Via Sunatimes :
" Baidabo: Seven children under the age of ten are reported to have died in the Labatan Jirow district in the Bay region of southern Somalia. It is believed that an outbreak of cholera has caused the death of the minors.
Twelve other children are currently suffering from the water born disease in the same district. The deaths have been reported and recorded in the last twelve hours only.
Sheikh Hassan Abdi Nur, who is the district commissioner of Labatan Jirow, told the press in Baidabo that the number of people affected by Cholera in the district is increasing after every hour. He said the outbreak of the disease has become a great worry for both residents and his administration.
Sheikh Hassan, who is also known as Sheikh Saydheelow, also said that there are no medical facilities and services in the district.
Most of the patients, who are mainly children, have been taken to the Baidabo General Hospital for treatment.The district commissioner of Labatan Jirow urged the local business community, Al-shabab leaders and the NGOs operating in the Bay region to help in providing medical aid and food relief."
Thursday, July 22, 2010
India : Malaria cases rise three fold in state
Via Times Of India :
" JAIPUR: The onset of monsoon heralds an outbreak of malaria as nearly 300 cases were reported in the last one week in the state. On an average, nearly 100 cases surfaced during the first week of July.
However, in the last three weeks, nearly 1,000 cases have been recorded in the state. The number of malaria cases is one-third this year, compared to the last year.
However, the sudden spurt in the cases has become a headache for the health officials. According to department officials nearly 3,700 cases have been registered in the state during 2010 while around 1,000 of these have been reported in July.
The incidence of water-borne diseases have also been on the rise over the past weeks. Multiple instances of water-borne diseases have been reported across the state.
After Kota, Jaipur, Alwar and Pali, there were also reports of water-borne diseases from Nagaur district. "
" JAIPUR: The onset of monsoon heralds an outbreak of malaria as nearly 300 cases were reported in the last one week in the state. On an average, nearly 100 cases surfaced during the first week of July.
However, in the last three weeks, nearly 1,000 cases have been recorded in the state. The number of malaria cases is one-third this year, compared to the last year.
However, the sudden spurt in the cases has become a headache for the health officials. According to department officials nearly 3,700 cases have been registered in the state during 2010 while around 1,000 of these have been reported in July.
The incidence of water-borne diseases have also been on the rise over the past weeks. Multiple instances of water-borne diseases have been reported across the state.
After Kota, Jaipur, Alwar and Pali, there were also reports of water-borne diseases from Nagaur district. "
India : 4-year-old girl dies of swine flu in Pandesara
Via Times of India :
" SURAT: A four-year-old girl, who was under treatment for swine flu, died here on Wednesday afternoon. Muskan Gopal Singh was admitted to Surat Municipal Institute of Medical and Education Research (SMIMER) at 10 pm on Tuesday in a severe condition.
Furthermore, recent history of the victim shows no visit outside the city. She might have got infected within the city itself, doctors attending to her said. Muskan, a resident of Bhakti Nagar in Pandesara, was in a very serious condition when admitted to the hospital.
Although the swine flu infection was confirmed only on Wednesday, she was given medication for the virus soon after her admission. But, the treatment could not help. Samples of four other suspected swine flu patients were tested, but were found negative. "
" SURAT: A four-year-old girl, who was under treatment for swine flu, died here on Wednesday afternoon. Muskan Gopal Singh was admitted to Surat Municipal Institute of Medical and Education Research (SMIMER) at 10 pm on Tuesday in a severe condition.
Furthermore, recent history of the victim shows no visit outside the city. She might have got infected within the city itself, doctors attending to her said. Muskan, a resident of Bhakti Nagar in Pandesara, was in a very serious condition when admitted to the hospital.
Although the swine flu infection was confirmed only on Wednesday, she was given medication for the virus soon after her admission. But, the treatment could not help. Samples of four other suspected swine flu patients were tested, but were found negative. "
Mexico worried by rise in hemorrhagic dengue
A report from the Associated Press :
" MEXICO CITY : Mexico is facing a sort of perfect storm of floods that breed mosquitoes, prompting a big increase in the number of hemorrhagic dengue cases, the country's top epidemiological official said Wednesday.
The disease's Type 2 strain, which makes people who have already had the Type 1 variant more vulnerable to developing the hemorrhagic form, is now in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz and moving north toward the region on the U.S. border.
Type 1 is already present in border states like Tamaulipas, which suffered extensive flooding in the weeks after Hurricane Alex made landfall June 30.
"It is possible, if not this year then next, for (Type 2) to reach Tamaulipas," said Miguel Angel Lezana, director of the National Epidemiological Center.
Veracruz borders Tamaulipas to the south.
Cases of the milder, classic form of dengue fever in Mexico have declined slightly since 2009. But the more serious hemorrhagic form has spiked to about 1,900 cases this year, compared with about 1,430 in the same period of 2009."
" MEXICO CITY : Mexico is facing a sort of perfect storm of floods that breed mosquitoes, prompting a big increase in the number of hemorrhagic dengue cases, the country's top epidemiological official said Wednesday.
The disease's Type 2 strain, which makes people who have already had the Type 1 variant more vulnerable to developing the hemorrhagic form, is now in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz and moving north toward the region on the U.S. border.
Type 1 is already present in border states like Tamaulipas, which suffered extensive flooding in the weeks after Hurricane Alex made landfall June 30.
"It is possible, if not this year then next, for (Type 2) to reach Tamaulipas," said Miguel Angel Lezana, director of the National Epidemiological Center.
Veracruz borders Tamaulipas to the south.
Cases of the milder, classic form of dengue fever in Mexico have declined slightly since 2009. But the more serious hemorrhagic form has spiked to about 1,900 cases this year, compared with about 1,430 in the same period of 2009."
