Via ABC News :
" The Immigration Department has halted the transfer of a planeload of asylum seekers from Christmas Island to the mainland because two detainees have typhoid.
The department says two people who arrived on separate boats have been diagnosed with the disease.
A spokeswoman says they were immediately isolated and one of the men has since been transferred to a hospital on the mainland.
The department says it is working with local and state health authorities to ensure the disease does not spread to Christmas Island residents.
There are just under 1,500 asylum seekers on the island."
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Monday, February 27, 2012
Nigeria: Containing Lassa Fever Outbreak
Via All Africa :
" Forty fatalities including two medical personnel due to a recent outbreak of Lassa fever illustrate a lack of adequate information on how to manage this dangerous disease.
The deaths occurred in twelve states where the disease has been detected in the last six weeks. According to the Minister of State for Health, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, who made announcement in Abuja, the over 397 cases of Lassa fever so far reported came from Edo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Taraba, Yobe, Ondo, Rivers, Gombe, Anambra, Delta and Lagos states. In response, over 750, 000 doses of Ribavirin injection as well as safety gloves and protective vests for health workers have been were distributed to affected states, he said.
Besides, nine specialist centres have been opened across Nigeria where tests for Lassa fever can be carried out, in addition to the National Institute for Lassa Fever Research and Control, in Irrua, Edo State.
Medical authorities reported that there had been a 60-percent rise in suspected cases of the disease, and 80-percent increase in confirmed cases. Key to effective treatment is early diagnosis, within six days of infection. The annual number of deaths, according to the Community Medical Director at the Irrua institute, Dr A. O. Asogun, could top 58,000 if the current rate of infection continues. Health workers are at greater risk of contracting the disease mainly from exposure to infected patients. Since 2008, seven medical doctors have reportedly died from the disease. Pregnant women are also at high risk of contracting Lassa fever."
" Forty fatalities including two medical personnel due to a recent outbreak of Lassa fever illustrate a lack of adequate information on how to manage this dangerous disease.
The deaths occurred in twelve states where the disease has been detected in the last six weeks. According to the Minister of State for Health, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, who made announcement in Abuja, the over 397 cases of Lassa fever so far reported came from Edo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Taraba, Yobe, Ondo, Rivers, Gombe, Anambra, Delta and Lagos states. In response, over 750, 000 doses of Ribavirin injection as well as safety gloves and protective vests for health workers have been were distributed to affected states, he said.
Besides, nine specialist centres have been opened across Nigeria where tests for Lassa fever can be carried out, in addition to the National Institute for Lassa Fever Research and Control, in Irrua, Edo State.
Medical authorities reported that there had been a 60-percent rise in suspected cases of the disease, and 80-percent increase in confirmed cases. Key to effective treatment is early diagnosis, within six days of infection. The annual number of deaths, according to the Community Medical Director at the Irrua institute, Dr A. O. Asogun, could top 58,000 if the current rate of infection continues. Health workers are at greater risk of contracting the disease mainly from exposure to infected patients. Since 2008, seven medical doctors have reportedly died from the disease. Pregnant women are also at high risk of contracting Lassa fever."
ECDC : Influenza season epidemics may be approaching their peak in first affected countries
The latest influenza update from ECDC :
" The national influenza season epidemics in Europe may be approaching their peak in the first affected countries and remain dominated by A(H3) viruses. The influenza A(H3) and B viruses circulating this season have moved genetically and antigenically away from 2011–2012 seasonal vaccine viruses which has prompted WHO to recommend different vaccine viruses for the 2012-2013 seasonal vaccine. This is reported in the latest edition of the ECDC Weekly Influenza Surveillance Overview.
During week 7/2012 medium intensity was reported by 16 countries while two countries reported high intensity. Geographic spread was reported as widespread by 11 countries, regional by six, local by four and sporadic by six.
Typical for the 2011-2012 influenza season is that it started later than in recent seasons and has been without any clear geographic progression.
Virological surveillance for the period shows that out of 1 873 sentinel specimens tested, 927 (49.5%) were positive for influenza virus. Of the 2 901 influenza viruses detected from sentinel and non-sentinel sources during week 7, 2 788 (96.1%) were type A and 113 (3.9%) were type B. Of the 1 085 influenza A viruses sub-typed, 1 065 (98.2%) were A(H3) and 20 (1.8%) were A(H1)pdm09.
No resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) has been reported so far this season."
" The national influenza season epidemics in Europe may be approaching their peak in the first affected countries and remain dominated by A(H3) viruses. The influenza A(H3) and B viruses circulating this season have moved genetically and antigenically away from 2011–2012 seasonal vaccine viruses which has prompted WHO to recommend different vaccine viruses for the 2012-2013 seasonal vaccine. This is reported in the latest edition of the ECDC Weekly Influenza Surveillance Overview.
During week 7/2012 medium intensity was reported by 16 countries while two countries reported high intensity. Geographic spread was reported as widespread by 11 countries, regional by six, local by four and sporadic by six.
