An article from Daily Times, more dengue patients in Karachi :
" KARACHI: Eighty-three new dengue suspects were hospitalised during the last 24 hours, said the Sindh Health Department spokesman on Friday. He said the health department was trying to educate masses through media about the threat of dengue, adding that seminars are being held at various hospitals to inform the masses on the disease. According to the Provincial Dengue Surveillance Cell (PDSC), 2,400 suspected dengue cases have been reported since January 1, out of which 1,265 were positive while 1,135 were negative, the spokesman said. Six deaths have been reported so far from five hospitals of the city."
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Indonesia : Drastic drop in bird flu cases this year
Via Jakarta Post :
" Bird flu cases have dropped by more than 50 percent this year but people are warned to stay alert since the virus is still a threat to poultry, a health official says.
Health Ministry Director General for Disease Control and Environmental Health, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, said that the number of avian or bird flu fatalities among humans in Indonesia this year had dropped compared to last year.
“One or two cases have been detected a few months ago,” he said after taking part in the Global Handwashing Day campaign, attended by some 1,000 elementary school students, in the West Java provincial capital of Bandung on Friday.
Ministry data recorded that between Jan. 1 to Dec. 28 last year, 20 H5N1 bird flu cases were
recorded, causing 19 deaths.
Between 2005 and 2010, the ministry recorded 166 cases of humans catching bird flu, of whom 137 died.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to the H5N1 virus in Indonesia decreased steadily from 45 in 2006, to 37 in 2007 and to 19 in 2009.
Tjandra said bird flu cases across the world have dropped drastically although several countries, such as Indonesia and Egypt, still report some infections.
Meanwhile the WHO itself announced a month ago that the H1N1 swine flu pandemic has passed, he added.
Tjandra said that in the country, only cases of poultry-to-human infections of the H5N1 virus had been recorded so far, and no human-to-human transmission."
" Bird flu cases have dropped by more than 50 percent this year but people are warned to stay alert since the virus is still a threat to poultry, a health official says.
Health Ministry Director General for Disease Control and Environmental Health, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, said that the number of avian or bird flu fatalities among humans in Indonesia this year had dropped compared to last year.
“One or two cases have been detected a few months ago,” he said after taking part in the Global Handwashing Day campaign, attended by some 1,000 elementary school students, in the West Java provincial capital of Bandung on Friday.
Ministry data recorded that between Jan. 1 to Dec. 28 last year, 20 H5N1 bird flu cases were
recorded, causing 19 deaths.
Between 2005 and 2010, the ministry recorded 166 cases of humans catching bird flu, of whom 137 died.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to the H5N1 virus in Indonesia decreased steadily from 45 in 2006, to 37 in 2007 and to 19 in 2009.
Tjandra said bird flu cases across the world have dropped drastically although several countries, such as Indonesia and Egypt, still report some infections.
Meanwhile the WHO itself announced a month ago that the H1N1 swine flu pandemic has passed, he added.
Tjandra said that in the country, only cases of poultry-to-human infections of the H5N1 virus had been recorded so far, and no human-to-human transmission."
Australia : Dengue outbreak fears
An article from Townsville Bulletin :
" TOWNSVILLE could be facing a widespread outbreak of dengue fever this wet season, health experts warn.
Residents have been warned to take responsibility for their own backyards and ensure they are not harbouring breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the disease.
The Queensland Health warning follows the confirmation of three locally-acquired cases in the same household in Railway Estate yesterday, with fears recent rainfall and the fast-approaching wet season could see more residents contract the virus.
The latest type 2 cases are believed to be a continuation of an outbreak which started in Hermit Park in June which resulted in 10 type 2 cases diagnosed, the most recent just last month."
" TOWNSVILLE could be facing a widespread outbreak of dengue fever this wet season, health experts warn.
Residents have been warned to take responsibility for their own backyards and ensure they are not harbouring breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the disease.
The Queensland Health warning follows the confirmation of three locally-acquired cases in the same household in Railway Estate yesterday, with fears recent rainfall and the fast-approaching wet season could see more residents contract the virus.
The latest type 2 cases are believed to be a continuation of an outbreak which started in Hermit Park in June which resulted in 10 type 2 cases diagnosed, the most recent just last month."
Nicaragua's leptospirosis death toll increases to 17
Via Xinhua :
" MANAGUA, Oct. 15 : The Nicaraguan Health Ministry on Friday reported nine new deaths of leptospirosis in Leon department, to make a total of 17 deaths in the country due to this disease.
The ministry also said that there are 91 confirmed cases more, including 73 were registered in Leon department, 93 km northwest from Managua."
" MANAGUA, Oct. 15 : The Nicaraguan Health Ministry on Friday reported nine new deaths of leptospirosis in Leon department, to make a total of 17 deaths in the country due to this disease.
The ministry also said that there are 91 confirmed cases more, including 73 were registered in Leon department, 93 km northwest from Managua."
