Via Xinhua :
" The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday there has been an outbreak of cholera in Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in Kenya, which is believed to have started among new arrivals who had most likely acquired it in Somalia or en route to the camp.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the situation in Dadaab, home to Somalis fleeing famine and conflict, is being exacerbated by heavy rains and accompanying risks of waterborne diseases.
"Rains and flooding had affected the trucking of water to parts of the camps, and we fear some refugees resorted to using unsafe water from flooded areas," the UN refugee agency said in a statement released in Nairobi.
According to UNHCR, there are now 60 cases in the camps, including 10 laboratory-confirmed cases and one refugee death. To manage the outbreak, UNHCR and partners have set up cholera treatment centres for severe cases, it said.
The UN agency deplored insecurity which it said continues to affect aid efforts more than a month after the kidnapping of three aid workers in Kenya's Dadaab refugee complex."
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Hong Kong : Public urged to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease
Via Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 15) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a childcare centre in Wan Chai affecting 20 children aged between 1 and 4.
Those affected, comprising eight males and 12 females, have developed oral ulcers, fever, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since November 3.
None required hospitalisation. All affected children are currently in a stable condition.
The stool specimens from two affected children tested positive for enterovirus.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 15) called on people to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
The appeal followed an outbreak of HFMD at a childcare centre in Wan Chai affecting 20 children aged between 1 and 4.
Those affected, comprising eight males and 12 females, have developed oral ulcers, fever, vesicles and rash on hands or feet since November 3.
None required hospitalisation. All affected children are currently in a stable condition.
The stool specimens from two affected children tested positive for enterovirus.
Staff of the CHP have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff.
HFMD is a common disease in children and is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses and EV71."
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu in South Africa
Via The Poultry Site :
" SOUTH AFRICA : The South African veterinary authorities have reported three outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 8 yesterday, 14 November, wherein it was discovered that the causal agent has been identified as H5N2 serotype.
The outbreaks took place in several commercial ostrich farms. A total of 1760 ostriches were found susceptible to the outbreaks, out of which 96 cases were identified. No deaths were recorded. However, 414 birds were slaughtered.
According to the OIE, the farms tested positive on serology during routine surveillance, but tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis was only confirmed after several follow-up PCR tests.
South Africa only reports outbreaks on confirmation on PCR tests.
Initially no clinical signs or mortalities were seen. Stamping out in positive farms is taking place."
" SOUTH AFRICA : The South African veterinary authorities have reported three outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 8 yesterday, 14 November, wherein it was discovered that the causal agent has been identified as H5N2 serotype.
The outbreaks took place in several commercial ostrich farms. A total of 1760 ostriches were found susceptible to the outbreaks, out of which 96 cases were identified. No deaths were recorded. However, 414 birds were slaughtered.
According to the OIE, the farms tested positive on serology during routine surveillance, but tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis was only confirmed after several follow-up PCR tests.
South Africa only reports outbreaks on confirmation on PCR tests.
Initially no clinical signs or mortalities were seen. Stamping out in positive farms is taking place."
Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia - update 8
From WHO :
" The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
The case is a 29-year old female, mother of the 2 cases earlier reported from Bangli district, Bali Province. She developed symptoms on 10 October and died on 17 October.
An epidemiological investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health and local health officers indicated that she lived in an area with poultry, and household and neighbourhood poultry had died prior to her children's illness.
Laboratory tests have confirmed infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.Of the 182 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 150 have been fatal."
" The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
The case is a 29-year old female, mother of the 2 cases earlier reported from Bangli district, Bali Province. She developed symptoms on 10 October and died on 17 October.
An epidemiological investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health and local health officers indicated that she lived in an area with poultry, and household and neighbourhood poultry had died prior to her children's illness.
Laboratory tests have confirmed infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.Of the 182 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 150 have been fatal."
Thursday, November 10, 2011
South Korea : Local Dengue fever infection ruled out
Article via The Korea Times :
" The health authorities Wednesday tentatively concluded a patient with Dengue fever had been infected by the tropical disease during her trip to Indonesia.
The announcement came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) conducted an investigation into a Dengue fever outbreak in South Gyeongsang Province last July to verify whether the patient was infected locally.
“We launched an investigation because she was diagnosed with the disease 39 days after the return from her trip to Indonesia,” an official from the CDCP said. “It’s very rare as the maximum incubation period of the disease is 14 days.”
Returning the trip to Indonesia with her husband from April 24 to May 1, she visited a local hospital on June 9 with typical symptoms of the disease such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic skin rash. She was later diagnosed with Dengue fever.
As dengue virus is transmitted by mosquito, the CDCP performed an epidemiologic investigation and checked traces of mosquitoes within a 2 kilometer radius in the patient’s neighborhood."
