Article from Malaysian Digest :
" Twelve dengue deaths were recorded from January until May 14, compared with 58 deaths during the same period last year, indicating a 79 percent drop.
Health Director-General Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said during that period, a 57 percent decrease was seen with 7,724 cases reported this year compared with 17,981 cases in 2010.
However, week 19 of this year from May 8 to 14 showed a rise with 382 cases from 334 cases in the previous week.
"Nine states registered increases last week, namely Selangor with 33 cases, Terengganu (seven), Perak (seven), Kedah (six), Johor (six), Sabah (two) and Sarawak with two cases.
"Melaka and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded an increase of one case each compared to the previous week," he said in a statement here today."
Friday, May 20, 2011
India : Suspected swine flu patient admitted to civil hospital in Nashik
Via New Kerala :
" A suspected swine flu patient was admitted to swine flu ward in Nashik civil hospital.
The patient, Govind Dhondiram Tandale (60), was admitted on May 16, in civil hospital after he complained of breathing problems one of sysmptons of swine flu. Next day, the doctors shifted him to the isolated swine flu ward for treatment. His throat swabs has been sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune for analysis, whose report was still awaited.
However, acting civil surgeon Rajendra Shinge denied that there was any swine flu patient admitted in the hospital. He said Tandale was suffering from breathing problems."
" A suspected swine flu patient was admitted to swine flu ward in Nashik civil hospital.
The patient, Govind Dhondiram Tandale (60), was admitted on May 16, in civil hospital after he complained of breathing problems one of sysmptons of swine flu. Next day, the doctors shifted him to the isolated swine flu ward for treatment. His throat swabs has been sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune for analysis, whose report was still awaited.
However, acting civil surgeon Rajendra Shinge denied that there was any swine flu patient admitted in the hospital. He said Tandale was suffering from breathing problems."
EU helps as S. Africa ostrich farms hit by bird flu
Yahoo Health hosted AFP News, on bird flu outbreak in South African ostrich farms, excerpt :
" The European Commission has sent animal health experts to South Africa to help authorities there contain an avian flu outbreak that has put a halt to ostrich meat exports.
The emergency veterinary team arrived on Wednesday, following the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in ostrich farms in the Western Cape province, the commission said Thursday.
The outbreak was first detected on April 9 in Klein Karoo Valley and in the following weeks the disease "spread further in the area endangering the local ostrich population that is kept for meat production," it said.
The disease has not had any public health impact but it has had a major effect on animal welfare as well as "serious economic effects on the local rural population," the European Union's executive arm said."
" The European Commission has sent animal health experts to South Africa to help authorities there contain an avian flu outbreak that has put a halt to ostrich meat exports.
The emergency veterinary team arrived on Wednesday, following the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in ostrich farms in the Western Cape province, the commission said Thursday.
The outbreak was first detected on April 9 in Klein Karoo Valley and in the following weeks the disease "spread further in the area endangering the local ostrich population that is kept for meat production," it said.
The disease has not had any public health impact but it has had a major effect on animal welfare as well as "serious economic effects on the local rural population," the European Union's executive arm said."
UNICEF leads community forums against polio in eastern Chad
A press release from UNICEF with regards to Polio in Chad :
" Focus on remote and vulnerable communities aims at stopping the spread of poliovirus in the country
In an effort to eradicate polio in Chad, UNICEF is stepping up its social mobilization efforts at the grassroots levels by mobilizing local authorities, religious leaders, women and youth groups, as well as other influential personalities, through community forums in the most remote and inaccessible regions of the country.
With 52 cases of poliovirus certified in the country over the past six months, twice the total registered in 2010, Chad has been identified as a public health emergency at the international level in the fight for the global eradication of polio. The country has also declared the polio situation a “national emergency”.
“In hard-to-reach areas, we need to mobilize all community forces and decision-makers to reach as many unimmunized children as possible and ensure more equitable coverage”, explained UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Marzio Babille.
The community forums, held in four Eastern Chad health districts where cases of polio have recently been certified, provided the opportunity to refute previous immunization coverage figures that were reportedly well above 100 per cent, as many identified villages have never received immunization services, including polio vaccine.
Participants also discussed common misconceptions on polio vaccination and made the commitment to act as ambassadors in their communities.. In Eastern Chad, many rumors about vaccination remain entrenched among the local population, such as that it reduces the fertility of girls and boys, that it contains swine oil, which is unacceptable for a widely Muslim population, or that it makes the children stubborn."
" Focus on remote and vulnerable communities aims at stopping the spread of poliovirus in the country
In an effort to eradicate polio in Chad, UNICEF is stepping up its social mobilization efforts at the grassroots levels by mobilizing local authorities, religious leaders, women and youth groups, as well as other influential personalities, through community forums in the most remote and inaccessible regions of the country.
With 52 cases of poliovirus certified in the country over the past six months, twice the total registered in 2010, Chad has been identified as a public health emergency at the international level in the fight for the global eradication of polio. The country has also declared the polio situation a “national emergency”.
“In hard-to-reach areas, we need to mobilize all community forces and decision-makers to reach as many unimmunized children as possible and ensure more equitable coverage”, explained UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Marzio Babille.
The community forums, held in four Eastern Chad health districts where cases of polio have recently been certified, provided the opportunity to refute previous immunization coverage figures that were reportedly well above 100 per cent, as many identified villages have never received immunization services, including polio vaccine.
Participants also discussed common misconceptions on polio vaccination and made the commitment to act as ambassadors in their communities.. In Eastern Chad, many rumors about vaccination remain entrenched among the local population, such as that it reduces the fertility of girls and boys, that it contains swine oil, which is unacceptable for a widely Muslim population, or that it makes the children stubborn."
Japan : TEPCO studying ways to start nitrogen injection
Via NHK News :
" The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is studying ways to start nitrogen gas injection into 2 reactors to prevent hydrogen blasts.