Malaysia : More dengue fever cases recorded this year, says Ismail
Via The Star, excerpt :
" KUALA LUMPUR: Dengue fever cases climbed by 18% to 38,330 between January and Oct 9 compared to the corresponding period last year, said Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.
He said dengue deaths rose by 62% to 117 deaths during the period against 72 in the corresponding period last year.
However, he said dengue cases dropped by two to 911 last week (Oct 3 to 9) compared to the previous week and no deaths were reported.
Six states registered rising dengue cases last week, namely Terengganu (35 cases), Johor (33), Sabah (11), Malacca (three), Kedah and Sarawak (two each), he said in a statement.
Dr Mohd Ismail said of 228 areas monitored nationwide last week, 35 were identified as hot spots with 480 dengue cases reported with 57% of the locations having Aedes mosquito breeding."
" KUALA LUMPUR: Dengue fever cases climbed by 18% to 38,330 between January and Oct 9 compared to the corresponding period last year, said Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.
He said dengue deaths rose by 62% to 117 deaths during the period against 72 in the corresponding period last year.
However, he said dengue cases dropped by two to 911 last week (Oct 3 to 9) compared to the previous week and no deaths were reported.
Six states registered rising dengue cases last week, namely Terengganu (35 cases), Johor (33), Sabah (11), Malacca (three), Kedah and Sarawak (two each), he said in a statement.
Dr Mohd Ismail said of 228 areas monitored nationwide last week, 35 were identified as hot spots with 480 dengue cases reported with 57% of the locations having Aedes mosquito breeding."
India : Dengue spreads tentacles in steel city
Via The Telegraph :
" 27-year-old dies of suspected disease, lack of awareness blamed for rising cases
Jamshedpur, Oct. 15: A slew of measures notwithstanding, dengue is refusing to ease its grip on the steel city, which saw its latest fatality yesterday.
Twenty-seven-year-old Sumitra Mahto of Ichagarh, who was admitted to Tata Main Hospital (TMH) with fever a few days ago, died of suspected dengue, taking the toll to three since September.
According to sources in the health department, Sumitra was first admitted to MGM Medical College and Hospital, but as her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to TMH. Last month, 17-year-old Sagar Purty and a doctor, B.M. Nayak, had died of dengue.
So far, 232 suspected cases have been reported from various hospitals and nursing homes in and around the city though the East Singhbhum district civil surgeon’s office has not confirmed the figure.
District epidemiologist Satish Tripathi said, currently, 54 patients were under treatment at TMH. Elaborating on the pattern of rise in number of suspected dengue cases, he said 20 were reported on October 11, followed by 12 each on October 12, 13 and October 14. Three patients are at present admitted to MGM Medical College and Hospital."
" 27-year-old dies of suspected disease, lack of awareness blamed for rising cases
Jamshedpur, Oct. 15: A slew of measures notwithstanding, dengue is refusing to ease its grip on the steel city, which saw its latest fatality yesterday.
Twenty-seven-year-old Sumitra Mahto of Ichagarh, who was admitted to Tata Main Hospital (TMH) with fever a few days ago, died of suspected dengue, taking the toll to three since September.
According to sources in the health department, Sumitra was first admitted to MGM Medical College and Hospital, but as her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to TMH. Last month, 17-year-old Sagar Purty and a doctor, B.M. Nayak, had died of dengue.
So far, 232 suspected cases have been reported from various hospitals and nursing homes in and around the city though the East Singhbhum district civil surgeon’s office has not confirmed the figure.
District epidemiologist Satish Tripathi said, currently, 54 patients were under treatment at TMH. Elaborating on the pattern of rise in number of suspected dengue cases, he said 20 were reported on October 11, followed by 12 each on October 12, 13 and October 14. Three patients are at present admitted to MGM Medical College and Hospital."
Hong Kong : Update on cluster of human swine influenza cases in a female Infirmary ward at TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital
From Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" Regarding some patients being infected with human swine influenza in an infirmary ward in Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, the hospital spokesman announced the following update today (October 15):
There are 12 more female patients (aged between 45 and 93) in the concerned ward presented with fever, sore throat or cough symptom. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Appropriate tests are being carried out and the results of eight patients are positive to human swine influenza.
Deep cleansing and disinfection have been conducted in the concerned ward. Infection control measures have already been enhanced. Admission to and discharge from the ward are suspended for the time being. No visiting policy to the ward is also implemented. All patients and staff in the ward are under close surveillance."
" Regarding some patients being infected with human swine influenza in an infirmary ward in Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, the hospital spokesman announced the following update today (October 15):
There are 12 more female patients (aged between 45 and 93) in the concerned ward presented with fever, sore throat or cough symptom. The patients are being treated under isolation and all are in stable condition. Appropriate tests are being carried out and the results of eight patients are positive to human swine influenza.