Typical for the 2011-2012 influenza season is that it started later than in recent seasons and has been without any clear geographic progression.
Virological surveillance for the period shows that out of 1 873 sentinel specimens tested, 927 (49.5%) were positive for influenza virus. Of the 2 901 influenza viruses detected from sentinel and non-sentinel sources during week 7, 2 788 (96.1%) were type A and 113 (3.9%) were type B. Of the 1 085 influenza A viruses sub-typed, 1 065 (98.2%) were A(H3) and 20 (1.8%) were A(H1)pdm09.
No resistance to the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) has been reported so far this season."
China sends man to labor camp for SARS rumor
Via Reuters, excerpt :
" Police in a north China city said on Monday that they have sentenced a man to two years of "labor re-education" for spreading rumors of an outbreak of the SARS virus in the city."
" Police in a north China city said on Monday that they have sentenced a man to two years of "labor re-education" for spreading rumors of an outbreak of the SARS virus in the city."
Vietnam : More HPAI Discovered
Via The Poultry Site :
" The Vietnamese veterinary authorities have reported further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nam Dinh.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 67 on Friday, 24 February.
According to the report, a total of 180 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 145 cases were reported. 100 deaths were recorded, and the remaining 80 birds were destroyed.
The source of the outbreak remains unknown."
" The Vietnamese veterinary authorities have reported further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Nam Dinh.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 67 on Friday, 24 February.
According to the report, a total of 180 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 145 cases were reported. 100 deaths were recorded, and the remaining 80 birds were destroyed.
The source of the outbreak remains unknown."
Pakistan : Dengue fever 'hits' Lahore again; 59 cases reported
Via Pakistan News Service :
" After unleashing a killing spree last year, dengue has reappeared in the city with 59 fresh cases reported at different hospitals of the provincial capital during the last two months.
As many as 59 fresh cases of dengue fever were reported during the first two months of 2012 in different hospitals across the provincial metropolis.
According to details, 41 new dengue patients were admitted to Mayo Hospital, 13 to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, three to Services Hospital and one each to the Lahore General Hospital (LGH) and Jinnah Hospital.
Experts say that dengue fever cases usually appear in September. They say dengue virus appears twice a year – first from February to April, and again from September to November. This year, fresh cases have started appearing from the very start of the year, which indicated that the virus was becoming a greater threat, and also that the anti-dengue campaign needed to be conducted more vigorously. Last year, more than 378 people died of the fever across the province, and another 0.5 million were affected by the virus."
" After unleashing a killing spree last year, dengue has reappeared in the city with 59 fresh cases reported at different hospitals of the provincial capital during the last two months.
As many as 59 fresh cases of dengue fever were reported during the first two months of 2012 in different hospitals across the provincial metropolis.
According to details, 41 new dengue patients were admitted to Mayo Hospital, 13 to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, three to Services Hospital and one each to the Lahore General Hospital (LGH) and Jinnah Hospital.
Experts say that dengue fever cases usually appear in September. They say dengue virus appears twice a year – first from February to April, and again from September to November. This year, fresh cases have started appearing from the very start of the year, which indicated that the virus was becoming a greater threat, and also that the anti-dengue campaign needed to be conducted more vigorously. Last year, more than 378 people died of the fever across the province, and another 0.5 million were affected by the virus."
Hong Kong : CHP investigates influenza-like illness outbreak
Press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent influenza.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an influenza-like illness outbreak at a primary school in Tseung Kwan O, affecting 23 students.
The affected students, comprising 13 males and 10 females aged from 6 to 10, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since February 15.
None required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded members of the public and management of institutions to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent influenza.
The reminder followed the CHP's investigation into an influenza-like illness outbreak at a primary school in Tseung Kwan O, affecting 23 students.
The affected students, comprising 13 males and 10 females aged from 6 to 10, developed symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including fever, cough and sore throat, since February 15.
None required hospitalisation. All are in stable condition."
China : Guangdong's Hepatitis C cases under investigation
Via Xinhua :
" China's Ministry of Health (MOH) has dispatched experts from various medical fields to help investigate recent Hepatitis C cases in the country's southern province of Guangdong.
MOH spokesman Deng Haihua made the remarks at a press conference on Monday, noting that the medical fields include epidemiology, lab detection, clinical medicine and infection control.
Medical malpractice was suspected of infecting more than 200 people in Zijin county with the Hepatitis C virus on Feb. 23.
The number was tallied by the patients themselves and has not been confirmed by local authorities.
According to local officials, a preliminary investigation has ruled out drug injection, plasma collection and hemodialysis as possible causes of the infections, and the local government is launching a further investigation."
" China's Ministry of Health (MOH) has dispatched experts from various medical fields to help investigate recent Hepatitis C cases in the country's southern province of Guangdong.
MOH spokesman Deng Haihua made the remarks at a press conference on Monday, noting that the medical fields include epidemiology, lab detection, clinical medicine and infection control.
