Guangzhou infected with avian influenza boy sober and not using respirators

Guangzhou infected with avian influenza boy sober and not using respirators

 08.06.2012 11:36

  Two-year-old boy infected with the H5N1 avian influenza in Guangzhou, have been sober and not a hand respirator to assist breathing.  He is still the Princess Margaret Hospital in serious condition, the parents still in the hospital for observation. 。 The boy and his family live in Guangzhou, before the onset of the disease, with the mother duck to a nearby market to buy, the boy had contact with live poultry.  Accident boy earlier to the markets in Guangzhou, and markets a duck samples were positive for H5 avian influenza virus, the poultry markets practitioners, has not been found to be infected. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.881903.com/Page/ZH-TW/newsdetail.aspx%3FItemId%3D519703%26csid%3D261_341&usg=ALkJrhi59EzOj2wek8tDYGMIBDIsKVZ3NA

Swine flu alert in Sri Lanka after hospital staffers infected

Fri, Jun 8, 2012, 10:15 pm 
Jun 08, Colombo: The Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lanka's Health Ministry has requested the general public to be alert for the spread of influenza A H1N1, commonly known as swine flu after four staffers at a government hospital found to have been infected with the influenza A H1N1 virus.

The authorities evacuated a ward of the Mental Health Institute in Angoda, near Colombo after the four staffers who fell ill confirmed to have been infected...


http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/Jun08_1339173925CH.php

Legionnaires’ disease: advice for local businesses

 

08 June 2012

In light of the current outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Scotland, our Environmental Health Team has issued a reminder to local businesses to ensure preventative measures are in place.

Businesses that operate a wet cooling tower are reminded of the importance of ensuring that control measures for the prevention of legionella within their systems are scrupulously followed so as not to present a risk to the public.
Specific guidance can be found within the Health and Safety Executive document: "L8: Legionnaires' disease - the control of legionella bacteria in water systems" - which can be viewed using the link below.
This recommends a weekly check for microbiological activity (TVC) and a quarterly check for Legionella to confirm that controls are all working correctly.
Although there is no reported incidence in the Wycombe district currently, officers will be verifying with businesses that have a registered system that these controls are in place and being followed.
All wet cooling towers and evaporative condensers are required to be registered with us. Details on how to register can be found on our cooling towers page.
http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/08june12-legionnaires-disease-advice-for-local-businesses.aspx

Legionnaires’ disease outbreak statement

Friday 8 June 2012 16:33

READ the full statement on Legionnaires’ outbreak as total number of suspected and confirmed cases rise to 74

The latest reports from the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) on the Edinburgh Legionnaires’ disease outbreak show that there are now 28 confirmed cases and 46 suspected cases. This is an increase of 13 on the total numbers of confirmed and suspected cases.
As at 12pm today, of those cases being treated in hospital, 14 were in intensive care and 30 are on general wards.
A total of 15 cases are being treated in the community, ten have been discharged from hospital and one person has sadly died.
Four cases are being treated outwith the NHS Lothian area. A patient who was yesterday being treated in NHS Highland has now been transferred to Glasgow, one patient is being treated in the north of England, one in NHS Tayside and one in NHS Lanarkshire. At this stage all these cases are considered to be linked to the south west Edinburgh outbreak.
The ages of the confirmed cases ranges between 33 and 76, with more males than females affected.
As of 10pm yesterday, NHS 24 had received 492 calls to the dedicated helpline for Legionnaires’ disease.
The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak. The HSE has today served an Improvement Notice on one of the companies responsible for one of the cooling towers which is being investigated, although this does not mean that this tower has been identified as the source of the outbreak.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “As we expected, we have seen a rise in the number of cases associated with this ...

http://www.scotsman.com/news/health/in-full-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-statement-1-2345880?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

avian influenza menacing spread to 18 provinces in China

2012-06-08
Baiyin City, Gansu Province, the Jingtai a farm 6,200 chickens infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, of which 260 died. Farm nearly 20,000 chickens were culled. CPC Ministry of Agriculture Information Office of the news that June 6: National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory confirmed the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemic. Prior to this, the the Guyuan diagnosed with poultry, the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian flu cull 95000.
Mid-May, he joined his mother bought ducks in Guangzhou Haizhu District, Jiangnan East market a 2-year-old boy, June 1 confirmed human case of bird flu. Has yet to find the source of the virus infection in Guangzhou.
January 26, 2012, the Hong Kong release a bird flu epidemic Weekly, the world of five cases. The Chinese mainland is one of the 15 countries affected and involved in Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanghai, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang and Zhejiang, 18 provinces and cities.


according to http://soundofhope.org/node/241878

Egypt reports tenth case of human avian influenza infection this year

  June 7, 2012
The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of a case of avian influenza or bird flu in that country.
According to a WHO Global Alert and Response issued Thursday, the patient is a four-year-old female from Kfr -Elsheikh governorate.
The child developed symptoms on 25 April 2012, was admitted to a hospital on 26 April 2012 and received oseltamivir treatment upon admission. She was discharged from the hospital on 7 May 2012.
Epidemiologic investigation revealed the child was exposed to backyard poultry.
The Central Public Health Laboratories and the Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) confirmed the case as avian influenza A(H5N1).
This case is the 10th in Egypt this year. Of the ten, half of the cases ended in death...

http://www.examiner.com/article/egypt-reports-tenth-case-of-human-avian-influenza-infection-this-year

Hong Kong child off of respirator #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

Child has been awake avian fluAs for the two-year-old boy infected with the H5N1 avian influenza in Guangzhou earlier return to Hong Kong seeking treatment yesterday, has been sober and without the use of the respirator to assist breathing. He is still the Princess Margaret Hospital in serious condition, the parents still in the hospital for observation.http://www.hkdailynews.com.hk/news.php?id=229024


Guangzhou two-year-old boy infected with bird flu after treatment, better, without the use of a respirator, is still the Princess Margaret Hospital in serious condition, the boys' parents also admitted for observation in the hospital.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20120609/00176_023.html&usg=ALkJrhhW6AG5acn788jTTnVS_W5m89VQwQ

Vietnam-Chronic poisoning is the cause of strange diseases

  That's the conclusion was made ​​at the workshop diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis thick horn hands, feet due to health care Management Department of the Ministry of Health held in Hospital C (Da Nang), 7 am / 6.