Hydrogen explosions occurred at the plant's reactors in March following the earthquake and tsunami.
Tokyo Electric Power Company plans to inject nitrogen gas into reactors No.2 and 3 to prevent further hydrogen explosions.
Nitrogen injection is already underway in the No.1 reactor.
To prepare for the injection, TEPCO sent workers into the No.2 and 3 reactor buildings on Wednesday to check radiation levels and other conditions.
In the No.2 reactor building, steam coming from the spent fuel pool proved to be a problem.
In the No.3 reactor, high radiation levels of 160 to 170 millisieverts per hour were detected near the door of the containment vessel, where the company intended to inject the nitrogen gas."
" The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is studying ways to start nitrogen gas injection into 2 reactors to prevent hydrogen blasts.
Hydrogen explosions occurred at the plant's reactors in March following the earthquake and tsunami.
Tokyo Electric Power Company plans to inject nitrogen gas into reactors No.2 and 3 to prevent further hydrogen explosions.
Nitrogen injection is already underway in the No.1 reactor.
To prepare for the injection, TEPCO sent workers into the No.2 and 3 reactor buildings on Wednesday to check radiation levels and other conditions.
In the No.2 reactor building, steam coming from the spent fuel pool proved to be a problem.
In the No.3 reactor, high radiation levels of 160 to 170 millisieverts per hour were detected near the door of the containment vessel, where the company intended to inject the nitrogen gas."
Hong Kong : Caution against Enterovirus 71 infection and Hand, Foot and Mouth disease
Via Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :
" In anticipation of the seasonal rise of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 19) called on the public to take preventive measures.
A spokesman for the CHP said an increased number of EV71 infections had been recorded recently. "In May (as of May 18) this year, the CHP recorded nine cases of EV71 infection, higher than the number of cases recorded in March and April, which ranged from zero to two cases," the spokesman said.
"The CHP has received 16 reports of EV71 infections so far this year, the patients aged from two months to seven years old. While a 14-month-old boy who had meningoencephalitis complication passed away on February 6, the other patients had mild symptoms without severe complications.
"The CHP has also received six reports of HFMD outbreaks in institutions in May (as of May 18) while five and one HFMD outbreaks were recorded in March and April, respectively."
The traditional summer peak season of EV71 and HFMD is usually from May to July. The local activity is expected to increase in the next few weeks.
The spokesman said that the CHP had sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools alerting them to the latest HFMD and EV71 infections situation and providing advice on prevention and control."
" In anticipation of the seasonal rise of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 19) called on the public to take preventive measures.
A spokesman for the CHP said an increased number of EV71 infections had been recorded recently. "In May (as of May 18) this year, the CHP recorded nine cases of EV71 infection, higher than the number of cases recorded in March and April, which ranged from zero to two cases," the spokesman said.
"The CHP has received 16 reports of EV71 infections so far this year, the patients aged from two months to seven years old. While a 14-month-old boy who had meningoencephalitis complication passed away on February 6, the other patients had mild symptoms without severe complications.
"The CHP has also received six reports of HFMD outbreaks in institutions in May (as of May 18) while five and one HFMD outbreaks were recorded in March and April, respectively."
The traditional summer peak season of EV71 and HFMD is usually from May to July. The local activity is expected to increase in the next few weeks.
The spokesman said that the CHP had sent letters to child care centres, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools alerting them to the latest HFMD and EV71 infections situation and providing advice on prevention and control."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Yemen : Among 300 cases, 4 deaths due to acute diarrhea in Abyan
Via SABA Net :
" Abyan Governor Saleh al-Zawri has declared that 300 cases infected with acute diarrhea have been registered in Zunjbar and Khanfar districts in Abyan province.
He pointed out that four cases among the infected have died , and two cases of cholera infection have been confirmed.
Meanwhile, an epidemiological surveillance team of the Central Laboratory in Aden began on Tuesday a campaign against the pollution of drinking water in the two districts to prevent the spread of the acute diarrhea cases."
" Abyan Governor Saleh al-Zawri has declared that 300 cases infected with acute diarrhea have been registered in Zunjbar and Khanfar districts in Abyan province.
He pointed out that four cases among the infected have died , and two cases of cholera infection have been confirmed.
Meanwhile, an epidemiological surveillance team of the Central Laboratory in Aden began on Tuesday a campaign against the pollution of drinking water in the two districts to prevent the spread of the acute diarrhea cases."
India : Malaria, jaundice wreak havoc in Sonitpur dist
Via The Assam Tribune :
" The State Health Department may claim to have achieved cent per cent success in the health sector, but with malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea taking epidemic form in most parts of Sonitpur district, it can be stated that medical facilities are still a far cry even in Tezpur, its outskirts and some remote areas of the district such as the northern parts in the Assam-Arunachal border, Dhekiajuli, Rangapara, Balijuri, Chardwar, Bhalukpung, Bihali, Pabhoi, Balishang, Tinshuti and Gohpur.
A report from the office of the Joint Director of Health, Sonitpur district, said that the effect of malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea was presently under control. On the contrary, 80 pc patients admitted in Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital are suffering from malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea.
As these diseases occur mostly due to the water contamination, eradication measures have been taken under PHE department through total sanitation programme, safe drinking water, etc, expending crores of government fund. However, there have been allegations that due to improper execution and lackasidical attitude of the department concerned, these public interest programmes fail to reach the people.
It is worth mentioning that under Dhekiajuli and Tezpur division of PHE department, many water supply schemes have been completed but it is a fact that most of them are yet to start functioning."
" The State Health Department may claim to have achieved cent per cent success in the health sector, but with malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea taking epidemic form in most parts of Sonitpur district, it can be stated that medical facilities are still a far cry even in Tezpur, its outskirts and some remote areas of the district such as the northern parts in the Assam-Arunachal border, Dhekiajuli, Rangapara, Balijuri, Chardwar, Bhalukpung, Bihali, Pabhoi, Balishang, Tinshuti and Gohpur.
