Borders, Budgets, and the Rising Risk of Disease

July 6th, 2011

Is there a perfect storm brewing along our nation’s southern border? Let’s take a look at the numbers in El Paso, Texas where I recently visited:

• There are 27 million crossings per year alone at the El Paso Point of Entry (POE) and a border population of 25 million;
• Cuts to federal funding including a 50% reduction in the Early Warning Infectious Disease Program as well as 12.5% cuts to critical preparedness and response funding;
• Texas is second in the nation for number of tuberculosis cases, the majority of which are found near the border and many of the cases involve tuberculosis strains that are drug resistant
• The bordering country, Mexico, was the source of the last global influenza pandemic

So is this a bad situation getting worse or ticking bomb?

An Invisible Public Health Structure

Earlier this month I visited the El Paso POE and came away thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the Customs and Border Protection. I met many of those “boots on the ground” local public health folks who work on the Texas/Mexico border and who shared with me how the border has been neglected with minimal resources for years. Staff have been forced to live by that old credo “do more with less” to safeguard not only the communities living along the border, but the nation itself.

During my trip I also had the distinct honor to meet and chat with a lawmaker who really understood the importance of border health—U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas who notes, “A border crosser with an infectious disease can be anywhere in the United States within 36 hours.” Congressman Reyes knows that the border is a challenging environment with many barriers including different priorities for the two countries who share the border, different public health systems, travel restrictions, language, and politics. Additionally, our public health teams must contend with new and emerging infectious diseases, an economic crisis where budget cuts have decimated public health programs that man the border, and gaps in preparedness.

Disease Threats

While in El Paso, I also met with Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner of Texas Department of State Health Services who discussed his concerns about tuberculosis and other infectious diseases around the border. Lakey pointed out that Texas is second only to California with tuberculosis cases and that these cases are higher near the border than other parts of the state. Lakey said that in the poor communities along the border, people are less likely to get early treatment and often times they travel back and forth across the border and are not able to complete their treatment routine which leads to drug-resistant tuberculosis. Clearly the border is a challenge for those seeking to control infectious diseases.

Valley Fever

In addition to tuberculosis, an emerging disease called coccidiodomycosis or “Valley Fever” seems to be on the rise in this border region. Valley Fever is caused by inhalation of fungal spores that live in the desert soil; the spores can be dispersed by high winds. We see between 10,000 and 15,000 new cases diagnosed in Arizona each year, but very few cases are diagnosed across the Arizona-Mexico border, even though we know that pathogens don’t stop at borders. What is more likely than the pathogen stopping at the border is that health-care providers and laboratories are not trained to recognize and diagnose Valley Fever, allowing it to spread further.

Hard Questions and the Way ahead

How do we conduct surveillance and create sustainable bi-national systems for early warning infectious disease surveillance recognizing that there are 250-400 million northbound legal border crossings a year and that 25% of the US population and 35% of the Mexican population resides in the ten combined Border States? Is doing more with less really the answer? If so, then what can we no longer afford to do? Moving forward we must work to implement guidelines or a process for both countries to coordinate on epidemiological events. We require a bi-national border system for case reporting and communication and outbreak investigations and responses. And finally we must do a better job linking and integrating existing bi-national border efforts.

To learn more about CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, which works to prevent the introduction, transmission, and interstate spread of communicable diseases into the United States and its territories, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dgmq/

Tell Us What You Think

Do you live in a border state? Had you ever thought about the importance of public health at our borders? How do you think the nation needs to address the issue of budget cuts and possible disease threats?

Thousands of Chickens Infected by Bird Flu Death

At least 38 thousand chickens died suddenly in Sidrap, South Sulawesi, on Friday (8 / 7). Pemerintah daerah setempat langsung menutup transaksi jual beli, karena ayam-ayam itu dinyatakan positif terjangkit virus flu burung (H5N1). The local government immediately closed the sale and purchase transactions, because the chickens tested positive for bird flu virus (H5N1).

Sidrap Standby One AI Vaccine Stock Running Low - Problem Prices, Traders Worried Eggs and Chicken

SATURDAY, 08 JULI 2011

Sidrap - Virus Avian Influenza (AI) or bird flu in Sidrap increasingly widespread. Previously, total poultry die as a result of this virus is only about 10 000 animals, has now exceeded 39 thousand more. Head of Department of Livestock (Disnak) Sidrap, Muh Aziz, on Thursday said the deaths data Regency Sidrap, continued Azis, has set Sidrap in a bird flu alert status. 11 districts in the current Sidrap all been classified as endemic. Two districts namely Maritengngae and chert current Panca claimed the most severe. The period of transmission is so fast, he said, a major cause of increasingly widespread outbreak of bird flu in Sidrap.

This was also compounded by the depletion of stockpiles of vaccines and disinfectants as well as test tool (rapid test). Amid growing threats to bird populations in Sidrap, Regency expects the full attention Sidrap South Sulawesi province, especially in terms of relief supplies of vaccines and disinfectants.
Eggs Prone Well, in the midst of uncertainty when the bird flu outbreak is over, a number of traders eggs in Sidrap deeply worried. They fear that is usually ...

