Sunday, 08 December, 2013, 6:26am
At least one of those who came into contact with 80-year-old Shenzhen
man was found to have mild respiratory symptoms, health chief says
Nineteen people who came into contact with Hong Kong's second H7N9
flu patient are being kept in isolation in a hospital and at a holiday
camp.
They include 13 Tuen Mun Hospital patients who were being cared for
in beds close to the 80-year-old man when he was initially admitted to
hospital for diabetes and heart failure. Five of the man's relatives and
the taxi driver who took him from the Shenzhen Bay border post to the
hospital make up the rest of the group.
Seven of the 19 were yesterday moved from Princess Margaret Hospital
to a quarantine centre set up at the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in
Sai Kung. The rest remain in the hospital in Kwai Chung.
Health chief Dr Ko Wing-man said one or two of the 19 had mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.
He said experts believed some chickens in Shenzhen had been infected with the deadly virus.
Hong Kong authorities had provided information to their Shenzhen
counterparts so they could try to trace the source of the virus, he
added.
The man in the latest case lives in Shenzhen. He was in stable
condition yesterday, while Indonesian domestic helper Tri Mawarti, 36,
the first person in the city confirmed to have the flu strain, remains
critically ill in intensive care in Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam.
Ko said Tri's condition had gradually improved, but doctors decided she should stay in the intensive care unit.
Ko said the 80-year-old patient had hearing problems and medical staff had trouble communicating with him.
"We're still looking into what he has done in Shenzhen. We heard he
had eaten chicken, but it's unclear whether he came into direct contact
with live poultry," he said.
Shenzhen's centre for disease control and prevention yesterday sent a
team to collect samples from the Yonghe and Shuihetian markets in Baoan
district, close to where the man lives.
Chickens were being sold as usual at the two markets, and neither had
been subject to sterilisation. "The authorities did not make us stop
selling chicken. We feel worried, but have to make a living," a chicken
seller at the Yonghe wet market said.
A vendor at a Shekou wet market said: "The government should buy and take away all our chickens to test."
The man in the latest case had treatment for heart disease at the
Fuyong People's Hospital between November 13 and 29. A nurse who took
care of him said none of the staff had been asked to have a test or put
in isolation.
University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said it appeared
clear that the virus had spread in Shenzhen, but that all evidence so
far suggested it could not sustain effective human-to-human
transmission.
Ho said all mainland live poultry imports should be halted.
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1375694/19-isolated-after-contact-man-hong-kongs-second-bird-flu-case
Saturday, December 7, 2013
New #H7N9 case reported in China
HANGZHOU, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 30-year-old man was confirmed to have been infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus in east China's Zhejiang Province, local health authorities said Friday.
The patient, surnamed Yu, is a native of Anji County, Zhejiang. He is being treated at the First Hospital affiliated with the Medical College of Zhejiang University, said the provincial health department.
He is in critical condition with a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius, said Liang Weifeng, a doctor with the hospital.
Friday, December 6, 2013
#H7N9 Hong Kong 80yo companions show no symptoms
12/6/13
Translation
The Department of Health in Hong Kong has soared to a case of H7N9 avian influenza incident notification and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen initially learned the 80-year-long resident counterparts chronically ill man, has been back three famous people in Shenzhen, no symptoms.
http://inews.stheadline.com/inews-content.php?cat=a&nid=818450
Translation
The Department of Health in Hong Kong has soared to a case of H7N9 avian influenza incident notification and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen initially learned the 80-year-long resident counterparts chronically ill man, has been back three famous people in Shenzhen, no symptoms.
http://inews.stheadline.com/inews-content.php?cat=a&nid=818450
Press Release Hong Kong CHP on 2nd Confirmed Case #H7N9
Second confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation
Ends/Friday, December 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:09
Issued at HKT 23:09
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 6) investigating another confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong affecting a man aged 80.
The patient, with underlying medical condition, lives in Shenzhen. He was admitted to a hospital in Shenzhen for management of his chronic illness from November 13 to 29.
On December 3, he arrived in Hong Kong with his three family members via Shenzhen Bay Port Border Control Point (SBP BCP) and subsequently took a taxi there in the afternoon to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) where he was admitted for further management of his chronic illness on the same day.
The patient had no fever upon admission. However, he developed fever this morning and was put under isolation immediately. His nasopharyngeal swab was tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP today.
The patient will be transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation. His current condition is stable.
Initial investigation by the CHP revealed that his family members who had either accompanied him to or visited him in TMH have remained asymptomatic.
"The Serious Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic has been activated while the CHP's epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions are currently in full swing," a CHP spokesman remarked.
The spokesman urged the taxi driver who had taken the male patient on wheelchair and his three family members comprising one man and two women at SBP BCP at about 2.15pm on December 3 and arrived in the AED of TMH at about 2.50pm to contact the CHP hotline (2125 1111) immediately.
Contact tracing for his family members in Hong Kong, patients in TMH who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient as well as healthcare workers in TMH and relevant hospital visitors are under way. They will be put under medical surveillance.
This is the second confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.
The CHP will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation.
"The confirmed case has been notified to the World Health Organization, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) as well as health and quarantine authorities of Guangdong and Macau," the spokesman said.
Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is under way. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.
"All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman said.
Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, the distribution of health education pamphlets, display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.
"We have enhanced our publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. The CHP has also sent letters to government departments and related organisations to reinforce our health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman added.
The CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 69 calls had been received.
Meanwhile, the CHP today verified with the NHFPC an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang affecting a man aged 30. The case was confirmed on December 5 and the patient is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.
"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas," the spokesman advised.
The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.
The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.
