Via NDTV :
" Mumbai: A 33-year-old man has died in Mumbai due to Malaria, taking the death toll due to disease in the city to 18 in July, health officials said.
The deceased, a resident of Parel in central Mumbai, was admitted at KEM hospital on Thursday and died on Thursday night.
More than 3,500 patients - 3,759 patients to be precise - are admitted at various hospitals due to malaria, officials said, adding, 170 patients were admitted on Friday.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man died due to Leptospirosis, taking the death toll to seven this month.
Sixty-seven patients have been admitted at various hospitals due to Lepto, the officials said adding that 20 persons have been admitted to various hospitals with swine flu symptoms."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Eighty Hospitalized as Cholera Resurfaces in Zimbabwe's Marange Diamond Area
Via VOA News :
" A cholera outbreak in Marange district of Zimbabwe's eastern Manicaland province has left 80 people hospitalized and led authorities to set up emergency treatment centers aiming to keep a tight lid on the disease which claimed more than 4,000 lives in late 2008 and early 2009 as the country's health care system collapsed.
Sources said many of the cases have occurred in villages in and around the Marange alluvial diamond field, and that health care organizations have found it difficult to enter military controlled zone to provide emergency assistance.
Sources said the outbreak is so serious that the Ministry of Health and its partners are going all out to stop it.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in recent report that experts fear another cholera outbreak as the rainy season approaches, as the causes of the last epidemic have not been fully addressed - in particular deteriorating water and sanitation systems which allow cross-contamination of water supplies.
Water system breakdowns also lead households to resort to unsafe water sources like shallow wells."
" A cholera outbreak in Marange district of Zimbabwe's eastern Manicaland province has left 80 people hospitalized and led authorities to set up emergency treatment centers aiming to keep a tight lid on the disease which claimed more than 4,000 lives in late 2008 and early 2009 as the country's health care system collapsed.
Sources said many of the cases have occurred in villages in and around the Marange alluvial diamond field, and that health care organizations have found it difficult to enter military controlled zone to provide emergency assistance.
Sources said the outbreak is so serious that the Ministry of Health and its partners are going all out to stop it.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in recent report that experts fear another cholera outbreak as the rainy season approaches, as the causes of the last epidemic have not been fully addressed - in particular deteriorating water and sanitation systems which allow cross-contamination of water supplies.
Water system breakdowns also lead households to resort to unsafe water sources like shallow wells."
Australia : Flu victim still on critical list
Via The Mercury :
" A PREGNANT woman with swine flu remained in a critical but stable condition in intensive care in the Royal Hobart Hospital last night.
Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the young woman, who is well advanced in her pregnancy, was admitted to hospital on Monday.
The woman, who is visiting Tasmania from a Middle-Eastern country, arrived in the state late last week and became ill over the weekend.
"We believe she was in transit when she contracted the swine flu, [we believe] it wasn't contracted in Tasmania," Dr Taylor said.
He said the woman had had minimal contact with other people since arriving in Hobart.
He could not give an update on the health of her unborn baby.
"This case is a strong reminder of the fact that pregnant women are at greater risk from influenza," he said.
Dr Taylor said that as the woman was likely to have contracted H1N1 while in transit, her case was unlikely to be an indication of a "second wave" of the flu hitting Tasmania."
" A PREGNANT woman with swine flu remained in a critical but stable condition in intensive care in the Royal Hobart Hospital last night.
Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the young woman, who is well advanced in her pregnancy, was admitted to hospital on Monday.
The woman, who is visiting Tasmania from a Middle-Eastern country, arrived in the state late last week and became ill over the weekend.
"We believe she was in transit when she contracted the swine flu, [we believe] it wasn't contracted in Tasmania," Dr Taylor said.
He said the woman had had minimal contact with other people since arriving in Hobart.
He could not give an update on the health of her unborn baby.
"This case is a strong reminder of the fact that pregnant women are at greater risk from influenza," he said.
Dr Taylor said that as the woman was likely to have contracted H1N1 while in transit, her case was unlikely to be an indication of a "second wave" of the flu hitting Tasmania."
New Zealand : Swine flu hits school
Via Stuff :
" Almost 50 children at Seddon School have been struck with swine flu in the top of the south's first outbreak of H1N1 influenza this winter.
Nelson Marlborough medical officer of health Dr Ed Kiddle said swab tests taken on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak.
Most of the children had upper respiratory tract infections, cough, sore throat and a fever.
Dr Kiddle said the illness started more than a week ago but was now waning. At its peak, nearly half the children were off school, with 46 ill out of a roll of 107.
He said there were likely to be other cases in the community."
" Almost 50 children at Seddon School have been struck with swine flu in the top of the south's first outbreak of H1N1 influenza this winter.
Nelson Marlborough medical officer of health Dr Ed Kiddle said swab tests taken on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak.
Most of the children had upper respiratory tract infections, cough, sore throat and a fever.
Dr Kiddle said the illness started more than a week ago but was now waning. At its peak, nearly half the children were off school, with 46 ill out of a roll of 107.
He said there were likely to be other cases in the community."
WHO : Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 111
The latest H1N1 update from WHO :
" Weekly update
30 July 2010 -- As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Situation update:
Summary: Worldwide, overall pandemic and seasonal influenza activity remains low. In the southern hemisphere (where the winter season is in progress), current influenza activity remains variable: ranging from low and stable activity in Chile and Argentina, to low but increasing activity in Australia and New Zealand, to elevated and recently peaked activity in South Africa. Significant seasonal and pandemic influenza virus transmission continues to be detected at variable levels across parts of the tropics, particularly in several countries of the Americas and South and Southeast Asia.
In the southern hemisphere, overall influenza virus transmission remains low to sporadic, except in South Africa, where recent wintertime influenza activity appears to have peaked, and in Australia and New Zealand, where influenza activity remains low but continues to increase steadily, particularly in recent weeks. In South Africa, virologic data from outpatient sentinel surveillance suggest that the current period of influenza activity (primarily attributable to circulating seasonal influenza H3N2 and B viruses) began and rose sharply during early June 2010, with a likely peak and decline in activity occurring since the first week of July 2010. Data on the full extent of severe illness associated with recent influenza activity are not yet available, however, early reports suggest the current influenza season has been generally mild in terms of levels of clinical disease in the population. In Australia, overall rates of ILI remain low and have increased only slightly over the past four weeks (through the second week of July 2010); however, of note, the number of viral respiratory disease presentations to the emergency departments in Western Australia increased more dramatically during the same period. Overall, the proportion of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus was 5% at sentinel laboratories across Australia, of which approximately two-thirds were pandemic influenza viruses and one-third were seasonal influenza H3N2 viruses; respiratory viruses other than influenza continue to predominant in several regions of Australia. In New Zealand, rates of ILI are below the seasonal baseline but have increased steadily over the past month; recent reports suggest that more significant, but geographically uneven increases may have occurred during the third week of July 2010. Although the number of influenza virus detections remains low, the majority of virus isolates in New Zealand have been pandemic influenza virus. The most recent available virologic surveillance data (mid-July 2010) from Chile and Argentina indicate that very low levels of influenza viruses are currently circulating in the southern temperate regions of the Americas; the predominant circulating influenza viruses in Chile and Argentina are pandemic and seasonal influenza type B viruses, respectively. Recently data from Chile also indicate that overall levels of ILI in the population remain very low, except in the Los Lagos region, which has seen recent late season increases in levels of ILI slightly above the epidemic threshold.
In Asia, the most active areas of pandemic influenza virus transmission currently are in parts of India, particularly in several western and southern states. The majority of new cases continue to be reported in the southern state of Kerala and in the western state of Maharashtra, the later of which reported a sharp increase in the number of cases, including small numbers of fatal cases, between the second and third week of July 2010. Smaller numbers of new cases have also been recently reported in other southern states and in the eastern state of West Bengal. In neighboring Bangladesh, low level co-circulation of pandemic and seasonal influenza type B viruses continued to be detected over the month of July 2010. In Southeast Asia, low levels of pandemic influenza virus circulation were detected in several countries during July 2010, including Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. Significant levels of seasonal influenza H3N2 viruses continued to circulate in Singapore."
" Weekly update
30 July 2010 -- As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Situation update:
Summary: Worldwide, overall pandemic and seasonal influenza activity remains low. In the southern hemisphere (where the winter season is in progress), current influenza activity remains variable: ranging from low and stable activity in Chile and Argentina, to low but increasing activity in Australia and New Zealand, to elevated and recently peaked activity in South Africa. Significant seasonal and pandemic influenza virus transmission continues to be detected at variable levels across parts of the tropics, particularly in several countries of the Americas and South and Southeast Asia.
In the southern hemisphere, overall influenza virus transmission remains low to sporadic, except in South Africa, where recent wintertime influenza activity appears to have peaked, and in Australia and New Zealand, where influenza activity remains low but continues to increase steadily, particularly in recent weeks. In South Africa, virologic data from outpatient sentinel surveillance suggest that the current period of influenza activity (primarily attributable to circulating seasonal influenza H3N2 and B viruses) began and rose sharply during early June 2010, with a likely peak and decline in activity occurring since the first week of July 2010. Data on the full extent of severe illness associated with recent influenza activity are not yet available, however, early reports suggest the current influenza season has been generally mild in terms of levels of clinical disease in the population. In Australia, overall rates of ILI remain low and have increased only slightly over the past four weeks (through the second week of July 2010); however, of note, the number of viral respiratory disease presentations to the emergency departments in Western Australia increased more dramatically during the same period. Overall, the proportion of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus was 5% at sentinel laboratories across Australia, of which approximately two-thirds were pandemic influenza viruses and one-third were seasonal influenza H3N2 viruses; respiratory viruses other than influenza continue to predominant in several regions of Australia. In New Zealand, rates of ILI are below the seasonal baseline but have increased steadily over the past month; recent reports suggest that more significant, but geographically uneven increases may have occurred during the third week of July 2010. Although the number of influenza virus detections remains low, the majority of virus isolates in New Zealand have been pandemic influenza virus. The most recent available virologic surveillance data (mid-July 2010) from Chile and Argentina indicate that very low levels of influenza viruses are currently circulating in the southern temperate regions of the Americas; the predominant circulating influenza viruses in Chile and Argentina are pandemic and seasonal influenza type B viruses, respectively. Recently data from Chile also indicate that overall levels of ILI in the population remain very low, except in the Los Lagos region, which has seen recent late season increases in levels of ILI slightly above the epidemic threshold.
In Asia, the most active areas of pandemic influenza virus transmission currently are in parts of India, particularly in several western and southern states. The majority of new cases continue to be reported in the southern state of Kerala and in the western state of Maharashtra, the later of which reported a sharp increase in the number of cases, including small numbers of fatal cases, between the second and third week of July 2010. Smaller numbers of new cases have also been recently reported in other southern states and in the eastern state of West Bengal. In neighboring Bangladesh, low level co-circulation of pandemic and seasonal influenza type B viruses continued to be detected over the month of July 2010. In Southeast Asia, low levels of pandemic influenza virus circulation were detected in several countries during July 2010, including Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia. Significant levels of seasonal influenza H3N2 viruses continued to circulate in Singapore."
Friday, July 30, 2010
India : 2 more swine flu deaths in Kolhapur
Via Times of India :
" KOLHAPUR (Maharashtra): Two more persons succumbed to the deadly HINI virus in Kolhapur, taking the disease death toll in this district to 6, health officials said on Friday.
Both the patients, Rajendra Ganapati Salokhe (47) and Vaishali Sanjay Vaske (35) died on Thursday, they said.
They were undergoing treatment for the viral infection in a private hospital."
" KOLHAPUR (Maharashtra): Two more persons succumbed to the deadly HINI virus in Kolhapur, taking the disease death toll in this district to 6, health officials said on Friday.
Both the patients, Rajendra Ganapati Salokhe (47) and Vaishali Sanjay Vaske (35) died on Thursday, they said.
They were undergoing treatment for the viral infection in a private hospital."
India: One more die in Vizag - Swine Flu
Via Times of India :
" VISAKHAPATNAM: In a span of 48 hours, a second swine flu death was reported from the port city. A 35-year-old resident of Jagannathapuram in East Godavari died here on Thursday. The person was admitted to a corporate hospital five days ago.
With his death, the death toll due to swine flu has reached six in the region. A teacher from Gajapatinaragam mandal in Vizianagaram died of swine flu in the communicable diseases hospital in the city."
" VISAKHAPATNAM: In a span of 48 hours, a second swine flu death was reported from the port city. A 35-year-old resident of Jagannathapuram in East Godavari died here on Thursday. The person was admitted to a corporate hospital five days ago.
With his death, the death toll due to swine flu has reached six in the region. A teacher from Gajapatinaragam mandal in Vizianagaram died of swine flu in the communicable diseases hospital in the city."
Bangalore : Girl dies of suspected dengue, kin cries foul
Via Times of India :
" BANGALORE: Shilpa, 12, died of suspected dengue on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. A resident of Mangammanapalya, Shilpa was admitted to a private clinic in Bommanahalli on July 22.
Suspecting it to be a dengue case, doctors in Prashanth Hospital immediately referred her to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. Dr Patil N D, general practitioner with Prashanth Hospital, said, "Shilpa was admitted on July 22. On the first day, she suffered fever, headache and body ache. However, on the second day, her platelet count dropped from 1,18,000 to 21,000."
"Though the patient tested negative, suspecting it to be a dengue case, we referred her to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. The patient was from a very poor background and the family didn't have enough money to go to a blood bank. We had to convince the parents to take her to Indira Gandhi Institute," Dr Patil said.
Shilpa's father N Keshava said his daughter was suffering from high fever. "First, we took her to a clinic in Mangammanapalya. After a blood test, the doctor said Shilpa was suffering from dengue and asked us to admit her in a nearby hospital."
He added: "When we took her to the hospital, she started bleeding while being scanned. Her blood was black in colour. Doctors said the platelets would be very expensive and referred us to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, but did not give us the detailed report."
" BANGALORE: Shilpa, 12, died of suspected dengue on Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. A resident of Mangammanapalya, Shilpa was admitted to a private clinic in Bommanahalli on July 22.
Suspecting it to be a dengue case, doctors in Prashanth Hospital immediately referred her to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. Dr Patil N D, general practitioner with Prashanth Hospital, said, "Shilpa was admitted on July 22. On the first day, she suffered fever, headache and body ache. However, on the second day, her platelet count dropped from 1,18,000 to 21,000."
"Though the patient tested negative, suspecting it to be a dengue case, we referred her to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. The patient was from a very poor background and the family didn't have enough money to go to a blood bank. We had to convince the parents to take her to Indira Gandhi Institute," Dr Patil said.
Shilpa's father N Keshava said his daughter was suffering from high fever. "First, we took her to a clinic in Mangammanapalya. After a blood test, the doctor said Shilpa was suffering from dengue and asked us to admit her in a nearby hospital."
He added: "When we took her to the hospital, she started bleeding while being scanned. Her blood was black in colour. Doctors said the platelets would be very expensive and referred us to Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, but did not give us the detailed report."
Australia : Swine flu hits mum-to-be
Via The Mercury :
" A PREGNANT woman with swine flu was in a critical condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital last night.
Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the patient, an overseas visitor, was being treated in intensive care.
The H1N1 strain, or human swine flu, was confirmed last night by laboratory tests.
It was Tasmania's fifth case so far this year, of which three cases were overseas travellers who developed their illness after arrival, Dr Taylor said.
"This case is a reminder of the need for clinicians to be alert in their assessment of travellers reporting illness after arriving in Tasmania, so any signs of swine flu can be identified early and people at higher risk of serious illness [such as pregnant women] treated with antivirals," Dr Taylor said.
"It's also a reminder of the importance of being vaccinated against H1N1. As we saw last year, H1N1 can be very serious, even for ordinarily healthy people, and our first line of defence is vaccination."
" A PREGNANT woman with swine flu was in a critical condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital last night.
Public health director Roscoe Taylor said the patient, an overseas visitor, was being treated in intensive care.
The H1N1 strain, or human swine flu, was confirmed last night by laboratory tests.
It was Tasmania's fifth case so far this year, of which three cases were overseas travellers who developed their illness after arrival, Dr Taylor said.
"This case is a reminder of the need for clinicians to be alert in their assessment of travellers reporting illness after arriving in Tasmania, so any signs of swine flu can be identified early and people at higher risk of serious illness [such as pregnant women] treated with antivirals," Dr Taylor said.
"It's also a reminder of the importance of being vaccinated against H1N1. As we saw last year, H1N1 can be very serious, even for ordinarily healthy people, and our first line of defence is vaccination."
India : Six new dengue cases in Delhi
Via DNA India, the whole report :
" New Delhi: Six new dengue cases were reported in the city today, taking the number of people affected by the water borne disease to 41.
"Six fresh cases of dengue were reported in the city today. With this, the total number of people who tested positive for dengue till now is 41," Dr NK Yadav, medical health officer, MCD said.
The MCD has roped in extra staff to carry out fogging in the Commonwealth Games village in order keep it free of mosquitos.
Yadav said, "We also held a meeting with 33 sentinel survillence hospitals and advised them to check mosquito breeding in their premises."
" New Delhi: Six new dengue cases were reported in the city today, taking the number of people affected by the water borne disease to 41.
