Dengue Fever Kills 126 Thais In First 10 Months

Via Bernama :

" Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong said 126 Thais have succumbed to dengue fever from January to the first week of October this year, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

A total of 133,377 dengue cases were reported in the same period with most cases occuring in 11 provinces particularly in the Central region.

More than 9,000 cases were reported in September alone, lower than the average 20,000 reported every month in the past.

Dr. Pradit said although dengue fever is on the decline, health officials will continue their campaign to destroy mosquito breeding sources in 10 major provinces including Bangkok, where half of dengue patients lived."

El Salvador confirms third death from dengue

Machine translated article from Prensa Latina :

" Health Minister Maria Isabel Rodriguez, today confirmed the third death this year from dengue in El Salvador, a decrease compared to the same period of 2012 when five deaths were reported.

Rodriguez said to the media that the victim was a 19 year old, 22 weeks pregnant, whose death occurred on September 15 in the city hospital Resume, the central department of Cuscatlan.

Stressed that to date maintains a substantial reduction in severe cases of the disease, since added 131, compared with 632 recorded in the same period of 2012."

Hong Kong : Confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis under CHP investigation

Press release from Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection :

" The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 10) investigating a confirmed case of Japanese encephalitis (JE) affecting a woman aged 45 and hence urged the public to take precautions against mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The patient, with good past health, has developed fever, malaise, myalgia and loss of appetite since September 26 and consulted a private doctor on October 1. She presented with high fever, tremors and impaired mental state on October 5 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital for management on the same day. The patient is currently in stable condition.

Her cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for antibodies against JE, a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infective mosquitoes, upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Shanwei, Guangdong, from September 20 to 22 and spent most of the time outdoors. The case is likely to be an imported infection. Her four home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP's investigation is proceeding. 

Apart from the above case, to date, three JE cases (two local and one imported) have been reported to the CHP this year. Three cases (two imported and one local) were reported in 2012 while one (a local case) was reported in 2011. Locally, no cases were reported from 2008 to 2010."

India, New Delhi : In three days, 382 dengue cases

Via The Indian Express :

" As many as 382 new cases of dengue were confirmed in the last three days, taking the number of persons affected by the virus this year to 3,298. Till Monday, the civic bodies had confirmed 2,916 cases.

Four dengue deaths have been confirmed so far. Seven other patients who died with symptoms of dengue last month and tested positive for either the antigen or antibody of the virus through the rapid tests, have been listed as "suspected" dengue deaths by the civic bodies.

This count only includes patients who are testing positive through dengue tests under the ELISA technology, while most private hospitals and several diagnostic laboratories are continuing tests through rapid diagnostic kits."

Congo : Baby dying of rabies infects dad and brother by biting them

Article via Daily News, excerpt :

" A baby dying of rabies infected his dad and brother after biting them, it has emerged.

The youngster contracted the deadly disease during an outbreak which struck 154 other 

people in the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo.

He then spread the virus to his 7-year-old sibling and 27-year-old father after sinking his teeth 

into their flesh.

Both the father and brother recovered after being treated by Doctors Without Borders.

But the baby boy died, along with at least 10 others who were also hit by the outbreak.

Experts said it is extremely rare for the disease to be spread via humans and that people 

normally contract it after being bitten by affected dogs.

Dengue Fever Kills 45 Cambodian Children In Nine Months

Via Bernama :

" Forty-five Cambodian children have died from dengue fever in the first nine months of the year, down 71 percent compared with the 157 deaths over the same period last year, China's Xinhua news agency reported quoting health official as saying Thursday.

About 15,193 dengue fever cases were reported during the January-September period this year, down 59 percent from the 36,958 cases over the same period last year, Dr. Char Meng Chuor, director of the National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, said in a news release.

"Around 67 percent of the patients are children aged between five and 14," he said.

He attributed the decline in infections and death toll to the ministry's efforts in educating people about the dangers of the disease and urging them to sleep under mosquito nets all the time."

Philippines : Death toll from leptospirosis outbreak in Olongapo rises to 8

Via GMA News, excerpt :

" Amid the declaration of a leptospirosis outbreak in Olongapo City, the death toll has climbed to eight while nearly 300 other cases have been reported. 

According to Dante Perello's report on GMA News TV's News TV Go on Thursday, 296 people have been diagnosed of leptospirosis, with most of them confined at the James Gordon Memorial Hospital.

