Hong Kong: Went to the Saud Arabia, i man suspected #coronavirus Hospital

 2 hours, 24 minutes ago
Translation:

CHP Queen Elizabeth Hospital reported suspected cases of a novel coronavirus.

The 31-year-old man from the 3rd of this month, cough, fever and headache to yesterday, sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment under isolation and in stable condition. He recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, his wife had no recent travel, but also cough and sore throat, also being treated in isolation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a precaution.Two chest X-ray examination was normal, expected test results today.

Sick & Tired: 10 years After SARS, Victims Speak

 [Click on link below for the full article]
10 March, 2013

Donghuan Xu

Ten years on from the outbreak that killed hundreds, many Beijingers chronically affected by Sars await meaningful government support. Donghuan Xu reports

http://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/1185414/sick-tired 

The Lancet: SARS legacy: outbreak reporting is expected and respected

The Lancet, Volume 381, Issue 9869, 

 Pages 779 - 781, 9 March 2013

doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60185-3Cite or Link Using DOI

David L Heymann a b, John S Mackenzie c d, Malik Peiris e

On March 15, 2003, WHO declared that the new disease it called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was a worldwide health threat. The disease emerged in late 2002, when an outbreak of atypical pneumonia began in Guangdong Province, China. It subsequently spread across the world via major air routes, reaching 29 countries on five continents. This international spread began when a doctor who had treated patients in China arrived in Hong Kong on Feb 21, 2003. His 1-day stay in a hotel led to i ...

[registration required]

Case of fever with travel history to KSA under investigation

Ends/Saturday, March 9, 2013

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) tonight (March 9) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.

     The 31-year-old man, with good past health, presented with cough on March 3 and fever and headache since March 9. He was admitted to QEH for isolation and treatment tonight. His current condition is stable.

     Investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from March 4 to 7. His wife with no recent travel history has cough and sore throat since March 8. She is also being isolated in QEH as a precautionary measure.

     Their chest X-ray were clear. Laboratory test results are expected to be available tomorrow.

     "The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.

     "No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.

     The spokesman advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.

     The spokesman reminded members of the public to pay attention to personal hygiene, especially wash hands:

* Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
* Before eating or handling food;
* After using the toilets; and
* After sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose.

     For more information on personal hygiene, members of the public may visit the CHP's website:
www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html .


Issued at HKT 23:20

Vietnam: #H5N1 in Poultry in Đồng Tháp Province

 

09/03/2013 - 07:24

Although at this time the province of Dong Thap disease has not happened yet, but over 72 test specimens of poultry at markets in Dong Thap, authorities found 24 samples positive for virus H5N1 flu, accounting for 33.3%.

 Including Tram Chim town market - Tam Nong district has the highest percentage (remote Plain of Reeds), a number of other markets such as An Thanh Market - Hong Ngu town, city market Cao Consulate also found positive samples with avian influenza.

 

So on 8/3, Dong Thap province requires branches and localities closely examine the situation of avian influenza are at risk of outbreak, quickly dealing with the outbreak, not to spread disease.

 

Stressful situation with the H5N1 flu in the southern provinces, 7/3, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sent urgent provinces of An Giang, Dong Thap, Kien Giang ... required to strengthen control the transport, trade and consumption of poultry and poultry products in the adjacent border areas with Cambodia, as if, if there is no translation, rotation will drop import ... door.

 

According to industry functions, the rate of vaccination in cattle and poultry in Dong Thap is now quite low compared to the total above. By this time, the province has not happened avian influenza, foot and mouth and blue ear disease in cattle but in the transition seasons plus diseases are appearing in some local neighborhood, the risk of epidemic disease is very high.

 

Currently, poultry farming practices on the canal, the river in Dong Thap, for the simple reason that if H5N1 outbreak, and can be complicated. But if this is the cause of the disease, perhaps, from this people will only eat poultry cage, industrial dust, and knows not avian flu, poultry moved to ... antibiotic residues.

U.S. warns health officials to be alert for deadly new virus #coronavirus

Reuters -
18 hours ago

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday warned state and local health officials about potential infections from a deadly virus previously unseen in humans that has now sickened 14 people and killed 8.