Philippines : 8 die, 118 hospitalized from dengue in Ilocos Sur
Another report from Balita, this time it's about dengue :
" VIGAN CITY, July 21 : Eight persons died from at least 126 persons afflicted with dengue fever cases registered in Ilocos Sur from January 1 this year to date (July 21), according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Rogelio Varilla,DOH Dengue and Malaria Provincial Operation Officer, however, said that as compared to the same period last year, there was noticeable significant decrease of dengue cases this year.
From January to July 2009, the total dengue cases reported was 288 cases with seven deaths. However, from January to July 21, 2010, the total dengue cases reported was only 126 cases with 8 deaths or a decrease of 162.
However, there were more casualties recorded this year at eight as compared to only seven for the same period last year.
The deaths due to dengue from January to July this year came from the towns of Bantay, Cabugao, Sinait, Tagudin and Vigan City, one each; and Sta. Maria, three.
Sinait registered 26 cases of dengue, Sta. Cruz, 16; Sta. Maria, 15; Candon City, 15; Burgos, 8; Galimuyod, 8); Narvacan, 8; and Bantay, 7. added."
" VIGAN CITY, July 21 : Eight persons died from at least 126 persons afflicted with dengue fever cases registered in Ilocos Sur from January 1 this year to date (July 21), according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Rogelio Varilla,DOH Dengue and Malaria Provincial Operation Officer, however, said that as compared to the same period last year, there was noticeable significant decrease of dengue cases this year.
From January to July 2009, the total dengue cases reported was 288 cases with seven deaths. However, from January to July 21, 2010, the total dengue cases reported was only 126 cases with 8 deaths or a decrease of 162.
However, there were more casualties recorded this year at eight as compared to only seven for the same period last year.
The deaths due to dengue from January to July this year came from the towns of Bantay, Cabugao, Sinait, Tagudin and Vigan City, one each; and Sta. Maria, three.
Sinait registered 26 cases of dengue, Sta. Cruz, 16; Sta. Maria, 15; Candon City, 15; Burgos, 8; Galimuyod, 8); Narvacan, 8; and Bantay, 7. added."
India : Dengue cases on the rise
Via Deccan Herald, excerpt :
" A large number of people have been undergoing treatment at various hospitals including those in Kolar and Bangalore for dengue fever.
The disease claimed life of a doctor in M Kottur recently. However, the Government hospital and the Health Department are apathetic about the outbreak in Srinivaspur taluk.The number of patients testing positive for dengue fever has also gone up both in rural and urban areas.
While the patients have been undergrowing treatment in hospitals of Kolar and Bangalore, the Government hospital has no mechanism to alert the public. When asked, the doctors here point a finger at the Health Department where none of the officers is said to have been aware of dengue fever!"
" A large number of people have been undergoing treatment at various hospitals including those in Kolar and Bangalore for dengue fever.
The disease claimed life of a doctor in M Kottur recently. However, the Government hospital and the Health Department are apathetic about the outbreak in Srinivaspur taluk.The number of patients testing positive for dengue fever has also gone up both in rural and urban areas.
While the patients have been undergrowing treatment in hospitals of Kolar and Bangalore, the Government hospital has no mechanism to alert the public. When asked, the doctors here point a finger at the Health Department where none of the officers is said to have been aware of dengue fever!"
Philippines : 5 Dagupan pupils confirmed positive for A(H1H1) virus
Via Balita :
" DAGUPAN CITY, July 21 : Five of eight pupils of an elementary school in Dagupan City who were given throat swab last Friday after suffering fever turned out positive for A(H1N1) virus, a city councilor said on Wednesday.
Councilor Jesus Canto, a doctor and chairman of the city council’s committee on health and sanitation who is also a former director of the Region I Medical Center, said it was the City Health Office here headed by Dr. Leonard Carbonnel who relayed to him the result of the throat swab on the pupils coming from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
Canto thanked RTIM because it made available the result of the throat swab only after three days and not two weeks as earlier expected.
The five, Canto said, were among 85 pupils of the Lucao Elementary School who suffered fever last Friday and given medical attention by the joint personnel of the City Health Office and Center for Health Development (CHD) of Region 1 who came to their immediate rescue."
" DAGUPAN CITY, July 21 : Five of eight pupils of an elementary school in Dagupan City who were given throat swab last Friday after suffering fever turned out positive for A(H1N1) virus, a city councilor said on Wednesday.
Councilor Jesus Canto, a doctor and chairman of the city council’s committee on health and sanitation who is also a former director of the Region I Medical Center, said it was the City Health Office here headed by Dr. Leonard Carbonnel who relayed to him the result of the throat swab on the pupils coming from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).
Canto thanked RTIM because it made available the result of the throat swab only after three days and not two weeks as earlier expected.
The five, Canto said, were among 85 pupils of the Lucao Elementary School who suffered fever last Friday and given medical attention by the joint personnel of the City Health Office and Center for Health Development (CHD) of Region 1 who came to their immediate rescue."
WHO : Monitoring patterns and levels of worldwide activity
WHO's Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 22 :
" 21 JULY 2010 GENEVA : As part of regular monitoring of H1N1 pandemic influenza, the WHO is in close dialogue with public health experts in countries worldwide, specifically to determine whether H1N1 activity has returned to levels and patterns normally seen for seasonal flu.
Worldwide, pandemic influenza activity has remained low over the past few months, and there has been little evidence of outbreaks outside the normal influenza season in most countries since the Northern Hemisphere winter. Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere are not presently reporting any outbreaks of influenza following one or two waves of the pandemic, and are adjusting their public health responses accordingly.
The Southern Hemisphere winter, which runs from May to September, is the typical influenza season for this part of the world. In most countries in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere the level of influenza reported at present is low, and countries are reporting a mix of influenza strains comprising pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009, H3N2, and influenza B viruses. Where the pandemic H1N1 strain is prevalent, some severe illness and deaths have been reported.
Active transmission of pandemic influenza virus still persists in localized areas of the tropics, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central America and West Africa.
