Vietnam: Checkpoints Set Up in Nghe An

People's Army - In Nghe An outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) first appeared in households, Tran Van Manh (neighbors 2, xã Diễn Lâm, District Diễn Châu, tỉnh Nghệ An) on 20-day-old ducks. Up to Date 27-11, in Dien Chau district has more than 600 infected birds. In Ha Tinh province, the first appeared in Cam Xuyen district, as many birds die and be destroyed.

We here at Pandemic Information News have this in our records:

Cẩm Xuyên Dist. Ha Tinh Province

10/28
To date, the district has destroyed 3,700 birds show signs of illness.

10/27/10
Video:
http://tinyurl.com/35kopae

Ha Tinh, Vietnam
10/16
Cam Thanh, Cam Xuyen district (Ha Tinh)
Department had taken nine samples of 3 out of 5 households with sick poultry dying...
Results show that the bird was killed by H5N1 infection.

10/15/10
Outbreak in: H5N1 lại xảy ra tại 2 thôn Trung Nam và Na Kênh, xã Cẩm Thành (Cẩm Xuyên).
Confirmed infected poultry/ducks.
Flooding concerns of spreading disease.
In the same district.

Before the evolution of avian influenza outbreaks tend to be strong, Nghe An Department of Animal Health to coordinate with the District Veterinary Station deployment antidotal Dien Chau, disinfected cages to isolate the outbreaks. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ha Tinh province to set up working groups on social development has epidemic of anti-epidemic measures, and also set up eight checkpoints in areas where outbreaks.

Bird Flu Patients Unforeseen No Contact With Poultry

Saturday, 11/27/2010 20:25 pm

Bandung - K (21), patients suspected of bird flu or H5N1 virus from Bandung Kulon, has no history of contact with poultry. In fact, in the neighborhood of C And no one who suffered the same symptoms as women.

"Mrs K had no history of contact with poultry and there is no contact with diseased people alike," says Primal Sudjana, physicians who are members of specific communicable disease investigation team Hasan Sadikin (RSHS), when contacted via phone detikbandung, Saturday (27 / 11 / 2010).

In treating patients, he continued, carried out according to the standard handling of the World Health Organization (WHO). Until today, patients continue to show positive condition.

"Now the ventilator (a ventilator - ed) is still installed, but body temperature is not hot," he said.

In addition to installing ventilators, since treated, the doctors also provide a variety of drugs. Such drugs, including oseltamivir and drugs to raise blood pressure. However, drugs to raise blood pressure has been suspended since yesterday.

K treated at the Isolation Room Flamboyan RS Hasan Sadikin (RSHS) since 22 November. Strongly suspected H5N1 virus or bird flu known. Therefore, the patient's condition deteriorated in a short time with symptoms that lead to bird flu.

Philippines: Govt assures meat safe from bird flu, other health threats

Saturday, 27 November 2010
BY James Konstantin Galvez , Reporter

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Meat Inspection Service, assured the public that all imported and locally produced poultry meat products stored in all NMIS-accredited meat storages are certified safe and free from bird flu and other types of diseases.

In an order, NMIS Executive Director Jane Bacayo instructed all field offices to stamp the “Bird Flu-free” logo on all Meat and Meat Products Inspection Certification (MMPIC) issued from the agency’s accredited cold storages and distribution centers.

Bacayo also ordered all NMIS regional officers to remain vigilant in monitoring the safety of all meat and meat products in all accredited meat plants in the country—all imported and locally produced meat must be subjected first to inspection before they are distributed for retail.

At the same time, the official encouraged consumers to look for the MMPIC certificate when they buy meat at retail stores, so that they can be assured that it is safe and free from any hazardous contamination that might compromise their health.

MMPIC is a document issued by a meat inspection officer that certifies the safety and quality of meat that comes from all NMIS- accredited meat plants.

Besides the bird-flu scare, consumers were also warned over the proliferation of “botcha” or “double-dead” meat in some markets in Metro Manila.