" The health authorities Wednesday tentatively concluded a patient with Dengue fever had been infected by the tropical disease during her trip to Indonesia.
The announcement came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) conducted an investigation into a Dengue fever outbreak in South Gyeongsang Province last July to verify whether the patient was infected locally.
“We launched an investigation because she was diagnosed with the disease 39 days after the return from her trip to Indonesia,” an official from the CDCP said. “It’s very rare as the maximum incubation period of the disease is 14 days.”
Returning the trip to Indonesia with her husband from April 24 to May 1, she visited a local hospital on June 9 with typical symptoms of the disease such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and a characteristic skin rash. She was later diagnosed with Dengue fever.
As dengue virus is transmitted by mosquito, the CDCP performed an epidemiologic investigation and checked traces of mosquitoes within a 2 kilometer radius in the patient’s neighborhood."
Hong Kong : CHP investigates a case of Legionnaires' Disease
Via Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 79-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, lives in a residential home for the elderly in Eastern District. He presented with fever and cough since November 2 and was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital the next day. He is currently in stable condition.
Urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
He had no recent travel history. Investigation is in progress.
This is the thirteenth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Twenty cases were filed in 2010, 37 in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 79-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, lives in a residential home for the elderly in Eastern District. He presented with fever and cough since November 2 and was admitted to Ruttonjee Hospital the next day. He is currently in stable condition.
Urine test revealed that the patient was infected with Legionella bacteria.
He had no recent travel history. Investigation is in progress.
This is the thirteenth case of Legionnaires' Disease reported to the CHP this year. Twenty cases were filed in 2010, 37 in 2009, 13 in 2008 and 11 in 2007."
Cholera claims 23 lives in DR Congo's Equateur province
Via Xinhua :
" At least 23 people have died from cholera which broke out in Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to local sources.
"Even though the epidemic seems to have reduced in Mbandaka, cholera still affects some parts of the country especially in South Ubangi area in Equateur province where 15 people out of 119 cases that were reported since Nov. 5 have died. Eight other people died during the same period in Basankusu health zone," the president of the local civil society groups, Modeste Bonkengu, said on Tuesday.
"In the town of Mbandaka, the cholera treatment center has not received any patient," provincial Health Minister Mireille Betayi affirmed.
She said if the situation goes on like that, the cholera treatment center will be closed since even NGOs like Medecins Sans Frontier (MSF) have already started to withdraw their staff."
" At least 23 people have died from cholera which broke out in Equateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to local sources.
"Even though the epidemic seems to have reduced in Mbandaka, cholera still affects some parts of the country especially in South Ubangi area in Equateur province where 15 people out of 119 cases that were reported since Nov. 5 have died. Eight other people died during the same period in Basankusu health zone," the president of the local civil society groups, Modeste Bonkengu, said on Tuesday.
"In the town of Mbandaka, the cholera treatment center has not received any patient," provincial Health Minister Mireille Betayi affirmed.
She said if the situation goes on like that, the cholera treatment center will be closed since even NGOs like Medecins Sans Frontier (MSF) have already started to withdraw their staff."
India : Encephalitis toll in Eastern UP at 480
Article via Net India 123 :
" Five more children died of deadly disease of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) at B R D Medical colleges, Gorakhpur taking the toll to 551 in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh during this year.
The children who died during the last twenty four hours included two from Deoria district and one each from Maharajaganj, Gorakhour and neighbouring state of Bihar ,the medical college sources said. A total of 3395 patients had been admitted to B R D Medical college since January one last,out of which 551 died this year. During the last 24 hours, 18 new patients were admitted while presently 205 patients are under treatment at medical college and other hospitals of eastern UP.
The patients admitted to Gorakhpur medical college included seven from neighbouring country of Nepal and 369 of Bihar. The patients who have so far died of encephalitis included 67 from Bihar and two from Nepal."
" Five more children died of deadly disease of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) at B R D Medical colleges, Gorakhpur taking the toll to 551 in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh during this year.
The children who died during the last twenty four hours included two from Deoria district and one each from Maharajaganj, Gorakhour and neighbouring state of Bihar ,the medical college sources said. A total of 3395 patients had been admitted to B R D Medical college since January one last,out of which 551 died this year. During the last 24 hours, 18 new patients were admitted while presently 205 patients are under treatment at medical college and other hospitals of eastern UP.
The patients admitted to Gorakhpur medical college included seven from neighbouring country of Nepal and 369 of Bihar. The patients who have so far died of encephalitis included 67 from Bihar and two from Nepal."
Hong Kong : CHP urges vigilance against community-associated MRSA
Via Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 9) called on the public to stay vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug-resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving an 8-year-old boy living in Sham Shui Po.
The boy, with good past health, presented with fever and cough since October 28. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on October 30. The diagnosis was pneumonia.
The boy is currently in stable condition. His sputum collected grew CA-MRSA.