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus could partly be evacuated by pregnant BALB/c mouse during abortion or preterm delivery

Published on: 2011-07-08

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is one of candidates for future pandemic. Since H5N1 viruses had previously been isolated only from avian species, the outbreak raised questions about the ability of these viruses to cause severe disease and death in humans.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for influenza-associated illness and death. However, little is known about whether influenza viruses could transmit to the fetus through the placenta, and the effects of abortion and preterm delivery to maternal influenza infection are not well understood.

We found that the H5N1 viruses could vertical transmit to the fetus through the placenta in the BALB/c mouse model, and the viruses could partly be evacuated by the pregnant mice during abortion or preterm delivery. This study may further our understanding about the transmission of this highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, supply optimized clinical treatment method for pregnant women, and shed some light on better preventing and controlling for future potential outbreak of H5N1 influenza pandemic.

Author: Lili XuLinlin BaoWei DengChuan Qin
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:342

USDA: H5N1 flu prompts ban of some poultry imports from Minnesota

Jul 7, 2011 5:15 PM ET

Avian-Flu Halts Some Minnesota Poultry Exports, USDA Says

Hong Kong, Cuba, Guatemala, Singapore and Taiwan have halted poultry exports from Wright County, Minnesota, after cases of low-pathogenic bird flu were discovered, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Countries have banned imports of poultry from Minnesota because low-pathogenic avian influenza cases were confirmed in the state,” Workabeba Yigzaw, a spokeswoman for the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said today in an e- mail.

Hong Kong stopped imports of poultry meat and products derived from birds raised or processed in Wright Country on or after July 4, according to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Cuba and Guatemala stopped all shipments of raw poultry and poultry meat products in that county from birds slaughtered on or after June 29, the agency said.

Singapore stopped imports of fresh or frozen poultry meat from birds raised and processed in Wright County, Minnesota on or after July 4, the USDA said. Taiwan halted imports of all poultry meat and products loaded-on-board vessel on or after June 29, the agency said.

Bird Flu Preparedness, 7 District Insulated

Friday, July 8, 2011 14:22 pm
Bird flu in the District Sidrap evenly. Sulawesi set the alert status of the bird flu and seven districts in the insulation.


Sidrap, KOMPAS.com - The bird flu virus (H5-N1), who first attacked the village of Tanete, District Maritenggae, Sidrap regency, South Sulawesi, is increasingly widespread.

Animal Husbandry Department Kabuparen Sidrap even claimed, the spread of AI virus has now been spread evenly across the district's largest chicken supplier in the region such Ajatappareng.

Until this afternoon, Friday (08/07/2011) was recorded already 39 thousand chickens are scattered in 30 of them farms in the district point Maritengae, Tellu Limpoe, Panca chert, Panca Lautang, Kulo, Baranti and Watang Sidenreng District, died suddenly, and now isolated. Total does not include chicken that is not recorded.

District Sidrap establish a territory in bird flu alert status. The rapid spread viruses that can infect humans, making the Animal Husbandry Department Sidrap overwhelmed, because the number of chickens that died continued to grow, while vaccine supplies are running low.

"Pandemic spread of avian influenza viruses reach alarming and continues to spread to 11 other districts. We were overwhelmed and forced to enlist the help of the provincial government because our vaccine supplies dwindling," said Chief District Veterinary Office Sidrap Muhammad Aziz.

The only precaution is done today, said Muhammad Aziz, spraying to break the chain of H5-N1 virus spread by anticipating mobilization activities that will enter the location of the cattle pens that do not rule out going to carry the virus, particularly the H5-N1 virus.

"We expect the provincial and central government immediately deliver medical aid to anticipate the spread of the virus for vaccine supplies dwindling and our disinfectant, while there are about 3.4 million chickens who also threatened to die of bird flu," he said.

Already 41 Thousand Dead Chickens in Sidrap

Eastern Tribune - Friday, July 8, 2011 15:51 AM

Tribun-TIMUR.COM, MAKASSAR - Outbreaks of bird flu in Sidrap regency, South Sulawesi (Sulawesi, continues to expand.

Based on official reports of local farms until the chicken that died suddenly this afternoon has reached 41 thousand heads. That number continues to grow than ever. According to the report, two days ago or Wednesday (06/07/2011), the number of chickens that died suddenly around 19 thousand heads. That number increased to 38 thousand on Thursday (07/07/2011).

"From the number continues to grow despite a decline. But coverage grew from four districts into seven districts," said Head of Animal Husbandry and Health of South Sulawesi Murtala Ali via cell phone (mobile phone), Friday (8/7/2011).

Currently, Murtala was at Sidrap monitor progress with the provincial team.

With the expansion of the distribution area of ​​the spread of bird flu virus, said Murtala, then blocking or isolation area also increased from four to seven point eight points.

To minimize the increasing deployment in addition to isolation, local animal husbandry department is also intensifying spraying disinfectant to a radius of about 1-2 kilometers (km) from the point of isolation sites.

In addition, the injection of the vaccine to the chickens that have not been infected with bird flu was also conducted kesetiap cage area per cage.

Murtala also delivered a number of recommendations of which appealed to all districts have the post handling of bird flu.

In addition, the related offices in Sidrap must apply operating standards (SOPs) relating to the spread of bird flu that do not develop as well as the coordination and dissemination from the bottom up.

"Vaccination and spraying increased. As soon made a kind of family counseling to families in coordination with the employers' association of livestock increased," he explained.

