Saturday, May 25, 2013

Tour Operators in Russia Asked to Inform Customers Going to Middle East of #Coronavirus

24/05/2013
MOSCOW, May 24 (Itar-Tass) - Russia’s Federal Agency for Tourism /Rostourism/ has asked the tour companies across the country to inform the customers planning trips to Qatar, Jordan, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, France, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia on the importance of observing safety precautions in the wake of the outbreak of diseases caused by a new strain of coronavirus.
A report placed at Rostourism’s website Friday says new cases of illnesses caused by a novel coronavirus are emerging in various countries.
“Tour operators and travel agencies have been informed on the recommendations of the Federal Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights /Rospotrebnadzor/ for preventing the ‘imported’ cases of diseases caused by the virus,” the report said.

Continued: http://www.itar-tass.com/en/c154/748591.html

Saudi to send animal samples to U.S. in coronavirus probe

Friday, 24 May 2013 KSA
AFP, Geneva -
Saudi Arabia said Friday it would send samples taken from animals possibly infected with a deadly SARS-like virus to the United States for testing in a bid to find the source of disease.

The Saudi health ministry has “collected large samples from bats and other animals, including camels, sheep and cats,” said Saudi Deputy Health Minister Ziad Memish.

So far, there have been 44 lab-confirmed cases worldwide of the virus, which until now has been known as the novel coronavirus, or nCoV-EMC, but was this week redubbed the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, or MERS.

Saudi Arabia counts by far the most cases, with 30 confirmed infections and 17 fatalities, while cases have also been detected in Jordan, Qatar, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Britain and France.

Memish told diplomats gathered in Geneva for the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, that his country until now had not been able to send samples from animals besides bats to the United States.

“But now... we’ve got an approval to move these samples and they will be shipped for testing,” he said.

The virus is a cousin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which triggered a scare 10 years ago when it erupted in east Asia, leaping to humans from animal hosts and eventually killing some 800 people.

Scientists at the Erasmus medical center in Rotterdam have determined that the virus appears to infect the body via a docking point in lung cells, suggesting bats may be a natural reservoir for it.

Bats were also pinpointed as a likely natural reservoir for SARS in a 2005 study, and are known carriers of the deadly haemorrhagic fever Ebola.
 
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/05/24/Saudi-to-send-animal-samples-to-us-in-coronavirus-probe-.html 

#H5N1 Vietnam: Outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 in Quang Ngai, An Hội Bắc 2


24.5 Morning, veterinary workforce conducted Tu Nghia district destroyed 900 ducks 60-day-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Định Thị Đi, in rural northern An Hội Bắc 2, Nghia States after a positive test result with AH5N1 flu virus of Animal Health Agency Region 4-Da Nang.


Artwork, source: Internet ducks on the sick and dying from 20.5. Previously, on 9.5, a flu outbreak poultryflock appeared in his 2,500 Phan Van Hong, Hoi An in rural North 1 , Nghia States. Damage is estimated at around 70 million. According to the head of household, in the period by selling duck so they do not dare toimplement vaccination as prescribed. present government Tu Nghia (Quang Ngai) has implemented measures to control the outbreak siege, sterile environment the poultry farms around services. According to Huynh Recommended - Veterinary officials Tu Nghia district (Quang Ngai), duck status re great man today, although local authorities have propaganda and mobilization of People make vaccination for poultry, but many households do not comply. This is the danger of the disease spreading to a large scale.

http://xalo.vn/news/tl/Bung-phat-dich-cum-gia-cam-H5N1-tai-Quang-Ngai/1438604-0-1-20-581057.htm 

Vietnam: #H5N1 in Poultry Tu Nghia District, Quang Ngai

Day 24/5, Tu Nghia District, Quang Ngai to destroy the flock after 900 test specimens from dead ducks tested positive for A/H5N1 flu virus.
 
Due to re-man duck status in the district are now so large that ducks are sold during so many heads does not comply with vaccination, this has facilitated the spread of disease. 