Patient K at RSHS Allegedly Strong Bird Flu

Saturday, 11/27/2010 14:07 pm
Oris Riswan Budiana - detikBandung

Bandung - treating K (21) in the Isolation Room Flamboyan RS Hasan Sadikin (RSHS), strongly suspected H5N1 virus or better known as bird flu. Therefore, the patient's condition deteriorated in a short time with symptoms that lead to bird flu.

It was said Primal Sudjana, physicians who are members of a special investigation team infectious disease. The team is a team of women from Bandung Kulon handle it.

"We are more suspicious of patients leading to H5N1 or bird flu. Due to the rapid clinical development become heavy," says Primal when contacted by phone on Saturday (27/11/2010).

He explained that the patient's condition when it comes to RSHS fairly bad condition. He suffered from abdominal pain, fever, and pneumonia (pneumonia-ed) weight. In fact, shortness of breath experienced by patients are already being felt a week before being taken to RSHS.

"He is shortness of breath a week before being taken to RSHS," he said.

Based on experience, he continued, patients with such conditions more suspected bird flu. Moreover, the patient was fitted with ventilators (ventilator-red) when first treated to date.

Florida Airline Passenger Possibly Sick With Cholera

Posted: 1:41 pm EST November 26, 2010

MIAMI -- An American Airlines passenger on a flight from the Dominican Republic to Miami was hospitalized upon arrival after experiencing possible symptoms of cholera.

Airline spokesman Tim Smith says the adult male became ill during the flight Thursday evening.

Emergency medical services met the flight on arrival and transported the patient to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Add Nghe An, Ha Tinh appearance of avian influenza

Saturday, 27/11/2010, 02:01 (GMT 7)
(SGGP) .- 26-11 days, Veterinary Department (MARD) confirmed, after bird flu outbreak back in Nam Dinh, veterinary offices continue discovered in Nghe An and Ha Still have questions H5N1 in poultry.

In Nghe An province has nearly 600 poultry outbreaks of Dien Chau district have to be destroyed. Nghe An Department of Animal Health to coordinate with the District Veterinary Station deployment antidotal Dien Chau, disinfected cages to isolate the outbreaks. Also in Ha Tinh, bird flu broke out in Cam Xuyen district.

Currently at the end of the year, trading activities, movement of poultry begins to boil again, the risk of spreading avian flu is very high.

Unexpected First Patient Treated in RSHS Bird Flu

Saturday, 11/27/2010 0:14 pm
Oris Riswan Budiana - detikBandung

Bandung - The first patient suspected H5N1 virus or bird flu in West Java this year, being treated at Hasan Sadikin (RSHS) since 22 November. K, 21-year-old woman was living in Bandung Kulon area.

This was justified CEO RSHS Bayu Wahyudi when found in RSHS, Pasteur Road, on Friday (11/26/2010).

"Yes, there is a patient being treated, the situation is serious. He came 22 November with the state of pneumonia (inflammation of the lung - editor), shortness of breath, decreased consciousness, and other symptoms," said Bayu.

He explained that K Flamboyan treated at the Isolation Room. K is placed in that space because the symptoms of respiratory disease severe enough.

As is known, space is a special place for the treatment of patients with severe respiratory disease. For example, patients with H1N1 or swine flu (now called influenza A H1N1) and H5N1 or bird flu.

"We still do the examination and the results hopefully in the near future can be known," he said.

Based on the information collected, the woman suspected of contracting bird flu. That's because the clinical condition of the patient's body become heavy overnight. In fact, patients fitted with a ventilator or a ventilator since the first day of treatment.

Hattip Dutchy

Haiti cholera outbreak needs stronger response, top UN relief official stresses

PAHO-WHO official in Haiti demonstrating hygiene practices to deal with cholera

24 November 2010 – The top United Nations humanitarian official has stressed the need for a much stronger international and national response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti during a visit to the Caribbean nation.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) and its regional arm, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), now estimate that based on the speed with which people are being infected, the outbreak that began in late October could affect 400,000 people.

This is considered a worst-case scenario, which is avoidable if the prevention and treatment responses reach people in the poor areas in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other towns and outlying areas in the country.

