Thursday, December 24th, 2009 - 21:32
Dr. Abdel Rahman Shahin, official spokesman of the Ministry of Health
Cairo (a. U. A)
The Ministry of Health reported two new deaths HIV AH1N1, known internationally as the swine flu, bringing the number of deaths in Egypt since the emergence of the disease and so far 103 cases.
The ministry statement said on Thursday that the case number (102) for the old lady (47 years) from Qalyoubia province, case No. (103) of old lady (23 years), from Monofia.
hat-tip Twall
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Health announces three new deaths from influenza- total deaths 106
Saturday, December 26th, 2009 - 00:51
Swine influenza continue to harvest the lives of the Egyptians
The Ministry of Health yesterday, Friday, three deaths were newly infected with (the virus H1N1) "er HP 1 The 1" strain of swine flu in order to increase the number of deaths in Egypt since the emergence of the disease so far to 106 cases, which are two women and a man from Cairo, Alexandria and Assiut.
The ministry pointed out - in a statement - that the death of 104 women from the Cairo governorate amount of (35 years), No. 105, death of a woman, aged (21 years), from Alexandria, No. 106, death of a man from Assiut-old (35 years).
hat-tip Twall
Swine influenza continue to harvest the lives of the Egyptians
The Ministry of Health yesterday, Friday, three deaths were newly infected with (the virus H1N1) "er HP 1 The 1" strain of swine flu in order to increase the number of deaths in Egypt since the emergence of the disease so far to 106 cases, which are two women and a man from Cairo, Alexandria and Assiut.
The ministry pointed out - in a statement - that the death of 104 women from the Cairo governorate amount of (35 years), No. 105, death of a woman, aged (21 years), from Alexandria, No. 106, death of a man from Assiut-old (35 years).
hat-tip Twall
Thursday, December 24, 2009
WHO: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 80
Weekly update
23 December 2009 -- As of 20 December 2009, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 11516 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of data.
Situation update:
In the temperate zone* of the northern hemisphere, transmission of pandemic influenza virus remains active and geographically widespread, however overall disease activity has recently peaked in much of the hemisphere. There continues to be increases in influenza activity in later affected areas of central and eastern Europe, and in parts of west, central, and south Asia.
In United States and Canada, influenza activity continues to be geographically widespread but overall levels of ILI** have declined substantially to near the national baseline level in the US and below the seasonal baseline in Canada. Although numbers of hospitalizations and death in US have declined steadily since their peak over 6 weeks ago, the proportional mortality due to pneumonia and influenza (P&I mortality) remains elevated above the epidemic threshold for the 11th consecutive week. In Canada, rates of ILI, numbers of outbreaks, and proportions of samples testing positive for influenza have declined substantially since peaking six weeks ago. Approximately 53% of hospitalized cases in Canada had an underlying medical condition; cases with underlying medical conditions tended to be older (compared to those without), and were at increased risk of hospitalization and death. Also from Canada, a smaller proportion of hospitalized cases during the winter transmission season compared with those hospitalized cases during the summer transmission season, were persons of aboriginal origin (3.9% vs. 20.3%).
In Europe, geographically widespread and active transmission of pandemic influenza virus continued to be observed throughout the continent, however, overall pandemic influenza activity appears to have recently peaked across a majority of countries. At least ten countries reported that 30% or more of their sentinel respiratory specimens had tested positive for influenza. Greater than 98% of subtyped influenza A viruses detected in Europe were pandemic H1N1 2009, however, seasonal influenza viruses (H1N1, H3N2, and type B) continue to be detected at low levels. Of note, a few countries are experiencing increasing disease activity and have yet to peak (Hungary and Montenegro ), while several others are experiencing a resurgence in activity (Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey). Rates of ILI have returned to near seasonal baselines in the earlier affected areas of western Europe (Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Iceland) and a substantial decline in activity has been observed in much of northern Europe over the past month. In central and southern Europe, where influenza virus transmission has been most active recently, disease activity in most places has either plateaued (Albania, Czech Republic, Estonia) or begun to decline (Austria, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Greece). Further east, influenza activity appears to be variable, with the Russian Federation reporting a steady decline in rates of ARI after a recent peak three weeks ago; while several other countries are reporting increases in rates of ILI/ARI (Ukraine and Georgia). In Europe, the highest rates of ILI have been recorded among children 0-4 years of age (in 15 countries) and among older children 5-14 years of age (in 18 countries). Detections of RSV in Europe continued to increase over the past six weeks, partially accounting for elevated ILI activity among young children in some countries.
In Western and Central Asia, limited data suggest that influenza virus circulation remains active throughout the region, however disease trends remain variable. Increasing respiratory diseases activity continued to be reported in Kazakhstan and in Egypt; while several others countries, Israel and Oman, have been reporting declining trends of respiratory diseases activity after recording a peak of activity approximately one month ago.
In East Asia, the situation remains similar to last week; influenza transmission remains active but appears to be declining overall. Influenza/ILI activity has recently peaked and continues to decline in Japan, in northern and southern China, Chinese Taipei and in Mongolia. In southern Asia, influenza activity continues to increase in the northern India, Nepal, and, Sri Lanka.
In the tropical region of Central and South America and the Caribbean, influenza transmission remains geographically widespread but overall disease activity has been declining or remains unchanged in most parts, except for in Barbados and Ecuador, were recent increases in respiratory diseases activity have been reported.
In the temperate region of the southern hemisphere, sporadic cases of pandemic influenza continued to be reported without evidence of sustained community transmission.
The Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) continues monitoring the global circulation of influenza viruses, including pandemic, seasonal and other influenza viruses infecting, or with the potential to infect, humans including seasonal influenza. For more information on virological surveillance and antiviral resistance please see the weekly virology update (Virological surveillance data, below).
Weekly update (Virological surveillance data) *Countries in temperate regions are defined as those north of the Tropic of Cancer or south of the Tropic of Capricorn, while countries in tropical regions are defined as those between these two latitudes.