Currently, local governments are implementing measures enclosure, control of outbreak, disinfection of farms in the area around the poultry trade.

http://radiovietnam.vn/tin-tuc-63-tinh-thanh/2013/05/cum-ah5n1-ntrann-toi-quang-ngai/ 

Dr.. Rabiah Meets Tunisian embassy charge d'affaires

From the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health webpage
May 25, 2013


Met with His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah Saturday morning in his office at the Diwan of the ministry Tunisian embassy charge d'affaires to the Kingdom Mr. T Mestiri.
 
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discuss common issues between the two countries concerning the health domain and manpower training.
 

Friday, May 24, 2013

WHO to help Saudi Arabia investigate #coronavirus before haj

May 24, 2013
Reuters, Geneva -
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that it would help Saudi Arabia dig deeper into deadly outbreaks of a new SARS-like virus to draw up advice ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims.

The U.N. agency, which is not currently recommending any restrictions on travel to the kingdom or screening of passengers at airports or entry points, will sent a second team of experts in the coming weeks, WHO director-general Margaret Chan said.

The virus, which can cause coughing, fever and pneumonia, emerged in Saudi Arabia last year and has been found in 33people there, killing 17. They are among 44 cases and 22 deaths worldwide, according to the WHO, which has called it the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

“Without that proper risk assessment, we cannot have clarity on the incubation period, on the signs and symptoms of the disease, on the proper clinical management and then, last but not least, on travel advice,” Chan told the WHO’s annual ministerial meeting in Geneva.

The WHO, which sent a first team to Saudi Arabia this month, will provide a fresh risk assessment ahead of this year’s haj, which takes place in October.

“We need to get the facts clear and get the appropriate advice to all your countries where your pilgrims want to go to Mecca. It is something quite urgent,” Chan said.

Millions flock to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina for the haj, although pilgrims come and go all year round.

Continued:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/05/24/WHO-to-help-Saudi-Arabia-investigate-coronavirus-before-haj.html

#Coronavirus Saudi Arabia MOH Update 5/23/13

The Ministry of Health does not record any cases of confirmed HIV (Corona) new and thankfully since the last statement issued two days ago, explained the Ministry of Health that in the context of continuous follow-up and the work of Investigation epidemiological carried out by the competent committees, it was during that period a lab analysis 149 sample suspected; where results proved negative. ministry pointed out that the national scientific committees continue to hold its meetings in the ministry to follow the latest developments regarding this virus, and we will keep everyone up to date on the developments in this regard.

http://www.moh.gov.sa/Ministry/MediaCenter/News/Pages/News-2013-05-24-002.aspx 

#Coronavirus Minister of Health: not registered any new cases of HIV Coruna in Tunisia

Translation
May 24, 2013


TUNIS (TAP) - "No new cases of Coronavirus (nCOV) have been detected in Tunisia except for the case of the patient who had died last May 10, Minister of HealthAbdellatif Mekki said on Thursday.
The Minister recalled that the man, who had returned fromthe Gulf, died of acute respiratory failure and that his son and daughter who were also infected by the same virus received necessary treatment and recovered completely.
"The Ministry of Health, which has taken every precaution to deal with the virus, will not hesitate to report on newcases of infection in total transparency," the Minister indicated at a press conference held on Thursday in Tunis.
Regarding the ministry's response strategy, Mekki announced that a national monitoring committee has beencreated for this purpose.
It is composed of specialists in public health, respiratory diseases and epidemiology in addition to concernedstructures.
He also said that a guidebook has been published on the detection and treatment of the virus as well as preventivemeasures taken in hospitals to avoid contamination and raising awareness of people travelling from and to the Omra.
The guidebook also contains recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the detection of the virus among people exposed to the disease or their families, the purchase of reagents needed to identify the virus and organisation of media awareness campaigns to introduce the virus and preventive measures to be taken to be protected from it.
A pamphlet on prevention methods will be distributed to the public and to people who will travel to the Holy Shrines.
Moreover, the Minister said difficulties faced by the health system in Tunisia are mainly financial resulting from the decrease of the budget earmarked to the sector.
The budget allocated to the sector decreased by 10 thousand billions between 1994 and 2010. "It is a considerableamount with which 33 hospitals similar to Charles Nicolle would have been created," he indicated.
Noureddine Ben Achour, Director General of the National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases said 43 cases of Coronavirus infections was reported in the world, including two cases in Tunisia, and 20 deaths.
He said the rate of transmission of the disease remains lower.
Necessary preventive measures to avoid the spread of this virus are the same usual hygiene measures for all respiratory diseases. They involve taking precautions against people coming from the Middle East who have cold-like symptoms.
He added that there is no specific treatment to this disease and that patients only receives a symptomatic treatment.