Most of the infections have occurred in the Middle East, but a new analysis of three confirmed infections in Britain suggests the virus can pass from person to person rather than from animal to humans, the CDC said in its Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report on Thursday.

The virus is a coronavirus, part of the same family of viruses as the common cold and the deadly outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that first emerged in Asia in 2003. The new virus is not the same as SARS, but like the SARS virus, it is similar to those found in bats.

Continued:  http://ca.news.yahoo.com/u-warns-health-officials-alert-deadly-virus-230251928.html

Vietnam: Confiscated Cats & Poultry Smuggled in Quang Ninh

[I looked it up.  mèo  = cat.  Might be where we got the word "meow". ]

TP - 6-3, patrol and traffic control-center Corporation (Rail Road Police Department - Police in Quang Ninh province) discovered and arrested two consecutive transfers large number of chicks and cats smuggled from the border inland.

The first case was detected at 1 hour 25 minutes on Highway 18A Hekou - Ha Long, Ha Long City.

On cars 29b-046.21 by Bui Van Thinh, born 1990, resident of Tan Huong Ninh Giang district, Hai Duong control the direction of Mong Cai - Hanoi, carrying 7,500 chickens do not have proof of origin.

Next, about 3 hours 40 minutes, as well in locations through check trucks 17C-019.03 by Pham Dinh Chien, SN 1970, residing in communal Dinh Phung, Kien Xuong District, Thai Binh heading control Mong Cai- Halong force detection function on the vehicle carrying 1.1 tons of cat no papers, no invoice enclosed. The whole number of rows on the work handed over to the the Environment Public Security Police Team Halong city processor.

In another development, the morning 6-3, Department of Animal Health (MARD) announced up to 10/10 chicken samples discarded in Quang Ninh sulphadiazine antibiotics. In particular, in the shipments of smuggled poultry in Quang Ninh, 37/80 samples were positive for avian influenza virus. Functional departments of Quang Ninh has drastically prevent transport and trading of poultry, poultry products imported illegally.However, the situation is still complicated.

Afternoon 6-3, in Hanoi , online briefing chaired the People's Committees of provinces and cities in the North, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan tightened requirements management, striving to end 2013 end illegal import of poultry

Vietnam: #H5N1 in Nghe An Province

(PL) - Afternoon 7-3, SDAH Nghe An said it appeared the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in the commune Zhongshan (Luong district, Nghe An).

From 4-3, the flock of people neighbors 3 (social Zhongshan) die-off phenomenon. Do Luong District Veterinary Station dead duck samples sent Veterinary Agency Region III for testing positive for influenza H5N1.
Do Luong District Veterinary Station, Zhongshan CPC has destroyed more than 500 ducks in the commune Zhongshan. Department of Animal Health Nghe An Province spray disinfection, up latch epidemic, prohibits slaughter and trade, movement of poultry from areas with extensive translation to avoid spreading.
Earlier, the Department of Animal Health (MARD) said the bird flu broke out in Dien Bien province, Kien Giang, Khanh Hoa, Hau Giang and Tay Ninh.

Vietnam Blocks All Poultry Imports From Cambodia #H5N1

(SGGP). - On 7-3, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sent urgent Chairman 6: Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang and ministries member of the National Steering Committee HPAI prevention urgent requirements prohibit all forms of transport, trade and consumption of poultry and poultry products across the border with Cambodia; organized vaccination vaccine AI for the entire poultry population eligible for vaccination in the districts bordering Cambodia and other high-risk areas.

