The latest H1N1 update from Malaysia's Ministry of Health, excerpt with my translation :
" For the week 24/2010 (13 - June 19, 2010), seven (7) new ILI cluster cases was reported from four (4) states as shown in Appendix 1. In the previous week, a total of three (3) ILI clusters have been reported.
In the same week, a total of 586 new patients with symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) have been admitted to hospitals for treatment as compared to 771 patients in the previous week, a decline of 24.0%. The remaining cases that are still being treated across the country on the last day of week 24/2010 (June 19, 2010) are 404 cases in 55 hospitals including 11 private hospitals.
Of these, only 49 patients or 12.1% were cases of Influenza A (H1N1) which was confirmed by laboratory tests. For the record, there are 10 cases of H1N1 being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and eight (8) of them are individuals who have risk factors.
The numbers of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in the same week are 81 cases compared to a total of 119 cases in the previous week, a decline of 31.9%, bringing the cumulative number of positive cases of influenza A (H1N1) to date to 15,152.
No new fatalities were reported, bringing the total remaining at 88 cases."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Taiwan : Physician, 62, dies of H1N1
Via The China Post :
" TAIPEI, Taiwan : A 62-year-old physician with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes died last Friday of complications of type A H1N1 influenza, the first doctor in Taiwan to die from the virus.
The doctor, who practiced medicine in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung area, was sent to a medical center June 13 after developing symptoms such as coughing up phlegm. Two days later the patient, who was not vaccinated against either seasonal or the H1N1 flu, was diagnosed with H1N1 influenza.
The attending physician prescribed Tamiflu but the patient did not take the drug, possibly due to concern of its side effects, until it was strongly recommended June 16. That was apparently too late, however, as the patient's condition had worsened and he began to suffer from pulmonary edema the same day.
The patient died June 18 and was the 43th casualty to the H1N1 flu in Taiwan."
" TAIPEI, Taiwan : A 62-year-old physician with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes died last Friday of complications of type A H1N1 influenza, the first doctor in Taiwan to die from the virus.
The doctor, who practiced medicine in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung area, was sent to a medical center June 13 after developing symptoms such as coughing up phlegm. Two days later the patient, who was not vaccinated against either seasonal or the H1N1 flu, was diagnosed with H1N1 influenza.
The attending physician prescribed Tamiflu but the patient did not take the drug, possibly due to concern of its side effects, until it was strongly recommended June 16. That was apparently too late, however, as the patient's condition had worsened and he began to suffer from pulmonary edema the same day.
The patient died June 18 and was the 43th casualty to the H1N1 flu in Taiwan."
JAMA - Locally Acquired Dengue—Key West, Florida, 2009-2010
Via JAMA, a long but very informative report, excerpt :
" Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral disease in the world, causing an estimated 50-100 million infections and 25,000 deaths each year. During 1946-1980, no cases of dengue acquired in the continental United States were reported. Since 1980, a few locally acquired U.S. cases have been confirmed along the Texas-Mexico border, temporally associated with large outbreaks in neighboring Mexican cities.
On September 1, 2009, a New York physician notified the Monroe County (Florida) Health Department (MCHD) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) of a suspected dengue case in a New York state resident whose only recent travel was to Key West, Florida. CDC confirmed the diagnosis, and a press release was issued to notify the public and Key West physicians of the potential risk for locally acquired dengue infections. In the next 2 weeks, two dengue infections in Key West residents without recent travel were reported and confirmed.
Subsequently, enhanced and active surveillance identified 24 more Key West cases during 2009. On April 13, 2010, another Key West dengue case was reported to FDOH, bringing the total to 28. This report describes the first three dengue cases reported in 2009, briefly summarizes the 2010 case, highlights preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation, and outlines measures used to mitigate and control the outbreak. Clinicians should include dengue in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses in patients who live in or have recently traveled to subtropical areas of the United States or to the tropics."
" Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral disease in the world, causing an estimated 50-100 million infections and 25,000 deaths each year. During 1946-1980, no cases of dengue acquired in the continental United States were reported. Since 1980, a few locally acquired U.S. cases have been confirmed along the Texas-Mexico border, temporally associated with large outbreaks in neighboring Mexican cities.
On September 1, 2009, a New York physician notified the Monroe County (Florida) Health Department (MCHD) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) of a suspected dengue case in a New York state resident whose only recent travel was to Key West, Florida. CDC confirmed the diagnosis, and a press release was issued to notify the public and Key West physicians of the potential risk for locally acquired dengue infections. In the next 2 weeks, two dengue infections in Key West residents without recent travel were reported and confirmed.
Subsequently, enhanced and active surveillance identified 24 more Key West cases during 2009. On April 13, 2010, another Key West dengue case was reported to FDOH, bringing the total to 28. This report describes the first three dengue cases reported in 2009, briefly summarizes the 2010 case, highlights preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation, and outlines measures used to mitigate and control the outbreak. Clinicians should include dengue in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses in patients who live in or have recently traveled to subtropical areas of the United States or to the tropics."
India : Rise in number of H1N1 cases likely during monsoon
Via Indian Express :
" A rise in the number of cases of HINI virus (swine flu) is likely during the monsoons. According to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Director Dr A C Mishra, the weather conditions are conducive to viral transmission but there is no reason to panic as the strain is similar to that of last year, with no mutation. The beginning of the academic year has seen three students being infected while last year a total of 947 students had been infected in varying age groups and 17 had died.
The Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Pune branch, is of the opinion that the vaccine should be used for prevention of the HINI virus. Dr Shishir Modak, president of the Pune unit of IAP, said the vaccine for the paediatric age group should be available by July and the present one ‘Flu Vac’ should be taken by adults, including the high-risk group. "
" A rise in the number of cases of HINI virus (swine flu) is likely during the monsoons. According to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Director Dr A C Mishra, the weather conditions are conducive to viral transmission but there is no reason to panic as the strain is similar to that of last year, with no mutation. The beginning of the academic year has seen three students being infected while last year a total of 947 students had been infected in varying age groups and 17 had died.
The Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Pune branch, is of the opinion that the vaccine should be used for prevention of the HINI virus. Dr Shishir Modak, president of the Pune unit of IAP, said the vaccine for the paediatric age group should be available by July and the present one ‘Flu Vac’ should be taken by adults, including the high-risk group. "
India : Steps to combat A(H1N1) in district
Via The Hindu :
" Thiruvananthapuram: The district health administration, as part of strengthening the precautionary measures against A(H1N1), has reached the drug Tamiflu to all primary health centres.
All field-level health workers, ASHA, anganwadi activists are being trained to look out for possible symptoms of H1N1 infection and inform the health authorities to take necessary measures , District Medical Officer N. Sridhar said.A meeting convened by Director of Health Services M.K. Jeevan and Additional DHS (Public Health) P.P. Aravindan here decided to coordinate special measures at the district-level to combat the rising incidence of H1N1 infection.
As part of a special scheme being implemented to educate schools to watch out for H1N1 infection among children, communications have been sent to all schools through the Deputy Director of Education to hold a special assembly on June 24 to disseminate information on H1N1 among children and make them more alert against the infection."
" Thiruvananthapuram: The district health administration, as part of strengthening the precautionary measures against A(H1N1), has reached the drug Tamiflu to all primary health centres.
All field-level health workers, ASHA, anganwadi activists are being trained to look out for possible symptoms of H1N1 infection and inform the health authorities to take necessary measures , District Medical Officer N. Sridhar said.A meeting convened by Director of Health Services M.K. Jeevan and Additional DHS (Public Health) P.P. Aravindan here decided to coordinate special measures at the district-level to combat the rising incidence of H1N1 infection.
As part of a special scheme being implemented to educate schools to watch out for H1N1 infection among children, communications have been sent to all schools through the Deputy Director of Education to hold a special assembly on June 24 to disseminate information on H1N1 among children and make them more alert against the infection."
India : H1N1 kills 1 more
Via Deccan Chronicle, the whole report :
" Hyderabad, June 22: A 28-year-old woman died of swine flu at Gandhi Hospital here on Monday.
The victim, Zoynaz, a Medak resident, had been suffering from fever and got admitted to the local hospital in Medak district and was later referred to the AP Chest Hospital.
Zoynaz, who was pregnant, instead of going to the chest hospital, got admitted to a private hospital and gave birth to a still baby.
The hospital management reportedly hid the fact that she had swine flu."
" Hyderabad, June 22: A 28-year-old woman died of swine flu at Gandhi Hospital here on Monday.
The victim, Zoynaz, a Medak resident, had been suffering from fever and got admitted to the local hospital in Medak district and was later referred to the AP Chest Hospital.
Zoynaz, who was pregnant, instead of going to the chest hospital, got admitted to a private hospital and gave birth to a still baby.
The hospital management reportedly hid the fact that she had swine flu."
Russia : Health Chief Warns of Flu, Virus Eruptions
Via The Moscow Times :
" Russia's chief sanitary doctor warned of outbreaks of flu and intestinal viruses in the next few months and urged people to fight the illnesses by getting more sleep and quitting smoking.
Gennady Onishchenko, head of the Federal Consumer Protection Service, said Russia would be caught in a flu epidemic in September and October that might include the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.
The virus has killed 16,900 people around the world, including several in Russia, and sickened many others since surfacing in April 2009.
In Russia, people should "prepare seriously and with a feeling of full responsibility" for the flu outbreak, Onishchenko said at a news conference, Interfax reported.
Onishchenko called on people to take vitamins, quit drinking and smoking, get seven to nine hours of sleep every night and lead a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of catching flu.
Onishchenko also predicted an outbreak of intestinal viruses that affect the central nervous system in the summer. One of the intestinal viruses is polio. "
" Russia's chief sanitary doctor warned of outbreaks of flu and intestinal viruses in the next few months and urged people to fight the illnesses by getting more sleep and quitting smoking.
Gennady Onishchenko, head of the Federal Consumer Protection Service, said Russia would be caught in a flu epidemic in September and October that might include the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.
The virus has killed 16,900 people around the world, including several in Russia, and sickened many others since surfacing in April 2009.
In Russia, people should "prepare seriously and with a feeling of full responsibility" for the flu outbreak, Onishchenko said at a news conference, Interfax reported.
Onishchenko called on people to take vitamins, quit drinking and smoking, get seven to nine hours of sleep every night and lead a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of catching flu.
Onishchenko also predicted an outbreak of intestinal viruses that affect the central nervous system in the summer. One of the intestinal viruses is polio. "
Honduras : Honduran gov't declares emergency for dengue
Via Xinhua :
"TEGUCIGALPA, June 22 : The Honduran government declared on Tuesday an emergency state due to the increase of dengue cases, a disease which has killed nine people this year in the country.
Acting President Victor Hugo Barnica, after a ministers council meeting, announced that an Inter-institutional Commission of the Emergency for the Dengue Prevention and Control was established to deal with the situation.
President Porfirio Lobo is absent for supporting its national soccer team in South Africa."
"TEGUCIGALPA, June 22 : The Honduran government declared on Tuesday an emergency state due to the increase of dengue cases, a disease which has killed nine people this year in the country.
Acting President Victor Hugo Barnica, after a ministers council meeting, announced that an Inter-institutional Commission of the Emergency for the Dengue Prevention and Control was established to deal with the situation.
President Porfirio Lobo is absent for supporting its national soccer team in South Africa."
Philippines : DOH-CHD6 issues alert on dengue
Via Balita :
" ILOILO CITY, June 22 : With the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office here has raised the alarm over the ongoing spread of dengue fever, mostly brought about by bites of daytime aedes egypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
DOH regional director Ariel Valencia said the warning must be heeded by parents of children as dengue cases continue to rise in Iloilo and in the rest of Western Visayas. Valencia said that dengue has become a year-round public health threat and continues to hold its position as an infectious disease with far reaching effects regionwide and nationwide.