WHO: Scientific red tape mars efforts vs. virus

May 24, 2013
GENEVA (AP) — International efforts to combat a new pneumonia-like virus that has now killed 22 people are being slowed by unclear rules and competition for the potentially profitable rights to disease samples, the head of the World Health Organization warned Thursday.

Dr. Margaret Chan, in a blunt warning to the U.N. agency's annual global assembly, portrayed a previously little-known flap over who owns a sample of the virus as a global game-changer that could put people's lives at risk. The virus, which first emerged in Saudi Arabia where most cases have arisen, is called MERS for Middle East respiratory syndrome.

"Please, I'm very strong on this point, and I want you to excuse me," she said. "Tell your scientists in your country, because you're the boss. You're the national authority. Why would your scientists send specimens out to other laboratories on a bilateral manner and allow other people to take intellectual property rights on a new disease?"

Continued:  http://www.timesleaderonline.com/page/content.detail/id/319951/WHO--Scientific-red-tape-mars-efforts-vs--virus-.html?isap=1&nav=5022

Thursday, May 23, 2013

#Alabama Dothan Respiratory Illness – No Unusual Pathogens

Mike Coston, from Avian Flu Diary has an excellent informative updated post.

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/05/dothan-respiratory-illness-no-unusual.html

Alabama Dept. of Public Health: 2013 Respiratory Illness Cluster News Conference Webcast #Alabama

News Conference
2013 Respiratory Illness Cluster News Conference

Thursday, May 23, 2013
1:00 p.m. (Central Time)
These links are active after 12:45 p.m. (Central Time).

ADPH Employees

ADPH Employees must now use Real Player to watch live webcasts.
Watch Webcast - Real Player You will need RealPlayer to play this file.
If the webcast does not play properly with Real Player, click here. After the program, contact the ADPH IT Help Desk at (334) 206-5268 to correct the problem with Real Player.

Non-ADPH Employees

Select one of the links below to watch the webcast.
Windows Media You will need Windows Media Player to play this file. | Real Player You will need RealPlayer to play this file. 


http://adph.org/ALPHTN/index.asp?id=5073

New England Journal of Medicine: Clinical Findings in 111 Cases of Influenza A (H7N9) Virus Infection

May 22, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1305584


Background

During the spring of 2013, a novel avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus emerged and spread among humans in China. Data were lacking on the clinical characteristics of the infections caused by this virus.

Methods

Using medical charts, we collected data on 111 patients with laboratory-confirmed avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) infection through May 10, 2013.

Results

Of the 111 patients we studied, 76.6% were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and 27.0% died. The median age was 61 years, and 42.3% were 65 years of age or older; 31.5% were female. A total of 61.3% of the patients had at least one underlying medical condition. Fever and cough were the most common presenting symptoms. On admission, 108 patients (97.3%) had findings consistent with pneumonia. Bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidation were the typical radiologic findings. Lymphocytopenia was observed in 88.3% of patients, and thrombocytopenia in 73.0%. Treatment with antiviral drugs was initiated in 108 patients (97.3%) at a median of 7 days after the onset of illness. The median times from the onset of illness and from the initiation of antiviral therapy to a negative viral test result on real-time reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction assay were 11 days (interquartile range, 9 to 16) and 6 days (interquartile range, 4 to 7), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of a coexisting medical condition was the only independent risk factor for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (odds ratio, 3.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 9.70; P=0.02).