The patient, with underlying medical condition, lives in Shenzhen. He was admitted to a hospital in Shenzhen for management of his chronic illness from November 13 to 29.
On December 3, he arrived in Hong Kong with his three family members via Shenzhen Bay Port Border Control Point (SBP BCP) and subsequently took a taxi there in the afternoon to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) where he was admitted for further management of his chronic illness on the same day.
The patient had no fever upon admission. However, he developed fever this morning and was put under isolation immediately. His nasopharyngeal swab was tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP today.
The patient will be transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation. His current condition is stable.
Initial investigation by the CHP revealed that his family members who had either accompanied him to or visited him in TMH have remained asymptomatic.
"The Serious Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic has been activated while the CHP's epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions are currently in full swing," a CHP spokesman remarked.
The spokesman urged the taxi driver who had taken the male patient on wheelchair and his three family members comprising one man and two women at SBP BCP at about 2.15pm on December 3 and arrived in the AED of TMH at about 2.50pm to contact the CHP hotline (2125 1111) immediately.
Contact tracing for his family members in Hong Kong, patients in TMH who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient as well as healthcare workers in TMH and relevant hospital visitors are under way. They will be put under medical surveillance.
This is the second confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.
The CHP will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation.
"The confirmed case has been notified to the World Health Organization, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) as well as health and quarantine authorities of Guangdong and Macau," the spokesman said.
Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is under way. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.
"All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman said.
Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, the distribution of health education pamphlets, display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.
"We have enhanced our publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. The CHP has also sent letters to government departments and related organisations to reinforce our health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman added.
The CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 69 calls had been received.
Meanwhile, the CHP today verified with the NHFPC an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang affecting a man aged 30. The case was confirmed on December 5 and the patient is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.
"Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas," the spokesman advised.
The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:
* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.
The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.
#MERS #Coronavirus Abu Dhabi Confirmed Fatality Has Closed Coffin Because Seriousness & possible Transmission of Disease
hat-tip Niman http://fluboard.rhizalabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10742&start=41
December 5, 2013
Translation
December 5, 2013
Translation
Buried in the town in the governorate of Irbid Smoa Wednesday funeral Jordanian citizen died from injuries she sustained Middle East respiratory syndrome virus "corona".
The WAM news agency "WAM" quoted the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi last Sunday the news of the death of the Jordanian resident in the emirate with her family.
The work of the deceased engineer. And hit her husband with the virus, as announced in the injury of their son, who is 8 years old, as indicated in the Health Authority Abu Dhabi to be the case of a husband and son are stable and are subject to full medical care.
According to people close to the family of the deceased, the embassy in Abu Dhabi, Oman asked the family not to open the coffin, or disclosure of the late, and not to bring the coffin to the house of the deceased to the seriousness of the disease, and the possibility of transmission to others.
#H7N9 Hong Kong Confirms 2nd Case
hat-tip Flu Trackers Giuseppe Michieli http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=516184#post516184
December 6, 2013
News that Hong Kong confirmed the second case of human H7N9 avian influenza infection, the patient was a 80-year-old Nagai Mainland men who eat chicken in the mainland, is currently in Tuen Mun Hospital in stable condition.
Director, Centre for Health Protection, Dr TH Leung and HA Chief Manager, Dr Liu Shao will later on the latest situation.
消 息 指 ， 本 港 確 診 第 二 宗 人 類 感 染 H7N9 禽 流 感 個 案 ， 患 者 為 一 名 長 居 內 地 的 80 歲 男 子 ， 曾 在 內 地 食 雞 ， 現 時 在 屯 門 醫 院 留 醫 ， 情 況 穩 定 。
衞 生 防 護 中 心 總 監 梁 挺 雄 醫 生 及 醫 管 局 總 行 政 經 理 劉 少 懷 稍 後 將 會 講 述 最 新 情 況 。
http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/expressnews/20131206/news_20131206_55_968814.htm
December 6, 2013
News that Hong Kong confirmed the second case of human H7N9 avian influenza infection, the patient was a 80-year-old Nagai Mainland men who eat chicken in the mainland, is currently in Tuen Mun Hospital in stable condition.
Director, Centre for Health Protection, Dr TH Leung and HA Chief Manager, Dr Liu Shao will later on the latest situation.
消 息 指 ， 本 港 確 診 第 二 宗 人 類 感 染 H7N9 禽 流 感 個 案 ， 患 者 為 一 名 長 居 內 地 的 80 歲 男 子 ， 曾 在 內 地 食 雞 ， 現 時 在 屯 門 醫 院 留 醫 ， 情 況 穩 定 。
衞 生 防 護 中 心 總 監 梁 挺 雄 醫 生 及 醫 管 局 總 行 政 經 理 劉 少 懷 稍 後 將 會 講 述 最 新 情 況 。
http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/expressnews/20131206/news_20131206_55_968814.htm
#H7N9 HK Confirmed Case Tested Positive after 3 Tries -- 200 under observation
December 5, 2013
BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Hong Kong SAR government is on high alert after an Indonesian domestic helper was confirmed to have contracted the H7N9 bird flu -- the first case in Hong Kong. With the 36-year-old patient still in critical condition in intensive care, another 17 people have been isolated and around 200 are under observation.
Follow-up actions are in full swing in Hong Kong, following the city’s first H7N9 case. 17 people who had close contact with the patient have been isolated, and more than 200 are under observation.
Among them, 10 home contacts of the patient initially tested negative for the virus.
"The confirmed case has been notified to the World Health Organization. No evidence show it will spread the risk of locals contracting H7N9 has not increased or changed.” Dr. Leung Ting-Hung, controller of Center for Health Protection, said.
However, medical experts say as the patient’s infection was only confirmed after a third H7N9 test, this suggested a preliminary round might not be accurate enough. The government promised more tests would be taken.