**Abbreviations: influenza-like-illness (ILI), acute respiratory infection (ARI), and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)
Qualitative indicators (Week 29 to Week 50: 13 July - 13 December 2009)
The qualitative indicators monitor: the global geographic spread of influenza, trends in acute respiratory diseases, the intensity of respiratory disease activity, and the impact of the pandemic on health-care services.
Human infection with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillanceA description of WHO pandemic monitoring and surveillance objectives and methods can be found in the updated interim WHO guidance for the surveillance of human infection with pandemic (H1N1) virus.
The maps below display information on the qualitative indicators reported. Information is available for approximately 60 countries each week. Implementation of this monitoring system is ongoing and completeness of reporting is expected to increase over time.
-SNIP-
CDC: 2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 50 ending December 19, 2009
2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 50 ending December 19, 2009
All data are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.
Synopsis:
During week 50 (December 13-19, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S.
- 306 (6.9%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.
- All subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
- The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold.
- Nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. Eight of these deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and one was associated with an influenza A virus for which the subtype was undetermined.
- The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.3% which is at the national baseline of 2.3%. Seven of the 10 regions (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10) reported ILI below region-specific baseline levels.
- Seven states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, 18 states reported regional influenza activity, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 13 states reported local influenza activity, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 11 states reported sporadic influenza activity, Guam and one state reported no influenza activity.
-SNIP-
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Egypt: 5 New Deaths - Total 101
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 - 23:17
Dr. Abdel Rahman Shahin, official spokesman of the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health of 5 cases and new deaths from the (virus infection h1n1) HIV (er H. Wan and) the world-renowned swine flu, bringing the number of deaths to 101 cases. The new deaths are a woman and four men from the governorates of Giza and Qalyubia, Eastern and Kafr El-Sheikh and the lake.
A statement of the Ministry of Health, the case number (97) of a woman at the age of 38 years of Qalyoubia province, and case No. (98) of the old man 55 years of conservative Giza, and case No. (99) for a man aged 42, from the eastern province.
(Sharqia)
The statement said that the case No. (100) to a man aged 36, from Kafr El -
Sheikh, and case No. (101) for a man aged 35 years from the province of the lake.(Beheira)
hat-tip Twall
Dr. Abdel Rahman Shahin, official spokesman of the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health of 5 cases and new deaths from the (virus infection h1n1) HIV (er H. Wan and) the world-renowned swine flu, bringing the number of deaths to 101 cases. The new deaths are a woman and four men from the governorates of Giza and Qalyubia, Eastern and Kafr El-Sheikh and the lake.
A statement of the Ministry of Health, the case number (97) of a woman at the age of 38 years of Qalyoubia province, and case No. (98) of the old man 55 years of conservative Giza, and case No. (99) for a man aged 42, from the eastern province.
(Sharqia)
The statement said that the case No. (100) to a man aged 36, from Kafr El -
Sheikh, and case No. (101) for a man aged 35 years from the province of the lake.(Beheira)
hat-tip Twall
Egypt: 3 cases of swine flu death (96 total)
The Health Ministry announced the death of 3 new cases of swine flu, bringing the number of deaths in Egypt so far to 96.
Dr.. Abdulrahman Shaheen Media Advisor to the Minister of Health said the three cases involving girl, 16 years old from the lake where she had a sugar coma either case 95 for Egyptian woman aged 20 years of Dakahlia province and was suffering respiratory symptoms and health condition was critical, and died yesterday .
The situation of 96 Egyptian woman, aged 26, from Cairo, was admitted to intensive care and put on a respirator and died yesterday after serious complications result of infection with the virus.
hat-tip Twall
Dr.. Abdulrahman Shaheen Media Advisor to the Minister of Health said the three cases involving girl, 16 years old from the lake where she had a sugar coma either case 95 for Egyptian woman aged 20 years of Dakahlia province and was suffering respiratory symptoms and health condition was critical, and died yesterday .
The situation of 96 Egyptian woman, aged 26, from Cairo, was admitted to intensive care and put on a respirator and died yesterday after serious complications result of infection with the virus.
hat-tip Twall
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A stream is in Guangdong in children with symptoms of suspected new super-flu
By Reuters December 20 (Associated Press Shi Lei roundup) China A stream epidemic scope expanded A stream of severe, deaths continues to increase. A stream in Guangdong, the rare emergence of new children with severe symptoms, is currently in the country has no relevant reports. Experts say flu is now worried that integrate mutate into "super-flu."
Pok Oi Hospital, Zhongshan City, four pediatric director of Fu Mao said the number of children admitted to a flow of successive severe, Jun Cheng emerged in purulent sputum of a very high viscosity, "the latest symptom." A flow of hospitalized children with onset just a day or so, it appears extremely difficult breathing, nose flap, shallow and fast breathing severe symptoms. Currently in the country has no relevant reports.
A Beijing residents who wish to voice a journalist to reveal, Xuanwu District Public Security Bureau two police officers hospitalized because of flu, his condition deteriorated very quickly, "pretty weird and suddenly there are two days cough, can not stand, and to the hospital would have lost plasma , quite severe. "reporter called Xuanwu District Public Security Bureau asked on duty to avoid did not answer.
A stream of the virus caused the pneumonia in strict isolation of patients and their families do not understand the treatment process, some families can finally get the ashes. Beijing informed members of the public said: "He told you, the patient fever, then burned after the person has died, (ashes) can be handed over to family members. (Family members) know not, that is, the patient's immediate family members also know not, let see, more than The facility also strict, prison visiting hours there are, um, not. "
Beijing Municipal Health Bureau, side to England December 17 said that now is not really the core issue of concern of H1N1 influenza A, but worried that influenza virus in human, poultry, pigs integrate the three who mutate into "super-flu", That would be disastrous. "Therefore, in the face of each critically ill patients we would consider 'Is there something else'."