Deep cleansing and disinfection have been conducted in the concerned ward. Infection control measures have already been enhanced. Admission to and discharge from the ward are suspended for the time being. No visiting policy to the ward is also implemented. All patients and staff in the ward are under close surveillance."
Friday, October 15, 2010
Jaipur: After malaria, chikungunya tightens grip over the city
Via NDTV :
" Jaipur: After battling malaria, the state health department has been confronted by another equally dangerous viral fever spread by mosquitoes, chikungunya.
"The cases have been increasing steadily as we could not check the growth of mosquitoes after the monsoon this year. Most of the cases are being reported from the rural areas," said Dr CL Nawal, professor of medicine at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) medical college. I recently came across a few chikungunya patients who have become handicap due to severe reactive arthritis, he added. Chikungunya is a viral disease, spread by Ades mosquitoes, popularly known as Tiger mosquito.
"Yes, we have come across quite a few cases of chikungunya in rural areas and a few from the city as well. We have been doing anti-larval activities to control the growth of mosquito," said Dr Yatindra Singh, chief medical and health officer of Jaipur II.
According to officials, more than 200 cases of chikungunya have been reported from across Jaipur district, while state-wide the number of cases has crossed the 1,000-patient mark. Chikungunya in its severe form can become dangerous leading to life-long pain in the joints.
" Jaipur: After battling malaria, the state health department has been confronted by another equally dangerous viral fever spread by mosquitoes, chikungunya.
"The cases have been increasing steadily as we could not check the growth of mosquitoes after the monsoon this year. Most of the cases are being reported from the rural areas," said Dr CL Nawal, professor of medicine at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) medical college. I recently came across a few chikungunya patients who have become handicap due to severe reactive arthritis, he added. Chikungunya is a viral disease, spread by Ades mosquitoes, popularly known as Tiger mosquito.
"Yes, we have come across quite a few cases of chikungunya in rural areas and a few from the city as well. We have been doing anti-larval activities to control the growth of mosquito," said Dr Yatindra Singh, chief medical and health officer of Jaipur II.
According to officials, more than 200 cases of chikungunya have been reported from across Jaipur district, while state-wide the number of cases has crossed the 1,000-patient mark. Chikungunya in its severe form can become dangerous leading to life-long pain in the joints.
India : Girl dies of dengue
Report coming from IBN Live, fatality due to dengue from Lucknow :
" Lucknow, Oct 15 : A teenaged girl died due to dengue at a private hospital, where she was undergoing treatment, officials said here today.Shalini (14), a resident of Madiyon area, died yesterday, they said.Three persons had died of the vector-borne disease on October 13 at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS).Meanwhile, over a dozen fresh cases of dengue like symptoms were reported from different government hospitals in the city."
" Lucknow, Oct 15 : A teenaged girl died due to dengue at a private hospital, where she was undergoing treatment, officials said here today.Shalini (14), a resident of Madiyon area, died yesterday, they said.Three persons had died of the vector-borne disease on October 13 at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS).Meanwhile, over a dozen fresh cases of dengue like symptoms were reported from different government hospitals in the city."
Dengue up in Singapore with over 160 each week
Via Xinhua :
" SINGAPORE, Oct. 15 : Dengue cases are on the rise in Singapore again, with more than 160 a week coming down with it over the past three weeks -- the highest weekly numbers over the past 21 months.
One person died from it in July, local daily The Straits Times reported Friday.
One of the biggest outbreaks involves more than 90 people.
It occurred when dengue first struck workers at a construction site in the west, then spread to other workers living in dormitories over in the east, then to households in that area.
More cases were reported Thursday."
" SINGAPORE, Oct. 15 : Dengue cases are on the rise in Singapore again, with more than 160 a week coming down with it over the past three weeks -- the highest weekly numbers over the past 21 months.
One person died from it in July, local daily The Straits Times reported Friday.
One of the biggest outbreaks involves more than 90 people.
It occurred when dengue first struck workers at a construction site in the west, then spread to other workers living in dormitories over in the east, then to households in that area.
More cases were reported Thursday."
Australia : More dengue fever cases uncovered in north Qld
Via ABC News :
" Another three cases of dengue fever have been recorded at Townsville in north Queensland, bringing the city's tally to 13 since the start of this year.
The three people diagnosed this week are from the same house in the suburb of Railway Estate.
Public health medical officer Dr Steven Donohue says there are probably more undiagnosed cases in the city."
" Another three cases of dengue fever have been recorded at Townsville in north Queensland, bringing the city's tally to 13 since the start of this year.
The three people diagnosed this week are from the same house in the suburb of Railway Estate.
Public health medical officer Dr Steven Donohue says there are probably more undiagnosed cases in the city."
India : 3 die of dengue
An article from Indian Express :
" Three persons, including a fire department personnel, died due to dengue at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in the state capital, officials said here on Thursday.
Three persons, including a fire department constable Dhirendra Kumar (35), who were undergoing treatment for dengue at SGPGIMS, died on Wednesday, they said."