Meanwhile, health measures in public are stepped up…All border control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures.
The government has visited 15 local chicken farms and taken specimens for testing. So far no irregularities have been detected.
The patient’s residence was also disinfected. And the contact tracing would not stop -- a guarantee from the government.
“We would certainly continue the work on contact tracing until all persons, whom we have reasons to suspect that they had contacts with the first confirmed patient of avian influenza A (H7N9) in Hong Kong, have been traced. In this regard, the incubation period of the disease is up to 10 days. In this particular incident, (the incubation period) would be sort of a reference indicator. ”Dr. Ko Wing-Man, HKSAR Food And Health Secretary, said.
Reporter: “The government may be on high alert, but on the streets, not much appears to have changed. Few people wear masks out, business in the markets goes on as usual, and chicken is still the popular meat choice. It seems to be positive thinking for many sellers and customers.”
Still, the government recommends people not to visit wet markets selling live poultry in the affected areas, and to avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. They say being cautious will lessen the chances of infection.
#H7N9 New Case in China Zhejiang Province
Translation
December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013
Zhejiang Province, one case of human infection with the H7N9 new bird flu cases
Zhejiang Provincial Health Department website news, the Health Department of Zhejiang Province, Dec. 6 briefing, Zhejiang add one case of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza.
Patients Yu, male, 30 years old. Confirmed on 5 December, and now Hangzhou, a hospital for treatment.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia MOH Update December 6, 2013
hat-tip @HelenBranswell
In the context of the work of epidemiological investigation and ongoing follow-up carried out by the Ministry of Health for the virus, " Corona " that causes respiratory syndrome, the Middle East , announced the Ministry of Health for the registration of two cases. The first resident in Riyadh working in the health sector at the age of 26 years and contact with the confirmed case and has no symptoms , and the second for citizenship Jawf region at the age of 51 years suffering from several chronic diseases have been converted to the Riyadh region to complete therapy intensive care . Praying to God for them healing.
http://www.moh.gov.sa/CoronaNew/PressReleases/Pages/mediastatemenet-2013-12-06-001.aspx
In the context of the work of epidemiological investigation and ongoing follow-up carried out by the Ministry of Health for the virus, " Corona " that causes respiratory syndrome, the Middle East , announced the Ministry of Health for the registration of two cases. The first resident in Riyadh working in the health sector at the age of 26 years and contact with the confirmed case and has no symptoms , and the second for citizenship Jawf region at the age of 51 years suffering from several chronic diseases have been converted to the Riyadh region to complete therapy intensive care . Praying to God for them healing.
http://www.moh.gov.sa/CoronaNew/PressReleases/Pages/mediastatemenet-2013-12-06-001.aspx
WHO Statement on the Fourth Meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee concerning #MERS-CoV
WHO Statement
4 December 2013
The fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) [IHR (2005)] concerning MERS-CoV was held by teleconference on Wednesday, 4 December 2013, from 12:00 to 15:50 Geneva time (CET).
In addition to Members of the Emergency Committee, two expert advisors also participated1. A number of affected States Parties reporting recent cases of MERS-CoV – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Spain – were also on the teleconference.
During the informational session of the meeting, the WHO Secretariat provided an update on and assessment of epidemiological and scientific developments, including a description of cases over time, notable recent clusters, detection by polymerase chain reaction testing of MERS-CoV in camels, and the public health preparation and experience of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The above affected States Parties presented on recent developments in their countries.
After discussion and deliberation on the information provided, the Committee concluded that it saw no reason to change its previous advice to the Director-General. Based on a risk assessment of current information, it was the unanimous decision of the Committee that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.
The situation continues to be of concern, in view of ongoing cases and of new information about the presence of the virus in camels. Although it still does not consider the events to constitute a PHEIC, the Committee reinforced its previous advice for consideration by WHO and Member States, as follows:
As it has since the initial meeting, the WHO Secretariat continues to provide regular updates to the Committee Members and Advisors. With regard to reconvening the Committee, it was suggested that March 2014 might be an appropriate time (i.e. after the Northern Hemisphere winter). It was noted that any serious developments may require re-convening the Committee before then.
Based on this advice and the currently available information, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment. The Director-General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2013/mers_cov_20131204/en/index.html
4 December 2013
The fourth meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) [IHR (2005)] concerning MERS-CoV was held by teleconference on Wednesday, 4 December 2013, from 12:00 to 15:50 Geneva time (CET).
In addition to Members of the Emergency Committee, two expert advisors also participated1. A number of affected States Parties reporting recent cases of MERS-CoV – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Spain – were also on the teleconference.
During the informational session of the meeting, the WHO Secretariat provided an update on and assessment of epidemiological and scientific developments, including a description of cases over time, notable recent clusters, detection by polymerase chain reaction testing of MERS-CoV in camels, and the public health preparation and experience of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The above affected States Parties presented on recent developments in their countries.
After discussion and deliberation on the information provided, the Committee concluded that it saw no reason to change its previous advice to the Director-General. Based on a risk assessment of current information, it was the unanimous decision of the Committee that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.
The situation continues to be of concern, in view of ongoing cases and of new information about the presence of the virus in camels. Although it still does not consider the events to constitute a PHEIC, the Committee reinforced its previous advice for consideration by WHO and Member States, as follows:
- strengthening surveillance, including in countries with pilgrims;
- continuing to increase awareness and effective risk communication concerning MERS-CoV;
- supporting countries that are particularly vulnerable, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, taking into account the regional challenges;
- increasing relevant diagnostic testing capacities;
- continuing with investigative work, including identifying the source of the virus and relevant exposures through case-control studies and other research;
- timely sharing of information in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) and ongoing active coordination with WHO.