Conclusions

During the evaluation period, the novel H7N9 virus caused severe illness, including pneumonia and ARDS, with high rates of ICU admission and death. (Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and others.)

#Coronavirus #Alabama Blog Case Lists

It is enough to make your head spin.  Here are a few lists personally created from this blog.


Alabama Respiratory Cluster

Alabama
Date of Report:  5/21/13
Name:  7 Cases (young to elderly)
Where:  Around Dothan in Southeast Alabama (10-county area)
Onset:  4/19 as recent as 5/20/13
Sym’s:  fever, shortness of breath, cough
Adm:  7 cases, 5 remain, 1 ICU
Died:  2  on 5/18 & 5/19.  (30’s and 40’s)
Note: DOD:  Unknown

CDC recommends hospitals use protective masks, etc.
ADPH was not notified until 5/16.
Family members are not infected. 
No travel outside area for any cases
no close contacts with sym’s
no clusters anywhere else in the state that they are aware of
Local Hospital where 2 died
No common denominator


Date of Report:  5/22/13
Increase to 9 hospitalized.
1 Fatality included H1N1
1 Confirmed Case tests positive for type A virus
Some are recovering & going home.
State Dept. of Public Health

Date of Report:  5/23
Source:  Reuters (http://tinyurl.com/pc5elb8)
Total Cases:  10
1st Admitted to Hospital:  Last Week
Most Recent Hospitalized on Wednesday (5/22)
2 tested positive for H1N1
All lived in Dothan, Alabama



Coronavirus  MERS-CoV

Saudi Arabia Cluster Stat:  9 Deaths, 22 Cases
Total Global cases:  44
Total Global Deaths:  22
Saudi Arabia:  25 Cases; 17 Deaths
France Cluster: 2
Tunisia:  2 (3rd probable)

Saudi Arabia Cluster
Case Number—Name—From--Onset—Condition—DOD

#1--59M—al Hofuf--4/14—Died--4/19*
#2--24M—al Hofuf--4/17--ICU Critical/Stable*
#3--87M—al Hofuf--4/17—Died--4/28*
#4--58M—al Hofuf--4/22--ICU Critical/Stable*
#5--94M—al Hofuf--4/22--Died--4/26*
#6--56M—al Hofuf--4/22—Died--4/30*
#7--56M—al Hofuf--4/22—Died--4/29*
#8--53F—al Hofuf--4/27--ICU Critical/Stable*
#9--50M —al Hofuf--4/30—ICU Critical**
#10-- Hussein al-Sheikh 33M—al Hofuf--4/28—Recovered, discharged.
#11—62F—al Hofuf--4/19—Died—5/3*
#12—71M—al Hofuf--4/15—Died—5/3*
#13—58F—al Hofuf--5/1—ICU Critical/Stable*
#14—48M—al Hofuf—4/29—Stable
#15—58M—al Hofuf—4/6—Recovered, discharged 5/3
#16—69F—al Hofuf—4/25—Died 5/8
#17—48M—al-Hofuf—4/24—Critical
#18—81M—al-Hofuf—4/26—Critical
#19—56M—al-Hofuf—5/7—Recovered, discharged
#20—45M HCW—al Hofuf—5/2—Critical—
#21—43F HCW—al Hofuf—5/8—Stable**
#22—81F—HCF patient—4/28—Critical*


France Cluster
Case Number—Name—From--Onset—Condition—DOD
#1—65(M)--Valenciennes—4/23—ICU Critical
#2—50(M)—Valenciennes—hospitalized