Valencia said that dengue prevention and control is a community action and involvement of the different agencies and the private sector. The DOH advises the public to strictly follow the practice of cleaning the surroundings and to properly dispose of their tin cans, empty bottles, used tires and other containers so that these do not become mosquito-breeding places.
On the other hand, the DOH-CHD WV strongly promotes the 4-S campaign: Searching and destroying possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes; wearing long Sleeved shirts and pants for protection; Seeking health professionals for a fever that lasts two days or more; and Saying no to indiscriminate fogging.
There are 126 recorded dengue cases in Iloilo City while the province of Iloilo has 231 cases and 2 deaths. The total number of cases in Western Visayas reached 1,309 from January 1 to May 8, 2010 as per the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (RESU) Report."
" ILOILO CITY, June 22 : With the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office here has raised the alarm over the ongoing spread of dengue fever, mostly brought about by bites of daytime aedes egypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
DOH regional director Ariel Valencia said the warning must be heeded by parents of children as dengue cases continue to rise in Iloilo and in the rest of Western Visayas. Valencia said that dengue has become a year-round public health threat and continues to hold its position as an infectious disease with far reaching effects regionwide and nationwide.
Valencia said that dengue prevention and control is a community action and involvement of the different agencies and the private sector. The DOH advises the public to strictly follow the practice of cleaning the surroundings and to properly dispose of their tin cans, empty bottles, used tires and other containers so that these do not become mosquito-breeding places.
On the other hand, the DOH-CHD WV strongly promotes the 4-S campaign: Searching and destroying possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes; wearing long Sleeved shirts and pants for protection; Seeking health professionals for a fever that lasts two days or more; and Saying no to indiscriminate fogging.
There are 126 recorded dengue cases in Iloilo City while the province of Iloilo has 231 cases and 2 deaths. The total number of cases in Western Visayas reached 1,309 from January 1 to May 8, 2010 as per the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (RESU) Report."
Hong Kong : HFMD and EV71 situation update
Press Release from Hong Kong's Department of Health :
" A spokesman for the Department of Health said reports about 14 hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) institutional outbreaks were received during the 24 hours ending at noon today (June 22).
No new report of enterovirus 71 infection was received during the period.
This brings to 450 the cumulative total number of HFMD institutional outbreaks in 2010.
The new school and institutional outbreaks were in Central and Western, Eastern District, Wan Chai, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin and Tai Po.
Two schools are closed due to HFMD outbreaks.
More information about the current status of HFMD is available from a daily situation report published by the CHP on its website, www.chp.gov.hk ."
" A spokesman for the Department of Health said reports about 14 hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) institutional outbreaks were received during the 24 hours ending at noon today (June 22).
No new report of enterovirus 71 infection was received during the period.
This brings to 450 the cumulative total number of HFMD institutional outbreaks in 2010.
The new school and institutional outbreaks were in Central and Western, Eastern District, Wan Chai, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin and Tai Po.
Two schools are closed due to HFMD outbreaks.
More information about the current status of HFMD is available from a daily situation report published by the CHP on its website, www.chp.gov.hk ."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
India : One-year-old succumbs to H1N1 virus
Via Times of India :
" MUMBAI: The dreaded H1N1 virus claimed the life of a one-year-old child on Sunday morning, rekindling fears of the potency of the virus that was believed to have become dormant. With this, the total number of swine flu related deaths has gone up to three this month.
The virus has already claimed 62 lives in Maharashtra since April this year. The child, a resident of Dharavi, was taken to the civic-run Sion hospital on Thursday evening where he was administered Tamiflu, said doctors.
“The boy was gasping for breath so we did not want to waste anytime and put him on a course of Tamiflu,’’ said paediatrician Dr Preeti Shanbag of Sion hospital, who treated him. She added that his throat swab was collected and sent for examination at the PCR laboratory in Kasturba Hospital.
“We got his reports by Saturday evening that confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus. But, his condition had already deteriorated by then,’’ said Shanbag. She added that Tamiflu works best if it is administered within 48 hours of showing the swine flu symptoms. Any dose after that may not be much beneficial. BMC’s executive health officer Dr Girish Ambe said that the child was suffering from fever at least five days prior to his admission at the Sion hospital.
Ambe, however, did not have any information if the family members had taken him to any other doctor before admitting him to the hospital. “By the time he was brought here, he was breathless and was immediately put on a ventilator,’’ he said. On Monday, his family members were asked to take a course of Tamiflu for five days.
" MUMBAI: The dreaded H1N1 virus claimed the life of a one-year-old child on Sunday morning, rekindling fears of the potency of the virus that was believed to have become dormant. With this, the total number of swine flu related deaths has gone up to three this month.
The virus has already claimed 62 lives in Maharashtra since April this year. The child, a resident of Dharavi, was taken to the civic-run Sion hospital on Thursday evening where he was administered Tamiflu, said doctors.
“The boy was gasping for breath so we did not want to waste anytime and put him on a course of Tamiflu,’’ said paediatrician Dr Preeti Shanbag of Sion hospital, who treated him. She added that his throat swab was collected and sent for examination at the PCR laboratory in Kasturba Hospital.
“We got his reports by Saturday evening that confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus. But, his condition had already deteriorated by then,’’ said Shanbag. She added that Tamiflu works best if it is administered within 48 hours of showing the swine flu symptoms. Any dose after that may not be much beneficial. BMC’s executive health officer Dr Girish Ambe said that the child was suffering from fever at least five days prior to his admission at the Sion hospital.
Ambe, however, did not have any information if the family members had taken him to any other doctor before admitting him to the hospital. “By the time he was brought here, he was breathless and was immediately put on a ventilator,’’ he said. On Monday, his family members were asked to take a course of Tamiflu for five days.