South Sulawesi Infektan Disnak Spray 850 Litre in Sidrap

Thursday, July 7, 2011 22:29 AM

Makassar (ANTARA News) - For mengantisispasi widespread outbreak of bird flu in Sidrap regency, South Sulawesi, South Sulawesi Animal Husbandry Department has fielded a team and sent 850 liters infektan substances to kill the virus.

"It has been blocked all the chickens will come out, and to maintain and to anticipate the chickens suspected of virus within a radius of 1-2 kilometers will also be destroyed," said the head of the Animal Husbandry Department of South Sulawesi, Murtala Ali, in Makassar, on Thursday.

He said, from the transient data since June 6, 2011 found chickens infected with H1N1 virus by 19 thousand heads. And plans, will be sprayed as much as 850 liters infektan substance at the point of the scene point.

"No more vaccinations, but immediately destroyed even though there is still left alive. In the meantime we continue to coordinate with the health service and close the entrance to isolate the scene," he said.

In addition, there has been no medical examination related to these symptoms and have not been determined to be Extraordinary Events. The plan, he said, the inspection and culling and isolation takes approximately three weeks.

"No Suspect, and I will go down tomorrow (8 / 7) direct review. It Sidrap already endemic bird flu because of this incident the previous two in 2005," he said.

Murtala said, not just District Sidrap, but Maros, Pare-pare, and East Luwu also never found the same virus but no casualties in the incident. He adds chicken stock declared safe ahead of Ramadan.

"Inventories meat is safe ahead of Ramadan, and many other locations such as Gowa, Takalar and others." tambahnya. added.

Previously, the spread of avian influenza virus (A1) or the so-called bird flu found in Wanio Village, District Panca Lautang, Sidrap, South Sulawesi. Then spread in other regions indicated that the spread of the virus and Bulo Lanrang Village and Village Tanete. While the production center of layer chicken farm in the village's largest Sidrap Tanete.

38,000 chickens died suddenly in Sidrap

July 7, 2011 22:11 AM

Flu burung (ist) Bird flu (ist)

Makassar - About 38 thousand chickens in Rappang Sidenreng District, South Sulawesi, died suddenly due to positive for bird flu infection.

Head of the South Sulawesi Provincial Livestock Murtala Ali in Makassar, said on Thursday that this event occurred since 18 June, the biggest hit on the kind of laying hens.

"The population of laying hens is greatest there. Chickens that died consisted of 31 664 laying hens, 6,000 and 693 broiler chicken," he said.

He explained that the sudden death of chickens in large numbers it can actually be prevented if residents quickly reported it.

On June 18 last, as many as 500 chickens owned by the farmers in the village of Wanio, District Panca Lautang die together, then followed the death of chickens in the village of Lanrang, and the village of Bulo Tanete.

Currently, the Animal Husbandry Department Sidrap are conducting monitoring and spraying disinfectant on the island Simorang which is the largest village chicken production centers in Sidrap.

For the incident DVO Sidrap, forming a team went to the location, since the bird flu virus is spreading very fast. But the Department did not perform culling only spraying disinfectant, she said.

"There is no compensation fund set up government, so we do not destroy," he said.

To eliminate the effects of infection, the Animal Husbandry Department has also stopped the traffic distribution of Sidrap chicken into other areas. But it is not done strictly because Sidrap is one of the centers of the chicken and egg producers in South Sulawesi.

Sidrap chicken population reached 3,439,556 in the tail, consisting of 2,023,375 laying hens and chickens 1150 villages and the rest is the broiler.

Tribun/Ali Tribune / Ali

a chicken farmer in the middle Sidrap destroy the carcasses of chicken that indicated bird flu / by fire on Thursday (07/07/2011)

In 2 days, 2,500 Dead Chickens in Sidrap

Tribun Timur - Kamis, 7 Juli 2011 13:41 WITA Eastern Tribune - Thursday, July 7, 2011 13:41 AM

Parepare - Hundreds of laying hens using a skam singed and burned in the District Pancarijang Sidrap District.

According to Hardi, one breeder says encounter in just over two days in 2500 tailed chickens suddenly died suddenly.

Head of livestock Sidrap Aziz met in the extermination site says his side are waiting for help from the provincial government Sulsell to tackle bird flu attack.

"From the data we currently have 30 thousand good laying hens and broilers that died suddenly, we need a disinfectant and masks because our inventory is up," said Aziz.

Standby One, Sidrap isolated

Friday, 08-07-2011
Number of Dead Chickens Due to Bird Flu Reaches 38 Thousand Tails