A report from the office of the Joint Director of Health, Sonitpur district, said that the effect of malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea was presently under control. On the contrary, 80 pc patients admitted in Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital are suffering from malaria, jaundice, viral fever and diarrhoea.
As these diseases occur mostly due to the water contamination, eradication measures have been taken under PHE department through total sanitation programme, safe drinking water, etc, expending crores of government fund. However, there have been allegations that due to improper execution and lackasidical attitude of the department concerned, these public interest programmes fail to reach the people.
It is worth mentioning that under Dhekiajuli and Tezpur division of PHE department, many water supply schemes have been completed but it is a fact that most of them are yet to start functioning."
Davao, Philippines dengue fever cases increase 150%
Article via Examiner :
" In Davao, dengue fever is king. It is the number one infectious disease monitored by the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) in the region.
According to the DOH 2010 annual surveillance report just released, Davao recorded 9,563 cases last year. In 2009, the Davao region recorded 3,800 cases of the mosquito-borne virus- representing a more than 150% increase.
According to the Sun Star, in Davao City alone, 7,034 cases of dengue have been recorded, Davao del Norte posted 753 cases, Davao Oriental has 616 cases, Davao del Sur has 480 cases, and 313 cases were recorded in Compostela Valley province.
A prevention and control strategy has been put in place which involves: searching and destroying all mosquitoes breeding sites, self-protection measures, seeking early treatment, and saying no to indiscriminate fogging except during outbreaks."
" In Davao, dengue fever is king. It is the number one infectious disease monitored by the Philippines Department of Health (DOH) in the region.
According to the DOH 2010 annual surveillance report just released, Davao recorded 9,563 cases last year. In 2009, the Davao region recorded 3,800 cases of the mosquito-borne virus- representing a more than 150% increase.
According to the Sun Star, in Davao City alone, 7,034 cases of dengue have been recorded, Davao del Norte posted 753 cases, Davao Oriental has 616 cases, Davao del Sur has 480 cases, and 313 cases were recorded in Compostela Valley province.
A prevention and control strategy has been put in place which involves: searching and destroying all mosquitoes breeding sites, self-protection measures, seeking early treatment, and saying no to indiscriminate fogging except during outbreaks."
Malaria kills 4,500 expectant mothers yearly in Nigeria
Via The Nation :
" Ogun State Commissioner for Health Dr Kunle Salako yesterday said malaria killed about 4,500 expectant women yearly in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to take its prevention and treatment seriously because of its fatality.
According to him, 80 out of 100,000 expectant women in Ogun State were killed yearly by malaria, adding that the disease remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria.
Salako spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, at a symposium on Malaria in pregnancy, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Support for National Malaria Programme (SuNMaP).
He said malaria is transmitted through anopheles mosquito bite, adding that Nigeria lost about N132billion to fighting the disease.
Salako noted that children and expectant women were mostly at risk of severe malaria and resultant death from the disease.
He urged expectant mothers to go for regular antenatal care and adopt good sanitation habits as preventive measures."
" Ogun State Commissioner for Health Dr Kunle Salako yesterday said malaria killed about 4,500 expectant women yearly in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to take its prevention and treatment seriously because of its fatality.
According to him, 80 out of 100,000 expectant women in Ogun State were killed yearly by malaria, adding that the disease remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria.
Salako spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, at a symposium on Malaria in pregnancy, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Support for National Malaria Programme (SuNMaP).
He said malaria is transmitted through anopheles mosquito bite, adding that Nigeria lost about N132billion to fighting the disease.
Salako noted that children and expectant women were mostly at risk of severe malaria and resultant death from the disease.
He urged expectant mothers to go for regular antenatal care and adopt good sanitation habits as preventive measures."
Taiwan bans Nebraska poultry following a case of avian flu
Via Khas TV :
" A case of avian flu detected last month in eastern Nebraska has led Taiwan to ban poultry imports from our state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the ban took effect Monday.
Nebraska's ag spokeswoman says the ban is because of the state's investigation and quarantine of backyard flocks following that bird flu case.
That case was considered to be isolated, but Taiwan still considers it a threat.
Nebraska ships only eggs and egg products to Taiwan."
" A case of avian flu detected last month in eastern Nebraska has led Taiwan to ban poultry imports from our state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the ban took effect Monday.
Nebraska's ag spokeswoman says the ban is because of the state's investigation and quarantine of backyard flocks following that bird flu case.
That case was considered to be isolated, but Taiwan still considers it a threat.
Nebraska ships only eggs and egg products to Taiwan."
Japan : Small amounts of radioactive substances found in breast milk of 7 women
Article from Japan Today :
" TOKYO : Minute amounts of radioactive substances have been found in the breast milk of five women in Tokyo and two other prefectures more than a month after a crippled nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture began leaking such materials, a citizen’s group survey showed Wednesday.
Of samples taken from 41 women in five prefectures, radioactive iodine was detected in the breast milk of a woman in Fukushima Prefecture, and cesium in four others in Tokyo, Fukushima and Ibaraki. Japan has not set safety levels for radioactive substances in breast milk, but the readings in all five cases were well below the yardstick for tap water consumption by infants under 1 year old.
Members of the group, which had conducted a similar survey in April out of concerns about the impact of the radioactive leaks on mothers and babies, urged local governments to provide testing as many worried mothers have approached them for consultation."
" TOKYO : Minute amounts of radioactive substances have been found in the breast milk of five women in Tokyo and two other prefectures more than a month after a crippled nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture began leaking such materials, a citizen’s group survey showed Wednesday.
Of samples taken from 41 women in five prefectures, radioactive iodine was detected in the breast milk of a woman in Fukushima Prefecture, and cesium in four others in Tokyo, Fukushima and Ibaraki. Japan has not set safety levels for radioactive substances in breast milk, but the readings in all five cases were well below the yardstick for tap water consumption by infants under 1 year old.