"Six fresh cases of dengue were reported in the city today. With this, the total number of people who tested positive for dengue till now is 41," Dr NK Yadav, medical health officer, MCD said.
The MCD has roped in extra staff to carry out fogging in the Commonwealth Games village in order keep it free of mosquitos.
Yadav said, "We also held a meeting with 33 sentinel survillence hospitals and advised them to check mosquito breeding in their premises."
Malaysia : Big rise in dengue cases in Pahang
Via The Star :
" KUANTAN: The number of dengue cases in the state since Jan 1 was 838, a much higher figure compared to 568 in the corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 480 cases, followed by Temerloh (85), Rompin (60), Bentong (48), Maran (40), Raub (33), Jerantut (27), Lipis (24), Bera (23), Pekan (17) and one in Cameron Highlands.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said 18 people were warded at various public and private hospitals in the state.
“The health department has identified six affected areas which are Taman LKNP Maju Sekilau, Taman Tas Utara, Taman Tas Selatan, Taman Orkid Kubang Buaya, Taman Beserah, Taman Hong Seng Galing and one in Raub - Batu 14, Jalan Raub.
“As a preventive measure, the department has carried out fogging activities at 841,272 premises,” he told a press conference here on Wednesday."
" KUANTAN: The number of dengue cases in the state since Jan 1 was 838, a much higher figure compared to 568 in the corresponding period last year.
Kuantan topped the list with 480 cases, followed by Temerloh (85), Rompin (60), Bentong (48), Maran (40), Raub (33), Jerantut (27), Lipis (24), Bera (23), Pekan (17) and one in Cameron Highlands.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said 18 people were warded at various public and private hospitals in the state.
“The health department has identified six affected areas which are Taman LKNP Maju Sekilau, Taman Tas Utara, Taman Tas Selatan, Taman Orkid Kubang Buaya, Taman Beserah, Taman Hong Seng Galing and one in Raub - Batu 14, Jalan Raub.
“As a preventive measure, the department has carried out fogging activities at 841,272 premises,” he told a press conference here on Wednesday."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hong Kong : Seasonal flu activity on the rise
A press release from Hong Kong's govt. :
" The Centre for Health Protection warns of increasing influenza activity, detecting 125 flu infections for the week ending July 24, compared to 98 the previous week.
Flu virus isolates in last two weeks were mainly human swine flu (40%). Seasonal influenza A-H3N2 and seasonal influenza B occupied 30% each.
The consultation rates for flu-like illness at sentinel private doctors for the week ending July 24 was 51.5 per 1,000 consultations, rising from 40.1 in the preceding week.
There were seven outbreaks of flu-like illnesses affecting 29 people, compared with one outbreak involving 13 people previously. Half of these outbreaks occurred in elderly care homes."
" The Centre for Health Protection warns of increasing influenza activity, detecting 125 flu infections for the week ending July 24, compared to 98 the previous week.
Flu virus isolates in last two weeks were mainly human swine flu (40%). Seasonal influenza A-H3N2 and seasonal influenza B occupied 30% each.
The consultation rates for flu-like illness at sentinel private doctors for the week ending July 24 was 51.5 per 1,000 consultations, rising from 40.1 in the preceding week.
There were seven outbreaks of flu-like illnesses affecting 29 people, compared with one outbreak involving 13 people previously. Half of these outbreaks occurred in elderly care homes."
656 swine flu deaths in Turkey
Via Middle East Online :
" ANKARA : Swine flu has killed 656 people in Turkey since October, the health ministry said Thursday.
The death toll was given in a statement issued to deny reports that Turkey bought but did not use about 40 million doses of vaccine against the (A)H1N1 virus.
"A total of 656 people, confirmed by laboratories (to have been infected), have lost their lives as of July 29, 2010," the statement said.
The death rate reached a peak in November and the toll had stood at 627 in January.
Turkey, which has a population of over 70 million, initially ordered 43 million doses of vaccine, but eventually bought only six million, for which it paid 33 million euros (43.1 million dollars), the statement said.
About three million doses were used, while the remaining are kept in stock as a precaution, it added.
The World Health Organisation declared a swine flu pandemic on June 11, 2009, and says some 18,311 people have died worldwide."
" ANKARA : Swine flu has killed 656 people in Turkey since October, the health ministry said Thursday.
The death toll was given in a statement issued to deny reports that Turkey bought but did not use about 40 million doses of vaccine against the (A)H1N1 virus.
"A total of 656 people, confirmed by laboratories (to have been infected), have lost their lives as of July 29, 2010," the statement said.
The death rate reached a peak in November and the toll had stood at 627 in January.
Turkey, which has a population of over 70 million, initially ordered 43 million doses of vaccine, but eventually bought only six million, for which it paid 33 million euros (43.1 million dollars), the statement said.
About three million doses were used, while the remaining are kept in stock as a precaution, it added.
The World Health Organisation declared a swine flu pandemic on June 11, 2009, and says some 18,311 people have died worldwide."
Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 35
An official update from WHO with regards to the avian influenza situation in Egypt :
" 29 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human case of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection.
The case is a 20 year-old female from Shobra Elkhima district, Qliubia Governorate. She was admitted to hospital on 21 July, placed on a ventilator, and received oseltamivir treatment. She died on 27 July.
Investigations into the source of infection indicated that the case had exposure to sick and dead poultry.
The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories, a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN).
Of the 110 laboratory confirmed cases of Avian influenza A(H5N1) reported in Egypt, 35 have been fatal."
" 29 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human case of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection.
The case is a 20 year-old female from Shobra Elkhima district, Qliubia Governorate. She was admitted to hospital on 21 July, placed on a ventilator, and received oseltamivir treatment. She died on 27 July.
Investigations into the source of infection indicated that the case had exposure to sick and dead poultry.
The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories, a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN).
Of the 110 laboratory confirmed cases of Avian influenza A(H5N1) reported in Egypt, 35 have been fatal."
New Zealand : Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009 (swine flu) – Update 197
An update from New Zealand's Ministry of Health :
" Increasing influenza activity
Influenza activity is beginning to increase significantly. In some areas, particularly in most of the top half of the North Island there is a marked increase in influenza-like illness and other respiratory illness.
There have been 59 people admitted to hospital reported in the last week with influenza type illness, bringing to 158 the total admitted to hospital this year. There have been no admissions to intensive care reported this week. "
" Increasing influenza activity
Influenza activity is beginning to increase significantly. In some areas, particularly in most of the top half of the North Island there is a marked increase in influenza-like illness and other respiratory illness.
There have been 59 people admitted to hospital reported in the last week with influenza type illness, bringing to 158 the total admitted to hospital this year. There have been no admissions to intensive care reported this week. "
India : Woman, 62, dies of swine flu
Via The Asian Age :
" Another person fell victim to the H1N1 influenza in the city putting the death toll to two so far. The deceased Usha Sangvi, 62, died at a private hospital in the afternoon.The resident of Watgunge was detected with the swine flu virus on July 26. “She was put on the ventilator at B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre since her admission.
At around 5.30 pm on Wednesday, the patient died due to swine flu virus and several other diseases,” state nodal officer for H1N1 influenza, Asit Kumar Biswas said. Sangvi was admitted to the hospital on July 16 in critical condition from another nursing home in Thakurpukur. “She was suffering from septicaemia and respiratory disorder,” a hospital official said.Nine fresh cases of swine flu were confirmed on Wednesday."
" Another person fell victim to the H1N1 influenza in the city putting the death toll to two so far. The deceased Usha Sangvi, 62, died at a private hospital in the afternoon.The resident of Watgunge was detected with the swine flu virus on July 26. “She was put on the ventilator at B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre since her admission.
At around 5.30 pm on Wednesday, the patient died due to swine flu virus and several other diseases,” state nodal officer for H1N1 influenza, Asit Kumar Biswas said. Sangvi was admitted to the hospital on July 16 in critical condition from another nursing home in Thakurpukur. “She was suffering from septicaemia and respiratory disorder,” a hospital official said.Nine fresh cases of swine flu were confirmed on Wednesday."
Pune : Swine flu claims 6 more lives in city
Via Times of India :
" PUNE: The H1N1 influenza claimed six more lives, taking the death toll in the city to 285. According to state health officials, Samuel Prabhakar (70), a resident of Sus road in Pashan, died at the Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital on July 27.
Deepali Ratnakar Panchal (7), of Bhosari, died at Unique hospital on July 26. Nivrutti Bhaurao Pawar (44), a resident of Wadkigaon in Haveli, died at the Sassoon Hospital on July 28. Jitendra Dattatray Kasad (42), a resident of Warje Malwadi, died at the Sassoon hospital on July 28.
Earlier on July 20, Radhika Yashwant Mohite (26), of Hinjewadi, died at Thergaon. A three-and-half-a-year-old boy, Varun, died at the Command Hospital on July 21. "
" PUNE: The H1N1 influenza claimed six more lives, taking the death toll in the city to 285. According to state health officials, Samuel Prabhakar (70), a resident of Sus road in Pashan, died at the Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital on July 27.
Deepali Ratnakar Panchal (7), of Bhosari, died at Unique hospital on July 26. Nivrutti Bhaurao Pawar (44), a resident of Wadkigaon in Haveli, died at the Sassoon Hospital on July 28. Jitendra Dattatray Kasad (42), a resident of Warje Malwadi, died at the Sassoon hospital on July 28.
Earlier on July 20, Radhika Yashwant Mohite (26), of Hinjewadi, died at Thergaon. A three-and-half-a-year-old boy, Varun, died at the Command Hospital on July 21. "
Egypt: Young woman dies of H5N1 (updated)
An update from Crof at H5N1 :
" Thanks to the reader who alerted me to this report in SAIDR: Humans Infected with H5N1.
Excerpt:
Woman, age not reported, was admitted to a hospital July 21 with bilateral pneumonia and was placed on mechanical ventilation. The MOH reported this was the 110th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Egypt in humans and the 35th human death from HPAI."
" Thanks to the reader who alerted me to this report in SAIDR: Humans Infected with H5N1.
Excerpt:
Woman, age not reported, was admitted to a hospital July 21 with bilateral pneumonia and was placed on mechanical ventilation. The MOH reported this was the 110th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Egypt in humans and the 35th human death from HPAI."
India : Swine flu resurfaces in city, two die in five days
Via Times of India :
" RAJKOT: Two women have died of swine flu in the city within a span of five days, raising concerns among district health department and citizens. Saurashtra, specially Rajkot, had been the worst affected by the pandemic which had taken several lives across the world.
On Wednesday, Manisha Hariyani, 35, a resident of Una town in Junagadh, died at a private hospital in Rajkot after she was tested HIN1 positive. According to sources, she had been admitted to a hospital on Monday and tested positive the next day. Earlier on Sunday, a woman from Junagadh had died at the civil hospital in the city after she tested positive for the H1N1 virus."
" RAJKOT: Two women have died of swine flu in the city within a span of five days, raising concerns among district health department and citizens. Saurashtra, specially Rajkot, had been the worst affected by the pandemic which had taken several lives across the world.
On Wednesday, Manisha Hariyani, 35, a resident of Una town in Junagadh, died at a private hospital in Rajkot after she was tested HIN1 positive. According to sources, she had been admitted to a hospital on Monday and tested positive the next day. Earlier on Sunday, a woman from Junagadh had died at the civil hospital in the city after she tested positive for the H1N1 virus."
Dengue cases spike in Thailand
Via IRIN News, excerpt :
" BANGKOK, 28 July 2010 : Dengue has reached a five-year high in Thailand, with 41,136 cases and 38 deaths to 20 July, against 22,969 infections and 19 deaths in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Dengue fluctuates every year depending on measures taken to avoid an outbreak, said Wichai Satimai, director of Thailand’s bureau of vector-borne diseases. “If we can reduce the number of breeding places, then we can reduce the transmissions,” he said, noting that northern Nong Khai Province has not reported a dengue case for seven years.
A quarter of the cases come from the Thailand-Malaysia border area, Wichai said. Infected travellers – with symptoms so mild they are unaware they are ill – unknowingly spread the disease."
" BANGKOK, 28 July 2010 : Dengue has reached a five-year high in Thailand, with 41,136 cases and 38 deaths to 20 July, against 22,969 infections and 19 deaths in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Dengue fluctuates every year depending on measures taken to avoid an outbreak, said Wichai Satimai, director of Thailand’s bureau of vector-borne diseases. “If we can reduce the number of breeding places, then we can reduce the transmissions,” he said, noting that northern Nong Khai Province has not reported a dengue case for seven years.
A quarter of the cases come from the Thailand-Malaysia border area, Wichai said. Infected travellers – with symptoms so mild they are unaware they are ill – unknowingly spread the disease."
Indonesia : Padang, West Sumatera - Bird flu suspect dies
A report from Ida at Bird Flu Information Corner, another suspected bird flu fatality :
" Padang : A sand miner named Yenpa Yenti (24), resident of Kampung Sawah Taratak Mudiak Muaro Kalaban, Sawah Lunto, West Sumatera, allegedly died of H5N1 infection in M Djamil hospital, Padang, Wednesday (28/7).
Victim’s parent, Rosmaniar (60) described her son started to experience high fever and chill of hand and feet on 22 July.
Next, Rosmaniar brought Yenti to a local health worker, of where she was recommended to bring her son to Sawah Lunto hospital. Because medical team of Sawah Lunto hospital suspected bird flu infection on Yenti, victim was transferred to M Djamil hospital in Padang.
Yenti was admitted to M Djamil hospital on 24 July and placed in special unit until the death on 28 July.
Director of M Djamil hospital, Irayanti said Yenti was suspected of having bird flu infection with symptoms such as fever up to 38℃ and breathing difficulty. Chest x-ray also showed evidence of lung infection. “According to patient’s parents, he had contact with chickens”, added Irayanti.
Yenpa Yenti is first fatal bird flu suspect patient in M Djamil hospital during 2010."
" Padang : A sand miner named Yenpa Yenti (24), resident of Kampung Sawah Taratak Mudiak Muaro Kalaban, Sawah Lunto, West Sumatera, allegedly died of H5N1 infection in M Djamil hospital, Padang, Wednesday (28/7).
Victim’s parent, Rosmaniar (60) described her son started to experience high fever and chill of hand and feet on 22 July.
Next, Rosmaniar brought Yenti to a local health worker, of where she was recommended to bring her son to Sawah Lunto hospital. Because medical team of Sawah Lunto hospital suspected bird flu infection on Yenti, victim was transferred to M Djamil hospital in Padang.
Yenti was admitted to M Djamil hospital on 24 July and placed in special unit until the death on 28 July.
Director of M Djamil hospital, Irayanti said Yenti was suspected of having bird flu infection with symptoms such as fever up to 38℃ and breathing difficulty. Chest x-ray also showed evidence of lung infection. “According to patient’s parents, he had contact with chickens”, added Irayanti.
Yenpa Yenti is first fatal bird flu suspect patient in M Djamil hospital during 2010."
Malaysia : Another Rescuer May Be Infected With Melioidosis
A report from Bernama, which also contains some news about dengue :
" KUANTAN, July 28 : Another rescuer involved with the drowning rescue operation at Lubuk Yu, Maran last month, may be the latest victim of melioidosis and leptospirosis.
State Exco for Health Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the 30 year-old fireman was on Tuesday admitted to Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital, Temerloh with fever.
"He went to hospital on July 8 for a backache but was on Tuesday warded with fever. Blood samples had been taken for examination," he told a press conference here Wednesday.Seven people had died due to the bacteria while four are being treated at Jengka Hospital, one at Temerloh hospital and one at Selayang Hospital, Selangor.
On dengue fever, Hoh said the state health department had identified six areas as epidemic zones in Pahang.They are Taman LKNP Maju Sekilau, Taman Tas, Taman Orkid Kubang Buaya, Taman Beserah, Taman Hong Seng Galing (all in Kuantan district) and Batu 14 (Raub).He said the health department had conducted fogging and search and destroy operation against aedes mosquitoes.
Pahang recorded 838 dengue cases in the first seven months compared to 568 cases for the corresponding period last year, a rise of 47.5 percent.Kuantan had the highest number with 480 followed by Temerloh (85), Rompin (60), Bentong (48), Maran (40), Raub (33), Jerantut (27), Lipis (24), Bera (23), Pekan (17) and Cameron Highlands (1)."
" KUANTAN, July 28 : Another rescuer involved with the drowning rescue operation at Lubuk Yu, Maran last month, may be the latest victim of melioidosis and leptospirosis.
State Exco for Health Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said the 30 year-old fireman was on Tuesday admitted to Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital, Temerloh with fever.
"He went to hospital on July 8 for a backache but was on Tuesday warded with fever. Blood samples had been taken for examination," he told a press conference here Wednesday.Seven people had died due to the bacteria while four are being treated at Jengka Hospital, one at Temerloh hospital and one at Selayang Hospital, Selangor.
On dengue fever, Hoh said the state health department had identified six areas as epidemic zones in Pahang.They are Taman LKNP Maju Sekilau, Taman Tas, Taman Orkid Kubang Buaya, Taman Beserah, Taman Hong Seng Galing (all in Kuantan district) and Batu 14 (Raub).He said the health department had conducted fogging and search and destroy operation against aedes mosquitoes.