#Coronavirus: CDC Update, Case Definitions, and Guidance

Page last reviewed: March 7, 2013 Page last updated: March 7, 2013

Update

CDC continues to work closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to better understand the public health risk presented by recently reported cases of infection with a novel coronavirus. As of March 6, 2013, 14 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported to WHO - seven from Saudi Arabia, two from Qatar, two from Jordan, and three from the United Kingdom. The onset of illness was between April 2012 and February 2013 (1). Among the 14 cases, eight were fatal. Severe acute respiratory infections occurred in 13 of the 14 cases, while one case experienced a mild respiratory illness and fully recovered. Clusters of cases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Kingdom are being investigated. The first cluster of two cases, both fatal, occurred near Amman, Jordan, in April 2012. Stored samples from these two cases tested positive retrospectively for the novel coronavirus. This cluster was temporally associated with cases of illness among workers in a hospital (2). A second cluster occurred in October 2012, in Saudi Arabia. Of the four individuals in the household, three were laboratory-confirmed cases, two of them died. In February 2013, a third cluster of three family members was identified in the United Kingdom. All three people tested positive for novel coronavirus. Among them, one family member is receiving treatment, one died, and one recovered after experiencing a mild respiratory illness. This cluster provides evidence of person-to-person transmission of novel coronavirus. It also provides the first example of mild illness being associated with novel coronavirus infection. The efficiency of person-to-person transmission of novel coronavirus is not well characterized but appears to be low, given the small number of confirmed cases since the discovery of the virus.
The reservoir and route of transmission of the novel coronavirus are still being investigated. Genetic sequencing to date has determined the virus is most closely related to coronaviruses detected in bats. CDC is continuing to collaborate with WHO and affected countries to better characterize the epidemiology of novel coronavirus infection in humans.

Case Definitions(2)

Patient Under Investigation (PUI)

CDC requests that state and local health departments report PUIs for novel coronavirus to CDC.

• A person with an acute respiratory infection, which may include fever (≥ 38°C , 100.4°F) and cough; AND
• suspicion of pulmonary parenchymal disease (e.g., pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome based on clinical or radiological evidence of consolidation); AND
• history of travel from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries* within 10 days; AND
• not already explained by any other infection or etiology, including all clinically indicated tests for community-acquired pneumonia** according to local management guidelines.

In addition, the following persons may be considered for evaluation for novel coronavirus infection:

• Persons who develop severe acute lower respiratory illness of known etiology within 10 days after travel from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries* but do not respond to appropriate therapy; OR
• Persons who develop severe acute lower respiratory illness who are close contacts of a symptomatic traveler who developed fever and acute respiratory illness within 10 days after travel from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries*. Close contact is defined as providing care for the ill traveler (e.g., a healthcare worker or family member), or having similar close physical contact; or stayed at the same place (e.g. lived with, visited) as the traveler while the traveler was ill.

For more information, see Interim Guidance for State and Local Health Departments.

Footnotes

---

* Countries considered in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring include: Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen.
** Examples of respiratory pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia include influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.

Probable Case

• A person fitting the definition above of a “Patient Under Investigation” with clinical, radiological, or histopathological evidence of pulmonary parenchyma disease (e.g. pneumonia or ARDS) but no possibility of laboratory confirmation either because the patient or samples are not available or there is no testing available for other respiratory infections, AND
• close contact with a laboratory confirmed case, AND
• not already explained by any other infection or etiology, including all clinically indicated tests for community-acquired pneumonia according to local management guidelines.

Confirmed Case

• A person with laboratory confirmation of infection with the novel coronavirus.

Clusters of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness

In addition, any clusters of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in healthcare workers in the United States should be thoroughly investigated (3,4). Occurrence of a SARI cluster of unknown etiology should prompt immediate notification of local public health for further notification and testing.
Also see WHO case definitions in the WHO interim surveillance recommendations for human infection with novel coronavirus  [85 KB, 3 pages].

Guidance

For Healthcare Providers

• Infection control recommendations for healthcare settings
  Until the transmission characteristics of the novel coronavirus are better understood, patients under investigation and probable and confirmed cases should be managed according to CDC’s infection control recommendations for the coronavirus that caused SARS. See Appendix A: Type and duration of precautions needed for selected infections and conditions in the 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings  [3.8 MB, 225 pages].
  
  Infection prevention recommendations may be updated as information about transmission and the severity of clinical illness caused by this novel coronavirus becomes available.
• Respirator Trusted-Source Information
• Respirator Fact Sheet

For Health Departments

• Interim Local Health Departments Novel Coronavirus (NCV) Investigation Form  [169 KB, 1 page] Reviewed Mar 2013
• Interim Guidance for State and Local Health Departments

Lab Guidance

• Interim Guidelines for Collection, Processing and Transport of Clinical Specimens from Potential Novel Coronavirus Patients  [169 KB, 3 pages] Updated Feb 2013
• Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Novel Coronavirus  [100 KB, 2 pages] Reviewed Feb 2013

References

1. Background and summary of novel coronavirus infection - as of 21 December 2012. Global Alert and Response (GAR) 2012 [cited December 22, 2012].
2. Interim surveillance recommendations for human infection with novel coronavirus - update  [85 KB, 3 pages].  2012 December 3, 2012 [cited December 4, 2012].
3. Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in the African Region October 2010  [3.1 MB, 416 pages]. 2010 [cited December 2, 2012].
4. CDC. How to Investigate Unexplained Respiratory Disease Outbreaks (URDO) [cited December 7, 2012].