He has no recent travel history. His home contacts had no symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 9) called on the public to stay vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a drug-resistant bacterium.
The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed case of invasive CA-MRSA involving an 8-year-old boy living in Sham Shui Po.
The boy, with good past health, presented with fever and cough since October 28. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on October 30. The diagnosis was pneumonia.
The boy is currently in stable condition. His sputum collected grew CA-MRSA.
He has no recent travel history. His home contacts had no symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide."
Thailand : Health warnings stepped up
Via The Nation :
" Main concerns are uncollected garbage and leptospirosis
Health hazards are becoming a major concern as contamination of floodwater caused mainly by uncollected garbage is widespread - while warnings against waterborne zoonoses [diseases transferred from animals to humans] and food poisoning have been issued.
The Public Health Ministry's Department of Medical Sciences yesterday warned of possible leptospirosis in flooded areas and against consuming ice and iced drinks from unknown production sources. In a recent survey, 21 food samples, collected in four flooded provinces including Bangkok, yielded food poisoning manifestations, while 17 out of 57 samples of drinking water possessed germs which caused diarrhoea.
The minister reported one leptospirosis case in Khon Kaen and 20 suspected cases. The bacterial disease, which is found usually in flooded areas up to three weeks after a flood recedes, is potentially fatal if not properly treated.
In Bangkok, residents are encouraged to sort and separate rubbish, with decaying foodstuff and materials tightly sealed, as only 30 per cent of daily garbage can now be collected while more than 100 garbage trucks are undergoing modification to enable them to travel through high water.
As Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra admitted, an understaffing problem has resulted in increasing garbage accumulation. District offices are hiring contractors to collect up to 70 per cent of garbage during flooding, while boats are being used to collect rubbish in badly flooded areas."
" Main concerns are uncollected garbage and leptospirosis
Health hazards are becoming a major concern as contamination of floodwater caused mainly by uncollected garbage is widespread - while warnings against waterborne zoonoses [diseases transferred from animals to humans] and food poisoning have been issued.
The Public Health Ministry's Department of Medical Sciences yesterday warned of possible leptospirosis in flooded areas and against consuming ice and iced drinks from unknown production sources. In a recent survey, 21 food samples, collected in four flooded provinces including Bangkok, yielded food poisoning manifestations, while 17 out of 57 samples of drinking water possessed germs which caused diarrhoea.
The minister reported one leptospirosis case in Khon Kaen and 20 suspected cases. The bacterial disease, which is found usually in flooded areas up to three weeks after a flood recedes, is potentially fatal if not properly treated.
In Bangkok, residents are encouraged to sort and separate rubbish, with decaying foodstuff and materials tightly sealed, as only 30 per cent of daily garbage can now be collected while more than 100 garbage trucks are undergoing modification to enable them to travel through high water.
As Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra admitted, an understaffing problem has resulted in increasing garbage accumulation. District offices are hiring contractors to collect up to 70 per cent of garbage during flooding, while boats are being used to collect rubbish in badly flooded areas."
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Haiti group demands UN pay for cholera outbreak
Via Associated Press, excerpt :
" A human rights group said Tuesday it has filed claims with the United Nations seeking damages on behalf of more than 5,000 Haitian cholera victims and their families."
" A human rights group said Tuesday it has filed claims with the United Nations seeking damages on behalf of more than 5,000 Haitian cholera victims and their families."
India : Dengue count reaches 64
Via Times of India :
" CHANDIGARH: One confirmed case of dengue was reported at a government hospital of the city on Tuesday. This has taken the number of patients to 64. Since September, five dengue deaths -three in Chandigarh and two in Mohali were reported.
Dr Naresh Kumar who maintains record of dengue patients said, "One patient tested positive for dengue today, and this has taken the number to 64 in city hospitals." Dengue has tightened its grip in sectors 20, 40, 38, 56 and 37 and the periphery villages."
" CHANDIGARH: One confirmed case of dengue was reported at a government hospital of the city on Tuesday. This has taken the number of patients to 64. Since September, five dengue deaths -three in Chandigarh and two in Mohali were reported.
Dr Naresh Kumar who maintains record of dengue patients said, "One patient tested positive for dengue today, and this has taken the number to 64 in city hospitals." Dengue has tightened its grip in sectors 20, 40, 38, 56 and 37 and the periphery villages."
India : Bird Flu outbreak feared in Kulti
Via The Statesman :
" Nearly 500 chickens died in the Kulti area of Asansol in three days spreading apprehension of Bird Flu outbreak in the area.
Locals witnessed chickens dying in poultry farms, domestic places since Sunday in the Patiyana Mahalla area under ward number 25 of the Kulti Municipality.