" Three persons, including a fire department personnel, died due to dengue at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in the state capital, officials said here on Thursday.
Three persons, including a fire department constable Dhirendra Kumar (35), who were undergoing treatment for dengue at SGPGIMS, died on Wednesday, they said."
Pakistan : 70-75 Dengue suspects visit PIMS daily
Via Daily Times :
" ISLAMABAD:Every day, 70 to 75 Dengue-affected patients visit Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Hospitals in city are running short of stock regarding A and O + blood. Administrations of hospitals have appealed to citizens to donate the said blood.
According to sources, at PIMS daily over 70 patients having symptoms of Dengue visit emergency of hospital. Staffs of the hospital send blood samples to National Institute of Health (NIH) to verify Dengue virus."
" ISLAMABAD:Every day, 70 to 75 Dengue-affected patients visit Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Hospitals in city are running short of stock regarding A and O + blood. Administrations of hospitals have appealed to citizens to donate the said blood.
According to sources, at PIMS daily over 70 patients having symptoms of Dengue visit emergency of hospital. Staffs of the hospital send blood samples to National Institute of Health (NIH) to verify Dengue virus."
Malaria stalks Myanmar's poor as healthcare crumbles
A long editorial from Rob Bryan at Free Malaysia Today but it's worth your time to read it, excerpt :
" WAIMAW: In a sleepy, rural settlement in the far north of army-ruled Myanmar, farmer Tu Raw anxiously cuddles his young son and baby daughter, both coughing and feverish with the symptoms of malaria.
About half of the villagers in this remote corner of Kachin State are suffering from the mosquito-borne disease, but medical supplies provided by the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), a Christian group, ran out two weeks ago.
"We are waiting for medicine," said the 29-year-old, shaded from the fierce tropical heat by his wooden hut, as chickens squawked nearby.
Tu Raw, whose name has been changed for his safety, does not know when the next batch of malarial drugs will arrive and he owns no means of transport to get to the nearest clinic in Waimaw township.
In military-ruled Myanmar, saying anything seen as critical of the authorities can have serious consequences."
" WAIMAW: In a sleepy, rural settlement in the far north of army-ruled Myanmar, farmer Tu Raw anxiously cuddles his young son and baby daughter, both coughing and feverish with the symptoms of malaria.
About half of the villagers in this remote corner of Kachin State are suffering from the mosquito-borne disease, but medical supplies provided by the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), a Christian group, ran out two weeks ago.
"We are waiting for medicine," said the 29-year-old, shaded from the fierce tropical heat by his wooden hut, as chickens squawked nearby.
Tu Raw, whose name has been changed for his safety, does not know when the next batch of malarial drugs will arrive and he owns no means of transport to get to the nearest clinic in Waimaw township.
In military-ruled Myanmar, saying anything seen as critical of the authorities can have serious consequences."
New Zealand : 49 NZers died of swine flu last year
Via NZ Herald :
" Almost 50 New Zealanders died during last year's flu pandemic, more than originally estimated, a review says.
The Pandemic Influenza Mortality and Morbidity Review Group today released its review on the first wave of swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), in New Zealand last year.
Group chair, professor Cynthia Farquhar, said 49 people died during last year's pandemic, including one New Zealander who died in the Cook Islands.
That's 14 more people than originally thought - 35 deaths were reported last year.
The additional deaths were identified because the group had access to data from other sources, including Births, Death and Marriages, laboratory results and clinical notes."
" Almost 50 New Zealanders died during last year's flu pandemic, more than originally estimated, a review says.
The Pandemic Influenza Mortality and Morbidity Review Group today released its review on the first wave of swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), in New Zealand last year.
Group chair, professor Cynthia Farquhar, said 49 people died during last year's pandemic, including one New Zealander who died in the Cook Islands.
That's 14 more people than originally thought - 35 deaths were reported last year.
The additional deaths were identified because the group had access to data from other sources, including Births, Death and Marriages, laboratory results and clinical notes."
Fiji : H1N1 is here, warns Ministry
Via Fiji Times Online :
" H1N1 is now widely circulating in the community with health authorities expecting the virus to affect all divisions.
Health media officer Peni Namotu confirmed 28 H1N1 cases were recorded from August to this month.
"It is also the accumulative number of H1N1 cases so far as of January to October 2010," he said. "Patients presented influenza-like illnesses."
The age group most affected - 20-29yrs - accounts for 46 per cent of the total cases recorded. Mr Namotu said the seasonal flu high risk groups were usually those aged between five and 65 years.
"Surveillance systems are in place for both seasonal and pandemic influenza," he said.
"Surveillance via mobile health phones have also been implemented to enhance timely reporting."
" H1N1 is now widely circulating in the community with health authorities expecting the virus to affect all divisions.
Health media officer Peni Namotu confirmed 28 H1N1 cases were recorded from August to this month.