Starting from December 16, Shanghai, said that under the uniform provisions, expand a current vaccination crowd, the live poultry market in places such as livestock and poultry, there is occupational exposure of staff; zoo staff engaged in animal husbandry, construction, etc. concentration of labor units, particularly migrant workers into a stream of key target groups, free vaccination.
Ih-Jen Su, vice president of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Hospital, said the H5N1 bird flu mortality rate was 60%, than the H1N1 serious. China bird flu in many parts of the ground-based, that is, is popular in the community (3% of the land birds, water birds with this virus), it is now more concerned about the H1N1 influenza and avian flu H5N1 will restructure.
According to Chinese Ministry of Health, Director of the Office of Health Emergency Response Liang years December 11, said China is still in an active period of a stream in the next one to two months of the epidemic situation is still grim. With the New Year's Day, New Year facing a tide of peasant workers, students tide, visiting relatives, a large population influx of movement, population mobility are likely to make a source of infection the same as the fire spread to the areas where there is no infection. According to CDC Deputy Director of Guangzhou Yang Zhicong, at present in Guangzhou for a flow of all influenza patients.
According to the Ministry of Health informed the CPC, as of last weekend, a stream a total of 442 cases of patients died, of which 116 cases occurred in the last week, China has already confirmed that about 11 million people infected with a stream. However, the message displays only the Guangzhou City, nearly 1.7 million people have been infected by a stream. December 10, Guangzhou Municipal Health Bureau spokesman said Xiong Yuanda, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou City, CDC recently conducted in healthy people serum testing showed that 14% of people have produced antibodies, indicating that they had previously been infected by a stream .
World Health Organization, 18, released the latest outbreak reported that influenza A H1N1 flu has already caused more than 10,000 worldwide deaths. At present, WHO is closely following the situation in the global epidemic.
hat-tipPathfinder
Pok Oi Hospital, Zhongshan City, four pediatric director of Fu Mao said the number of children admitted to a flow of successive severe, Jun Cheng emerged in purulent sputum of a very high viscosity, "the latest symptom." A flow of hospitalized children with onset just a day or so, it appears extremely difficult breathing, nose flap, shallow and fast breathing severe symptoms. Currently in the country has no relevant reports.
A Beijing residents who wish to voice a journalist to reveal, Xuanwu District Public Security Bureau two police officers hospitalized because of flu, his condition deteriorated very quickly, "pretty weird and suddenly there are two days cough, can not stand, and to the hospital would have lost plasma , quite severe. "reporter called Xuanwu District Public Security Bureau asked on duty to avoid did not answer.
A stream of the virus caused the pneumonia in strict isolation of patients and their families do not understand the treatment process, some families can finally get the ashes. Beijing informed members of the public said: "He told you, the patient fever, then burned after the person has died, (ashes) can be handed over to family members. (Family members) know not, that is, the patient's immediate family members also know not, let see, more than The facility also strict, prison visiting hours there are, um, not. "
Beijing Municipal Health Bureau, side to England December 17 said that now is not really the core issue of concern of H1N1 influenza A, but worried that influenza virus in human, poultry, pigs integrate the three who mutate into "super-flu", That would be disastrous. "Therefore, in the face of each critically ill patients we would consider 'Is there something else'."
Starting from December 16, Shanghai, said that under the uniform provisions, expand a current vaccination crowd, the live poultry market in places such as livestock and poultry, there is occupational exposure of staff; zoo staff engaged in animal husbandry, construction, etc. concentration of labor units, particularly migrant workers into a stream of key target groups, free vaccination.
Ih-Jen Su, vice president of Taiwan's National Cheng Kung University Hospital, said the H5N1 bird flu mortality rate was 60%, than the H1N1 serious. China bird flu in many parts of the ground-based, that is, is popular in the community (3% of the land birds, water birds with this virus), it is now more concerned about the H1N1 influenza and avian flu H5N1 will restructure.
According to Chinese Ministry of Health, Director of the Office of Health Emergency Response Liang years December 11, said China is still in an active period of a stream in the next one to two months of the epidemic situation is still grim. With the New Year's Day, New Year facing a tide of peasant workers, students tide, visiting relatives, a large population influx of movement, population mobility are likely to make a source of infection the same as the fire spread to the areas where there is no infection. According to CDC Deputy Director of Guangzhou Yang Zhicong, at present in Guangzhou for a flow of all influenza patients.
According to the Ministry of Health informed the CPC, as of last weekend, a stream a total of 442 cases of patients died, of which 116 cases occurred in the last week, China has already confirmed that about 11 million people infected with a stream. However, the message displays only the Guangzhou City, nearly 1.7 million people have been infected by a stream. December 10, Guangzhou Municipal Health Bureau spokesman said Xiong Yuanda, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou City, CDC recently conducted in healthy people serum testing showed that 14% of people have produced antibodies, indicating that they had previously been infected by a stream .
World Health Organization, 18, released the latest outbreak reported that influenza A H1N1 flu has already caused more than 10,000 worldwide deaths. At present, WHO is closely following the situation in the global epidemic.
hat-tipPathfinder
Vietnam Re: Conf. Case 11/30: 4 test negative, 18 in isolation, stable condition - who had contact w/confirmed
Excerpt
SOCIAL IN BRIEF 21/12
Localities urged to prevent A/H1N1 flu
The central province of Quang Binh and the northern province of Dien Bien have strengthened measures to cope with A/H1N1 flu while the deadly virus is expected to spread widely during this winter.
In Quang Binh, more than 500 people took part in a rehearsal to prevent A/H1N1 flu infections in humans in Ba Don town, Quang Trach district. The rehearsal aimed to assess the management skills of the steering committee for A/H1N1 flu prevention in humans and draw up experiences from health workers involved in the field.
Health workers from the provincial district preventive medical centres took turns checking suspected patients, isolating them and taking samples for test at the central hospitals.