Given the diverse pattern of influenza activity in the tropics and that the influenza season in the Southern Hemisphere is still ongoing, it is too early to determine if these countries have transitioned to levels and patterns expected for seasonal influenza.
WHO remains in regular dialogue with countries affected to assess whether the pandemic influenza activity has transitioned to a seasonal pattern."
" 21 JULY 2010 GENEVA : As part of regular monitoring of H1N1 pandemic influenza, the WHO is in close dialogue with public health experts in countries worldwide, specifically to determine whether H1N1 activity has returned to levels and patterns normally seen for seasonal flu.
Worldwide, pandemic influenza activity has remained low over the past few months, and there has been little evidence of outbreaks outside the normal influenza season in most countries since the Northern Hemisphere winter. Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere are not presently reporting any outbreaks of influenza following one or two waves of the pandemic, and are adjusting their public health responses accordingly.
The Southern Hemisphere winter, which runs from May to September, is the typical influenza season for this part of the world. In most countries in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere the level of influenza reported at present is low, and countries are reporting a mix of influenza strains comprising pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009, H3N2, and influenza B viruses. Where the pandemic H1N1 strain is prevalent, some severe illness and deaths have been reported.
Active transmission of pandemic influenza virus still persists in localized areas of the tropics, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central America and West Africa.
Given the diverse pattern of influenza activity in the tropics and that the influenza season in the Southern Hemisphere is still ongoing, it is too early to determine if these countries have transitioned to levels and patterns expected for seasonal influenza.
WHO remains in regular dialogue with countries affected to assess whether the pandemic influenza activity has transitioned to a seasonal pattern."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Vietnam : Acute diarrhoea on rise in Ca Mau
Via VOV News :
" Another three cases of vibrio cholerae have been diagnosed in Rach Goc town, Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, raising the total number of patients with the virus to five, reported the provincial centre for preventive medicine.
On July 15, Ngoc Hien General Hospital received three patients suspected of having cholera. The provincial centre for preventive medicine took samples from them, which later tested positive for vibrio cholerae.
The patients are now isolated and being treated at the district hospital.
Ca Mau has had more than 2,500 cases of acute diarrhoea treated at its hospitals from the beginning of the year, most of them children.
In the face of a possible cholera outbreak, the provincial health department and Ngoc Hien district have worked together to raise public awareness of the issue and to take preventive measures such as spraying chemicals to disinfect contaminated areas, giving antibiotic to local inhabitants and treating water supplies that are used daily by local people."
" Another three cases of vibrio cholerae have been diagnosed in Rach Goc town, Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, raising the total number of patients with the virus to five, reported the provincial centre for preventive medicine.
On July 15, Ngoc Hien General Hospital received three patients suspected of having cholera. The provincial centre for preventive medicine took samples from them, which later tested positive for vibrio cholerae.
The patients are now isolated and being treated at the district hospital.
Ca Mau has had more than 2,500 cases of acute diarrhoea treated at its hospitals from the beginning of the year, most of them children.
In the face of a possible cholera outbreak, the provincial health department and Ngoc Hien district have worked together to raise public awareness of the issue and to take preventive measures such as spraying chemicals to disinfect contaminated areas, giving antibiotic to local inhabitants and treating water supplies that are used daily by local people."
India : 3 women die of swine flu
From The Hindu, more fatalities coming out daily from India. H1N1 / Swine flu is spreading widely in quite a number of states :
" HYDERABAD: Three women, one from the State capital and others from different districts in the State, who tested positive for swine flu, have died in the last 48 hours, health authorities here on Tuesday confirmed.
A 29-year-old woman Farat Unnisa, from Krishnanagar, Yousufguda and another 22-year woman Laxmi of Gajwel, Medak district died at Gandhi Hospital in the city in the last two days.
Another 23-year-old swine flu positive woman, Rajitha hailing from Devarutla village of Warangal district, died at Yashoda hospital located in Somajiguda on Monday.
These three deaths in the last 48 hours have taken the overall death toll due to swine flu in the Andhra Pradesh to 12, health authorities added.
Of the 12 deceased persons till now, two women were from twin cities.
Health authorities maintained that the deceased were brought to the Gandhi Hospital at an advanced stage and despite the best efforts and medicines, doctors could not save the lives of the two women."
" HYDERABAD: Three women, one from the State capital and others from different districts in the State, who tested positive for swine flu, have died in the last 48 hours, health authorities here on Tuesday confirmed.
A 29-year-old woman Farat Unnisa, from Krishnanagar, Yousufguda and another 22-year woman Laxmi of Gajwel, Medak district died at Gandhi Hospital in the city in the last two days.
Another 23-year-old swine flu positive woman, Rajitha hailing from Devarutla village of Warangal district, died at Yashoda hospital located in Somajiguda on Monday.
These three deaths in the last 48 hours have taken the overall death toll due to swine flu in the Andhra Pradesh to 12, health authorities added.
Of the 12 deceased persons till now, two women were from twin cities.
Health authorities maintained that the deceased were brought to the Gandhi Hospital at an advanced stage and despite the best efforts and medicines, doctors could not save the lives of the two women."
Hyderabad : Yet another woman succumbs to swine flu
Via Times of India :
" HYDERABAD: Another pregnant woman succumbed to swine flu on Tuesday. A native of Medak district, 27-year-old Lakshmi who was in the ninth month of her pregnancy died of swine flu at Gandhi Hospital.
State health authorities said that she was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on July 17 with pneumonia and died on Tuesday. Since June this year, 10 people have died due to H1N1 Influenza in the state and six of them were women who were either pregnant or in their post-natal period. Three women have died in the last four days alone. "
" HYDERABAD: Another pregnant woman succumbed to swine flu on Tuesday. A native of Medak district, 27-year-old Lakshmi who was in the ninth month of her pregnancy died of swine flu at Gandhi Hospital.