Sidrap, BKM - Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (Disnakkan) District Sidrap states currently Sidrap alert against bird flu disease. This after tens of thousands of chickens in this area have died from avian influenza (AI), the virus that causes bird flu.
Recent data obtained at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Sidrap, the number of chickens that died had reached 38 thousand heads more. In fact, at present, bird flu has spread almost all over the district.
Kepala Disnakkan Sidrap, Ir HM Azis MM BKM when confirmed on Thursday (7 / 6) said that poultry deaths case data is consistent with reports masyarakat of the 11 districts in Sidrap.
"Eleven districts in Sidrap currently classified as endemic bird flu. Of the 11 districts, two districts namely Maritengngae and Panca chert including the machete. Hence, the district government decided Sidrap Sidrap alert of bird flu," said Aziz.
According to Aziz, rapid spread of bird flu in poultry farms centers is due to ignorance of the breeder of disease. In addition, said Kadis, also due to the lack of stockpiles of vaccines and disinfectants as well as test tool (rapid test).
For that, he hopes the South Sulawesi provincial government provide immediate relief to cope with bird flu in Sidrap. Until now, he said, the South Sulawesi provincial government assistance is only about 1500 liters of disinfectant. In fact, to overcome this problem, Sidrap disenfektan takes 3500 liters.
Aziz also claimed that officers had been lowered 24-hour standby. However, Aziz also called on the active role of communities and farmers to immediately report any suspected bird flu on its territory.
"I really expect all elements of society to report if it finds the case to the animal health posts that we have made in every village and urban villages," pleaded Azis.
Separately, South Sulawesi Livestock Kadis Ir Murtala Ali told BKM, said yesterday, to prevent the spread of bird flu disease to other districts, Sidrap been isolated. All birds from Sidrap forbidden to be taken to other districts.
"All the regions bordering the Sidrap we watch closely. Birds of Sidrap not allowed out of Sidrap," said Murtala.
Regarding the request disenfektan, Murtala claimed to have sent as many as 850 liters of additional disenfektan to Sidrap. "We also tomorrow (today) will come down to Sidrap to help the handling of bird flu," he said.
Asked about the data chickens that died due to bird flu, Murtala confess, the last data received by the Animal Husbandry Department Sulawesi about 12 thousand heads. "The data we received in writing, even if the Animal Husbandry Department has reported 38 Sidrap thousand more, I do not know yet," he said.

Prices Threaten Eggs and Chicken

Outbreaks of bird flu in Sidrap now beginning to make some eggs and chicken traders fear.

Egypt: Student detained on suspicion of having bird flu Menoufia

6-7-2011

Fever Hospital was held Ashmun new case on suspicion of being infected with bird flu Menoufia following the onset of symptoms from pain in the joints and high temperature.

Department of Health has announced Menoufia, that the situation of a student, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Sattar (14 years), resident in the village center Delhmo Ashmun.

Dr. Ayman Abdel-Moneim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Menoufia, that samples were taken for analysis and confirmed as suffering from the disease, stressing that the suspect contact with dead birds in addition to that, samples were taken from the rest of the family members for analysis in the central laboratories at the Ministry of Health and ascertain the extent of injury or not.

Crucell Discovers Important New Antibody Against Influenza A

Leiden, The Netherlands (July 7, 2011) - Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell N.V. and The Scripps Research Institute today published an article in the world's leading journal of original scientific research Science describing Crucell's novel anti-influenza antibody CR8020 and how it neutralizes group 2 influenza A viruses. Attempts to isolate broadly neutralizing antibodies against group 2 viruses have not been previously described. The broad neutralizing ability of the CR8020 makes it a potentially groundbreaking therapy against seasonal and pandemic flu.

"Influenza is an elusive enemy" said Jaap Goudsmit, Chief Scientific Officer at Crucell. "The need for innovative approaches to the control of seasonal influenza is highlighted by its death toll - estimated at 500,000 annually. Having successfully discovered these antibodies, Crucell is determined to develop an antibody therapy for flu."

In February 2009, Crucell and The Scripps Research Institute published a paper in Science, reporting the discovery of a panel of human monoclonal antibodies showing neutralizing activity against almost all influenza A group 1 viruses. The most potent of these antibodies, called CR6261, prevents or cures influenza, in animal tests, to deadly levels of the H5N1 and H1N1 viruses.

In this new study, Crucell reports that, by recognizing a novel conserved epitope in the hemagglutinin stem, the antibody CR8020 shows broad neutralizing activity against most influenza A group 2 viruses, including the H3N2 and H7N7 viruses, which cause severe human infection.

(more - click on title)

Egypt Confirmed Human Cases 2011

Previous post:

Detection and local development minister, Major General Mohsen Noamany for the arrival of deaths due to avian and pandemic influenza to the highest rates since the recognition and presence in Egypt, was during the period between the outbreak of the revolution of the 25th of January until the present time. Where Egypt has recorded since January this year until 22 June, 31 cases died of the disease, 12 of them

.
-snip-

According to WHO statistics, the total number of cases of bird flu in Egypt since its inception in 2006 reached 150 cases of whom 52 died, and reached its highest this year in 2011 until last June to a record 31 cases, 12 of them died

.


This is our list for 2011:

Dakahlia Gov

Confirmed #119 – Died [12/16]

12/26 – confirmed bird flu

Name: Shahat (40)

From: Zhaerp Balsnellowin

Adm: 12/30/10

Onset: 12/25/10

Hospital: International Mansoura

Confirmed: Positive [http://tinyurl.com/28n8kus]

DOD: 1/2/2011

Notes: WHO update #40

Confirmed #123

Name: 26 yo Female

From: Dakahlia Gov.

Adm: 1/23

Onset: 1/18

Notes: Recovered; Discharged 2/7.

Confirmed #129 – Died [2/28]

Name: 17 yo female

From: Dakahlia Gov.

Adm: 2/26

Onset: 2/24

DOD: 2/28

Notes: WHO Update #46

Giza Gov

Confirmed #120

Name: Boy (10)

From: Giza Gov.

Adm: 1/8

Onset: 1/5

Confirmed: Positive

Notes: Stable condition WHO update #41

Confirmed #132

Name: 28 yo female

From: Gize Gov.