Meanwhile, in Dien Bien, four more cases of A/H1N1 flu infection have been reported, bringing the total cases in the province to 19. So far, the disease has spread to 30 communes and 37 schools in the three districts of Dien Bien, Muong Cha and Dien Bien Phu.
According to the provincial preventive health centre, since the first H5N1 patient died in Dam Mun, Dien Bien district on November 30, 2009, no more deaths from the same disease have been reported in the province. Previously, four suspected cases tested negative for the A/H5N1 virus. Currently, 18 people contacting the deadly virus are being isolated and monitored strictly and they remain in stable conditions.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Vietnam: Influenza A/H1N1 and H5N1 remains complex, high mortality
Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 2:32 (GMT +7)
(VNA) .- On 21-12, at the conference national influenza surveillance was held in Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Nguyen-Tran Hien, head of Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute Central said that the current situation of influenza A translation / H1N1 in Vietnam is complicated development.
Do health sector currently does not make the test more determined, so the number of infected influenza A/H1N1 is recognized not increase much. However, the monitoring results in 15 points to monitor key national rate of ca showed positive for influenza virus H1N1 is still high among the ca are positive for influenza and 90% were influenza A/H1N1.
For monitoring results also showed that influenza A/H5N1, from the beginning of the year the country had recorded 5 cases including 5 deaths were ca. The cause of this situation is detected by monitoring avian influenza in animals also poor, the sick often slow to health facilities after disease onset. Moreover, for hospitals under the working diagnosis of cases not in time to the delayed transfer of patients to upper level. Institute chief Nguyen Tran Hien warned, the current avian influenza A/H5N1 have been recurrent in some localities, plus the service influenza A/H1N1 has complicated development in humans, the risk of a combination of two strains This flu vaccine together to create a new flu virus more dangerous is high.
Statistics of the Ministry of Health showed that the country has over 11,000 influenza A/H1N1 infected, with 50 cases of death. Although this early next month, the number of infected influenza A/H1N1 has tended to reduce the number of disasters that increase weight and mortality remained high.
Department of Animal Health (MARD) has said, after spreading in Thai Nguyen province, the bird flu are spread in Cao Bang. Thus, there are three provinces where bird flu re-appears as Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang and Ca Mau.
While they receive from now until the New Year, the illegal import, transport, sale birds will take place very exciting, the other poultry prices increased again so the risk of H5N1 spreading service very high. Furthermore, in the North are with air conditioning, are favorable conditions for bird flu virus to develop. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked localities to strictly control the poultry are livestock, managed trade, transport and prevent chickens smuggled into inland flooding to Home the response to avian influenza.
(VNA) .- On 21-12, at the conference national influenza surveillance was held in Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Nguyen-Tran Hien, head of Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute Central said that the current situation of influenza A translation / H1N1 in Vietnam is complicated development.
Do health sector currently does not make the test more determined, so the number of infected influenza A/H1N1 is recognized not increase much. However, the monitoring results in 15 points to monitor key national rate of ca showed positive for influenza virus H1N1 is still high among the ca are positive for influenza and 90% were influenza A/H1N1.
For monitoring results also showed that influenza A/H5N1, from the beginning of the year the country had recorded 5 cases including 5 deaths were ca. The cause of this situation is detected by monitoring avian influenza in animals also poor, the sick often slow to health facilities after disease onset. Moreover, for hospitals under the working diagnosis of cases not in time to the delayed transfer of patients to upper level. Institute chief Nguyen Tran Hien warned, the current avian influenza A/H5N1 have been recurrent in some localities, plus the service influenza A/H1N1 has complicated development in humans, the risk of a combination of two strains This flu vaccine together to create a new flu virus more dangerous is high.
Statistics of the Ministry of Health showed that the country has over 11,000 influenza A/H1N1 infected, with 50 cases of death. Although this early next month, the number of infected influenza A/H1N1 has tended to reduce the number of disasters that increase weight and mortality remained high.
Department of Animal Health (MARD) has said, after spreading in Thai Nguyen province, the bird flu are spread in Cao Bang. Thus, there are three provinces where bird flu re-appears as Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang and Ca Mau.
While they receive from now until the New Year, the illegal import, transport, sale birds will take place very exciting, the other poultry prices increased again so the risk of H5N1 spreading service very high. Furthermore, in the North are with air conditioning, are favorable conditions for bird flu virus to develop. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked localities to strictly control the poultry are livestock, managed trade, transport and prevent chickens smuggled into inland flooding to Home the response to avian influenza.
Vietnam: 100% of infected influenza A/H5N1 death
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
(Bloomberg) - At the workshop performance evaluation system to monitor influenza countries afternoon 21-12, in Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Nguyen-Tran Hien, Director of Institute of the Central Hygiene and Epidemiology, said mortality due to influenza A/H5N1 in Vietnam is very high - 100% in the 2003 and 2009. Most people with influenza A/H5N1 have been detected in contact with infected birds died.
About influenza A/H1N1, according to Mr. Show, the rate of infection in the national influenza surveillance points were very high in 2009. We translated influenza A/H1N1 has spread to most provinces.
N. Dung
(Bloomberg) - At the workshop performance evaluation system to monitor influenza countries afternoon 21-12, in Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Nguyen-Tran Hien, Director of Institute of the Central Hygiene and Epidemiology, said mortality due to influenza A/H5N1 in Vietnam is very high - 100% in the 2003 and 2009. Most people with influenza A/H5N1 have been detected in contact with infected birds died.
About influenza A/H1N1, according to Mr. Show, the rate of infection in the national influenza surveillance points were very high in 2009. We translated influenza A/H1N1 has spread to most provinces.
