India, Punjab : Two die of dengue, toll touches 4

Via The Indian Express :

" With two more dengue deaths, the toll in Ludhiana touched four on Tuesday while the number of patients in the district has touched 733 this season. As many as eight new patients were confirmed with dengue from different parts of the city on Tuesday.

The two dengue victims have been identified as 30-year-old Khanna and a 12-year-old girl from Giaspura. Both died in CMCH. The new patients who had been confirmed with dengue are from Dana Mandi, one each from Daad, Bharti Colony, Field Gunj, Kochar Market and Haibowal Kalan. District epidemiologist Dr Anil Verma said that the number of patients have reduced by one third due to the dip in temperature."

Hong Kong : Additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang notified by NHFPC

Press release from Hong Kong's CHP :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has been notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang affecting a woman aged 64.

The patient became ill on October 30 and is currently receiving treatment in hospital in critical condition. Her sample tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon testing by the relevant health authority of Zhejiang and the case was subsequently confirmed.

To date, a total of 138 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been laboratory confirmed in the Mainland, including Zhejiang (49 cases), Shanghai (33 cases), Jiangsu (28 cases), Jiangxi (six cases), Fujian (five cases), Anhui (four cases), Henan (four cases), Shandong (two cases), Hunan (two cases), Beijing (two cases), Guangdong (two cases) and Hebei (one case).

A spokesman for the DH remarked that the CHP is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close liaison with the Mainland health authorities for case details, as well as keeping a close eye on the latest advice from the World Health Organization (WHO)."

Cambodian toddler dies of bird flu, bringing cases to 23 so far this year

Via Xinhua :

" A two-year-old girl from northwestern Pursat province died late last month from the H5N1 virus, bringing the number of the cases to 23 so far this year, a joint statement by the World Health Organization and the Cambodian Health Ministry said Monday.

Only 11 cases out of this year's 23 cases survived, the statement said.

The little girl was confirmed positive for human H5N1 avian influenza after she was admitted to the Jayavarman VII Hospital in Siem Reap province on Oct. 25 with fever, running nose, lethargy, dyspnea, cough and breathing difficulties.

"The girl died on Oct. 26," the statement said.

"Investigations in her village found that two months before the girl's illness, poultry had suddenly died at her grandparent's house, and the child often stayed with her grandparent in this house," it said.

"Human and animal investigations are underway to determine if the girl had direct exposure or handled the dead chickens."

Malaysia hit hard by dengue virus

Via The Star :

" The country saw the highest number of dengue cases in a single week this year with 1,680 cases recorded from Oct 20 to 26, with Selangor bearing the brunt of the assault by the Aedes mosquito.

Selangor had the largest increase with 1,142 cases, up by 272 cases from the previous week.

From Jan 1 to Oct 26, a total of 28,707 cases has been recorded, which represents a 58% increase compared to the corresponding period last year, said the Health Ministry in a statement on Friday.

The Health Ministry is concerned as the weekly cases this year, at more than 900, is more than twice of last year’s weekly average of 400.

The analysis for Selangor (up to June) noted that it hosted 323 of the 408 dengue hotspots nationwide, with 26 high risk areas found in the Petaling district, 19 in Hulu Langat, eight in Gombak and one in Sepang.

The rest of the outbreak areas were located primarily in Johor (37) and Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya (16), with the rest spread out over the other remaining states.

Johor saw 167 cases of dengue last week, while Perak had 64.

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya remained steady over the last two weeks with 60 cases."

Hong Kong : Patient with respiratory symptoms and travel history under CHP investigation

Press release from Hong Kong's CHP :

"   The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification from Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) today (October 31) of a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome affecting a 25-year-old man. 

The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital today for fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough with sputum. He was subsequently transferred to TMH for further management under isolation.

Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between October 4 and 28. He arrived in Hong Kong on October 29 after transit in Qatar.

His chest X-ray is clear. He is currently in stable condition.

He had no contact with animals nor patients during his visit. His travel collaterals and home contacts have remained asymptomatic.

The patient's respiratory specimens will be taken for preliminary laboratory tests by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism at public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at the airport for any suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome."