State health authorities said that she was admitted to Gandhi Hospital on July 17 with pneumonia and died on Tuesday. Since June this year, 10 people have died due to H1N1 Influenza in the state and six of them were women who were either pregnant or in their post-natal period. Three women have died in the last four days alone. "
New Delhi : H1N1 flu - 3 fresh cases, AIIMS doc in ICU
From Times of India, excerpt :
" NEW DELHI: An AIIMS doctor suspected to be suffering from H1N1 infection has been admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital. Sources said that even though the swine flu was yet to be confirmed, Dr Aarul showed symptoms of the infection and was in a serious condition. Aarul, a resident doctor in medicine department, was admitted to the ICU on Monday night with symptoms like severe diarrhoea, fever and breathing problems.
"Dr Aarul is currently being given symptomatic treatment,'' said a AIIMS doctor. Sources said the doctor had returned from a trip outside Delhi recently. Health officials said most of the swine flu cases reported in the city in the past one month have travel history.
" NEW DELHI: An AIIMS doctor suspected to be suffering from H1N1 infection has been admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital. Sources said that even though the swine flu was yet to be confirmed, Dr Aarul showed symptoms of the infection and was in a serious condition. Aarul, a resident doctor in medicine department, was admitted to the ICU on Monday night with symptoms like severe diarrhoea, fever and breathing problems.
"Dr Aarul is currently being given symptomatic treatment,'' said a AIIMS doctor. Sources said the doctor had returned from a trip outside Delhi recently. Health officials said most of the swine flu cases reported in the city in the past one month have travel history.
India - Pune : Sharp rise in H1N1 deaths this month
Via Times of India :
" PUNE: The number of deaths in Pune due to the H1N1 influenza has seen a steady increase in July with three more persons being declared dead due to swine flu on Tuesday. With this, the number of casualties in July has gone up to 16, as against nine deaths throughout last month. "There is definitely a spurt in swine flu cases in July. The average number of critically ill patients were not more than 10 per week during May and June.
But there is a sudden rise in critical cases requiring artificial respiration. Last month, the mortality rate due to the H1N1 influenza vis-?-vis the number of severely positive cases had gone down. But in July, there is a surge in swine flu casualties as well," said an official of the state health services. The H1N1 influenza has claimed 264 people in the city so far.
According to health officials, Atharva Shyam Gonte (3) of Wadgaon Maval died at the Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital on July 17. Atharva, who had been suffering from asthma-like illness, developed symptoms of swine flu from July 2. He was moved to the ABMH in critical condition on July 17 and died on the same day."
" PUNE: The number of deaths in Pune due to the H1N1 influenza has seen a steady increase in July with three more persons being declared dead due to swine flu on Tuesday. With this, the number of casualties in July has gone up to 16, as against nine deaths throughout last month. "There is definitely a spurt in swine flu cases in July. The average number of critically ill patients were not more than 10 per week during May and June.
But there is a sudden rise in critical cases requiring artificial respiration. Last month, the mortality rate due to the H1N1 influenza vis-?-vis the number of severely positive cases had gone down. But in July, there is a surge in swine flu casualties as well," said an official of the state health services. The H1N1 influenza has claimed 264 people in the city so far.
According to health officials, Atharva Shyam Gonte (3) of Wadgaon Maval died at the Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital on July 17. Atharva, who had been suffering from asthma-like illness, developed symptoms of swine flu from July 2. He was moved to the ABMH in critical condition on July 17 and died on the same day."
Indonesia : Recent Bengkulu Poultry Deaths Confirmed as H5N1
An update of the current B2B H5N1 outbreak in Indonesia at Avian Flu Diary by an excellent writer whom I hold high regards for.....Mike Coston, a small excerpt from his in depth article :
" It is sobering that in a country where bird flu has been endemic for many years and has killed more than 135 of its people that such an obvious outbreak could run for several weeks before being properly identified and control measures put in place."
" It is sobering that in a country where bird flu has been endemic for many years and has killed more than 135 of its people that such an obvious outbreak could run for several weeks before being properly identified and control measures put in place."
India : 14-yr-old dies of H1N1, toll touches 13
Via Hindustan Times :
" A 14-year-old girl from Mulund died of swine flu at a private hospital on July 17, taking the death toll in the city to 13 this month. The girl had been admitted to the hospital on July 16 as she was suffering from high fever. “The patient was put on Tamiflu the day she was admitted.
She was also bleeding from the nose, which is a symptom of leptospirosis. So she was tested for leptospirosis, swine flu and dengue. But she tested for positive only for swine flu,” said Dr G.T. Ambe, executive health officer of the BMC. Thirteen more people, including four children, tested positive for H1N1 virus on Monday, taking the total number of cases in July to 300."
" A 14-year-old girl from Mulund died of swine flu at a private hospital on July 17, taking the death toll in the city to 13 this month. The girl had been admitted to the hospital on July 16 as she was suffering from high fever. “The patient was put on Tamiflu the day she was admitted.
She was also bleeding from the nose, which is a symptom of leptospirosis. So she was tested for leptospirosis, swine flu and dengue. But she tested for positive only for swine flu,” said Dr G.T. Ambe, executive health officer of the BMC. Thirteen more people, including four children, tested positive for H1N1 virus on Monday, taking the total number of cases in July to 300."
Philippines : Dengue epidemic declared in Davao Sur
Via Inquirer :
" DIGOS CITY : A dengue epidemic has been declared in Davao del Sur following the continuing increase in the number of patients stricken ill by the mosquito-borne disease.
Doctor Azucena Dayanghirang, provincial health chief, said Tuesday that the staggering number of victims – with nine deaths from January to July in this city alone – had prompted health officials to declare a dengue epidemic.
Dayanghirang said nearly 700 more people have fallen ill and hospitals are already congested with dengue patients.
Most patients came from this city. Doctors said what baffles them is the rate by which the virus is spreading.
A doctor, who requested anonymity, said former dengue-free villages in the province are now reporting cases of the mosquito-borne disease."