"It is also the accumulative number of H1N1 cases so far as of January to October 2010," he said. "Patients presented influenza-like illnesses."
The age group most affected - 20-29yrs - accounts for 46 per cent of the total cases recorded. Mr Namotu said the seasonal flu high risk groups were usually those aged between five and 65 years.
"Surveillance systems are in place for both seasonal and pandemic influenza," he said.
"Surveillance via mobile health phones have also been implemented to enhance timely reporting."
US : Newer flu vaccine as effective as traditional one
Via Reuters, excerpt :
" A flu vaccine made through a speedier production method appears to be as safe and effective as one produced in the traditional way, a study suggests. The conventional flu vaccine is produced using chicken eggs to grow the virus, a slow process that makes it hard to quickly boost production in response to a pandemic, such as the swine flu outbreak of 2009."
" A flu vaccine made through a speedier production method appears to be as safe and effective as one produced in the traditional way, a study suggests. The conventional flu vaccine is produced using chicken eggs to grow the virus, a slow process that makes it hard to quickly boost production in response to a pandemic, such as the swine flu outbreak of 2009."
High prevalence of poor man's diseases in India
An article from Zee News :
" Geneva: India continues to rank very high in the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases like dengue, rabies and soil-transmitted helminthiases, according to a report released by the World Health Organisation today.
"Of the world's poorest 2.7 billion people (defined as those who live on less than USD 2.00 a day), more than 1 billion are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), says the report.
Though country-wide estimates are not provided, India is expected to have a majority of the 1 billion NTD-patients given the high incidence of poverty coupled with poor sanitary and hygine conditions. "
" Geneva: India continues to rank very high in the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases like dengue, rabies and soil-transmitted helminthiases, according to a report released by the World Health Organisation today.
"Of the world's poorest 2.7 billion people (defined as those who live on less than USD 2.00 a day), more than 1 billion are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), says the report.
Though country-wide estimates are not provided, India is expected to have a majority of the 1 billion NTD-patients given the high incidence of poverty coupled with poor sanitary and hygine conditions. "
Namibia : Sudden outbreak of illness scares town
An article from The Namibian, a mysterious disease?? :
" An unknown disease almost caused the closing of the Nuuyoma Senior Secondary School in Omusati Region on Monday.
Children began to get sick last week Thursday. The principal, Silas Mulongeni, told The Namibian the symptoms presented were stomach ache, vomiting, high temperatures, headache, neck pain and typical cold symptoms.Blood samples have been sent to Windhoek for tests. Dr Ozimede Stanislaus yesterday said no test results have been received from Windhoek yet.
Mulongeni said even some of the workers and teachers at that school started complaining about the same symptoms. More than 90 pupils out of a total number of 720 pupils were affected by Monday.Mulongeni said they first took patients to the Oshikuku Catholic hospital for treatment, but the situation worsened from last Friday up to SundayBecause of the threat of meningitis in some regions, and the rapid spread of the sickness, the Oshikuku Hospital decided to keep patients in isolation and that doctors and nurses rather treat those affected at the school hostel.
Mulongeni said the school has 28 teachers and 30 workers. He said classes and general work in the school have been severely affected Apparently other learners are in panic, and are asking for immunisation.Patients have been put in isolation in a part of one of the hostels where they are being monitored and treated by Dr Stanislaus and assisted by some nurses.
Rumours are now going around that the school has been affected by H1N1."
" An unknown disease almost caused the closing of the Nuuyoma Senior Secondary School in Omusati Region on Monday.
Children began to get sick last week Thursday. The principal, Silas Mulongeni, told The Namibian the symptoms presented were stomach ache, vomiting, high temperatures, headache, neck pain and typical cold symptoms.Blood samples have been sent to Windhoek for tests. Dr Ozimede Stanislaus yesterday said no test results have been received from Windhoek yet.
Mulongeni said even some of the workers and teachers at that school started complaining about the same symptoms. More than 90 pupils out of a total number of 720 pupils were affected by Monday.Mulongeni said they first took patients to the Oshikuku Catholic hospital for treatment, but the situation worsened from last Friday up to SundayBecause of the threat of meningitis in some regions, and the rapid spread of the sickness, the Oshikuku Hospital decided to keep patients in isolation and that doctors and nurses rather treat those affected at the school hostel.
Mulongeni said the school has 28 teachers and 30 workers. He said classes and general work in the school have been severely affected Apparently other learners are in panic, and are asking for immunisation.Patients have been put in isolation in a part of one of the hostels where they are being monitored and treated by Dr Stanislaus and assisted by some nurses.
Rumours are now going around that the school has been affected by H1N1."
Uttar Pradesh: 4 more die of encephalitis, toll reaches 414
Via NDTV :
" Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) : Four persons succumbed to encephalitis at Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital in Gorakhpur during the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 414 in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, a health official said on Wednesday.Additional Director (Health) U K Srivastav said the dead include one each from Gorakhpur, Mahrajganj, Gonda and Ballia districts.