Indonesia : No Area of East Jakarta Free from Dengue Fever
Via Berita Jakarta :
" It seems that the efforts of East Jakarta government to combat dengue fever have not run optimally. The sluggish outcome is clearly indicated by the absence of urban village categorized as green zone, or the area free from dengue fever.
East Jakarta Health Agency reveals that during this year there have been 4,622 dengue fever cases recorded, with none of the total 65 urban villages in the municipality declared as green zone; while the red zone covers 32 urban villages and yellow zone includes the rest of 33 urban villages.
Some of the red zone areas are Bambuapus, Ceger, Batuampar, Kampungmelayu, and Kayumanis urban villages; and the yellow ones are Cililitan, Pisanganbaru, Cibubur, Cipinangmelayu, and Cakungbarat urban villages. "
" It seems that the efforts of East Jakarta government to combat dengue fever have not run optimally. The sluggish outcome is clearly indicated by the absence of urban village categorized as green zone, or the area free from dengue fever.
East Jakarta Health Agency reveals that during this year there have been 4,622 dengue fever cases recorded, with none of the total 65 urban villages in the municipality declared as green zone; while the red zone covers 32 urban villages and yellow zone includes the rest of 33 urban villages.
Some of the red zone areas are Bambuapus, Ceger, Batuampar, Kampungmelayu, and Kayumanis urban villages; and the yellow ones are Cililitan, Pisanganbaru, Cibubur, Cipinangmelayu, and Cakungbarat urban villages. "
Zimbabwe : Vet to conduct Avian Flu surveillance
Via Sunday News :
" THE Veterinary Services Department has chosen Hwange District in Matabeleland North Province as a site to conduct a surveillance of the devastating poultry disease, Avian Influenza (Bird flu), an official has said.I
n an interview Matabeleland North Veterinary Provincial Projects Co-ordinator, Dr Lovemore Dube said there is need to put requisite measures to guard against the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza.Last week the Food and Agriculture Organisation held a workshop in Hwange in which veterinary officials and 15 farmers drawn from Hwange and Binga Districts underwent a surveillance and sampling technique course on Avian Influenza.
Two years ago a devastating Avian Influenza outbreak hit China and was even felt in some parts of Africa.“Hwange District was chosen as a site for the surveillance of Avian Influenza because it suits certain conditions for the entry of the disease into the country though it has not yet surfaced."
" THE Veterinary Services Department has chosen Hwange District in Matabeleland North Province as a site to conduct a surveillance of the devastating poultry disease, Avian Influenza (Bird flu), an official has said.I
n an interview Matabeleland North Veterinary Provincial Projects Co-ordinator, Dr Lovemore Dube said there is need to put requisite measures to guard against the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza.Last week the Food and Agriculture Organisation held a workshop in Hwange in which veterinary officials and 15 farmers drawn from Hwange and Binga Districts underwent a surveillance and sampling technique course on Avian Influenza.
Two years ago a devastating Avian Influenza outbreak hit China and was even felt in some parts of Africa.“Hwange District was chosen as a site for the surveillance of Avian Influenza because it suits certain conditions for the entry of the disease into the country though it has not yet surfaced."
India : 7 cases of swine flu confirmed
Via The Hindu, the whole report :
" Seven cases of A(H1N1) influenza were confirmed in Thrissur district on Monday.
Three of the patients were admitted to the District Hospital here and the rest to private hospitals, health officials said. Of the patients, three are women.
In all, 23 cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported in the district so far.
A case each of dengue fever and typhoid were also reported.
Girl dies of fever
A girl died of suspected fever at a private hospital here on Monday. Five-year-old Sreenanda, a first standard student in a school in Potta, was admitted to a hospital in Chalakudy last Thursday when she ran a temperature. When the fever did not subside, she was shifted to a hospital in Thrissur city, relatives said."
" Seven cases of A(H1N1) influenza were confirmed in Thrissur district on Monday.
Three of the patients were admitted to the District Hospital here and the rest to private hospitals, health officials said. Of the patients, three are women.
In all, 23 cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported in the district so far.
A case each of dengue fever and typhoid were also reported.
Girl dies of fever
A girl died of suspected fever at a private hospital here on Monday. Five-year-old Sreenanda, a first standard student in a school in Potta, was admitted to a hospital in Chalakudy last Thursday when she ran a temperature. When the fever did not subside, she was shifted to a hospital in Thrissur city, relatives said."
Macao : Over 116,000 inoculated against A/H1N1
Via Xinhua :
" MACAO, June 21 : A total of 116,252 people in Macao have been inoculated with the A/H1N1 vaccine so far, Macao's Health Bureau said on Monday.
The Bureau recorded two cases of A/H1N1 flu in the past one week, bringing the total number of such cases to 3,619 since June 18, 2009, of which two patients died.
Previously,the Macao region government has announced that it has purchased some 700,000 doses of A/H1N1 vaccines,and local medical staff,children,old people and patients with chronic disease were among the group of local people who were firstly inoculated with these vaccines."
" MACAO, June 21 : A total of 116,252 people in Macao have been inoculated with the A/H1N1 vaccine so far, Macao's Health Bureau said on Monday.
The Bureau recorded two cases of A/H1N1 flu in the past one week, bringing the total number of such cases to 3,619 since June 18, 2009, of which two patients died.
Previously,the Macao region government has announced that it has purchased some 700,000 doses of A/H1N1 vaccines,and local medical staff,children,old people and patients with chronic disease were among the group of local people who were firstly inoculated with these vaccines."
Study shows pigeons are reservoirs of harmful bugs
Via Reuters, a report which we need to pay attention to :
" Scientists studying pigeons have found that the often reviled urban bids that dominate city squares around the world carry two disease-causing bugs that make them a public health hazard.
The findings of the study by a team of researchers in Spain show that although these bacteria can be harmful to humans, they appear to cause no harm to the birds themselves.
As a result, pigeons -- often dubbed "rats with wings" by those who suspect them of spreading disease -- can act as living "reservoirs" for some harmful bugs, the scientists said.
