Swine flu kills three more, India toll climbs to 88

August 27, 2009, 15:57 IST


The nationwide swine flu toll climbed to 88 with a teenaged girl and two women dying due to the virus in Karnataka and Maharashtra while 177 fresh cases of infection were reported from various states.


16-year-old Sunanda Kandawal was admitted to BLD Medical College Hospital in Bijapur in Karnataka on August 24 with fever and cough but had to be shifted to Al Ameen Medical College Hospital next day since ventilator facility was not available at the BLD Hospital, health official said in Bangalore.
The girl, who had also contracted pneumonia, died last night, they said, adding that her swab test confirmed the virus infection. Karnataka now accounts for 20 flu deaths.

In Nashik, Purva Amol Joshi (23), who was pregnant, and Deepali Shinde (20) died yesterday at the Nashik Civil Hospital, A D Bhalsingh, a surgeon, said. Both the victims were local residents.
He said reports from Pune's National Institute of Virology had confirmed that they were suffering from flu.


With three deaths, the countrywide toll has risen to 88. Maharashtra now accounts for 46 fatalities — 25 in Pune, nine in Mumbai, seven in Nashik, two in Aurangabad and one each in Dhule and Latur.
20 people have died in Karnataka, 7 in Gujarat, three each in Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, two in Uttarakhand and one each in Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Meanwhile, 177 fresh swine flu cases were reported across the country taking the number of those infected with the virus to 3273, Health Ministry officials said in Delhi.

Most vulnerable to get flu jabs 1st in Japan

News Desk The Yomiuri Shimbun Publication Date: 27-08-2009

Pregnant women, babies and people with chronic health problems will be the first to be vaccinated against the new type of influenza, Japan's health, labour and welfare minister Yoichi Masuzoe said. Seventeen million people fall into these categories. Doses of vaccine sufficient to cover such people are nearly equivalent to the total volume of vaccine to be produced by domestic pharmaceutical firms. The supply of domestically produced vaccine will start in late October, Masuzoe said at a press conference after a regular Cabinet meeting. He reiterated that the government would import vaccine to make up for the shortage as an epidemic is feared to strike in the latter part of this year. He said he would apply the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law's "special approval" provision for the first time and simplify clinical test procedures in the country so imported vaccine can be distributed as soon as possible. The health minister said the country would secure vaccine for 53 million people, including 10 million with chronic health problems, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and kidney disease; 6 million babies; 14 million primary, middle and high school students; 1 million pregnant women; 1 million health care workers; and 27 million people aged 65 and older, 6 million of whom are also categorised as people with chronic health problems. The policy of importing vaccine to make up for shortages has faced criticism from experts who say vaccine manufactured abroad should be confirmed to be safe for Japanese patients before it is imported. Masuzoe said, "There are some difficult problems in relation to the vaccination law over the issue of exempting the maker from liability if the imported vaccine causes side effects." Negotiations with overseas vaccine makers have run into difficulties as they asked the government to exempt them from liability in the event that their vaccines cause side effects and indicated they would prioritise shipments to other countries unless the Japanese government signs contracts with them soon. "We'll need to have discussions with a view to revising the vaccination law in the future," Masuzoe said. The "special approval" provision allows the use of foreign-produced drugs that have undergone only overseas safety verification procedures, without clinical tests first being conducted in the country. The health, labour and welfare ministry has asked a government advisory panel to examine the special measure for vaccine imports. The panel will give its conclusion Wednesday (August 26). Regarding the cost of vaccination, Masuzoe said, "I'd like the cost of the vaccine itself to be basically shouldered by the government." He added he would consider how to finance the overall cost of a vaccination programme, but added that low-income earners would not have to pay anything for it. 97% of flu patients have new flu Ninety-seven percent of influenza patients who fell ill early last month or after were infected with the new strain of the influenza, according to the Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre. When the centre analysed the virus of 2,857 people who were found to have been infected with the influenza on and after July 6 - when the influenza began to spread - 2,774 cases, or 97 percent, were confirmed to be of the H1N1 strain. The centre is keeping count of the number of flu patients at about 5,000 medical institutions across the nation. According to its latest report for the week from August 10 to 16, the average number of flu patients per institution was 1.69, indicating 110,000 people are believed to have been infected with the flu during that week.

Six people died because of flu Pig

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

28 Patients added new


JAKARTA (BP) - The number of patients died from the virus H1N1 (swine flu) in Indonesia continues to grow. We have had six people died from the virus. It is estimated that number would continue to grow. Results Research and Development Agency Ministry of Health report calls until now there are 1033 people already infected with the virus. The spread of the virus still occurs in 24 provinces. In fact, the day yesterday there was an additional 28 new patients.


Director General of Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) MOH Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama explained, the patient died of swine flu was growing. "But, before they actually also have a history of other diseases," explained Tjandra. Because of that, as early as possible people should check his physical condition if it started with the flu.
Because, said Tjandra, influenza A H1N1 is spread through direct contact from person to person. That is, through coughing, sneezing or objects that come into contact with the patient. That is why, the spread of H1N1 virus very quickly. "But, in fact preventable," he explained.


Effective way to prevent disease by maintaining healthy body condition. Including, eat balanced nutrition, regular exercise and adequate rest. "The thing that looks like a simple but very important, that is washing hands with soap," he explained.


Tjandra explained, the number of casualties due to this virus would most likely increase. Because, according to the WHO explanation, swine flu virus was affected by temperature changes. This can be observed from the WHO compiled the report that cases of swine flu deaths occurred in various countries with varying temperature conditions. Both hot and cold weather.