Mr Selim Akhtar, the ward commissioner, said: “The successive deaths of the birds have raised the apprehension whether it was Bird Flu.” He said: “I have informed the matter to the Asansol sub-divisional administration."
" Nearly 500 chickens died in the Kulti area of Asansol in three days spreading apprehension of Bird Flu outbreak in the area.
Locals witnessed chickens dying in poultry farms, domestic places since Sunday in the Patiyana Mahalla area under ward number 25 of the Kulti Municipality.
Mr Selim Akhtar, the ward commissioner, said: “The successive deaths of the birds have raised the apprehension whether it was Bird Flu.” He said: “I have informed the matter to the Asansol sub-divisional administration."
Unknown disease breaks out in western Zambia
Via Xinhua :
" At least 78 people have been admitted to a local hospital in western Zambia following an outbreak of an unknown disease, the Post of Zambia reported on Tuesday.
A strange disease has broken out in Kalabo district in Western province. The strange disease is making people to vomit, have diarrhea and pneumonia.
Dr. Reuben Mbewe, Ministry of Health spokersperson, said the district had been reporting increased number of patients presented with sudden onset of fever since Oct. 24.
The health official has however said signs and symptoms of the disease were consistent with typhoid but confirmatory laboratory investigations were still being awaited."
" At least 78 people have been admitted to a local hospital in western Zambia following an outbreak of an unknown disease, the Post of Zambia reported on Tuesday.
A strange disease has broken out in Kalabo district in Western province. The strange disease is making people to vomit, have diarrhea and pneumonia.
Dr. Reuben Mbewe, Ministry of Health spokersperson, said the district had been reporting increased number of patients presented with sudden onset of fever since Oct. 24.
The health official has however said signs and symptoms of the disease were consistent with typhoid but confirmatory laboratory investigations were still being awaited."
Hong Kong : Suspected case of scarlet fever with toxic shock syndrome
Via Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected case of scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome involving a 7-year-old boy.
The boy developed skin rash since October 31 and fever since November 3. He was admitted to paediatric ward of Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital on November 4 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital today. His clinical diagnosis was scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome. He is now in stable condition.
Results of the patient's throat swab and blood culture are pending.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
Investigation continues."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a suspected case of scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome involving a 7-year-old boy.
The boy developed skin rash since October 31 and fever since November 3. He was admitted to paediatric ward of Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital on November 4 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital today. His clinical diagnosis was scarlet fever complicated with toxic shock syndrome. He is now in stable condition.
Results of the patient's throat swab and blood culture are pending.
The CHP's investigation revealed that the patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
Investigation continues."
Bird Flu Outbreak in NW Cambodia
Via The Poultry Site :
" There has been one outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the north-west of the country.
The veterinary authority has sent Follow Up Report No. 2 dated 7 November to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report describes a single outbreak of HPAI at a broiler farm at Opong Moan in Battambang province in northwestern Cambodia. The outbreak started on 3 November and in all, 1,050 of the birds in the mixed flock of 5,206 died; the rest have been destroyed.
The presence of the H5N1 subtype of the virus has been confirmed.
The source of infection is not known.
According to the report, the investigation team from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NaVRI) of the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) conducted an investigation in the infected farms and carried out poultry mortality survey around infected farms at the village between 4 and 7 November 2011. During the outbreak, the team from provincial and central level did culling of poultry, a total of 4,156 birds – 53 chickens, 97 ducks, six geese and 4,000 broilers – were culled."
" There has been one outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the north-west of the country.
The veterinary authority has sent Follow Up Report No. 2 dated 7 November to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report describes a single outbreak of HPAI at a broiler farm at Opong Moan in Battambang province in northwestern Cambodia. The outbreak started on 3 November and in all, 1,050 of the birds in the mixed flock of 5,206 died; the rest have been destroyed.
The presence of the H5N1 subtype of the virus has been confirmed.
The source of infection is not known.
According to the report, the investigation team from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NaVRI) of the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) conducted an investigation in the infected farms and carried out poultry mortality survey around infected farms at the village between 4 and 7 November 2011. During the outbreak, the team from provincial and central level did culling of poultry, a total of 4,156 birds – 53 chickens, 97 ducks, six geese and 4,000 broilers – were culled."
Monday, November 7, 2011
Angola’s polio emergency
Article from SOS Children :
" Angola has called a state of emergency after a 14 month-old boy was diagnosed with Polio.
The boy, who has not been vaccinated, was tested for the virus after his leg became paralysed.
He lives with his parents in a cut off village near the south central African country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where nine polio cases have been reported this year.
The United Nation's children’s agency (Unicef) is warning that it might be the start of an epidemic.
"The province has declared an emergency because last year there were 33 cases of polio in Angola and this year so far there were only four,” said Unicef’s Dr Koen Vanormelingen.