"Animals that live in close contact with humans can be dangerous reservoirs of human pathogens," wrote Fernando Esperon from the Animal Health Research Centre in Madrid, who led the study. "These birds may therefore pose a public health risk to the human population.
"Inhabitants of cities from London to Venice to New York to San Francisco tend to have a love-hate relationship with the millions of urban pigeons that dominate city plazas, street-side cafes and monuments. Their droppings plaster Trafalgar square in London, St Mark's square in Venice, and Times Square in New York, where they peck endlessly at crumbs or leftover food."
" Scientists studying pigeons have found that the often reviled urban bids that dominate city squares around the world carry two disease-causing bugs that make them a public health hazard.
The findings of the study by a team of researchers in Spain show that although these bacteria can be harmful to humans, they appear to cause no harm to the birds themselves.
As a result, pigeons -- often dubbed "rats with wings" by those who suspect them of spreading disease -- can act as living "reservoirs" for some harmful bugs, the scientists said.
"Animals that live in close contact with humans can be dangerous reservoirs of human pathogens," wrote Fernando Esperon from the Animal Health Research Centre in Madrid, who led the study. "These birds may therefore pose a public health risk to the human population.
"Inhabitants of cities from London to Venice to New York to San Francisco tend to have a love-hate relationship with the millions of urban pigeons that dominate city plazas, street-side cafes and monuments. Their droppings plaster Trafalgar square in London, St Mark's square in Venice, and Times Square in New York, where they peck endlessly at crumbs or leftover food."
Monday, June 21, 2010
Singapore : Avian flu jabs for Jurong Bird Park flamingos
Via Channel News Asia :
" SINGAPORE: It's not just humans who are getting flu jabs. The Jurong Bird Park is vaccinating its birds to protect them against the bird flu.
Dr Melodiya Magno, a veterinarian at Jurong Bird Park, said: "There's a need to vaccinate the birds in the Bird Park because the danger of bird flu is something that is real. For bird-to-human (transmission), there is a chance, but it can be rare.
"But we are vaccinating (the birds) because...if it (the virus) is transmitted from bird to bird, it can cause a lot of mortalities, like 90 to 100 percent for H5N1."
It costs less than $1,000 to vaccinate all 8,000 birds in the Bird Park every year. But the job is time-consuming and tedious. Still, the Bird Park has been taking this exercise seriously for the past five years."
" SINGAPORE: It's not just humans who are getting flu jabs. The Jurong Bird Park is vaccinating its birds to protect them against the bird flu.
Dr Melodiya Magno, a veterinarian at Jurong Bird Park, said: "There's a need to vaccinate the birds in the Bird Park because the danger of bird flu is something that is real. For bird-to-human (transmission), there is a chance, but it can be rare.
"But we are vaccinating (the birds) because...if it (the virus) is transmitted from bird to bird, it can cause a lot of mortalities, like 90 to 100 percent for H5N1."
It costs less than $1,000 to vaccinate all 8,000 birds in the Bird Park every year. But the job is time-consuming and tedious. Still, the Bird Park has been taking this exercise seriously for the past five years."
Laos : Bird flu confirmed
Via Meat Trade News Daily :
" The country's veterinary authorities sent follow-up report no.2 on Monday, 14 June, due to reoccurence of the disease. According to the report, active surveillance was conducted in a 5-km-radius zone around the infected farm.
During the active surveillance, no new cases were observed. In addition to clinical observation, 192 sera and 152 cloacal swabs were collected from healthy poultry within this zone and submitted to the National Animal Health Centre laboratory for testing.
The test results revealed that all samples were negative for avian influenza. On 27 May 2010, the surveillance zone was lifted. Restocking is still on the standstill and under supervision of the veterinary authority. The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive."
" The country's veterinary authorities sent follow-up report no.2 on Monday, 14 June, due to reoccurence of the disease. According to the report, active surveillance was conducted in a 5-km-radius zone around the infected farm.
During the active surveillance, no new cases were observed. In addition to clinical observation, 192 sera and 152 cloacal swabs were collected from healthy poultry within this zone and submitted to the National Animal Health Centre laboratory for testing.
The test results revealed that all samples were negative for avian influenza. On 27 May 2010, the surveillance zone was lifted. Restocking is still on the standstill and under supervision of the veterinary authority. The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive."
India : Swine flu isolation wards to be revived
Via The Hindu :
" HYDERABAD: With the re-emergence of swine flu and other viral diseases due to rains, the government has decided to revive the isolation wards for swine flu patients in all the 11 teaching hospitals and 17 district hospitals in the State. It has also decided to re-activate 24/7 epidemic cell in the Health Directorate here from Monday.
While there was no cause for panic in the wake of two deaths caused by swine flu, the government was alert and fully prepared to tackle the situation, Health Secretary P. V. Ramesh said on Sunday. Asserting that there would be no let-up in meeting the situation, he appealed to people not to get alarmed and visit the nearest notified government or private hospital if flu symptoms persisted and became severe."
" HYDERABAD: With the re-emergence of swine flu and other viral diseases due to rains, the government has decided to revive the isolation wards for swine flu patients in all the 11 teaching hospitals and 17 district hospitals in the State. It has also decided to re-activate 24/7 epidemic cell in the Health Directorate here from Monday.
While there was no cause for panic in the wake of two deaths caused by swine flu, the government was alert and fully prepared to tackle the situation, Health Secretary P. V. Ramesh said on Sunday. Asserting that there would be no let-up in meeting the situation, he appealed to people not to get alarmed and visit the nearest notified government or private hospital if flu symptoms persisted and became severe."
Nigeria - Cholera: 21 Killed, 86 Hospitalised
Via This Day Online :
" No fewer than 21 persons have lost their lives and 86 others lying critically ill in private health care facilities in Adamawa State following an outbreak of cholera in the state.
The outbreak of cholera which has ravaged about six local government council areas of the state in the past one week, is compounded by the strike action of the state workers , which is now in the second week.