" DIGOS CITY : A dengue epidemic has been declared in Davao del Sur following the continuing increase in the number of patients stricken ill by the mosquito-borne disease.
Doctor Azucena Dayanghirang, provincial health chief, said Tuesday that the staggering number of victims – with nine deaths from January to July in this city alone – had prompted health officials to declare a dengue epidemic.
Dayanghirang said nearly 700 more people have fallen ill and hospitals are already congested with dengue patients.
Most patients came from this city. Doctors said what baffles them is the rate by which the virus is spreading.
A doctor, who requested anonymity, said former dengue-free villages in the province are now reporting cases of the mosquito-borne disease."
India : Swine Flu claims first victim in state
Via The Statesman :
" KOLKATA, 20 JULY: Swine Flu claimed its first victim in the state with the death of Asit Dutta (58), who was suffering from multiple myeloma (a type of cancer), for three months. He was admitted to a private hospital on 15 July with fever, dry cough and breathing problem and was put on ventilation on 17 July.Two more positive cases of Swine Flu was reported in the city today and they were quarantined at Beliaghata ID Hospital.
Although Dutta's condition had initially improved, later he was again admitted at the hospital as his condition turned critical. On Sunday morning his throat swab sample was collected and sent to National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICED), but late that evening he died. Health officials said he died due to Swine Flu.
Dr Asit Biswas, state nodal officer, said as Dutta died due to Swine Flu necessary disinfection measures have been taken in the hospital. His close relatives and the nursing staff of the hospital who had looked after him have been given chemo-prophylactic treatment."
" KOLKATA, 20 JULY: Swine Flu claimed its first victim in the state with the death of Asit Dutta (58), who was suffering from multiple myeloma (a type of cancer), for three months. He was admitted to a private hospital on 15 July with fever, dry cough and breathing problem and was put on ventilation on 17 July.Two more positive cases of Swine Flu was reported in the city today and they were quarantined at Beliaghata ID Hospital.
Although Dutta's condition had initially improved, later he was again admitted at the hospital as his condition turned critical. On Sunday morning his throat swab sample was collected and sent to National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICED), but late that evening he died. Health officials said he died due to Swine Flu.
Dr Asit Biswas, state nodal officer, said as Dutta died due to Swine Flu necessary disinfection measures have been taken in the hospital. His close relatives and the nursing staff of the hospital who had looked after him have been given chemo-prophylactic treatment."
Young woman is Taiwan’s 44th H1N1 fatality
Via Taiwan News :
" TAIPEI (Taiwan News) : A 21-year-old woman student from Taipei County died of the H1N1 flu virus recently, becoming Taiwan’s 44th fatality, the Centers for Disease Control announced Tuesday.
The university student was not vaccinated against the virus, but none of her fellow students or relatives showed any symptoms, reports said.
She started coughing on June 28 and went to a local clinic for treatment, the CDC said. She also had a fever, a runny nose and felt tired. On July 2, she suffered from growing breathing problems and went to a hospital, where she was immediately consigned to intensive care, according to the CDC.
The woman died on July 16 with pneumonia and multiple organ failure mentioned as the causes, the CDC said.
She was one of seven young people among the 44 fatalities who had shown no special diseases or other elements making them more susceptible to the H1N1 virus, according to the CDC."
" TAIPEI (Taiwan News) : A 21-year-old woman student from Taipei County died of the H1N1 flu virus recently, becoming Taiwan’s 44th fatality, the Centers for Disease Control announced Tuesday.
The university student was not vaccinated against the virus, but none of her fellow students or relatives showed any symptoms, reports said.
She started coughing on June 28 and went to a local clinic for treatment, the CDC said. She also had a fever, a runny nose and felt tired. On July 2, she suffered from growing breathing problems and went to a hospital, where she was immediately consigned to intensive care, according to the CDC.
The woman died on July 16 with pneumonia and multiple organ failure mentioned as the causes, the CDC said.
She was one of seven young people among the 44 fatalities who had shown no special diseases or other elements making them more susceptible to the H1N1 virus, according to the CDC."
Americans warned about dengue fever cases in Honduras
An article from CNN :
" The American Embassy in Honduras has issued a warning about classic dengue and hemorrhagic dengue fever, which have killed 21 people in the country this year. Five more deaths are under investigation.
There have been 17,620 cases of classic dengue and 594 of the hemorrhagic type, the embassy said in a warning last week to U.S. citizens living in Honduras or planning travel to the country.
Honduras declared a national emergency last month due to the mosquito-borne virus.
Certain countries in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean are reporting dengue activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a June outbreak notice. In addition to Honduras, dengue has been reported in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Peru and Puerto Rico.
Mexico also has reported a dengue outbreak, with 16 cases over a 15-day period in Guadalajara, the nation's second-largest city.
There were eight cases of hemorrhagic dengue and eight cases of the classic variety, the notisistema.com news website reported last week, citing the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control."
" The American Embassy in Honduras has issued a warning about classic dengue and hemorrhagic dengue fever, which have killed 21 people in the country this year. Five more deaths are under investigation.
There have been 17,620 cases of classic dengue and 594 of the hemorrhagic type, the embassy said in a warning last week to U.S. citizens living in Honduras or planning travel to the country.
Honduras declared a national emergency last month due to the mosquito-borne virus.
Certain countries in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean are reporting dengue activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a June outbreak notice. In addition to Honduras, dengue has been reported in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Peru and Puerto Rico.
Mexico also has reported a dengue outbreak, with 16 cases over a 15-day period in Guadalajara, the nation's second-largest city.
There were eight cases of hemorrhagic dengue and eight cases of the classic variety, the notisistema.com news website reported last week, citing the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control."
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
India : It's cholera, not gastroenteritis in Ghoda village
Via DNA India :
" Ghoda: It is not gastroenteritis, but cholera that has taken Ghoda village of Viramgam in its grip. Earlier, it was believed that gastroenteritis had claimed four lives in Ghoda.