“This projection is a wake-up call,” Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said yesterday in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

African Swine Fever Threatens 1.1 Million Pigs in Russian Region

By Marina Sysoyeva -
Nov 24, 2010 9:15 AM ET

As many as 1.1 million pigs may have to be destroyed in the Russian region of Krasnodar after an outbreak of African swine fever, Governor Alexander Tkachev said today.

“The whole region is facing a real threat of African swine fever spread,” Tkachev said in comments on the region’s official website. “We are at risk of losing an industry..

Manitoba Turkey Farm Tests Positive For Bird Flu

CJOB News Team reporting
11/24/2010

A Manitoba turkey-breeding operation has tested positive for a strain of bird flu. Working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Manitoba Agriculture has quarantined a farm. But they're not saying specifically where, just north of Winnipeg. Officials however say there is no evidence this is the Asian strain of H5N1 influenza, and there's been no human illness. Workers at the farm are being given "anti-virals" as a precaution. Both levels of government want you to know the human consumption of turkey products continues to be safe.

Bird flu appears in Nam Dinh

RFA 24.11.2010
According to a report today from the Veterinary Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture And Rural Development, the outbreak appeared in two livestock farms in Nam Dinh.

To prevent the spread, the local authorities to immediately apply all precautions, including commands destroyed over a thousand ducks infected with H5N1 symptoms.


Besides, measures and spraying disinfectant around where the disease is also carried out, besides the limited transportation service to the area to avoid carrying the H1N1 virus spread to surrounding areas.

Key questions on influenza

[This site is out of the UK]

24 Nov 10

GP and flu expert Dr Douglas Fleming answers GP Dr Pam Brown’s questions on vaccinating children, distinguishing flu from other infections and spotting complications

Excerpt:

13. In which returning travellers with fever and URTI symptoms should we consider avian flu and how should we investigate and manage them?

For avian flu (H5N1 virus), we remain in Pandemic Alert Period phase ³. This can be summarised as: ‘No, or very limited, human-to-human transmission of a new flu virus’.

The H5N1 virus has been around for more than 10 years and fortunately has shown no signs of mutating to a readily transmissible variant. But we need to acknowledge this possibility, which has not changed because of the emergence of the recent H1N1 pandemic virus, and plan accordingly.

Also, we cannot be sure about the risks from other strains. Reliable surveillance and eternal vigilance are key to flu protection.

It is important for both clinicians and virologists to recognise the unusual. Guidance on the management of respiratory infections in travellers from abroad is available from the Health Protection Agency.⁵

People with high fever of uncertain origin who have recently arrived in this country need to be investigated promptly and thoroughly, especially if they have travelled from countries known to have cases of H5N1 avian flu (such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Egypt).

It is equally important to consider the possibility of malaria. The local infectious disease specialist at the HPA is always available to offer help and advice.

Dr Douglas Fleming is director of the RCGP Research and Surveillance Centre. Any opinions expressed here are exclusively his.

Competing interests Dr Fleming has served on advisory committees to pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturers. He has been reimbursed by them to attend international meetings and to present lectures on flu-related matters.

Dr Pam Brown is a GP in Swansea

Vietnam: H5N1 Poultry in Dien Chau Dist., Nghe An Province

Dien Chau outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza
24/11/2010 24/11/2010
Sau một thời gian dài lắng lại, đến nay, dịch cúm H5N1 ở gia cầm đã bùng phát trở lại tại xã Diễn Lâm, Diễn Châu. After settling back a long time, until now, H5N1 avian flu broke out again in Ubuntu Lam commune, Dien Chau. Đây là địa phương đầu tiên ở huyện Diễn Châu bùng phát dịch cúm H5N1 kể từ đầu năm đến nay. This is the first local in Dien Chau district H5N1 outbreaks since early this year.

Ban đầu là đàn vịt 20 ngày tuổi của gia đình anh Trần Văn Mạnh ở xóm 2 Nam Lâm xã Diễn Lâm, đến nay, dịch cúm gia cầm đã lây lan trên đàn vịt của nhiều gia đình khác. Initial 20-day-old ducks his family in the neighborhood 2 Tran Van Manh Lam Nam Lam Social Forum, to date, avian influenza has spread to the flock of many other families. Ngay sau khi phát hiện các biểu hiện về dịch bệnh, toàn bộ số gia cầm trên đã được chính quyền địa phương tiến hành tiêu hủy ngay. Immediately after detecting signs of disease, all of the birds on local authorities was carried out immediately destroyed.