Members of the group, which had conducted a similar survey in April out of concerns about the impact of the radioactive leaks on mothers and babies, urged local governments to provide testing as many worried mothers have approached them for consultation."
Japan : Radiation level at No.3 reactor water intake rises
Via NHK News :
" The operator of the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima has reported a sharp rise in the concentration of a radioactive material in samples of seawater near the Number 3 reactor.
Tokyo Electric Power Company says it detected 110 becquerels of radioactive cesium-134 per cubic centimeters in seawater samples taken on Wednesday morning.
The level is 1,800 times the national legal limit, compared to 550 times, which was reported the previous day.
The utility also found 120 becquerels of cesium-137, 1,300 times higher than the limit.
Last Wednesday at the same location near the water intake of the Number 3 reactor, water contaminated with highly radioactive substances was found flowing into the sea from a pit. TEPCO says it detected cesium-134 at 32,000 times the legal limit.
In its latest announcement, TEPCO said the concentration of radioactive iodine in seawater samples from the same location fell from 1,900 times the limit on Monday to 630 times on Tuesday.
The utility also said it detected radioactive materials at levels higher than the national limit at 2 of the 4 survey points along the shoreline near the plant.
It says cesium-134 with a concentration level 1.8 times the limit was found at a point 330 meters south of the water drainage gates of the Number 1 to 4 reactors."
" The operator of the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima has reported a sharp rise in the concentration of a radioactive material in samples of seawater near the Number 3 reactor.
Tokyo Electric Power Company says it detected 110 becquerels of radioactive cesium-134 per cubic centimeters in seawater samples taken on Wednesday morning.
The level is 1,800 times the national legal limit, compared to 550 times, which was reported the previous day.
The utility also found 120 becquerels of cesium-137, 1,300 times higher than the limit.
Last Wednesday at the same location near the water intake of the Number 3 reactor, water contaminated with highly radioactive substances was found flowing into the sea from a pit. TEPCO says it detected cesium-134 at 32,000 times the legal limit.
In its latest announcement, TEPCO said the concentration of radioactive iodine in seawater samples from the same location fell from 1,900 times the limit on Monday to 630 times on Tuesday.
The utility also said it detected radioactive materials at levels higher than the national limit at 2 of the 4 survey points along the shoreline near the plant.
It says cesium-134 with a concentration level 1.8 times the limit was found at a point 330 meters south of the water drainage gates of the Number 1 to 4 reactors."
Hong Kong : Two related imported cases of dengue fever investigated
Article from Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection :
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 18) investigating two related imported cases of dengue fever and urged people to take precautions against the disease.
The first patient was a 52-year-old man who developed fever, myalgia and retro-orbital pain on May 6. The patient consulted a private doctor on the same day. He recovered and no hospitalisation was required.
His friend, a 57-year-old man, also presented with fever on May 6. He saw a private doctor on the same day. The patient recovered uneventfully and no hospitalisation was required.
Blood samples from both men tested positive for dengue virus.
The CHP's investigation revealed that both patients had travelled to Phuket, Thailand, in April and May. The household contacts of the two patients are asymptomatic.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
A total of eight cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 79 imported cases and four local cases in 2010."
" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 18) investigating two related imported cases of dengue fever and urged people to take precautions against the disease.
The first patient was a 52-year-old man who developed fever, myalgia and retro-orbital pain on May 6. The patient consulted a private doctor on the same day. He recovered and no hospitalisation was required.
His friend, a 57-year-old man, also presented with fever on May 6. He saw a private doctor on the same day. The patient recovered uneventfully and no hospitalisation was required.
Blood samples from both men tested positive for dengue virus.
The CHP's investigation revealed that both patients had travelled to Phuket, Thailand, in April and May. The household contacts of the two patients are asymptomatic.
The CHP will continue to follow up on the cases.
A total of eight cases of imported dengue fever have been reported to the CHP so far this year. There were 79 imported cases and four local cases in 2010."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Japan : Workers enter No. 2 reactor building at Fukushima plant
Via Japan Today :
" FUKUSHIMA : Workers trying to restore the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday entered the building housing the troubled No. 2 reactor for the first time since an explosion took place inside the building in the early days of the nuclear crisis.
Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co has already sent people inside the No. 1 reactor building to make preparations to create a system to stably cool the nuclear fuel, and similar work is expected to take place inside the No. 2 reactor, such as checking the equipment and adjusting the reactor’s gauges that may have some malfunctions.
TEPCO is struggling to contain the nuclear crisis, triggered in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in line with a road map that aims to bring the crippled Nos. 1 to 3 reactors to a stable cooling condition by mid-July and to a condition called ‘‘cold shutdown’’ by January at the latest.
In an updated version of its road map unveiled Tuesday, TEPCO did not change the broad restoration time frame, but said it plans to create a system to cool the three reactors by recycling massive amounts of radioactive water now filling up the reactor buildings and the adjacent reactor turbine buildings.
The water may be leaking out of damaged vessels containing the reactors, which lost their key cooling functions in the quake and tsunami, as they are being injected with water as an emergency postdisaster measure to keep the fuel inside cool."
" FUKUSHIMA : Workers trying to restore the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday entered the building housing the troubled No. 2 reactor for the first time since an explosion took place inside the building in the early days of the nuclear crisis.
Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co has already sent people inside the No. 1 reactor building to make preparations to create a system to stably cool the nuclear fuel, and similar work is expected to take place inside the No. 2 reactor, such as checking the equipment and adjusting the reactor’s gauges that may have some malfunctions.
TEPCO is struggling to contain the nuclear crisis, triggered in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in line with a road map that aims to bring the crippled Nos. 1 to 3 reactors to a stable cooling condition by mid-July and to a condition called ‘‘cold shutdown’’ by January at the latest.