Medical malpractice was suspected of infecting more than 200 people in Zijin county with the Hepatitis C virus on Feb. 23.
The number was tallied by the patients themselves and has not been confirmed by local authorities.
According to local officials, a preliminary investigation has ruled out drug injection, plasma collection and hemodialysis as possible causes of the infections, and the local government is launching a further investigation."
Vietnam : Binh Duong reports first human bird flu case
Via Saigon Daily :
" The southern province of Binh Duong has confirmed the first case of bird flu on humans and the patient has been carried to Ho Chi Minh City for treatments.
The patient is Truong Phu Son, born in 1990. He was living in a house in Phu Loi Ward, Thu Dau Mot Town, according to the provincial Department of Health
He returned to his home province of Thanh Hoa during the Lunar New Year holidays late January, and has come back to Binh Duong to work. On February 17, he had high temperatures and breathing difficulty, and was brought to a local hospital.
On Feb. 23, he was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases as his conditions became worse.
Blood samples later showed that Son was infected with the deadly bird flu virus A/H5N1.
Health officials said where he was infected with the virus was still unknown."
" The southern province of Binh Duong has confirmed the first case of bird flu on humans and the patient has been carried to Ho Chi Minh City for treatments.
The patient is Truong Phu Son, born in 1990. He was living in a house in Phu Loi Ward, Thu Dau Mot Town, according to the provincial Department of Health
He returned to his home province of Thanh Hoa during the Lunar New Year holidays late January, and has come back to Binh Duong to work. On February 17, he had high temperatures and breathing difficulty, and was brought to a local hospital.
On Feb. 23, he was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Diseases as his conditions became worse.
Blood samples later showed that Son was infected with the deadly bird flu virus A/H5N1.
Health officials said where he was infected with the virus was still unknown."
China : Infection cases 'not SARS'
Via China Daily, excerpt :
" Swine, bird flu also ruled out; final investigation report due this week
A final epidemiological investigation report on the PLA 252 Hospital infections that sparked speculation of a SARS outbreak will be issued in a week, and SARS is not the culprit, said an army source.
The source with the Institute for Disease Prevention and Control of the People's Liberation Army, who declined to be identified, said that the infections are fully under control.
"There are no critical cases or deaths. Most patients just had symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat and many didn't need to be hospitalized at all," he said.
The Ministry of Health issued an online notice on Saturday, in which it said that the patients with respiratory tract infections and fevers who are being treated at the Baoding-based PLA 252 Hospital in Hebei province were not infected by SARS.
"By confirming with relevant departments, (we have) ruled out SARS, H1N1 swine flu and bird flu, and diagnosed them with a respiratory tract inspection caused by adenovirus type 55," said the ministry in the notice.
Adenovirus is a common cause of respiratory infection, and it usually leads to cold-like symptoms, it said. Most cases are relatively mild and have a favorable prognosis.
Starting last week, many Chinese citizens voiced concern over a possible SARS outbreak in the hospital and some alleged that hundreds had been hospitalized in isolation wards and that at least one person had died.
"Most of the patients are newly recruited local young soldiers and the symptoms are usually mild, like coughing and fever," the source told China Daily on Sunday.
"Actually, so far it's hard to give an exact number of the infected as they were detected successively," said the source, when questioned about the scale of the outbreak.
"Also, we couldn't test everyone with mild cold-like symptoms for the virus and it's not necessary," he said.
The infection is not caused by a new virus, and it is just like a common cold, which is easy to treat, he said, adding that there is no need to panic.
A man surnamed Wang at the public relations office of the hospital said the facility is "operating normally" and, "the special in-patient department for military people is just managed separately from other departments"."
" Swine, bird flu also ruled out; final investigation report due this week
A final epidemiological investigation report on the PLA 252 Hospital infections that sparked speculation of a SARS outbreak will be issued in a week, and SARS is not the culprit, said an army source.
The source with the Institute for Disease Prevention and Control of the People's Liberation Army, who declined to be identified, said that the infections are fully under control.
"There are no critical cases or deaths. Most patients just had symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat and many didn't need to be hospitalized at all," he said.
The Ministry of Health issued an online notice on Saturday, in which it said that the patients with respiratory tract infections and fevers who are being treated at the Baoding-based PLA 252 Hospital in Hebei province were not infected by SARS.
"By confirming with relevant departments, (we have) ruled out SARS, H1N1 swine flu and bird flu, and diagnosed them with a respiratory tract inspection caused by adenovirus type 55," said the ministry in the notice.
Adenovirus is a common cause of respiratory infection, and it usually leads to cold-like symptoms, it said. Most cases are relatively mild and have a favorable prognosis.
Starting last week, many Chinese citizens voiced concern over a possible SARS outbreak in the hospital and some alleged that hundreds had been hospitalized in isolation wards and that at least one person had died.
"Most of the patients are newly recruited local young soldiers and the symptoms are usually mild, like coughing and fever," the source told China Daily on Sunday.