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ncv/case-def.html

#Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia Health Minister Update

Translation:


Riyadh, March 07 (QNA) – A Saudi citizen has died of the coronavirus in a hospital in Al Qassim Province, the Saudi Health Ministry has announced .

In a statement issued here last night, the ministry said the case is the 7th in Saudi Arabia and the 14th globally.The ministry is on constant contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in case of any new development according to the 2005 international health regulations which Saudi Arabia is strictly committed to.

It is worth to mention that global health officials are closely monitoring the new respiratory virus related to SARS that is believed to have killed at least six persons in Saudi Arabia and left a Qatari citizen in critical condition in London.

Vietnam: Bulk samples of smuggled chickens contain toxic chemicals #H5N1

03/07/2013

The first two months of 2013, smuggled chickens still raging inland country as tens of thousands of kilograms of detection, arrest.

Concerns than tens of smuggled chicken samples found to contain residues of antibiotics toxic and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. PM 6.3, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan chaired briefings online, you plan to deal with illegal chicken sore today.pirated Chicken containing antibiotics and avian After Tet, the chicken smuggled still fairly complex evolution northern region.Functions on the force and illegal arrest of tens of thousands of kilograms of chicken, chickens, eggs, all kinds of ... At Ha Vi markets market's biggest poultry Hanoi - after several months of absence illegally smuggled chickens, the chickens have "re-export" and great uproar here with more than 1,000 chickens bald hair bald filled in for car seized in late February. Shortly after the illegal chicken reappeared, DAH (MARD) has taken five samples of chicken from here, the results show that all five samples are detected antibiotic residues sulphadiazine. Also in Hanoi, Lang Son 4/5 chicken samples to detect toxic antibiotics. Total sample culling chickens tested 20 samples, including 19 samples with residues of antibiotics, accounting for 95 percent. More hazardous, the Department of Animal Health said detected 37 out of 80 samples of live poultry in Quang Ninh positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. This is considered one of the causes of outbreaks and the spread of bird flu on a large scale today. important thing is the chicken smuggling tricks "bald" increasingly sophisticated, more gimmicks.  

 Addition way chicken trafficking "traditional" divide chicken and hire porters transported into deep domestic objects smuggling also use boats to vent about our country. Most recently, Haiphong border forces detained Chinese fishing vessels transporting 280 tons of viscera, animal products, frozen poultry (on the list of temporary import for re-export) to declare the wrong category chemical. Force function has forced the re-export the whole ship this item out of Vietnam. By the rafts floating in rivers, sea, smuggling objects move to the fishing boats, freight continued in the country's domestic consumption.Representatives of the Ministry of Defense, said that the force has directed the Coast Guard to stop chicken smuggling, and her campaign coastal fishermen not to hands to objects smuggling.Dealing like ? 

 In the meeting, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai - Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Trade and Industry - said the force function is integrated into the handle serious violations of smuggled chickens at the market in Ha Vi lately. The chicken business at the market test was also conducted irregularly and more frequently. Ms Mai said: "We sampled the chicken waste at the market and for testing, results when three chicken samples do not contain antibiotics. Thus, the feeling is very difficult to distinguish between chicken smuggling and domestic waste. Chicken samples we collected are from chicken farms in the country, in Hai Phong and Bac Ninh. Disposal is not just chicken smuggled Chinese but also the domestic chicken ". According to Mai, out illegal bird control work is not only concentrated in Ha Vi, but also implemented in the collective kitchens, restaurants ... Frozen chicken samples were collected here, through the Ministry of Health shows that testing not detect residues of antibiotics. conclusion at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said that the end of the 2013 target to prevent be smuggled chickens far, but two months of the year showed encouraging results. "People HN psychological not worry chicken smuggled past the holiday. HN has hundreds of food businesses, restaurants have committed to inform consumers not to use the illegal import of poultry. Many localities from Thanh Hoa, Nghe An ... back to no pirated chickens. This shows the determination of the local, "Deputy Prime Minister stressed. Next time, ask the Deputy Prime Minister continue to adhere to local laws, early treatment and strict with illegal trade in smuggled poultry business scale. The written agreement to prevent illegal chicken coordination between Hanoi and other provinces from now through December 3.2013 finished signing and early deployment.