- investigative studies, including international case-control, serological, environmental, and animal-human interface studies, to better understand risk factors and the epidemiology;
- further review and strengthening of such tools as standardized case definitions and surveillance and further emphasis on infection control and prevention.
As it has since the initial meeting, the WHO Secretariat continues to provide regular updates to the Committee Members and Advisors. With regard to reconvening the Committee, it was suggested that March 2014 might be an appropriate time (i.e. after the Northern Hemisphere winter). It was noted that any serious developments may require re-convening the Committee before then.
Based on this advice and the currently available information, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment. The Director-General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2013/mers_cov_20131204/en/index.html
WHO adviser says MERS still a concern, more studies needed
Helen Branswell, The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, December 4, 2013 8:14PM EST
Published Wednesday, December 4, 2013 8:14PM EST
The ongoing outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome -- MERS -- is
still cause for concern, but to date it does not constitute a public
health emergency, a panel of experts which advises the World Health
Organization concluded Wednesday.
But in its fourth meeting on Middle East respiratory syndrome, the so-called emergency committee reiterated earlier calls for improved surveillance for the virus, bolstered laboratory capacity in vulnerable countries and timely sharing of information on cases.
The committee also stressed the need for a range of scientific studies, many of which scientists involved in MERS research wish had already been conducted.
Continued: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/who-adviser-says-mers-still-a-concern-more-studies-needed-1.1575156
But in its fourth meeting on Middle East respiratory syndrome, the so-called emergency committee reiterated earlier calls for improved surveillance for the virus, bolstered laboratory capacity in vulnerable countries and timely sharing of information on cases.
The committee also stressed the need for a range of scientific studies, many of which scientists involved in MERS research wish had already been conducted.
Continued: http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/who-adviser-says-mers-still-a-concern-more-studies-needed-1.1575156
Hong Kong steps up border health checks over bird flu #H7N9 #Birdflu
December 5, 2013
Hong
Kong authorities have stepped up border health checks after the city
reported its first human case of the potentially deadly H7N9 bird flu,
officials said Thursday.
Extra health officials have been deployed to carry out random
temperature checks at entry points to the southern Chinese city, which
already have thermal imaging systems.
The health department has liaised with border officers in the neighbouring mainland China city of Shenzhen to stay alert for travellers and cross-border students with fever or other symptoms, a government spokesman told AFP.
Continued: http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/hong-kong-steps-up-border-health-checks-over-bird-flu
The health department has liaised with border officers in the neighbouring mainland China city of Shenzhen to stay alert for travellers and cross-border students with fever or other symptoms, a government spokesman told AFP.
Continued: http://news.ph.msn.com/regional/hong-kong-steps-up-border-health-checks-over-bird-flu
CHP Hong Kong: No Recombinant Gene or Resistance to Tamiflu #H7N9 Avian Influenza
Translation
December 5, 2013
Department of Health: No confirmed cases of H7N9 recombinant gene resistance is not now
Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR Government Leung Ting-hung said Tuesday that Hong Kong confirmed the first case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza, has just completed the genetic sequencing shows that the virus earlier in the mainland with no significant difference was found in the virus, but also no evidence that genetic recombination or emergence of drug resistance to Tamiflu.
Leung Ting-hung said that the Government will share genetic data in accordance with the established mechanism, the gene pool will contain data on the basic sort, let the local experts for reference. 17 cases of infection in close contacts were isolated for observation, and was prescribed Tamiflu for prophylaxis, initial laboratory samples were negative. He also, at present there are five people showed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. CHP traced more than 220 other contacts, there has been no exception. It is understood that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to monitor suspected cases of local hospitals; CHP also contact the AMS and the Civil Aid Auxiliary staff deployed to strengthen the sample testing temperature of travelers; Port Health Office will contact the Shenzhen side, pay attention to people and immigration CBS or without fever and other symptoms, has not found a suspected case.
http://finance.chinanews.com/jk/2013/12-05/5582141.shtml
December 5, 2013
Department of Health: No confirmed cases of H7N9 recombinant gene resistance is not now
Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR Government Leung Ting-hung said Tuesday that Hong Kong confirmed the first case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza, has just completed the genetic sequencing shows that the virus earlier in the mainland with no significant difference was found in the virus, but also no evidence that genetic recombination or emergence of drug resistance to Tamiflu.
Leung Ting-hung said that the Government will share genetic data in accordance with the established mechanism, the gene pool will contain data on the basic sort, let the local experts for reference. 17 cases of infection in close contacts were isolated for observation, and was prescribed Tamiflu for prophylaxis, initial laboratory samples were negative. He also, at present there are five people showed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. CHP traced more than 220 other contacts, there has been no exception. It is understood that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to monitor suspected cases of local hospitals; CHP also contact the AMS and the Civil Aid Auxiliary staff deployed to strengthen the sample testing temperature of travelers; Port Health Office will contact the Shenzhen side, pay attention to people and immigration CBS or without fever and other symptoms, has not found a suspected case.
http://finance.chinanews.com/jk/2013/12-05/5582141.shtml
Shenzhen: Anti-H7N9 suspended two farm exports #H7N9
Translation
2013年12月05日
2013年12月05日
Yangcheng Evening News reporter Liang wave full report: December 2, appears H7N9 avian influenza in Hong Kong confirmed the first case of human infection cases. 4, Shenzhen Inspection and Quarantine Bureau informed that the suspension of two export live poultry farms. Inspection and Quarantine said that at present, the Shenzhen Port personnel quarantine, animal quarantine monitoring, sampling, processing, protection and sanitation facilities and equipment running well, adequate emergency supplies reserve.