"Actually, so far it's hard to give an exact number of the infected as they were detected successively," said the source, when questioned about the scale of the outbreak.
"Also, we couldn't test everyone with mild cold-like symptoms for the virus and it's not necessary," he said.
The infection is not caused by a new virus, and it is just like a common cold, which is easy to treat, he said, adding that there is no need to panic.
A man surnamed Wang at the public relations office of the hospital said the facility is "operating normally" and, "the special in-patient department for military people is just managed separately from other departments"."
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Malaysia : Hand, foot, mouth disease close to an outbreak in S’wak, warns Liow
Via The Star :
" The number of hand, foot, mouth cases in Sarawak is showing an upward trend and heading towards an outbreak in the state, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He urged the public to continue to observe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease.
He said the number of such cases for the first seven weeks of this year was 806 cases, compared to 213 cases during the same period last year.
He said only one case of coxsackie A virus was reported in the state this year.
He was speaking at the launch of the Taman Medan Health Clinic."
" The number of hand, foot, mouth cases in Sarawak is showing an upward trend and heading towards an outbreak in the state, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He urged the public to continue to observe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease.
He said the number of such cases for the first seven weeks of this year was 806 cases, compared to 213 cases during the same period last year.
He said only one case of coxsackie A virus was reported in the state this year.
He was speaking at the launch of the Taman Medan Health Clinic."
Australia : SE Asia travellers warned of dengue fever danger
Via ABC News :
" The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control says there have been more cases of dengue fever detected in the first two months of this year than the whole of 2011.
There CDC says there have been 34 cases in January and February, compared with 29 last year.
All were detected in travellers returning from trips to south-east Asia, including Bali and East Timor.
Dr Peter Markey says the incubation period is about a week and many people only realise they have the disease when symptoms arise at home.
"The big one, first of all, is fever," he said.
"Headache is invariable with dengue and it is usually behind the eyes.
"The most oppressive thing about dengue is the muscle and joint aches and pains.
"It really does give you this whole body ache.
"It is very difficult to move around.
"Some people call it breakbone fever."
Dr Markey says about half of the cases have required hospitalisation and the disease can be fatal."
" The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control says there have been more cases of dengue fever detected in the first two months of this year than the whole of 2011.
There CDC says there have been 34 cases in January and February, compared with 29 last year.
All were detected in travellers returning from trips to south-east Asia, including Bali and East Timor.
Dr Peter Markey says the incubation period is about a week and many people only realise they have the disease when symptoms arise at home.
"The big one, first of all, is fever," he said.
"Headache is invariable with dengue and it is usually behind the eyes.
"The most oppressive thing about dengue is the muscle and joint aches and pains.
"It really does give you this whole body ache.
"It is very difficult to move around.
"Some people call it breakbone fever."
Dr Markey says about half of the cases have required hospitalisation and the disease can be fatal."
Nigeria to probe Lassa fever outbreak
Via Xinhua :
" The Nigerian government has set up a Lassa Fever Rapid Response Committee to investigate, prevent and control further outbreaks of the disease which has already killed 40 people in 12 states across the country.
Chaired by Sunday Aremu Omilabu, a senior staff of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the 23-man committee having representatives of government agencies and development partners was inaugurated here on Thursday, by the minister of state for health Muhammad Ali Pate.
Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said the committee would coordinate responses from government and development partners in controlling the spread of the disease."
" The Nigerian government has set up a Lassa Fever Rapid Response Committee to investigate, prevent and control further outbreaks of the disease which has already killed 40 people in 12 states across the country.
Chaired by Sunday Aremu Omilabu, a senior staff of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the 23-man committee having representatives of government agencies and development partners was inaugurated here on Thursday, by the minister of state for health Muhammad Ali Pate.
Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said the committee would coordinate responses from government and development partners in controlling the spread of the disease."
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Hong Kong : CHP actively follows up with Ministry of Health on SARS rumour
Press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 23) said that the CHP had successfully contacted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ascertain a rumour concerning an incident of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hebei province and was initially confirmed by MOH that there was no SARS outbreak. The Mainland authority concerned will announce relevant information later.
The spokesman said that there are well-established communication channels, including the SARS notification mechanism, between Hong Kong and the Mainland to enable timely exchange of important information about infectious disease incidents and outbreaks.
The CHP will continue to follow up actively with the MOH and monitor the latest development."
" A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 23) said that the CHP had successfully contacted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ascertain a rumour concerning an incident of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hebei province and was initially confirmed by MOH that there was no SARS outbreak. The Mainland authority concerned will announce relevant information later.
The spokesman said that there are well-established communication channels, including the SARS notification mechanism, between Hong Kong and the Mainland to enable timely exchange of important information about infectious disease incidents and outbreaks.
The CHP will continue to follow up actively with the MOH and monitor the latest development."
Alarming increase in cases of dengue fever in Colombia
Via Colombia Reports :
" Reported cases of dengue fever in Colombia have more than doubled since last year, according to the government.