http://laodong.com.vn/Xa-hoi/Hang-loat-mau-ga-nhap-lau-chua-hoa-chat-doc-hai/104853.bld

Vietnam: Quang Ninh Cofirmed #H5N1 in Poultry, Hanoi, Lang Son & Quang Ninh positive for toxic Antibiotics sulphadiazine

 [Quang Ninh is a Province along the northern border of China]

 

PM 6.3, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan chaired online briefings with local areas and implement measures to prevent the illegal import of poultry.

As reported by the relevant ministries, the state of smuggled Chinese chicken waste recur. Since early 2013, in 12 provinces and the northern, functional forces have arrested and seized 70,350 kg of chicken meat, more than 256,000 chickens, 461,000 eggs, 1,000 pigeons smuggled from China. Chinese chicken waste has also appeared for Ha (Hanoi) - largest poultry wholesale market in the North.

In addition to roads, the smugglers chicken smuggled into the inland waterways. Functional forces took 20 samples of chicken waste China is circulating in Hanoi, Lang Son and Quang Ninh analysis, the results for 19 samples contained residues of antibiotics sulphadiazine, a toxic antibiotic, photos harmful to the health of consumers. In addition, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to 37/80 smuggled poultry samples in the province of Quang Ninh positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Egypt: #H5N1 in New Vally Continues Along with Rabid Foxes & Dogs

Two Articles
March 7, 2013

Source: Al- Ahram daily

Widened the focus of bird flu in the New Valley and has now reached 6 spots. Dr Mohammed Bashir Director General of Veterinary New Valley that new infestations that have been appearing Valley and tiles, was sent samples of the plant's central and proven injury samples were withdrawn, while the village of Al-Zayat was mortality rate 100% in a poultry farm is licensed by the chick Baladi age 23 days to about 2,700 birds. 

 http://digital.ahram.org.eg/Community.aspx?Serial=1208375

Attacks rabid foxes and dogs cause panic in New Valley

New Valley - Parisian Mohammed:

Experiencing New Valley Governorate during the current period of the siege of diseases of livestock, initiated hotbeds of avian influenza that has spread in emerging provincial capital management after recording his first appearance on Tuesday 19 February 2013 last through the emergence of three spots satisfactory then number increased to up to 5 spots, During the past two days, another 5 spots appeared Center Dakhla. central Dakhla and tile prices cow disease spreads dominated state of fear and panic on most of the farmers in the province after the onset of the disease after it died 4 infected cases in the village boys Abdullah.
  

The onset of the disease in New Valley in mid-September and precisely on September 13, 2012, in the village of New Center Dakhla At the same time the people of the center tile suffer from attacks foxes rabid dogs and mountain fierce infected rabies, under the exchange of accusations between agriculture and veterinary medicine with each other due to illness and that each side is responsible for combat, threw Directorate of Veterinary Medicine charge on mice agricultural fields as causing prices being live next to cows and buffaloes fields. came out Agriculture officials confirming the invalidity claim Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley, and Naveen charge for voles and the real reason is attacks foxes السعورة and stray dogs on the cows in the fields during the evenings, as the resistance rats field of tasks agriculture sector while resistance dogs and foxes rabid tasks sector veterinarian.  drew farmers village owners cows infected charge of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine negligence and negligence in the performance of its work in immunizing cattle against the disease and provide vaccines has also asked farmers centers in Dakhla and tile compensate financially for their cows dead. which was considered Directorate of Veterinary Medicine accusation is realistic, as confirmed remarks officials of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley that livestock vaccination against rabies will cost 28 pounds, and exchange vaccine and livestock vaccination against the disease free is illegal.  pointed sector veterinary finger to farmers for not doing enough to immunize cattle against the disease, said Dr. Eid Mahmoud Director of Veterinary Medicine Center tile, that the disease has no cure but available antisera him injected with bovine sound only at the expense of farm owner cattle, he did not release any decisions compensation to farmers owners cows dead. issued Major General Tariq Mahdi, Governor New Valley, strict instructions to form a committee of veterinary medicine and agriculture to discuss the reasons for the emergence of the disease in the governorate and declare a state of high alert in case of spread, with speed take all actions and measures to prevent widening the focus of infection prices cow.  said Dr. Mohammed Bashir, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine to maintain, that the symptoms of disease prices cow begins change abruptly in animal behavior and exit ways from his mouth and being subjected to a state of agitation severe, make it take aggressive behavior toward their babies and animals in the same place, what may not be extradited on human aggression infected animal.
 