Currently, more than 18 laboratories in the world have confirmed that the influenza epidemic had hit 177 countries with mortality rates up to 1800 people.


"Therefore, the true spread of the virus difficult to predict. Nevertheless, said Tjandra, MOH still trying to overcome this problem. Side tamiflu ensure sufficient supplies until the end of the year. In addition, said Tjandra, tamiflu only given to patients suffering from severe flu.

Swine flu shots won’t be ready before October

Imperfect tests will likely make it impossible to know number of infected

updated 22 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Scientific advisers to President Barack Obama may have asked the government to speed up the availability of swine flu vaccines, but they are unlikely to be ready before October, the new head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday.

And imperfect tests for the pandemic H1N1 virus means it will be impossible to get precise numbers on how many people are infected, said Dr. Thomas Frieden.

Nonetheless, swine flu is the No. 1 priority for the CDC, Frieden said in an interview.

"We have literally mobilized more than 1,000 people at CDC who work on H1N1," Frieden said in the interview, conducted by Reuters and Associated Press to be aired on the C-SPAN television network on Sunday.

On Monday, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology said the government should speed up the supply of swine flu drugs and vaccines, making at least some shots available by mid-September.

The group also said the government should take advantage of the pandemic to improve flu surveillance.

Frieden said it was unlikely vaccines against H1N1 could get out to the public sooner than mid-October, when mass vaccination is scheduled to start.

"We wish we had new vaccine technology that would allow us to turn on a dime and make new vaccine in terms of weeks or months. It's not possible with today's technology to do that," he said.

Five companies are making swine flu vaccine for the U.S. market -- AstraZeneca's MedImmune unit, CSL Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Novartis AG and Sanofi-Aventis SA. Tests have begun to determine if people will need one or two doses to be protected.

Frieden also distanced himself from some of the worst-case predictions outlined in the council's report, which included a "plausible" estimate that between 30,000 and 90,000 people might die and up to 1.8 million might clog hospitals.

"Unfortunately, the media coverage of it was not nearly as balanced as the report itself," Frieden said.

"Everything we have seen in the U.S. and everything we have seen around the world to date suggests that we won't see that kind of number if the virus doesn't change."

Because this virus is new, more people are susceptible to it and the World Health Organization has been predicting for months now that 2 billion people will likely become infected.

"We will do everything in our power to reduce the number of people who die," Frieden said.

But officials fear H1N1 could worsen as U.S. schools start their fall terms. Frieden fears there could be a rush of demand for vaccine if that happens.

Lawmakers warn of "serious danger" of animal epidemics in China

August 25, 2009, 11:15 PM



Beijing, Aug 26 (EFE) .- The lack of appropriate control facilities and the complicated international health situation created a "grave danger underground" that China suffered epidemics of animal origin, said a report by the Chinese legislature presented at the tenth annual meeting of the institution.

Although past epidemics such as avian flu or severe acute respiratory syndrome, also of animal origin, served to establish a system of compulsory vaccination in animals, "the possibility of new outbreaks still exists," said the report to National Popular Assembly (ANP).


Also, there are still weaknesses such as the presence of illegal additives in animal products or misuse of drugs for livestock, said the document.


Lawmakers proposed in the report the granting of subsidies to livestock to eliminate these bad practices, in order to finance veterinary treatments, as well as domestic inspections for illegal additives and illegal drug use in livestock.


China is the world's largest rancher, and it is estimated that animal epidemics each year costing some 40,000 billion yuan (5.800 billion, 4.000 billion).


The country has not so far reported no fatalities from bird AH1N1 Direct, which has affected around 3,000 people. EFE

Bamboo County on the 29th of influenza-screening station drills

2009 8 26 02:17 CNA immediately

Taiwan's new influenza H1N1 outbreak gradually warming up, Hsinchu County Health Bureau will be held on the 29th of influenza screening stations operational exercises. In response to the next event of new influenza outbreak, in order to avoid a large number of patients to the hospital, the public will be invited to go to treatment of influenza-screening station.

Hsinchu County Health Bureau will be held on the morning of the 29th Sinpu influenza-screening station at the town hall at the operation of the exercise. Health Bureau, said the exercise demonstrated the operation of quarantine premises mechanism can also be used for prevention and treatment of special acute respiratory infectious diseases such as avian flu or human transmission of H5N1 influenza.

Health Bureau, said that for H1N1 influenza prevention and control of new, currently not as a means to isolate and quarantine. But the future did not rule out if the virus mutation, there may again take quarantine measures for the prevention and treatment.

Health Bureau, said the purpose of influenza-screening stations set up is in response to the outbreak of new influenza occurring in the future to avoid a large number of patients going to hospital for treatment, causing overburdened health care system, so people go to treatment of influenza-screening station, if the diagnosis of suspected novel influenza "mild" illnesses, it is sent to an isolation isolation and observation for 10 days.

In addition, schools at all levels upcoming next Monday (31 days) school, Hsinchu County Magistrate Cheng Yung-chin, Hsinchu County today to participate in junior high, elementary school principal in the meeting and reminded all schools to implement the central authorities have set out will be closed "325 standard", which is high Medium (with) the following schools, kindergartens, cram schools and childcare institutions, in the "3" days of the same class with "2" or more (including 2) The student, upon physician clinical diagnosis of influenza infection, it is recommended that the ban will be closed "5" days (including holidays).