Pahang recorded 838 dengue cases in the first seven months compared to 568 cases for the corresponding period last year, a rise of 47.5 percent.Kuantan had the highest number with 480 followed by Temerloh (85), Rompin (60), Bentong (48), Maran (40), Raub (33), Jerantut (27), Lipis (24), Bera (23), Pekan (17) and Cameron Highlands (1)."
Dengue kills 77 in Davao City, NegOcc and Northern Mindanao
Via ABS-CBN News :
" MANILA, Philippines : Dengue fever cases in the provinces continue to rise despite the Department of Health's (DOH) intensified information campaign on the disease.
In reports gathered by ABS-CBN Regional Network Groups in Northern Mindanao, Davao City and Negros Occidental, a total of 77 dengue patients have died since January up to the month of July.
The DOH's regional office in Northern Mindanao said a total of 3,307 dengue cases with 44 deaths have been recorded in the region from January to July 23 this year.
Jaime Bernadas, DOH-Northern Mindanao director, said the figure is more than 200% higher than the 858 dengue cases with 10 deaths during the first 7 months of last year.
On Tuesday, 6-year-old CJ Anasta of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental died due to complications from the disease.
Before Anasta, dengue patient Jay-R LLena, 14, from Talisay City died last July 14.
Provincial health office records showed that a total of 10 dengue patients have died from dengue in Negros Occidental from January to July 17 of this year."
" MANILA, Philippines : Dengue fever cases in the provinces continue to rise despite the Department of Health's (DOH) intensified information campaign on the disease.
In reports gathered by ABS-CBN Regional Network Groups in Northern Mindanao, Davao City and Negros Occidental, a total of 77 dengue patients have died since January up to the month of July.
The DOH's regional office in Northern Mindanao said a total of 3,307 dengue cases with 44 deaths have been recorded in the region from January to July 23 this year.
Jaime Bernadas, DOH-Northern Mindanao director, said the figure is more than 200% higher than the 858 dengue cases with 10 deaths during the first 7 months of last year.
On Tuesday, 6-year-old CJ Anasta of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental died due to complications from the disease.
Before Anasta, dengue patient Jay-R LLena, 14, from Talisay City died last July 14.
Provincial health office records showed that a total of 10 dengue patients have died from dengue in Negros Occidental from January to July 17 of this year."
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Malaysia: Current Situation of Influenza A (H1N1) For Week 29/2010 (18 – 24 July 2010) (1 more fatality)
The latest H1N1 update from the Ministry of Health in Malaysia :
" For the week 29/2010 (18 to 24 July 2010), five (5) new ILI cluster cases was reported from four (4) states as shown in Appendix 1. In the previous week, a total of six (6) ILI clusters have been reported.
In the same week, a total of 537 new patients with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment as compared to 516 patients in the previous week, an increase. The remaining cases that are still being treated across the country on the last day of week 29/2010 (July 24, 2010) are 335 cases in 65 hospitals including 11 private hospitals.
Of these, only 24 patients or 7.2% were cases of Influenza A (H1N1) which was confirmed by laboratory tests. For the record, there are 5 cases of H1N1 being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three (3) of them are individuals who have risk factors.
The numbers of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the same week are 41 cases compared to a total of 52 cases in the previous week, a decline of 21.1%, bringing the cumulative number of positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) to 15,421 to date.
1 fatality was reported bringing the total H1N1 fatalities in country to 92. The fatality details are as follows:
A 26 year old male who has the risk factor of obesity from the state of Selangor. Expert insights and results of clinical trials confirm that the cause of death was severe pneumonia with sepsis associated with influenza A (H1N1) infection."
" For the week 29/2010 (18 to 24 July 2010), five (5) new ILI cluster cases was reported from four (4) states as shown in Appendix 1. In the previous week, a total of six (6) ILI clusters have been reported.
In the same week, a total of 537 new patients with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment as compared to 516 patients in the previous week, an increase. The remaining cases that are still being treated across the country on the last day of week 29/2010 (July 24, 2010) are 335 cases in 65 hospitals including 11 private hospitals.
Of these, only 24 patients or 7.2% were cases of Influenza A (H1N1) which was confirmed by laboratory tests. For the record, there are 5 cases of H1N1 being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three (3) of them are individuals who have risk factors.
The numbers of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the same week are 41 cases compared to a total of 52 cases in the previous week, a decline of 21.1%, bringing the cumulative number of positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) to 15,421 to date.
1 fatality was reported bringing the total H1N1 fatalities in country to 92. The fatality details are as follows:
A 26 year old male who has the risk factor of obesity from the state of Selangor. Expert insights and results of clinical trials confirm that the cause of death was severe pneumonia with sepsis associated with influenza A (H1N1) infection."
Nigeria : Cholera outbreak: 6 die, 160 infected in Bauchi
Via Nigerian Tribune :
" Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Mohammed Yahaya Jalam, has raised the alarm of an outbreak of cholera in the state, which has so far claimed six lives while over 160 people have contracted the disease and are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state.
The commissioner raised the alarm while speaking with news men at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching (ATBUTH), Bauchi last weekend, on the development which he said was under control by his ministry and other health related agencies in the state, pointing out that of the 160 people infected, 100 had been treated at the ATBUTH and discharged while the remaining 60 were still receiving treatment.
He said the government had been able to locate the wards that were affected within the metropolis, and the government had been able to control and assisted the victims saying that “we have been able to control it by disinfecting the whole wards by colorating the areas so that it does not break out in other wards and local government and we have been able to provide free treatment to all the affected persons”."
" Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Mohammed Yahaya Jalam, has raised the alarm of an outbreak of cholera in the state, which has so far claimed six lives while over 160 people have contracted the disease and are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state.
The commissioner raised the alarm while speaking with news men at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching (ATBUTH), Bauchi last weekend, on the development which he said was under control by his ministry and other health related agencies in the state, pointing out that of the 160 people infected, 100 had been treated at the ATBUTH and discharged while the remaining 60 were still receiving treatment.
He said the government had been able to locate the wards that were affected within the metropolis, and the government had been able to control and assisted the victims saying that “we have been able to control it by disinfecting the whole wards by colorating the areas so that it does not break out in other wards and local government and we have been able to provide free treatment to all the affected persons”."
India : Two more swine flu deaths in Delhi
Via Times of India :
" NEW DELHI: Two more persons died of swine flu in Delhi and seven new cases were reported in the city on Tuesday. This brings the total number cases of H1N1 influenza in the city to 54. Sources said that a patient diagnosed positive for H1N1 infection died at Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on Monday, while another death was reported from a private hospital.
"It is not clear whether the deaths reported are of persons from Delhi or of those who came from outside the city. We are verifying the reports," said a senior health official. Delhi has already reported five deaths due to swine flu - three victims were from outside Delhi. Health experts fear the number of cases of swine flu may increase due to rains. "High-risk patients like children, pregnant women and critically-ill people need to be extra careful," said a doctor."
" NEW DELHI: Two more persons died of swine flu in Delhi and seven new cases were reported in the city on Tuesday. This brings the total number cases of H1N1 influenza in the city to 54. Sources said that a patient diagnosed positive for H1N1 infection died at Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on Monday, while another death was reported from a private hospital.
"It is not clear whether the deaths reported are of persons from Delhi or of those who came from outside the city. We are verifying the reports," said a senior health official. Delhi has already reported five deaths due to swine flu - three victims were from outside Delhi. Health experts fear the number of cases of swine flu may increase due to rains. "High-risk patients like children, pregnant women and critically-ill people need to be extra careful," said a doctor."
India : Teenager succumbs to H1N1
Via Times of India, the whole report :
" BELGAUM: A teenaged girl, who had recently come here from Pandharpur in Maharashtra, has died due to swine flu. Though she succumbed to the H1N1 influenza on Friday, it was confirmed on Sunday.
The victim, Renuka Hanmant Mutagekar (19) of Kedanur village, had been ill ever since she returned to Kedanur from Pandharpur on July 21. She was admitted to the district hospital on July 22. The doctors had sent her swab samples to Nimhans (Bangalore) for tests. "
" BELGAUM: A teenaged girl, who had recently come here from Pandharpur in Maharashtra, has died due to swine flu. Though she succumbed to the H1N1 influenza on Friday, it was confirmed on Sunday.
The victim, Renuka Hanmant Mutagekar (19) of Kedanur village, had been ill ever since she returned to Kedanur from Pandharpur on July 21. She was admitted to the district hospital on July 22. The doctors had sent her swab samples to Nimhans (Bangalore) for tests. "
India : Two die of mysterious fever
Via The Hindu :
" Nagercoil : Two persons including a 6-year old girl died on Tuesday owing to mysterious fever in two private hospitals in Kanyakumari district.
According to sources, Rajkumar of Puliyavilai in Vadaserry near Nagercoil, working as a police personnel at Manimutharu special camp was affected with a mysterious fever and was admitted to a private hospital.
When his body was not responding to the treatment, he was admitted to the swine flu ward at Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital at Asaripallam.
Samples of his blood and sputum were taken and sent to the King's Institute at Guindy for tests.
In the meantime he was again shifted to a private hospital where he died.
Similarly Nithiya (6) – daughter of Johnson of Muhamathur Street at Thiruvithancode near Thuckalay was suffering from fever for the last one week.
She was admitted to a private hospital, where she died."
" Nagercoil : Two persons including a 6-year old girl died on Tuesday owing to mysterious fever in two private hospitals in Kanyakumari district.
According to sources, Rajkumar of Puliyavilai in Vadaserry near Nagercoil, working as a police personnel at Manimutharu special camp was affected with a mysterious fever and was admitted to a private hospital.
When his body was not responding to the treatment, he was admitted to the swine flu ward at Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital at Asaripallam.
Samples of his blood and sputum were taken and sent to the King's Institute at Guindy for tests.
In the meantime he was again shifted to a private hospital where he died.
Similarly Nithiya (6) – daughter of Johnson of Muhamathur Street at Thiruvithancode near Thuckalay was suffering from fever for the last one week.
She was admitted to a private hospital, where she died."
New Zealand : The Medical Officer of Health in Northland has reported the first suspected swine flu death in the region
Via Radio New Zealand :
" A man, 51, who died suddenly this month was found to have the virus, and his death has been referred to the coroner.
Dr Jonathan Jarman says the man had an underlying health condition.
There have been only two confirmed cases of swine flu in Northland.
Dr Jarman says he has been asked about the safety of open casket tangi practices, where the deceased person had the H1N1 virus.
He says the virus does not survive long after a person's death and there is no reason why mourners should not touch or hold the tupapaku, as long as they wash their hands afterwards.
He says the risk of influenza in large group settings like tangi, is catching the bug from someone else."
" A man, 51, who died suddenly this month was found to have the virus, and his death has been referred to the coroner.
Dr Jonathan Jarman says the man had an underlying health condition.
There have been only two confirmed cases of swine flu in Northland.
Dr Jarman says he has been asked about the safety of open casket tangi practices, where the deceased person had the H1N1 virus.
He says the virus does not survive long after a person's death and there is no reason why mourners should not touch or hold the tupapaku, as long as they wash their hands afterwards.
He says the risk of influenza in large group settings like tangi, is catching the bug from someone else."
Malaysia : A rise in dengue cases down south
Via The Star :
" JOHOR BARU: The state recorded a total of seven deaths due to dengue between Jan and July this year, which is an increase of four cases compared to the same period last year.
State Health department deputy director Dr Fatimah Othman said the increase in deaths due to dengue was worrying and the public should take note of the rise.
“Aedes mosquitoes are capable of adapting themselves to their surroundings.
“The mosquitoes will breed even after we have fogged an area, hence people must be mindful of the cleanliness of their premises or homes.
“The reason why there is an increase in dengue fever cases is because there are more breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“Potential breeding grounds are places where clean water is stagnant such as plastic cups and even satellite dishes,” she said during the campaign to combat Dengue in Kampung Melayu Majidee here recently."
" JOHOR BARU: The state recorded a total of seven deaths due to dengue between Jan and July this year, which is an increase of four cases compared to the same period last year.
State Health department deputy director Dr Fatimah Othman said the increase in deaths due to dengue was worrying and the public should take note of the rise.
“Aedes mosquitoes are capable of adapting themselves to their surroundings.
“The mosquitoes will breed even after we have fogged an area, hence people must be mindful of the cleanliness of their premises or homes.
“The reason why there is an increase in dengue fever cases is because there are more breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“Potential breeding grounds are places where clean water is stagnant such as plastic cups and even satellite dishes,” she said during the campaign to combat Dengue in Kampung Melayu Majidee here recently."
Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic A/H1N1 Virus Is as Virulent as Its Wild-Type Counterpart in Mice and Ferrets
A study published in PLOS Pathogens, excerpt from a long but informative article :
" Abstract
The neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir is currently used for treatment of patients infected with the pandemic A/H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus, although drug-resistant mutants can emerge rapidly and possibly be transmitted. We describe the characteristics of a pair of oseltamivir-resistant and oseltamivir-susceptible pH1N1 clinical isolates that differed by a single change (H274Y) in the neuraminidase protein. Viral fitness of pH1N1 isolates was assessed in vitro by determining replication kinetics in MDCK α2,6 cells and in vivo by performing experimental infections of BALB/c mice and ferrets. Despite slightly reduced propagation of the mutant isolate in vitro during the first 24 h, the wild-type (WT) and mutant resistant viruses induced similar maximum weight loss in mice and ferrets with an identical pyrexic response in ferrets (AUC of 233.9 and 233.2, P = 0.5156).
Similarly, comparable titers were obtained for the WT and the mutant strains on days 1, 3, 6 and 9 post-infection in mouse lungs and on days 1–7 in ferret nasal washes. A more important perivascular (day 6) and pleural (days 6 and 12) inflammation was noted in the lungs of mice infected with the H274Y mutant, which correlated with increased pulmonary levels of IL-6 and KC. Such increased levels of IL-6 were also observed in lymph nodes of ferrets infected with the mutant strain. Furthermore, the H274Y mutant strain was transmitted to ferrets. In conclusion, viral fitness of the H274Y pH1N1 isolate is not substantially altered and has the potential to induce severe disease and to disseminate."
" Abstract
The neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir is currently used for treatment of patients infected with the pandemic A/H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus, although drug-resistant mutants can emerge rapidly and possibly be transmitted. We describe the characteristics of a pair of oseltamivir-resistant and oseltamivir-susceptible pH1N1 clinical isolates that differed by a single change (H274Y) in the neuraminidase protein. Viral fitness of pH1N1 isolates was assessed in vitro by determining replication kinetics in MDCK α2,6 cells and in vivo by performing experimental infections of BALB/c mice and ferrets. Despite slightly reduced propagation of the mutant isolate in vitro during the first 24 h, the wild-type (WT) and mutant resistant viruses induced similar maximum weight loss in mice and ferrets with an identical pyrexic response in ferrets (AUC of 233.9 and 233.2, P = 0.5156).
Similarly, comparable titers were obtained for the WT and the mutant strains on days 1, 3, 6 and 9 post-infection in mouse lungs and on days 1–7 in ferret nasal washes. A more important perivascular (day 6) and pleural (days 6 and 12) inflammation was noted in the lungs of mice infected with the H274Y mutant, which correlated with increased pulmonary levels of IL-6 and KC. Such increased levels of IL-6 were also observed in lymph nodes of ferrets infected with the mutant strain. Furthermore, the H274Y mutant strain was transmitted to ferrets. In conclusion, viral fitness of the H274Y pH1N1 isolate is not substantially altered and has the potential to induce severe disease and to disseminate."
Malaysia : Infection kills seventh victim
Via The Star :
" KUANTAN: A Fire and Rescue personnel involved in the search and rescue operation in Lubuk Yu in Maran late last month has become the seventh person to die of bacterial infection.
Mohd Nor Abidin Ismail, 50, with the Jengka Fire and Rescue station was infected with two different strains of bacteria – melioidiosis, a water and earth-borne bacteria, and leptospirosis, which is present in rat urine.
He died at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh at 3.11am yesterday and was buried before zohor prayers.
He was married with seven children.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said yesterday that Mohd Nor’s condition gradually worsened, and he also suffered from diabetes.
With Mohd Nor’s death, five people remain warded in the aftermath of that search and rescue operation."
" KUANTAN: A Fire and Rescue personnel involved in the search and rescue operation in Lubuk Yu in Maran late last month has become the seventh person to die of bacterial infection.
Mohd Nor Abidin Ismail, 50, with the Jengka Fire and Rescue station was infected with two different strains of bacteria – melioidiosis, a water and earth-borne bacteria, and leptospirosis, which is present in rat urine.
He died at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh at 3.11am yesterday and was buried before zohor prayers.
He was married with seven children.
State Local Government, Environment and Health Committee chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun said yesterday that Mohd Nor’s condition gradually worsened, and he also suffered from diabetes.
With Mohd Nor’s death, five people remain warded in the aftermath of that search and rescue operation."
Trinindad & Tobago : Dengue fever outbreak in Tobago
Via News Day :
" Health officials in Tobago yesterday confirmed that there was a dengue fever outbreak on the island.