Polio is highly infectious and especially affects young children, and they become paralysed. It is spread through contaminated food and water. Once the virus gets into the digestive system, it multiplies and can spread into the nervous system.
Last year, Angola ran a mass vaccination programme to immunise all its children under five years-old. Children need three to four polio vaccines to be protected against the crippling disease."
" Angola has called a state of emergency after a 14 month-old boy was diagnosed with Polio.
The boy, who has not been vaccinated, was tested for the virus after his leg became paralysed.
He lives with his parents in a cut off village near the south central African country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where nine polio cases have been reported this year.
The United Nation's children’s agency (Unicef) is warning that it might be the start of an epidemic.
"The province has declared an emergency because last year there were 33 cases of polio in Angola and this year so far there were only four,” said Unicef’s Dr Koen Vanormelingen.
Polio is highly infectious and especially affects young children, and they become paralysed. It is spread through contaminated food and water. Once the virus gets into the digestive system, it multiplies and can spread into the nervous system.
Last year, Angola ran a mass vaccination programme to immunise all its children under five years-old. Children need three to four polio vaccines to be protected against the crippling disease."
India : Leptospirosis claimed 186 this year in S Gujarat
Via Times of India :
" The end-of-season figures for leptospirosis in south Gujarat are 186 dead and 962 hospitalised, which is the highest so far.
The bacterial disease is on the rise ever since it surfaced in 1994. The health department is unable to control the number of deaths and infection to farm labourers even after 15 years of special measures being taken in south Gujarat districts.
The disease spreads in humans through discharge of rats and cattle. Carriers of leptospira bacteria, cattle and rats, do not get severely infected but they spread it through urine."
" The end-of-season figures for leptospirosis in south Gujarat are 186 dead and 962 hospitalised, which is the highest so far.
The bacterial disease is on the rise ever since it surfaced in 1994. The health department is unable to control the number of deaths and infection to farm labourers even after 15 years of special measures being taken in south Gujarat districts.
The disease spreads in humans through discharge of rats and cattle. Carriers of leptospira bacteria, cattle and rats, do not get severely infected but they spread it through urine."
US : Why Did Healthy Children Fall Critically Ill in the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic?
Via Yahoo News, excerpt :
" During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, many previously healthy children became critically ill, developing severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, sometimes fatal. The largest nationwide investigation to date of influenza in critically ill children, led by Children's Hospital Boston, found one key risk factor: Simultaneous infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased the risk for flu-related mortality 8-fold among previously healthy children.
Moreover, almost all of these co-infected children were rapidly treated with vancomycin, considered to be appropriate treatment for MRSA. The fact that they died despite this treatment is especially alarming given the rising rates of MRSA carriage among children in the community.
"There's more risk for MRSA to become invasive in the presence of flu or other viruses," says study leader Adrienne Randolph, MD, MsC, of the Division of Critical Care Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston. "These deaths in co-infected children are a warning sign."
" During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, many previously healthy children became critically ill, developing severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, sometimes fatal. The largest nationwide investigation to date of influenza in critically ill children, led by Children's Hospital Boston, found one key risk factor: Simultaneous infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased the risk for flu-related mortality 8-fold among previously healthy children.
Moreover, almost all of these co-infected children were rapidly treated with vancomycin, considered to be appropriate treatment for MRSA. The fact that they died despite this treatment is especially alarming given the rising rates of MRSA carriage among children in the community.
"There's more risk for MRSA to become invasive in the presence of flu or other viruses," says study leader Adrienne Randolph, MD, MsC, of the Division of Critical Care Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston. "These deaths in co-infected children are a warning sign."
New tuberculosis cases in Singapore on the rise
Via Straits Times :
" The number of new cases of tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise among Singaporeans and foreigners.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) was alerted to 2,791 new cases last year, a figure 10.9 per cent higher than the 2,517 in 2009.
Even among residents alone, that is, citizens and permanent residents, the rise is palpable: 795 new cases surfaced between January and June this year."
" The number of new cases of tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise among Singaporeans and foreigners.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) was alerted to 2,791 new cases last year, a figure 10.9 per cent higher than the 2,517 in 2009.
Even among residents alone, that is, citizens and permanent residents, the rise is palpable: 795 new cases surfaced between January and June this year."
India : Govt sets up GoM to tackle encephalitis in UP
Via IBN Live, excerpt :
" Criticised for not doing enough to tackle the killer Encephalitis, the Centre has now formed a GoM to look into the matter. The move comes weeks after after CNN-IBN relentlessly reported on the death of over 500 children in eastern Uttar Pradesh over 90 days.
The encephalitis virus that starts weakening as winter sets in seems to be as strong as ever.
Under heavy criticism for first ignoring this medical emergency and then putting the blame on the UP Government, the Centre has finally decided to act. The govt has set up a GoM headed by health minister Gulam Nabi Azad to come up with steps to deal with the crisis. But the question is - will a GOM actually help?"