Cheng Yung-chin and asked the Education Bureau in the thermometer in place before the semester begins to determine each school to keep doing a good job of self-health self-management, and with health agencies with continued follow-up, rather than less than not to go all out to battle against the epidemic.

Swine flu suspending classes in Galapagos

QUITO (AP) - Authorities on an island in the Galapagos archipelago on Wednesday announced the decision to suspend school activities to prevent the spread of swine influenza in a large influx of tourists.

The Emergency Operations Committee of Santa Cruz Island, one of the four inhabited the archipelago, decided to suspend the activities in schools, colleges and universities until 7 September, said Leopoldo Bucheli, mayor of the island where eight cases were confirmed of the disease.


The governor of Galapagos, Jorge Torres, told the AP that the measure was adopted to "prevent the development of infection" because most cases were detected in two schools in Santa Cruz.


No cases have been reported in other inhabited islands.


Torres said he expected the measure "does not affect tourism." "This is a global problem, we must be practical in taking measures to prevent massive infection," he added.


He noted that the Galapagos National Park, the site where tourists can observe endemic species, "is not closed but are restricted" administrative activities.


According to the latest report by the Health Ministry, there have been 27 deaths caused by swine flu and 864 people are infected in the country.


The Galapagos archipelago, located 1,000 kilometers of the continent, was designated in 1978 Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO because it harbors plant and animal species, terrestrial and marine, considered unique in the world, although two years ago listed it "on risk "by the deterioration it has suffered.

With new records of the Ministry of Health, Brazil has 582 fatal victims of the "swine flu"

26/08 - 19:15 - Writing

ImprimirEnviarCorrigirFale Us
The Ministry of Health presented a new balance of deaths resulting from the "swine flu" (renamed by the influenza A H1N1 WHO) said on Wednesday. Counting the casualties recorded by the United States and the ministry, the country accounts for 582 deaths. Thus, is the U.S. and is the country with the highest number of fatalities in the world.

Government's balance sheet shows 557 deaths swine flu in Brazil, 58 were pregnant

26/08/2009 - 19h02
Balance partial released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Health indicates 557 deaths in Brazil due to the swine flu - influenza A (H1N1) - until the last 22 days. The victims included 58 women.
According to data from the federal government since April 25 were 5206 confirmed cases of the disease. The evaluation indicates a reduction in the absolute number of cases between 16 and 22 of this month, as had been observed in the previous week.

The ministry, however, says it is not possible to conclude that the trend is permanent, "as there are cases in laboratory research or who have information about the diagnostic conclusions entered by the state and municipal health information system."

Deaths

Sao Paulo is still the state with the largest number of deaths: 223, according to the ministry. Next are Paraná (151), Rio Grande do Sul (98), Rio de Janeiro (55), Santa Catarina (11), Minas (8), Distrito Federal (2), Brazil (2), Bahia (2), Mato Grosso do Sul (1), Pernambuco (1), Pernambuco (1), Para (1) and Rio Grande do Norte (1).

Data from the Ministry of Health are partial. Updated data from state departments of Health point to a greater number of deaths in some locations, such as Santa Catarina, Parana and Minas Gerais. The Departments of Amazonas and Acre, for example, also confirmed deaths.

In absolute numbers, Brazil is the largest number of deaths. However, in comparison to the 15 countries with the highest number of deaths, the country has the seventh fatality rate - which represents the percentage of deaths to the population of each country. Most of the countries with the highest mortality rates are in the southern hemisphere, where the pandemic currently has greater impact because of the winter.

Higher mortality rates (per 100 thousand inhabitants)
Pregnant

In total, 1,980 women of childbearing age - 15 to 49 years - had tested positive for the new virus, shows the balance.

Among them, 480 were women and 58 died. Pregnancy is identified as a risk factor for the disease.

Symptoms

The swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A virus, called H1N1. It is transmitted from person to person and has symptoms similar to flu, with fever over 38 º C, cough, severe headache, muscle aches and joint pain, eye irritation and nasal flow.

To diagnose the infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected in four or five first days of illness, when the infected person spreads the virus, and examined in the laboratory.

The flu Tamiflu and Relenza, are already used against avian influenza, are effective against the H1N1 strain, according to laboratory tests, and seem to have given a practical result, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control United States).

In Moscow, 4 people were hospitalized with suspected "swine flu"

August 26, 2009 11:46
August 26. INTERFAX.RU - The bodies of sanitary-quarantine control Monday at the Moscow airport found 4 passengers with signs of SARS, a virology laboratory sent the material to identify the virus, swine influenza, reported Wednesday on the official website of Rospotrebnadzor.

Thus, according to authorities, at the airport "Sheremetyevo-2" (flight number 30 of New York) was found 3 people with symptoms of the disease, at the airport "Domodedovo" (flight NN7860 "Varna (Bulgaria) - Moscow (Domodedovo) -- 1.

"Patients are hospitalized, the material is sent to the virology laboratory," - says.

According to the department Rospotrebnadzor subjects of the RF, at 12.00 am on Aug. 25, 2009 at 15 airports receiving flights from countries in North, South, Central America, Spain, Japan, Dominican Republic, China, Thailand, Cyprus, Great Britain, Turkey, in including transit, inspection of 123 flights, 15 thousand 268 passengers.

Total since the introduction of monitoring (April 30, 2009) the inspection of 12 thousand 928 flights, 1 million 126 thousand 079 passengers and 85 thousand 276 crew members.