 . The workshop was attended by leading experts and representatives are participating skin hospitals treating patients with hand dermatitis thick horns, feet in the district of Ba To, Quang Ngai province.
  At the seminar the participants agreed on the name of the syndrome is unknown disease gastritis horn hands, feet and concluded the cause of this disease is chronic poisoning. But still not identified specific pathogenic toxins. The workshop also agreed treatment regimen of the Ministry of Health has issued about this treatment and additional guidance on supportive therapy.

  The cause is unknown disease due to chronic toxicity

  In the future, health care Management Department will work with the Bach Mai Hospital and Central Hospital Dermatology to put some patients with gastritis horn syndrome hands, feet out in Quang Ngai province hospitals on treatment and follow-up.
  As reported at the workshop, new cases from the first day on 19.04.2011 to 06.05.2012 Ba district (Quang Ngai) recorded 215 cases of the syndrome is inflammation of the skin thickness horn hands, feet including 12 deaths and 44 cases of recurrence. Emerging disease in five communes of the district of Ba is Ba Dien District, Ba Xa, Ba, Ba Vinh, three of which Amazingly concentrated in the village of Ba Dien Commune Moss (accounting for 55.67%).  The rate of infection highest age group from 15-30 years of age is over 30% of which 100% of patients from ethnic H're. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&u=http://vietbao.vn/Suc-khoe/Nhiem-doc-man-tinh-la-nguyen-nhan-dan-den-benh-la/2131480328/248/&usg=ALkJrhg7CwK3ZyC9qkmRuDlDSEwjgc-WRw

Thailand Quarantined hospital reopens

•   5/06/2012 at 01:36 AM
• UTTARADIT : An army hospital put under quarantine after several soldiers contracted a lung infection will reopen today..

Medical staff closely monitor soldiers being treated for an acute lung infection at the Phraya Phichai Dabhak Army Camp Hospital in Uttaradit yesterday.. The hospital, which was quarantined after several soldiers contracted the lung infection, will reopen today.

Fifteen soldiers have fallen ill after contracting an acute lung infection and 125 others have been kept under medical observation at the Phraya Phichai Dabhak army camp in Uttaradit.
The Phraya Phichai Dabhak Army Camp Hospital where the soldiers were being treated had stopped admitting out-patients and the whole facility was placed under quarantine last week.
Hospital director Col Kuldanai Supim said the hospital is expected to reopen today as the 15 affected soldiers had recovered steadily while test results showed the 125 others had not contracted the disease. .
Col Ram Rangsin, an epidemiologist attached to the army, said laboratory tests on the ill soldiers showed that the infection was caused by mycoplasma _ a bacteria that can be contracted through sneezing or coughing or close contact with infected people.
Thailand already has a medicine _ clarithromycin _ for treatment of the disease, Col Ram said.
  The doctor added the soldiers had not contracted any diseases Severe Acute Respiratory word such as bird flu, as had been feared and rumoured, he said.
  The first case was that of Pvt Kittirat detected Meeplong, a native of Tron district. He was diagnosed with the illness on May 29. He was diagnosed with the illness on May 29.
  A day later, three more army privates at the camp came down with the flu-like symptoms.
 . The soldiers had a high fever, sore throat and cough.
  The Royal Thai Army Medical Department ordered 140 troopers and Their trainers examined. It found that 15 of them had contracted the disease.
  The discovery led to the hospital being sealed and quarantined. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&u=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/296565/quarantined-hospital-reopens&usg=ALkJrhi7mZHX-QKW9qZlZ9htFgI6TouIJQ

Destruction of 10,540 pigs on PRRS

10:06:22 04/06/2012 04/06/2012 10:06:22

  - The report dated 5.28.2012 of 116/BC-UBND PPC: Status of the blue ear disease in pigs is complicated in 24 communes with 275 villages, urban groups of Dien Bien district and city.  Dien Bien Phu and the total number of pigs were infected, dead, destroyed over 10,540 children, nearly destroyed 360.000kg weight.

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.baodienbienphu.info.vn/x%25C3%25A3-h%25E1%25BB%2599i/ti%25C3%25AAu-h%25E1%25BB%25A7y-tr%25C3%25AAn-10540-con-l%25E1%25BB%25A3n-m%25E1%25BA%25AFc-d%25E1%25BB%258Bch-tai-xanh&usg=ALkJrhgskwPxmcKxbn7xrJcqpa_FhKmpmg

Bangladesh Govt to vaccinate poultry birds

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Metropolitan

Unb, Dhaka

The government has decided to 'experimentally' vaccinate poultry birds to protect the poultry industry from avian influenza virus, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdul Latif Biswas said yesterday.

“The government has decided to vaccinate the poultry birds before they die. An 8-member expert team has been formed in this regard to carry out the vaccination process,” he said.

The minister was addressing as chief guest a seminar titled 'Poultry industries in crises: Immediate measures' organised by Bangladesh Poultry Industries Coordination Committee (BPICC) at Cirdap auditorium in the capital.

Biswas said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the national advisory committee have approved the decision to introduce the vaccination programme.