Adm: 3/10

Onset: 3/8

Notes: Stable condition. WHO Update #48

Alexandria Gov.

Confirmed #121

Report Date: 1/19/11

Name: Child (1 ½)

From: Al Iskandariyah*

Adm: 1/13

Onset: 1/12

Hospital: Alexandria

Sym’s: high temp, cough, cramps, febrile convulsion

Notes: exposure to infected chicken/duck. Stable condition.

· FAO Site: http://tinyurl.com/4l8dtx5

Confirmed #136

Name: 34 yo female

From: Alexandria Gov.

Adm: 3/15

Onset: 3/9

Notes: Still under treatment. Stable condition.

Confirmed #144 - Died (5/9)

Name: 30 yo female

From: Amria District

Adm: 5/3

Onset: 4/26

DOD: 5/9

Notes: WHO Update #52

Gharbia Gov.

Confirmed #122

Report Date: 1/26/11

Name: Youssef Nasr (7)

From: Gharbia

Adm: 1/20

Onset: 1/20

Hospital: Bmschwiy Mahalla and Tanta Fevers

Notes: Stable condition. Exposed to infected poultry.

WHO Update #43

Menofia Gov.

Confirmed #124 – Died (2/5)

Name: 45 yo Male

From: Menofia Gov.

Adm: 1/26

Onset: 1/20

DOD: 2/5

Confirmed #139

Name: 2 yo female

From: Menofeya Gov.

Adm: 3/27

Onset: 3/26

Notes: Stable condition, still under treatment. WHO Update #50.

Confirmed #146 [Died 5/29]

Name: 21 yo pregnant woman

From: Menofia Gov.

Adm: ?

Onset: 5/21

DOD: 5/29.

Notes: Same onset as Confirmed #147. WHO Update #53.

Confirmed #147

Name: 16 yo boy

From: Menofia Gov.

Adm: ?

Onset: 5/21

Notes: Critical Condition. Same onset as Confirmed #146. WHO Update #53

Damiata Gov.

Confirmed #125

Name: 4 yo male

From: Menofia Gov.

Adm: 2/16

Onset: 2/14

Notes: Stable Condition

Sharkia Gov

Confirmed #126 – Died (3/3)

Name: 32 yo female

From: Sharkia Gov.

Adm: 2/14

Onset: 2/10

Notes: Critical Condition. WHO Update #45

El Sheikh Gov

Confirmed #127

Name: 2 yo male

From: Kafr Elsheikh Gov.

Adm: 2/20

Onset: 2/18

Notes: good condition. WHO Update #45

Confirmed #137

Name: 30 yo female

From: Kafr El-Shaikh Gov.

Adm: 3/15

Onset: 3/7

Notes: Discharged 3/27. WHO Update #49.

Behira Gov.

Confirmed #128

Name: 17 yo female

From: Behira Gov.

Adm: 3/1

Onset: 2/27

Notes: Stable condition. WHO Update #46

Confirmed #133

Name: 4 yo female

From: Behira Gov.

Adm: 3/7

Onset: 3/5

Notes: Recovered & discharged. WHO Update #48.

Confirmed #134

Name: 1 yo male

From: Behira Gov.

Adm: 2/16

Onset: 2/14

Notes: Discharged 2/22. WHO Update #49.

Confirmed #135

Name: 3 yo female

From: Behaira Gov.

Adm: 3/12

Onset: 3/10

Notes: Discharged 3/18. WHO Update #49

(WHO note: The previous two cases are from the same district but different villages and they are not relatives)

Confirmed #138 – Died 3/28

Name: 20 yo female

From: Behaira Gov.

Adm: 3/19

Onset: 3/14

DOD: 3/28

Notes: WHO Update #50

Confirmed #140

Name: 55 yo female

From: Behaira Gov.

Adm: 3/22

Onset: 3/20

Notes: Recovered & discharged 4/5. WHO Update #50.

Ismailia Gov.

Confirmed #130

Name: 38 yo female

From: Ismailia Gov.

Adm: 3/7

Onset: 3/1

DOD: 3/11

Notes: Exposure to poultry. WHO Update #47.

Suez Gov.

Confirmed #131 – Died 3/13

Name: 32 yo male

From: Suez Gov.

Adm: 3/12

Onset: 3/8

DOD: 3/13

Fayoum Gov.

Confirmed #141

Name: 1 yo male

From: Fayoum Gov.

Adm: 3/28

Onset: 3/20

Notes: Still under treatment, in stable condition. WHO Update #50

Confirmed #142 – Died 4/7

Name: 29 yo male

From: Fayoum Gov; Wadi Elrian area

Adm: 4/4

Onset: 4/1

DOD: 4/7

Notes: WHO Update #51

Confirmed #143

Name: 1 ½ year old malee

From: Fayoum Gov; Sennores District

Adm: 4/11

Onset: 4/9

Notes: Stable condition, under treatment. WHO Update #51.

Aswan Gov.

Confirmed #145

Name: 40 yo woman

From: Aswan Gov.

Adm: hospitalized

Onset: 5/14

Notes: Recovered, discharged. WHO Update #53.

Qulubiya Gov.

Confirmed #148 [Died 6/5]

Name: 31 yo male

From: Qulubiya Gov.

Adm:

Onset: 5/21

DOD: 6/5

Notes: WHO Update #52

Cairo Gov.