18 deaths of swine flu in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh - Saudi medical source said that the number of deaths swine flu in the UK has risen to 18 after the death of a child resident of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The source said that "Saudi Arabia of a child five years old died in hospital, King Khalid barrier (North), who died of swine flu." He added that "Egypt is a resident, also died after she was diagnosed with swine flu in the Qassim region (center)." The Ministry of Health announced last week that the number of deaths have been recorded up to 16 cases.

Department official ... Swine flu spreading among soldiers in Afghanistan

26/08/2009 12:19:00 PM



Berlin - 26 - 8 (KUNA) - The information department of the German government today announced the spread of swine flu in the ranks of the German army units operating there as part of the international forces helping to establish security in Afghanistan (ISAF). A statement issued by the Department that the German army (Bondsver) decided that as of today to cut flights to Afghanistan for fear of transmission of swine flu of the German military sites in the northern Afghan areas to Germany.
The department attributed to a spokesman for the leadership of the German army for Afghanistan, based in Potsdam near Berlin, saying that he has been identified at the end of the last week 25 cases of swine flu infection in a German military base in the region of Mazar-i-Sharif.
He noted that the quarantine stressing (and health reasons) was imposed on wounded soldiers and will not be exposed to German troops in Afghanistan at risk.

Syria's first recorded case of death of a young swine flu

Health 26/08/2009 06:10:00 PM



Damascus - 26 - 8 (KUNA) - Syria's first recorded case of death of a young man, age 24, of wounds sustained swine flu.
A medical source in Ibn al-Nafis Hospital of supervisors to deal with this infectious disease in a press statement that the patient underwent treatment at a private practice for more than a week on the grounds that he was diagnosed with lung led to the deterioration of his health.
The Ministry of Health announced Monday the discovery of 3 goals swine flu, bringing the number of cases discovered in Syria to 25 recovered, 22 cases. (End) k / a 261,810 m m KUNA GMT Lago 09

DAS181 inhibits H5N1 Influenza lung virus infection of human lung tissues

26. August 2009 05:53

NexBio, Inc. announced today the publication "DAS181 Inhibits H5N1 Influenza Lung Virus Infection of Human Lung Tissues" in the September, 2009 issue of the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (AAC).

DAS181 (Fludase((R))) is an investigational drug candidate in clinical development for Influenza-Like Illness. Unlike neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. Tamiflu((R))), which target the virus, DAS181 works by inactivating the human host receptor for all influenza and para-influenza viruses tested so far including the current pandemic Novel H1N1 strain ("Swine Flu"). Previous preclinical studies conducted in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown DAS181 to have significant prophylactic and therapeutic activity in an in vivo animal model for a highly virulent H5N1 (A/VN/1203/04) strain of influenza. The current published study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, examined for the first time the effects of DAS181 in human lung tissue and cells. DAS181 strongly inhibited H5N1 (A/VN/3046/2004) infection in human lung tissue and cells. The study also demonstrated that DAS181 effectively removes the two types of sialic acid (Sia) receptors to which influenza virus binds, thereby preventing both the invasion by virus into new cells and further replication where infection already exists.

The human lung tissue and cells described have been critical models for understanding the clinical pathogenesis of influenza, as people contain two types of receptors for influenza. While H5N1 preferentially binds to A2-3-linked Sia, Novel H1N1 preferentially binds to A2-6-linked Sia. DAS181 was shown in these studies to remove both the A2-6-linked and A2-3-linked types found in human respiratory tissue. Most importantly, virus was suppressed by inactivation of the entry receptors by DAS181 treatment.

"DAS181 is a particularly important potential new broad-spectrum drug for influenza because as an entry blocker, it works by a mechanism of action different from all other antiviral drugs either on-market or in development," said John M. Nicholls, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, the University of Hong Kong, one of the two corresponding authors on the publication. "Our study clearly shows DAS181's remarkable effectiveness in protecting fresh human tissue from infection by a highly lethal H5N1 strain. Though the world is currently coping with a pandemic caused by a much less virulent H1N1 strain, DAS181 has shown significant inactivation of both types of influenza receptors found in the human airways."

In the "Report To The President On U.S. Preparations For 2009-H1N1 Influenza" by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) announced yesterday, it is recommended that "It will be important to develop new classes of drugs to expand the armamentarium. A particularly promising new approach is to develop drugs that block the virus by acting on a human cellular function ('host target'), rather than a viral protein ('pathogen target'), because such drugs should be less likely to encounter acquired resistance." DAS181 development takes this "promising new approach."

NexBio will be presenting data on DAS181 activity against Novel H1N1 and against seasonal influenza isolates from winter 2008-09 that are resistant to Tamiflu((R)) in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models at the upcoming Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) annual meeting in San Francisco, CA on Tuesday, September 15, 2009.

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Taiwan 38000 dye has one cases of severe new strain of influenza

2009.08.26 03:00:12 am

Epidemic announced yesterday, the central command center, in June to now, China has almost 38000 people are infected with a new influenza, yesterday added one case of severe, the existing 44 cases of severe, in which five people were killed, China has officially entered a new influenza pandemic period, disease prevention goal is to delay the epidemic peak.

Dosing If you do not implement the fear of half of the people have been infected with

Most scholars believe that the new world will be during the influenza pandemic You Sancheng population is infected, according to the international community the current mortality rate per thousand to four projections, China's death toll feared up to 14000-28000 people.

Chen Chien-jen estimates of the Academia Sinica, if appropriate, and actively vote antiviral drugs Tamiflu disease prevention measures are successful, will suppress the growth of cases, mortality can be reduced to one-thousandth of the number of deaths dropped to six or seven thousand people.