Little girl becomes 22nd bird flu victim in Cambodia in 2013

Via Xinhua :

" A six-year-old girl from northwestern Battambang province has been confirmed of having contracted the H5N1 virus, which brings the number of the cases to 22 so far this year, a joint statement by the World Health Organization and the Cambodian Health Ministry said Friday.

The little girl was confirmed positive for human H5N1 avian influenza last week after she was admitted to the Jayavarman VII Hospital in Siem Reap province with fever, cough, abdominal pain, running nose, sore throat and dyspnea.

"The girl has been treated with Tamiflu and now, her condition is stable," the statement said.

"Investigations in her village found that chickens and ducks had recently died in the girl's neighbors' houses and also in nearby villages," it said. "Human and animal investigations are underway to determine if the girl had direct exposure or handled the sick and dead birds."

Only 11 out of the 22 cases this year survived."

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update

From WHO :

"  WHO has been informed of an additional four laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). These include the first laboratory-confirmed case from Oman and three additional laboratory-confirmed cases from Saudi Arabia.

The patient in Oman is a 68-year-old man from Al Dahkliya region who became ill on 26 October 2013 and was hospitalized on 28 October 2013. Preliminary epidemiological investigations revealed that he did not recently travel outside the country. However, investigations are currently ongoing to determine what exposures might be responsible for his infection

Of the three patients including one death reported from the Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia, one is a woman and two are men. The three patients, one of whom is a health care worker, had underlying medical conditions. Their ages range from 49 to 83 years old. All three patients reported having no contact with animals prior to their illness, while one patient was reported to have been in contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 149 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 63 deaths."

India, Karnataka : Nine more cholera cases in Holalu; swine flu reported

Via The Hindu :

" The waterborne disease has spread to neighbouring Vaddara Koppalu and Panakana Halli.

While the authorities concerned are taking steps to curb the spread of cholera in Holalu village in Mandya taluk, a case of influenza A (H1N1) virus, commonly known as swine flu, has been reported in Mandya city.

In Holalu village, nine more cases of cholera were reported on Wednesday. The waterborne disease has spread to neighbouring Vaddara Koppalu and Panakana Halli.

Mandya District Health Officer T.N. Marigowda, while confirming the swine flu case in Mandya city, said Jayamma (55), wife of Chowda Shetty, is undergoing treatment at BGS Apollo Hospital in Mysore.

In view of A (H1N1) case, the Mandya district administration has intensified surveillance in the locality."

West Australia first dengue fever case in 70 years

From Yahoo News :

" Western Australia has recorded its first locally-acquired case of dengue fever in more than 70 years.

The Health Department said a Pilbara man contracted the potentially deadly virus after being bitten by a mosquito at Point Samson, about 55km north-east of Karratha.

The department said it was most likely that an infected mosquito "hitched a ride" in a suitcase on a ship or a vehicle travelling from north Queensland, where outbreaks occur periodically."

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update

From WHO :

" WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Qatar.

The patient is a 23-year-old man who was identified as a close contact of a previously laboratory-confirmed case as part of the epidemiological investigation. He is a worker in the animal barn owned by the previously laboratory-confirmed case. The man developed mild symptoms of illness and is in good condition. Preliminary investigations revealed that he did not recently travel outside the country.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 145 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 62 deaths.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns."

Trinidad and Tobago : Swine flu patients still in London hospital

Via News Day :

" The three Trinidadians who contracted the H1N1 virus (swine flu) while on their recent pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia are still being treated at a London hospital.

Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan told the media yesterday based on the latest information he had from the TT High Commission in London, England one of the patients is in the Intensive Care Unit of the University College London Hospital, another is being treated on the ward, and the third is under observation.

The patient in the ICU is Madree Swamad, who together with her husband Earl Swamad, were on the pilgrimage. On Sunday, Khan told Newsday a notice was put out for all those who were on the tour group."

MERS update: 3 more Saudi cases, 1 in Qatar

From Robert Roos at CIDRAP :

" Three more Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases, apparently including a fatal one, were reported in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, while Qatar reported an asymptomatic case in a foreigner in the country, according to government statements and news reports.