 

Coronavirus: New Death in Saudi Arabia, WHO Confirmed Case #14

6 March 2013 - The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of a new confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV). 

The patient, a 69-year-old male, was hospitalized on 10 February 2013 and died on 19 February 2013. Preliminary investigation indicated that the patient had no contact with previously reported cases of NCoV infection and did not have recent history of travel.
To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 14 confirmed cases of human infection with NCoV, including eight deaths. Of the total number, seven cases, including five deaths, have been reported from Saudi Arabia.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States (MS) to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. WHO is currently working with international experts and countries where cases have been reported to assess the situation and review recommendations for surveillance and monitoring.

All MS are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with NCoV along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_03_06/en/index.html

H.R. 307: Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013

113^th Congress, 2013–2015. Text as of Mar 06, 2013 (Passed Congress/Enrolled Bill).

Status & Summary | PDF | Source: GPO
 

HR 307 EAS

In the Senate of the United States,
February 27, 2013. Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R. 307) entitled ‘An Act to reauthorize certain programs under the Public Health Service Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to public health security and all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes.’, do pass with the following

AMENDMENT:

Continued:  http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr307/text
 

House of Rep. Passes H.R. 307, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act

March 4, 2013
The House on Monday evening passed legislation that would reauthorize several programs meant to help develop medical countermeasures and take other steps to prepare for public health emergencies and biohazards, including possible terrorist attacks.

Members approved H.R. 307, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, in a 370-28 vote. All of of the "no" votes came from Republicans.
The House had approved nearly identical legislation in early February. Last week, the Senate approved it with what Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) called "minor changes."

House passage sends the bill to the White House for President Obama's signature.

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/286109-house-passes-biohazard-preparation-bill-sends-to-obama#ixzz2Ml4fEyrx

Thailand Responds To Cambodian H5N1 Threat

From Avian Flu Diary:

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/03/thailand-responds-to-cambodian-h5n1.html

Taiwan: Publicly funded H5N1 vaccine available for high-risk people

March 3, 2013

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A publicly funded H5N1 flu vaccine is available until Aug. 31 for people over 18 years old and at high risk, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾病管制局) said yesterday.

CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Chih-hau (周志浩) said that people at high risk of suffering from the H5N1 flu are those working as coastguardsmen, disease control medical personnel, airport security agents and individuals who are going to epidemic areas. However, Chou suggested that pregnant women should not have the vaccination.

Continued:  http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2013/03/03/371901/Publicly-funded.htm

Hong Kong: Fever patient tested negative for novel #coronavirus

March 4, 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received a report from Ruttonjee Hospital (RH) today (March 4) of a suspected case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.

     The 54-year-old woman, with good past health, presented with fever, cough and runny nose since February 20. She sought medical consultation from a private doctor and was referred to RH for treatment this afternoon. Her current condition is stable.

     Investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled to Dubai, Abu dhabi and Oman with her husband from February 11 to 19. Her husband is asymptomatic and her son has mild cough since today.

     Preliminary laboratory test result for the patient's sputum specimen today showed that it tested negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease but positive for seasonal influenza A (H3).

     "The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.

     "No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.

     The spokesman advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear face masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.

     The spokesman reminded members of the public to pay attention to personal hygiene, especially wash hands:

* Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;

* Before eating or handling food;

* After using the toilets; and

* After sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose.

     For more information on personal hygiene, members of the public may visit the CHP's website:

www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/19899.html.