CDC estimates the current per week 12000 new cases of influenza. Chen Chien-jen said the cluster was found infected with the fast-infected people to vote for all drugs, can reduce infection in patients with severe risks and opportunities of others, well, then every case of growth can be suppressed to one. Five times, it is estimated in November will be just over one million people are infected, the smooth convergence of vaccination.

If the dosage policies can be implemented, the number of new cases per week will be twice the speed of fear that grow in November when the cumulative number of infections fear of breaking 10 million, while up to half of the population has been infected, on behalf of epidemic period ended, they are caused by medical care system unable to cope with the heavy casualties, the vaccine also is no longer useless.

School a month later the doctor: the epidemic will be the top attack

National Taiwan University Hospital, Professor Huang Limin, director of pediatric infection that appears from the present situation, the epidemic is likely to school a month later, in October will "attack the top." National Cheng Kung University professor of pathology Ih-Jen Su that, there are already community-infection, usually from the beginning to the peak of about one to two months, by the end of October to mid-November, the new flu outbreak would be more severe. CDC Secretary Hsu-Sung Kuo are estimates, the November to January is the peak of the epidemic, when the number of hospital patients will increase by three to five times.

Taiwan fear of creating the first case of drug-resistant flu death

2009.08.26 10:32:50 am

The new flu epidemic continues to heat up, the Taiwan Center for Disease Control in just 4 days, announced the death of three new influenza cases, Morak hurricane yet, and the new flu outbreak again oncoming force Xiong Xiong, Ma Government again under challenge.

CNA news, because of fear of entering a new influenza epidemic period in September, by telephone on the 25th, President Ma Ying-jeou and Premier Liu in two consultations, in order to avoid inducing panic, decided to take expert advice on disease prevention, temporarily meeting of the National Security meeting, to start the National Security mechanism, the government side who said: "The epidemic has not yet risen to that level." 27 disease control experts will be invited into the House to discuss disease-related measures; 88 floods, Ma Ying-jeou is too slow to convene the National Security meeting, and failed to function due to play Guoanjizhi, triggering a political crisis.

Or resistant deaths occurred

According to DOH Center for Disease Control pointed out that Taiwan's first five new influenza patients died, 44-year-old woman living in Pingtung, 17 ill, 20, a high fever and severe coughing and other symptoms, medical treatment, 21 became pneumonia by rapid screening positive for the hospital and immediately Tamiflu (Tamiflu) treatment, was still early morning on the 24th death, cause of death has not ruled out drug-resistant influenza viruses, but are still in the testing.

Influenza outbreak in September reaching a peak

Afternoon of the 25th CDC, said the new cases Adds one cases of severe influenza, the cumulative cases have reached 44 cases of severe, severe case of the new Kaohsiung-Pingtung area of 44-year-old man, chronic high blood pressure patients have their own history, not Morak hurricane victims.

Taiwan epidemic command center on the 25th that the estimate of Taiwan's population infected with influenza A H1N1 influenza more than 38,000 people, close to 40000 people, the vast majority of the mild. So far, the new influenza have caused five deaths and 10 people still hospitalized, including five in intensive care unit, five people in the general ward, while 29 per person has been discharged.

World Health Organization (WHO) said that as of last week, has been notified of the world's 12 drug-resistant cases are isolated cases and have been recovered.

Judge Rejects Ban on Flu Vaccine for Pregnant Women (Update1)

By Cary O’Reilly

Aug. 26 (Bloomberg) -- A federal judge refused to ban giving swine flu vaccine to pregnant women, saying he needs more information

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton in Washington today rejected the request for a temporary order from the Coalition for Mercury-Free Drugs, saying the advocacy group failed to demonstrate shots containing the preservative thimerosal can cause the alleged harm.

“I just don’t see how I can make a finding that irreparable injury would result,” based on the record before the court, Walton said at a hearing.

He gave the group two weeks to present more evidence on causation and the amount of vaccine that contains mercury-based thimerosal before deciding whether to grant a government motion to dismiss the suit.

Pregnant women and health-care workers would be among the first inoculated against the flu strain when vaccine producers such as Sanofi-Aventis SA and Novartis AG begin delivery during autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.

H1N1, the virus that causes swine flu, has infected at least 182,166 people and killed at least 1,799 worldwide as of Aug. 13, the World Health Organization said. The figures are based on confirmed cases reported to the Geneva-based UN agency.

The case is Coalition for Mercury-Free Drugs v. Sebelius, 09-cv-15, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).

In light of the spread of swine flu pandemic .. 8 thousand pilgrims go to Jeddah and Medina

August 26th, 2009


Left Cairo today, 8 of thousands of pilgrims transferred 29 aircraft to Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah and Madinah to perform Umrah during Ramadan, despite strong warnings by the spread of swine flu and fulfillment.

وصرح عبد البديع عبد البارى مدير محطة مصر للطيران لرحلات العمرة بالمبنى رقم 1 بأنه تم أمس تنظيم 17 رحلة طيران بينها 6 رحلات إضافية ، وأن الرحلات ستزيد خلال منتصف رمضان لنقل الآلاف من المعتمرين الراغبين فى قضاء العشر الأواخر بالأراضى المقدسة، مشيرا إلى أنه تم استخدام طائرة إيرباص 330 مؤجرة للمساعدة استيعاب الرحلات الإضافية.