As of Feb 11, 5,174 cases of dengue fever were reported, compared to 2,222 for the same period last year. Of the cases reported, 51 have been deemed serious and the fever has led to at least two deaths.
Health Minister Beatriz Londoño and National Health Institute director Juan Gonzalo Lopez issued a statement requesting health officials to be extra vigilant in their treatment, prevention, and reporting of the disease.
The departments with the largest number of reported cases are Huila (14%), Meta (10%), Valle (8%) and Caqueta (8%)."
" Reported cases of dengue fever in Colombia have more than doubled since last year, according to the government.
As of Feb 11, 5,174 cases of dengue fever were reported, compared to 2,222 for the same period last year. Of the cases reported, 51 have been deemed serious and the fever has led to at least two deaths.
Health Minister Beatriz Londoño and National Health Institute director Juan Gonzalo Lopez issued a statement requesting health officials to be extra vigilant in their treatment, prevention, and reporting of the disease.
The departments with the largest number of reported cases are Huila (14%), Meta (10%), Valle (8%) and Caqueta (8%)."
Lives in the balance: The urgent need for HIV and TB treatment in Myanmar
From Médecins Sans Frontières, excerpt :
" MSF calls for urgent action to save lives in Myanmar
In a report released today Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the largest provider of HIV treatment in Myanmar (1), highlights the critical need for increased HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), treatment in the country.
According to the report, 85,000 people in urgent need of lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Myanmar are today unable to access it. Of an estimated 9,300 people newly infected with MDR-TB each year, so far just over 300 have been receiving treatment.
Lives in the Balance shows the devastating effect that the cancellation of an entire round of funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, will have on the struggle to provide HIV and TB treatment in Myanmar. The cancellation of Round 11 means that there will be no foreseen funding to expand treatment for HIV or TB and its drug-resistant forms until 2014.
“Yet again, donors have turned their backs on people living with HIV and TB in Myanmar” said Peter Paul de Groote, Head of Mission, MSF Myanmar. “Everyday we at MSF are confronted with the tragic consequences of these decisions: desperately sick people and unnecessary deaths.”
Between 15,000 and 20,000 people living with HIV die every year in Myanmar because of lack of access to lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). TB prevalence in Myanmar is more than three times the global average and Myanmar is among the 27 countries with the highest MDR-TB rates in the world. MDR-TB has the same airborne transmission as non-resistant TB, but it is far more complex and lengthy to treat (2). As with non-resistant TB, perfectly healthy people can easily be infected with MDR-TB."
" MSF calls for urgent action to save lives in Myanmar
In a report released today Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the largest provider of HIV treatment in Myanmar (1), highlights the critical need for increased HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), treatment in the country.
According to the report, 85,000 people in urgent need of lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Myanmar are today unable to access it. Of an estimated 9,300 people newly infected with MDR-TB each year, so far just over 300 have been receiving treatment.
Lives in the Balance shows the devastating effect that the cancellation of an entire round of funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, will have on the struggle to provide HIV and TB treatment in Myanmar. The cancellation of Round 11 means that there will be no foreseen funding to expand treatment for HIV or TB and its drug-resistant forms until 2014.
“Yet again, donors have turned their backs on people living with HIV and TB in Myanmar” said Peter Paul de Groote, Head of Mission, MSF Myanmar. “Everyday we at MSF are confronted with the tragic consequences of these decisions: desperately sick people and unnecessary deaths.”
Between 15,000 and 20,000 people living with HIV die every year in Myanmar because of lack of access to lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). TB prevalence in Myanmar is more than three times the global average and Myanmar is among the 27 countries with the highest MDR-TB rates in the world. MDR-TB has the same airborne transmission as non-resistant TB, but it is far more complex and lengthy to treat (2). As with non-resistant TB, perfectly healthy people can easily be infected with MDR-TB."
Avian influenza – situation in Egypt – update
From WHO :
" The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.
The case is a 45 year-old female from Menofia governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 February 2012, received oseltamivir treatment on 17 February 2012 and is still recovering. The case was laboratory confirmed by the Central Public Health Laboratories; a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network on 18 February 2012.
Epidemiological investigation into the source of infection indicate that the case had exposure to backyard poultry.
Of the 160 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 55 have been fatal."
" The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.
The case is a 45 year-old female from Menofia governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 February 2012, received oseltamivir treatment on 17 February 2012 and is still recovering. The case was laboratory confirmed by the Central Public Health Laboratories; a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network on 18 February 2012.
Epidemiological investigation into the source of infection indicate that the case had exposure to backyard poultry.
Of the 160 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 55 have been fatal."
Vietnam : Two HPAI Outbreaks in Bac Ninh
Via Poultry Site :
" The Vietnamese veterinary authorities have reported two new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, both in Bac Ninh.
The World Organisation for Animal Health received follow-up report no. 66 yesterday, 21 February.
According to the report, a total of 192 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 290 cases were identified. 150 birds were found dead, while the remaining 342 were destroyed.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive."