Tunisia
Case Number—Name—From—Onset—Condition--DOD
#1—66(M)—Monastir Tunisia—4/30—Negative Conf.—Father--Died 5/10
#2—34(M)—Monastir Tunisia—confirmed--sibling--recovered (after 5/3)
#3—35(F)—Monastir Tunisia--confirmed—sibling—recovered (after 5/3)

Saudi Arabia
Case Number—Name—From—Onset—Condition--DOD
#1—63(M)—Qassim—Died 5/20


Alabama virus: Reuters Reports 10 Cases; States 1st Checked into Hospital Last Week

Excerpt - Thu May 23, 2013 5:40pm IST

Health officials probe deadly respiratory illness in Alabama 
(Reuters) - U.S. and state health authorities are investigating an unidentified respiratory illness that has killed two of 10 people hospitalized with it in Alabama since last week.

Preliminary tests do not indicate the bird flu, nor a new mutation of any known influenza virus, said Dr. Mary McIntyre, an assistant state health officer at the Alabama Department of Public Health. Two patients did test positive for the H1N1 strain of the flu.
-snip-
The first checked into a hospital last week, and the most recent patients were hospitalized on Wednesday. One person has been released, one is improving and the others are still suffering from their initial symptoms, according to McIntyre.
Full article:

#H7N9: China - Ministry of Agriculture: National farms found no H7N9 avian

May 23, 2013
Translation - bolding is mine

Xinhua Beijing May 23 (Reporter Dong Jun) human infection with H7N9 avian influenza occurred since the veterinary departments at all levels in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture Animal H7N9 avian influenza surveillance and epidemiological investigation of emergency requires active monitoring program, the current monitoring sampling and laboratory testing work has been basically completed.Monitoring results show that no country was isolated from poultry farms H7N9 avian influenza virus, also found no pigs infected with the virus.   According to the Ministry of Agriculture data released on the 23rd, at 22 veterinary laboratories at all levels to complete 899,758 samples were detected, of which 702,369 copies serological samples, etiology sample 197,389 copies. Sample covering 31 provinces and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps 42,250 monitoring sampling field point.   In this monitoring, 53 were found positive for H7N9 avian influenza virus. Of which 51 were from Shanghai, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Fujian nine provinces (city) of 18 live poultry business field point poultry and environmental samples; another two positive samples, one from Jiangsu Province, Nanjing pigeons samples, one from Nantong, Jiangsu Hai'an pigeon farmers, the remaining samples were negative.   National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory results showed that the strains isolated from poultry, chicken, ducks showed no virulence. Compared with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, H7N9 avian influenza virus in poultry horizontal transmission capacity is limited.Monitoring results from the current look, from the country more than 30,000 samples of poultry farms all test results were negative and 53 positive samples, 51 were from the live poultry business field point, accounting for 96%. Experts believe that the live animal markets and poultry virus infection is a major source of risk, the current focus on prevention and control of poultry farms is still protected to prevent contamination by the virus. 

http://roll.sohu.com/20130523/n376891968.shtml

WHO Regional Office for Europe update on avian influenza A(H7N9) virus

WHO Situation Update May 23, 2013
This update summarizes the available information and recommendations made by WHO about human infections
with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China for Member States of the WHO European Region.

http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/189283/WHO-Regional-Office-for-Europe-update-on-avian-influenza-AH7N9-virus,-Situation-update-5,-23-May-2013-Eng.pdf

CEL-SCI Corporation To Present At The Second Annual Marcum LLP MicroCap Conference

Press Release
May 23, 2013, 8:00 a.m. ET

VIENNA, Va., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE MKT: CVM) announced today that Geert Kersten, Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Second Annual Marcum LLP MicroCap Conference on Thursday, May 30, 2013 in New York City at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The Company's presentation is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT.
For more information and registration, please visit the conference website: http://www.marcumllp.com/microcap