“Alongside vaccinating the birds, bio-security must be maintained,” he said, adding that the farms that fail to maintain this must be shut down...
.    http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=237244

Bird flu detected on a large poultry farm in Russia

By Vlasdislav Vorotnikov, 07-Jun-2012

Russian veterinary services have warned that avian flu, which is currently spreading through south-east Asia, has been found on a large poultry farm in eastern Russia.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) has identified a strain of low-pathogenic avian influenza type A, subtype H9, after studying pathological material from poultry at one of the facilities of Amurski Broiler, one of the largest poultry farms in the Primorsk Territory. According to the deputy head of Rosselkhoznadzor Nikolai Vlasov, this H9 subtype of influenza is not harmful to humans and usually does not lead to significant health problems or the death of birds. However, when the virus is in contact with poultry that has no immunity to it, the infection can spread and cause high mortality, resulting in serious economic losses for poultry producers.
A statement from Rosselkhoznadzor said: “There is reason to suppose that there is an infection among poultry stock in the facility, caused by the specified agent of bird flu. When a low-pathogenic virus is circulating among non-immune poultry stock, its pathogenicity could increase. Rosselkhoznadzor considers it necessary to warn of a possible outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
....
At the beginning of March, around 7,000 birds died at one of Amurski Broiler’s facilities, although it is not clear whether this incident was connected to an outbreak of avian influenza. Rosselkhoznadzor has yet to comment on the incident.
According to preliminary data, the virus has also been detected in migratory birds and wild waterfowl birds in both the Amur region and Primorsk Territory.

http://www.globalmeatnews.com/Industry-Markets/Bird-flu-detected-on-a-large-poultry-farm-in-Russia?utm_source=RSS_text_news&utm_medium=RSS%2Bfeed&utm_campaign=RSS%2BText%2BNews

Legionnaires' disease: mapping the outbreak

More people are expected to be diagnosed with the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease in the next few days.
http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/magazine/104996-legionnaires-disease-mapping-the-outbreak/

Unchecked birds into the Hong Kong Market..

..for you..
2012-06-07
Panyu poultry markets resume business check the strength of avian influenza through the motions loopholes exist

  South yesterday to infection with avian influenza virus in Hong Kong boy still in the Princess Margaret Hospital intensive care unit attending a serious condition.  Provincial Inspection and Quarantine Bureau survey, for Hong Kong and Macao live poultry in the outbreak of avian influenza, the movement of live poultry supplied to Hong Kong business as usual.

 

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://nf.nfdaily.cn/nfdsb/content/2012-06/07/content_47515487.htm&usg=ALkJrhg5LdpBPhVIZm9hDlBjLHd74kHZsw

Hong Kong boy suffering from "bird flu" incident are inconclusive

Sample inspection of suspected bird flu National Laboratory
 2012 Jun 08 00:59
storm tracking of avian influenzaThe province not yet found that poultry outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza
Hong Kong boy suffering from "bird flu" incident are inconclusive, yesterday, the New Express reporter learned from the Provincial Department of Agriculture, prior to the relevant departments have the boys come into contact with the vegetable market sampling, including Jiangnan East market suspected positive birds The influenza virus nucleic acid sample sample in accordance with the provisions sent to the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory to do further testing

http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2012-06-08/005924554761.shtml

Hong Kong-17 children flu Mingwei

  WASHINGTON influenza continued to wreak havoc in Hong Kong, a chronically ill four-year-old boy infected with influenza complicated by pneumonia, is now admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital Children's Intensive Care Unit in critical condition, as in the 17th case serious cases of children infected with influenza. 。 Boy living in Kowloon City District, a kindergarten in the district school, June 4, 1998 with fever, cough and difficulty breathing symptoms the next day admission, a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia and nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were positive for influenza.  CHP's investigation found that the kindergarten the boy attended the outbreak of the flu, he had a private clinic, had no recent travel, and the family did not have symptoms of influenza.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Forientaldaily.on.cc%2F&sl=auto&tl=en

Macau schools in the cluster of infections of influenza-like illness

[2012-06-07]

。 [Wenhui (Reuters) - According to the news website of the Macao SAR Government, Macau Health Bureau received on the 6th report of a school cluster infections of influenza-like illness. 。 The report covers the Hou Kong Middle School Kindergarten the K1C class 6 students at Mirror Lake road to symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, all students have to the medical institution for treatment, the situation in general. 。 Only one student had inoculated the 2011-2012 winter flu vaccine.   Health has collected a part of the sick children's respiratory sample submission, and requested the schools to enhance cleaning and disinfection, and maintain indoor air circulation, and other infection control measures, and strict implementation of the provisions that sick children can not go to school...  http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&u=http://news.wenweipo.com/2012/06/07/IN1206070063.htm&usg=ALkJrhiVZhGXYgYRH0i7OygpXasZqt5eAQ

Gansu-More than 6,000 chickens infected with H5N1

More than 6,000 chickens infected with the immediately blocked bashing epidemic the Gansu burst H5N1 to kill poultry in Guangzhou
(Roundup) (Sing Tao Daily reported) avian influenza Jingxian Hong Kong, adjacent to Guangdong Province, Gansu also have an outbreak. Ministry of Agriculture of the Mainland office announced yesterday, the Jingtai a chicken farm in Baiyin City, Gansu Province has more than 6,000 chickens in the symptoms of bird flu since last Friday, more than two hundred of them died, the Guangdong provincial government has sent to the Haizhu District, Jiangnan East market culling of all poultry.