 

Perello added that another part of the hospital has been converted into a ward to accommodate the high number of patients. 

 

He noted that out of 17, only three barangays in Olongapo City were not hit by the outbreak.

 

Last Wednesday, leptospirosis claimed the lives of five people while a total of 200 other cases were reported, prompting the city government to declare an outbreak.

 

In an interview aired on GMA News' Unang Balita Wednesaday, Dr. Jewel Manuel, hospital administrator of James Gordon Memorial Hospital, assumed that the victims were caught off guard since it was the first time the city experienced heavy flooding."

Malaysia : Dengue Cases In Melaka Reach Alarming Level, Says Chief Minister

Via Bernama :

" The number of dengue cases in Melaka has reached an alarming level, with 711 cases recorded from the end of last year until Oct 5 this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Idris Haron.

He said the number put Melaka in third spot in terms of dengue cases after Selangor and Johor.

Idris said during this period, there were six fatal dengue cases in the state compared to zero in the last two years.

"Dengue cases recorded an 87.1 per cent jump to 331 cases for the period from August until today compared to the same period last year," he told a press conference after chairing a state executive council (exco) meeting, here, Wednesday.

He said dengue cases also spread to 24 areas compared to eight over the same period last year.

Idris said from the number, 20 areas in Central Melaka recorded dengue cases followed by four in Alor Gajah while there were no cases on Jasin during the period.

He said in this regard, the state exco also decided to form an action committee to combat aedes mosquitoes and dengue with a RM20,000 allocation to hold awareness campaigns for residents in the state.

Idris said the committee chaired by state exco member in charge of Health and Sports Development, Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim would implement various programmes to raise public awareness."

US, Nevada : Up to 140 infants possibly exposed to tuberculosis at Nevada hospital

Via Fox News, excerpt :

" Health officials urged tuberculosis testing for hundreds of babies, family members and staff who were at a Las Vegas neonatal intensive care unit this past summer, saying they want to take extra precautions after the death of a mother and her twin babies and the infection of more than 26 people.

Authorities with the Southern Nevada Health District said Tuesday that they're working to contact parents of about 140 babies who were at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center's NICU unit between mid-May and mid-August, and have set up a temporary clinic to test them.

Tests of hospital staff and friends and family of the mother have revealed 26 TB infections, although most of those cases are latent — meaning patients don't show symptoms and aren't contagious. All 26 are being treated, according to health district spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel."

Singapore : Hand-foot-and-mouth cases hit weekly high of 1,109

Via Xinhua, excerpt :

" There were 1,109 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) diagnosed during the week from Sept. 22-28 in Singapore, according to the data released by the city- state's Ministry of Health.

The number was the highest this year and was over twice compared with 482 cases at the same time last year. So far, there were 21,060 cases reported until Sept. 28, which was much lower than the 33,650 cases at the same times in the previous year.

The number of the viral infection has been surging during the last four weeks, from 860 cases in the week from Sept. 1-7 to over 1,100 cases at the end of last month."

Trinidad & Tobago : 2009 swine flu plan reactivated

Via News Day :

" IN AN effort to control the spread of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) yesterday announced a fully reactivated plan instituted in 2009 by the Ministry of Health to deal with the problem.

SWRHA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Shivand Gopeesingh told Newsday the decision was taken at an executive meeting which included all stakeholders. In 2009, a National Plan was established which called for every hospital to have its own micro plan and be guided by the national plan.

It also included health services being prepared with an operational response plan to the hospitals and the counties which will address the surge capacity that might build up during a pandemic scenario. Each hospital was also required to have a capacity of between 20-40 beds to deal specifically with the virus.

It also stated that there must be a trained qualified professional to manage the patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and high-dependency units and there must be an increase in the stock pile of personal protective equipment at hospitals, health centres and also nursing homes. Community health services were also expected to increase patient intake capacity.

“We met this morning and we have upgraded our plans and sensitised everybody. We also did an analysis and we are going to improve on the situation. We have identified areas, protocols for giving medication and reactivated the 2009 plan,” Gopeesingh said.

He again called for the population not to panic since “we are doing our best.” About the two patients confirmed to be suffering with the H1N1 virus, Gopeesingh said they remain warded at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital in “critical condition."