" The Vietnamese veterinary authorities have reported two new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, both in Bac Ninh.
The World Organisation for Animal Health received follow-up report no. 66 yesterday, 21 February.
According to the report, a total of 192 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 290 cases were identified. 150 birds were found dead, while the remaining 342 were destroyed.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive."
Indonesia : 5 Possible Bird Flu Cases in S. Sulawesi
Via The Jakarta Globe :
" Five people from a remote village in Gowa district, South Sulawesi, were rushed to the Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar late on Monday under suspicion that they had contracted the avian flu virus.
The hospital’s medical service director Khalid said on Tuesday that the five, who lived in the same village and included two babies less than 7 months old, had not tested positive for the H5N1 virus but said they had been showing symptoms similar to those infected.
“We have taken their blood and saliva samples to be tested in our laboratory,” the doctor said. The results should be available on Thursday."
" Five people from a remote village in Gowa district, South Sulawesi, were rushed to the Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar late on Monday under suspicion that they had contracted the avian flu virus.
The hospital’s medical service director Khalid said on Tuesday that the five, who lived in the same village and included two babies less than 7 months old, had not tested positive for the H5N1 virus but said they had been showing symptoms similar to those infected.
“We have taken their blood and saliva samples to be tested in our laboratory,” the doctor said. The results should be available on Thursday."
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Vietnam : Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease rocket
Via Vietnam Net :
" The number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the first 6 weeks of the year has reached 6,328. The number is 7.3 times higher than in the same period of a year earlier, and 9 cases have been fatal, the Health Ministry’s Preventive Health Department reported.
The developments of the disease in the past one and a half months showed that the this year the illness would likely be more serious than last year, when about 100,000 people suffered from the disease and nearly 200 children died, Tran Thanh Duong, deputy head of the department, warned."
" The number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the first 6 weeks of the year has reached 6,328. The number is 7.3 times higher than in the same period of a year earlier, and 9 cases have been fatal, the Health Ministry’s Preventive Health Department reported.
The developments of the disease in the past one and a half months showed that the this year the illness would likely be more serious than last year, when about 100,000 people suffered from the disease and nearly 200 children died, Tran Thanh Duong, deputy head of the department, warned."
Hong Kong : Cluster of Clostridium Difficile toxin cases at Wong Tai Sin Hospital
Press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" Five patients (two male and three female, aged 60 to 78) in a tuberculosis and chest ward recently presented with diarrhoea symptoms. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and they were found to be positive to Clostridium Difficile toxin. Four of the patients are being treated under isolation, of whom three are in a stable condition while one is in a serious condition due to underlying chronic disease. The other patient recovered and has been discharged.
Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended and restricted visiting has also been imposed. Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance."
" Five patients (two male and three female, aged 60 to 78) in a tuberculosis and chest ward recently presented with diarrhoea symptoms. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and they were found to be positive to Clostridium Difficile toxin. Four of the patients are being treated under isolation, of whom three are in a stable condition while one is in a serious condition due to underlying chronic disease. The other patient recovered and has been discharged.
Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended and restricted visiting has also been imposed. Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance."
Dengue confirmed in New Caledonia
Via Radio NZ :
" The authorities in New Caledonia have confirmed this year’s first case of dengue outside the Noumea area.
The local newspaper says the infected person is in Ponirihouen on the main island’s east coast.
It is the third locally contracted case this year after the discovery of two dengue sufferer in the capital area.
In addition, two residents have dengue, which they contracted while they were on holiday on the Indonesian island of Bali."
" The authorities in New Caledonia have confirmed this year’s first case of dengue outside the Noumea area.
The local newspaper says the infected person is in Ponirihouen on the main island’s east coast.
It is the third locally contracted case this year after the discovery of two dengue sufferer in the capital area.
In addition, two residents have dengue, which they contracted while they were on holiday on the Indonesian island of Bali."
Malaysia : HFMD returns - Sharp increase seen in number of reported cases
Via The Star :
" The state’s Health Department has declared an outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Kuching, Samarahan and Betong districts.
Its director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said there was a sharp increase in the number of reported cases, which nearly tripled to 609 between Jan 1 and Feb 14, from 213 cases in the same period last year.
He said Kuching detected 189 cases, followed by Bintulu with 73, Miri 51, Betong 48, and Sarikei 36.
“The majority of the cases seen so far were mild infections, with only 35 cases or 5.9% requiring hospitalisation mainly because of poor feeding.
“There were no cases with serious complications or death reported so far this year,” he added in a press statement yesterday.
Dr Zulkifli said the department’s sentinel surveillance had detected that the causative organism was a combination of EV71 and Coxsackie virus A16, with 90% of the patient samples testing positive of EV71."
" The state’s Health Department has declared an outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Kuching, Samarahan and Betong districts.
Its director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said there was a sharp increase in the number of reported cases, which nearly tripled to 609 between Jan 1 and Feb 14, from 213 cases in the same period last year.