In Baiyin City, Gansu Province Jingtai an H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian flu, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Mainland office yesterday. According to Xinhua news that, in Baiyin City, Gansu Province Jingtai Lo xiangyangzhen East Sekimura a chicken farm in June 1,  6,200 chickens suspected symptoms of avian influenza, 260 died; country poultry flu reference laboratory confirmed the day before for the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza epidemic. Xinhua also known as the Ministry of Agriculture sent a work group to the affected areas to guide the work of the bashing epidemic outbreak closely blockaded epidemic, strengthen disinfection off the source and monitor the investigation, and culling of all chickens and eighteen thousand four hundred sixty with chicken. The local People's Government in accordance with the relevant contingency plans and technical specification requirements, adhere to the law to prevent and control, scientific prevention and control, and earnestly do a good job the epidemic dispose of the work.
Year-old boy stained influenza virus was dying Earlier a two-year-old boy in Hong Kong infected with avian influenza in the Mainland, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture said, Haizhu District, Jiangnan East markets visited by the agricultural sector in the Children with collecting 40 samples for testing, one of ducks samples were positive for H5 avian influenza virus, the authorities have been culling of all poultry in the market. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau of Guangdong Province, said that the tested samples of avian influenza infection have been sent to the National Laboratory to further confirm.
Guangzhou and Foshan animal health oversight agencies have also been on the poultry wholesale market in Panyu and Nanhai District, epidemic prevention supervision and inspection that there were no abnormalities in poultry.
Two-year-old boy infected with the H5N1 avian flu confirmed last Friday, earlier underwent surgery due to obstructive cerebral edema, pressure to reduce the brain, are still hospitalized in Princess Margaret Hospital Intensive Care Unit, and accept the Tamiflu treatment, the situation is still serious.
In addition, a four-year-old boy in Hong Kong on June 4 fever, cough and difficulty breathing symptoms the next day was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for Children Intensive Care Unit. The clinical diagnosis of pneumonia in critical condition. His nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were positive for influenza. The boy has no recent travel. His home contacts have no symptoms of influenza, the Centre for Health Protection is investigating the case.
http://hk.news.yahoo.com/%E9%80%BE%E5%85%AD%E5%8D%83%E9%9A%BB%E6%B4%BB%E9%9B%9E%E6%84%9F%E6%9F%93-%E8%BF%85%E5%8D%B3%E5%B0%81%E9%8E%96%E6%92%B2%E7%96%AB-%E7%94%98%E8%82%85%E7%88%86h5n1-%E5%BB%A3%E5%B7%9E%E6%AE%BA%E5%AE%B6%E7%A6%BD-221005187.html

Hong Kong Peak period of influenza in the next few weeks

...He added that cases have increased slightly in the beginning of the period of the winter influenza season, then dropped for some time, in the last couple of months, once again approaching its peak. The virus is mainly the higher numbers of infection by H3N2, the elderly and the chronically ill, occupied most of the public hospitals of internal medicine beds.
According to the present analysis, Dr Chow said the general influenza virus after 8-10 weeks, the peak period will fall more than half the time has now elapsed, so the next few weeks may still be the peak period of influenza. In addition, there is also scarlet fever cases may also be because the weather is getting hotter and hotter, more other infectious diseases, especially infectious diseases caused by food. He urged the public to observe good personal, environmental and food hygiene..

http://www.singpao.com/gw/xwa/201206/t20120606_361460.html

Market H9 virus growth "clear day" a new high

Habitat Guangzhou single non-Hong Kong Tong dye H5 avian feel Hong Kong for treatment, so the threat of avian influenza reproduction; At the same time, the H9 avian influenza virus of the Hong Kong market poultry retail outlets this year surge in first four months of every one hundred samples there nearly two strokes, is the implementation of the new day ching ". Experts worry, it reflects the lack of prevention measures in Hong Kong.http://www.hket.com/eti/article/df408aa9-319f-4578-977d-dc263191159a-078104

Edinburgh Legionnaires' outbreak: 21 confirmed cases, 19 more suspected

The number of people with Legionnaires’ disease in Edinburgh is set to increase by the weekend, according to health officials

STV 6 June 2012 09:18 BST

 VIDEO http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/104836-health-secretary-urges-against-pointing-fingers-over-legionnaires-cases/

Map of Scotland Legionnaires' Outbreak

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2012/06/06/legionnaires-outbreak-woman-in-bedside-vigil-for-ill-husband-as-bug-claims-first-life-86908-23887316/
THERE are now 21 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease following a deadly outbreak, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Another 19 people are suspected of having the illness in the Lothian health board area but no more fatalities have occurred since yesterday when one man died, she addedhttp://videos.icnetwork.co.uk/dailyrecord3/Legionnaires.jpg

Legionnaires’ death puts city on alert as 15 critical

Published on Wednesday 6 June 2012 11:48

HEALTH chiefs were today bracing themselves for a fresh wave of legionnaires’ cases after it emerged one man had died from the disease while 15 others were critically ill in hospital.
Patients are being treated at three hospitals – ERI, St John’s and the Western General. Last night the ERI enacted its its emergency plan which involves clearing some wards and using them as intensive care units.
As well as 17 confirmed cases, a further 15 people are suspected to have contracted the illness....
http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/health/legionnaires-death-puts-city-on-alert-as-15-critical-1-2339684

Scotland’s Legionnaires disease -40 confirmed and suspected cases

Legionnaires in Scottish history leaves one dead and 12 critically ill

Wednesday 06 June 2012

 The worst outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Scotland’s history has been blamed on a network of industrial cooling towers in the south west of Edinburgh that have left one man dead and 12 critically ill in hospital. ..Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish health secretary, told a press conference today that early indications suggested the source of the outbreak was a “contaminated cloud” emitted by one or more of the towers, which use the evaporation of water to cool industrial processes....

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cooling-towers-blamed-as-worst-outbreak-of-legionnaires-in-scottish-history-leaves-one-dead-and-12-critically-ill-7820249.html

Clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 Guangdong China Case

Recombinomics Commentary 13:30
June 6, 2012

The infected child developed fever and runny nose 10 days ago in Guangdong province.

He came to Hong Kong last Saturday and sought medical attention from a private clinic in Mong Kok.

He subsequently developed a fever and convulsions and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on Monday, where he was admitted with suspected encephalitis.

Tests later showed he has H5 Influenza A.
The above comments describe an H5N1 case (2M) from Guangdong Province who was diagnosed in Hong Kong. The diagnosis was delayed because of the unusual presentation. Subsequent sequence analysis indicated the case was clade 2.3.2.1, which is frequently identified in wild birds in southern China, as well as the most recent prior H5N1 case from Shenzhen.