Singapore : No cause for alarm over H1N1

Via Channel News Asia :

" he Ministry of Health (MOH) has been notified of a cluster of eight kindergarten children with influenza at ACES Montessori Kidz in Downtown East Pasir Ris.

Another 10 children from the kindergarten had influenza-like symptoms. Two children were admitted for observation and discharged two days later.

The other 16 children either self-medicated or received outpatient medical treatment.

The children are currently recovering. MOH has provided advice to the centre on infection control measures.

But there is no evidence to suggest there has been an increase in the virulence of the influenza A (H1N1) virus, said MOH.

The ministry has advised the public not to be alarmed, as influenza is generally a mild illness that results in full recovery.

It recommends that parents consider annual influenza vaccination to protect their children against influenza, particularly for those aged 6 months to 5 years.

While parents are anxious to find out the cause of the strain, doctors are advising them to remain calm."

Study: Gowns, gloves in ICU don't cut MRSA, VRE

From Lisa Schnirring at CIDRAP, excerpt :

" Wearing gowns and gloves in all patient rooms in intensive care units (ICUs) didn't lead to a significant drop in two key antibiotic-resistant threats, but the practice didn't seem to have any negative effects on patient care, according to a new study.

Though the trial, which covered ICUs in 20 US hospitals in 15 states, didn't reduce the rates of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), researchers did see a slightly lower risk when they looked at MRSA by itself.

The study authors, led by researchers at the University of Maryland, published their findings in an Oct 4 early online edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The group also reported its findings last week in San Francisco at IDWeek, the annual meeting of four major infectious disease associations."

Nigeria records two new polio cases

Via The Guardian :

" Nigeria has for the first time gone eleven months without recording any incidence of type three Wild Polio Virus (WPV3), even as she continues to report type one WPV (WPV1) with two new cases last week.

Meanwhile, following reports of outbreak of cholera in some states in the country, the Lagos State Government has stressed the need for the public to observe and maintain adequate personal and environmental hygiene.

According to the latest edition of the Weekly Polio Update published yesterday by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), two new WPV cases were reported last week from two previously infected districts, one from Bauchi Local Council in Bauchi State and one from Bichi Council in Kano State. The total number of WPV cases for 2013 is now 49 (all WPV1s). The most recent WPV1 case in the country, from Kano, had onset of paralysis on September 10, 2013.

The GPEI report noted that no WPV3 has been detected in Nigeria since November 2012 and no new Circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus type two (cVDPV2) cases were reported in the past week."

India, New Delhi : One more death, dengue cases inch towards alarming 3000 mark

Via IBN Live :

" One more death due to dengue was reported, on Monday, in the capital by the civic bodies, as number of cases climbed close to an alarming 3,000. 

2,916 cases have been reported till today with October itself registering nearly 800 cases, a report released by the MCD said. 

The latest case of dengue death is of 35-year-old Gautam Priyanka from Kishan Garh area who succumbed on September 21."

India, Maharastra : Two women suspected of having H1N1 die in GMCH

Via Times of India :

" Two women suspected to have swine flu have died during treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here in the last couple of days.

GMCH medical superintendent P L Gattani said, "The two women, aged 25 and 46, were from Risod taluka in the Vidharbha region's Washim district. While the younger woman was admitted on Friday evening, the 46-year-old woman was brought on Saturday evening. The women were critical and were put on ventilator."

He added that both the women died on Sunday, one in the early hours and the other in the afternoon. "They were admitted in the swine flu wards and their swab samples were sent to the virology lab in Pune. We are still waiting for the results," Gattani added."

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

Press release from WHO :

" WHO has been informed of an additional six laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Saudi Arabia.

The six new patients are from Riyadh region with ages from 14 to 79 years old, of which three are women and three men. The dates of onset of the patients range from 15 to 26 September 2013. One patient has mild symptoms while the others are hospitalized. Three patients are contacts of previously confirmed cases with MERS-CoV, two are reported to have had no exposure to animals or a confirmed case, and there is no information on exposure of one patient.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 136 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 58 deaths.

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

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

Barbados confirms one death among four cases of Swine Flu

Via Jamaican Observer :

" Barbados has confirmed four cases of influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) including one death.

A statement from the Ministry of Health said that results from the 10 samples sent to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) last week had confirmed the cases. It said the other six samples were negative for the H1N1 virus."