Là địa phương nhiều năm liền không để xẩy ra dịch bệnh ở đàn gia súc gia cầm, nên trước những diễn biến phức tạp của dịch bệnh như hiện nay đang là tâm điểm chú ý của địa phương nói chung và các hộ chăn nuôi nói riêng. Is local for many years without the disease occurring in cattle and poultry, should first of these complicated diseases, such as is currently the focus of the locality in general and farmers in particular . Gia đình ông Trương Công Ba ở xóm 11, Nam Lâm là một trong những hộ chăn nuôi nhiều ở địa phương. His family in the neighborhood 11 Ba Truong Cong, South Forest is one of the many farms in the locality. Với tổng số gần 800 con gia cầm các loại, đây là nguồn thu nhập chính của gia đình nên công tác phòng trừ dịch bệnh đã được ông quan tâm hàng đầu. With a total of nearly 800 birds of all kinds, this is the main income of the family should work on disease prevention has been his primary concern. Ông Ba cho rằng cần sớm đưa chương trình tiêm phòng, đảm bảo cho đàn vịt được an toàn. She said that he should take early vaccination program, ensuring that ducks are safe.

Mặc dù mới xẩy ra cục bộ tại riêng xã Diễn Lâm, nhưng đây cũng là điều cảnh báo chung trên địa bàn toàn huyện. Although new happening in their own local Social Forestry Forum, but this is also the general alert in the whole district. Điều đáng nói là dịch cúm H5N1 xẩy ra vào đúng thời điểm huyện Diễn Châu đang tiến hành tiêm phòng dịch cúm H5N1 mũi hai trong năm nay. The important thing is the H5N1 influenza occurred at the right time Dien Chau District is conducting H5N1 influenza vaccination in the nose two years. Ông Nguyễn Trọng Bốn – Trưởng trạm thú y Diễn Châu cho biết: Trong lúc triển khai tiêm phòng thì ơ xã Diễn Lâm có hiện tượng vịt ốm, bị chết chưa rõ nguyên nhân. Mr. Nguyen Trong four - head of the local veterinary Dien Chau said: While the deployment of vaccination is far from phenomenal job in making duck sick, unexplained death. Trạm thú y trực tiếp cử cán bộ lên lấy mãu, qua kiểm tra thì cho kết quả dương tính với H5N1. Veterinary Station officials to direct sampling, the test result is positive for H5N1. Trạm đã tham mưu cho UBND huyện ban hành các văn bản chỉ đạo UBND các xã thường xuyên giám sát dịch bệnh từ thôn xóm, các hộ chăn nuôi các biện pháp khử trùng tiêu độc, vệ sinh và tiêm phòng triệt để đối với đàn gia cầm trong diện phải tiêm là tiêm 100%. Station has advised the DPC issued guidance documents communal People's Committees regularly monitor the disease from the village, farms and disinfection measures, hygiene and thorough vaccination for flocks vaccinated birds must be injected in the area 100%.

Vietnam: H5N1 Poultry: Nam Dinh Prov.; Y Yen District

24/11/2010

Dated 24/11, Mr. Ninh Van Hieu, director of Animal Health Department of Nam Dinh province, said bird flu has reappeared in Nam Dinh. By morning the same day, functional forces have destroyed nearly 1,600 poultry in two outbreaks.

The most recent outbreak appeared in the family to Nguyen Thi Dinh, Hoang Le village, Yen Hong (Y Yen). Pm on 22/11, when we see signs of poultry die-off, her palace was reported to veterinary officers 11.23 am, the provincial Animal Health Department officials to verify and take samples for testing; destroy all organized flocks of 75 children from her family palace. Previously, only 2 days 16-17/11, family Bui Dinh Tuan, Le village, Yen My Commune, Y Yen District has more than 200 ducks sick and died with signs of bird flu. After the family report (dated 18/11), this phenomenon continues to occur on more than 1,500 live ducks. Notably, the entire poultry population on the two were not bird flu vaccination. Of households own poultry Dinh has not been quarantined even though he had raised more than 2 months. Households own poultry of her Palace made no vaccination is adopted by the project''sampling data collection strategy for the transformation of influenza vaccination of poultry caused by highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in Vietnam caused .''