Confirmed #149 - [Died 6/2]

Name: 32 yo man

From: Cairo Gov.

Adm:

Onset: 5/23

DOD: 6/2

Notes: WHO Update #52. Quote from source: “The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a fatal H5N1 infection in an Egyptian patient from Cairo governorate in a Jun 8 report, with few other details available other than a May 23 observation date. It's not clear if the WHO and FAO reports are referring to the same patient.”

Qena Gov.

Confirmed #150 [Died 6/14]

Name: 27 yo male

From: Deshna district

Adm: 6/13

Onset: 6/5

Died: 6/14

Notes: WHO Update #54

Egypt H5N1 Human Cases: Jan - June 11, 2011 - 31 Cases, 12 Deaths

The highest rate of mortality (b bird flu) in 2011

Detection and local development minister, Major General Mohsen Noamany for the arrival of deaths due to avian and pandemic influenza to the highest rates since the recognition and presence in Egypt, was during the period between the outbreak of the revolution of the 25th of January until the present time. Where Egypt has recorded since January this year until 22 June, 31 cases died of the disease, 12 of them.

Noamany attributed this to the state of security chaos, which the country has witnessed since the start of the revolution and even now, as some traders took advantage of the situation and have handled live birds is codified at random and without medical supervision or security.

And claims continued by the poultry traders and some other bodies to freeze the law 70 of 2009, which prevents the circulation of live birds, the Minister of local development that is under discussion to reconsider the law with the Supreme Committee for the birds of the Cabinet while not prejudicing the interests of the Egyptian citizen.

For his part, Chairman of the assistance the Ministry of solidarity and social justice, Mahmoud Ibrahim, told «Sunrise» that the freezing of Law 70 and to allow the circulation of live birds will help to reduce their prices by will exceed 30%, especially with the advent of Ramadan, which will help to reduce the prices of meat and face exploitation poultry traders to consumers.

The Ibrahim that the government the opportunity to allow the circulation of live birds and reduce the spread of the epidemic at the same time and by making daily patrols by the Board of Veterinary Medicine on all farms and shops of live poultry to ensure the safety and free of the epidemic, which will help to increase the rates of the legitimate trade of poultry and the reduction of the smuggling of live poultry, which works to raise the price.

Comes at a time, who questioned the Division of poultry Cairo Chamber of Commerce in the spread of bird flu as exaggerated, heading a memo to the Council of Ministers accused the government of Ahmed Nazif, the former of misleading the public, as all deaths that have been previously announced, there were only home a slight, demanding the formation of a neutral committee of the Egyptian university professors to detect the spread of the epidemic is real or not.

According to WHO statistics, the total number of cases of bird flu in Egypt since its inception in 2006 reached 150 cases of whom 52 died, and reached its highest this year in 2011 until last June to a record 31 cases, 12 of them died.

Saudi Arabia: New Diagnostic For Current Strain H5N1

2011-07-07

In the midst of providing therapeutic Aelloukaúaat of the most deadly diseases in the world, such as "bird flu", which is associated with the landmarks of the economic crisis, the researcher was able to Saudi Princess Najla girl Saud to provide technical and genetic calculated "to Saudi Preventive Medicine," a new way to fight the disease.
And able researcher added value for the diagnosis of avian "H5N1" and design a new first of its kind to detect strains modified for the Kingdom (strains Saudi Arabia) and to reduce the spread of the epidemic in the Kingdom if it occurs, depending on the molecular genetics in the new technology.

What constitutes innovation researcher - a Ph.D. thesis of modern King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah - the first patent in the Kingdom of the method of diagnosis of the disease different from the diagnosis of Europe, where they adopted in their search for a new application of the virus according to the nature of the bird kingdom, which from which to determine the diagnosis accurately and in record time .

The researcher indicated that the importance attached to patent lies in that the means of diagnostic molecular genetic currently used between the diagnosis of the virus and the discovery of strains of "mutant" new, which increases the risk of negative results are incorrect due to a mutation of the current strain of the virus to another strain, not the lack of The presence of the virus.

She stressed that the development of a new way with the value of "PCR" and the "Real time PCR" has made tremendous strides from the continued success during the present century, and most important of these techniques of molecular genetic techniques for the detection of this disease epidemic. It is hoped that this development to give added value to the means of diagnosis of avian influenza virus, and by the discovery of the virus and follow the development of new strains of it, and define the attributes immune it, which gives an opportunity for the quick response of an endemic situation arising from the spread of these strains, which increases the chances of success to contain the epidemic before they cause a disaster, local or global.

She stressed that the new technology that was developed specifically for the strains of Saudi Arabia of avian influenza virus fully compatible with those strains Saudi Arabia, in contrast to the way other that are not designed based on sequences of the DNA of the strains of Saudi Arabia, where the results of the analysis of information vital to these prefixes and a degree of incompatibility between the sequences of these primers and DNA sequences of the viral strains of influenza virus from Saudi Arabia birds. The results of the analysis of PCR real time RT results of bioinformatics analysis, where results showed that the way in Saudi Arabia specialized strains of avian influenza virus have a higher degree of sensitivity of these methods are not specialized.

Bird Flu Spreads

Thursday, 07-07-2011
Regency Sidrap Provincial Government Assistance Request
Sidrap, BKM - endemic areas of bird flu in Sidrap, growing widespread. Initially only a few points are identified infected with this deadly virus. Now, the reach of its distribution reach several locations in several districts in Sidrap.

