected cases indicate that stopping this outbreak will be a serious challenge. This will be tough and it will be costly. We need to be prepared for all scenarios.”

In its latest Disease Outbreak News, WHO lists the risks to surrounding countries as moderate. WHO has however, already alerted those countries and is working with them on border surveillance and preparedness for potential outbreaks. WHO does not at this time advise any restrictions on travel and trade to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ENDS

Note to editors:

Current operations:

The first multidisciplinary team comprised of experts from WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières and the Provincial Division of Health arrived in Bikoro on 9 May to strengthen coordination and investigations. More deployments of epidemiologists, logisticians, clinicians, infection prevention and control experts, risk communications experts and vaccination support teams should arrive in Bikoro on Saturday.

WHO is working with Government and key partners – including Médecins Sans Frontières, World Food Programme, the International Federation of the Red Cross, UNICEF and US-CDC – to strengthen coordination of the EVD response at the national level and in the affected Bikoro health zone and is calling on its development partners to ensure a strong, comprehensive and rapid response to support the DRC Government to prevent and control the spreading of the disease.

Two mobile labs are planned to be deployed on 12 May.

Current bed capacity includes 15 beds in Bikoro. MSF is currently establishing isolation on site and has also deployed four mobile isolation units (5 beds each).

WHO is coordinating a major flight plan with UNHAS/WFP to deploy experts, equipment and materials to the field and is working closely with other health partners to prevent further geographical spread, improve surveillance data and reduce deaths by improving treatment of Ebola patients in Bikoro and the epicentre of Ikoko-Impenge.  The cost of the air bridge for 3 months is estimated at US$ 2.4 million.

A logistician is expected to arrive in Bikoro this afternoon/evening to arrange accommodation/staff logistics. Additional information on access, transportation, and logistics requirements will be communicated tomorrow.

WHO is in the process of sending (Saturday) medical supplies to Bikoro to support the Ebola response, including:

• Personal Protective Equipment kits (PPE)
• Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK)
• boxes for transportation
• body bags

WHO is helping with surveillance of cases by setting up community-based data collection to complement information provided by health facilities.

WHO has alerted neighbouring countries and is supporting the Central African Republic and Republic of Congo to strengthen surveillance in case of cross-border spread of the outbreak.

Funding requirements

WHO released US$ 1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to kick start the rapid response. Based on current assessment and response needs the estimated budget for the international response is US$ 18 million for a 3-month operation. Wellcome Trust and UK Department for International Development (DFID) announced a commitment of up to £3 million to support a rapid response to the outbreak.

WHO

NY Times

The Lancet

“……The PBO long-lasting insecticidal net and non-pyrethroid indoor residual spraying interventions showed improved control of malaria transmission compared with standard long-lasting insecticidal nets where pyrethroid resistance is prevalent……”

“….The new nets contain pyrethroids, a class of chemicals used in nets for over a decade, along with the newer compound, piperonyl butoxide, which blocks mosquitoes’ ability to break down pyrethroids.….”

CDC

Summers A, Humphreys A, Leidman E, et al. Notes from the Field: Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection, Oral Cholera Vaccination Coverage, and Care-Seeking Behaviors of Rohingya Refugees — Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, October–November 2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:533–535. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6718a6.

“……Violence in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, which began on August 25, 2017, prompted mass displacement of Rohingya to the bordering district of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Joining the nearly 213,000 Rohingya already in the region, an estimated 45,000 persons settled in two preexisting refugee camps, Nayapara and Kutupalong, and nearly 550,000 into new makeshift settlements (1). Mass violence and displacement, accompanied by malnutrition, overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of access to safe water and health care increase the vulnerability of children to infectious diseases, including pneumonia and diarrhea (2).…..”

BBC

WHO

New Ebola outbreak declared in Democratic Republic of the Congo