SNPs from nrDNA and cp trnC-trnD were analyzed from J. indica, J. recurva and Rushforth's juniper from Bhutan and compared with previous terpene and RAPD data. These data, taken together, show that Rushforth's juniper is allied, but distinct from J. indica and a new variety is named: J. indica var. rushforthiana R. P. Adams from Bhutan.

Scrub typhus in Bhutan was first reported in 2009. We investigated an outbreak of scrub typhus in a remote primary school during August-October 2014. Delay in recognition and treatment resulted in 2 deaths from meningoencephalitis. Scrub typhus warrants urgent public health interventions in Bhutan.

In 2012, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was reported for the first time in Bhutan. IgM ELISA results were positive for 36/210 patient samples; PCR was positive for 32/81. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Bhutan CHIKV belongs to the East/Central/South African genotype. Appropriate responses to future outbreaks require a system of surveillance and improved laboratory capacity.

IUCN Category: Vulnerable, A2cd CITES Listing: Appendix I Scientific Names: Melursus ursinus (occasionally Ursus ursinus); Melursus ursinus ursinus in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh; Melursus ursinus inornatus in Sri Lanka Common Names: sloth bear; Northern India and Nepal: bhalu; India: rinch, reech, richwa, asval, karadi, puni karadi, elugu bunti; Sri Lanka: walaha (male), waelahinna (f...

The aim of this study was to understand the use and distribution of human rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine in Bhutan and to identify risk factors for receiving an incomplete course of the vaccine. We analyzed post exposure treatment records from 28 medical hospitals from 2005 to 2008. Males (59%) accounted for significantly more PEP events than females (41%) across all age groups ...

BACKGROUND Dog bites in humans are a public health problem worldwide. The issues of increasing stray dog populations, rabies outbreaks, and the risk of dogs biting humans have been frequently reported by the media in Bhutan. This study aimed to estimate the bite incidence and identify the risk factors for dog bites in humans, and to estimate human deaths from rabies in rabies endemic south Bhut...

In 2010, we investigated anthrax outbreak in Bhutan. A total of 43 domestic animals died, and cutaneous anthrax developed in 9 persons, and 1 died. All affected persons had contact with the carcasses of infected animals. Comprehensive preparedness and response guidelines are needed to increase public awareness of anthrax in Bhutan.

children are at higher risk of developing TB after infection and of developing severe forms of TB.9,10,13 Treatment outcomes vary. In one study from Malawi, treatment outcomes among children with TB were found to be poor,14 while studies from India showed high treatment success rates among children.15,16 Although there are no representative data on the situation and burden of childhood TB in Bh...

BACKGROUND Knowledge on antimicrobial drug resistance and genetic characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates circulating in India, Pakistan, and Bhutan is sorely lacking. In this paper, we describe the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of N. gonorrhoeae isolates from India, Pakistan, and Bhutan in 2007-2011. METHODS Antimicrobial susceptibility and β-...

This document aim to develop and publish the glacial lake inventory in the Bhutan Himalayas using optical instruments onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS, nicknamed “Daichi”), which was launched on January 24, 2006. The Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is exposing to a risk for peoples living in downstream regions. The glacial lake inventory is newly developing using ALOS data...