Regent Sidrap Masse H Rusdi already ordered Kadis Husbandry and Fisheries (Disnakkan) Sidrap, Muh Aziz to immediately resolve it. He even asked for the access entrance to the District Sidrap, tightened.
Head of the Muh Aziz Disnakkan Sidrap to BKM on Wednesday acknowledged the widespread coverage if a pandemic of Avian Influenza (AI) is already alarming and extended to several districts.

The indicators he said, the number of chickens died of bird flu continued to grow positively.
Some of the district which is now isolated by the District Maritengae pihgak Disnakkan, Tellu Limpoe, Panca chert, Panca Lautang, Kulo, Baranti and District Watang Sidenreng.
The mortality rate of birds previously released only around 10 thousands. Now Muh Aziz said the numbers continue to grow. He added that the bird flu endemic area currently community continues to grow based on the report. Not yet known exactly how large the number of cattle chickens that died suddenly from before, but certainly some of the residents of various districts have reported dozens of his cattle if the poultry that died unnatural.

Previously, Kasi Keswan Disnakkan Sidrap drh Zaenal also claims the same thing. According to the spread of this deadly virus has been uneven. Even thought, the spillover is reaching out to the Village and Village Tanete Allakuang as well known around the largest breeding base in Sidrap.
Birds that are already infected with bird flu Zaenal said very little chance to be saved. The only best solution to reducing avian mortality is a preventive or preventative measures.
To fix this, "I'll let all poultry owners to actively take reasonable precautions by spraying disinfectant into each pen. Restriction people out into the enclosure is also considered to break the transmission chain," he said.
Zaenal said the spread of bird flu virus in Sidrap will continue to happen. With current conditions, it is not easy for agencies to address the spread of bird flu this alone. Therefore, active community involvement is also required.
Nevertheless said Zaenal, Animal Husbandry Department continues to attempt to stop the spread of bird flu virus is not to continue expanding. Concrete actions undertaken by the residents belong to vaccinate poultry. Not only that, the service also spraying disinfectant into the sometimes poultry.

Thousands of Chickens Exposed to Bird Flu in Sidrap

Parepare, Tribun-TIMUR.COM - Head of the DVO Sidrap Abd Aziz, visited a number of farmers in Sub District Sidrap Panca chert, following the discovery of tens of thousands of laying and broiler chickens that died suddenly.

Information compiled, poultry deaths in Sidrap which is known to gate eggs in eastern Indonesia because of bird flu confirmed

Expert warns of bird flu pandemic

Published on July 6, 2011

A health expert has warned of a potential bird flu pandemic after noting mutations in the H5N1 influenza virus that allow it to survive longer.
Public Health Ministry senior health expert Dr Tawee Chotpitayasunondh said an avian flu pandemic could return in the near future, citing a report from 2009 that showed the H5N1 virus had mutated and could live for longer periods in animals' bodies.
"A report found changes in the structure of the H5N1 virus that was spreading in Indonesia," he said. "These changes have allowed the virus to develop so that it can live in animals' bodies for longer periods but causes less mortality than the original virus," he said.

Concern mounts over deadly Australian horse virus

(BRISBANE, Australia — Concern over the killer Hendra virus mounted in Australia Wednesday after a sixth horse died in an outbreak, and 26 people underwent tests after coming into contact with sick animals.

In the latest case, a horse fell ill and died at a farm south of Brisbane on Monday, not far from where other Hendra cases have been confirmed.

Six animals are now dead since the outbreak first emerged on June 20 -- five in southern Queensland state and one in northern New South Wales.

The rare virus can spread to humans, leading to fatal respiratory illness, and has killed four of the seven people who have contracted it in Australia since it was first documented in 1994.

"The recent spate of diagnosis of Hendra virus are deeply concerning," Queensland Premier Anna Bligh told reporters.

"My heart goes out to the people who are waiting for these results."

In Queensland, 17 people who were exposed to the sick horses are waiting to learn if they have contracted the deadly virus.

Nine others in New South Wales are also awaiting test results.

Named after the Brisbane suburb in which is was first documented and thought to be unique to Australia, Hendra is believed to be carried by fruit bats (flying foxes) and spread via their urine and droppings.

The bats, which have no symptoms of disease, then pass the infection to horses, possibly via half-chewed fruit or other water or food they contaminate, and these animals then transmit it to humans.

Queensland's top public health officer Jeannette Young told Sky News that humans needed to have "very high" exposure to the horses, such as through excretions, to become infected with the virus.

"There's been only seven human cases since 1994, so it's very rare," she said, adding that you cannot contract it from patting a horse.

"Whether there will be fresh outbreaks, we simply don't know."

More than 50 horses have died, or had to be put down, in 18 outbreaks of the virus since 1994.

Bird Flu, Chicken in Sidrap Thousands Dead

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 13:57 pm

Sidrap, KOMPAS.com - The case of avian influenza or bird flu, endemic area Sidrap District, South Sulawesi. At least 10,000 chickens died suddenly. In fact, the epidemic is already widespread in most areas of the existing farm centers in the District Sidrap.

Areas that have indicated the spread of avian influenza (AI) among Wanio Village, District Panca Lautang; Lanrang and Bulo village, and village Tanete. While the production center's largest breeding laying hens in the village Sidrap Tanete.