A machine-translated statement from the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), apparently issued on Oct 26, said the new cases all occurred in the Eastern province. The cases involve:

An 83-year-old citizen who had contact with a confirmed case-patient, had chronic illnesses, and was in an intensive care unit (ICU)

A 54-year-old resident healthcare worker with chronic illnesses who was in stable condition in an ICU

A 49-year-old citizen, also in stable condition in an ICU

In an English-language statement dated yesterday, the MOH announced that an 83-year-old in the Eastern region who had "many chronic diseases" died of MERS-CoV. The patient appears to be the same 83-year-old whose case was announced a day earlier."

India, Hyderabad : Viral fevers, HFMD on the rise

Via The Hindu :

" It is not just the cases of swine flu and dengue that are being detected in large numbers. Health officials, senior paediatricians and general practitioners are also indicating a rise in viral fevers and the prevalence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among children below five years this season.

While the typical symptoms of viral fevers are cough, cold, fever and body pains, the HFMD is characterised by mild illness, red spots on hands and legs, sore throat and mouth ulcers. Caused by virus, HFMD, however, is self-limiting and doctors point out that children will be able to recover within a week and there are no serious complications.

“Most of the viral fevers among children and even adults spread through touch and frequent hand washing is mandatory. There is no specific vaccine for HFMD, but there are flu shots for specific respiratory infections such as pneumonia. HFMD will subside on its own and there is no need for parents to panic,” advises in-charge Professor, Paediatrics, Gandhi Hospital, M. Vasudeva Murali."

Qatar : Expat tests positive for MERS virus

Via The Peninsula :

" A 23-year-old expatriate has been tested positive for the deadly corona virus — Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) — in the latest confirmed case of the disease in the country. 

This is the first case in the country involving a non-Qatari, which takes the total number of 

people infected by the disease to seven. 


The Supreme Council of Health (SCH), while announcing the new case yesterday said that a 

citizen, who was recently declared MERS patient has recovered and left the hospital. The SCH 

said that the new case was discovered during epidemic investigation procedures and the 

patient showed no symptoms of the disease. His condition is stable. 


The patient was checked and diagnosed of the illness at the National Influenza Laboratory.  

All those who came into contact with the patient were also checked and the initial results show 

that none has been infected, said the SCH statement.

India : Type 2 dengue virus predominant in Pune

Article via Times of India :

" The dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) is currently predominant among the three serotypes of the virus co-circulating in Pune, scientists at the city-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) have found.

DENV-2 causes severe infection. The scientists identified the serotype in a molecular study on 51 blood samples till October of dengue-infected patients from Pune. 

"Of these, DENV-2 was the causative agent in 35 cases, DENV-1 in 11 samples and DENV-3 in five samples. 

Therefore, DENV-2 is currently the predominant dengue strain. DENV-3 was predominant during July and August, but now it is DENV-2," said Cecilia Dayaraj, head of the dengue research group at the NIV.

As far as virulence of different serotypes is considered, it is believed that DENV-2 is associated more often with dengue haemorrhagic fever that occurs in secondary infections."

India : 2,136 dengue cases in Rajasthan so far, highest since 2007

Via Times of India :

" The state is witnessing a spurt in dengue cases with at least 2,136 persons already been tested positive for the disease this year. This is the highest figure in the past seven years and has surpassed the figure of 2010 when 1,823 persons were tested positive.

The health department has put the blame on the weather. "The rain started early this year and it continued till October, creating a breeding ground for Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Our teams are constantly carrying out activities to check the spread of dengue," said a health official.

In fact, in the past seven years, the dengue cases never touched 2000-mark. In 2007, there were only 540 cases which rose to 682 in 2008. In 2009, there were 1,389 cases which rose to 1,823 cases in 2010. However, in 2011, it came down to 1,072 cases but started constantly increasing as in 2012, there were 1,295 cases which reached 2,136 cases so far this year."

New China H7N9 bird flu cases 'signal potential winter epidemic'

Via Reuters, excerpt :

" Fresh human cases in eastern China of a deadly new strain of bird flu signal the potential for "a new epidemic wave" of the disease in coming winter months, scientists said on Thursday.