Sequences from that fatal case were promptly released by the WHO regional center in Beijing. There were multiple receptor binding domain changes associated with H5N1 spread in humans.

Prompt release of the H5N1 sequences from this case would be useful.
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/06061201/H5N1_Guangdong_2321.html

Vietnam's second bf outbreak in Dien Bien province

Dien Bien:Prevent bird flu spreadUpdated at: 06/06/2012 23:45


(Inspector) - Dien Bien province recently announced decision of avian influenza (H5N1) in the commune Do Luong (Dien Bien). This is the 2nd local service after notice announced a decision at Yen Thanh commune (also at Dien Bien district) occurred from 21/5.


Avian influenza in team 1 and 2 of the Do Luong commune happened on 5/29/2012. So far, over 1,000 birds have been infected, have been discovered and destroyed the organization.
Ms. Cao Thi Tuyet Lan, Department Head of the Veterinary Department of Dien Bien said: All the infected poultry has been the authorities, local government and the livestock owners promptly detected and destroyed quick, and correct technical process. At Yen Thanh commune, in the past 10 days did not detect expression of poultry diseases. However, the anti-epidemic is having some difficulties, such as livestock owners for fear of economic loss, should not inform the veterinary offices and local authorities. Therefore, the case of infected poultry diseases are caused by veterinary staff to strengthen the basis of detection, prompt treatment should last. Currently, farmers harvest just ended, so the duck farms dropped down at the basin along the Dien Bien Phu to take advantage of food sources. So the risk of new epidemics spread across the regions...

H5N1 bird flu reported in NW China

BEIJING, June 6 (Xinhua) -- China's northwestern Gansu province has reported an outbreak of the highly epidemic H5N1 bird flu virus in poultry, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced Wednesday.
More than 6,200 chickens at a farm in a village in Luyang, a town in Jingtai county, showed symptoms of suspected avian flu Friday, and 260 of them have died, according to the MOA.
The National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory on Tuesday confirmed the epidemic was H5N1 bird flu after testing samples collected at the farm, the MOA said.
Local authorities have sealed off and sterilized the infected area, where a total of 18,460 chickens have been culled and safely disposed of in order to prevent the disease from spreading since the case was confirmed, according to the MOA.
A team was dispatched by the ministry to the quarantined area to guide epidemic prevention and monitoring.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a contagious disease of animal origin caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. It can be fatal to humans
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-06/06/c_131635599.htm

The Haizhu a duck samples detected suspected bird flu positive

  : 2012-06-06

 WASHINGTON It is understood that the June 3, the agricultural sector in Guangzhou City, Haizhu District, Jiangnan East market found infected with avian influenza viruses in Hong Kong children have been to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation.
 。 Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture yesterday informed that the test results of individual birds healthy carriers of the virus, the Provincial Animal prevention and control centers has sent personnel to send relevant samples to the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory to do further testing.


http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=zh-CN&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fycdtb.dayoo.com%2Fhtml%2F2012-06%2F06%2Fnode_982.htm

Guangzhou- asymptomatic ducks in the market

and a couple other snippets








Guangzhou to detect a duck "healthy carriers of the virus"





2012 June 06
....poultry on the market from two wholesale markets, one market to find out a duck sample "suspected positive", "healthy carriers of the virus.Quarantine expert said, "healthy carriers of the virus," the poultry to humans may not be ruled out compared to sick poultry to humans likely to be much lower...
..."The so-called healthy carriers of the virus, similar to what we call the Hepatitis B virus carrier." A quarantine expert told Yangcheng Evening News reporter, "avian influenza viruses in ducks in vivo, but the virus and host to live in peace, did not cause disease."
He said that the infected ducks to the possibility of infection, but the probability is very small. Infectious virus concentration and high concentration of sick birds infected healthy carriers of the virus concentration is low, members of the public in the handling of chickens, ducks attention gloves, undercooked, the general does not infect....
http://roll.sohu.com/20120606/n344887756.shtml

Within the jurisdiction of Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of live poultry supplied to Hong Kong business as usual

http://www.china.com.cn/news/local/2012-06/06/content_25581591.htm

Experts can not recognize the child's infection where the virus can only say that the high degree of suspicion is a duck. The boy previously living areas to be monitored, for inspection of suspected influenza patients. At present, several hospitals in the region to strengthen monitoring and search of fever with flu-like symptoms cases, according to the requirements of the monitoring to last for 21 days, to end on June 23
http://www.21food.cn/html/news/35/687671.htm

Avian Influenza found at large poultry facility in Russia

//06 Jun 2012

Avian influenza has recently been identified during the study of pathological material, selected from major Russian poultry producer company, Amur broiler, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, has stated.

The virus was identified as low pathogenic avian influenza type A subtype H9. According to preliminary expert estimations the virus came from China.
"There is reason to suppose that among poultry stock in the facility [of Amur Broiler] an infectious process caused by the specified agent of bird flu is taking place. When low pathogenic virus is circulating among non-immune poultry stock, its pathogenicity could increase” stated Rosselkhoznadzor in an official statement.
Rosselkhoznadzor has said it considers it necessary to warn of a possible outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza and actions in accordance with the current regulations for the prevention and elimination of avian influenza must be enforced.
In April, an Amur broiler facility suffered mass scale mortality of poultry. About seven thousand heads of poultry died, reportedly due to mycotoxins that were found in the forage, but the Veterinary Service specialists have subsequently refuted this claim.

http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/avian-influenza-found-at-large-poultry-facility-in-russia-10468.html

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Scotland kills man, sickens 15

June 5, 2012 4:19 PM

• (Credit: istockphoto)

(CBS/AP) LONDON - Health authorities in Scotland say one man has died and 15 people are in critical condition in hospitals after an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Edinburgh area.
NHS Lothian, the local health authority, says it is investigating another 15 suspected cases....