Inspection and Quarantine Bureau relevant responsible person said on Monday, the Hong Kong side should be suspended at the request of Shenzhen Mission Hills area of registered farms and live poultry farms HengTai Kengzi Xu Feng farm exports, comprehensive inspections of farms, focusing on health and epidemic prevention inspection activities poultry health status and in accordance with the provisions continue to do monitoring.Strengthen the departure port for on-site inspection of live poultry, to ensure clinically healthy export live poultry.
The official pointed out that under the premise of ensuring the smooth flow of the port of peace, good entry and exit inspection and quarantine passengers, reported the discovery of an infectious disease or symptoms of infection can not be excluded travelers H7N9 avian influenza, according to the provisions specified in Shenzhen transferred to hospital for treatment. CBS quarantine established various ports dedicated channel, implementing guardian oral health reporting system, conditional CBS drive-in port to carry out quarantine services, while CBS-oriented service centers under the jurisdiction of the port, nanny car companies do epidemic prevention control declaration.
It is reported that Shenzhen Inspection and Quarantine Bureau will strengthen communication and cooperation with Hong Kong and the local health quarantine, animal epidemic prevention departments. Currently liaise closely with the Hong Kong Department of Health, Hong Kong, AFCD, Shenzhen health quarantine, animal epidemic prevention departments etc..
At present, the Shenzhen ports and quarantine officers, animal quarantine monitoring, sampling, processing, protection and sanitation facilities and equipment running well, adequate emergency supplies reserve.
Hong Kong: Source of #H7N9 infection still unknown
The Controller for the Center of Health
Protection, Leung Ting-hung, says it's still trying to trace the source
of infection of the Indonesian helper who contracted the H7N9 bird flu
virus after eating a chicken bought in Shenzhen.
The woman remains in critical condition in Queen Mary Hospital. Dr Leung also disclosed that 13 people out of the 220 contacts so far traced by the center have shown flu-like symptoms. But they've all tested negative for the virus.
Meanwhile, the Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, says it will be up to individual doctors to decide if patients with flu-like symptoms should undergo checks for H7N9. Doctors at Tuen Mun hospital -- where the helper first sought medical treatment -- apparently missed the signs. --RTHK
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44054&icid=3&d_str=20131204
The woman remains in critical condition in Queen Mary Hospital. Dr Leung also disclosed that 13 people out of the 220 contacts so far traced by the center have shown flu-like symptoms. But they've all tested negative for the virus.
Meanwhile, the Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, says it will be up to individual doctors to decide if patients with flu-like symptoms should undergo checks for H7N9. Doctors at Tuen Mun hospital -- where the helper first sought medical treatment -- apparently missed the signs. --RTHK
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=44054&icid=3&d_str=20131204
Bird flu risk #H7N9 message lost on people
(12-04 13:42)
Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, says the first infection from H7N9 bird flu in Hong Kong shows people do not know enough about the potentially fatal virus.
Speaking on a radio program he said publicity about the potential dangers will be increased among ethnic minority groups.
He also told legislators there was no need to suspend the supply of live chickens. –RTHK
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=43969&icid=3&d_str=20131204
Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, says the first infection from H7N9 bird flu in Hong Kong shows people do not know enough about the potentially fatal virus.
Speaking on a radio program he said publicity about the potential dangers will be increased among ethnic minority groups.
He also told legislators there was no need to suspend the supply of live chickens. –RTHK
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=43969&icid=3&d_str=20131204
ProMED: Avian influenza, human: China (HK) H7N9, quarantine
Date: Wed 4 Dec 2013
Source: The Standard [edited]
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=140239&sid=41044259&con_type=3&d_str=20131204&fc=2
A total of 17 people who had contact with an Indonesian domestic helper critically ill with the [avian influenza] H7N9 strain are being sent to a holiday village for quarantine -- the 1st time the procedure has been activated since the SARS outbreak in 2003. The 36-year-old helper was confirmed on Monday [2 Dec 2013] as the 1st human case of H7N9 [avian influenza] in the city. She traveled to Shenzhen on 17 Nov 2013 to buy a live chicken at a market before slaughtering and cooking it in her employers' flat at Palatial Coast, Tuen Mun. She started displaying symptoms on 21 Nov 2013 and remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital.
Among the 17 contacts are the helper's 2 employers and 8 of their family members, including their 2 sons, aged 10 and 13, and their parents, aged 78 and 80, who also live with them. They were sent to the Lady McLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung for observation and retests. They could stay at the village for 10 days, which is the incubation period for this virus infection.
The rest of the close contacts, isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital, will also be moved to the camp over the next few days. The 10 family members and the helper's 33-year-old friend who accompanied her to Shenzhen have all tested negative for H7N9, which has so far killed 45 of 140 people infected in the mainland. 4 of the 10 have shown upper respiratory symptoms. 6 patients in the same ward as the helper at Tuen Mun Hospital where she was first admitted last Wednesday [27 Nov 2013] are waiting to be tested.
The 17 are among 200 contacts who have been traced and are being closely monitored. Another 7 doctors who had treated the woman at Tuen Mun and Queen Mary hospitals have upper respiratory symptoms but also tested negative. 2 private doctors in Tuen Mun who saw the woman still have to be tested. The Authorities said the risk of human-to-human transmission is low. "There is so far no evidence of the virus spreading to other persons," said Centre for Health Protection controller Leung Ting-hung. The Hospital Authority, meanwhile, said it will not allow visits at isolation wards in public hospitals.
[Byline: Mary Ann Benitez, Hilary Wong]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
[Time will tell whether this is an over-action. So far there has been limited evidence of human-to-human transmission of avian H7N9 influenza virus infection. However the predominantly island location of Hong Kong provides an opportunity to critically examine this possibility.