Said Abdel-Badie Abdel-Bary station manager of Egypt Air flights Umrah building No. 1 had been planning on 17 flights, including 6 additional flights, and flights will increase during the mid-September for the transfer of thousands of pilgrims wishing to spend the last ten days the Holy Land, pointing out that the use of aircraft Airbus 330 on lease to help absorb the additional flights.

من ناحية أخرى، نظمت الخطوط السعودية 12 رحلة طيران من المبنى رقم 2 ضمن رحلاتها لنقل المعتمرين المصريين فى إطار اتفاقية النقل الجوى التى تقسم رحلات العمرة بينها وبين مصر للطيران.

On the other hand, organized by 12 Saudi Arabian Airlines flight from Terminal 2 within the flights to transport minor pilgrims in the framework of the Egyptian air transport flights for Umrah is divided between them and Egypt Air.

Information Center: Egypt does not appear, the cases of resistance to Tamiflu

August 26th, 2009

أكد مركز المعلومات ودعم اتخاذ القرار التابع لمجلس الوزراء أن عقار التاميفلو مازال يمثل عقارا فاعلا ومؤثرا فى التخفيف من حدة فيروس أنفلونزا الخنازير والمضاعفات الناتجة عنه، إذا استخدم العقار بالطريقة الموصى بها، وتم إعطاؤه خلال 48 ساعة من بدء ظهور الأعراض على المريض، موضحا أن مصر لم يظهر بها حتى الآن أية حالات مقاومة للتاميفلو.

Center confirmed the information and decision support of the Council of Ministers that the Tamiflu drug is still active and influential in the alleviation of swine influenza virus and the complications resulting from it, if used in the manner recommended by the drug was given within 48 hours of onset of symptoms the patient, pointing out that Egypt does not appear, so far no cases of resistance to Tamiflu.

وأشار المركز - فى بيان أصدره اليوم الأربعاء - إلى أنه لم يظهر حتى الآن سوى 17 حالة فقط مقاومة للتاميفلو على مستوى دول العالم، ومن ثم فهذه الحالات لا تعدو كونها سوى مجرد حالات فردية ومحدودة، ولم يثبت حتى الآن علميا فقدان عقار التاميفلو لفاعليته.

The Center - in a statement issued on Wednesday - that does not appear, so far only 17 cases of Tamiflu resistance only at the level of the world, then this case is nothing but merely individual cases and limited, not so far proved scientifically loss of Tamiflu to be effective.

وأوضح أن إجمالى عدد الحالات التى تم اكتشاف إصابتها بأنفلونزا أيه (إتش 1 إن 1) فى مصر بلغت 649 حالة حتى مساء أمس الثلاثاء، بحسب نتائج الفحص المعملى وبيانات وزارة الصحة.

The total number of cases of avian bird flu in A (H 1, that 1) in Egypt amounted to 649 cases as Tuesday evening, according to laboratory test results and data from the Ministry of Health. وأضاف أن جميع الحالات الثمانى عشر المكتشفة أمس، مصرية الجنسية (14 حالة مقيمة فى مصر، وحالة واحدة قادمة السعودية، وحالة واحدة قادمة من قطر، وحالة واحدة قادمة من لبنان، وحالة واحدة قادمة من لندن ... 11 حالة لذكور، و7 حالات لإناث)، وتتمتع جميع الحالات بوضع وحالة صحية مستقرة.

He added that all the eight cases detected ten yesterday, Egyptian nationality (14 cases resident in Egypt, and one arriving in Saudi Arabia, and one coming from Qatar, and one from Lebanon, and one from London ... 11 cases of males and 7 cases of female ), and enjoy all the cases developed and stable condition.

ووفق البيان، فقد تم فحص 130 عينة اشتباه بأنفلونزا الخنازير جاءت النتائج المعملية جميعها سلبية، كما فحص 13 حالة اشتباه لمرض أنفلونزا الطيور (إتش 5 إن 1)، وجاءت نتائجهم المعملية جميعها سلبية أيضا.

According to the statement, has been examined 130 samples of swine flu suspected laboratory results were all negative, also examined 13 cases of suspected bird flu (HP 5, 1), and laboratory findings were all negative as well.

New Study Finds Wild Pikas Are Natural Mammalian Hosts To H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus

ScienceDaily (Aug. 25, 2009) — For the first time a new study suggests that when exposed in their natural ecosystem, wild pikas (a species closely related to rabbits) are mammalian hosts of H5N1 subtype avian influenza viruses and may also be a source of transmission to domestic mammals and humans.

The researchers from China report their findings in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Virology.

Wild birds are the known natural reservoirs for the H5N1 subtype avian influenza virus, however, researchers are unsure of their role in the spread of the virus to other free-ranging wild mammals within their natural habitats. Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses are now endemic in bird populations throughout Southeast Asia and 391 human cases, of which 60% were fatal, have been reported since 2003. Although human-to-human transmission has yet to occur, H5N1 viruses pose a serious public heath threat.

In the study researchers traced the circulation of the H5N1 virus in wild pikas and confirmed a natural H5N1 virus infection in their native environment. Genetic testing of the H5N1 virus isolated in pikas revealed two distinct evolutionary groups, a mixed/Vietnam H5N1 virus sublineage (MV-like pika virus) and a wild bird Qinghai-like H5N1 sublineage (QH-like pika virus). Further analysis of the MV-like pika virus found it to be the same as goose H5N1 virus. When tested in mice the MV-like pika virus was nonpathogenic, however, the QH-like pika virus was highly pathogenic in mice. Finally, in an attempt to recreate the virus infection of pikas, rabbits were intranasally vaccinated with the H5N1 virus of pika origin resulting in infection.