This is the first time in 2010, avian influenza appeared in Nam Dinh.

Cholera death toll in Haiti rises to 1,415

2010-11-24 07:57:41

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) - The death toll of the cholera epidemic in Haiti has risen to 1,415, while the hospitalized people are 23,377, the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs said Tuesday, quoting Haitian government figures.

According to the sanitary authorities, Artibonite, in the north of the country, continues being the most affected zone by the epidemic, as well as the departments in the center and northwest of the country.

According to the Haitian Public and Population Ministry, there are 56,901 infected people who have been assisted in different hospitals in the country since the epidemic began on Oct. 19.

Haiti will host presidential and legislative elections on Nov. 28.

Haiti’s cholera cases approach 50,000 as preparations for polls continue – UN

Source: United Nations News Service
Date: 23 Nov 2010




23 November 2010 – The number of reported cases of cholera in Haiti is now approaching 50,000, but health experts have cautioned that the figure could be higher because data on the epidemic has not been received from some rural communities, a United Nations relief official said today.
Nigel Fisher, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Haiti, said that epidemiologists in the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) – the regional arm of the World Health Organization (WHO) – estimate that the number of cases could be as high as 70,000.
The death toll, as of yesterday, stood at 1,200, but the experts have said that the disease might have claimed as many as 2,000 people, with some fatalities in remote areas going unreported.
Speaking via a video link from the capital, Port-au-Prince, Mr. Fisher told a news conference in New York that PAHO epidemiologists have also revised their projections of the spread of the disease and now anticipate that cases could rise to 200,000 over the next three months. The experts had earlier estimated that the number of cases could rise to that figure in six months. "This epidemic is moving faster," Mr. Fisher said.

Indonesia Uses Thermal Scanners on Hajj Pilgrims for Bird Flu

Meanwhile, on arrival the first group of pilgrims on Hajj kloter Donohudan immediately underwent checks their body temperature using a "thermoscan".
--http://tinyurl.com/38yu2my



Flight Jamaat kloter Five On Time
Selasa, 23 November 2010 20:27 WIB | Dilihat 347 Kali Tuesday, November 23, 2010 20:27 AM | Viewed 347 Times
Palembang (ANTARA News) - Penerbangan jamaah haji ke Tanah Air khususnya ke Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, mulai kelompok terbang lima diperkirakan tepat waktu atau sesuai jadwal. Palembang (AFP) - Flight of pilgrims into the country particularly to Palembang, South Sumatra, start a group of five is expected to fly on time or on schedule.

Kalau kelompok terbang (kloter) satu sampai kloter empat diperkirakan masih padat di Bandara King Abdul Aziz, kata Kabag Humas Kanwil Kementerian Agama Sumatera Selatan, Saefuddin Latief di Palembang, Selasa. If the flight group (kloter) one to four kloter expected to remain solid at King Abdul Aziz Airport, said the Head of Public Relations Office of Ministry of Religious Affairs of South Sumatra, Palembang Saefuddin Latif on Tuesday.

Menurut dia, sekarang ini semua jamaah haji dari berbagai negara itu terpusat pada bandara tersebut untuk pulang. According to him, now all the pilgrims from various countries was centered on the airport to go home.

Kalau sudah kloter lima biasanya sudah berkurang dan terurai, sehingga jadwal kepulangan jamaah haji ke Tanah Air tepat waktu, katanya. If it kloter five usually gone down and decompose, so the schedule of pilgrims returning to the country on time, he said.

Ia menyatakan, kebiasaan ini hampir terjadi setiap tahun dan memang pada awal-awal kepulangan selalu terlambat. He said that this habit is almost occurred every year and indeed in the early return is always late.

Nanti, setelah kloter lima dan seterusnya biasanya kembali normal dan sesuai jadwal yang telah ditetapkan, ujarnya. Later, after kloter five and so on are usually returned to normal and according to a predetermined schedule, he said.