In an updated version of its road map unveiled Tuesday, TEPCO did not change the broad restoration time frame, but said it plans to create a system to cool the three reactors by recycling massive amounts of radioactive water now filling up the reactor buildings and the adjacent reactor turbine buildings.
The water may be leaking out of damaged vessels containing the reactors, which lost their key cooling functions in the quake and tsunami, as they are being injected with water as an emergency postdisaster measure to keep the fuel inside cool."
South Korea reports fresh outbreak of bird flu
Article from China Daily :
" SEOUL - South Korea reports a fresh outbreak of bird flu near its capital despite the government's efforts to fend off the spread of the disease, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Wednesday.
The ministry said a bird flu infection case was confirmed among 600 chickens recently found dead at an egg-laying farm in Yeoncheon, located in the northeast of Gyeonggi province. The farm raised some 18,000 chickens.
The ministry has decided to cull all remaining chickens at the farm in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease. In December last year, South Korea confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu in more than two years. The country has culled more than 5 million birds in its fight against the disease."
" SEOUL - South Korea reports a fresh outbreak of bird flu near its capital despite the government's efforts to fend off the spread of the disease, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Wednesday.
The ministry said a bird flu infection case was confirmed among 600 chickens recently found dead at an egg-laying farm in Yeoncheon, located in the northeast of Gyeonggi province. The farm raised some 18,000 chickens.
The ministry has decided to cull all remaining chickens at the farm in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease. In December last year, South Korea confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu in more than two years. The country has culled more than 5 million birds in its fight against the disease."
Japan : TEPCO may face more problems in stabilizing plant
Article from NHK News :
" Tokyo Electric Power Company is sticking to its plan to bring the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station under control by next January. But the company may face further unexpected problems.
On Tuesday, TEPCO announced a new timeline which reflects the problems that have emerged since it revealed the original road map one month earlier.
It says it will keep to its original schedule of stabilizing the plant sometime between October and January.
TEPCO Vice President Sakae Muto told reporters that on the whole, the work is progressing as expected, although some tasks are taking longer than planned.
But many unexpected problems have occurred since TEPCO released the original plan in April.
A large quantity of water was found in the basement of the No.1 reactor building. Highly radioactive water was found to be leaking into the ocean from the No.3 reactor.
TEPCO told reporters that the barrier set up in the sea near the water intake of the No.3 reactor may be failing to prevent contaminated water from spreading.
The utility said it will use the mineral zeolite to remove radioactive cesium from the sea.
Workers have not been able to enter the buildings of the No.2 and No.3 reactors, making it impossible to restore their cooling functions.
In addition to these obstacles, TEPCO may also face an increase in the amount of radioactive water, highly radioactive work environments, and the possible effects of the rainy season, typhoons and aftershocks."
" Tokyo Electric Power Company is sticking to its plan to bring the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station under control by next January. But the company may face further unexpected problems.
On Tuesday, TEPCO announced a new timeline which reflects the problems that have emerged since it revealed the original road map one month earlier.
It says it will keep to its original schedule of stabilizing the plant sometime between October and January.
TEPCO Vice President Sakae Muto told reporters that on the whole, the work is progressing as expected, although some tasks are taking longer than planned.
But many unexpected problems have occurred since TEPCO released the original plan in April.
A large quantity of water was found in the basement of the No.1 reactor building. Highly radioactive water was found to be leaking into the ocean from the No.3 reactor.
TEPCO told reporters that the barrier set up in the sea near the water intake of the No.3 reactor may be failing to prevent contaminated water from spreading.
The utility said it will use the mineral zeolite to remove radioactive cesium from the sea.
Workers have not been able to enter the buildings of the No.2 and No.3 reactors, making it impossible to restore their cooling functions.
In addition to these obstacles, TEPCO may also face an increase in the amount of radioactive water, highly radioactive work environments, and the possible effects of the rainy season, typhoons and aftershocks."
Viet Nam Reports Four New H5N1 Outbreaks
Via The Poultry Site :
" VIET NAM : There have been four new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three different regions of the country.
The veterinary authority sent Follow Up Report No. 52 dated 16 May to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report describes the four outbreaks, which started between 21 April and 14 May in village flocks in the provinces of Quang Ngai, Lang Son and Vinh Long (two outbreaks). In all, 4,542 birds were involved, of which 3,542 showed symptoms, 277 died and 3,915 were destroyed.
The presence of the H5N1 sub-type of the HPAI virus has been confirmed."
" VIET NAM : There have been four new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three different regions of the country.
The veterinary authority sent Follow Up Report No. 52 dated 16 May to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report describes the four outbreaks, which started between 21 April and 14 May in village flocks in the provinces of Quang Ngai, Lang Son and Vinh Long (two outbreaks). In all, 4,542 birds were involved, of which 3,542 showed symptoms, 277 died and 3,915 were destroyed.
The presence of the H5N1 sub-type of the HPAI virus has been confirmed."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Cambodia : Dengue officials brace for "nightmare season"
Article from IRIN :
" As Cambodia enters its dengue season, with outbreaks in four out of 24 provinces, the National Dengue Control Programme (NDCP) is warning that a repeat of the 2007 epidemic - when about 40,000 people were hospitalized, more than 10,000 in one week - may be imminent.
"Based on my experience, I see the same pattern as 2007 emerging now," said To Setha, a vector control specialist at the NDCP, pointing to the higher number of cases than usual during the final months of last year and the first two months of this year.
Rekul Huy, chief of epidemiology at the NDCP, is also alarmed by the high number of cases during months when dengue is usually rare.
A change in the serotype of the virus (which has four) from DEN2 to DEN1 detected in the middle of last year also concerns him, as does the increase in the percentage of patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the first four months of this year: from about 50 percent last year to two-thirds this year.
An increase in DHF patients signals the possible presence of a new serotype, he said.