N. Dung
Updated Interim Recommendations: Special Considerations for Clinicians Regarding 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Severely Immunosuppressed Patients
[Some excerpts, as this is a very large article]
December 16, 2009, 11:30 AM ET
December 16, 2009, 11:30 AM ET
Epidemiology
Immunosuppression can result from a variety of clinical conditions, and the severity of immunosuppression may vary with the severity of the condition. Immunosuppression may also result from immunosuppressive treatments, the extent of which may depend on factors such as dosage or synergistic medication combinations. Some common conditions and treatments associated with immunodeficiency are shown in the tables below. These interim recommendations refer to patients who are severely immunosuppressed as a result of receiving treatment for malignancies; or as a result of receiving treatment related to solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants; or as a result of autoimmune conditions and treatment. Such patients may be at high risk of influenza-related complications such as more severe illness and hospitalization. These recommendations may be updated as further information becomes available. In addition to this guidance, there are documents available for caregivers of adult and adolescent HIV-infected patients as well as for patients with rheumatological diseases.
Patients with severe immunosuppression from the following conditions or treatments may be at high risk for influenza-related complications.
Some Conditions and Treatment that Suppress the Immune System*
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient receiving anti-rejection medication
- Solid organ transplant recipient receiving anti-rejection medication
- Congenital immunodeficiency disorder
- Chemotherapy for cancer
- Autoimmune conditions and treatments
- Chronic corticosteroid use
* HIV and Rheumatologic conditions are included in other guidance
Patients with conditions that confer some degree of immunosuppression, e.g., asplenia, may not necessarily have increased risk for influenza-associated complications, but may be at high risk for secondary invasive infection with encapsulated bacteria (e.g., pneumococcal disease).
Patients who use short courses of treatments that weaken the immune system for mild, common ailments (e.g., corticosteroid use for poison ivy), are likely NOT at increased risk of complications from influenza unless they also have other high-risk conditions for influenza complications such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, cancer, etc.
Clinical Issues
While some severely immunosuppressed patients may develop typical signs and symptoms of influenza, fever may not always be present1. Therefore, clinicians should suspect influenza in any severely immunosuppressed patient with acute respiratory symptoms, with or without fever, and initiate empiric antiviral treatment as soon as possible and send respiratory specimens for real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) (see Influenza diagnostic testing and Antiviral treatment sections below). Appropriate infection control including isolation should be implemented for any suspected patient as soon as possible even before testing results are available.
Although the type and severity of immune dysfunction that correlates with increased risk of influenza-associated complications is not well defined, transplant patients with significant lymphodepletion (i.e., lymphopenia due to immunosuppression for recent hematopoietic stem cell transplant) or lymphocyte dysfunction have had serious complications of influenza virus infection, prolonged viral shedding, and have acquired resistance to antiviral medications2. Sporadic cases of oseltamivir-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection have been reported; some of these cases were in severely immunosuppressed patients in whom resistance emerged during treatment for symptomatic illness and who experienced prolonged viral shedding3. Therefore, some experts have recommended that immunosuppressed patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection should strictly adhere to recommended personal protective equipment and infection control measures until symptoms have resolved and there are serial respiratory specimens that test negative for 2009 H1N1 viral RNA by rRT-PCR 4, 5.
-snip-
Antiviral treatment
Antiviral therapy with a neuraminidase inhibitor (oseltamivir, zanamivir) should be initiated empiricallyas early as possible for severely immunosuppressed patients with suspected influenza. Although efficacy of early antiviral treatment (<48>10, 11, 12, 13. Although there are no prospective data available for neuraminidase inhibitor treatment of immunosuppressed patients with influenza, initiation of therapy beyond 48 hours after symptom onset should be considered.
Clinicians should be aware that severely immunosuppressed persons with influenza may experience prolonged influenza viral replication; those with significant lymphopenia will typically shed for longer than 5 days even with antiviral treatment2. Therefore, some experts have recommended consideration of longer duration of neuraminidase inhibitor treatment (e.g. 10 days versus standard 5 days). Infection control precautions should be maintained for as long as such patients have evidence of prolonged influenza viral shedding as detected by rRT-PCR and/or remain symptomatic – whichever is longer. Sporadic cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 H1N1 virus have been reported in severely immunosuppressed patients who were treated with oseltamivir. This oseltamivir resistance is associated with an H275Y mutation in viral neuraminidase. Patients with suspected or confirmed oseltamivir-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus who require antiviral treatment should receive zanamivir. If orally inhaled zanamivir is contraindicated or not tolerated, then IV zanamivir
Optimal therapy for severely immunosuppressed patients with oseltamivir-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has not been defined. Some severely immunosuppressed patients with 2009 H1N1 have been treated with a combination of IV zanamivir and aerosolized ribavirin3, 14 therapy, or IV zanamivir monotherapy15. Clinicians should note that orally inhaled zanamivir may not be tolerated by critically ill patients with lower respiratory tract disease. Clinicians should be aware that intravenous antiviral medications are available, IV peramivir16 through an Emergency Use Authorization; and IV zanamivir15 through an Emergency Investigational New Drug Application) for treatment of critically ill 2009 H1N1 patients or for hospitalized patients who cannot tolerate orally inhaled zanamivir or oral oseltamivir when treatment is indicated. Critically ill immunosuppressed patients are particularly susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections that can cause pneumonia and disseminated infection, including sepsis, and should be empirically treated with antibiotics based on clinical judgment.
-snip-
Egypt: The higher number to 93 victims The death of 4 new cases of swine flu Monday, December 21, 2009 - 22:30
[I spoke too soon....see post below this]
The Ministry of Health on Monday evening, the death of 4 new cases due to infection (er 1 The HP 1), known as swine flu, bringing the death since the disease appeared in Egypt to 93 cases.
A statement from the Ministry of Health, No. 90, the situation is a woman from the Cairo Governorate (23 years)
Was admitted to a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, with
Been transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, has been
Patient was pregnant in the eighteenth week.
The statement added that the situation No. 91 Lady from Qalyoubia province (26 years) was admitted to
Hospital has been suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and was transferred to the intensive care unit
And placed on a respirator, he said, adding that the situation is No. 92 to a man from Qena Governorate
(40 years) and was detained in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and health
Critical, where he was transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator,
The history of the situation to patients suffering Bromatesm heart, shortness of valve
Mitral and aortic, reflux valve trio.