About CEL-SCI
CEL-SCI is dedicated to research and development directed at improving the treatment of cancer and other diseases by utilizing the immune system, the body's natural defense system. Its lead investigational therapy is Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection), currently being studied in a pivotal global Phase III clinical trial. CEL-SCI is also investigating an immunotherapy (LEAPS-H1N1-DC) as a possible treatment for H1N1 hospitalized patients and as a vaccine (CEL-2000) for Rheumatoid Arthritis (currently in preclinical testing) using its LEAPS technology platform. The investigational immunotherapy LEAPS-H1N1-DC treatment involves non-changing regions of H1N1 Pandemic Flu, Avian Flu (H5N1), and the Spanish Flu, as CEL-SCI scientists are very concerned about the possible emergence of a new more virulent hybrid virus through the combination of H1N1 and Avian Flu, or maybe Spanish Flu. The Company has operations in Vienna, Virginia, and in/near Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information, please visit www.cel-sci.com.

About Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP is one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the nation. Ranked among the top 15, Marcum LLP offers the resources of 1,000 professionals, including over 125 partners, in more than 20 offices throughout New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Grand Cayman and China. Headquartered in New York City, the Firm's presence runs deep with full-service offices strategically located in major business markets. Marcum is a member of the Marcum Group, an organization providing a comprehensive range of professional services spanning accounting and advisory, technology solutions, wealth management, and executive and professional recruiting. The Marcum Group companies include Marcum LLP; Marcum Technology LLC; Marcum Search LLC; Marcum Financial Services LLC; Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP; MarcumBuchanan Associates LLC; and Marcum Cronus Partners LLC.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Gavin de Windt
CEL-SCI Corporation
(703) 506-9460
SOURCE Marcum LLP

WHO Novel Coronavirus Update May 23, 2013

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of infection with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

The fatal case was reported from Al-Qaseem region in the Central part of the country and is not related to the cluster of cases reported from Al-Ahsa region in the Eastern part of the country. The patient was a 63-year-old man with an underlying medical condition who was admitted to a hospital with acute respiratory distress on 15 May 2013 and died on 20 May 2013. Investigation into contacts of this case is ongoing.

The Saudi authorities are also continuing the investigation into the outbreak that began in a health care facility since the beginning of April 2013 in Al-Ahsa. To date, a total of 22 patients including 10 deaths have been reported from the outbreak.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 22 deaths.

WHO has received reports of laboratory-confirmed cases from the following countries in the Middle East: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported laboratory-confirmed cases; they were either transferred for care of the disease or returned from Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among close contacts who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.

Health care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations. Specimens from patients’ lower respiratory tracts should be obtained for diagnosis where possible. Clinicians are reminded that MERS-CoV infection should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhoea, in patients who are immunocompromised.

Health care facilities are reminded of the importance of systematic implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC). Health care facilities that provide care for patients suspected or confirmed with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus to other patients, health care workers and visitors.
All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initiated to identify the mode of exposure, so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.

Note: To provide uniformity and facilitate communication about the disease, the Coronavirus Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses has decided to call the new virus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Reference: De Groot RJ, et al. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Announcement of the Coronavirus Study Group. J Virol. Published ahead of print 15 May 2013. doi:10.1128/JVI.01244-13. 

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_23_ncov/en/index.html 

Alabama Undiagnosed Respiratory Outbreak Update: Increase to 9 -- 1 Fatality linked to H1N1

Previously posted here, on an undiagnosed respiratory outbreak in Southeast Alabama.

An update:
May 22, 2013

One illness fatality linked to H1N1 flu virus Officials with the local office of the state Department of Public Health said Wednesday that one of the two deaths that are part of a recent respiratory illness outbreak could be associated with the H1N1 flu virus.

Lesa C. Smith, a registered nurse with state Department of Public Health, also said the number of people admitted to local hospitals during the recent respiratory illness outbreak has increased from seven to nine.