Hong Kong is one of the 2 Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau. It is situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, With a land mass of 1104 sq km (426 sq mi) and a population of 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 93.6 percent ethnic Chinese and 6.4 percent from other groups. Hong Kong's Cantonese-speaking majority originate mainly from the neighbouring Canton (now Guangdong) province.
Under the principle of "one country, 2 systems", Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework. Hong Kong Basic Law, its constitutional document, which stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a "high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign relations and military defence," governs its political system. Hong Kong had the longest life expectancy of any region in the world in 2012. Maps of Hong Kong can be accessed at http://www.planetware.com/map/hong-kong-kowloon-new-territories-map-hk-hk10.htm and http://healthmap.org/r/1s3-. - Mod.CP]
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=2091984
Source: The Standard [edited]
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=140239&sid=41044259&con_type=3&d_str=20131204&fc=2
A total of 17 people who had contact with an Indonesian domestic helper critically ill with the [avian influenza] H7N9 strain are being sent to a holiday village for quarantine -- the 1st time the procedure has been activated since the SARS outbreak in 2003. The 36-year-old helper was confirmed on Monday [2 Dec 2013] as the 1st human case of H7N9 [avian influenza] in the city. She traveled to Shenzhen on 17 Nov 2013 to buy a live chicken at a market before slaughtering and cooking it in her employers' flat at Palatial Coast, Tuen Mun. She started displaying symptoms on 21 Nov 2013 and remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital.
Among the 17 contacts are the helper's 2 employers and 8 of their family members, including their 2 sons, aged 10 and 13, and their parents, aged 78 and 80, who also live with them. They were sent to the Lady McLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung for observation and retests. They could stay at the village for 10 days, which is the incubation period for this virus infection.
The rest of the close contacts, isolated at Princess Margaret Hospital, will also be moved to the camp over the next few days. The 10 family members and the helper's 33-year-old friend who accompanied her to Shenzhen have all tested negative for H7N9, which has so far killed 45 of 140 people infected in the mainland. 4 of the 10 have shown upper respiratory symptoms. 6 patients in the same ward as the helper at Tuen Mun Hospital where she was first admitted last Wednesday [27 Nov 2013] are waiting to be tested.
The 17 are among 200 contacts who have been traced and are being closely monitored. Another 7 doctors who had treated the woman at Tuen Mun and Queen Mary hospitals have upper respiratory symptoms but also tested negative. 2 private doctors in Tuen Mun who saw the woman still have to be tested. The Authorities said the risk of human-to-human transmission is low. "There is so far no evidence of the virus spreading to other persons," said Centre for Health Protection controller Leung Ting-hung. The Hospital Authority, meanwhile, said it will not allow visits at isolation wards in public hospitals.
[Byline: Mary Ann Benitez, Hilary Wong]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
[Time will tell whether this is an over-action. So far there has been limited evidence of human-to-human transmission of avian H7N9 influenza virus infection. However the predominantly island location of Hong Kong provides an opportunity to critically examine this possibility.
Hong Kong is one of the 2 Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau. It is situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, With a land mass of 1104 sq km (426 sq mi) and a population of 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Hong Kong's population is 93.6 percent ethnic Chinese and 6.4 percent from other groups. Hong Kong's Cantonese-speaking majority originate mainly from the neighbouring Canton (now Guangdong) province.
Under the principle of "one country, 2 systems", Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China. Hong Kong's independent judiciary functions under the common law framework. Hong Kong Basic Law, its constitutional document, which stipulates that Hong Kong shall have a "high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign relations and military defence," governs its political system. Hong Kong had the longest life expectancy of any region in the world in 2012. Maps of Hong Kong can be accessed at http://www.planetware.com/map/hong-kong-kowloon-new-territories-map-hk-hk10.htm and http://healthmap.org/r/1s3-. - Mod.CP]
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=2091984
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Philippine airports on alert for bird flu #H7N9
MANILA, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has alerted airport authorities to ensure that the deadly bird flu H7N9 could not enter the country following the recent discovery of first case in Hong Kong, the Philippines' Department of Health ( DOH) said Wednesday.
DOH spokesman Dr. Eric Tayag said the Philippines is still bird flu free at present, but Philippine "airports screen inbound travelers for fever so that early isolation can be done early."
Currently, he said the World Health Organization (WTO) and the DOH do not recommend travel ban to Hong Kong or China despite the reported first bird flu case in Hong Kong.
The Philippines, however, maintains ban on poultry imports from China as a precautionary measure against bird flu, he added.
Tayag said that symptoms of bird flu H7N9 include fever, sore throat or cough and progressive difficulty of breathing.
He advised the public to frequently wash the hands, cover the nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing, and wear face masks if needed.
To date there are 141 cases of bird flu and 47 deaths worldwide. Deaths were due to severe pneumonia with multi-organ failure. So far, two-thirds of bird flu H7N9 cases were males and two-thirds were more than 50 years old.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-12/04/c_132941534.htm
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
CIDRAP: MERS-CoV: UAE reports cases, Qatar finds infected camels
December 2, 2013
Robert Ross
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday reported three Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases in one young family, including a pregnant woman. That report came 4 days after Qatari officials revealed that the virus was found in three camels with links to two human case-patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that the UAE cases involved a 38-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman, and their 8-year-old son. Media reports said the three were from Jordan, but the WHO statement did not list their nationality. A report today in the UAE newspaper The National said the mother has died of her illness.
-SNIP-
The WHO said the camel infections were found during the investigations of two human cases in Qatar, both in October. One involved a 61-year-old man who owns a farm and had significant contact with camels, sheep, and hens. The other case involved a 23-year-old man who worked in the other patient's barn. Qatar's Supreme Council of Health (SCH) said both of those patients recovered.