The officials told members of the media that 47 persons had tested positive for the virus so far this year, but there were no deaths to date. They indicated that there was now a resurgence of the number of persons testing positive for dengue fever despite a significant decline from February to May.
According to statistics, the month of July so far accounts for 13 of the cases — three less than the highest figure of 16 recorded in January. The community of Charlotteville in east Tobago recorded the highest number of cases for July, which stood at three.
Officials indicated that the figures represented those clients who tested positive for IGM or IGG, or both by Rapid test for dengue from the Scarborough Regional Hospital laboratory.
The samples were sent to the Trinidad Public Health Lab for further testing to determine whether these persons had contracted dengue fever, however, reports from the THPL have not yet been received."
" Health officials in Tobago yesterday confirmed that there was a dengue fever outbreak on the island.
The officials told members of the media that 47 persons had tested positive for the virus so far this year, but there were no deaths to date. They indicated that there was now a resurgence of the number of persons testing positive for dengue fever despite a significant decline from February to May.
According to statistics, the month of July so far accounts for 13 of the cases — three less than the highest figure of 16 recorded in January. The community of Charlotteville in east Tobago recorded the highest number of cases for July, which stood at three.
Officials indicated that the figures represented those clients who tested positive for IGM or IGG, or both by Rapid test for dengue from the Scarborough Regional Hospital laboratory.
The samples were sent to the Trinidad Public Health Lab for further testing to determine whether these persons had contracted dengue fever, however, reports from the THPL have not yet been received."
Malaysia : College bars visitors due to flu illness
Via New Straits Times, the whole report :
" ALOR STAR: Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Pendang is now off- limits to all visitors. It had been temporarily "closed" even to parents after 34 students at the school were down with influenza-like-illness (ILI) last Thursday.
Kedah Mara director Ahmad Rakhli Hassan said the college's management had opted to temporarily close the junior college to contain the virus from spreading to outsiders.
"All boarders at the school have also been provided with a face mask each.
"We will work closely with the health department to monitor students who were affected with ILI symptoms," he said, adding there were no new cases at the school.Ahmad Rakhli, however, could not furnish details on the total number of boarders at the school.
It was reported that 34 students at the school were quarantined in their dorms after they developed ILI symptoms last week. Doctors keeping tabs on the students said their condition was returning to normal."
" ALOR STAR: Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Pendang is now off- limits to all visitors. It had been temporarily "closed" even to parents after 34 students at the school were down with influenza-like-illness (ILI) last Thursday.
Kedah Mara director Ahmad Rakhli Hassan said the college's management had opted to temporarily close the junior college to contain the virus from spreading to outsiders.
"All boarders at the school have also been provided with a face mask each.
"We will work closely with the health department to monitor students who were affected with ILI symptoms," he said, adding there were no new cases at the school.Ahmad Rakhli, however, could not furnish details on the total number of boarders at the school.
It was reported that 34 students at the school were quarantined in their dorms after they developed ILI symptoms last week. Doctors keeping tabs on the students said their condition was returning to normal."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dengue cases up 40% in first half of 2010
Via GMA News, a report from the Red Cross :
" The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has stepped up its campaign against dengue as it noted a 40-percent hike in dengue cases in the first half of 2010.Citing data from the Department of Health, the PRC said the number of cases in the first half of 2010 escalated to 25,283 or 40 percent more from the same period in 2009.
"The rise in the number of dengue cases for the first half of 2010 is very alarming. Thus, PRC should double its efforts to prevent dengue," former senator and PRC chairman Richard Gordon said in an article on the PRC website.
The PRC also noted the highest number of dengue cases this year were recorded in Region VIII (2,940), Region IV-A (2,751), Region XII (2,708) and Metro Manila (2,618).A total of 18,055 dengue cases were reported in the same period last year."
" The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has stepped up its campaign against dengue as it noted a 40-percent hike in dengue cases in the first half of 2010.Citing data from the Department of Health, the PRC said the number of cases in the first half of 2010 escalated to 25,283 or 40 percent more from the same period in 2009.
"The rise in the number of dengue cases for the first half of 2010 is very alarming. Thus, PRC should double its efforts to prevent dengue," former senator and PRC chairman Richard Gordon said in an article on the PRC website.
The PRC also noted the highest number of dengue cases this year were recorded in Region VIII (2,940), Region IV-A (2,751), Region XII (2,708) and Metro Manila (2,618).A total of 18,055 dengue cases were reported in the same period last year."
Mumbai : Malaria claims two more lives, July toll 13
Via Times of India, more malaria cases being reported, excerpt from the article :
" MUMBAI: Two more people - a 45-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman - died of malaria in the city on Sunday and Monday, taking the death toll to 13 this month. The man, a resident of Worli, was hospitalised on July 19 and succumbed to the disease on Sunday.
According to the BMC report, he was an alcoholic and thus could not be saved. The woman was a resident of Sewri. She was admitted to hospital on Sunday with high fever and died on Monday. The total number of deaths due to monsoon-related ailments has reached 21 this month."
" MUMBAI: Two more people - a 45-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman - died of malaria in the city on Sunday and Monday, taking the death toll to 13 this month. The man, a resident of Worli, was hospitalised on July 19 and succumbed to the disease on Sunday.
According to the BMC report, he was an alcoholic and thus could not be saved. The woman was a resident of Sewri. She was admitted to hospital on Sunday with high fever and died on Monday. The total number of deaths due to monsoon-related ailments has reached 21 this month."
New Delhi : Worst dengue threat in 4 yrs
Via Hindustan Times :
" Delhi is grappling with the biggest dengue outbreak since 2006. There have been 30 cases of dengue this year till July 26, according to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) data, against only two cases till the same time last year. A survey of six private hospitals in the city indicated the number could be higher.
“MCD does not accept a case as dengue until it gets a positive dengue serology report,” said Dr K.K. Aggarwal, chief physician at Moolchand Hospital. “People test positive only five days after the onset of fever, so many cases are missed.”
Mosquito-breeding sites detected by the MCD have gone up threefold this year. The MCD has sent already legal notices to almost 34,000 homes and government departments against 14,000 last year."
" Delhi is grappling with the biggest dengue outbreak since 2006. There have been 30 cases of dengue this year till July 26, according to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) data, against only two cases till the same time last year. A survey of six private hospitals in the city indicated the number could be higher.
“MCD does not accept a case as dengue until it gets a positive dengue serology report,” said Dr K.K. Aggarwal, chief physician at Moolchand Hospital. “People test positive only five days after the onset of fever, so many cases are missed.”
Mosquito-breeding sites detected by the MCD have gone up threefold this year. The MCD has sent already legal notices to almost 34,000 homes and government departments against 14,000 last year."
India : Central help sought to fight malaria
Via Times of India, excerpt :
" PUNE: The Maharashtra health department has sought technical support and expertise from the Union government to tackle malaria. Eleven people succumbed to the mosquito-borne infection and 22,159 fresh cases were recorded in the state between April and June this year, raising concerns among health experts.
State health minister Suresh Shetty confirmed to TOI that help has been sought from the Centre. "It is true that the state government has sought the Union government’s intervention in the form of technical support and expertise to curb malaria cases," he said on Wednesday."
" PUNE: The Maharashtra health department has sought technical support and expertise from the Union government to tackle malaria. Eleven people succumbed to the mosquito-borne infection and 22,159 fresh cases were recorded in the state between April and June this year, raising concerns among health experts.
State health minister Suresh Shetty confirmed to TOI that help has been sought from the Centre. "It is true that the state government has sought the Union government’s intervention in the form of technical support and expertise to curb malaria cases," he said on Wednesday."
Malaysia : Be more vigilant in fight against dengue
Via New Straits Times :
" SUNGAI PETANI: Malaysians are still not doing enough to help the authorities check the dengue scourge, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai lamented yesterday.
He described the situation as "very alarming" considering there were 91 deaths recorded so far this year compared with 88 cases last year."We appeal to the people to keep their homes, offices and surroundings clear of mosquito breeding areas.
"We must be more vigilant since it is now the rainy season and rainwater could collect easily in many places," he said.
A total of 27,400 cases and 91 deaths due to dengue have been reported between January and yesterday, according to ministry statistics.Liow said the death toll reported so far this year involved mostly adults.
Last week alone (July 18-24), seven deaths due to dengue were reported from 1,071 cases, the highest weekly cases recorded so far, Liow said after visiting the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here."
" SUNGAI PETANI: Malaysians are still not doing enough to help the authorities check the dengue scourge, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai lamented yesterday.
He described the situation as "very alarming" considering there were 91 deaths recorded so far this year compared with 88 cases last year."We appeal to the people to keep their homes, offices and surroundings clear of mosquito breeding areas.
"We must be more vigilant since it is now the rainy season and rainwater could collect easily in many places," he said.
A total of 27,400 cases and 91 deaths due to dengue have been reported between January and yesterday, according to ministry statistics.Liow said the death toll reported so far this year involved mostly adults.
Last week alone (July 18-24), seven deaths due to dengue were reported from 1,071 cases, the highest weekly cases recorded so far, Liow said after visiting the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here."
India : Dead man found positive for swine flu
Via Indian Express :
" A 40-year-old man, Jatin Prasad (40), who died on July 24 at the SGPGI, has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The test results came after his death.
Prasad, a resident of Badaun, was admitted to SGPGI on July 12 with a number of problems including multiple organ damage due to diabetes. Shifted to the Endocrinology ward on July 14, he suffered a cardiac arrest, after which he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.
“He was a chronic smoker and alcoholic and was also being treated for tuberculosis,” said Prof AK Baronia, Head of the Department of Critical Care Medicine and In Charge of the ICU. He had severe septic shock, and failed kidneys and infection in lungs. “After his death, tests showed that he was H1N1 positive. But there were multiple causes for his death and it cannot be completely attributed to H1N1,” Baronia added. The case is yet to be reported as a swine flu death at the H1N1 control room."
" A 40-year-old man, Jatin Prasad (40), who died on July 24 at the SGPGI, has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The test results came after his death.
Prasad, a resident of Badaun, was admitted to SGPGI on July 12 with a number of problems including multiple organ damage due to diabetes. Shifted to the Endocrinology ward on July 14, he suffered a cardiac arrest, after which he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.
“He was a chronic smoker and alcoholic and was also being treated for tuberculosis,” said Prof AK Baronia, Head of the Department of Critical Care Medicine and In Charge of the ICU. He had severe septic shock, and failed kidneys and infection in lungs. “After his death, tests showed that he was H1N1 positive. But there were multiple causes for his death and it cannot be completely attributed to H1N1,” Baronia added. The case is yet to be reported as a swine flu death at the H1N1 control room."
India : 45-yr-old succumbs to swine flu; toll rises to 3
Via New Kerala :
" Kolhapur, Jul 26 : A 45-year-old man succumbed to swine flu, taking the H1N1 toll in the district in the last one month to three.
The victim, identified as Dadasaheb Rajaram Patil, hailing from Arjunwada in Kagal tehsil of the district, was admitted to a private hospital here last week, official sources said.The sample of Patil's throat swab had tested positive for swine flu.
The sample of Patil's throat swab had tested positive for swine flu."
" Kolhapur, Jul 26 : A 45-year-old man succumbed to swine flu, taking the H1N1 toll in the district in the last one month to three.
The victim, identified as Dadasaheb Rajaram Patil, hailing from Arjunwada in Kagal tehsil of the district, was admitted to a private hospital here last week, official sources said.The sample of Patil's throat swab had tested positive for swine flu.
The sample of Patil's throat swab had tested positive for swine flu."
Egyptian woman hospitalized with H5N1 infection
From CIDRAP :
" Jul 26, 2010 : Egyptian officials have confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a 20-year-old woman who is hospitalized in critical condition in Cairo, according to MENA, the country's news agency.
Health ministry spokesman Abdel Rahman Shahin said the woman, from Qalyubia governorate, about 30 miles north of Cairo, was admitted to the hospital Jul 21 with fever and breathing difficulties, Daily News Egypt reported yesterday, citing MENA. He said the woman is undergoing treatment with oseltamivir (Tamilfu) and is under careful monitoring.
Reports have not said if the woman had contact with sick or infected birds.
If the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the woman's infection, she will be listed as Egypt's 110th H5N1 case-patient. The country's 109 confirmed cases include 34 deaths.
In the first 4 months of 2010 Egypt reported 19 human H5N1 cases, 7 of them fatal. The newly confirmed case is the country's first in nearly 4 months.
Earlier this month the Egyptian government instituted a ban on the sale of all live poultry to help prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus, which is endemic in the country, according to the Daily News Egypt report. The only exception is licensed slaughterhouses that employ veterinarians to assess the health of the birds and supervise slaughtering, cleaning, and sales of the birds."
" Jul 26, 2010 : Egyptian officials have confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a 20-year-old woman who is hospitalized in critical condition in Cairo, according to MENA, the country's news agency.
Health ministry spokesman Abdel Rahman Shahin said the woman, from Qalyubia governorate, about 30 miles north of Cairo, was admitted to the hospital Jul 21 with fever and breathing difficulties, Daily News Egypt reported yesterday, citing MENA. He said the woman is undergoing treatment with oseltamivir (Tamilfu) and is under careful monitoring.
Reports have not said if the woman had contact with sick or infected birds.
If the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the woman's infection, she will be listed as Egypt's 110th H5N1 case-patient. The country's 109 confirmed cases include 34 deaths.
In the first 4 months of 2010 Egypt reported 19 human H5N1 cases, 7 of them fatal. The newly confirmed case is the country's first in nearly 4 months.
Earlier this month the Egyptian government instituted a ban on the sale of all live poultry to help prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus, which is endemic in the country, according to the Daily News Egypt report. The only exception is licensed slaughterhouses that employ veterinarians to assess the health of the birds and supervise slaughtering, cleaning, and sales of the birds."
Malaysia : 34 MRSM Pendang Students With H1N1 Symptoms Recovering Well
Via Bernama :
" ALOR SETAR, July 26 : The Kedah Health department said 34 Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) students in Pendang with suspected Influenza A (H1N1) symptoms, were recovering well.Kedah Health Department director Dr Marzukhi Mat Isa said they were among 78 students who were initially tested for A(H1N1) after they came down with a bout of high fever.
He added that blood samples taken from the 78 students showed 34 of them with A(H1N1) like symptoms."The students were immediately quarantined at the school hostel while the rest were quarantined at their respective homes," said Dr Marzukhi when contacted by Bernama Monday.
He added that their condition has almost returned to normal and expected to be free from such symptoms soon."The Pendang District Health office has been asked to monitor the situation although no new cases were reported while MRSM was free to operate as normal," he said."
" ALOR SETAR, July 26 : The Kedah Health department said 34 Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) students in Pendang with suspected Influenza A (H1N1) symptoms, were recovering well.Kedah Health Department director Dr Marzukhi Mat Isa said they were among 78 students who were initially tested for A(H1N1) after they came down with a bout of high fever.
He added that blood samples taken from the 78 students showed 34 of them with A(H1N1) like symptoms."The students were immediately quarantined at the school hostel while the rest were quarantined at their respective homes," said Dr Marzukhi when contacted by Bernama Monday.
He added that their condition has almost returned to normal and expected to be free from such symptoms soon."The Pendang District Health office has been asked to monitor the situation although no new cases were reported while MRSM was free to operate as normal," he said."
Monday, July 26, 2010
Malaysia : 91 Deaths Due To Dengue So Far This Year
Via Bernama, dengue is or already a major problem for Malaysians :
" SUNGAI PETANI, July 26 : A total of 27,400 cases and 91 deaths due to dengue have been reported between January and yesterday, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the death toll reported so far this year, which involved mostly adults, was higher than the number recorded last year, which was 88.
Last week alone (July 18-24), seven deaths due to dengue were reported from 1,071 cases, the highest weekly cases recorded so far, he told reporters after visiting the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here Monday.
He said prevention programmes and enforcement operations, especially in 34 identified hotspots, would be intensified as 80 per cent of premises inspected so far in the these places were found to have aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Selangor still has the highest number of dengue hotspots with 17, followed by Johor (6), Kuala Lumpur (6) and Sarawak (5).
Meanwhile, Liow also called on the public to register as organ donors.
He said there were over 20,000 kidney patients in the country and half of them were in need of a new kidney.
"However, only 39 people registered as heart donors last year while just 18 others registered to donate their kidneys. The government is hoping that more Malaysians will register as organ donors," he said.
Liow was accompanied by Kedah Health Department director Dr Marzukhi Mat Isa during the visit."
" SUNGAI PETANI, July 26 : A total of 27,400 cases and 91 deaths due to dengue have been reported between January and yesterday, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the death toll reported so far this year, which involved mostly adults, was higher than the number recorded last year, which was 88.
Last week alone (July 18-24), seven deaths due to dengue were reported from 1,071 cases, the highest weekly cases recorded so far, he told reporters after visiting the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here Monday.
He said prevention programmes and enforcement operations, especially in 34 identified hotspots, would be intensified as 80 per cent of premises inspected so far in the these places were found to have aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
Selangor still has the highest number of dengue hotspots with 17, followed by Johor (6), Kuala Lumpur (6) and Sarawak (5).
Meanwhile, Liow also called on the public to register as organ donors.
He said there were over 20,000 kidney patients in the country and half of them were in need of a new kidney.