The statement pointed out that the situation is No. 93 for a girl from the Cairo Governorate (14 years) was admitted to
The hospital has been suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, where he was transferred
To the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and history suggests patients
Of the situation to her chronic lung fibrosis and conduct open-heart surgery.
The Ministry of Health on Monday evening, the death of 4 new cases due to infection (er 1 The HP 1), known as swine flu, bringing the death since the disease appeared in Egypt to 93 cases.
A statement from the Ministry of Health, No. 90, the situation is a woman from the Cairo Governorate (23 years)
Was admitted to a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, with
Been transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, has been
Patient was pregnant in the eighteenth week.
The statement added that the situation No. 91 Lady from Qalyoubia province (26 years) was admitted to
Hospital has been suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and was transferred to the intensive care unit
And placed on a respirator, he said, adding that the situation is No. 92 to a man from Qena Governorate
(40 years) and was detained in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and health
Critical, where he was transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator,
The history of the situation to patients suffering Bromatesm heart, shortness of valve
Mitral and aortic, reflux valve trio.
The statement pointed out that the situation is No. 93 for a girl from the Cairo Governorate (14 years) was admitted to
The hospital has been suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, where he was transferred
To the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and history suggests patients
Of the situation to her chronic lung fibrosis and conduct open-heart surgery.
Egypt: Compilation of Stories For Today
[I do not see any reports of deaths today so far]
The high number of infected swine flu Sohag to 44
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 18:32
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11 injured in the case of swine flu in Alexandria
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 15:55
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Swine flu closes private school crossing [in Balqlliopip]
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 15:25
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Swine flu close a new school the city of Sinai
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 13:12
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10 cases of influenza infection in Fayoum, Port Said, Assiut,
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 12:48
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Swine flu hit 4 new cases in Alexandria
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 11:21
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Within one week ..
2538 influenza infection, including 1270 school
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 16:04
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The high number of infected swine flu Sohag to 44
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 18:32
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.youm7.com/News.asp%3FNewsID%3D168783%26SecID%3D97%26IssueID%3D87&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgeKD6QwpXQXpTnwOs7WgxHKudP-Q
11 injured in the case of swine flu in Alexandria
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 15:55
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.youm7.com/News.asp%3FNewsID%3D168721%26SecID%3D97%26IssueID%3D87&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhhUnUqsrP2JDPyK398tB5TvdrVMAw
Swine flu closes private school crossing [in Balqlliopip]
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 15:25
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Swine flu close a new school the city of Sinai
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 13:12
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.youm7.com/News.asp%3FNewsID%3D168640%26SecID%3D97%26IssueID%3D87&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhiuBkH4PNLrVy4Pdk86Rob1kPaVcg
10 cases of influenza infection in Fayoum, Port Said, Assiut,
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 12:48
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.youm7.com/News.asp%3FNewsID%3D168628%26SecID%3D97%26IssueID%3D87&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgpbwD2XUsJHxMCsYPEbkE-oyYSBw
Swine flu hit 4 new cases in Alexandria
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 11:21
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Within one week ..
2538 influenza infection, including 1270 school
Monday, December 21, 2009 - 16:04
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WHO Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 26
21 December 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) on 19 December 2009.
The case is a 21 year old female from the El Tanta District of Gharbia Governorate. She developed symptoms of fever and cough on 15 December 2009.
She was admitted to Tanta Fever Hospital where she received oseltamivir treatment on the same day. She is in a stable condition. Investigation revealed that the case had close contact with dead poultry and was involved in slaughtering sick birds.
The case was confirmed by the Egyptian Central Public Health Laboratories, a National Influenza Center of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN).
Of the 90 laboratory confirmed cases of Avian influenza A(H5N1) reported in Egypt, 27 have been fatal.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Egypt: 5 new swine flu deaths in a single day lift the number to 89
Cairo - Egypt Online
Health Ministry announced Sunday the death of 5 cases of HIV, "1 H-1 The" swine flu known from the governorates of (Cairo, Gharbia, Dakahlia), increasing the number of deaths to 89 cases.
The Health Ministry statement that the situation for a young Egyptian 87 at the age of 19, from Cairo Governorate has been detained in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms in critical condition and was transferred to the intensive care unit and put on a respirator, and the date the patients of the situation indicates the failure of chronic liver injury and sensitivity in the chest and a rise in blood pressure.
The statement said that the situation for a young Egyptian 88 at the age of 22 years of conservative Dakahlia booked a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and was transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator.
The statement added that the situation for the 89-old woman, aged 57, from Cairo Governorate booked a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms were transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, explaining that the case history of patients referred to her chronic liver failure and diabetes.
The statement noted that the situation for the 85-month pregnant woman from the fifth Western Province was caught in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, and was Nkulha to the hospital's intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and died Sunday.
The ministry confirmed to start in the vaccination of pregnant women from the end of December the current Baattabarhn most vulnerable to infection.
The situation is of a girl 86 year old and 7 months of Dakahlia Governorate was admitted to a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and health status in critical condition and transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and history suggests the girl child patients diagnosed with epilepsy and brain atrophy and pneumonia frequently.
And in context, the Ministry of Health decided to start vaccination of women pregnant women against the disease from the end of December the current Baattabarhn most vulnerable to infection.
Al-Ahram newspaper quoted the Cyber Sunday Abdel-Rahman Shahin, spokesman for the Ministry of Health said it was proven absence of a minimum risk to embryos of vaccination, and are advised Dr. Fathi Shabana, Director of Fever Hospital Imbaba any holder warmed to 38 degrees Celsius to proceed immediately to the hospital, and to avoid dependence on fever reducers without consulting your doctor.
The deaths from the epidemic has increased significantly over the last two weeks up to 84 cases, including 13 pregnant woman, the subject of more than 75 carrier of the treatment after testing is currently contracting the disease.