The strain, known as H7N9, emerged for the first time in humans earlier this year and killed around 45 of the some 135 people it infected before appearing to peter out in China During the summer.

But a new case in October in a 35-year-old man from China's eastern Zhejiang province shows that the virus "has re-emerged in winter 2013" and "indicates a possible risk of a larger outbreak of H7N9 this winter," according to Chinese researchers writing in the online journal Euro surveillance.

Flu experts around the world have been warning that despite the marked drop off in cases during the summer months, the threat posed by H7N9 bird flu has not passed."

Nicaragua : Declare red alert for dengue

Machine translated article from El Nuevo Diario :

" Nicaragua's government today declared red alert for dengue epidemic, which has killed 13 people and affected nearly 5,000 people in the country.

In an official ceremony held in Managua, Government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo, next to the Health Minister, Sonia Castro decree reported health red alert because of dengue, which according to the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO , is more aggressive. 's government ordered the National Health Committee, formed by the health authorities, the Municipal Mayors, SINAPRED and Youth Councils contribute counteract campaigns for dengue disease in homes."

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update

From WHO :

" The National Health and Family Planning Commission, China notified WHO of a new laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.

The patient is a 67-year-old man from Zhejiang Province. He is a farmer, and has had contact with live poultry. He became ill on 16 October 2013, was admitted to a local township hospital on 18 October 2013, and was transferred to another hospital on 21 October 2013 as his condition deteriorated. He is currently in a critical condition.

To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 137 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection including 45 deaths. Currently, four patients are hospitalized and 88 have been discharged. So far, there is no evidence of sustainable human-to-human transmission."

Venezuela recorded 41,938 dengue cases

Machine translated article from El Nuevo Diario :

" Venezuela recorded 41,938 dengue cases so far this year, 499 of them from the hemorrhagic variant of the disease, 26.9% more than the same time last year (33,040 cases), according to the latest epidemiological bulletin for the Ministry of Health.

The newsletter for the week of 6 to 12 in October, said that dengue is a disease that are on "alert status" along with acute respiratory infections, influenza, animal rabies and malaria, among other .

He noted that of the 23 states plus the District Capital that are Venezuela, only Amazon (south), Barinas (southwest) and Cojedes (center) have a tendency to "down" in terms of number of cases, while the other is " ascending ".

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update

From WHO :

" WHO has been informed of two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Saudi Arabia on 18 and 19 October 2013, and three laboratory-confirmed cases in 18 September 2013.

Of the five laboratory-confirmed cases, two died. The ages of the five patients range from 35 to 83 years old; four men and one woman; two from Medinah and three Riyadh. Four patients had underlying medical conditions. Two patients reported having no contact with a laboratory-confirmed case or with animals prior to becoming ill.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 144 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 62 deaths.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.

Health care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations."

Saudi Arabia : Man, 54, dies of MERS in Jubail

Via Arab News :

" A Jubail citizen who had been infected with the coronavirus died two days ago in one of the city’s hospitals, bringing the death toll from the virus to 52. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called MERS-CoV. The virus first appeared in Jubail last week when the 121st case in the Kingdom was reported.

The Ministry of Health said in a recent statement that the 54-year-old citizen came from the Riyadh province. He had not traveled outside the Eastern and Riyadh Provinces prior to contracting the virus.

The victim had suffered several chronic diseases and was admitted to the hospital’s primary care. This is the first case to be recorded in Jubail since the outbreak of the virus, a source at the Health Ministry confirmed."

Australia : Another bird flu outbreak near Young

Via ABC News :

" The NSW Department of Primary Industries says there's been a second outbreak of bird flu (avian influenza) near Young, in south-west New South Wales.

It says the outbreak is likely to have been passed on from the first outbreak in the area last week, where culling of 400,000 chickens has just been completed.

Initial testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute confirmed the virus earlier today and the infected property has been placed under strict quarantine.

The department says tests are being carried out to try to confirm the origin of the latest incidence, but it's the H7 strain, not the H5N1 strain that's dangerous to humans."