The killer disease characterized by severe vomiting and acute diarrhea has claimed 11 lives inNuman local government council area of the state since the its outbreak, while reports in the statebroadcasting corporation, monitored in Yola,said 10 others have lost their lives in Wuro Hausa, a suburb,in Yola South Local Government Area of the state.
The disease, according to findings in Numan council area, has continued to wreak havoc on the physical condition of the people without abating for weeks, a development which attracted the attention of Laori Kwamoti, a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly representing Numan.
Kwamoti,confirmed the outbreak at the weekend saying five adults and four children were lying critically ill at the Numan General Hospital."
" No fewer than 21 persons have lost their lives and 86 others lying critically ill in private health care facilities in Adamawa State following an outbreak of cholera in the state.
The outbreak of cholera which has ravaged about six local government council areas of the state in the past one week, is compounded by the strike action of the state workers , which is now in the second week.
The killer disease characterized by severe vomiting and acute diarrhea has claimed 11 lives inNuman local government council area of the state since the its outbreak, while reports in the statebroadcasting corporation, monitored in Yola,said 10 others have lost their lives in Wuro Hausa, a suburb,in Yola South Local Government Area of the state.
The disease, according to findings in Numan council area, has continued to wreak havoc on the physical condition of the people without abating for weeks, a development which attracted the attention of Laori Kwamoti, a member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly representing Numan.
Kwamoti,confirmed the outbreak at the weekend saying five adults and four children were lying critically ill at the Numan General Hospital."
Thailand - MOPH: Dengue fever rampant in South
A report released from Thailand's Ministry of Health via Siam Daily News :
" Dengue fever is still rampant in the South of Thailand, infecting mostly children, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Permanent-Secretary for Public Health MD Paichit Warachit stated that dengue fever and malaria in the South were found to be more rampant than other regions due to higher rainfalls and floods. He said that the foremost priority was to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and to educate children on how to prevent themselves.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that 218 patients have been infected with dengue fever in Chaiyaphum province since the beginning of 2009. Most of the patients are children from 10-14 years old. At present, up to 6 people in the province are infected per week. Local schools have thus organized activities to raise children’s awareness of the disease in order for their own protection.
Dengue fever is a virus transmitted through mosquitoes, causing symptoms of headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash."
" Dengue fever is still rampant in the South of Thailand, infecting mostly children, according to the Ministry of Public Health.
Permanent-Secretary for Public Health MD Paichit Warachit stated that dengue fever and malaria in the South were found to be more rampant than other regions due to higher rainfalls and floods. He said that the foremost priority was to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and to educate children on how to prevent themselves.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that 218 patients have been infected with dengue fever in Chaiyaphum province since the beginning of 2009. Most of the patients are children from 10-14 years old. At present, up to 6 people in the province are infected per week. Local schools have thus organized activities to raise children’s awareness of the disease in order for their own protection.
Dengue fever is a virus transmitted through mosquitoes, causing symptoms of headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands and rash."
India : A(H1N1) claims three more lives
Via The Hindu, this reports a fatality due to dengue too :
" Thiruvananthapuram: The Influenza A (H1N1) infection has claimed three more lives in the State, taking the total death toll during the second spell of the infection to 25. All three deaths were reported from Thiruvananthapuram
The deaths, confirmed as due to H1N1, are of Sreelakshmi (29), of Kazhakuttam, who died at the Medical College hospital here on June 18; Mini Rajesh (34) of Pallikkal who died on June 19 at Gokulam Medical College and Simi (22) of Edava, who had been pregnant and who died while under treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram MCH.
Thirty new cases of H1N1 were also confirmed in the State on Sunday.
These include 12 cases reported from Thiruvananthapuram, six from Kozhikode, two each from Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Wayanad, three cases from Malappuram and one case from Idukki.
Teacher dies of dengue
Staff Reporter writes from Kozhikode: A 36-year old schoolteacher, C.B. Sirajudheen, died of suspected dengue fever at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Sunday. Sirajudheen, a teacher at Kongallur ALP School, had been undergoing treatment at various private hospitals for the past four days.
However, officials of the District Health Department said that they were yet to confirm the exact cause of death."
" Thiruvananthapuram: The Influenza A (H1N1) infection has claimed three more lives in the State, taking the total death toll during the second spell of the infection to 25. All three deaths were reported from Thiruvananthapuram
The deaths, confirmed as due to H1N1, are of Sreelakshmi (29), of Kazhakuttam, who died at the Medical College hospital here on June 18; Mini Rajesh (34) of Pallikkal who died on June 19 at Gokulam Medical College and Simi (22) of Edava, who had been pregnant and who died while under treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram MCH.
Thirty new cases of H1N1 were also confirmed in the State on Sunday.
These include 12 cases reported from Thiruvananthapuram, six from Kozhikode, two each from Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Wayanad, three cases from Malappuram and one case from Idukki.
Teacher dies of dengue
Staff Reporter writes from Kozhikode: A 36-year old schoolteacher, C.B. Sirajudheen, died of suspected dengue fever at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Sunday. Sirajudheen, a teacher at Kongallur ALP School, had been undergoing treatment at various private hospitals for the past four days.
However, officials of the District Health Department said that they were yet to confirm the exact cause of death."
Sunday, June 20, 2010
India : Three more flu deaths in State
Via The Hindu, more fatalities being reported, the full report :
" Thiruvananthapuram: Two persons from Kollam district died of influenza A(H1N1) on Saturday, while one death reported on Friday from Pathanamthitta was confirmed as caused by the flu. Twenty-five more cases of the infection were reported in the State.
While six fresh cases were reported from Malappuram, five each were confirmed in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam and three each from Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kannur reported one case each.
Nisha, 21, a native of Kakode in Punalur died at the Government Medical College Hospital on Saturday. Pappan Mathew, 70, from Karimthottuva, Kollam, died at Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam. Anish, 29, hailing from Mezhuveli, Pathanamthitta, died at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla."