In Cambodia, where dengue is endemic, the number of cases spikes in June and July - a period NDCP director Ngan Chantha refers to as the "nightmare season" - with major outbreaks occurring in three- to five-year intervals."
" As Cambodia enters its dengue season, with outbreaks in four out of 24 provinces, the National Dengue Control Programme (NDCP) is warning that a repeat of the 2007 epidemic - when about 40,000 people were hospitalized, more than 10,000 in one week - may be imminent.
"Based on my experience, I see the same pattern as 2007 emerging now," said To Setha, a vector control specialist at the NDCP, pointing to the higher number of cases than usual during the final months of last year and the first two months of this year.
Rekul Huy, chief of epidemiology at the NDCP, is also alarmed by the high number of cases during months when dengue is usually rare.
A change in the serotype of the virus (which has four) from DEN2 to DEN1 detected in the middle of last year also concerns him, as does the increase in the percentage of patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the first four months of this year: from about 50 percent last year to two-thirds this year.
An increase in DHF patients signals the possible presence of a new serotype, he said.
In Cambodia, where dengue is endemic, the number of cases spikes in June and July - a period NDCP director Ngan Chantha refers to as the "nightmare season" - with major outbreaks occurring in three- to five-year intervals."
Dominican Republic declares cholera alert as cases mount
Article from The Star :
" A wave of new cholera cases has prompted the Dominican Republic’s Health Ministry to declare a state of alert in 17 neighbourhoods in the capital.
Doctors are out in force looking for people with symptoms of the waterborne disease. Vice Minister of Health Jose Rodriguez said Monday that 16 people are hospitalized with suspected cholera. He says all are in stable condition but there have been two deaths in recent days.
Cholera had not been detected in the Dominican Republic until after the outbreak in neighbouring Haiti in October.
Fourteen people have died from the outbreak, and 750 cases have been detected in the Dominican Republic. Cholera has killed nearly 5,000 in Haiti."
" A wave of new cholera cases has prompted the Dominican Republic’s Health Ministry to declare a state of alert in 17 neighbourhoods in the capital.
Doctors are out in force looking for people with symptoms of the waterborne disease. Vice Minister of Health Jose Rodriguez said Monday that 16 people are hospitalized with suspected cholera. He says all are in stable condition but there have been two deaths in recent days.
Cholera had not been detected in the Dominican Republic until after the outbreak in neighbouring Haiti in October.
Fourteen people have died from the outbreak, and 750 cases have been detected in the Dominican Republic. Cholera has killed nearly 5,000 in Haiti."
Scotland : Battle to fight infection
Via Herald Scotland :
" Last Tuesday, ward one at Ninewells Hospital was closed by the winter vomiting bug.
The general medical ward remained shut to new admissions for three days, after several patients were affected by the norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Every year, this virus inflicts disruption and expense across the Scottish NHS. Last week was relatively quiet: in one week in January more than 25 wards across the country were closed, while more than 15 wards were closed in both December and February.
“Norovirus imposes a massive cost and a massive burden on the NHS,” says Dr Robert Masterton, newly appointed director of Scotland’s first institute of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAIs).
“One of the hidden costs is the number of staff who are off sick as a result."
" Last Tuesday, ward one at Ninewells Hospital was closed by the winter vomiting bug.
The general medical ward remained shut to new admissions for three days, after several patients were affected by the norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Every year, this virus inflicts disruption and expense across the Scottish NHS. Last week was relatively quiet: in one week in January more than 25 wards across the country were closed, while more than 15 wards were closed in both December and February.
“Norovirus imposes a massive cost and a massive burden on the NHS,” says Dr Robert Masterton, newly appointed director of Scotland’s first institute of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAIs).
“One of the hidden costs is the number of staff who are off sick as a result."
Australia : Jab call over flu increase in Glen Eira
Via Morrabin Leader :
" AN early rise in influenza cases across Glen Eira has prompted a warning from experts to get vaccinated - fast.
There were 20 flu cases in Glen Eira from January to April this year, compared with just five in the same period in 2010 and one in 2009.
State records show there have been 158 cases of flu recorded across the southern metropolitan region, up from 23 last year.
Dr Rhonda Stuart, from Monash Medical Centre’s infectious disease unit, said the spike in cases was earlier than usual."
" AN early rise in influenza cases across Glen Eira has prompted a warning from experts to get vaccinated - fast.
There were 20 flu cases in Glen Eira from January to April this year, compared with just five in the same period in 2010 and one in 2009.
State records show there have been 158 cases of flu recorded across the southern metropolitan region, up from 23 last year.
Dr Rhonda Stuart, from Monash Medical Centre’s infectious disease unit, said the spike in cases was earlier than usual."
Nepal : Diarrhea claims two lives in Bajura
Article from My Republica :
" Several villages in Bajura district have been hit by a diarrhea outbreak. Two local villagers, including a woman, have died of diarrhea here in the past week.
The perennial health problem caused by diarrhea has been exacerbated by the lack of sufficient health staff.
As some health posts lack sufficient staffers, diarrhea-hit villagers have to wait for hours to get treatment. Dila Ram Bhatta, the acting chief of District Public Health Office says the outbreak has affected people in more than 12 villages.
According to Bhatta, diarrhea has killed Juna BK, of Dahakot, and Jagatti Rokaya, of Jugada, in the last week. “At least 20 diarrhea patients come to the district hospital every day and the number has been increasing,” Bhatta said.
According to him, Pandusen, Martaddi, Dahakot, Jugada, Budhiganga, Kolti, Wai, Kailashmandau, Kuldevmandau, Bichya and Manakot have been badly affected by the outbreak.
Locals say the shortage of health staffers has made it difficult for them to get treatment in time. Most health posts and sub-health posts in 11 Village Development Committees in Kolti area of Bajura lack human resources."