India, Andhra Pradesh : Six test positive for swine flu; 1 in ICU

Via Times of India :

" Six confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported in Mahbubnagar district in the past one week.

While two patients were admitted in Gandhi hospital in Hyderabad, a 45-year-old woman was admitted in the ICU. The first swine flu case in the season was reported at Thudukurthy village of Nagarkurnool mandal in Mahbubnagar district a week ago. 

Following this, five more cases were reported from the village in the last three days including that of a government doctor.Confirming this, Mahbubnagar District Medical and Health Officer Dr Rukminamma said two people had tested positive for swine flu."

China reports new human H7N9 bird flu case

Via Xinhua :

" A new human H7N9 bird flu case was reported on Wednesday in east China's Zhejiang Province, the second in China this autumn, according to the provincial health authority.

The patient, identified by his sirname as Chen, 67, tested positive for the virus at the Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said a statement by the authority.

A farmer from the city of Jiaxing, Chen first showed flu symptoms on Oct. 16. He is now in a serious condition and receiving treatment at a local hospital.

His is the second H7N9 case in China this month. The first, reported on Oct. 15, was also in Zhejiang. The patient, a 35-year-old man from Shaoxing county, remains in a critical condition."

China reports second H7N9 bird flu case in October

Via Reuters :

" China confirmed a new human case of the deadly H7N9 strain of bird flu on Wednesday, the second infection reported in October after a summer lull.

A 67-year-old farmer in Jiaxing city in the eastern province of Zhejiang has been hospitalised with the virus, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing provincial health authorities.

Zhejiang has recorded the highest number of H7N9 infections anywhere in China."

India, Pune : 53-year-old woman succumbs to dengue

Via Times of India :

" The official dengue death toll rose to seven with the death of a 53-year-old woman from Erandwane at Sanjeevan Hospital here on Tuesday.

The total number of people tested positive with dengue virus has jumped to 496 with 11 people testing positive for dengue antibody test on Tuesday.

Shirin Shirish Gumaste had developed high grade fever with chills from October 19. 

"Besides fever, she also had symptoms like facial puffiness with a rash and pain in the abdomen," said a civil health official."

Cambodia reports 21st bird flu case in 2013

Via Xinhua :

" An eight-year-old girl from Cambodia's eastern Kampong Thom province has been confirmed for the H5N1 virus, bringing the number of the cases to 21 so far this year, a joint statement by the World Health Organization and the Cambodian Health Ministry said Tuesday.

The little girl was confirmed positive for human H5N1 avian influenza last week after she was admitted to the Jayavarman VII Hospital in Siem Reap province with fever, cough, vomiting and dyspnea, the statement said.

"The girl has been treated with Tamiflu and her condition is now stable," it said.

"Investigations revealed that the girl had come into direct contact with dead poultry when she helped prepare a meal from a chicken that had died earlier," it added.

Only 10 out of the 21 cases this year survived."

India, Mumbai : ​735 dengue patients in Mumbai this month

Via Times of India, excerpt :

" The extent to which dengue has spread in the city became clear on Tuesday when BMC officials gave out, for the first time, figures of patients treated in both private and public hospitals. 

As against 578 dengue patients treated in public hospitals from January to September, BMC officers on Tuesday revealed that this month had seen 735 patients.

The dengue outbreak in the city has cost 11 lives so far, prompting the BMC to call in experts from Delhi’s National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and the National Institure of Malarial Research from Goa.

Till Tuesday this month, 615 dengue patients were treated in private hospitals and 120 in public hospitals."

Dengue epidemic in Nicaragua rebounded with thousands of infections

Machine translated article from El Nuevo Diario :

" The dengue epidemic in Nicaragua rebounded nearly a dozen deaths and nearly five thousand people infected so far this year, medical sources said on Tuesday to official media.

The Director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (MoH), Carlos Saenz, said the country is witnessing "a slight increase in cases" and urged people to increase hygiene measures.

During 2013, health authorities have confirmed nine deaths from the disease, mostly children and teenagers. Among the victims are a 16-year-old gave birth and died just days later.

In addition, some 4,900 people have been infected with dengue in Nicaragua and currently there are 57 patients hospitalized, according to official figures."