"However, only 39 people registered as heart donors last year while just 18 others registered to donate their kidneys. The government is hoping that more Malaysians will register as organ donors," he said.
Liow was accompanied by Kedah Health Department director Dr Marzukhi Mat Isa during the visit."
India : Malaria victim’s kin call for more awareness
Via Hindustan Times :
" When 19-year-old Jui Biswas succumbed to a malaria-related complication on July 6, everyone who knew her was shocked. Her family and friends decided to create public awareness about the disease. The family alleged negligence on the part of the staff at Sujay Hospital, where she had been admitted.
They said Jui’s severe cough and complaints of breathlessness were ignored. They, along with her friends, conducted a silent protest outside the hospital.
“The protest was carried out to spread awareness among others so that they can consult doctors at the right time. We wish other hospitals become more receptive and conscious to the patients’ complaints,” said Arpita Biswas, Jui’s sister.
Jui was admitted to the hospital on June 24 after she tested positive for Plasmodium Vivax, a type of malaria.
For the next two days, she was constantly complaining of cough, which escalated to breathlessness.
“On June 26, the doctors took a chest X-ray after persistent complaints from Jui and a cough syrup was given to her, but Jui’s condition kept deteriorating,” said Arpita.
On June 28 Jui was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (breathing failure)."
" When 19-year-old Jui Biswas succumbed to a malaria-related complication on July 6, everyone who knew her was shocked. Her family and friends decided to create public awareness about the disease. The family alleged negligence on the part of the staff at Sujay Hospital, where she had been admitted.
They said Jui’s severe cough and complaints of breathlessness were ignored. They, along with her friends, conducted a silent protest outside the hospital.
“The protest was carried out to spread awareness among others so that they can consult doctors at the right time. We wish other hospitals become more receptive and conscious to the patients’ complaints,” said Arpita Biswas, Jui’s sister.
Jui was admitted to the hospital on June 24 after she tested positive for Plasmodium Vivax, a type of malaria.
For the next two days, she was constantly complaining of cough, which escalated to breathlessness.
“On June 26, the doctors took a chest X-ray after persistent complaints from Jui and a cough syrup was given to her, but Jui’s condition kept deteriorating,” said Arpita.
On June 28 Jui was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (breathing failure)."
Malaria-like disease appearing in New York
Via UPI :
" VALHALLA, N.Y., July 26 : Babesiosis, a rare malaria -like disease commonly transmitted by infected deer ticks, is on the rise in the Lower Hudson Valley in New York, doctors say.
Dr. Gary Wormser, chief of infectious diseases at Westchester Medical Center, says microscopic parasites known as Babesia infect red blood cells and cause anemia. The New York Health Department reports cases have been reported in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Rockland.
The parasites are transmitted via infected deer ticks or blood transfusions.
Symptoms may begin with fatigue, loss of appetite and a general ill feeling, but as it progresses, patients may have fever, drenching sweats, muscle aches and headache, which can last for several days to several months."
" VALHALLA, N.Y., July 26 : Babesiosis, a rare malaria -like disease commonly transmitted by infected deer ticks, is on the rise in the Lower Hudson Valley in New York, doctors say.
Dr. Gary Wormser, chief of infectious diseases at Westchester Medical Center, says microscopic parasites known as Babesia infect red blood cells and cause anemia. The New York Health Department reports cases have been reported in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Rockland.
The parasites are transmitted via infected deer ticks or blood transfusions.
Symptoms may begin with fatigue, loss of appetite and a general ill feeling, but as it progresses, patients may have fever, drenching sweats, muscle aches and headache, which can last for several days to several months."
Indonesia : Commission fate still unclear while cases trickle in
Via Jakarta Post :
" The formation of a national-level commission to tackle animal-borne diseases that pose deadly threats to humans is still under discussion while across the country, multiple cases of bird flu continue to be reported.
“There are several views: Some believe a national commission is needed, while others feel a working group is enough,” Rita Kusriastuti, the director general of zoonotic diseases at the Health Ministry, said Sunday.
March marked the end of the working term for the National Commission for Bird Flu Control and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (Komnas FBPI), after four years of avian flu prevention and awareness campaigns.
The year the commission was formed, more than 40 people died from the disease. While the number of those infected in 2010 is significantly smaller, several new cases have popped up in various parts of Indonesia. The latest victim was a 13-year-old resident of Central Java.
The Health Ministry said the victim started experiencing flu-like synptoms on June 16 and was admitted to a hospital in Sukoharjo on June 21 before being referred to another hospital in Surakarta, also in Central Java, two days later. The patient died a day after moving to the second hospital.
Just weeks earlier, the ministry recorded another death from avian flu. The H5N1 virus, known to cause the disease, struck in the country’s capital, Jakarta, and killed a 34-year-old resident.
On Sunday, Antara news agency reported that more than 70 chickens in six villages in Bengkulu province had died in the last two months from avian flu."
" The formation of a national-level commission to tackle animal-borne diseases that pose deadly threats to humans is still under discussion while across the country, multiple cases of bird flu continue to be reported.
“There are several views: Some believe a national commission is needed, while others feel a working group is enough,” Rita Kusriastuti, the director general of zoonotic diseases at the Health Ministry, said Sunday.
March marked the end of the working term for the National Commission for Bird Flu Control and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (Komnas FBPI), after four years of avian flu prevention and awareness campaigns.
The year the commission was formed, more than 40 people died from the disease. While the number of those infected in 2010 is significantly smaller, several new cases have popped up in various parts of Indonesia. The latest victim was a 13-year-old resident of Central Java.
The Health Ministry said the victim started experiencing flu-like synptoms on June 16 and was admitted to a hospital in Sukoharjo on June 21 before being referred to another hospital in Surakarta, also in Central Java, two days later. The patient died a day after moving to the second hospital.
Just weeks earlier, the ministry recorded another death from avian flu. The H5N1 virus, known to cause the disease, struck in the country’s capital, Jakarta, and killed a 34-year-old resident.
On Sunday, Antara news agency reported that more than 70 chickens in six villages in Bengkulu province had died in the last two months from avian flu."
India : Four more H1N1 deaths in Pune
Via Indian Express, the whole report :
" As many as four H1N1 deaths over the weekend, all from outskirts such as Haveli, Shirur, Baramati and Ahmednagar, have taken the swine flu toll in the district to 62 since April. Doctors at the health department said the victims were given Tamiflu only on day four or five of fever, pointing at a delay in treatment. District health officials too are advocating early treatment to avoid fatalities.
On Sunday, 34-year-old Shehnaaz Rashid Shaikh from Ahmednagar succumbed to the H1N1 virus. She was suffering from fever, cough and sore throat and had blood pressure problems. She was ailing from July 18 but Tamiflu was administered only from July 23, after she was admitted to Sassoon General Hospital the previous day.
Jayashree Jadhav (33) of Baramati was ailing from fever, cough and similar symptoms from July 20. Also suffering from blood pressure problems, Jadhav was brought to Sassoon Hospital on July 23 and Tamiflu was started. She died on Sunday. "
" As many as four H1N1 deaths over the weekend, all from outskirts such as Haveli, Shirur, Baramati and Ahmednagar, have taken the swine flu toll in the district to 62 since April. Doctors at the health department said the victims were given Tamiflu only on day four or five of fever, pointing at a delay in treatment. District health officials too are advocating early treatment to avoid fatalities.
On Sunday, 34-year-old Shehnaaz Rashid Shaikh from Ahmednagar succumbed to the H1N1 virus. She was suffering from fever, cough and sore throat and had blood pressure problems. She was ailing from July 18 but Tamiflu was administered only from July 23, after she was admitted to Sassoon General Hospital the previous day.
Jayashree Jadhav (33) of Baramati was ailing from fever, cough and similar symptoms from July 20. Also suffering from blood pressure problems, Jadhav was brought to Sassoon Hospital on July 23 and Tamiflu was started. She died on Sunday. "
India : Woman dies, 12 test positive for H1N1 in Kerala
Via New Kerala :
" Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 25 : The death of a woman due to H1N1 influenza in Kerala was confirmed even as 12 more tested positive for the swine flu, today.
According to the State H1N1 Control Room here, Sameera Shareef (25), hailing from Koduvally in Kozhikode, was admitted to MIMS Hospital there with fever, cough and breathlessness.
She died today and her death was confirmed as due to H1N1.
Of the 12 new cases, four were from Ernakulam, two from Thrissur, one each from Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Malappuram, Waynad and Kannur."
" Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 25 : The death of a woman due to H1N1 influenza in Kerala was confirmed even as 12 more tested positive for the swine flu, today.
According to the State H1N1 Control Room here, Sameera Shareef (25), hailing from Koduvally in Kozhikode, was admitted to MIMS Hospital there with fever, cough and breathlessness.
She died today and her death was confirmed as due to H1N1.
Of the 12 new cases, four were from Ernakulam, two from Thrissur, one each from Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Malappuram, Waynad and Kannur."
Philippines : 23 dengue deaths in 5 provinces alarm health execs
Via Inquirer :
" At least 23 people, most of them children, have died of dengue fever in Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga City and Bicol region since January this year, reports from the Department of Health showed.
Health officials in Zamboanga City said the situation has become a cause for alarm.
Rodelin Agbulos, Zamboanga health officer, said at least 1,052 others had fallen ill due to the mosquito-borne disease since the start of the year.
“It has reached the alert level in Western Mindanao. The number of deaths is higher compared to 2008, during which we declared a dengue outbreak with eight deaths,” Agbulos said.
In Cagayan Valley, DOH officials have asked residents in the region to be vigilant to protect their families from mosquito-borne diseases, especially dengue, this rainy season.
DOH personnel have been sent to various parts of the region to conduct information campaign to prevent dengue fever as the agency reported six dengue deaths and 336 cases from January to June this year, said Floro Orata, regional DOH information officer."
" At least 23 people, most of them children, have died of dengue fever in Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga City and Bicol region since January this year, reports from the Department of Health showed.
Health officials in Zamboanga City said the situation has become a cause for alarm.
Rodelin Agbulos, Zamboanga health officer, said at least 1,052 others had fallen ill due to the mosquito-borne disease since the start of the year.
“It has reached the alert level in Western Mindanao. The number of deaths is higher compared to 2008, during which we declared a dengue outbreak with eight deaths,” Agbulos said.
In Cagayan Valley, DOH officials have asked residents in the region to be vigilant to protect their families from mosquito-borne diseases, especially dengue, this rainy season.
DOH personnel have been sent to various parts of the region to conduct information campaign to prevent dengue fever as the agency reported six dengue deaths and 336 cases from January to June this year, said Floro Orata, regional DOH information officer."
Pontianak, West Kalimantan : A girl possibly dies of bird flu
A breaking report from Ida at Bird Flu Information Corner :
" Pontianak : A 5-year-old girl from Toho, Kabupaten Pontianak, died after being treated for few hours in Soedarso regional hospital, Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The girl is suspected to contract bird flu H5N1 infection.
Wingky’s mother, Ratna, said her daughter died on Saturday evening (24/7) in Soedarso hospital. Wingky had been having high fever for a week before and then admitted to a public health center in Toho. Because illness continued, Wingky was then transferred to Rubini regional hospital in Mempawah, Kabupaten Pontianak. Later the hospital referred the girl to Santo Antonius hospital in Pontianak.
“In a day receiving treatment in Santo Antonius hosptial, my daughter was referred to Soedarso hospital and isolated as bird flu suspect patient,” Ratna added.
Ratna mentioned her daughter showed symptoms such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulty, and sore throat. Soedarso hospital had collected patient’s blood sample to be tested for H5N1.
Within last two months, six children have been treated as bird flu suspect patient in Soedarso hospital. All of them were tested negative.
It is unclear whether Wingky had any contact with birds, the family doesn’t rear any birds. However, patient’s parents said many chicken deaths were found in their neighborhood."
" Pontianak : A 5-year-old girl from Toho, Kabupaten Pontianak, died after being treated for few hours in Soedarso regional hospital, Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The girl is suspected to contract bird flu H5N1 infection.
Wingky’s mother, Ratna, said her daughter died on Saturday evening (24/7) in Soedarso hospital. Wingky had been having high fever for a week before and then admitted to a public health center in Toho. Because illness continued, Wingky was then transferred to Rubini regional hospital in Mempawah, Kabupaten Pontianak. Later the hospital referred the girl to Santo Antonius hospital in Pontianak.
“In a day receiving treatment in Santo Antonius hosptial, my daughter was referred to Soedarso hospital and isolated as bird flu suspect patient,” Ratna added.
Ratna mentioned her daughter showed symptoms such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulty, and sore throat. Soedarso hospital had collected patient’s blood sample to be tested for H5N1.
Within last two months, six children have been treated as bird flu suspect patient in Soedarso hospital. All of them were tested negative.
It is unclear whether Wingky had any contact with birds, the family doesn’t rear any birds. However, patient’s parents said many chicken deaths were found in their neighborhood."
Bhutan : H1N1 virus scare in country
Via South Asian Media :
" THIMPHU: The H1N1 virus is now suspected to have surfaced in southern central part of the country, with two schools closed for a week in Tsirang and Dagana. With about 175 students suffering from headache, high fever and throat pain in Daga HSS, Dagana dzongkhag declared a break for a week for the 503 students since July 22.
The vice principal of the school, Loden, said that, as a preventive measure from spreading the disease, the students from nearby areas are sent home, while those from Drujeygang and Lhamoizingkha are kept in the hostel, separate from the affected students. “The sick students, about 50 boys and 26 girls, are kept in classrooms and hostels,” said the vice principal.
Loden said that the sick students are given porridge and horlicks to supplement their diet.But it is not confirmed whether it is H1N1 or not. “But it definitely is an outbreak of something, since 175 students got sick,” said the district health officer (DHO), Gunja Raj Gurung.
He said that about 11 students reported to the Dagana BHU complaining of fever, headache and throat pain on July 18. Since then the numbers kept rising.
But the dzongkhag could not communicate and send the blood samples to Thimphu to confirm if it was H1N1 outbreak because of roadblocks, erratic power supply and network connection problems. “We had to request the police hilux to get the doctor from Dagapela to Dagana,” he said."
" THIMPHU: The H1N1 virus is now suspected to have surfaced in southern central part of the country, with two schools closed for a week in Tsirang and Dagana. With about 175 students suffering from headache, high fever and throat pain in Daga HSS, Dagana dzongkhag declared a break for a week for the 503 students since July 22.
The vice principal of the school, Loden, said that, as a preventive measure from spreading the disease, the students from nearby areas are sent home, while those from Drujeygang and Lhamoizingkha are kept in the hostel, separate from the affected students. “The sick students, about 50 boys and 26 girls, are kept in classrooms and hostels,” said the vice principal.
Loden said that the sick students are given porridge and horlicks to supplement their diet.But it is not confirmed whether it is H1N1 or not. “But it definitely is an outbreak of something, since 175 students got sick,” said the district health officer (DHO), Gunja Raj Gurung.
He said that about 11 students reported to the Dagana BHU complaining of fever, headache and throat pain on July 18. Since then the numbers kept rising.
But the dzongkhag could not communicate and send the blood samples to Thimphu to confirm if it was H1N1 outbreak because of roadblocks, erratic power supply and network connection problems. “We had to request the police hilux to get the doctor from Dagapela to Dagana,” he said."
Sunday, July 25, 2010
New Delhi : Two more dengue cases in city; count reaches 28
From Hindustan Times :
" The national Capital reported two fresh cases of Dengue on Saturday. With this, the total number of people afflicted with the vector-borne disease shot up to 28. The younger brother of Fakir (the seven-year-old who became the first case of dengue death in the Capital when he succumbed to the disease on Thursday), is one of the two new positive cases in the city.
Residents of Okhla Mandi, the brothers had shown dengue-like symptoms since returning from their hometown in Bihar, last week.
They were admitted into the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday evening after their condition deteriorated.
While the elder one died on Thursday, and his confirmatory laboratory report came on Friday morning, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) received the confirmatory lab report of the younger one on Saturday morning."
" The national Capital reported two fresh cases of Dengue on Saturday. With this, the total number of people afflicted with the vector-borne disease shot up to 28. The younger brother of Fakir (the seven-year-old who became the first case of dengue death in the Capital when he succumbed to the disease on Thursday), is one of the two new positive cases in the city.
Residents of Okhla Mandi, the brothers had shown dengue-like symptoms since returning from their hometown in Bihar, last week.
They were admitted into the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday evening after their condition deteriorated.
While the elder one died on Thursday, and his confirmatory laboratory report came on Friday morning, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) received the confirmatory lab report of the younger one on Saturday morning."
Malaysia : Dengue cases getting serious, says Liow
Via The Star :
" KUALA LUMPUR: Dengue cases have reached an alarming level with seven more deaths this week.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said 26,927 cases with 91 deaths were recorded this year, against 26,770 cases and 66 fatalities over the same period last year.
“This is very serious as the number of deaths so far this year has surpassed the total number last year at 88,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Dieticians’ Association Scientific Conference at a hotel here yesterday.
On the average, Liow said three to five deaths were reported during the recent rainy season.
“It is getting serious, everyone must do their part in curbing the menace,” he added."