" Thiruvananthapuram: Two persons from Kollam district died of influenza A(H1N1) on Saturday, while one death reported on Friday from Pathanamthitta was confirmed as caused by the flu. Twenty-five more cases of the infection were reported in the State.
While six fresh cases were reported from Malappuram, five each were confirmed in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam and three each from Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kannur reported one case each.
Nisha, 21, a native of Kakode in Punalur died at the Government Medical College Hospital on Saturday. Pappan Mathew, 70, from Karimthottuva, Kollam, died at Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam. Anish, 29, hailing from Mezhuveli, Pathanamthitta, died at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla."
Canadian Experts Share H1N1 Pandemic's Lessons
Via OHS :
" A roundtable hosted by CSA Standards produced a whitepaper suggesting how to prepare for the next one, with emphasis on vaccine development and PPE.
Canada's 2006 pandemic response plan worked fairly well when the H1N1 pandemic arrived last year, participants at a national roundtable organized by CSA Standards concluded recently. A whitepaper based on the conclusions by the panelists -- health care and emergency specialists, first responders, and representatives of nursing organizations and health care administrators -- was released June 8.
The mildness of the H1N1 pandemic may have given Canadians a false sense of security about the potential devastating impact of future pandemics," said Dr. Allan Holmes, the roundtable's moderator and a pandemic planning expert. "CSA Roundtable participants were unanimous in stressing that 2009 should not be used as the new yardstick for future pandemic preparedness planning. We must remain vigilant in ensuring our pandemic plans continue to evolve as the threat of a more moderate or severe pandemic is always a possibility."
" A roundtable hosted by CSA Standards produced a whitepaper suggesting how to prepare for the next one, with emphasis on vaccine development and PPE.
Canada's 2006 pandemic response plan worked fairly well when the H1N1 pandemic arrived last year, participants at a national roundtable organized by CSA Standards concluded recently. A whitepaper based on the conclusions by the panelists -- health care and emergency specialists, first responders, and representatives of nursing organizations and health care administrators -- was released June 8.
The mildness of the H1N1 pandemic may have given Canadians a false sense of security about the potential devastating impact of future pandemics," said Dr. Allan Holmes, the roundtable's moderator and a pandemic planning expert. "CSA Roundtable participants were unanimous in stressing that 2009 should not be used as the new yardstick for future pandemic preparedness planning. We must remain vigilant in ensuring our pandemic plans continue to evolve as the threat of a more moderate or severe pandemic is always a possibility."
India : 3 infected with swine flu
Via Express Buzz :
" HYDERABAD : After claiming the life of 30-year-old D Appanna in Visakhapatnam yesterday, swine flu, whom every one had seemed to put out of mind with a sigh of relief, has begun working up a panic again.
There are three patients in Hyderabad now undergoing treatment, including one who is on ventilator. And there has been unconfirmed news of a death in a corporate hospital and that the medical authorities are trying to trace the deceased's relatives.
According to experts, the sudden spurt is probably on account of conditions favourable to the virus. "Usually the virus spreads rapidly when day temperatures are low and this could be one reason why there are a greater number of swine flu cases now," a doctor said. Of the three in hospital, one is a pregnant woman from Zaheerabad in Medak district who is on ventilator in Gandhi Hospital.
Another afflicted person is a 30 year old in the isolation ward in the Chest Hospital. Returning from a visit to Singapore with his doctor wife on June 15, he began exhibiting symptoms and was quarantined. Today, it was confirmed that he was suffering from H1N1. His wife has been isolated at home.
The third victim a 67yearold woman from Mahaboobnagar is also under treatment."
" HYDERABAD : After claiming the life of 30-year-old D Appanna in Visakhapatnam yesterday, swine flu, whom every one had seemed to put out of mind with a sigh of relief, has begun working up a panic again.
There are three patients in Hyderabad now undergoing treatment, including one who is on ventilator. And there has been unconfirmed news of a death in a corporate hospital and that the medical authorities are trying to trace the deceased's relatives.
According to experts, the sudden spurt is probably on account of conditions favourable to the virus. "Usually the virus spreads rapidly when day temperatures are low and this could be one reason why there are a greater number of swine flu cases now," a doctor said. Of the three in hospital, one is a pregnant woman from Zaheerabad in Medak district who is on ventilator in Gandhi Hospital.
Another afflicted person is a 30 year old in the isolation ward in the Chest Hospital. Returning from a visit to Singapore with his doctor wife on June 15, he began exhibiting symptoms and was quarantined. Today, it was confirmed that he was suffering from H1N1. His wife has been isolated at home.
The third victim a 67yearold woman from Mahaboobnagar is also under treatment."
Economic crisis 'must not disrupt vaccine programme'
Via BBC News :
" The global economic crisis must not be allowed to interfere with the delivery of new vaccines to the developing world, a global health body has warned.
The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (Gavi) says it needs more than $4bn (£3bn) by 2015.
This would enable it to continue existing programmes and roll out new vaccines against diarrhoea and pneumonia.
But there are fears donors may want to cut back in the current climate.
Many developing countries now have, with foreign assistance, built up the infrastructure so that routine immunisations can now be offered to up to 80% of the world's poorest children.
Saving money
Gavi, a public-private partnership which draws together organisations including the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the vaccine industry, is now trying to secure funding for 15 countries to add further vaccines to those existing programmes."
" The global economic crisis must not be allowed to interfere with the delivery of new vaccines to the developing world, a global health body has warned.
The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations (Gavi) says it needs more than $4bn (£3bn) by 2015.
This would enable it to continue existing programmes and roll out new vaccines against diarrhoea and pneumonia.
But there are fears donors may want to cut back in the current climate.
Many developing countries now have, with foreign assistance, built up the infrastructure so that routine immunisations can now be offered to up to 80% of the world's poorest children.
Saving money
Gavi, a public-private partnership which draws together organisations including the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the vaccine industry, is now trying to secure funding for 15 countries to add further vaccines to those existing programmes."