The WHO said the three infected camels were among a herd of 14 that were tested in the investigation of the human cases. All the camels seemed healthy or showed only mild signs of illness when samples were collected for MERS-CoV testing, and their status didn't change during their ensuing 40 days in isolation, the agency said.
Continued. Complete article: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/12/mers-cov-uae-reports-cases-qatar-finds-infected-camels
Robert Ross
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday reported three Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases in one young family, including a pregnant woman. That report came 4 days after Qatari officials revealed that the virus was found in three camels with links to two human case-patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that the UAE cases involved a 38-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman, and their 8-year-old son. Media reports said the three were from Jordan, but the WHO statement did not list their nationality. A report today in the UAE newspaper The National said the mother has died of her illness.
-SNIP-
Infected camels
Qatari officials reported the infected camels in a statement dated Nov 27, and the WHO followed up with its own statement Nov 29.The WHO said the camel infections were found during the investigations of two human cases in Qatar, both in October. One involved a 61-year-old man who owns a farm and had significant contact with camels, sheep, and hens. The other case involved a 23-year-old man who worked in the other patient's barn. Qatar's Supreme Council of Health (SCH) said both of those patients recovered.
The WHO said the three infected camels were among a herd of 14 that were tested in the investigation of the human cases. All the camels seemed healthy or showed only mild signs of illness when samples were collected for MERS-CoV testing, and their status didn't change during their ensuing 40 days in isolation, the agency said.
Continued. Complete article: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/12/mers-cov-uae-reports-cases-qatar-finds-infected-camels
Hong Kong to quarantine 17 people over bird flu case #H7N9
[editing is mine]
December 03, 2013
Beijing: Hong Kong will quarantine 17 people after the city confirmed its first human case of the deadly H7N9 bird flu, officials said on Tuesday.
The 17 are mostly relatives of the employer of a 36-year-old Indonesian domestic helper, who is in critical condition in a Hong Kong hospital after a visit to mainland China.
They were all taken to hospital for observation.
"If those who had been in close contact (with the patient) don't have symptoms, we will later arrange for them to enter quarantine facilities," health minister Ko Wing-man told a press conference.
"Tonight, five people who were in close contact and do not show signs of infection will enter the quarantine," Ko said, adding that they will be held until 10 days after their last contact with the carrier.
A government statement later said all 17 people had tested negative for the virus, but would be sent to a holiday village in the seaside town of Sai Kung "for medical surveillance".
The Indonesian domestic helper had a history of travelling to the mainland city of Shenzhen, just across the border with Hong Kong, and coming into contact with live poultry, Ko said on Monday.
"She has a history of travelling to Shenzhen, buying a chicken, slaughtering and eating the chicken," Ko said.
She was admitted to hospital on November 27 after developing a cough and shortness of breath.
The city has suspended imports of live poultry from Shenzhen and escalated its flu contingency plan to "serious".
"At this point, we reckon it could be an imported case, but the government will continue to follow this up with full effort," said Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.
In all, 137 human cases of H7N9 have been reported in mainland China since February with 45 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
Continued: http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-26555.aspx
December 03, 2013
Beijing: Hong Kong will quarantine 17 people after the city confirmed its first human case of the deadly H7N9 bird flu, officials said on Tuesday.
The 17 are mostly relatives of the employer of a 36-year-old Indonesian domestic helper, who is in critical condition in a Hong Kong hospital after a visit to mainland China.
They were all taken to hospital for observation.
"If those who had been in close contact (with the patient) don't have symptoms, we will later arrange for them to enter quarantine facilities," health minister Ko Wing-man told a press conference.
"Tonight, five people who were in close contact and do not show signs of infection will enter the quarantine," Ko said, adding that they will be held until 10 days after their last contact with the carrier.
A government statement later said all 17 people had tested negative for the virus, but would be sent to a holiday village in the seaside town of Sai Kung "for medical surveillance".
The Indonesian domestic helper had a history of travelling to the mainland city of Shenzhen, just across the border with Hong Kong, and coming into contact with live poultry, Ko said on Monday.
"She has a history of travelling to Shenzhen, buying a chicken, slaughtering and eating the chicken," Ko said.
She was admitted to hospital on November 27 after developing a cough and shortness of breath.
The city has suspended imports of live poultry from Shenzhen and escalated its flu contingency plan to "serious".
"At this point, we reckon it could be an imported case, but the government will continue to follow this up with full effort," said Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.
In all, 137 human cases of H7N9 have been reported in mainland China since February with 45 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.
Continued: http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-26555.aspx
Hong Kong confirms first case of #H7N9 bird flu
December 3, 2013
H7N9 has infected more than 100 people since it emerged earlier this year.
The case in Hong Kong is a sign that the virus may be spreading beyond mainland China, where most infections have been reported, and Taiwan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had said there was "no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission", but also described H7N9 as an "unusually dangerous virus".
-snip-
Dr Ko Wing-man, Hong Kong's food and health secretary, confirmed the territory's first H7N9 case late on Monday.
He said that the patient "has a history of travelling to Shenzhen, buying a chicken, slaughtering and eating the chicken".
"She is now in critical condition at Queen Mary Hospital," he said, adding that four people in close contact with her were showing signs of flu-like symptoms.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25181387
Hong Kong has confirmed its first case of the new strain of the H7N9 bird flu in a domestic worker from Indonesia.
The worker, 36, recently travelled to Shenzhen in the
mainland and came into contact with live poultry. She is in critical
condition, officials say.H7N9 has infected more than 100 people since it emerged earlier this year.