" KUALA LUMPUR: Dengue cases have reached an alarming level with seven more deaths this week.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said 26,927 cases with 91 deaths were recorded this year, against 26,770 cases and 66 fatalities over the same period last year.
“This is very serious as the number of deaths so far this year has surpassed the total number last year at 88,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Dieticians’ Association Scientific Conference at a hotel here yesterday.
On the average, Liow said three to five deaths were reported during the recent rainy season.
“It is getting serious, everyone must do their part in curbing the menace,” he added."
Nigeria : Fresh Cholera Outbreak Kills Six In Bauchi
An article from Daily Independent :
" Six people have been confirmed dead and at least 160 infected following the outbreak of gyesteritics in some parts of Bauchi metropolis.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Health, Mohammed Yahaya Jalam, to Sunday Independent in his office on Friday. According to him, out of the 160 people infected, 100 have been treated at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, and discharged while the remaining 60 are still receiving treatment.
And a South African company, Zenith Water Projects, has donated cholera eradication materials to Adamawa and Taraba states to curtail the spread of the disease.
Chief Executive Officer of the company, Nicholas Igwe presented the items to the Minister of Water Resources, Obadiah Ando, in Abuja.
Jalam said the government has been able to locate the wards as affected within the metropolis, and has been able to assist the victims, adding: “We have been able to control it by disinfecting the whole wards, so that it does not break out in other wards and local governments, and we have been able to provide free treatment to all the affected persons.
“What causes this cholera outbreak, especially during rainy season, is that most of the communities do not treat their water before using (drinking) because when there is flood, it goes inside the well, and when such water are taken, one will be infected.”
According to him, after disinfecting the wards, they embarked on sensitisation campaign to make sure that people are aware because “it is only when you know where the problem comes from that they can take precautions."
" Six people have been confirmed dead and at least 160 infected following the outbreak of gyesteritics in some parts of Bauchi metropolis.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Health, Mohammed Yahaya Jalam, to Sunday Independent in his office on Friday. According to him, out of the 160 people infected, 100 have been treated at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, and discharged while the remaining 60 are still receiving treatment.
And a South African company, Zenith Water Projects, has donated cholera eradication materials to Adamawa and Taraba states to curtail the spread of the disease.
Chief Executive Officer of the company, Nicholas Igwe presented the items to the Minister of Water Resources, Obadiah Ando, in Abuja.
Jalam said the government has been able to locate the wards as affected within the metropolis, and has been able to assist the victims, adding: “We have been able to control it by disinfecting the whole wards, so that it does not break out in other wards and local governments, and we have been able to provide free treatment to all the affected persons.
“What causes this cholera outbreak, especially during rainy season, is that most of the communities do not treat their water before using (drinking) because when there is flood, it goes inside the well, and when such water are taken, one will be infected.”
According to him, after disinfecting the wards, they embarked on sensitisation campaign to make sure that people are aware because “it is only when you know where the problem comes from that they can take precautions."
Kerala : Swine flu kills one in Aurangabad
Via New Kerala :
" Aurangabad, Jul 24 : One person has succumbed to dreaded swinflu and other is battling for life at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here.
GMCH Dean S D Dalvi told UNI that Padmanath Pankade (40) a resident of Gangapur who had been tested positive for swine flu died yesterday, while Zakhir Khan Suleman Khan (50) hailing from Sillod was in critical condition. Both were tested positive for swine flu by the National Institute of Virology,.
The district was under grip of Swine flu in July and August last year with more than 100 people losing their lives. However, the intensity of the decease reduced after February this year, Dr Dalvi said."
" Aurangabad, Jul 24 : One person has succumbed to dreaded swinflu and other is battling for life at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here.
GMCH Dean S D Dalvi told UNI that Padmanath Pankade (40) a resident of Gangapur who had been tested positive for swine flu died yesterday, while Zakhir Khan Suleman Khan (50) hailing from Sillod was in critical condition. Both were tested positive for swine flu by the National Institute of Virology,.
The district was under grip of Swine flu in July and August last year with more than 100 people losing their lives. However, the intensity of the decease reduced after February this year, Dr Dalvi said."
Bhutan : Flu-like outbreak
Via Kuensel Online :
" South-Central Bhutan 24 July, 2010 : The H1N1 virus is now suspected to have surfaced in southern central part of the country, with two schools closed for a week in Tsirang and Dagana.
With about 175 students suffering from headache, high fever and throat pain in Daga HSS, Dagana dzongkhag declared a break for a week for the 503 students since July 22.
The vice principal of the school, Loden, said that, as a preventive measure from spreading the disease, the students from nearby areas are sent home, while those from Drujeygang and Lhamoizingkha are kept in the hostel, separate from the affected students. “The sick students, about 50 boys and 26 girls, are kept in classrooms and hostels,” said the vice principal.
Loden said that the sick students are given porridge and horlicks to supplement their diet.
But it is not confirmed whether it is H1N1 or not. “But it definitely is an outbreak of something, since 175 students got sick,” said the district health officer (DHO), Gunja Raj Gurung.
He said that about 11 students reported to the Dagana BHU complaining of fever, headache and throat pain on July 18. Since then the numbers kept rising.
But the dzongkhag could not communicate and send the blood samples to Thimphu to confirm if it was H1N1 outbreak because of roadblocks, erratic power supply and network connection problems. “We had to request the police hilux to get the doctor from Dagapela to Dagana,” he said."
" South-Central Bhutan 24 July, 2010 : The H1N1 virus is now suspected to have surfaced in southern central part of the country, with two schools closed for a week in Tsirang and Dagana.
With about 175 students suffering from headache, high fever and throat pain in Daga HSS, Dagana dzongkhag declared a break for a week for the 503 students since July 22.
The vice principal of the school, Loden, said that, as a preventive measure from spreading the disease, the students from nearby areas are sent home, while those from Drujeygang and Lhamoizingkha are kept in the hostel, separate from the affected students. “The sick students, about 50 boys and 26 girls, are kept in classrooms and hostels,” said the vice principal.
Loden said that the sick students are given porridge and horlicks to supplement their diet.
But it is not confirmed whether it is H1N1 or not. “But it definitely is an outbreak of something, since 175 students got sick,” said the district health officer (DHO), Gunja Raj Gurung.
He said that about 11 students reported to the Dagana BHU complaining of fever, headache and throat pain on July 18. Since then the numbers kept rising.
But the dzongkhag could not communicate and send the blood samples to Thimphu to confirm if it was H1N1 outbreak because of roadblocks, erratic power supply and network connection problems. “We had to request the police hilux to get the doctor from Dagapela to Dagana,” he said."
Egypt announces 110th discovered bird flu case
Via Kuna, the whole article :
" CAIRO, July 24 : Egypt on Saturday announced the 110th discovered bird flu case in the country, saying the patient's condition is "critical".
"The 20-year-old female was transferred to Sadr al-Abbasiya Hospital in Cairo, as she was suffering from high temperature and breathing difficulties," Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Abdulrahman Shahin told reporters.
The patient has been medicated with Tamiflu and is still under supervision, he noted.
Egypt had taken preventive measures to contain the pandemic since its outbreak in 2006, including restraints on mobilizing live birds between provinces, as well as banning the slaughtering of birds outside allocated locations among other precautions."
" CAIRO, July 24 : Egypt on Saturday announced the 110th discovered bird flu case in the country, saying the patient's condition is "critical".
"The 20-year-old female was transferred to Sadr al-Abbasiya Hospital in Cairo, as she was suffering from high temperature and breathing difficulties," Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Abdulrahman Shahin told reporters.
The patient has been medicated with Tamiflu and is still under supervision, he noted.
Egypt had taken preventive measures to contain the pandemic since its outbreak in 2006, including restraints on mobilizing live birds between provinces, as well as banning the slaughtering of birds outside allocated locations among other precautions."
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago : 3 Dengue Deaths
Via News Day :
" After two years, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is again grappling with a dengue outbreak.
The Health Ministry has received reports of five deaths out of which three have been confirmed as due to dengue haemorrhagic fever. There are approximately 600 clinical cases reported. Dengue fever is caused by an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.
At a press conference at the Health Ministry, Park Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch said, “The rate of the increase is at an outbreak rate. We may not have reached the numbers as before but we have to be clear that you have an outbreak going on.” In the 2008 outbreak there were more than 3,000 clinical cases and six deaths.
Cumberbatch said there could be more than 600 cases (for the year so far) since the data recorded came from the public health service. Private facilities do not report directly to the ministry. Figures are collected from an “indicator” private health practitioner as part of the overall “epidemiological tracking.”
The media have been receiving reports of dengue in different parts of the country from Alyce Glen, Petit Valley in the West, Sangre Grande in the East, Morgua and Williamsville in the South.
Cumberbatch said of the five adults who died, four were from south Trinidad. One confirmed case is from east Trinidad. Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis has asked for reports on the cases to see if there were any links and to find out if there were any “errors in detection at the point at which they entered our system.” She expects to have the report by next Friday."
" After two years, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is again grappling with a dengue outbreak.
The Health Ministry has received reports of five deaths out of which three have been confirmed as due to dengue haemorrhagic fever. There are approximately 600 clinical cases reported. Dengue fever is caused by an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.
At a press conference at the Health Ministry, Park Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch said, “The rate of the increase is at an outbreak rate. We may not have reached the numbers as before but we have to be clear that you have an outbreak going on.” In the 2008 outbreak there were more than 3,000 clinical cases and six deaths.
Cumberbatch said there could be more than 600 cases (for the year so far) since the data recorded came from the public health service. Private facilities do not report directly to the ministry. Figures are collected from an “indicator” private health practitioner as part of the overall “epidemiological tracking.”
The media have been receiving reports of dengue in different parts of the country from Alyce Glen, Petit Valley in the West, Sangre Grande in the East, Morgua and Williamsville in the South.
Cumberbatch said of the five adults who died, four were from south Trinidad. One confirmed case is from east Trinidad. Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis has asked for reports on the cases to see if there were any links and to find out if there were any “errors in detection at the point at which they entered our system.” She expects to have the report by next Friday."
India : Malaria claimed 4 lives in Pune dist since June
Via Times of India, excerpt :
" Pune: As many as four people succumbed to malaria in Pune district, two of them in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, between June and July this year. However, when contacted, the PMC health department was found to be unaware of the two casualties — one from Koregaon Park and another from Lohiyanagar.
Notably, the civic body had reported zero malaria deaths during March 2008-April 2009 and April 2009-March 2010.
According to officials from the medical record section of the Sassoon hospital, four malaria deaths occurred at the hospital since June. Ramdas Prasad of Narhegaon in Katraj died of malaria on June 26, while Adisur K Sarkar (14) of Koregaon Park succumbed to cerebral malaria in the same month.
Jayshree Bhiku Jaygude (35) of Wai in Satara district died due to the vivax strain of malaria, which was till recently considered mild and not life-threatening, on July 3. Datta Laxman (42) of Lohiynagar died due to cerebral malaria on July 10."
" Pune: As many as four people succumbed to malaria in Pune district, two of them in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, between June and July this year. However, when contacted, the PMC health department was found to be unaware of the two casualties — one from Koregaon Park and another from Lohiyanagar.
Notably, the civic body had reported zero malaria deaths during March 2008-April 2009 and April 2009-March 2010.
According to officials from the medical record section of the Sassoon hospital, four malaria deaths occurred at the hospital since June. Ramdas Prasad of Narhegaon in Katraj died of malaria on June 26, while Adisur K Sarkar (14) of Koregaon Park succumbed to cerebral malaria in the same month.
Jayshree Bhiku Jaygude (35) of Wai in Satara district died due to the vivax strain of malaria, which was till recently considered mild and not life-threatening, on July 3. Datta Laxman (42) of Lohiynagar died due to cerebral malaria on July 10."
Trinidad & Tobago : Dengue outbreak
From Guardian, dengue cases are increasing :
" A dengue outbreak has been declared in T&T. The confirmed deaths of three people due to the virus, unconfirmed deaths of two others and more than 600 reported cases of dengue prompted chief medical officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch to make the declaration yesterday. Speaking during a news conference at the Ministry of Health’s Park Street office, Port-of-Spain, Cumberbatch said the number of reported cases of dengue could be more than 600, as private health institution were not reporting clinical cases to the ministry. “The rainy season lasts until December and we are in July, so this is not going to go away any time soon,” he said. “The rate of increase is at outbreak rate. “We may not have reached the numbers as before, but we have to declare that we have an outbreak going on.”
Dengue is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito which survives and breeds in clear water. Among the symptoms of dengue fever include headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen glands and rash. Other signs include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles. Cumberbatch said although there were clusters of dengue cases reported in specific areas, people living in other areas without such cases should not feel they are out of danger. He said of the five deaths, four occurred in South Trinidad.
161 cases in South
Chief executive officer of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) Paula Chester-Cumberbatch said up to Thursday, 161 people were treated for dengue at the San Fernando General Hospital. She said this was compared to the 63 people treated in June. She said areas with prevalent cases of dengue were Marabella, San Fernando, Claxton Bay and Gasparillo. Cumberbatch said if citizens did not take the threat of the virus seriously, T&T would never get over the problem. He said dengue had been affecting T&T for the past 30 years, but because of the climate changes, the pattern has changed."
" A dengue outbreak has been declared in T&T. The confirmed deaths of three people due to the virus, unconfirmed deaths of two others and more than 600 reported cases of dengue prompted chief medical officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch to make the declaration yesterday. Speaking during a news conference at the Ministry of Health’s Park Street office, Port-of-Spain, Cumberbatch said the number of reported cases of dengue could be more than 600, as private health institution were not reporting clinical cases to the ministry. “The rainy season lasts until December and we are in July, so this is not going to go away any time soon,” he said. “The rate of increase is at outbreak rate. “We may not have reached the numbers as before, but we have to declare that we have an outbreak going on.”
Dengue is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito which survives and breeds in clear water. Among the symptoms of dengue fever include headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen glands and rash. Other signs include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles. Cumberbatch said although there were clusters of dengue cases reported in specific areas, people living in other areas without such cases should not feel they are out of danger. He said of the five deaths, four occurred in South Trinidad.
161 cases in South
Chief executive officer of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) Paula Chester-Cumberbatch said up to Thursday, 161 people were treated for dengue at the San Fernando General Hospital. She said this was compared to the 63 people treated in June. She said areas with prevalent cases of dengue were Marabella, San Fernando, Claxton Bay and Gasparillo. Cumberbatch said if citizens did not take the threat of the virus seriously, T&T would never get over the problem. He said dengue had been affecting T&T for the past 30 years, but because of the climate changes, the pattern has changed."
DOH declares malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte
Another report about dengue in the Philippines from GMA News :
" The Department of Health in Bicol region has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte province after recording 182 cases there.
DOH officials said that while most of the cases were in Jose Panganiban town, the epidemic was declared province-wide to prepare local health officials against the spread of the disease.
The DOH Bicol is closely monitoring malaria cases in areas near the border of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, specifically in the towns of Sipocot and Lupi, to prevent further spread of the disease, according to an article posted Saturday on the ReliefWeb site.
Incidentally, the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have already declared as malaria-free some of the region's provinces – these are: Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.
Further assessment and validation is being done in Camarines Sur for it to be declared malaria-free.
DOH Bicol Malaria Prevention and Control Program coordinator Camilo Aquino said the DOH team dispatched to Jose Panganiban found out that most victims were children and elderly."
" The Department of Health in Bicol region has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte province after recording 182 cases there.
DOH officials said that while most of the cases were in Jose Panganiban town, the epidemic was declared province-wide to prepare local health officials against the spread of the disease.
The DOH Bicol is closely monitoring malaria cases in areas near the border of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, specifically in the towns of Sipocot and Lupi, to prevent further spread of the disease, according to an article posted Saturday on the ReliefWeb site.
Incidentally, the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have already declared as malaria-free some of the region's provinces – these are: Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate.
Further assessment and validation is being done in Camarines Sur for it to be declared malaria-free.
DOH Bicol Malaria Prevention and Control Program coordinator Camilo Aquino said the DOH team dispatched to Jose Panganiban found out that most victims were children and elderly."
Philippines : Dengue kills 8; cases up to 1,006
From Panay News :
" ROXAS City : The dengue cases in Capiz “tremendously increased” to 1,006 with 8 deaths.
According to Eyr Altavas, officer-in-charge of the Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU), the latest death was that of a 14-year-old girl in Brgy. Tanque here.
The latest report from CESRU revealed that earlier, dengue cases in Capiz were only more than 800 with seven deaths.
CESRU is under the Integrated Provincial Health Office.
The increase was suspected to be due to the onset of the rainy season.
From January to July 17, this city, with a total population of 147,738, had the highest number of dengue cases with 292 and three deaths.
The distribution of the cases was as follows: Pontevedra, 82; Dao, 82; Dumalag-72; Pilar-65; President Roxas-62; Cuartero-57; Panay-56; Maayon-42; Mambusao-37; Panitan-35; Jamindan-34; Sigma-27; Dumarao-25; Ivisan-19; Tapaz-16; and Sapian-3.
Two deaths were recorded in President Roxas, and one death each in Ivisan, Panay and Pilar towns."
" ROXAS City : The dengue cases in Capiz “tremendously increased” to 1,006 with 8 deaths.