The paper said industrial cooling towers in the area are believed to be a potential source of the outbreak and environmental workers have treated 16 cooling towers to try and stop the disease's spread....

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57447757-10391704/legionnaires-disease-outbreak-in-scotland-kills-man-sickens-15/

Duck in S China suspected of infecting H5N1

Updated: 2012-06-06 07:09

( Xinhua)

 

GUANGZHOU - A duck at a market in China's southern city of Guangzhou was suspected of infecting the Influenza A (H5N1), according to the Guangdong Provincial Agriculture Department on Tuesday night.
The Guangzhou agriculture and animal husbandry department has carried out a comprehensive epidemic investigation of Jiangnandong Market in Haizhu District after a two-year-old boy from Hong Kong who visited the market in mid-May was confirmed with H5N1.
One duck out of the 40 samples was suspected to be infected with the virus, according to the municipal animal epidemic disease control and prevention center.
There is no report of human infection of H5N1 as of Tuesday in Guangzhou.
The 2-year-old boy confirmed with H5N1 infection on Saturday is currently receiving intensive care at Princess Margaret Hospital and his condition remained serious.
The boy developed fever and a runny nose on May 23 in Guangdong. He returned to Hong Kong on May 26 and sought medical attention from a private medical clinic in Mong Kok.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-06/06/content_15476930.htm

Guangdong, Hong Kong infected with H5N1 CDC to strengthen epidemic prevention

boys in Guangdong, Hong Kong infected with H5N1 CDC to strengthen epidemic prevention [Tang Dynasty, June 6, 2012 -
Hong Kong year-old boy in Guangdong, China before infection with H5N1. CDC pointed out that, in addition to strengthening the health screening of incoming passengers in Hong Kong and Macao, but also appeal to mainland China for Taiwan businessmen or travelers to avoid contact with birds birds
The two-year-old boy in Hong Kong confirmed on June 2 cases of H5N1 infection is suspected of causing the boy in Guangdong, China, through contact with poultry infections. The boy is now in cerebral edema, a serious condition. Southeast Asia and mainland China there are still cases of H5N1, the CDC said, has strengthened border quarantine measures.

http://www.ntdtv.com/xtr/b5/2012/06/06/a713041.html.-[%E7%B2%B5%E8%AA%9E]%20%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E7%94%B7%E7%AB%A5%E5%BB%A3%E6%9D%B1%E6%84%9F%E6%9F%93H5N1%20%E7%96%BE%E7%AE%A1%E5%B1%80%E5%8A%A0%E5%BC%B7%E9%98%B2%E7%96%AB.html

Experts worry about the restructuring of influenza and avian influenza

..Because Guangdong is having a bigtime influenza outbreak..

Express News reporter Chen Yang Cao Hongmei reported that the recent Hong Kong influenza raging Express Reporter learned yesterday from the Guangdong Provincial CDC influenza in Guangdong at the peak epidemic period, and influenza accounted for Jiucheng. The experts fear that the seasonal flu with avian influenza restructuring so that it can spread from person to person, this will focus on monitoring. Mystery for the Hong Kong children infected with avian influenza event, the Express reporter interviewed yesterday, Guangdong Province Center for Disease Control chief expert, infectious disease prevention and control, He Jianfeng, director, and he said the boy why is still a mystery infection in June.
Express reporter was informed, Guangzhou City set three hospitals in Haizhu District --- Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Haizhu District People's Hospital, Gangnam Community Health Service Center for monitoring hospitals to strengthen the fever and flu-like symptoms cases the monitoring and search suspicious cases that take the initiative to the Haizhu District, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control report.

Jianfeng introduced, Guangzhou City CDC test results prompted the sick boy was most likely infected with avian influenza virus from the external environment of the Jiangnan East market. It is reported that Guangdong had confirmed cases of bird flu, the only one outside environment has detected cases of avian influenza virus.
Jianfeng also said that avian influenza is mainly spread between birds and spread in humans there is no biological basis for the infection cases, scholars believe may be differences in gene receptor. As long as the market rigorous disinfection of public eating undercooked poultry do not have to worry about, because the avian influenza virus will be killed in more than 70 degrees Celsius.

http://www.ycwb.com/ePaper/xkb/html/2012-06/06/content_1408043.htm

Guangzhou bird markets kill a chicken halfway

Two-year-old boy infected with avian influenza last Saturday, less brain edema surgery yesterday in serious condition, but the source of the virus Rengshi Mi!。
Guangdong Province Center for Disease Control announced yesterday, 7 40 environmental samples taken in the markets visited by the boy and the neighborhood, six were positive for avian flu virus. 。 Reporters yesterday to Guangzhou, Interrupted, noted that the local health quarantine departments to the market culling of chickens was chicken traders to protest, but nothing, the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety reiterated that it will only strengthen the monitoring.。 Infectious disease experts have warned that poultry vaccines and viruses do not match, the limited power of the chickens protection, coupled with the crowded market environment, the virus more easily transmitted from chickens, ducks between opportunistic raid human.

 

Guangdong CDC boy to market their homes near the market, including the extraction cages, chopping boards, etc. 40 7 environmental samples tested, were positive for avian flu virus detected in six samples, five case of H5, a case of H9 type, but the poultry practitioners throat swab sample was negative for influenza virus, and no person has been infected. 。

Center director Jianfeng that the poultry market by the bird flu virus contamination but it is difficult to determine the source of the outbreak of the virus in the community and popular possibility is very low.

。 Our reporter yesterday to the suspected source of infection is near the Guangzhou Haizhu District, Jiangnan East markets, chicken vendors in the health and quarantine departments in Guangdong Province on Monday morning to the market to the culling of chickens and epidemic prevention, but killing thirty chickens, poultry traders protest without compensation, without notice after the halfway cut. 。
 Chicken stalls in the market yesterday to continue the business, but business is deserted, fell five percent higher than usual. The stall owners, Market Health is the ideal, the virus passed in from the periphery of unlicensed chicken stalls.