" Criticised for not doing enough to tackle the killer Encephalitis, the Centre has now formed a GoM to look into the matter. The move comes weeks after after CNN-IBN relentlessly reported on the death of over 500 children in eastern Uttar Pradesh over 90 days.
The encephalitis virus that starts weakening as winter sets in seems to be as strong as ever.
Under heavy criticism for first ignoring this medical emergency and then putting the blame on the UP Government, the Centre has finally decided to act. The govt has set up a GoM headed by health minister Gulam Nabi Azad to come up with steps to deal with the crisis. But the question is - will a GOM actually help?"
US : One more E coli case confirmed
Via STL Today :
" Another case of E. coli in the St. Louis area was confirmed Sunday by state health officials, bringing to 28 the number of confirmed cases in the current outbreak.
Local, federal and state public health experts continued on Sunday to try to trace the source of the outbreak.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services also is trying to determine if three confirmed cases in Boone County are connected to the St. Louis outbreak.
No deaths or life-threatening illnesses have been reported since the first cases were disclosed late in October in St. Louis and in Jefferson, St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri and St. Clair County in Illinois.
The health department also says that no food samples tested so far have contained E. coli, a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other illnesses."
" Another case of E. coli in the St. Louis area was confirmed Sunday by state health officials, bringing to 28 the number of confirmed cases in the current outbreak.
Local, federal and state public health experts continued on Sunday to try to trace the source of the outbreak.
The state Department of Health and Senior Services also is trying to determine if three confirmed cases in Boone County are connected to the St. Louis outbreak.
No deaths or life-threatening illnesses have been reported since the first cases were disclosed late in October in St. Louis and in Jefferson, St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri and St. Clair County in Illinois.
The health department also says that no food samples tested so far have contained E. coli, a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other illnesses."
India : 5-yr-old dies of suspected dengue
Via Deccan Herald :
" A five-year-old boy, Mahesh, from Mansalapur village near Raichur, died of suspected dengue on Saturday morning.
Mahesh was admitted to VIMS with fever a few days ago.
Mahesh’s death comes close on the heels of nine-year-old Shameera’s death due to suspected dengue in Raichur on Friday morning."
" A five-year-old boy, Mahesh, from Mansalapur village near Raichur, died of suspected dengue on Saturday morning.
Mahesh was admitted to VIMS with fever a few days ago.
Mahesh’s death comes close on the heels of nine-year-old Shameera’s death due to suspected dengue in Raichur on Friday morning."
UK : Universal flu vaccine to end annual jabs
Article via The Telegraph, excerpt :
" A vaccine that could end the need for annual winter flu injections by offering lifelong protection against all strains of the virus has been developed by scientists.
The new universal flu vaccine, which researchers say will only need to be administered once, has been found to be effective against a number of different types of influenza virus, including the deadly avian flu and pandemic swine flu strains.
Flu viruses are highly changeable so elderly people and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to the illness, are currently given new vaccinations each year to ensure they are protected.
Small-scale clinical trials on the new vaccine – known as Flu-v – have shown that it can significantly reduce infection and also cut the severity of symptoms.
Results of the trials will be presented at an international conference this week by SEEK, the London-based drug development company behind the vaccine."
" A vaccine that could end the need for annual winter flu injections by offering lifelong protection against all strains of the virus has been developed by scientists.
The new universal flu vaccine, which researchers say will only need to be administered once, has been found to be effective against a number of different types of influenza virus, including the deadly avian flu and pandemic swine flu strains.
Flu viruses are highly changeable so elderly people and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to the illness, are currently given new vaccinations each year to ensure they are protected.
Small-scale clinical trials on the new vaccine – known as Flu-v – have shown that it can significantly reduce infection and also cut the severity of symptoms.
Results of the trials will be presented at an international conference this week by SEEK, the London-based drug development company behind the vaccine."
India : Rising cases of encephalitis in city; docs unsure of type
Via DNA India, excerpt :
" The rising number of encephalitis cases in Mumbai are becoming a cause for concern, according to city doctors.
Kasturba hospital, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) only infectious disease hospital, is getting 2-3 cases per week.
A senior doctor from the hospital said: “Encephalitis cases are on the rise since the last one month. We have been getting 2-3 cases every week.”
However, the doctors are unsure whether it is encephalitis or Japanese encephalitis which is also a cause of major concern in parts of North India. “Japanese encephalitis is a kind of encephalitis which spreads through the bite of culex mosquito. We are not sure whether the cases in Kasturba hospital are Japanese encephalitis, but the cases are a cause for concern,” said the doctor. Japanese encephalitis has infected 14 people in Delhi so far this year. Interestingly, the hospital hasn’t sent any samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. “Ideally they should have sent the samples to NIV, but it has not been done so far,” he added.