Pada kloter II, Selasa ini, jumlah jamaah hajinya sebanyak 355 orang dari yang diberangkatkan sebanyak 356 orang, karena satu meninggal dunia, kata dia lagi. In kloter II, Tuesday, the number of Hajj pilgrims from as many as 355 people who sent as many as 356 people, because one died, he said again.

General Manager Palembang PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero), Ryanto A Winarso mengatakan, biasanya keterlambatan itu terjadi di Bandara King Abdul Aziz, karena padatnya penumpang. Kilkenny General Manager of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero), Ryanto A Winarso said, usually the delay is happening in King Abdul Aziz Airport, because the density of passengers.

Di sana biasanya prosesnya lama seperti di bagian imigrasi, ujarnya pula. There is usually a long process like in the immigration, he said, too.

BALIKPAPAN-Spread of the H5N1 virus or bird flu (avian influenza) is not only in poultry. After a few citizens who allegedly suspected H5N1 declared negative, according to latest information there were two other residents who allegedly infected with the deadly virus after the revocation status of human bird flu alert. "There are two suspected suspect bird flu, now they are more isolated in RSKD," said Chief Medical Officer of the City (DKK) Balikpapan drg Dyah Muryani Hj.

Dyah revealed, two people are from RT 63 Kelurahan Gunung Sari Ilir (GSI), Aberdeen Central. Respectively five and three years of trying, both are suadara bladder. They had experienced symptoms of shortness of breath Like the people infected with bird flu, because it has a history of contact with chickens that died suddenly in the region.

"The symptoms were similar to those that suspect bird flu, the funds they happen to also have a history of contact with birds affected by bird flu virus," said Dyah at city hall on Monday (22/11). Until now the General Hospital Kanudjoso Djatiwibowo (RSKD) still made some observations on the isolation ward Myrtle. "Flu A and Flu B is still our check. We're still waiting for lab results, "said Dyah Muryani.

As is known, Saturday (20/11), two brothers are in RT 63 Gunung Sari Ilir. At that time, there were a few chickens that died suddenly. "At the same time there are two hot girls who experience Prapatan citizens, because the child is staying at his grandmother's house located at GSI RT 63," said Secretary Camat (Sekcam) Aberdeen Central, Zulkifli.

After further testing the two girls are encouraged by the DKK Balikpapan, in this case the Health Center GSI to immediately give a referral to the RSU Kanujuoso Dajtiwibowo. "In this case I really hope their heads so that the public remain vigilant and anticipate the impact of widespread H5N1 virus," said Zulkifli.

NY Times: Bird Flu Falls Off the Radar, but Cases Show It’s Still a Threat

[Just to keep the facts straight, Vietnam has had 7 confirmed Human Bird Flu cases this year, Egypt has had 22 Confirmed H5N1 Bird Flu Human Cases this year]

by Donald G. Mcneil Jr." Published: November 22, 2010
Excerpt:

But that flu has not disappeared. Nor does it seem any less lethal. In contrast to the swine flu, which killed only 1 out of every 2,000 people who got it, the avian flu kills about 3 out of 5.
-snip-
Since 2003, there have been 508 cases around the world, with 302 deaths. Only three countries — Indonesia, Egypt and Vietnam — have reported more than one or two a year recently. It is more often found in poultry flocks.

Manilla: Bird flu alert raised at airports, seaports

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA and ANJO PEREZ

November 22, 2010, 7:04pm

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent the entry of bird flu virus into the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Monday it will keep a tight watch over pet and cage birds being transported at entry points, such as airports and seaports.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje issued the directive in the wake of reports of a bird flu outbreak in Hong Kong where the alert level for the disease has been raised to “serious,” which means that there is a “high risk” for humans to be infected with the potentially fatal disease.

“We have to strengthen our preparedness and reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread through increased information dissemination and improved warning systems,” Paje said.

“We will closely monitor the reported re-emergence of bird flu in Hong Kong, and, if warranted, we will ban the importation of all exotic birds, especially those coming from countries with reported incidences of the avian flu, and strengthen the enforcement of laws on the illegal wildlife trade,” he added.