"Our findings first demonstrate that wild pikas are mammalian hosts exposed to H5N1 subtype avian influenza viruses in the natural ecosystem and also imply a potential transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus from wild mammals into domestic mammalian hosts and humans," say the researchers

Journal reference:

1. J. Zhou, W. Sun, J. Wang, J. Guo, W. Yin, N. Wu, L. Li, Y. Yan, M. Liao, Y. Huang, K. Luo, X. Jiang, H. Chen. Characterization of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Derived from Wild Pikas in China. Journal of Virology, 2009; 83 (17): 8957 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00793-09

President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) releases report assessing H1N1 preparations

Excerpt
Executive Office of the President President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
August 7, 2009


About the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers, appointed by the President to augment the science and technology advice available to him from inside the White House and from cabinet departments and other Federal agencies. PCAST is consulted about and often makes policy recommendations concerning the full range of issues where understandings from the domains of science, technology, and innovation bear potentially on the policy choices before the President. PCAST is administered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

For more information about PCAST, see www.ostp.gov/cs/pcast.


EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502
August 7, 2009
President Barack Obama
The White House
Washington, DC 20502


Dear Mr. President:

We are pleased to transmit to you the report, U.S. Preparations For 2009-H1N1 Influenza, prepared by your Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This report examines the strategic issues raised by the likely resurgence this fall of the novel influenza virus called 2009-H1N1.

The report reviews the full range of response options for minimizing negative impacts from a fall 2009-H1N1 epidemic and provides an integrated set of recommendations about how to think about hard issues and key policy decisions regarding the epidemic. The nation’s response to the threat of a fall epidemic involves decisions by government on a wide range of issues --- medical, scientific, social, and financial. We have tried to assess these, keeping in mind your interest in having the best available scientific insights and perspectives to inform your thinking about the nation’s response to the continued spread of this new virus.

To provide a solid scientific basis for our recommendations, the Council assembled a PCAST Working Group of non-governmental experts, including one other member of PCAST, from a number of relevant fields (virology, public health, pediatrics, medicine, epidemiology, immunology, and others). On July 16-17, the Working Group met with government officials and others to discuss various aspects of the 2009-H1N1 pandemic, and then developed an in-depth report based on its own knowledge, the information provided during the meeting, and additional consultations with government, academic, and industry experts. The results of that report were presented to PCAST at its meeting on August 6-7, and the Council then approved an Executive Report of findings and recommendations for transmittal to you along with the in-depth Working Group report to PCAST.

The Working Group report discusses the complexities posed by influenza epidemics, and the uncertainties inherent in an epidemic that is still in progress. The report identifies the key decisions and actions to be taken, while recognizing that many decisions (for example, relating to use of vaccines and to school closures) cannot be resolved now but will need to be made rapidly as the epidemic unfolds. In these instances, the Working Group report instead offers guidance about how decisions should be made over the coming weeks and months.

PCAST hopes that its Executive Report and the full Working Group report help lay a foundation for the medical, scientific, social, and financial decisions you and others in the Federal Government must make this fall. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and the country in this way.

Sincerely,

John P. Holdren
Co-Chair

Eric Lander
Co-Chair

Harold Varmus
Co-Chair


The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Executive Report - U.S. Preparations for the 2009-H1N1 Influenza

In April 2009, a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus (2009-H1N1) appeared in Mexico, causing pneumonias and 59 deaths in Mexico City alone. The virus soon spread to the United States and to other continents. Within two months, the World Health organization (WHO) declared that the viral outbreak met the criteria of a level 6 pandemic. Although initial concerns of an extremely high fatality rate have receded, the expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 in the Fall poses a serious health threat to the United States.

Since the initial report of the outbreak, the Federal Government, through various departments, agencies, and offices, has been actively studying the course of events, responding to them, and planning for a resurgence of the pandemic this fall. In late June, President Obama requested that his Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) undertake an evaluation of the 2009-H1N1epidemic and the nation’s response to a probable recurrence.

In this Executive Report, PCAST assesses the emerging Federal response to a second wave, identifies critical questions and gaps in this response, and suggests additional opportunities for mitigation. PCAST’s observations, conclusions, and recommendations presented here are based on the analysis of its 2009-H1N1 Working Group, consisting of 3 PCAST members and a further 11 non-governmental experts in virology, public health, pediatrics, medicine, epidemiology, immunology, and other relevant scientific fields. The Working Group’s deliberations were informed by discussions with government officials and others on various aspects of the 2009-H1N1 pandemic.


2009-H1N1 in Historical Context

Based on the history of influenza pandemics over the past hundred years, PCAST places the current outbreak somewhere between the two extremes that have informed public opinion about influenza. On the one hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus does not thus far seem to show the virulence associated with the devastating pandemic of 1918-19; moreover, medical science now has many potent tools at our disposal to mitigate an influenza pandemic in ways that were not possible ninety years ago. On the other hand, the 2009-H1N1 virus is a serious threat to our nation and the world, unlike the “swine flu” episode in 1976 that led to the vaccination of over 40 million Americans in the absence of any spread of the virus beyond an initial four cases at a single Army base.
(...)
The Current Situation and a Plausible Scenario

Indeed, the 2009-H1N1 influenza is already responsible for significant morbidity and mortality world-wide — from its appearance in the spring, its continued circulation in the U.S. this summer, and its spread through many countries in the Southern Hemisphere during their winter season.