On the other hand, sees Dr. Alaa Mohieddin Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, it is not a threat to the holder of Tamiflu, as long as the virus has not been able to overcome the placenta.
And begins the critical phase of the spread of HIV 1 The 1 with the low temperatures significantly from early next month, and break-proliferation unit for the month of March, and then resumes his attack the virus at the beginning of April.
hat-tip Dutchy
Health Ministry announced Sunday the death of 5 cases of HIV, "1 H-1 The" swine flu known from the governorates of (Cairo, Gharbia, Dakahlia), increasing the number of deaths to 89 cases.
The Health Ministry statement that the situation for a young Egyptian 87 at the age of 19, from Cairo Governorate has been detained in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms in critical condition and was transferred to the intensive care unit and put on a respirator, and the date the patients of the situation indicates the failure of chronic liver injury and sensitivity in the chest and a rise in blood pressure.
The statement said that the situation for a young Egyptian 88 at the age of 22 years of conservative Dakahlia booked a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and was transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator.
The statement added that the situation for the 89-old woman, aged 57, from Cairo Governorate booked a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms were transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, explaining that the case history of patients referred to her chronic liver failure and diabetes.
The statement noted that the situation for the 85-month pregnant woman from the fifth Western Province was caught in hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and condition of health is precarious, and was Nkulha to the hospital's intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and died Sunday.
The ministry confirmed to start in the vaccination of pregnant women from the end of December the current Baattabarhn most vulnerable to infection.
The situation is of a girl 86 year old and 7 months of Dakahlia Governorate was admitted to a hospital suffering from severe respiratory symptoms and health status in critical condition and transferred to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator, and history suggests the girl child patients diagnosed with epilepsy and brain atrophy and pneumonia frequently.
And in context, the Ministry of Health decided to start vaccination of women pregnant women against the disease from the end of December the current Baattabarhn most vulnerable to infection.
Al-Ahram newspaper quoted the Cyber Sunday Abdel-Rahman Shahin, spokesman for the Ministry of Health said it was proven absence of a minimum risk to embryos of vaccination, and are advised Dr. Fathi Shabana, Director of Fever Hospital Imbaba any holder warmed to 38 degrees Celsius to proceed immediately to the hospital, and to avoid dependence on fever reducers without consulting your doctor.
The deaths from the epidemic has increased significantly over the last two weeks up to 84 cases, including 13 pregnant woman, the subject of more than 75 carrier of the treatment after testing is currently contracting the disease.
On the other hand, sees Dr. Alaa Mohieddin Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, it is not a threat to the holder of Tamiflu, as long as the virus has not been able to overcome the placenta.
And begins the critical phase of the spread of HIV 1 The 1 with the low temperatures significantly from early next month, and break-proliferation unit for the month of March, and then resumes his attack the virus at the beginning of April.
hat-tip Dutchy
India: No major change in A(H1NI) virus: doctors
Sunday, Dec 20, 2009
PRECAUTION: The State Health Department held a meeting on Saturday to strategise for the second outbreak of swine flu.
PRECAUTION: The State Health Department held a meeting on Saturday to strategise for the second outbreak of swine flu.
Bangalore: Even as the World Health Organisation (WHO) is studying a mutation of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus recently detected in several countries and leading to fears of a more virulent second outbreak, scientists studying the virus in Bangalore say so far they have not detected any major mutation.
“The influenza virus is known to mutate. But there are no mutations so far to cause a more severe form of the A(H1N1) flu. The clinical severity of the mutation is yet to be analysed,” said Reeta Mani, Associate Professor at the Department of Neurovirology, NIMHANS.
Speaking at the Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference on Pulmonary Pathology organised by Command Hospital Air Force here on Saturday, Dr. Mani said NIMHANS had not yet started the virus isolation. A panel discussion that followed the conference discussed all aspects of the virus and measures to check its spread.
In his presentation, Wing Commander Ajay Handa, also Professor and Classified Specialist (Medicine) at Command Hospital, said although resistance to Tamiflu is very rare, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had authorised the use of intravenous Peramivir, a new drug, under an Emergency Use Authorisation. Wing Commander Vanmalini Tewari, Professor and Classified Specialist (Pathology) at the hospital, spoke on the laboratory diagnosis of A(H1N1) infection. “Of the 208 samples that have been tested at our laboratory, 36 tested positive.”
Meanwhile, the swine flu death toll touched 130 with four deaths reported in the last one week. Five persons tested positive on Saturday.
India: H1N1 virus may combine with seasonal flu
20 December 2009
PUNE: A simultaneous influenza activity of both the novel strain of the H1N1 and the seasonal influenza virus is being seen circulating in the country, which is a cause of serious concern, said A C Mishra, director of the National Institute of Virology (NIV) here on Saturday.
Scientists at the NIV are keeping a close watch because the H1N1 virus may come together with the seasonal influenza and lead to easier spread of the virus in the community, he said.
Mishra was speaking as a guest of honour at the inaugural session of the 18th annual conference organised by the Pune Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (POGS) at the IMA house in the city on Saturday.
"In western countries, all influenza cases are turning out to be that of H1N1 flu, while in India, we see cases of seasonal as well as swine flu infection. Hence, we cannot predict with accuracy whether the virus will behave the way it is behaving now. There is too much uncertainty. There are definitely reasons to worry; there are reasons to be more alert and cautious as well," Mishra said.
Similarly, the NIV will also keep a close eye on the outbreak of any influenza in the country to keep constantly ruling out the local transmission of the virus. "A sudden rise in any influenza will be immediately taken into account. We will even be conducting tests on a few samples to find out whether the virus has mixed up with common influenza virus," said Mishra.
Elaborating further, Mishra said, "The scientific understanding of the H1N1 virus is changing every day. What we think of today change the next day."