First, the spread of bird flu virus was found in the village of Wanio, last Monday. From there, the virus spread to the point of other farm locations in several other districts.

Head of the DVO to Kompas.com Sidrap Muhammad Aziz said, after receiving reports from citizens, it immediately formed a team to immediately monitor the location of bird flu was first attacked.

"We've taken samples of dead birds. As a result, the chickens that died of bird flu has been positive," he said on Wednesday (07/06/2011).

The spread of AI virus, said Muhammad Aziz, very quickly and spread to other farms. Dapaknya very detrimental to farmers. In fact, the spread of bird flu in the district Sidrap classified as very high, reached 10,000 birds. "Most attacks domestic poultry and spread almost evenly throughout the region. If the type of chicken, only at some point," he said.

Currently, said Muhammad Aziz, his side while spraying desifektan across chicken farms in the District Sidrap considered vulnerable. Animal Husbandry Department officials lowered Surveylens and Participatory Disease Response (PDSR).

Noted there are still 3.4 million chickens and 2 million broiler chickens in the District Sidrap that must be saved. "However, we expect people not panic because this will then be handled," he said.

Make sure BS RSHS Bird Flu Negative

Faith Herdiana - OkezoneRabu, July 6, 2011 16:09 pm
BANDUNG-After five days isolated in a room Flamboyan Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS), Bandung, a man with the initials BS was declared negative, aka bird flu (H5N1).

"Based on the examination of the Health Research and Development (Research and Development) Jakarta against Mr. BS result is negative," said Director of Medical and Nursing RSHS, Rudi Kadarsyah on Wednesday (07/06/2011).

Rudi said, since Tuesday BS already left the isolation room in a healthy condition.

"The development of Mr. BS patients with H1N1 and H5N1, the negative results of Research and Development. At home, his condition had improved and calm, "he said.

BS RSHS admitted suffering from colds, cough, and fever, since last Friday, July 1. Officials at a government agency that had contact with poultry before experiencing symptoms such as bird flu. H5N1 cases have not occurred in West Java, especially in Bandung....

Indonesia: W. Java - Suspected Human Contracted H5N1 Bird Flu

uesday, 05 July 2011

Cimahi - Belasanunggas in Kampung Suka Maju RT 09/06, Village Padasuka, District Central Cimahi, Cimahi, suspected of contracting bird flu. This was based on signs of illness experienced by birds in the region. Nevertheless, KUKM Department of Trade Industry and Agriculture (Diskopindagtan) can not be sure because unggasunggas disease must go through laboratory tests. Officers Diskopindagtan Cimahi Irfan Dawn said it only checks, taking blood samples, saliva, Kolaka, and vaccine delivery. "The signs we can see from the results of several birds, but still requires laboratory testing," he said after the examination poultry in Kampung Suka Maju, yesterday. -snip- Sampling of poultry from the region also triggered allegations of a resident who contracted the bird flu that could undergo Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung (RSHS) Bandung. "We just want to be sure, poultry around his home taxable or not," he said. According to Tita, poultry populations in as many as 184,574 Cimahi tail consisting of 35.324 chickens, ducks 6313, and 142,737 birds. Local resident, Ahmad, claimed, maintains about 100 ducks, 50 chickens village, and 19 domestic chickens. He was concerned with the alleged bird flu disease in its territory. However, to maintain the health of poultry, Ahmad claimed to regularly clean the poultry barn at least once every two days, including dirt farmers who utilized around.

Seeds blamed for Europe E. coli still on sale

LONDON (AP) - Officials say Egyptian fenugreek seeds blamed for Europe's E. coli outbreak are still on the market and were shipped to more countries than was previously believed, including Austria, Britain and Spain.

The European Food Safety Authority confirmed in a report Tuesday that one lot of contaminated seeds from Egypt was probably the source of the recent food poisoning outbreaks in Germany and France. But it says the number of European countries that received parts of the suspected lots is "much larger than previously known."

[click on title for full article]

Suspect Bird Flu Blood Samples Sent to Jakarta

Faith Herdiana - OkezoneSabtu, July 2, 2011 21:07 pm 2 5Email0
Illustration of people with bird flu (Photo: Legal) BANDUNG-Team special handling infectious diseases Hasan Sadikin Hospital (RSHS) Bandung, West Java, sending blood samples to a citizens Cimahi Balitbangkes, Jakarta.

Patient initials BS (45) unexpectedly contracted the bird flu virus after experiencing fever and colds. She suffered from fever after removing the bird in an event with a colleague who had been treated for the same tdiduga virus.

"Yesterday we did take care of a suspect. Patients who are suspected of bird flu," explained Director of Medical and Nursing RSHS Rudi Kadarsyah when contacted Legal, Saturday (03/07/2011).

Before suffering a high fever, BS is in contact with poultry that were referred Cimahi Health Department to receive special treatment in RSHS.

"Yes, hopefully not the bird flu. But we've sent the sample to Balitbangkes. Positive or not we wait two to three days, "said Rudi.

While awaiting the results of the test sample, it had isolated the patient. RSHS also has provided care and treatment as a standard against the suspect.

Rudi added, when brought to RSHS patients experiencing bird flu-like symptoms such as coughs, colds, and fevers. Now the complaint has been reduced. "Today has been no improvement. Hopefully not the bird flu, "he concluded.