“We can’t say that the person died with H1N1, but we can say it was a death associated with it,” Smith said. “A total of nine have been admitted. We know some people are recovering, and are going home.” Corey Kirkland, a health department spokesperson, said the two deaths occurred Saturday and Sunday.
-snip-
Kirkland said two of the people tested positive for specific viruses, which included the H1N1 flu virus. He said another person tested positive for the type A flu virus, which Smith said was the typical seasonal flu virus.

Full article:  http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/article_7a18c9cc-c320-11e2-a2d5-0019bb30f31a.html

TGEV & PEDV – A Tale of Two Viruses

Recently, on May 20th,  I posted an article on an outbreak of PEDV in Iowa.  PEDV does not pose a problem with humans. 

Farms in two of the nation's leading pork producing states have tested positive for the potentially fatal porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), U.S. pork industry veterinarian official said Monday.

Here is a site that can help you understand the virus:

May 22, 2013
 

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a coronavirus of swine that causes transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) and was first documented in the U.S. in 1946.  Veterinarians and swine producers across the country are familiar with the virus; the disease it causes; and ways to prevent, treat, and control it.  This year, another swine enteric virus - Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) – of the Coronaviridae family has been found in the U.S.  The PEDV has been identified in other countries since 1971 and is neither regulated as a foreign animal disease nor listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).  Furthermore, there are no zoonotic or food safety concerns with either virus.
Clinically, the diseases caused by these viruses are indistinguishable.  The symptomatic treatment and biosecurity for both are similar; however, the vaccine for the TGEV doesn’t seem to be cross-protective for the PEDV.  Distinguishing between the two disease agents requires laboratory diagnostics, which are already available.  Veterinarians should check with their diagnostic laboratory to determine sampling and submission requirements.
Testing for the PEDV currently takes a little longer than it does for the TGEV; however, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (USDA-APHIS-VS) is working with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratories to enhance diagnostics.  The agency’s also collaborating with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), the National Pork Board (NPB), and state animal health partners to develop an epidemiological survey that those groups and others can administer to assist in gathering information that may help identify risk factors and management measures for the PEDV.
For additional information, please visit the PEDV web pages of the AASV and NPB.

http://atwork.avma.org/2013/05/22/tgev-pedv-a-tale-of-two-viruses/

Indonesia: Worried Menkes #Coronavirus Attack Pilgrims

MAY 23, 2013

Geneva - Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi expressed concern about the Corona virus that is currently spreading in the Middle East region. Moreover, he continued, Indonesian citizens often come to the area to perform the pilgrimage. "We want to give the right information that there is a threat," said Tempo Mboi WHO meeting on the sidelines of the UN headquarters in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on Wednesday, 22 May 2013. 

Concerns related to age Mboi Indonesian pilgrims are mostly old. Number of pilgrims over the age of 60 years is increasing. Age is more vulnerable to viruses. At the same time, there is the challenge of the Indonesian Ulema Council that the Ministry of Health can provide halal vaccines. 

 Till now, said Nafsiah, has not found a vaccine for the virus Corona. But he was referring to the case of the influenza vaccine. According to Nafsiah, every pilgrim should Juma'ah got influenza vaccine last year. But no pilgrims who received an injection of the vaccine because there is no vaccine manufacturers that can get halal certification from MUI.  In fact, the seasonal virus can cause death if attacked elderly pilgrims. "We would love the influenza immunization but hampered by haram / ​​halal. Yesterday as tight when I had to stop because there is no vendor that can get halal certificate," he said. "This year was in May, not a single vendor who managed to get a halal certificate. So what?" Nafsiah added, he was more worried again following the development of the Corona virus. Until now 40 cases of Corona has been identified, 20 of whom have died. Nafsiah asks WHO to issue guidelines that can be used by all member states will send a pilgrimage. Indonesia, according to him, is the only country that has a problem with halal / haram related vaccines. Member countries of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Other, including Malaysia, there is no set policy halal / haram for all drugs and diagnostic products, including vaccines.

http://www.tempo.co/read/news/2013/05/23/173482563