A total of 34 new patients have been admitted to this hospital during the same period, he said.Of the total 414 deaths so far, 386 deaths occurred in BRD MCH while the remaining were reported from other state-run hospitals of the region - Gorakhpur, Basti, Deoria, Siddharthnagar, Kushinagar and Maharajganj districts."
" Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) : Four persons succumbed to encephalitis at Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital in Gorakhpur during the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 414 in the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, a health official said on Wednesday.Additional Director (Health) U K Srivastav said the dead include one each from Gorakhpur, Mahrajganj, Gonda and Ballia districts.
A total of 34 new patients have been admitted to this hospital during the same period, he said.Of the total 414 deaths so far, 386 deaths occurred in BRD MCH while the remaining were reported from other state-run hospitals of the region - Gorakhpur, Basti, Deoria, Siddharthnagar, Kushinagar and Maharajganj districts."
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Indonesia : Bird Flu Spreads Again
More reports coming out of Indonesia with regards to bird flu. This time a report from Bengkulu Ekspress :
" Yesterday, 10 chickens belonging Syamsir (35) Permanent Sub stabbed Village. Of the samples taken his side, 10 chickens suspected to have a virus tested positive for bird flu so Dispertanak determine the status of emergency for the Area 4 district, Central Tenebrous South Kaur, Padang Jar Hulu and now the Permanent Sub.
But so far there has been no report of human mnyerang or better known as suspect bird flu or H5N1 virus.
It is known after a number of teams that tergambung in, officers Participatory Deasease Surveylens and Response (PDSR) or Bird Flu Response teams conduct sampling. This was revealed by Head of Agriculture and Livestock Ir Buyung Wiyadi to BE, yesterday."
" Yesterday, 10 chickens belonging Syamsir (35) Permanent Sub stabbed Village. Of the samples taken his side, 10 chickens suspected to have a virus tested positive for bird flu so Dispertanak determine the status of emergency for the Area 4 district, Central Tenebrous South Kaur, Padang Jar Hulu and now the Permanent Sub.
But so far there has been no report of human mnyerang or better known as suspect bird flu or H5N1 virus.
It is known after a number of teams that tergambung in, officers Participatory Deasease Surveylens and Response (PDSR) or Bird Flu Response teams conduct sampling. This was revealed by Head of Agriculture and Livestock Ir Buyung Wiyadi to BE, yesterday."
Barbados : 321 confirmed cases of dengue
An article from Nation News :
" THE NUMBER of Barbadians infected with dengue fever for the year to date stands at 321.
Minister of Health Donville Inniss quoted this figure yesterday as he addressed a three-day Pan American Health Organisation/Caribbean Epidemiology Centre Emergency Vector Control workshop at Grand Barbados Beach Resort, Aquatic Gap, St Michael.
“In Barbados we have confirmed 321 cases of dengue fever with three reported deaths, in comparison to 91 in 2009. These figures are not ones which we wish to have continue,” he said.
Inniss said the rise of dengue cases was not restricted to Barbados, as there were 872 cases recorded in the region this year up to July in comparison to 242 during the same period last year."
" THE NUMBER of Barbadians infected with dengue fever for the year to date stands at 321.
Minister of Health Donville Inniss quoted this figure yesterday as he addressed a three-day Pan American Health Organisation/Caribbean Epidemiology Centre Emergency Vector Control workshop at Grand Barbados Beach Resort, Aquatic Gap, St Michael.
“In Barbados we have confirmed 321 cases of dengue fever with three reported deaths, in comparison to 91 in 2009. These figures are not ones which we wish to have continue,” he said.
Inniss said the rise of dengue cases was not restricted to Barbados, as there were 872 cases recorded in the region this year up to July in comparison to 242 during the same period last year."
Nepal : Dengue in Rautahat
Via The Himalayan Times :
" RAUTAHAT: Dengue has made inroads into this Tarai district, with the Gaur hospital confirming its virus in Sheikh Bigan (24) of Mathiya VDC-4. A factory worker in New Delhi, Bigan had returned home four days ago after falling ill. Doctors at the hospital are attending to him. According to Dr Ram Shanker Thakur, the hospital chief, they were preparing to send the patient to the Birgunj-based Narayani Sub-Regional Hospital for further treatment."
" RAUTAHAT: Dengue has made inroads into this Tarai district, with the Gaur hospital confirming its virus in Sheikh Bigan (24) of Mathiya VDC-4. A factory worker in New Delhi, Bigan had returned home four days ago after falling ill. Doctors at the hospital are attending to him. According to Dr Ram Shanker Thakur, the hospital chief, they were preparing to send the patient to the Birgunj-based Narayani Sub-Regional Hospital for further treatment."