One more patient succumbed to cholera on Monday taking the toll to five in the last three days. Seventeen more people complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Village sarpanch claimed that the laboratory reports of samples collected from both the wells reveal that water of both the wells is not fit for drinking. However, health officials denied having received any such report.
The health department, which had long suspected it to be a cholera outbreak, had its doubts confirmed when out of three samples two were found to be positive for cholera.
"Three samples were sent for testing to BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. Of this two turned positive for cholera," said Dr NJ Patel, chief district health officer of Ahmedabad."
" Ghoda: It is not gastroenteritis, but cholera that has taken Ghoda village of Viramgam in its grip. Earlier, it was believed that gastroenteritis had claimed four lives in Ghoda.
One more patient succumbed to cholera on Monday taking the toll to five in the last three days. Seventeen more people complained of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Village sarpanch claimed that the laboratory reports of samples collected from both the wells reveal that water of both the wells is not fit for drinking. However, health officials denied having received any such report.
The health department, which had long suspected it to be a cholera outbreak, had its doubts confirmed when out of three samples two were found to be positive for cholera.
"Three samples were sent for testing to BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. Of this two turned positive for cholera," said Dr NJ Patel, chief district health officer of Ahmedabad."
Trinidad & Tobago : More dengue cases
Via News Day :
" TWO MORE suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported with the patients recovering at the San Fernando General Hospital. With an increase in the number of suspected cases, some people are asking if spraying alone could control the aedes aegypti mosquito which is the carrier of the disease.
Sources said that the two latest suspected cases, 17-year-old Annilla Ramahdar of Mac Aulay, Couva and 54-year-old Winston Abdul, are both resting under mosquito nets at the hospital. The two who spoke to Newsday from under their nets yesterday, said they were informed by doctors that several tests on them, had brought back a positive reading for the virus.
Ramahdar said that some weeks ago, after officials from the insect vector control sprayed the area where she lives in Mac Aulay, Claxton Bay within a short period the mosquitoes returned. “I don’t know...it’s like the spraying is not working. The spraying does not seem to help since soon after (the spraying was done) the mosquitoes came back,” Ramahdar said. "
" TWO MORE suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported with the patients recovering at the San Fernando General Hospital. With an increase in the number of suspected cases, some people are asking if spraying alone could control the aedes aegypti mosquito which is the carrier of the disease.
Sources said that the two latest suspected cases, 17-year-old Annilla Ramahdar of Mac Aulay, Couva and 54-year-old Winston Abdul, are both resting under mosquito nets at the hospital. The two who spoke to Newsday from under their nets yesterday, said they were informed by doctors that several tests on them, had brought back a positive reading for the virus.
Ramahdar said that some weeks ago, after officials from the insect vector control sprayed the area where she lives in Mac Aulay, Claxton Bay within a short period the mosquitoes returned. “I don’t know...it’s like the spraying is not working. The spraying does not seem to help since soon after (the spraying was done) the mosquitoes came back,” Ramahdar said. "
India - Bangalore : Dengue cases are filling up ICUs
India's collapsing health system, politicians are busy fighting something else instead of fighting diseases that's killing it's people. A report from Bangalore Mirror, excerpt but please read the whole article to get a clearer picture :
" Private hospitals are reporting unusually high levels of occupancy in ICUs. Pray that Health Minister B Sriramulu and officials are paying attention. While Health Minister B Sriramulu is busy helping the Reddy brothers fight allegations of illegal mining in Bellary, dengue seems to be spreading in Bangalore.
Hospitals are reporting unusually high occupancy levels in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with dengue patients taking up a significant number of beds. At least one private hospital had to turn away patients who were referred to the ICU because all the beds were occupied.Dr Naresh Shetty, medical director of M S Ramaiah hospital on New B E L Road, said, “We have 45 beds in the ICU. All are occupied.
Of these, half the patients are cases of viral fever with low platelet count. We are forced to turn patients away.”Doctors say viral fever with low platelet count is a sign of dengue.Dr Preethi Adoni, medical officer at Mallya Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road, said, “We have 14 beds in the ICU. Only two beds are vacant. Seven are dengue cases. Such a high occupancy level in the ICU is unusual. Even outside the ICU, we have quite a number of dengue patients.”
" Private hospitals are reporting unusually high levels of occupancy in ICUs. Pray that Health Minister B Sriramulu and officials are paying attention. While Health Minister B Sriramulu is busy helping the Reddy brothers fight allegations of illegal mining in Bellary, dengue seems to be spreading in Bangalore.
Hospitals are reporting unusually high occupancy levels in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with dengue patients taking up a significant number of beds. At least one private hospital had to turn away patients who were referred to the ICU because all the beds were occupied.Dr Naresh Shetty, medical director of M S Ramaiah hospital on New B E L Road, said, “We have 45 beds in the ICU. All are occupied.
Of these, half the patients are cases of viral fever with low platelet count. We are forced to turn patients away.”Doctors say viral fever with low platelet count is a sign of dengue.Dr Preethi Adoni, medical officer at Mallya Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road, said, “We have 14 beds in the ICU. Only two beds are vacant. Seven are dengue cases. Such a high occupancy level in the ICU is unusual. Even outside the ICU, we have quite a number of dengue patients.”
Macao : 1 newly confirmed A/H1N1 case
A report from Xinhua :
" MACAO, July 19 : Macao's Health Bureau Monday said that it recorded a newly confirmed case of Influenza A/H1N1, bringing the total number of such cases to over 3,600 so far.
According to the bureau, the new patient was a local man who has developed symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, since July 15, and the medical lab run by the bureau confirmed on Monday that he contracted the A/H1N1 virus.
The patient, who was not inoculated with the A/H1N1 vaccine, did not travel outside Macao before falling ill and no other such cases were found in his family."
" MACAO, July 19 : Macao's Health Bureau Monday said that it recorded a newly confirmed case of Influenza A/H1N1, bringing the total number of such cases to over 3,600 so far.