" Several villages in Bajura district have been hit by a diarrhea outbreak. Two local villagers, including a woman, have died of diarrhea here in the past week.
The perennial health problem caused by diarrhea has been exacerbated by the lack of sufficient health staff.
As some health posts lack sufficient staffers, diarrhea-hit villagers have to wait for hours to get treatment. Dila Ram Bhatta, the acting chief of District Public Health Office says the outbreak has affected people in more than 12 villages.
According to Bhatta, diarrhea has killed Juna BK, of Dahakot, and Jagatti Rokaya, of Jugada, in the last week. “At least 20 diarrhea patients come to the district hospital every day and the number has been increasing,” Bhatta said.
According to him, Pandusen, Martaddi, Dahakot, Jugada, Budhiganga, Kolti, Wai, Kailashmandau, Kuldevmandau, Bichya and Manakot have been badly affected by the outbreak.
Locals say the shortage of health staffers has made it difficult for them to get treatment in time. Most health posts and sub-health posts in 11 Village Development Committees in Kolti area of Bajura lack human resources."
CDC: New regimen drastically shortens TB treatment
Article from Associated Press :
" ATLANTA (AP) -- Health officials on Monday celebrated a faster treatment for people who have tuberculosis but aren't infectious, after investigators found a new combination of pills knocks out the disease in three months instead of nine."
You can also find the press release from CDC here at this link.
" ATLANTA (AP) -- Health officials on Monday celebrated a faster treatment for people who have tuberculosis but aren't infectious, after investigators found a new combination of pills knocks out the disease in three months instead of nine."
You can also find the press release from CDC here at this link.
India : Unknown disease kills 16 in eastern Indian state Orissa
Article via Xinhua :
" An unknown disease has struck some villages in eastern Indian state Orissa's Malkangiri district killing at least 16 persons, including 14 children, over the last 10 days, reported the Press Trust of India on Monday.
The report quoted medical officers as saying a medical team has rushed to the area to take stock of the situation.
As the victims are afflicted with lumps on mouth and other parts of the body, the symptoms indicated that the disease could be Anthrax or malnutrition, according to the report.
The area is inaccessible and only link to the place is motor- launch across the Balimela reservoir. In the absence of medical care in the area, people mostly depend upon quacks and herbal treatment of diseases, according to the report. "
" An unknown disease has struck some villages in eastern Indian state Orissa's Malkangiri district killing at least 16 persons, including 14 children, over the last 10 days, reported the Press Trust of India on Monday.
The report quoted medical officers as saying a medical team has rushed to the area to take stock of the situation.
As the victims are afflicted with lumps on mouth and other parts of the body, the symptoms indicated that the disease could be Anthrax or malnutrition, according to the report.
The area is inaccessible and only link to the place is motor- launch across the Balimela reservoir. In the absence of medical care in the area, people mostly depend upon quacks and herbal treatment of diseases, according to the report. "
Japan confirms deaths of 24 foreigners in March 11 quake, tsunami
Via Japan Today :
" TOKYO : Japan has confirmed the deaths of 24 foreigners in the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit eastern and northeastern Japan, while several dozen others remain missing, a senior Foreign Ministry official said Monday.
The ministry has so far listed the dead as nationals of China, Canada, South and North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States, while police have asked families of those unaccounted for via diplomatic missions in Tokyo to submit DNA samples for identification of the bodies, the official said.
The missing foreigners include nationals of China, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, he added."
" TOKYO : Japan has confirmed the deaths of 24 foreigners in the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami that hit eastern and northeastern Japan, while several dozen others remain missing, a senior Foreign Ministry official said Monday.
The ministry has so far listed the dead as nationals of China, Canada, South and North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United States, while police have asked families of those unaccounted for via diplomatic missions in Tokyo to submit DNA samples for identification of the bodies, the official said.
The missing foreigners include nationals of China, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, he added."
Peru : Mosquito 'egg sinks' offer target for dengue control
Article from Science and Development Network, excerpt :
" Mosquitoes' love of crowds when laying eggs could be used against them to help control dengue fever outbreaks, according to a study in Peru.
The WHO's recommended control strategy for the dengue vector Aedes aegypti targets the mosquito's immature stages, and assumes that eliminating most water containers, where they lay eggs, would cut mosquito numbers by a similar proportion.
But a study in Peru has found that mosquitoes choose to lay eggs at sites that are already heavily infested with them. If these are removed or treated with larvicides, the mosquitoes look for other suitable sites, reducing the effectiveness of control measures.
Dengue fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus and transmitted by mosquitoes. It threatens two-fifths of the world's population, mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics, and its incidence has been on the rise, according to the WHO.
The study was carried out in Iquitos, Peru, where a virulent dengue outbreak killed 14 people earlier this year (see Peru: a new dengue strain has caused an epidemic, in Spanish)."
" Mosquitoes' love of crowds when laying eggs could be used against them to help control dengue fever outbreaks, according to a study in Peru.
The WHO's recommended control strategy for the dengue vector Aedes aegypti targets the mosquito's immature stages, and assumes that eliminating most water containers, where they lay eggs, would cut mosquito numbers by a similar proportion.
But a study in Peru has found that mosquitoes choose to lay eggs at sites that are already heavily infested with them. If these are removed or treated with larvicides, the mosquitoes look for other suitable sites, reducing the effectiveness of control measures.
Dengue fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus and transmitted by mosquitoes. It threatens two-fifths of the world's population, mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics, and its incidence has been on the rise, according to the WHO.
The study was carried out in Iquitos, Peru, where a virulent dengue outbreak killed 14 people earlier this year (see Peru: a new dengue strain has caused an epidemic, in Spanish)."
World Health Assembly opens 64th session in Geneva
From Lisa Schnirring at CIDRAP, excerpt :
" Delegates from 193 countries met today in Geneva at the start of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which will address several infectious disease topics, including a report from an independent pandemic review committee, a virus-sharing agreement, and the fate of the world's remaining smallpox virus stocks.