The case in Hong Kong is a sign that the virus may be spreading beyond mainland China, where most infections have been reported, and Taiwan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had said there was "no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission", but also described H7N9 as an "unusually dangerous virus".
-snip-
Dr Ko Wing-man, Hong Kong's food and health secretary, confirmed the territory's first H7N9 case late on Monday.
He said that the patient "has a history of travelling to Shenzhen, buying a chicken, slaughtering and eating the chicken".
"She is now in critical condition at Queen Mary Hospital," he said, adding that four people in close contact with her were showing signs of flu-like symptoms.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-25181387
Bird Flu: Sneakly...Deadly...And lurking in China
December 2, 2013
Jason Gale
Chickens and ducks aren’t getting sick from a new strain of bird flu this flu season, but they’re giving it to people and some have died. People have killed infected birds to prevent its spread, but the virus still lurks. The new avian-flu variant killed 45 in China in the spring of 2013, provoking fear of a global contagion if it mutates. Live-bird markets were temporarily closed and farms were quarantined in response. That stopped human cases for two months. Two infections in October showed the virus circulating. Now a domestic helper living in Hong Kong has the disease, probably as a result of buying and slaughtering a chicken she bought in the neighboring Chinese city of Shenzhen. Scientists worry that poultry fattened for Chinese New Year feasts could spread avian influenza.
Jason Gale
Chickens and ducks aren’t getting sick from a new strain of bird flu this flu season, but they’re giving it to people and some have died. People have killed infected birds to prevent its spread, but the virus still lurks. The new avian-flu variant killed 45 in China in the spring of 2013, provoking fear of a global contagion if it mutates. Live-bird markets were temporarily closed and farms were quarantined in response. That stopped human cases for two months. Two infections in October showed the virus circulating. Now a domestic helper living in Hong Kong has the disease, probably as a result of buying and slaughtering a chicken she bought in the neighboring Chinese city of Shenzhen. Scientists worry that poultry fattened for Chinese New Year feasts could spread avian influenza.
The Situation
Since February, 137 cases of H7N9 avian flu have been reported to the World Health Organization, most of them in eastern China in April. Some patients are still hospitalized after catching the germ, which can cause suffocation and organ failure. H7N9 isn’t nearly as infectious as the H1N1 swine flu strain that set off the 2009 influenza pandemic, the first in 41 years, but it appears to be a lot more deadly.
Precisely how people get infected isn’t known, but poultry are
implicated because most people are affected after exposure to fowl or to
environments that might be contaminated with bird flu virus, like
markets. There’s no evidence of sustained human-to-human spread. Dozens
of farm workers have antibodies against H7N9, suggesting many were
infected without getting sick.
Continued: http://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/bird-flu/
WHO Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update December 2, 2013
December 2, 2013
2 December 2013 - On 1 December 2013 WHO was informed of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United Arab Emirates
The three cases belong to a family in Abu Dhabi – a mother (32 years old) who died 2 December 2013*, father (38 years old) and son (8 years old). The earliest onset of illness was 15 November 2013. The father is in a critical condition in hospital. The mother and father had no travel history, no contact with a known confirmed case and no history of contact with animals. While hospitalized, the mother gave birth to a newborn child. The 8 year old son, who has mild respiratory symptoms, was detected from epidemiological investigation of family contacts, and is being kept in hospital isolation. Further investigations into close contacts of the family, the newborn baby, and healthcare workers are on-going.
Additionally, two previously laboratory-confirmed cases from Qatar died on 15 and 21 November 2013**.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 163 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 71 deaths.
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.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
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.
People at high risk of severe disease due to MERS-CoV should avoid close contact with animals when visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. For the general public, when visiting a farm or a barn, general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to.
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 has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO Regions, unanimously advised that, with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_12_02/en/index.html
2 December 2013 - On 1 December 2013 WHO was informed of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the United Arab Emirates
The three cases belong to a family in Abu Dhabi – a mother (32 years old) who died 2 December 2013*, father (38 years old) and son (8 years old). The earliest onset of illness was 15 November 2013. The father is in a critical condition in hospital. The mother and father had no travel history, no contact with a known confirmed case and no history of contact with animals. While hospitalized, the mother gave birth to a newborn child. The 8 year old son, who has mild respiratory symptoms, was detected from epidemiological investigation of family contacts, and is being kept in hospital isolation. Further investigations into close contacts of the family, the newborn baby, and healthcare workers are on-going.
Additionally, two previously laboratory-confirmed cases from Qatar died on 15 and 21 November 2013**.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 163 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 71 deaths.
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.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
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.
People at high risk of severe disease due to MERS-CoV should avoid close contact with animals when visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. For the general public, when visiting a farm or a barn, general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to.
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 has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO Regions, unanimously advised that, with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_12_02/en/index.html
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Vincent Racaniello & James Van Etten: 1st International Symposium on Giant Virus Biology
Giants among viruses
December 1, 2013
Vincent meets up with Chantal and Jean-Michel at the first International Symposium on Giant Virus Biology in Tegernsee, Germany, to discuss their work on Mimivirus, Megavirus, and Pandoravirus.
Click arrow to play Download TWiV 261 (52 MB .mp3, 72 min)
http://www.twiv.tv/2013/12/01/twiv-261-giants-among-viruses/
China Zhejiang New Human Case of #H7N9
November 29, 2013
A new human H7N9 bird flu case was diagnosed at the No.1 Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, the fifth in China this autumn, local health authorities said yeterday.
The patient surnamed Zhang, 57, from Anji County had tested the positive for the H7N9 virus on Wednesday when he chekced in for treatment for a fever, said the Zhejiang Provincial Health Department.
He then suffered respiratory failure and went into shock. His condition is critical, doctors said.
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