Indonesia : A number of chickens died of bird flu suspected
Machine translated report from Wawasan Digital :
" SRAGEN : Outbreaks of Avian Influenza virus or better known as bird flu, allegedly rampant in Hamlet Karangasem RT 02/RW V, Kelurahan Karang Tengah, Sragen District Municipality. At least 6 kinds of bangkok chickens, died suddenly. The death of the chickens are only lasted 12 hours, since the first symptoms appear
Related to this, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (Disnakan) Sragen government check conditions on the ground, to see the possibility of death due to bird flu. The owner of the chicken, Windarwati, explains, his six chickens died in four consecutive days.
Still said the mother of three children, death occurs suddenly chicken. Only about 12 hours later, his cock suddenly found dead in the cage. ''There are at least two cocks bangkok and the other four age responsibility, all of whom died suddenly,''said Windarwati told reporters on Wednesday (13/10) yesterday."
" SRAGEN : Outbreaks of Avian Influenza virus or better known as bird flu, allegedly rampant in Hamlet Karangasem RT 02/RW V, Kelurahan Karang Tengah, Sragen District Municipality. At least 6 kinds of bangkok chickens, died suddenly. The death of the chickens are only lasted 12 hours, since the first symptoms appear
Related to this, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (Disnakan) Sragen government check conditions on the ground, to see the possibility of death due to bird flu. The owner of the chicken, Windarwati, explains, his six chickens died in four consecutive days.
Still said the mother of three children, death occurs suddenly chicken. Only about 12 hours later, his cock suddenly found dead in the cage. ''There are at least two cocks bangkok and the other four age responsibility, all of whom died suddenly,''said Windarwati told reporters on Wednesday (13/10) yesterday."
Pakistan : NIH confirms 1,141 cases of dengue fever
Via The Nation :
" ISLAMABAD : During the dengue fever spree in the country this year, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has tested as many as 1141 cases positive and of them eight patients had reported died.Total 167 suspected cases were reported in the Capital and out of which 38 were tested positive whereas so far one death has been confirmed.
So far, NIH received blood samples of 2553 dengue-suspected patients and out of which 1141 have been declared positive.
Sindh has the highest toll of confirmed dengue fever patients, as total of 989 cases were confirmed positive of 1971 blood samples and the death toll has reached 5.
Punjab is next after Sindh as the number of positive cases has reached 72 with one death. Total suspected cases registered from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are 128 of which 41 were tested positive. And the reported suspected cases in Azad Jammu Kashmir are 13 with one patient testing positive who later died."
" ISLAMABAD : During the dengue fever spree in the country this year, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has tested as many as 1141 cases positive and of them eight patients had reported died.Total 167 suspected cases were reported in the Capital and out of which 38 were tested positive whereas so far one death has been confirmed.
So far, NIH received blood samples of 2553 dengue-suspected patients and out of which 1141 have been declared positive.
Sindh has the highest toll of confirmed dengue fever patients, as total of 989 cases were confirmed positive of 1971 blood samples and the death toll has reached 5.
Punjab is next after Sindh as the number of positive cases has reached 72 with one death. Total suspected cases registered from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are 128 of which 41 were tested positive. And the reported suspected cases in Azad Jammu Kashmir are 13 with one patient testing positive who later died."
Bahrain : Bahraini victim of swine flu
Via Gulf Daily News :
" MANAMA: Bahrain has recorded its latest swine flu death, the GDN learnt yesterday.
A Bahraini, in his 40s, who contracted the virus last month, died at Salmaniya Medical Complex on Tuesday.
A Health Ministry spokesman confirmed the death, which is the eighth reported swine flu fatality in Bahrain, reports SANDEEP SINGH GREWAL."
" MANAMA: Bahrain has recorded its latest swine flu death, the GDN learnt yesterday.
A Bahraini, in his 40s, who contracted the virus last month, died at Salmaniya Medical Complex on Tuesday.
A Health Ministry spokesman confirmed the death, which is the eighth reported swine flu fatality in Bahrain, reports SANDEEP SINGH GREWAL."
Australian Influenza Surveillance 2010 - Latest report
Via Australia's Department of Health and Ageing, go to the site and you will find a full detailed PDF report :
" Report No. 39
Reporting period 25 September to 1 October 2010
" Report No. 39
Reporting period 25 September to 1 October 2010
- Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the community increased through most surveillance systems this reporting period. Local, regional and widespread activity was reported within jurisdictions. The number of laboratory confirmed notifications decreased this reporting period.
- There were 666 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza during this reporting period, including 498 pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases. Notifications of laboratory confirmed influenza were highest in SA.
- Results from sentinel laboratory surveillance systems for this reporting period show that 17% of the respiratory tests conducted over this period were positive for influenza, which is the same as the last reporting period. In 2010, a total of 1072 specimens have been positive for influenza (of 12,793 specimens tested), of which 68% were pandemic (H1N1) 2009, 9% were A/H3N2, 21% were influenza B and 2% were influenza A untyped."