The avian influenza virus, more commonly known as “bird flu” or H5N1, is an influenza A virus found mainly in birds, although infections can occur in human beings.

The virus does not usually infect humans, but in 1997, the first case of human infection was reported. According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, at least 508 people around the world have been infected by the virus with a 60 percent mortality rate.

Indonesia and Vietnam remain as the two countries with the most number of people infected by the bird flu with 170 and 119 cases, respectively.

Paje also ordered all field officials of the DENR to double their efforts at preventing the possible transmission of bird flu into the country.

“I have instructed all regional executive directors to conduct a closer monitoring and regular reporting of any incidence of bird flu in their areas of jurisdiction, and coordinate closely with other government agencies and groups such as bird-watching groups and livestock or poultry associations, if necessary,” he said.

DENR personnel were also assigned to entry points such as air and seaports, together with their counterparts from the customs and law enforcement agencies, to keep a tight watch over pet and cage birds being transported.

The DENR, through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), will soon conduct surveillance of migratory bird sites with assistance from bird-watching clubs.

Paje noted that the Philippines is an integral part of the East Asian Flyway, and its wetlands provide stopover sites for wild birds during their north-south migration.

He also enjoined the public to support government efforts in preventing the transmission of avian flu.

“We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution in handling fowl, as well as in cooking and eating poultry and poultry products so that we can maintain the country’s clean slate with regard to human cases of the disease,” he said.

Animal quarantine officers assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NIAA) are closely watching the shipment of live fowl and bird species from other countries to prevent the entry of animals infected by the Avian influenza virus.

Dr. Ada Tolentino of the NAIA Veterinary Quarantine Office said she has received orders from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine to confiscate all uncooked meat products, be it poultry, pork, or beef.

According to Dr. Tolentino, her office has been working closely with Bureau of Customs personnel to report to meat products or any suspicious items brought in by passengers from countries with reported cases of the avian flu.

Tolentino said the authorities are also keeping a tight watch on the possible importation of fowl or other bird species that might come from countries through the cargo warehouses.

Bureau of Animal Industry Director Dr. Dave Catbagan, meanwhile, assured the public that poultry products in the country remain safe and are free from the bird flu virus.

According to Dr. Catbagan, the country has stopped importing live poultry from countries with reported cases of avian flu, including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia since 2005.

The BAI director said the country sources its poultry breeders from bird flu-free countries such as France, The Netherlands, and Germany.

“There is nothing to worry about,” Dr. Catbagan said. “The BAI together with the Bureau of Quarantine have not let up its guard against the entry of infected animals since 2005.” The BAI chief added.

PAHO Cholera updaate for Haiti

Update November 21, 2010.

On 21 November, the Ministère de la Sante Publique et de la Population (MSPP) reported that the cumulative number of outpatients and deaths due to cholera, as of 16 November, is 52,715 and 1,250 respectively. 40% (20,867) of patient have been hospitalized. Currently, 809 remain hospitalized. Cases are registered in 8 of 10 Haiti departments, and these are Artibonite, Centre, Nord, Nord Ouest, Nord Est, Ouest, Sud and Sud Est. Additionally, a cluster of cases is currently under investigation in the department Grande Anse and Nippes.

The in-hospital case fatality rate for the whole country is 3.9% and the mortality rate 14.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
For Port-au-Prince the cumulative number of outpatient is 4,608, of which 1,457 have been hospitalized. A total of 64 deaths due to cholera have been recorded. The in-hospital case fatality rate for Port-au-Prince is 3.9%.

No let-up in Haiti epidemic

Nov 22, 2010
PORT-AU-PRINCE - HAITI'S raging cholera epidemic showed no sign of relenting on Sunday with the death toll rising to 1,250, amid debate over whether to delay next week's key election until the outbreak is brought under control.
Aid groups sought to ramp up their work in the wake of deadly violence which had hampered the anti-cholera battle, while the United Nations starkly warned that the global community has lagged in its assistance since the epidemic began in October.
'The number of (cholera) focal points of infection are increasing, and those that appeared a month ago are not extinguished,' said French doctor Gerard Chevallier, a cholera specialist studying the epidemic and advising Haiti's Health Ministry.