He said Kuching detected 189 cases, followed by Bintulu with 73, Miri 51, Betong 48, and Sarikei 36.
“The majority of the cases seen so far were mild infections, with only 35 cases or 5.9% requiring hospitalisation mainly because of poor feeding.
“There were no cases with serious complications or death reported so far this year,” he added in a press statement yesterday.
Dr Zulkifli said the department’s sentinel surveillance had detected that the causative organism was a combination of EV71 and Coxsackie virus A16, with 90% of the patient samples testing positive of EV71."
Finland : Flu season reaching peak
Via YLE :
" This winter's flu wave is going to hit Finland particularly hard within the next few weeks. According to the National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), resistance to the currently spreading H3N2 virus is low among the population at the moment.
“There are many cases of infection all around Finland. The flu season has been at its worst for a couple of weeks already and will likely remain like this for some weeks,” forecasts research professor Ilka Julkunen from the THL.
The H3N2 strain first struck Finland three years ago, but it has mutated so that even those who have had it before are not necessarily immune."
" This winter's flu wave is going to hit Finland particularly hard within the next few weeks. According to the National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), resistance to the currently spreading H3N2 virus is low among the population at the moment.
“There are many cases of infection all around Finland. The flu season has been at its worst for a couple of weeks already and will likely remain like this for some weeks,” forecasts research professor Ilka Julkunen from the THL.
The H3N2 strain first struck Finland three years ago, but it has mutated so that even those who have had it before are not necessarily immune."
Australia : Third Cairns dengue case linked
Via Cairns :
" A MANUNDA woman has become the third person to contract dengue fever in Cairns this year, with another case in Townsville sparking warnings about a possible outbreak of the contagious disease.
Disease control teams are working at Manunda to spray larvae and adult mosquitoes, after a woman was confirmed to have contracted the dengue fever virus.
Cairns Public Health Medical Office Dr Richard Gair said the Manunda case had been linked to the previous two cases.
They are the first known locally-acquired dengue fever cases in Cairns since March last year."
" A MANUNDA woman has become the third person to contract dengue fever in Cairns this year, with another case in Townsville sparking warnings about a possible outbreak of the contagious disease.
Disease control teams are working at Manunda to spray larvae and adult mosquitoes, after a woman was confirmed to have contracted the dengue fever virus.
Cairns Public Health Medical Office Dr Richard Gair said the Manunda case had been linked to the previous two cases.
They are the first known locally-acquired dengue fever cases in Cairns since March last year."
Uganda: Cholera Strikes Mbale, Kills Two, 14 Admitted
Via All Africa :
" Authorities in Mbale District have ordered the closure of all eating places that do not meet minimum health standards following a cholera outbreak that has left two people dead and left 14 others admitted to hospital.
This outbreak comes at a time when the district is facing water shortage for close to a week now.
The district health officer, Dr John Baptist Waniaye Waniaye told Sunday Monitor on Friday that about 14 people who had been admitted at Mbale Regional Hospital have been transferred to Busiu health centre IV Cholera treatment centre and that the district health technical team has already issued warnings to people to stop buying prepared food and drinks sold along the streets in Mbale suburbs, in order to curb further spread of the disease."
" Authorities in Mbale District have ordered the closure of all eating places that do not meet minimum health standards following a cholera outbreak that has left two people dead and left 14 others admitted to hospital.
This outbreak comes at a time when the district is facing water shortage for close to a week now.
The district health officer, Dr John Baptist Waniaye Waniaye told Sunday Monitor on Friday that about 14 people who had been admitted at Mbale Regional Hospital have been transferred to Busiu health centre IV Cholera treatment centre and that the district health technical team has already issued warnings to people to stop buying prepared food and drinks sold along the streets in Mbale suburbs, in order to curb further spread of the disease."
Indonesia : Four Residents Feared Bird Flu Suspects
Via VIVA News :
" Four residents of Gowa, South Sulawesi, were rushed to the nearest hospital after showing the symptoms of H5N1 virus or famously known as the bird flu. The four residents of Kunjung Mae Hamlet, Panakkukang Village in Pallangga were having high fever, cough, and flu, which were suspected as the symptoms of the bird flu.
The four residents are SM (3 months), R (7 months), MA (6 years), and S (32 years). Their family did not want to take any risks, especially since the past 3 days, dozens of the residents’ chickens suddenly died with the symptoms of H5N1 virus.
“That’s why we rushed them to the hospital, because family members are worried,” said Daeng Kenna, a family member on Monday night, Feb 20.
Meanwhile, the Syekh Yusuf Gowa Hospital immediately treated the patients with standard procedures in handling the H5N1 virus, in isolation room. According to one of the officers there, Dr Nurul, the four patients are still under treatment.
However, the hospital has yet to find the exact cause of their sickness, because the hospital in Gowa is not included as a referral hospital in handling H5N1 virus. The hospital is planning to recommend the patients to be transferred to Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar."