Taking stock of the slight rise in infection cases in the last two weeks, Mishra said, "A slight upward movement is being seen in the swine flu infection in the last few days. Similarly, a slight rise in the deaths caused by the infection is also seen in the last few days. We are still at the high risk zone in Pune. There is a definite need to be wary and take precautions."
He added: "At this stage, it is important to maintain surveillance and update pandemic preparedness and response plans accordingly."
On this occasion, the POGS's awareness posters on swine flu and pregnancy was also released. Vikas Amte of Anandvan graced the occasion.
[snip]
hat-tip Monotreme
PUNE: A simultaneous influenza activity of both the novel strain of the H1N1 and the seasonal influenza virus is being seen circulating in the country, which is a cause of serious concern, said A C Mishra, director of the National Institute of Virology (NIV) here on Saturday.
Scientists at the NIV are keeping a close watch because the H1N1 virus may come together with the seasonal influenza and lead to easier spread of the virus in the community, he said.
Mishra was speaking as a guest of honour at the inaugural session of the 18th annual conference organised by the Pune Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (POGS) at the IMA house in the city on Saturday.
"In western countries, all influenza cases are turning out to be that of H1N1 flu, while in India, we see cases of seasonal as well as swine flu infection. Hence, we cannot predict with accuracy whether the virus will behave the way it is behaving now. There is too much uncertainty. There are definitely reasons to worry; there are reasons to be more alert and cautious as well," Mishra said.
Similarly, the NIV will also keep a close eye on the outbreak of any influenza in the country to keep constantly ruling out the local transmission of the virus. "A sudden rise in any influenza will be immediately taken into account. We will even be conducting tests on a few samples to find out whether the virus has mixed up with common influenza virus," said Mishra.
Elaborating further, Mishra said, "The scientific understanding of the H1N1 virus is changing every day. What we think of today change the next day."
Taking stock of the slight rise in infection cases in the last two weeks, Mishra said, "A slight upward movement is being seen in the swine flu infection in the last few days. Similarly, a slight rise in the deaths caused by the infection is also seen in the last few days. We are still at the high risk zone in Pune. There is a definite need to be wary and take precautions."
He added: "At this stage, it is important to maintain surveillance and update pandemic preparedness and response plans accordingly."
On this occasion, the POGS's awareness posters on swine flu and pregnancy was also released. Vikas Amte of Anandvan graced the occasion.
[snip]
hat-tip Monotreme
Egypt: After 3 months on the last injury .. Concerns the integration of swine influenza virus with birds
And health stresses the separation between the hospitals and treating physicians and patients .. Warning of dealing with live birds
Sunday, December 20th, 2009 - 09:26
Dr. Hatem the Minister of Health
Mr. Mahfouz books and Amira Abdel Salam, Ashraf Azzouz - Photograph: Essam Al-Shami
Cause the Ministry of Health announced the discovery of injury No. 90 from bird flu in a state of extreme anxiety and fear among many experts, amid expectations of many probability integration of avian influenza virus with swine and the formation of a new type of dangerous viruses.
And despite the announcement by the ministries of health and agriculture of the procedures and preventive and protective of the disease "birds and pigs," but that the emergence of case No. 90 bird flu puts everyone in front of a wave of questions about the situation is different for the disease this year than in the previous year, especially in the presence of swine influenza virus, as well as plans drawn up by the government to deal with this wave of viruses.
For its part, has not ruled out the Ministry of Health bird flu mutates and its transmission among humans, and has not ruled out also to be incorporated with the swine flu virus, saying it is taking all measures to control the situation before it happens this winter, which is the most dangerous in the face of viral influenza birds and pigs.
She stressed the Ministry of Health in a leaflet distributed to all hospitals that separation between each of the suspected of contracting bird flu from their counterparts with swine flu.
The ministry also announced the allocation of specific hospitals to receive and suspected cases of avian and swine influenza on the republic level, and confirmed in its publication The need for the doctors for fear of the merger or the formation of the Federation of viruses and a new type of dangerous viruses.
For his part, warned Dr. Hatem the Minister of Health of the settlers in direct contact with live birds, pointing to the gravity and ferocity of the bird flu virus, describing the most powerful to swine influenza virus to affect mortality rates.
He stressed the lack of mountain farming and handling live poultry in cities with tight control by vaccination in the countryside.
He announced the end of the mountain and the Ministry of Health to develop a national plan to deal with bird flu in the event of becoming a pandemic in collaboration with the Center for Epidemiology and surveillance of the department, referring to the lifting of the plan to both the WHO and the OIE and FAO International has been adopted.
The Ministry of Health attributed the cause of the emergence of new cases of bird flu at this time to the beginning of the winter season, the season of the spread of disease, especially that Egypt is the most important countries that settled by the virus.
The ministry has taken a series of actions and promised by the "mountain" in the plan of the new ministry to deal with the virus this winter in the forefront of a complete separation between each of the hospitals in birds and pigs, which examines both cases of suspicion and even disease, and are completely separated between each of the skilled staff for the treatment of both cases, either pigs or birds.
The ministry announced on the revitalization of the surveillance of contacts of the birds in all hospitals in addition to the formation of a strategic stockpile of Tamiflu, the processor of the mutated variants of avian flu and swine reached to 5 million packages in addition to the $ 5 million of the stuff of the drug.
For its part, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation that it had so many campaigns for immunization of poultry farms nationwide to prevent the emergence of the disease which was confirmed by Dr. Saber Abdel Aziz, General Director of Preventive Medicine and an expert body of poultry veterinary services.
Abdul Aziz said the vaccinated birds in more than 20 counties nationwide during the past two months, with the beginning of the onset of winter, which showed the disease to spread.
Mr. Abdel Aziz to the situation this year different from last year, especially with the entry of swine influenza virus Egypt, warning of the danger of the integration of viral influenza with pigs and the formation of a new virus more dangerous.
He added that the authority has a comprehensive vaccination campaigns in 10 provinces, including western and northern Sinai, Minya and Eastern as well as campaigns against the governorates with the disease recently.
hat-tip Twall
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