Wild poliovirus in the Horn of Africa – update

From WHO :

" Three suspected cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) from South Sudan are currently being investigated. All three patients are girls, two of whom are approximately two-years-old and one is eight-years-old. All had previously been immunized with oral polio vaccine (OPV).

Two of the patients are from North Bahr El Gazal state (close to the border with Sudan), and one is from Eastern Equatoria state (close to the border with Kenya and Uganda). They developed paralysis between 15-24 August 2013. Genetic sequencing is ongoing to provide final confirmation of the laboratory results to determine the origin of the isolated viruses.

The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing an outbreak of WPV1, with 191 cases in Somalia, 14 cases in Kenya and three cases in Ethiopia. Because of the routes of poliovirus spread in previous Horn of Africa outbreaks, South Sudan had been considered at high risk of re-infection. In 2013, South Sudan conducted two National Immunization Days (NIDs) in March 2013 and April 2013, with additional NIDs planned for November 2013 and December 2013. Subnational Immunization Days (SNIDs) were conducted in August 2013."

Nepal : 13 dengue patients in Jhapa

Via The Himalayan Times :

" As many as 13 dengue patients are confirmed in different parts of Jhapa, a district of eastern Nepal. The cases of dengue fever have been confirmed at Birtamod, Charpane, and Shanischare, according to the District Public Health Office, Jhapa.

Dengue is an infectious disease which is transmitted by female mosquitoes named Aedes aegypti. The office has deputed a team of technicians to the affected areas to create public awareness on the disease and ways of preventing it, Office Chief Chandra Dev Mehata said.

Rashes, severe joint and muscle ache, fever, headache and backache are the symptoms of dengue. However, no patients have died so far and most of them have returned home after treatment, the office said."

Saudi Arabia : Special labs in Madinah, Mina for MERS tests

Via Saudi Gazette :

" The Ministry of Health has assigned two laboratories to test suspected cases of MERS-CoV infection, Deputy Health Minister for Public Health and Head of the National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases Dr. Ziad Maimish announced at a press conference here on Sunday.

Regional MoH laboratory in Madinah and that of Mina Al-Wadi Hospital in Mina will work along with the labs in Jeddah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

Arrangements have been made to get the results from these labs within four hours, said Dr. Maimish.

Dr. Maimish said that so far 114 MERS cases have been reported in the Kingdom, of which there were 49 deaths.

The Ministry of Health has formed medical teams and set up preventative measures at points of entry to the Kingdom to monitor arriving pilgrims, verify their compliance with health regulations, and vaccinate those who have not been vaccinated.

The National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases said that reports compiled during the past 24 hours found no infection cases among the pilgrims who have already arrived in the Kingdom."

Malaysia : TH Medical Team Ready For MERS Threat

Via Bernama :

" The Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji) health and medical teams here and in Medina are ready to face the Novel corona virus or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus (MERS-CoV) pandemic.

Malaysian Haj Delegation (Medical) deputy head Dr Mohamad Faid Abdul Rashid said the Tabung Haji teams were well-equipped to handle the situation, in the event of an epidemic.

However, he said, no case of the disease had been reported, adding that most Malaysian pilgrims sought medical treatment for lung infection, breathing difficulties and normal cough.

He said 23 Malaysian pilgrims were warded at the three Tabung Haji medical centres. They comprised 15 in Makkah (at Syisya and Aziziah) and eight at Al Addin in Madinah.

All were reported to be in stable condition, Dr Mohamad Faid told reporters here today.

He advised Malaysian pilgrims, including those who had yet to leave for the holy land, to take care of their health and hygiene.

He said two deaths had been reported among Malaysian pilgrims and both of them died due to heart attack.

"A case involving a pilgrim suffering from mental disorder was reported in Medina, and the patient is reported to be in stable condition," added Dr Mohamad Faid.

He said the Tabung Haji medical teams comprised 248 personnel, including 40 medical officers, four medical specialists, 61 nurses and 52 assistant medical officers.

He said Tabung Haji was also equipped with 19 ambulance vehicles and that an additional treatment centre would be opened at Masyair when the 'wukuf' (grand assembly) started."