India : Dengue claims 4 more, rush for for platelets at hospitalsDengue claims 4 more, rush for for platelets at hospitals
Via Times of India, fatalities rises in Lucknow :
" LUCKNOW: Even as dengue claimed four more lives on Wednesday, over two dozen new suspected cases were admitted in various government and private hospitals.
While the blood bank in CSM Medical University (CSMMU) saw a mad rush of people for platelets, principal secretary, health, Pradeep Shukla inspected health facilities at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Ram Manohar Lohia hospitals and warned of strict action if any laxity is reported in treatment of the patients.
On the other hand civic authorities and health department claimed that anti-mosquito spray is being done in entire city and number of suspected dengue cases are on decline. With the fall in temperature the dengue virus is also likely to subdue by the last week of October.
While three deaths were reported from the SGPGI, one died on way to the hospital. In SGPGI, dengue snuffed the life out of Dilip Mishra from Rae Bareli, Akash Shukla from Kannauj and Vijay Gupta from Lucknow. Dharmendra Yadav (35), an employee at fire station in Hazratganj, had gone to his native village where he was infected and hospitalised in a local hospital from where he was referred to Lucknow but died on way. All the four patients who died due to dengue were also suffering from various other complications like diabetes and kidney ailment which aggravated due to the infection."
" LUCKNOW: Even as dengue claimed four more lives on Wednesday, over two dozen new suspected cases were admitted in various government and private hospitals.
While the blood bank in CSM Medical University (CSMMU) saw a mad rush of people for platelets, principal secretary, health, Pradeep Shukla inspected health facilities at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Ram Manohar Lohia hospitals and warned of strict action if any laxity is reported in treatment of the patients.
On the other hand civic authorities and health department claimed that anti-mosquito spray is being done in entire city and number of suspected dengue cases are on decline. With the fall in temperature the dengue virus is also likely to subdue by the last week of October.
While three deaths were reported from the SGPGI, one died on way to the hospital. In SGPGI, dengue snuffed the life out of Dilip Mishra from Rae Bareli, Akash Shukla from Kannauj and Vijay Gupta from Lucknow. Dharmendra Yadav (35), an employee at fire station in Hazratganj, had gone to his native village where he was infected and hospitalised in a local hospital from where he was referred to Lucknow but died on way. All the four patients who died due to dengue were also suffering from various other complications like diabetes and kidney ailment which aggravated due to the infection."
Taiwan Influenza Express
From Taiwan's CDC, influenza update week 40 (October 3–October 9, 2010), excerpt but here's the PDF report :
" Summary
During week 40 (October 3–October 9, 2010), influenza activity remained unchanged in Taiwan, and seasonal influenza virus type AH3 is predominant in the community. Most of the influenza viruses match the 2010–11 vaccine component.
" Summary
During week 40 (October 3–October 9, 2010), influenza activity remained unchanged in Taiwan, and seasonal influenza virus type AH3 is predominant in the community. Most of the influenza viruses match the 2010–11 vaccine component.
- Of the 466 specimens tested during week 38–40, 118 (25%) were positive for influenza
viruses, 103 (22%) were positive for influenza A (H3N2) viruses, 14 (3%) were positive for
pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses and 1 (<1%)> - Since July 1, 2010, there have been 535 reports of complicated influenza virus infections,
including 450 reports of seasonal influenza virus type H3N2 infections and 58 reports of
complicated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infections. There were 22 new seasonal H3N2 cases and 1 new seasonal influenza A untyped case during week 40. Since July 1, 2009, there have been 997 reports of complicated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infections (51 deaths). Since July 1, 2010, there have been 22 reports of death from complicated influenza infection; 7 from the pandemic H1N1 2009 and 15 from the seasonal H3N2 strain, respectively."
Malaysia : WHO is not doing enough to fight dengue
Via The Star :
" PUTRAJAYA: The World Health Organisation needs to do more in its fight against dengue, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Liow, who is also the chairman of the 61st session for the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, said the world body was not doing enough.
“We want WHO to do more on dengue. I think they are not doing enough. Member countries realise that dengue is a concern in this region and representatives have expressed concern on the problem.
“We want WHO Western Pacific Region to convey this to the main body and to implement more comprehensive measures on how to eradicate the communicable disease effectively,” he said here yesterday.
Liow said if WHO could come in more “forcefully”, a multi-pronged strategy using both governmental and community approaches could be introduced."
" PUTRAJAYA: The World Health Organisation needs to do more in its fight against dengue, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Liow, who is also the chairman of the 61st session for the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, said the world body was not doing enough.
“We want WHO to do more on dengue. I think they are not doing enough. Member countries realise that dengue is a concern in this region and representatives have expressed concern on the problem.
“We want WHO Western Pacific Region to convey this to the main body and to implement more comprehensive measures on how to eradicate the communicable disease effectively,” he said here yesterday.
Liow said if WHO could come in more “forcefully”, a multi-pronged strategy using both governmental and community approaches could be introduced."
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