According to the bureau, the new patient was a local man who has developed symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, since July 15, and the medical lab run by the bureau confirmed on Monday that he contracted the A/H1N1 virus.
The patient, who was not inoculated with the A/H1N1 vaccine, did not travel outside Macao before falling ill and no other such cases were found in his family."
Philippines : Dengue cases hit 822, 7 dead
Via Panay News :
" ROXAS City : Dengue cases in Capiz province rose to 822, with seven deaths.
According to the records of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, this city has the most number of dengue cases, followed by Pontevedra, Pilar, Dao and Dumalag towns.
This city, with a total population of 147,738, had 210 cases of dengue from January to July 3 this year.
Two patients died last June — one from Brgy. Libas, and another from Brgy. Banica.
City Councilor Teresa Almalbis proposed to create a special committee to undertake a three-pronged initiative to be called “Oplan Dengue Alert 6 to 6” to prevent an outbreak of dengue here.
Thinking of practicality, Almalbis cited how costly acquiring the disease could be. She said a bag of platelet, including the processing fee, could cost up to P2,800."
" ROXAS City : Dengue cases in Capiz province rose to 822, with seven deaths.
According to the records of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, this city has the most number of dengue cases, followed by Pontevedra, Pilar, Dao and Dumalag towns.
This city, with a total population of 147,738, had 210 cases of dengue from January to July 3 this year.
Two patients died last June — one from Brgy. Libas, and another from Brgy. Banica.
City Councilor Teresa Almalbis proposed to create a special committee to undertake a three-pronged initiative to be called “Oplan Dengue Alert 6 to 6” to prevent an outbreak of dengue here.
Thinking of practicality, Almalbis cited how costly acquiring the disease could be. She said a bag of platelet, including the processing fee, could cost up to P2,800."
India : Barabanki resident dies of swine flu in MU
Via Times of India :
" LUCKNOW: The H1N1 infection is back in the heart of Uttar Pradesh with the death of a 25-year old woman named Jyoti Singh. A native of nearby Barabanki district, Jyoti breathed her last at the Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU) on Monday afternoon. Family members revealed that Jyoti fell ill with flu-like symptoms on July 9 and was brought to CSMMU on July 16.
The doctors admitted Jyoti in the intensive care unit of the medicine emergency ward as a patient of bilateral pneumonia (a condition in which both the lungs are affected by pneumonia). Experts reveal that in swine flu, pneumonia is the biggest cause of death after acute febrile respiratory illness.
Chief medical officer, Lucknow Dr AK Shukla said that Jyoti tested positive to the swine flu infection on Sunday and was immediately put on the treatment for the same. He added that by the time the disease was identified, time had run out of hands."
" LUCKNOW: The H1N1 infection is back in the heart of Uttar Pradesh with the death of a 25-year old woman named Jyoti Singh. A native of nearby Barabanki district, Jyoti breathed her last at the Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU) on Monday afternoon. Family members revealed that Jyoti fell ill with flu-like symptoms on July 9 and was brought to CSMMU on July 16.
The doctors admitted Jyoti in the intensive care unit of the medicine emergency ward as a patient of bilateral pneumonia (a condition in which both the lungs are affected by pneumonia). Experts reveal that in swine flu, pneumonia is the biggest cause of death after acute febrile respiratory illness.
Chief medical officer, Lucknow Dr AK Shukla said that Jyoti tested positive to the swine flu infection on Sunday and was immediately put on the treatment for the same. He added that by the time the disease was identified, time had run out of hands."
India : Bharuch youth dies of swine flu in city
Via Times of India, the whole report :
"VADODARA: Swine flu claimed a life in the city on Monday with a 24-year-old male from Bharuch succumbing to the virus. Brijesh Patel was admitted to SSG Hospital late on Saturday as a suspected H1N1 patient. His samples tested positive and he died during the course of treatment on Monday afternoon.
Patel was a resident of Amod taluka in Bharuch district. He was referred by the local doctor to a private hospital in the city. But Patel was later brought to SSG for treatment. His samples were sent for testing as he showed symptoms of the disease. Patel's report arrived on Monday, but he died by afternoon.
Patel was a pharmacist, who was undergoing treatment for cold, cough and fever in Bharuch. When his conditions did not improve, he was referred to a city-based hospital. Earlier, a 33-year-old man, also from Bharuch, who worked as a watchman with a private company there, was brought to the city as suspected H1N1 patient. He died on Friday at a private hospital in the city."
"VADODARA: Swine flu claimed a life in the city on Monday with a 24-year-old male from Bharuch succumbing to the virus. Brijesh Patel was admitted to SSG Hospital late on Saturday as a suspected H1N1 patient. His samples tested positive and he died during the course of treatment on Monday afternoon.
Patel was a resident of Amod taluka in Bharuch district. He was referred by the local doctor to a private hospital in the city. But Patel was later brought to SSG for treatment. His samples were sent for testing as he showed symptoms of the disease. Patel's report arrived on Monday, but he died by afternoon.
Patel was a pharmacist, who was undergoing treatment for cold, cough and fever in Bharuch. When his conditions did not improve, he was referred to a city-based hospital. Earlier, a 33-year-old man, also from Bharuch, who worked as a watchman with a private company there, was brought to the city as suspected H1N1 patient. He died on Friday at a private hospital in the city."
Polio in Angola – high risk of international spread
Another alert from WHO which we need to pay attention to, please read the whole article, excerpt :
" Situation
As of 19 July the Ministry of Health of Angola has reported 15 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) since the beginning of 2010, signalling an expansion of an ongoing outbreak. All of these cases have been detected since February in the capital Luanda or in provinces which were previously polio-free (Bie, Bengo, Huambo, Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul). One genetically-related case was detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in Kasai Occidentale province, which borders Angola), with onset of paralysis on 25 May.