According to Eyr Altavas, officer-in-charge of the Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU), the latest death was that of a 14-year-old girl in Brgy. Tanque here.
The latest report from CESRU revealed that earlier, dengue cases in Capiz were only more than 800 with seven deaths.
CESRU is under the Integrated Provincial Health Office.
The increase was suspected to be due to the onset of the rainy season.
From January to July 17, this city, with a total population of 147,738, had the highest number of dengue cases with 292 and three deaths.
The distribution of the cases was as follows: Pontevedra, 82; Dao, 82; Dumalag-72; Pilar-65; President Roxas-62; Cuartero-57; Panay-56; Maayon-42; Mambusao-37; Panitan-35; Jamindan-34; Sigma-27; Dumarao-25; Ivisan-19; Tapaz-16; and Sapian-3.
Two deaths were recorded in President Roxas, and one death each in Ivisan, Panay and Pilar towns."
Malaysia : 3 more die as dengue cases rises in 10 states
From New Straits Times :
" KUALA LUMPUR: Three deaths from dengue fever were reported between July 11 and 17 this year, out of a total of 1,043 cases.
The victims were:
- a 46-year-old housewife in Pangsapuri Sutera, Taman Kajang Utama, Selangor -- a place noted for the high prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes. This is about 200 metres from five dengue outbreak areas, where 14 cases have been reported since February.
- a 21-year-old student living at Apartment Rusilia, Taman Pinggiran Putra, Selangor.
- a housewife, 51, from Taman Cahaya, Alor Gajah, Malacca. Aedes mosquitoes were found to be breeding in a broken down toilet pump and in flower pots.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said although there was a two per cent decline in cases, compared with the previous week's 1,061, the situation remained worrying with 10 states showing a rise in cases.
They are Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Penang, Johor, Sabah, KL/Putrajaya and Kedah."
" KUALA LUMPUR: Three deaths from dengue fever were reported between July 11 and 17 this year, out of a total of 1,043 cases.
The victims were:
- a 46-year-old housewife in Pangsapuri Sutera, Taman Kajang Utama, Selangor -- a place noted for the high prevalence of Aedes mosquitoes. This is about 200 metres from five dengue outbreak areas, where 14 cases have been reported since February.
- a 21-year-old student living at Apartment Rusilia, Taman Pinggiran Putra, Selangor.
- a housewife, 51, from Taman Cahaya, Alor Gajah, Malacca. Aedes mosquitoes were found to be breeding in a broken down toilet pump and in flower pots.
Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said although there was a two per cent decline in cases, compared with the previous week's 1,061, the situation remained worrying with 10 states showing a rise in cases.
They are Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Penang, Johor, Sabah, KL/Putrajaya and Kedah."
India : Pregnant woman dies of swine flu
More fatalities coming out of India due to H1N1 / Swine Flu. Excerpt from an article published in Times of India :
" MUMBAI: Even as a 19-year-old pregnant woman from Ghatkopar succumbed to the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu, state health minister Vijay Kumar Gavit has called for a meeting of representatives from all private hospitals at Mantralaya on Saturday to discuss the situation. So far, 18 persons have died because of swine flu in the city, said state health officials.
The city also recorded another death due to malaria, with a 24-year-old Dadar resident succumbing to complications within hours of admission to a civic hospital. The malaria toll has risen to 12 in July so far.
The latest H1N1 victim was admitted to a private hospital on July 15 and transferred to Sion Hospital on July 16."
" MUMBAI: Even as a 19-year-old pregnant woman from Ghatkopar succumbed to the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu, state health minister Vijay Kumar Gavit has called for a meeting of representatives from all private hospitals at Mantralaya on Saturday to discuss the situation. So far, 18 persons have died because of swine flu in the city, said state health officials.
The city also recorded another death due to malaria, with a 24-year-old Dadar resident succumbing to complications within hours of admission to a civic hospital. The malaria toll has risen to 12 in July so far.
The latest H1N1 victim was admitted to a private hospital on July 15 and transferred to Sion Hospital on July 16."
India : Four succumb to swine flu
Via Times of India :
" PUNE: The H1N1 influenza claimed four more lives since Wednesday, taking the death toll in the city to 268.
According to state health officials, Katur Mehboob Shaikh (58), a resident of Koynanagar in Satara district, died at the Nobel Hospital here at 11 am on Thursday. Shaikh had been suffering from diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Ramesh Mhasudage (45), a resident of Dehuroad, died at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital around 8.35 pm on the same day. Mhasudage was a patient of diabetes and hypertension.
Reshma Sheetal Akhade (28), a resident of Kalewadi, died at the YCM Hospital in Pimpri at 11 pm on Wednesday. Akhade, who was six-and-a-half months pregnant, developed symptoms of the swine flu on July 16.
Another victim, Rasika Jaydrath Gaikwad (40), a resident of Kondhwa, succumbed to swine flu at the Sassoon Hospital at 6.30 am on Friday."
" PUNE: The H1N1 influenza claimed four more lives since Wednesday, taking the death toll in the city to 268.
According to state health officials, Katur Mehboob Shaikh (58), a resident of Koynanagar in Satara district, died at the Nobel Hospital here at 11 am on Thursday. Shaikh had been suffering from diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Ramesh Mhasudage (45), a resident of Dehuroad, died at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital around 8.35 pm on the same day. Mhasudage was a patient of diabetes and hypertension.
Reshma Sheetal Akhade (28), a resident of Kalewadi, died at the YCM Hospital in Pimpri at 11 pm on Wednesday. Akhade, who was six-and-a-half months pregnant, developed symptoms of the swine flu on July 16.
Another victim, Rasika Jaydrath Gaikwad (40), a resident of Kondhwa, succumbed to swine flu at the Sassoon Hospital at 6.30 am on Friday."
India : ‘Dengue’ death sparks off protests
From Deccan Chronicle :
" Bengaluru, July 23: The death of a 15-year-old sparked off protests in Mavallipura on Friday, with villagers claiming he had died of dengue, that was spreading fast in the area because of the garbage dumped by BBMP for processing at Ramky Infrastructure Ltd.
The villagers staged a protest parading the boy, Akshay Kumar’s body, at the company gates, demanding an end to their troubles, which they claimed began after Ramky was given the job of treating the solid waste generated by the city.
The boy’s parents said the Tirumala Hospital in Kamakshipalya had certified his death as caused by dengue.
“The people of all eight villages, including Mavallipura, that are situated within half-a-km radius of the unit are suffering. The villages are filled with mosquitoes and flies and the department of mines and geology has confirmed their groundwater is contaminated,” said Srinivas, a resident.
The villagers complained that their pleas to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and BBMP to shift Ramky’s operations elsewhere had been ignored. “BBMP has not even bothered to fog the villages or take any other precautions against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases,” they said."
" Bengaluru, July 23: The death of a 15-year-old sparked off protests in Mavallipura on Friday, with villagers claiming he had died of dengue, that was spreading fast in the area because of the garbage dumped by BBMP for processing at Ramky Infrastructure Ltd.
The villagers staged a protest parading the boy, Akshay Kumar’s body, at the company gates, demanding an end to their troubles, which they claimed began after Ramky was given the job of treating the solid waste generated by the city.
The boy’s parents said the Tirumala Hospital in Kamakshipalya had certified his death as caused by dengue.
“The people of all eight villages, including Mavallipura, that are situated within half-a-km radius of the unit are suffering. The villages are filled with mosquitoes and flies and the department of mines and geology has confirmed their groundwater is contaminated,” said Srinivas, a resident.
The villagers complained that their pleas to the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and BBMP to shift Ramky’s operations elsewhere had been ignored. “BBMP has not even bothered to fog the villages or take any other precautions against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases,” they said."
India : 7-year-old dies of dengue after returning from Bihar
Via Times of India :
" The city reported its first dengue death on Friday with a seven-year-old child from Bihar succumbing to the disease at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Shaqir, the victim, was a resident of Okhla. Municipal health officer N K Yadav claimed that he contracted dengue from outside the city while on a holiday in his hometown, Bihar. Yadav said instances of mosquitoes breeding across the city have increased after the recent rain. Mosquitoes are breeding in major construction sites, including the Games village, Indira Gandhi stadium, R K Khanna Tennis stadium, GB Pant Hospital and the MTNL exchange in Hauz Khas. Twenty-six cases of dengue have been reported in the city till date.
"The child died on Thursday. He had contracted the disease in Bihar where he had gone to spend his holiday with the family. This is the first death due to dengue," Yadav said.
According to official data, 11 dengue cases have been reported from MCD areas, six from New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas and another six from outside the state. "The addresses of the remaining three are yet to be ascertained," said an MCD official."
" The city reported its first dengue death on Friday with a seven-year-old child from Bihar succumbing to the disease at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Shaqir, the victim, was a resident of Okhla. Municipal health officer N K Yadav claimed that he contracted dengue from outside the city while on a holiday in his hometown, Bihar. Yadav said instances of mosquitoes breeding across the city have increased after the recent rain. Mosquitoes are breeding in major construction sites, including the Games village, Indira Gandhi stadium, R K Khanna Tennis stadium, GB Pant Hospital and the MTNL exchange in Hauz Khas. Twenty-six cases of dengue have been reported in the city till date.
"The child died on Thursday. He had contracted the disease in Bihar where he had gone to spend his holiday with the family. This is the first death due to dengue," Yadav said.
According to official data, 11 dengue cases have been reported from MCD areas, six from New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas and another six from outside the state. "The addresses of the remaining three are yet to be ascertained," said an MCD official."
Taiwan : Young male adult dies from H1N1 infection
Via Focus Taiwan :
" Taipei, July 23 : Health authorities have confirmed that a 24-year-old male in southern Taiwan died after being infected by the influenza A (H1N1) virus, a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) official said Friday.
The man's death was the 45th death caused by H1N1 since the virus began affecting Taiwan in 2009, CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw said. Like all of the others who died from the virus with one exception, the latest victim was not vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
Chou confirmed that the man's 56-year-old father had also contracted the flu and is now being treated at a hospital in the Kaohsiung area after developing a fever and shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
The family's other members have not shown any signs of having the flu, the CDC's deputy chief said.
According to the agency, the son was rushed to the hospital on July 13 with a high fever. His illness turned worse quickly and he died of pneumonia and multiple organ failure on July 19. The bureau said the man had not suffered from any chronic diseases before catching the flu."
" Taipei, July 23 : Health authorities have confirmed that a 24-year-old male in southern Taiwan died after being infected by the influenza A (H1N1) virus, a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) official said Friday.
The man's death was the 45th death caused by H1N1 since the virus began affecting Taiwan in 2009, CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw said. Like all of the others who died from the virus with one exception, the latest victim was not vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
Chou confirmed that the man's 56-year-old father had also contracted the flu and is now being treated at a hospital in the Kaohsiung area after developing a fever and shortness of breath and coughing up blood.
The family's other members have not shown any signs of having the flu, the CDC's deputy chief said.
According to the agency, the son was rushed to the hospital on July 13 with a high fever. His illness turned worse quickly and he died of pneumonia and multiple organ failure on July 19. The bureau said the man had not suffered from any chronic diseases before catching the flu."
Polio in Tajikistan – Update
From WHO :
" 23 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tajikistan has since 1 January 2010 reported 430 cases of polio following the importation of a wild poliovirus type 1 into the country. Nineteen of the cases were fatal. Seven virologically related cases have been detected in the Russian Federation, the only other country in the WHO European Region to confirm cases. The poliovirus causing the outbreak originated in northern India. This is the first outbreak of polio since the Region was certified polio-free in 2002.
In response to the outbreak, four rounds of national immunization days (NIDs) with oral polio vaccine have been held in Tajikistan. Coverage was reported to be high and confirmed by independent monitors. The most recent round was conducted on 15–19 June (except in Dushanbe and six surrounding regions, where it started on 13 June). Preliminary data report nationwide coverage of 99.3%. Coverage higher than 97% is reported from all regions and in the groups aged 0–6 and 7–15 years.
The most recent polio case had onset on 12 June, and the number of new cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) – of which polio can be one of the causes – being detected and reported to WHO has dropped sharply. However, there is not sufficient virological testing data from the recent AFP cases to revise WHO's assessment of the risk for further international spread, which remains 'high'."
" 23 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tajikistan has since 1 January 2010 reported 430 cases of polio following the importation of a wild poliovirus type 1 into the country. Nineteen of the cases were fatal. Seven virologically related cases have been detected in the Russian Federation, the only other country in the WHO European Region to confirm cases. The poliovirus causing the outbreak originated in northern India. This is the first outbreak of polio since the Region was certified polio-free in 2002.
In response to the outbreak, four rounds of national immunization days (NIDs) with oral polio vaccine have been held in Tajikistan. Coverage was reported to be high and confirmed by independent monitors. The most recent round was conducted on 15–19 June (except in Dushanbe and six surrounding regions, where it started on 13 June). Preliminary data report nationwide coverage of 99.3%. Coverage higher than 97% is reported from all regions and in the groups aged 0–6 and 7–15 years.
The most recent polio case had onset on 12 June, and the number of new cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) – of which polio can be one of the causes – being detected and reported to WHO has dropped sharply. However, there is not sufficient virological testing data from the recent AFP cases to revise WHO's assessment of the risk for further international spread, which remains 'high'."
WHO : Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 110
The latest update from WHO :
" Weekly update
23 July 2010 : As of 18 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18366 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Situation update:
Globally pandemic influenza activity remains low. The most active areas of influenza transmission remained in the tropical zones; primarily in West Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, although activity is localized to relatively small areas in each region. In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand have showed signs of increased respiratory disease in recent weeks. Both countries have continued to detect low levels of predominantly pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. In South Africa, the influenza season is well under way and is predominantly associated with seasonal influenza B and H3N2 viruses and small numbers of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses.
In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, overall influenza activity remained low but with notable increases in recent weeks in some areas. South Africa had been experiencing a sharp increase in the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive for influenza viruses since late June 2010. For the current reporting week, 30-40% of sentinel respiratory samples from patients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI)/influenza-like-illness (ILI) tested positive for influenza. Respiratory disease activity was associated primarily with seasonal influenza B and H3N2 viruses, with a much smaller number of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses. Australia has reported a gradual increase in the number of respiratory disease consultations due to ILI since end of June to early July 2010 although this is of similar to the levels experienced in 2008. This increase of respiratory disease activity may be accounted for in part by circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Influenza viruses in Australia have been about 2/3 pandemic H1N1 influenza and 1/3 seasonal influenza H3N2. In New Zealand, rates of ILI have markedly increased compared to the previous reporting week but still remained below the seasonal baseline, primarily associated with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. In Chile and Argentina, national rates of ILI remained low relative to last year at the same period of time."
" Weekly update
23 July 2010 : As of 18 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18366 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Situation update:
Globally pandemic influenza activity remains low. The most active areas of influenza transmission remained in the tropical zones; primarily in West Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, although activity is localized to relatively small areas in each region. In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, Australia and New Zealand have showed signs of increased respiratory disease in recent weeks. Both countries have continued to detect low levels of predominantly pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. In South Africa, the influenza season is well under way and is predominantly associated with seasonal influenza B and H3N2 viruses and small numbers of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses.
In the temperate zone of the southern hemisphere, overall influenza activity remained low but with notable increases in recent weeks in some areas. South Africa had been experiencing a sharp increase in the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive for influenza viruses since late June 2010. For the current reporting week, 30-40% of sentinel respiratory samples from patients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI)/influenza-like-illness (ILI) tested positive for influenza. Respiratory disease activity was associated primarily with seasonal influenza B and H3N2 viruses, with a much smaller number of pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses. Australia has reported a gradual increase in the number of respiratory disease consultations due to ILI since end of June to early July 2010 although this is of similar to the levels experienced in 2008. This increase of respiratory disease activity may be accounted for in part by circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Influenza viruses in Australia have been about 2/3 pandemic H1N1 influenza and 1/3 seasonal influenza H3N2. In New Zealand, rates of ILI have markedly increased compared to the previous reporting week but still remained below the seasonal baseline, primarily associated with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. In Chile and Argentina, national rates of ILI remained low relative to last year at the same period of time."
Friday, July 23, 2010
Australia : Authorities investigate dengue cases in north Qld
Via ABC News :
" Queensland Health is investigating two suspected cases of dengue fever in the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park in the state's north.
Earlier this week, two people were confirmed to have type-one dengue in the Cairns suburb of Mount Sheridan.
Authorities are urging north Queensland residents and businesses to get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites in their yards and workplace."
" Queensland Health is investigating two suspected cases of dengue fever in the Townsville suburb of Hermit Park in the state's north.
Earlier this week, two people were confirmed to have type-one dengue in the Cairns suburb of Mount Sheridan.
Authorities are urging north Queensland residents and businesses to get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites in their yards and workplace."
1,100 Malaria cases in two months in Chennai
Another report on Malaria from Times of India :
" CHENNAI: It is fever season in Chennai, thanks to the rains, with vector-borne diseases including malaria, dengue and chikunguniya registering a rise in the city. The Chennai Corporation has recorded more than 1,100 malaria cases in the last two months and more than 2,877 cases in the last six months.