According to the doctor, the patients presently hospitalised in Kasturba hospital are from various parts of the city and some are from outside Mumbai."
" The rising number of encephalitis cases in Mumbai are becoming a cause for concern, according to city doctors.
Kasturba hospital, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) only infectious disease hospital, is getting 2-3 cases per week.
A senior doctor from the hospital said: “Encephalitis cases are on the rise since the last one month. We have been getting 2-3 cases every week.”
However, the doctors are unsure whether it is encephalitis or Japanese encephalitis which is also a cause of major concern in parts of North India. “Japanese encephalitis is a kind of encephalitis which spreads through the bite of culex mosquito. We are not sure whether the cases in Kasturba hospital are Japanese encephalitis, but the cases are a cause for concern,” said the doctor. Japanese encephalitis has infected 14 people in Delhi so far this year. Interestingly, the hospital hasn’t sent any samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. “Ideally they should have sent the samples to NIV, but it has not been done so far,” he added.
According to the doctor, the patients presently hospitalised in Kasturba hospital are from various parts of the city and some are from outside Mumbai."
Rare disease discovered in Tasmania of Australia
Via Xinhua :
" A rare disease never seen in the southern hemisphere before, named tularaemia, has been discovered in Tasmania of Australia, state Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Chrissie Pickin, confirmed on Friday.
Two women contracted tularaemia after being bitten and scratched by sick possums in western Tasmania. While the disease is well known in North America and parts of Europe and Asia, it is believed the Tasmanian case is the first in the southern hemisphere.
Veterinarian Dr James Harris said it has a range of effects on humans.
"It causes a septicemia, an infection which circulates in the blood, and pneumonia and unless it is treated it can be a fatal disease," he said in a statement. "(It can be) treated with antibiotics very successfully."
Pickin said both cases have recovered, and warned people to avoid handling wild animals and see their General Practice if scratched or bitten."
" A rare disease never seen in the southern hemisphere before, named tularaemia, has been discovered in Tasmania of Australia, state Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Chrissie Pickin, confirmed on Friday.
Two women contracted tularaemia after being bitten and scratched by sick possums in western Tasmania. While the disease is well known in North America and parts of Europe and Asia, it is believed the Tasmanian case is the first in the southern hemisphere.
Veterinarian Dr James Harris said it has a range of effects on humans.
"It causes a septicemia, an infection which circulates in the blood, and pneumonia and unless it is treated it can be a fatal disease," he said in a statement. "(It can be) treated with antibiotics very successfully."
Pickin said both cases have recovered, and warned people to avoid handling wild animals and see their General Practice if scratched or bitten."
Death toll from Thailand floods passes 500
Via The Telegraph :
" The death toll from Thailand's worst floods in half a century climbed past 500 on Sunday, as advancing pools of polluted black water threatened Bangkok's subway system and new evacuations were ordered in the sprawling capital.
The latest district added to the government's evacuation list was Chatuchak, home to major public park and an outdoor shopping zone that is a major tourist attraction. The Chatuchak Weekend Market was open but missing many vendors and customers on Sunday as floodwaters poured past the market's eastern edge for a second day.
So far, Bangkok Gov. Sukhumbhand Paribatra has ordered evacuations in 11 of Bangkok's 50 districts, and partial evacuations apply in seven more.
The evacuations are not mandatory, and most people are staying to protect homes and businesses. But the orders illustrate how far flooding has progressed into the city and how powerless the government has been to stop it.
Chatuchak is just a few miles (kilometres) north of Bangkok's central business district, which still is dry. On Sunday, cars sloshed through a flooded road underneath Chatuchak's Mo Chit Skytrain station, the northernmost stop on Bangkok's elevated train system.
Floodwaters also reached roads at three subway stops in northern Bangkok, though both mass transit networks are functioning normally."
" The death toll from Thailand's worst floods in half a century climbed past 500 on Sunday, as advancing pools of polluted black water threatened Bangkok's subway system and new evacuations were ordered in the sprawling capital.
The latest district added to the government's evacuation list was Chatuchak, home to major public park and an outdoor shopping zone that is a major tourist attraction. The Chatuchak Weekend Market was open but missing many vendors and customers on Sunday as floodwaters poured past the market's eastern edge for a second day.
So far, Bangkok Gov. Sukhumbhand Paribatra has ordered evacuations in 11 of Bangkok's 50 districts, and partial evacuations apply in seven more.
The evacuations are not mandatory, and most people are staying to protect homes and businesses. But the orders illustrate how far flooding has progressed into the city and how powerless the government has been to stop it.
Chatuchak is just a few miles (kilometres) north of Bangkok's central business district, which still is dry. On Sunday, cars sloshed through a flooded road underneath Chatuchak's Mo Chit Skytrain station, the northernmost stop on Bangkok's elevated train system.