CDC announces H5N1 human vaccination

3/4/13
Taiwan News
Excerpt:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Saturday that amid the spreading of the H5N1 avian flu, a government-funded vaccine is now available for voluntary recipients who are at high risk of exposure to the influenza virus.

Starting on Friday, the CDC began to provide a vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza and the service will continue until the end of August, the agency said.
The CDC recommended that people who work in the inspection and quarantine sectors, medical institutes and those who frequently visit countries with reported outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu should get vaccinated against the virus.

The CDC said that smuggled birds carrying the virus were found at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport last year.
Those who work in virus-screening laboratories, inspection and quarantine sectors, the poultry industry, ports of entry and those who plan to travel to the endemic regions, with the exception of pregnant women, are advised by the CDC to receive the vaccine, provided they are more than 18 years of age.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/03/04/2003556243

Vietnam: Đà Nẵng To Use Re-6 Vaccine for #H5N1

 [Re-6 is used in clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1, and has proven effective.  Recently developed in China.]

On 28.02.2013, the Da Nang People's Committee decided to approve the vaccination plan bird flu in 2013 in the wards allowed livestock area city. Subjects vaccinated poultry including chickens, ducks hatching eggs and commercial eggs; meat and poultry raising. The vaccine used for vaccination as H5N1 vaccine Re-6. Vaccine purchased by the city budget support be deducted from the allocated budget for 2013.

    For households, poultry establishments to comply with the vaccination if the disease occurs is not entitled to support when destroyed.

     Accordingly, the total estimated number of poultry vaccination in 2013 range from 250,000 to 300,000 (excluding farms, the farms themselves vaccination costs). Expected number of times in each batch of poultry vaccination, including vaccination supplement from 125,000 to 150,000 children in that range from 80,000 to 100,000 chickens, range from 45,000 to 50,000 ducks.

     Their vaccination deployed at each locality as follows: 
     Ngu Hanh Son District: vaccination in Hoa Hai Ward (Phase 1: Day 5/3; Phase 2: Day 4/9); Hoa Quy Ward (Series 1 : 6 to 7/3; Session 2: July 5 to 6/9).

     Cam Le District: wards Hoa Xuan (Phase 1: Day 5/3; Phase 2: Day 4/9); ward Hoa Phat, Hoa An (on 6/3 and 5/9); West Hoa Tho Ward (7 / 3 and 6/9).

     Lien Chieu District: Hoa Hiep Nam ward (11/3 and 9/9); Hoa Hiep Bac (12/3 and 10/9); Bac Hoa Khanh Ward (13/3 and 11/9); Ward Hoa Khanh Nam (14/3 and 12/9); wards of Hoa Minh (15/3 and 13/9).

     Hoa Vang District: Hoa Phuoc (5/3 and 4/9); Hoa Chau (6/3 and 5/9); Hoa Tien (on 7/3 and 6/9); Hoa Khuong ( 11/3 and 9/9); Hoa Phong (12/3 and 10/9); Hoa Nhon (13/3 and 11/9); Hoa Phu (14/3 and 12/9 ); Hoa Son (15/3 and 13/9); Hoa Lien (18/3 and 16/9); Hoa Bac (19/3 and 17/9); Hoa Ninh (20 / 3 and 18/9).

     After each injection the above, the district People's Committee of People's Committees of communes, wards and keep track of the nascent poultry, Department of Animal Health reports to organize additional vaccination.Accordingly, additional injections after the 1 from 21/3 to the end of August / 2013, and the following additional injection phase 2 from 19/9 to 12/2013.

Vietnam: Khanh Hoa Veterinary Industry Most Worried of Variable Strain #H5N1

3/3/13 Translation appeared in seven communes in the town, killing and forced the destruction of not less than 11,000 chickens, ducks, only 5 - 28/2. All the infected birds were destroyed within 24 hours after the test results are positive for the H5N1 virus, or typical symptoms of bird flu. More than 8,000 liters of disinfectant has been moved to the local disinfectants and sterilization. According to the veterinary industry, the most worrying thing at the moment is the variable strain. And farmers are advised to be cautious before deciding whether or not to re poultry. http://vtv.vn/Thoi-su-trong-nuoc/Khanh-Hoa-cong-bo-dich-cum-gia-cam/58933.vtv