Hong Kong : Update on cluster of Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases at Castle Peak Hospital

Press release from CHP :

" Regarding the recent confirmation of a cluster of patients infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus in a male forensic psychiatric ward, the spokesperson for Castle Peak Hospital (CPH) made the following update today (September 27):

One more 54-year-old patient in the ward has presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test result was positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.

Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up."

India, New Delhi : Dengue takes toll on Rohini hospital

Via Deccan Herald :

" The large number of dengue cases being reported from Rohini zone has left the biggest Delhi government-run hospital in the area overburdened with patients. 

Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in north-west Delhi received 535 dengue patients till Wednesday afternoon.

Shortage of platelets at the hospital’s blood bank has only worsened the situation. Relatives of patients are left running from different blood banks to their family and friends to seek blood.

Ajit Singh, 26, brother of Toofan Singh, a patient admittedwith dengue at the hospital, was unable to procure A-positive blood despite desperately searching for over three hours on Wednesday."

Swine flu confirmed in St Vincent

Via Jamaica Observer :

" The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has confirmed six cases of the “Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic 09” in St Vincent and the Grenadines, according to a statement issued by Chief Medical officer, Simon Keizer.

Last week, classes at the Troumaca Secondary School were suspended after the Ministry of Health confirmed that it had become aware that the largest number of patients seeking medical attention for an “acute illness” in the Chateaubelair health district had been from the school. Classes resumed on Monday."

India : 12 A(H1N1) deaths reported In Karnataka this year

Via The Hindu :

" The panic over influenza A(H1N1) may have subsided but the virus is still in the air. As many as 12 deaths have been reported in the State from January till date. Although this number is much less compared with the 135 deaths reported during the first outbreak in 2009, doctors said it was important to take precautions.

According to an official statement released by the State Health and Family Welfare Department, 5,420 of the 29,990 samples have tested positive for the virus from 2009 till date. A total of 331 people have succumbed to the infection during this period. Of these, 12 deaths, including three in Bangalore, were reported this year (from January till date). Two deaths, including one from Bangalore, were reported in the last fortnight alone.

Officials of the Health Department are on an alert following this. Health Director B.N. Dhanya Kumar told The Hindu that the department initiated surveillance measures in July itself. “With the fluctuating weather — rain and the continuous drop in temperature —cases of A(H1N1) are being reported from across the State,” he said."

India : 1,355 dengue cases, two deaths in Delhi

Via The New Indian Express :

" total of 1,355 dengue cases have been reported across the capital so far this season, said an official Monday. Two people have died due to the deadly fever.

The number of reported cases was 912 Friday which increased to 1,355 Monday.

"There are 1,355 reported case in the city," said N.K. Yadav, municipal health officer.

According to him, two people have succumbed to the vector-borne virus while three deaths due to the disease are suspected.

The victims who have succumbed to the virus confirmed by municipal authorities are Phool Singh, 47, a resident of Ashok Nagar area in west Delhi, and Priyanka Shankar, 21, of Pratap Nagar in north Delhi.

Out of the total 1,355 cases, 1,326 patients are from Delhi, 12 from Uttar Pradesh, two from Haryana and 15 from the other adjoining states."

Hong Kong : Cluster of Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases in Castle Peak Hospital

Press release from Hong Kong's CHP :

" Nine patients (aged 21 to 64) and a staff member in a female ward for intellectual disability have presented with respiratory symptoms since September 19.

Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and eight were confirmed positive to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. The staff member is currently on leave.

Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up."

India : 16-year-old boy dies of dengue in Mumbai

Via DNA India :

" A 16-yr-old boy died of dengue on Friday at Asian Heart Hospital in Bandra Kurla Complex.

A resident of Bandra, the boy was earlier admitted to Gurunanak Hospital in Bandra east. He had tested positive for dengue and died of multpiple organ failure, informed BMC officials.

The dengue death toll has reached five this year in Mumbai."

India, New Delhi : Dengue claims first two lives in Delhi

Via NDTV :

" The national capital saw its first dengue deaths on Thursday with two people succumbing to the vector-borne virus, detected in over 450 citizens this season.

While two deaths are confirmed due to dengue, three others are suspected deaths, said Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) medical health officer N.K. Yadav.

There has been continuous rise in dengue cases in Delhi. As of Tuesday, 466 people were detected positive for the disease.

Though a couple of suspected dengue deaths have been reported, the MCD till now has denied any so far.

In the corresponding period of 2012, 55 patients were diagnosed with the disease."