The remaining districts of the state recorded 1,875 cases, with 848 cases in Ramanthapuram alone. The Directorate of Public Health has also recorded 427 cases of chikunguniya and 566 cases of dengue across the state. Though the corporation's health department maintains there have been no dengue cases in the last few months and reported just six cases for the year, statistics emerging from city hospitals tell another story.
At least four private hospitals, particularly those treating children, have each admitted and treated more than 15 dengue cases since May."
" CHENNAI: It is fever season in Chennai, thanks to the rains, with vector-borne diseases including malaria, dengue and chikunguniya registering a rise in the city. The Chennai Corporation has recorded more than 1,100 malaria cases in the last two months and more than 2,877 cases in the last six months.
The remaining districts of the state recorded 1,875 cases, with 848 cases in Ramanthapuram alone. The Directorate of Public Health has also recorded 427 cases of chikunguniya and 566 cases of dengue across the state. Though the corporation's health department maintains there have been no dengue cases in the last few months and reported just six cases for the year, statistics emerging from city hospitals tell another story.
At least four private hospitals, particularly those treating children, have each admitted and treated more than 15 dengue cases since May."
Philippines : Dengue up 282 percent in Neg. Occ.
Via Daily Star :
" Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have increased by 282 percent with six deaths this year, the latest report released by the Provincial Health Office showed yesterday.
The PHO is initiating a massive clean-up drive to remove the breeding grounds of the Aedes aegypti, the day breeding mosquito that transmits the disease, Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said yesterday.
The dengue carrier-mosquitoes lay eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc., and the adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.
There have been 1,098 reported dengue cases in Negros Occidental from January 1 to July 10 this year, compared to 389 cases in the same period last year, the PHO report showed.
There were also six dengue deaths this year – three in Himamaylan City and one each in Bago City, Murcia and Sipalay City – compared to nine last year, the report said.
The persons hit by dengue were in Silay City – 124, Cadiz City – 103, Himamaylan City – 94, Sagay City – 84, Talisay City – 70, Kabankalan City – 67, La Carlota City – 52, Bago City – 46, Manapla – 44, Victorias City – 42;
Hinigaran – 41, Hinoba-an – 35, Murcia – 35, EB Magalona – 33, Escalante – 32, Calatrava – 25, Candoni – 23, Sipalay – 22, San Carlos – 19, Toboso – 19, Binalbagan – 17, Cauayan – 11, Ilog – 11,
Isabela – 11, San Enrique – 9, Pontevedra – 6, La Castellana – 6, Moises Padilla – 6, Don Salvador Benedicto – 5, Pulupandan – 4 and Valladolid – 2."
" Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have increased by 282 percent with six deaths this year, the latest report released by the Provincial Health Office showed yesterday.
The PHO is initiating a massive clean-up drive to remove the breeding grounds of the Aedes aegypti, the day breeding mosquito that transmits the disease, Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said yesterday.
The dengue carrier-mosquitoes lay eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc., and the adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.
There have been 1,098 reported dengue cases in Negros Occidental from January 1 to July 10 this year, compared to 389 cases in the same period last year, the PHO report showed.
There were also six dengue deaths this year – three in Himamaylan City and one each in Bago City, Murcia and Sipalay City – compared to nine last year, the report said.
The persons hit by dengue were in Silay City – 124, Cadiz City – 103, Himamaylan City – 94, Sagay City – 84, Talisay City – 70, Kabankalan City – 67, La Carlota City – 52, Bago City – 46, Manapla – 44, Victorias City – 42;
Hinigaran – 41, Hinoba-an – 35, Murcia – 35, EB Magalona – 33, Escalante – 32, Calatrava – 25, Candoni – 23, Sipalay – 22, San Carlos – 19, Toboso – 19, Binalbagan – 17, Cauayan – 11, Ilog – 11,
Isabela – 11, San Enrique – 9, Pontevedra – 6, La Castellana – 6, Moises Padilla – 6, Don Salvador Benedicto – 5, Pulupandan – 4 and Valladolid – 2."
Mumbai : Malaria cases double in city since '09
An article from Times of India :
" MUMBAI: This is possibly one of Mumbai's highest score: over 8,600 cases of malaria in the first 17 days of July. Last year, the positive cases for entire July stood at 4,380. For a city that was once a malaria-free area, the transformation into an endemic zone now appears complete.
One of the reasons for the higher positivity could be the fact that the civic administration has stepped up its door-to-door surveillance and is collecting more blood samples than before this year, but health experts feel that the city is in the throes of an outbreak. On Thursday, the health department registered the 11th death due to malaria since July 1; a 28-year-old resident of Duncan Road near Lalbaug became the latest victim of the disease."
" MUMBAI: This is possibly one of Mumbai's highest score: over 8,600 cases of malaria in the first 17 days of July. Last year, the positive cases for entire July stood at 4,380. For a city that was once a malaria-free area, the transformation into an endemic zone now appears complete.
One of the reasons for the higher positivity could be the fact that the civic administration has stepped up its door-to-door surveillance and is collecting more blood samples than before this year, but health experts feel that the city is in the throes of an outbreak. On Thursday, the health department registered the 11th death due to malaria since July 1; a 28-year-old resident of Duncan Road near Lalbaug became the latest victim of the disease."
Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia - update 2
An official update from WHO, the whole report :
" 22 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza.
A 13-year-old female from Sukoharjo District, Central Java Province developed symptoms on 16 June, was hospitalized on 21 June and died on 24 June. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate poultry deaths, in the neighbourhood, one week before onset of case’s symptoms.
Of the 167 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 138 have been fatal. "
" 22 July 2010 : The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza.
A 13-year-old female from Sukoharjo District, Central Java Province developed symptoms on 16 June, was hospitalized on 21 June and died on 24 June. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate poultry deaths, in the neighbourhood, one week before onset of case’s symptoms.
Of the 167 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 138 have been fatal. "
Bangalore : Beware! Killer dengue is back
Via Times of India :
" BANGALORE: Dengue menace is assuming dangerous dimensions in the city. On Thursday, Umavathi, 30, who was admitted with bleeding and fever on July 20 at Gayathri Hospital in Vijaynagar, succumbed to the fever.
Her blood platelet count dropped soon after she was admitted. Dr Sunil Mallesh, managing director, Gayathri Hospital, said it's the second death at the hospital. "We treated at least 100 dengue patients this year.
The main issue is platelets -- most patients have a very low platelet count," he said. Medical superintendent, Victoria Hospital, Dr B G Tilak, said, "The number of dengue patients are also high." "Bowring Hospital gets at least two to three dengue patients every day," confirmed Dr Satish Chandra, medical superintendent. K C General Hospital doctors witness six patients with dengue symptoms daily."
" BANGALORE: Dengue menace is assuming dangerous dimensions in the city. On Thursday, Umavathi, 30, who was admitted with bleeding and fever on July 20 at Gayathri Hospital in Vijaynagar, succumbed to the fever.
Her blood platelet count dropped soon after she was admitted. Dr Sunil Mallesh, managing director, Gayathri Hospital, said it's the second death at the hospital. "We treated at least 100 dengue patients this year.
The main issue is platelets -- most patients have a very low platelet count," he said. Medical superintendent, Victoria Hospital, Dr B G Tilak, said, "The number of dengue patients are also high." "Bowring Hospital gets at least two to three dengue patients every day," confirmed Dr Satish Chandra, medical superintendent. K C General Hospital doctors witness six patients with dengue symptoms daily."
India : Two die, 20 test positive to H1N1 in Kerala
Via New Kerala :
" Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 22 : The death of two people due to H1N1 influenza in Kerala was confirmed even as 20 other more tested positive for swine flu, today.
According to State H1N1 Control room here, Premkumar (54), hailing from Karamana in the city, was admitted to the Trivandrum Medical College a few days ago with fever and cough. He died on July 19 and his death due to H1N1 was confirmed today.
Premalatha (49), hailing from Vattiyoorkavu in the city, was admitted to the Medical College for amputation with history of diabetes. She died the same day and her death due to H1N1 influenza was confirmed today."
" Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 22 : The death of two people due to H1N1 influenza in Kerala was confirmed even as 20 other more tested positive for swine flu, today.
According to State H1N1 Control room here, Premkumar (54), hailing from Karamana in the city, was admitted to the Trivandrum Medical College a few days ago with fever and cough. He died on July 19 and his death due to H1N1 was confirmed today.
Premalatha (49), hailing from Vattiyoorkavu in the city, was admitted to the Medical College for amputation with history of diabetes. She died the same day and her death due to H1N1 influenza was confirmed today."
CDC: 15 US deaths tied to rare tropical fungus
Via Associated Press :
" ATLANTA : A fungus usually found in the tropics has taken root in the Pacific Northwest and has been blamed in the deaths of 15 people over the last six years, health officials said Thursday.
At least 60 people have been sickened in four states by the fungus, cryptococcus gattii, which grows on or around trees.
Illness occurs months after people breathe in its microscopic spores, and can be treated with anti-fungal medications.
While still considered rare in North America, health officials say they want doctors to know to look for it and patients to be aware of it.
The overall risk to the public is very low, and there's no need for people to avoid going outdoors and exercising, said Julie Harris, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The fungal illness began to show up in British Columbia, Canada, in 1999, and may have spread southward, although at least one different strain has been found in the United States. Scientists don't know why the tropical illness has appeared in the Northwest but not in other northern locations."
" ATLANTA : A fungus usually found in the tropics has taken root in the Pacific Northwest and has been blamed in the deaths of 15 people over the last six years, health officials said Thursday.
At least 60 people have been sickened in four states by the fungus, cryptococcus gattii, which grows on or around trees.
Illness occurs months after people breathe in its microscopic spores, and can be treated with anti-fungal medications.
While still considered rare in North America, health officials say they want doctors to know to look for it and patients to be aware of it.
The overall risk to the public is very low, and there's no need for people to avoid going outdoors and exercising, said Julie Harris, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The fungal illness began to show up in British Columbia, Canada, in 1999, and may have spread southward, although at least one different strain has been found in the United States. Scientists don't know why the tropical illness has appeared in the Northwest but not in other northern locations."
Philippines : DOH declares epidemic of malaria in CamNorte
Via Inquirer :
" LEGAZPI CITY : The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte after health officials confirmed that 182 residents of one town in the province were stricken by the mosquito-borne disease.
The cases were found in Jose Panganiban town, but the DOH said it declared an epidemic in the entire province to alert all officials on the need to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
Camilo Aquino, DOH malaria coordinator, said a team sent by DOH to Jose Panganiban found that most victims there were children and at least 20 percent were members of a tribal community.
He said health workers had difficulty administering treatment because patients would normally refuse to follow procedures, like the schedule of taking medicines.
Aquino said malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes."
" LEGAZPI CITY : The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte after health officials confirmed that 182 residents of one town in the province were stricken by the mosquito-borne disease.
The cases were found in Jose Panganiban town, but the DOH said it declared an epidemic in the entire province to alert all officials on the need to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
Camilo Aquino, DOH malaria coordinator, said a team sent by DOH to Jose Panganiban found that most victims there were children and at least 20 percent were members of a tribal community.
He said health workers had difficulty administering treatment because patients would normally refuse to follow procedures, like the schedule of taking medicines.
Aquino said malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes."
The influenza A(H5N1) epidemic at six and a half years: 500 notified human cases and more to come
A study published at Eurosurveillance, Volume 15, Issue 29, 22 July 2010, exceprt from a long but informative article :
" Since November 2003, the epidemic intelligence team at the French Institut de Veille Sanitaire has been gathering data on influenza A(H5N1) circulation in poultry and on human cases worldwide. As Indonesia notifies the world’s 500th case to the World Health Organization, we discuss the epidemiological situation and trends of A(H5N1) influenza. Although the overall number of cases reported worldwide has decreased, influenza A(H5N1) continues to circulate intensely in some countries and more cases are to be expected, especially in Egypt and Indonesia.
The international and tropical department of the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS) conducts constant monitoring of health events worldwide to provide French health authorities with timely forewarning of public health events of international concern. This process, known as epidemic intelligence (EI), has been described elsewhere [1]. Although topics vary widely, the situation of highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) influenza in the world has constantly been monitored since 2003. This paper describes the epidemiological situation six and a half years into the epidemic, as Indonesian authorities notify the world’s 500th case since November 2003 [2].
Epizootic
From the end of 2003 to 1 July 2010, 63 countries or territories on the Asian, African or European continents (incl. 15 European Union countries) have notified infections by influenza A(H5N1) virus in poultry or wild birds to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) [3]. In 2009, a total of nine countries notified outbreaks in poultry or were considered enzootic by OIE: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (Tibet and Xinjiang), Egypt, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal (first notification) and Vietnam."
" Since November 2003, the epidemic intelligence team at the French Institut de Veille Sanitaire has been gathering data on influenza A(H5N1) circulation in poultry and on human cases worldwide. As Indonesia notifies the world’s 500th case to the World Health Organization, we discuss the epidemiological situation and trends of A(H5N1) influenza. Although the overall number of cases reported worldwide has decreased, influenza A(H5N1) continues to circulate intensely in some countries and more cases are to be expected, especially in Egypt and Indonesia.
The international and tropical department of the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS) conducts constant monitoring of health events worldwide to provide French health authorities with timely forewarning of public health events of international concern. This process, known as epidemic intelligence (EI), has been described elsewhere [1]. Although topics vary widely, the situation of highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) influenza in the world has constantly been monitored since 2003. This paper describes the epidemiological situation six and a half years into the epidemic, as Indonesian authorities notify the world’s 500th case since November 2003 [2].
Epizootic
From the end of 2003 to 1 July 2010, 63 countries or territories on the Asian, African or European continents (incl. 15 European Union countries) have notified infections by influenza A(H5N1) virus in poultry or wild birds to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) [3]. In 2009, a total of nine countries notified outbreaks in poultry or were considered enzootic by OIE: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (Tibet and Xinjiang), Egypt, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal (first notification) and Vietnam."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Malaysia: Current Situation of Influenza A (H1N1) For Week 28/2010 (11 – 17 July 2010)
The latest H1N1 update from Malaysia's MOH, excerpt with my translation :
" For the week 28/2010 (11 to 17 July 2010), six (6) new ILI cluster cases was reported from four (4) states as shown in Appendix 1. In the previous week, a total of eight (8) ILI clusters have been reported.
In the same week, a total of 516 new patients with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment as compared to 568 patients in the previous week, a decrease of 9.2%. The remaining cases that are still being treated across the country on the last day of week 28/2010 (July 17, 2010) are 375 cases in 64 hospitals including 10 private hospitals.
Of these, only 37 patients or 9.9% were cases of Influenza A (H1N1) which was confirmed by laboratory tests. For the record, there are 5 cases of H1N1 being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and two (2) of them are individuals who have risk factors.
The numbers of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the same week are 52 cases compared to a total of 74 cases in the previous week, a decline of 29.7%, bringing the cumulative number of positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) to 15,380 to date.
No new fatalities were reported, bringing the total remaining at 91 cases."
" For the week 28/2010 (11 to 17 July 2010), six (6) new ILI cluster cases was reported from four (4) states as shown in Appendix 1. In the previous week, a total of eight (8) ILI clusters have been reported.
In the same week, a total of 516 new patients with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment as compared to 568 patients in the previous week, a decrease of 9.2%. The remaining cases that are still being treated across the country on the last day of week 28/2010 (July 17, 2010) are 375 cases in 64 hospitals including 10 private hospitals.
Of these, only 37 patients or 9.9% were cases of Influenza A (H1N1) which was confirmed by laboratory tests. For the record, there are 5 cases of H1N1 being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and two (2) of them are individuals who have risk factors.
The numbers of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the same week are 52 cases compared to a total of 74 cases in the previous week, a decline of 29.7%, bringing the cumulative number of positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) to 15,380 to date.
No new fatalities were reported, bringing the total remaining at 91 cases."
New Zealand : Swine flu cases on the rise
From Waikato Times :
" Ten reported cases of swine flu in the Waikato over the past two weeks could be "the tip of the iceberg", according to health authorities.
The 10 cases, in people of all age groups, have been notified to Waikato District Health Board's Population Health, and medical officer of health Anita Bell today warned people with symptoms to be "vigilant".
"Waikato health professionals are beginning to see a number of people presenting with influenza A H1N1, the strain that was circulating last year as `swine flu' – several of whom have been admitted to hospital," she said.
"However this will be the tip of the iceberg as many cases will have mild symptoms and not require health intervention."
She said authorities had not seen anyone with life-threatening symptoms. Last week the Health Ministry confirmed that a North Island man with pre-existing health concerns had died of swine flu. "
" Ten reported cases of swine flu in the Waikato over the past two weeks could be "the tip of the iceberg", according to health authorities.
The 10 cases, in people of all age groups, have been notified to Waikato District Health Board's Population Health, and medical officer of health Anita Bell today warned people with symptoms to be "vigilant".
"Waikato health professionals are beginning to see a number of people presenting with influenza A H1N1, the strain that was circulating last year as `swine flu' – several of whom have been admitted to hospital," she said.
"However this will be the tip of the iceberg as many cases will have mild symptoms and not require health intervention."
She said authorities had not seen anyone with life-threatening symptoms. Last week the Health Ministry confirmed that a North Island man with pre-existing health concerns had died of swine flu. "
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