Honduras : Dengue affects 11,000 people
Via Irish Sun :
" Around 11,000 people have been infected with dengue and at least 10 have died in Honduras, which has led authorities to announce a red alert across the country.
Over 10,780 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the country, and 461 of them are cases of haemorrhagic dengue fever, with people under 19 years of age being the main victims, Tomas Guevara, head of Epidemiologic Surveillance in the public health ministry, said Saturday.
The number of beds in hospitals will be increased, more medical personnel will be assigned to health centres and capacity in laboratories for blood tests will be increased, authorities said.
Mario Roberto Ramos, head of internal medicine at the Seguro Social Hospital in Tegucigalpa, said the wards were already full and there was not enough space to take in more patients.
'Before, these cases were coming sporadically, but now, we are receiving from 10 to 15 patients daily,' Ramos was quoted as saying by Prensa Latina.
Public health personnel have been asked to set up tents with stretchers, which will be put up around the hospitals to take care of patients in a more stable condition."
" Around 11,000 people have been infected with dengue and at least 10 have died in Honduras, which has led authorities to announce a red alert across the country.
Over 10,780 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the country, and 461 of them are cases of haemorrhagic dengue fever, with people under 19 years of age being the main victims, Tomas Guevara, head of Epidemiologic Surveillance in the public health ministry, said Saturday.
The number of beds in hospitals will be increased, more medical personnel will be assigned to health centres and capacity in laboratories for blood tests will be increased, authorities said.
Mario Roberto Ramos, head of internal medicine at the Seguro Social Hospital in Tegucigalpa, said the wards were already full and there was not enough space to take in more patients.
'Before, these cases were coming sporadically, but now, we are receiving from 10 to 15 patients daily,' Ramos was quoted as saying by Prensa Latina.
Public health personnel have been asked to set up tents with stretchers, which will be put up around the hospitals to take care of patients in a more stable condition."
Hong Kong : Vigilance urged against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
A press release from Hong Kong's DOH :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has today (June 19) urged the public to stay vigilant against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) during its current high season as a report of neurological complications due to enterovirus (EV) infection was received.
The patient was a nine-year-old boy with good past health who presented with hand, foot and mouth disease in late May.
On June 16, he developed headache followed by fever, lower limb weakness, limping gait and drowsiness in the next three days.
The boy attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on June 19 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The clinical diagnosis was meningoencephalitis. He is now in critical condition.
Throat and rectal specimens from the boy were tested positive for enterovirus (EV) 71."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has today (June 19) urged the public to stay vigilant against Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) during its current high season as a report of neurological complications due to enterovirus (EV) infection was received.
The patient was a nine-year-old boy with good past health who presented with hand, foot and mouth disease in late May.
On June 16, he developed headache followed by fever, lower limb weakness, limping gait and drowsiness in the next three days.
The boy attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on June 19 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The clinical diagnosis was meningoencephalitis. He is now in critical condition.
Throat and rectal specimens from the boy were tested positive for enterovirus (EV) 71."
Russia : In Tuva in 85 dead birds found bird flu
Another article, this time from Russia which I used Google Translate on. A bird flu outbreak, excerpt :
" In the region of Tuva Ovyurskogo introduced state of emergency because of the risk of avian influenza.
Service of veterinary supervision Tuva found hotbed of infection of avian influenza on the lake Uvs Nuur on the border with Mongolia. The specialists went to the scene and found 85 dead bodies of birds.Service vetnadzora Tuva identified the bird flu virus in dead birds, reported to Interfax-Siberia ", the press service of the Tuva government.
Experts have already begun their disposal.
To localize the infection created a synthesis of anti detachment, which on June 15 went to the lake.Experts put their carcass birds in deep pits and burned.After the destruction of the pit will be backfilled, enclosed by barbed wire and equipped with warning signs. Telephone communications with participants of the detachment there, the latest data on the development of the disease will be known no earlier than June 25."
" In the region of Tuva Ovyurskogo introduced state of emergency because of the risk of avian influenza.
Service of veterinary supervision Tuva found hotbed of infection of avian influenza on the lake Uvs Nuur on the border with Mongolia. The specialists went to the scene and found 85 dead bodies of birds.Service vetnadzora Tuva identified the bird flu virus in dead birds, reported to Interfax-Siberia ", the press service of the Tuva government.
Experts have already begun their disposal.
To localize the infection created a synthesis of anti detachment, which on June 15 went to the lake.Experts put their carcass birds in deep pits and burned.After the destruction of the pit will be backfilled, enclosed by barbed wire and equipped with warning signs. Telephone communications with participants of the detachment there, the latest data on the development of the disease will be known no earlier than June 25."
Vietnam : Hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Thua Thien - Hue
An article from Vietnam which I used Google Translate to get the English version :
" Hue Central Hospital said hot weather and erratic showers should dengue fever outbreak in Thua Thien - Hue.
In Pediatrics, the average per day from 200 to 250 children to visit, have individual on up to 500 children, of which 30 to 40 children are hospitalized for inpatient treatment. Particularly in the first 15 days in May and June, at pediatric received more than 300 dengue fever patients, most of hemorrhage at 1 and 2 degrees, more cases to be closely monitored for shock timely treatment.
According to doctors pediatrics - Hue Central Hospital and characteristics of dengue fever is now more severe, more complicated, there are 10 patients on prolonged fever, coma, respiratory failure soon , when complications have liver, kidney, brain."
" Hue Central Hospital said hot weather and erratic showers should dengue fever outbreak in Thua Thien - Hue.
In Pediatrics, the average per day from 200 to 250 children to visit, have individual on up to 500 children, of which 30 to 40 children are hospitalized for inpatient treatment. Particularly in the first 15 days in May and June, at pediatric received more than 300 dengue fever patients, most of hemorrhage at 1 and 2 degrees, more cases to be closely monitored for shock timely treatment.
According to doctors pediatrics - Hue Central Hospital and characteristics of dengue fever is now more severe, more complicated, there are 10 patients on prolonged fever, coma, respiratory failure soon , when complications have liver, kidney, brain."
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