Ho Pak-leung: A vaccine with the virus

。 For boys the source of infection in Guangzhou Market for Food and Health Secretary York Chow yesterday refers to the great cause of the boy disease before the onset of the 2nd, had told the mother to the markets of Guangzhou near their homes to buy ducks from the ducks about one meter, and stay for a long period of time. He believes that no other contacts of the infected, which is a single case, no successor risk.
The University of Hong Kong infection by the Director of the Centre for Infectious Diseases, Ho Pak-leung, refers the detection of avian influenza virus in the market environment, to further laboratory virus is a new species 2.3.2.1, in order to determine whether the markets are affected by the invasion of new varieties. 。
He believes that avian influenza viruses do not fit with the existing chickens in the vaccine, even if the vaccination is to protect the force is also limited, sporadic chickens infected, the Mainland market is overcrowded, health is not ideal to make the virus more chickens, ducks between the spread of virus penetration, waiting for an opportunity to raid human. If the vaccine has not replaced, the new virus may continue to spread in chickens from the Mainland, do not rule out local farms and markets also were caught.

 pics at the link http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/news/20120606/00176_018.html&usg=ALkJrhis-PCAG8cw8Uu6qVG3Cs7jxlVw4A

Brain worries ease for tot with bird flu #H5N1

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

The condition of a two-year-old boy who is seriously ill with bird flu and water on the brain has improved slightly.



The SAR-born boy, who resides in Guangzhou with his Hong Kong father and mainland mother, remains in a serious condition in the pediatric intensive care unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. But the pressure from his brain condition - obstructive hydrocephalus - has eased.

University of Hong Kong School of Public Health virology professor Malik Peiris has told The Standard that hydrocephalus is an "atypical" presentation of H5N1 infection. Patients with bird flu usually exhibit cough and fever.



H5N1 was not suspected when the boy was first admitted for five days at a general pediatric ward at Caritas Medical Centre. When diagnosed with H5N1, he was then transferred to Princess Margaret isolated and put on a regime of the antiviral drug Tamiflu.







Health minister York Chow Yat- ngok said although the boy may have been infected during a trip to a Guangzhou wet market with his mother between May 17 and 19, it cannot be ruled out that the source of infection was in Anhui.
But since the parents and other contacts have tested negative, Chow believes it to be an isolated case.http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=123141&sid=36626261&con_type=1&d_str=20120606&fc=2

Vietnam-Quynh Luu #H5N1 infected poultry

Quynh Luu: Implement measures to prevent bird flu (5/6/2012 4:43 PM)

Currently, the total number of infected poultry and destruction carried out in Quynh Luu district is 837 children. The bird flu first appeared on 24/5 in household flocks of Thai Ba Huy Quynh Giang hamlet 5, to 29/5, the epidemic continues to appear in Xuan Quynh.   In adverse weather conditions, disease situation will be even more complicated, Quynh Luu district has directed the Service to commune zoning, close supervision is not comfortable selling poultry diseases and the implementation of measures after destruction techniques. For communes, towns outbreaks occur, the district focus on advocacy for people to implement strict anti-epidemic measures, organizations disinfection, hygiene and farming areas, and strict implementation regime direct reports. Các phòng, ban. Those departments and agencies to coordinate with other communes and towns well to direct prevention. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.lmhtx.nghean.gov.vn/wps/portal/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3i_MG9_TxPDUGcvdzcDA09HIx-TEFMTY_8Ac_2CbEdFANvcoqA!/%3FWCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT%3D/wps/wcm/connect/huyen%2Bquynh%2Bluu/hql/htct/tinhd/f0d997804b8105dbb70bbfd6485eba4a%26comment%3Df0d997804b8105dbb70bbfd6485eba4a&usg=ALkJrhi9nL-nT6aYJuErIIQk14r2RpVX4g

Guangzhou market duck samples were found with the avian influenza virus

Guangzhou market duck samples were found with the avian influenza virus



06.06.2012 00:36

Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture announced late at night, the two-year-old boy diagnosed with the H5N1 avian influenza infection in Hong Kong, he went to Guangzhou, Haizhu District, Jiangnan East market, a duck samples were positive for H5 avian influenza virus may be infected with avian flu virus. Boy continued hospitalized in Princess Margaret Hospital, the situation remains serious, Dr York Chow, Secretary for Food and Health Bureau, said the boy with hydrocephalus have been reduced, that the genetic test results show that the virus is no genetic variation, it is generally spread in birds will not pass. While dozens of people had contact with young boys, including his parents, there is no experience to the virus, that single cases, will continue to communicate with the mainland. He said the boy was sick two days before the incident, who with his mother to the Guangzhou market to buy live ducks is very likely infected in the markets.

http://www.881903.com/Page/ZH-TW/newsdetail.aspx?ItemId=518802&csid=261_341

A Guangzhou market to detect suspected avian influenza virus infection of ducks

2012 June 06 Day
\Guangzhou, Xinhua, June 5 (Wu Tao) reporter learned from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Agriculture on the evening of 5 since the Hong Kong year-old boy returned from Guangdong to Hong Kong was diagnosed with avian flu,
Guangzhou City, the agricultural sector of the visited by the children of Hong Kong, Haizhu District, Jiangnan East market a comprehensive epidemiological investigation.
 40 collected by the control center on the market the cotton test sub-sample testing by the Guangzhou Municipal animal disease prevention, and review of detection of Guangdong Province animal disease prevention and control centers, test sub-sample of the market a duck cotton by fluorescence RT-PCR, H5 Asia suspected avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive, which means that suspected bird flu virus infection in the duck body.

http://roll.sohu.com/20120606/n344826386.shtml

Slight improvement in Hong Kong #H5N1 victim #BIRDFLU

Plagued Hong Kong children in serious condition hydrocephalus to reduce

[2012-06-05]