Floodwaters also reached roads at three subway stops in northern Bangkok, though both mass transit networks are functioning normally."
India : More docs reach malaria-hit Sidhi district
Article via Times of India :
" BHOPAL: Doctors from neighbouring districts were pressed into service in tribal areas of Sidhi district where, 21 persons, mostly children, died due to an outbreak of malaria in the past fortnight in Vindhya region.
"The situation is now under control in Choupal Povai and neighbouring villages. Four temporary medical camps are functioning in the area to identify people suffering from illness and screen the population in the area for malaria parasite infection," Sidhi district administration spokesman said."
" BHOPAL: Doctors from neighbouring districts were pressed into service in tribal areas of Sidhi district where, 21 persons, mostly children, died due to an outbreak of malaria in the past fortnight in Vindhya region.
"The situation is now under control in Choupal Povai and neighbouring villages. Four temporary medical camps are functioning in the area to identify people suffering from illness and screen the population in the area for malaria parasite infection," Sidhi district administration spokesman said."
Friday, November 4, 2011
India : Fear of unknown fever grips villagers
Via Times of India :
" Fear stalks the dusty, pot-holed lanes of Nilkanthapur - a poor village on the East and West Midnapore border, 170 km from Kolkata. A killer virus, that has taken half-a-dozen lives in the last three years, is back to torment the area and its poor inhabitants who have little access to proper healthcare. It could be the deadly Hanta virus or Korean haemorrhagic fever that has a 50% mortality rate, some experts fear.
Even though a confirmation is awaited from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and the School of Tropical Medicine (STM) in Kolkata that had sent teams to collect blood samples from the affected area on Wednesday, the symptoms of the fever that has been striking villagers have been chillingly similar to that of Hanta virus. NIV and STM teams will visit the village on Friday.
Ten-year-old Sudip Jana and his neighbour Nayan Jana, 6, have had a narrow escape. The two young boys, in a critical state, had to be taken to the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Kolkata for treatment. They have survived but still have a low fever that has kept their parents worried and neighbours in anxiety. While Sudip was released a fortnight back, Nayan returned from Kolkata on Thursday. Both are frail and can barely walk."
" Fear stalks the dusty, pot-holed lanes of Nilkanthapur - a poor village on the East and West Midnapore border, 170 km from Kolkata. A killer virus, that has taken half-a-dozen lives in the last three years, is back to torment the area and its poor inhabitants who have little access to proper healthcare. It could be the deadly Hanta virus or Korean haemorrhagic fever that has a 50% mortality rate, some experts fear.
Even though a confirmation is awaited from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and the School of Tropical Medicine (STM) in Kolkata that had sent teams to collect blood samples from the affected area on Wednesday, the symptoms of the fever that has been striking villagers have been chillingly similar to that of Hanta virus. NIV and STM teams will visit the village on Friday.
Ten-year-old Sudip Jana and his neighbour Nayan Jana, 6, have had a narrow escape. The two young boys, in a critical state, had to be taken to the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Kolkata for treatment. They have survived but still have a low fever that has kept their parents worried and neighbours in anxiety. While Sudip was released a fortnight back, Nayan returned from Kolkata on Thursday. Both are frail and can barely walk."
Australia : Westmead - Health alert
Via Parramatta Sun :
" THE Western Sydney Local Health District has urged residents to be alert for the early symptoms of meningococcal disease after two cases were reported in western Sydney recently.
An infant was reportedly in a satisfactory condition at The Children's Hospital at Westmead while an adult required intensive care at an unnamed hospital.
Meningococcal disease is an infection that causes meningitis — inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord — and severe blood infection.
The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour. Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
The health district has also warned parents of a rise in whooping cough in western Sydney this year, particularly in September.
Communicable diseases expert Vicky Sheppeard said there had been 1904 cases of whooping cough reported in the western Sydney and the Nepean-Blue Mountains regions up to September 30 in 2011, compared with 742 for the same period last year."
" THE Western Sydney Local Health District has urged residents to be alert for the early symptoms of meningococcal disease after two cases were reported in western Sydney recently.
An infant was reportedly in a satisfactory condition at The Children's Hospital at Westmead while an adult required intensive care at an unnamed hospital.
Meningococcal disease is an infection that causes meningitis — inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord — and severe blood infection.
The first symptoms of meningococcal disease may include pain in the legs, cold hands and feet and abnormal skin colour. Babies with the infection can be irritable, not feed properly and have an abnormal cry.
The health district has also warned parents of a rise in whooping cough in western Sydney this year, particularly in September.
Communicable diseases expert Vicky Sheppeard said there had been 1904 cases of whooping cough reported in the western Sydney and the Nepean-Blue Mountains regions up to September 30 in 2011, compared with 742 for the same period last year."
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