" Four residents of Gowa, South Sulawesi, were rushed to the nearest hospital after showing the symptoms of H5N1 virus or famously known as the bird flu. The four residents of Kunjung Mae Hamlet, Panakkukang Village in Pallangga were having high fever, cough, and flu, which were suspected as the symptoms of the bird flu.
The four residents are SM (3 months), R (7 months), MA (6 years), and S (32 years). Their family did not want to take any risks, especially since the past 3 days, dozens of the residents’ chickens suddenly died with the symptoms of H5N1 virus.
“That’s why we rushed them to the hospital, because family members are worried,” said Daeng Kenna, a family member on Monday night, Feb 20.
Meanwhile, the Syekh Yusuf Gowa Hospital immediately treated the patients with standard procedures in handling the H5N1 virus, in isolation room. According to one of the officers there, Dr Nurul, the four patients are still under treatment.
However, the hospital has yet to find the exact cause of their sickness, because the hospital in Gowa is not included as a referral hospital in handling H5N1 virus. The hospital is planning to recommend the patients to be transferred to Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar."
Canada : Cases of flu virus in Ontario and Toronto at five-year low
Via Healthzone, excerpt :
" After riding the wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, Ontario residents appear to have avoided the seasonal onslaught of coughing and sneezing — so far.
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu by the end of January was the lowest it’s been in the past five years, according to data from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
In Toronto there were only 64 confirmed cases of influenza since September. Sixteen were part of an institutional outbreak in the last week of January. At the same point last year, Toronto had already seen 1,106 confirmed cases of the flu."
" After riding the wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, Ontario residents appear to have avoided the seasonal onslaught of coughing and sneezing — so far.
The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu by the end of January was the lowest it’s been in the past five years, according to data from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
In Toronto there were only 64 confirmed cases of influenza since September. Sixteen were part of an institutional outbreak in the last week of January. At the same point last year, Toronto had already seen 1,106 confirmed cases of the flu."
Indonesia : Bird Flu Case Report
Press release from Indonesia's Ministry of Health with regards to the latest fatality in the country due to bird flu :
" Ministry of Health through the Directorate General of Disease Control and Environmental Health, announced a new case of H5N1 have been confirmed by the Center for Basic Biomedical and Health Technology, Balitbangkes.
Patient name Kh (female, 19 years) from Kebumen, working as a maid in Tangerang South, Banten province. On February 8, 2012 symptoms of fever, February 9, went to the doctor in private clinics, and on February 12, 2012 were treated at Mercy Hospital Sari Karawaci Tangerang. Kh died on February 13, 2012.
Epidemiological investigations have been conducted in the home environment where employers and patients in Tangerang Integrated Team Ministry of Health and local Health Department with the results of risk factors is unclear."
" Ministry of Health through the Directorate General of Disease Control and Environmental Health, announced a new case of H5N1 have been confirmed by the Center for Basic Biomedical and Health Technology, Balitbangkes.
Patient name Kh (female, 19 years) from Kebumen, working as a maid in Tangerang South, Banten province. On February 8, 2012 symptoms of fever, February 9, went to the doctor in private clinics, and on February 12, 2012 were treated at Mercy Hospital Sari Karawaci Tangerang. Kh died on February 13, 2012.
Epidemiological investigations have been conducted in the home environment where employers and patients in Tangerang Integrated Team Ministry of Health and local Health Department with the results of risk factors is unclear."
Indonesia : Bird Flu Claims Third Victim This Year in Jakarta
Article via The Jakarta Globe :
" Tests on a 19-year-old woman who died last week showed she had contracted the bird flu virus, Indonesia’s third human death from the deadly disease this year, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Concerns about avian influenza have risen in the region with China, Cambodia and Vietnam all reporting deaths from the H5N1 virus this year.
The latest Indonesian victim died on Feb. 13, a day after being admitted to a hospital in Tangerang district on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, the ministry said.
Tests on the victim after she died confirmed she had contracted the virus, but a health ministry team that surveyed her house and neighborhood was unable to determine its source.
The ministry added the woman had a fever for four days before arriving at the hospital.
Indonesia recorded two bird-flu fatalities in Jakarta in January. The country has been the hardest-hit by bird flu, with 150 deaths reported between 2003 and 2011, according to the World Health Organization."
" Tests on a 19-year-old woman who died last week showed she had contracted the bird flu virus, Indonesia’s third human death from the deadly disease this year, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Concerns about avian influenza have risen in the region with China, Cambodia and Vietnam all reporting deaths from the H5N1 virus this year.
The latest Indonesian victim died on Feb. 13, a day after being admitted to a hospital in Tangerang district on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, the ministry said.
Tests on the victim after she died confirmed she had contracted the virus, but a health ministry team that surveyed her house and neighborhood was unable to determine its source.
The ministry added the woman had a fever for four days before arriving at the hospital.
Indonesia recorded two bird-flu fatalities in Jakarta in January. The country has been the hardest-hit by bird flu, with 150 deaths reported between 2003 and 2011, according to the World Health Organization."
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