。 [WH (Reuters) - integrated media sources, the Hong Kong Food and Health Secretary York Chow said the two-year-old boy infected with the avian flu situation remains serious, but hydrocephalus has been reduced.  Stained avian influenza boy is single cases of contact infection 。 The genetic test results show that any genetic variation, the virus is generally spread in birds, will not be transmitted to people.   Dozens of people had contact with young boys, including his parents, did not experience a virus, that single case will continue to communicate with the mainland.。 Dr Chow said the boy disease before the onset of the 2nd, who with his mother to the Guangzhou market to buy live ducks is very likely infected in the market, but he also visited one week before the disease Anhui, do not rule out other infections may.  Dr Chow also said that Local 20 dead wild birds this year than the past two years, including waterfowl at higher risk.  He added that this year's peak season for influenza is still 4-5 weeks, and urged the public to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.  http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://news.wenweipo.com/2012/06/05/IN1206050061.htm&usg=ALkJrhhK5XCUIwa2S8OW9YW40NsrVk0SEg

Avian influenza - situation in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong, SAR) - update

5 June 2012 -The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Hong Kong, China, has reported a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.‪ The case is a 2 year-old male from Guangzhou City, Guangdong province. He developed symptoms on 23 May 2012 in Guangdong province and went to a private clinic in Hong Kong, China, on 26 May 2012. He developed febrile convulsion and was transferred to a hospital on 28 May 2012 and was laboratory confirmed as A(H5N1) on 2 June 2012. His condition remains serious and he remains hospitalized.
The mother brought the case to visit a wet market with live poultry in Guangzhou in mid-May 2012 and a live duck was bought and slaughtered in the market. Close contacts of the case have tested negative for the virus.‪ Evidence so far indicates that this is a sporadic case of human infection with A(H5N1) virus, with no secondary spread or clustering.
So far, a total of 22 human cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection were reported in Hong Kong, China, including 18 cases in 1997, two cases in 2003, one case in 2010, and the current case in 2012.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_06_05/en/index.html

THAILAND-Illness not bird flu, army says

Illness not bird flu, army says

• Published: 5/06/2012 at 11:37 AM

It is not bird flu as first feared, but the illness that has stricken 15 soldiers in Uttaradit and put another 125 under observation was thought serious enough to close an army hospital to all outside patients.

Medical staff closely monitor soldiers being treated for an acute lung infection at the Phraya Phichai Dabhak Army Camp Hospital in Uttaradit yesterday. BOONNUM KERDKAEW

Click button to listen to Lung and rightclick to download

Illness not bird flu, army says

It is not bird flu as first feared, but the illness that has strickened 15 soldiers in Uttaradit and put another 125 under observation was thought serious enough to close an army hospital to all outside patients.
The Phraya Phichai Dabhak Army Camp Hospital where the soldiers were being treated was put under quarantine after the 15 soldiers contracted a lung infection.

Hospital director Col Kuldanai Supim said the hospital is expected to reopen today, however, as the 15 affected soldiers had recovered steadily while test results showed the 125 others had not contracted the disease.

Several of the recovering soldiers are clearly feeling much better. BOONNUM KERDKAEW

Col Ram Rangsin, an epidemiologist attached to the army, said laboratory tests on the ill soldiers showed that the infection was caused by mycoplasma – a bacteria that can be contracted through sneezing or coughing or close contact with infected people.
Thailand already has a medicine – clarithromycin – for treatment of the disease, Col Ram said.

The doctor added the soldiers had not contracted any severe acute respiratory diseases such as bird flu, as had been feared and rumoured, he said.

The first case detected was that of Pvt Kittirat Meeplong, a native of Tron district. He was diagnosed with the illness on May 29.

A day later, three more army privates at the camp came down with the flu-like symptoms.

The soldiers had a high fever, sore throat and cough.
The Royal Thai Army Medical Department ordered 140 troopers and their trainers examined. It found that 15 of them had contracted the disease.

Adapted from a story in today's Bangkok Post.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easier-stuff/296656/illness-not-bird-flu-army-says

Hong Kong Consulate Message #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

Message for U.S. Citizens: Pandemic Influenza Warning

U. S. Consulate General Hong Kong
June 4, 2012

On June 2, Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection raised the Pandemic Influenza Warning Status from "Alert" to "Serious" in light of the confirmed avian influenza (H5N1) infection of a 2 year old boy who had traveled to Hong Kong with his parents from Guangzhou. Avian influenza is a type of Influenza A virus that mainly affects birds and poultry. Occasionally it can be transmitted to humans if a person has close contact with infected birds/poultry.

The boy appears to have been infected by the virus when he was exposed to live poultry at a Guangzhou wet market in mid-May. Neither the boy's parents nor his treating physicians have contracted the virus indicating that the case appears to be isolated and that human-to-human transmission appears unlikely.

Nevertheless CHP advises increased vigilance to prevent avian influenza, including heightened attention to the following measures:

• Avoid touching poultry, birds or their droppings, because they may carry the avian influenza virus; young children in particular should avoid exposure to live poultry.
• Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water immediately in case of contact with poultry, birds or their droppings;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing with tissue; if no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into upper sleeve or elbow. Don't use your hands. Dispose sputum or secretions wrapped in tissue paper into rubbish bins with lids. Wash hands with liquid soap and water afterwards;
• Build up good body resistance and have a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and no smoking;
• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
• Maintain good environmental hygiene;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation if feeling unwell;
• Seek medical advice if fever or respiratory symptoms develop.

More information on Avian Influenza is available at the Centre for Health Protection website. The CHP has also set up a public inquiry line @ 2125 1111.

For up to date information about the influenza situation, please consult the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection's Daily Update of Influenza Situation, available on the Centre for Health Protection website.http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs_wm2012060401.html