Russia may restrict travel to Dominican Republic amid cholera fears

01:17 22/11/2010
Russia's sanitary watchdog will decide this week on whether to temporarily ban Russians from travelling to the Dominican Republic due to cholera outbreak in neighboring Haiti, Russia's chief doctor said.

At least 1,110 people have died and 18,380 have been hospitalized since the disease broke out about four weeks ago, according to the most recent data from the Haitian health ministry. Sporadic cases of cholera have been detected in the Dominican Republic and the United States.

"So far, we have optimistic reports about passengers arriving from the Dominican Republic. But the coming week would be decisive... We would either move from travel recommendations to a ban, or we would just insist that our citizens should exercise caution," Gennady Onishchenko said late on Sunday.

He added that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)'s cholera outlook for the Dominican Republic was "unfavorable."

"For the first time PAHO expressed concern about the possibility of cholera spreading to the Dominican Republic and further beyond the [Hispaniola] island," he said.

Almost 48,000 Russian tourists visited the Dominican Republic in January-September, up 54.5% from the same period last year.



MOSCOW, November 22

Egypt: Alexandria 461 Poultry Infected With Bird Flu

Alexandria: ASHA
On Saturday, the execution of 461 birds alive in the framework of the efforts of security officers of the Directorate of Alexandria in the fight against bird flu.

During the campaign - which included the areas east and west of the city with the participation of officers of the Investigation of Supply under the supervision of Brigadier General Ahmad Saleh, chief of detectives - Remove the straw 12 for breeding birds and re-closure of 33 retail for the sale of live birds by the owners broke up and open the seals were also educate the public the seriousness of the disease. And connect the Security Directorate of Alexandria efforts to combat the disease.

Egypt: Focus of the discovery of 76 new bird flu Menoufia

Sunday, November 21, 2010
The Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia, 76 focus on the emergence of a new, positive for bird flu centers Shebin seven pools and Ashmun, the martyrs and Menouf.

وأشار الدكتور أحمد فؤاد مدير مديرية الطب البيطرى، إلى أن تلك البؤر تم اكتشافها عن طريق الاختبارات الحقلية التى تقوم بها المديرية وجميعها تربية منزلية وتم إعدام الطيور المصابة وتحصين الطيور المجاورة لها لمنع انتشار المرض.

Dr. Ahmed Fouad, director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, that these spots have been discovered through field tests carried out by the Directorate and all domestic breeding and the execution of infected birds and vaccinated birds nearby to prevent the spread of the disease.

Yuan Weixiang slightly improved appetite

[2010-11-21]

Life by the colleague continued the relationship with hepatic member of Yuan Weixiang, rehabilitation ideal growing conditions, turn slightly appetite is good, but not yet determine when to switch to the ordinary ward. Yuan so that the bird flu that hospitals reduce the hospital, she accompanied her husband reduced the time, but stressed that understanding of hospital prevention measures.
Yuan Xie much concern, it also told reporters that the shadow of the bird, to the hospital to interview defensive measures should be done enough.


Unknown when to switch to a general ward


Five o'clock yesterday afternoon, Yuan too intensive care unit at Queen Mary Hospital, said after visiting her husband, the husband is getting better physical, spiritual good, only occasionally feel tired, and appetite moderately well: "the most hope for an early discharge canal, as well hooking a woman! "However, the recovery time, the doctor has yet to be determined when the Yuan can be transferred to general ward infirmary.
For avian flu, canceled the morning of hospital visiting hours in the afternoon visiting hours have been shortened, so that the hospital Yuan preventive and control measures, effectively protecting the safety of patients and the public, do not worry about her husband infected with bird flu, although the time relative to accompany her husband reduced, but still appreciate.
For the past few days, reporters pursued the husband to the hospital situation, Yuan told reporters yesterday the concern was too grateful, and told reporters in the bird out of the shadow of the hospital, to work for defensive measures, "Remember to wear face masks ah!"


即時新聞Although the visiting time shortened, but the understanding of the hospital too Yuan preventive and control measures is to protect patients and public safety

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