The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the meeting runs through May 24. Today's agenda mainly consisted of housekeeping tasks such as electing a president for this year's assembly and adopting a provisional agenda. Cyprus' health minister, Dr Christos Patsalides, was elected president,
The WHA's first day was capped by a keynote address by Dr Margaret Chan, the WHO's director-general. Early in her speech she said a trend is emerging that puts the world's latest and best health technology into the hands of countries that need it the most.
In the past, she said, people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) had to wait 3 months for a solid diagnosis, but the launch of a rapid diagnostic test for the disease last year gives medical teams a faster, more sensitive tool that can deliver a result in 100 minutes. "WHO endorsement of the test brought an immediate price reduction of 75% for developing countries. Roll-out has begun in more than 30 countries, assisted by WHO and other partners," she said.
She said a major success over the past years has been a reduction in the malaria burden, especially in Africa, thanks to the support of global health partners, African leaders, and groups such as the Roll Back Malaria Partnership."
" Delegates from 193 countries met today in Geneva at the start of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which will address several infectious disease topics, including a report from an independent pandemic review committee, a virus-sharing agreement, and the fate of the world's remaining smallpox virus stocks.
The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the meeting runs through May 24. Today's agenda mainly consisted of housekeeping tasks such as electing a president for this year's assembly and adopting a provisional agenda. Cyprus' health minister, Dr Christos Patsalides, was elected president,
The WHA's first day was capped by a keynote address by Dr Margaret Chan, the WHO's director-general. Early in her speech she said a trend is emerging that puts the world's latest and best health technology into the hands of countries that need it the most.
In the past, she said, people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) had to wait 3 months for a solid diagnosis, but the launch of a rapid diagnostic test for the disease last year gives medical teams a faster, more sensitive tool that can deliver a result in 100 minutes. "WHO endorsement of the test brought an immediate price reduction of 75% for developing countries. Roll-out has begun in more than 30 countries, assisted by WHO and other partners," she said.
She said a major success over the past years has been a reduction in the malaria burden, especially in Africa, thanks to the support of global health partners, African leaders, and groups such as the Roll Back Malaria Partnership."
Japan : TEPCO to start removing tainted water at No. 3 reactor on Tuesday
Via Japan Today :
" TOKYO : The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant said Monday it will start transferring highly radioactive water at the No. 3 reactor to a waste-disposing facility on Tuesday to prevent it from leaking into the environment.
The move is believed to be essential to contain radiation leaks from the power station crippled by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami as well as to allow workers to get access to the damaged vessel, from which the contaminated water may be leaking to its adjacent turbine building and other places.
Tokyo Electric Power Co has been injecting more water into the reactor than in the past to cool down its vessel as the temperature of it has been rising recently, pushing the level of water up there, company officials said.
Under a plan by TEPCO, a total of 4,000 tons of water is expected to be pumped out from the No. 3 reactor turbine building to a nuclear waste disposal facility by using hoses.
The government’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said it has already given the green light to TEPCO’s plan.
The tainted water, the level of which has been rising by around 2 centimeters a day in the No. 3 reactor’s turbine building, may be leaking into the sea, forcing the plant operator to remove it as soon as possible.
But TEPCO is also being forced to keep injecting sufficient quantities of water into the reactor as workers have been struggling to cool down its vessel stably."
" TOKYO : The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant said Monday it will start transferring highly radioactive water at the No. 3 reactor to a waste-disposing facility on Tuesday to prevent it from leaking into the environment.
The move is believed to be essential to contain radiation leaks from the power station crippled by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami as well as to allow workers to get access to the damaged vessel, from which the contaminated water may be leaking to its adjacent turbine building and other places.
Tokyo Electric Power Co has been injecting more water into the reactor than in the past to cool down its vessel as the temperature of it has been rising recently, pushing the level of water up there, company officials said.
Under a plan by TEPCO, a total of 4,000 tons of water is expected to be pumped out from the No. 3 reactor turbine building to a nuclear waste disposal facility by using hoses.
The government’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said it has already given the green light to TEPCO’s plan.
The tainted water, the level of which has been rising by around 2 centimeters a day in the No. 3 reactor’s turbine building, may be leaking into the sea, forcing the plant operator to remove it as soon as possible.
But TEPCO is also being forced to keep injecting sufficient quantities of water into the reactor as workers have been struggling to cool down its vessel stably."
Monday, May 16, 2011
UK : Dengue fever cases increase in West Midlands
Article from Coventry Telegraph :
" THE NUMBER of travellers who return to the West Midlands with dengue fever has risen nearly 200 per cent.
Laboratories recorded 35 cases of the mosquito-borne infection during 2010, up from 13 the previous year.
Dengue fever is also on the rise nationally with 240 extra cases last year.
The disease does not occur in the UK and all the cases were caught overseas. Most of those last year were linked to travel to India or Thailand.
Another infection carried by mosquitos, chikungunya, doubled to six cases in the West Midlands last year. Around half the 79 cases UK wide were connected to India.
The figures were released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Its regional epidemiologist Dr Obaghe Edeghere said the rise showed how important it was to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during the day as well as at dawn and dusk."
" THE NUMBER of travellers who return to the West Midlands with dengue fever has risen nearly 200 per cent.
Laboratories recorded 35 cases of the mosquito-borne infection during 2010, up from 13 the previous year.
Dengue fever is also on the rise nationally with 240 extra cases last year.
The disease does not occur in the UK and all the cases were caught overseas. Most of those last year were linked to travel to India or Thailand.
Another infection carried by mosquitos, chikungunya, doubled to six cases in the West Midlands last year. Around half the 79 cases UK wide were connected to India.
The figures were released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Its regional epidemiologist Dr Obaghe Edeghere said the rise showed how important it was to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites during the day as well as at dawn and dusk."
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