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Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – update

On 3 June 2014, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 113 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including 34 deaths. These cases and deaths were identified through retrospective review of hospital records, dating between 5 May 2013 and 6 May 2014.

The majority of the cases (84) occurred after 1 March 2014; and the rest of cases (29) occurred between 5 May 2013 and 28 February 2014.

On 19, 20, 22 and 23 June 2014, National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 4 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

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Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms

No current tropical storms.

NewsBytes:

New York, USA – Severe storm near Phelps, New York has claimed the lives of at least two people after a tree fell on a moving car.

Brazil – Rain Floods Streets Before U.S. World Cup Game With Germany. Heavy, persistent rain in the coastal city slowed traffic ahead of the match, with cars and buses making slow progress toward the Arena Pernambuco as water created rivers on some access roads. About 85 millimeters (3.3 inches) of rain fell on the city from 9 a.m. yesterday to 9 a.m. this morning, according to Brazil’s Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. About half the seats in the stadium were empty 30 minutes before kickoff.

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Space Events

New Satellites Reveal Weakening of Earth’s Magnetic Field

Earth’s magnetic field has weakened this year, possibly leaving the planet more vulnerable to cosmic radiation and charged particles from the sun, scientists say.

Initial readings from a new three-satellite observation network for the planet’s magnetic field also revealed that the magnetic north pole is drifting southward toward Siberia.

Each satellite in the European Space Agency’s “Swarm” mission is equipped with several sensors, including magnetometers that measure the magnetic field’s strength and direction.

But given the limited amount of time the mission has been operating, researchers aren’t too concerned with the weakening of the field.

They say it’s probably normal, and the protective cloak around Earth should regain its strength in the near future.

Changes in Earth’s magnetic field from January to June 2014. These changes are based on the magnetic signals that stem from Earth’s core. Shades of red represent areas of strengthening while blues show areas of weakening.

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Environment

Global Temperature Extremes

The week’s hottest temperature was 120.7 degrees Fahrenheit (49.3 degrees Celsius) at In Salah, Algeria.

The week’s coldest temperature was minus 97.1 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 71.1 degrees Celsius) at Russia’s Vostok Antarctic research station.

Temperatures were tabulated from the more than 10,000 worldwide synoptic weather stations. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization sets the standards for weather observations, and provides a global telecommunications circuit for data distribution.