The country has had a persistent outbreak of poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) since 2007, where 8 cases were reported that year, and 29 cases each in 2008 and 2009.
Given the persistent and widespread transmission of wild poliovirus, ongoing sub-national surveillance gaps and recent further spread of WPV1 internationally, WHO considers as high the risk of further international spread into neighbouring countries. As per recommendations outlined in WHO's International Travel and Health recommendations, travellers to and from Angola should be fully protected by vaccination."
" Situation
As of 19 July the Ministry of Health of Angola has reported 15 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) since the beginning of 2010, signalling an expansion of an ongoing outbreak. All of these cases have been detected since February in the capital Luanda or in provinces which were previously polio-free (Bie, Bengo, Huambo, Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul). One genetically-related case was detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in Kasai Occidentale province, which borders Angola), with onset of paralysis on 25 May.
The country has had a persistent outbreak of poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) since 2007, where 8 cases were reported that year, and 29 cases each in 2008 and 2009.
Given the persistent and widespread transmission of wild poliovirus, ongoing sub-national surveillance gaps and recent further spread of WPV1 internationally, WHO considers as high the risk of further international spread into neighbouring countries. As per recommendations outlined in WHO's International Travel and Health recommendations, travellers to and from Angola should be fully protected by vaccination."
Yellow fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
From WHO :
" 19 July 2010 : On 25 June 2010, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) reported a suspected case of Yellow fever in Titule, Base Ouele district of Orientale province (northern part of the country). Between March and June, 11 other suspected cases were reported, including two deaths.
The index case was identified as a 43 year-old male farmer who presented with clinical symptoms of fever, jaundice and haematuria (blood in urine). The onset date of his illness was 15 March 2010 and he died a few days later. He had no history of yellow fever vaccination. Laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INRB) in Kinshasa showed IgM positive by ELISA test and was confirmed by the regional reference laboratory for yellow fever at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal with more specific tests (plaque reduction neutralization test or PRNT).
Following identification of the index case (the 43 year old male), an investigation is being conducted in the town inhabited by some 17,000 people for the purpose of determining the scope of the outbreak response and prepare for emergency vaccination."
" 19 July 2010 : On 25 June 2010, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) reported a suspected case of Yellow fever in Titule, Base Ouele district of Orientale province (northern part of the country). Between March and June, 11 other suspected cases were reported, including two deaths.
The index case was identified as a 43 year-old male farmer who presented with clinical symptoms of fever, jaundice and haematuria (blood in urine). The onset date of his illness was 15 March 2010 and he died a few days later. He had no history of yellow fever vaccination. Laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Médicale (INRB) in Kinshasa showed IgM positive by ELISA test and was confirmed by the regional reference laboratory for yellow fever at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal with more specific tests (plaque reduction neutralization test or PRNT).
Following identification of the index case (the 43 year old male), an investigation is being conducted in the town inhabited by some 17,000 people for the purpose of determining the scope of the outbreak response and prepare for emergency vaccination."
Monday, July 19, 2010
Vietnam : Dengue fever strickens central region
Via Thanh Nien News :
" So far this year dengue fever outbreaks in Vietnam's central region have sickened thousands and claimed several lives, officials said.
The worst to be hit was the Khanh Hoa province, with 2,170 reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness, the provincial authorities reported Friday.
According to the local Center for Preventive Health, this year's massive outbreak was fueled by poor mosquito eradication efforts.
Health officials in Binh Dinh have reported a 50 percent increase in Dengue cases, compared with last season's numbers. Binh Dinh officials say they've had 676 cases, including two child deaths.
Last week officials in the Phu Yen province announced reports of 929 cases and one death. Every day, new reports are trickling in from Quang Ngai, Kon Tum and Gia Lai."
" So far this year dengue fever outbreaks in Vietnam's central region have sickened thousands and claimed several lives, officials said.
The worst to be hit was the Khanh Hoa province, with 2,170 reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness, the provincial authorities reported Friday.
According to the local Center for Preventive Health, this year's massive outbreak was fueled by poor mosquito eradication efforts.
Health officials in Binh Dinh have reported a 50 percent increase in Dengue cases, compared with last season's numbers. Binh Dinh officials say they've had 676 cases, including two child deaths.
Last week officials in the Phu Yen province announced reports of 929 cases and one death. Every day, new reports are trickling in from Quang Ngai, Kon Tum and Gia Lai."
India : Warangal woman dies of swine flu in city
An article from Express Buzz, another fatality has been recorded in Hyderabad :
" HYDERABAD: One more person died of swine flu in the city on Sunday taking the toll to eight since its outbreak this monsoon. The condition of three more patients at the Gandhi and some private hospitals is said to be critical.
At least 20 influenza A (H1N1) cases have been reported from various districts and about a 100 viral infection cases.
The district medical and health officials confirmed that 24-year-old Ranjita of Kundaaram village i n Lingaala Ghanapuram mandal of Warangal district died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city. Earlier, another woman from the city died of swine flu while six other deaths were reported in various districts.
Dr S V Prasad, superintendent of the AP Government Chest Hospital, said swine flu was rapidly spreading in border areas, especially in Visakhapatnam, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal and Mahboobnagar districts, as people were carrying it from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Orissa."
" HYDERABAD: One more person died of swine flu in the city on Sunday taking the toll to eight since its outbreak this monsoon. The condition of three more patients at the Gandhi and some private hospitals is said to be critical.
At least 20 influenza A (H1N1) cases have been reported from various districts and about a 100 viral infection cases.
The district medical and health officials confirmed that 24-year-old Ranjita of Kundaaram village i n Lingaala Ghanapuram mandal of Warangal district died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city. Earlier, another woman from the city died of swine flu while six other deaths were reported in various districts.
Dr S V Prasad, superintendent of the AP Government Chest Hospital, said swine flu was rapidly spreading in border areas, especially in Visakhapatnam, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal and Mahboobnagar districts, as people were carrying it from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Orissa."
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