While the precise impact of the fall resurgence of 2009-H1N1 influenza is impossible to predict, a plausible scenario is that the epidemic could:

- produce infection of 30–50% of the U.S. population this fall and winter, with symptoms in approximately 20–40% of the population (60–120 million people), more than half of whom would seek medical attention.
- lead to as many as 1.8 million U.S. hospital admissions during the epidemic, with up to 300,000 patients requiring care in intensive care units (ICUs). Importantly, these very ill patients could occupy 50–100 percent of all ICU beds in affected regions of the country at the peak of the epidemic and could place enormous stress on ICU units, which normally operate close to capacity.
- cause between 30,000 and 90,000 deaths in the United States, concentrated among children and young adults. In contrast, the 30,000–40,000 annual deaths typically associated with seasonal flu in the United States occur mainly among people over 65. As a result, 2009-H1N1 would lead to many more years of life lost.
- pose especially high risks for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, including pregnant women and patients with neurological disorders or respiratory impairment, diabetes, or severe obesity and possibly for certain populations, such as Native Americans.

There is an important issue with respect to timing:
- The fall resurgence may well occur as early as September, with the beginning of the school term, and the peak infection may occur in mid-October.

- But significant availability of the 2009-H1N1 vaccine is currently projected to begin only in mid-October, with several additional weeks required until vaccinated individuals develop protective immunity.

This potential mismatch in timing could significantly diminish the usefulness of vaccination for mitigating the epidemic and could place many at risk of serious disease.

PCAST emphasizes that this is a planning scenario, not a prediction. But the scenario illustrates that an H1N1 resurgence could cause serious disruption of social and medical capacities in our country in the coming months.

The circumstances underscore the importance of:
- ensuring that the nation’s complex and distributed healthcare systems are prepared to deal with the potential surge in demand, especially with respect to critical care.
- ensuring that all feasible steps are taking to protect the most vulnerable populations.
-snip-
hat-tip Ironorehopper

Australia: Another piggery in swine flu quarantine

August 25, 2009 02:48pm
A SOUTHERN Queensland piggery has been placed in quarantine after returning positive tests for the influenza A virus.

Biosecurity Queensland chief vet Dr Ron Glanville said tests were now being conducted for confirmation of the influenza A (H1N1) - pandemic human swine flu - which is suspected at the Dalby piggery.

"Biosecurity officers have placed the piggery under quarantine and are implementing strict on-site biosecurity measures,'' Dr Glanville said.

"This comes after positive tests for Influenza A were delivered to us late last night.''

Results of the swine flu tests are expected in the next couple of days, but it is suspected the animals will test positive to the virus.

Dr Glanville said authorities maintained that pork and pork products were safe to eat.
No pigs had recently left the property.

A case of swine flu was detected at a piggery in northern Victoria last week and in New South Wales in July.

Employers Brace for Swine Flu

Aug 25 2009 12:08pm EDT

Some of the country's biggest employers are making plans to protect themselves against a worker shortage this fall triggered by swine flu, which is expected to infect up to half the population.

Pandemic planning is becoming old hat for companies. These type of preparations really began in earnest among large corporations in 2005 when predictions that the avian influenza virus, or bird flu, was going to reduce the work force by 40%, says Jayne Lux, a vice president for Washington-based National Business Group on Health.

Those predictions never came true but it got companies ready for the worst, she says. Businesses are determining what projects can be shelved and cross-training workers in the event there's an employee shortage, Lux says. The business group represents the largest companies in the U.S., from General Electric Co. to Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

"As an employer, you may have to look at those plans you made and say, 'OK, what things can we put on the back burner right now?'" Lux says.

After a spring outbreak of swine flu, employers are preparing for a more intense second round that could lead to a dramatic increase in absenteeism as workers fall sick or stay home to take care of children.

"We had a little bit of a fire drill to test out those plans in the spring," Lux says, but the number of workers calling in sick last spring was relatively low and "really nothing compared to what they predict for fall."

While the government hasn't specifically predicted absentee rates yet as it did with bird flu, the White House says it's "plausible" that up to 120 million Americans could contract swine flu this fall and winter. Up to half of the population could be infected, including many who won't develop any symptoms. As many as 90,000 Americans may die from the flu, according to government estimates.

---

Brett Chase covers health care for Portfolio.com and writes the blog Heavy Doses.

Egypt: At an emergency meeting of senior Ministry Health warns of a shift to the swine flu epidemic

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 - 13:30

Expected leaders of the Ministry of Health said the high number of infected swine influenza in the coming days largely in the rapid spread of the disease on the internal level, which he called the regular meeting of leaders of the Ministry of Health, which was held this morning to spread the epidemic without an intermediary situation.

كما أكدت قيادات الصحة على استعدادات وزارة الصحة لهذه المرحلة الجديدة من خلال رفع حالة الاستعداد القصوى بكافة المستشفيات خاصة الـ93 مستشفى المخصصة من قبل الوزارة لاستقبال حالات الإصابة والاشتباه بأنفلونزا الخنازير والمنتشرة فى جميع محافظات الجمهورية.

As long as the health of preparations for the Ministry of Health for this new phase by raising the high alert in all hospitals, especially the 93 hospitals assigned by the Ministry to receive and suspected cases of swine flu and deployed in all provinces of the Republic.

ومن جانبه أكد الدكتور عمرو قنديل مدير إدارة الأمراض المعدية بوزارة الصحة أنه مازالت المفاوضات دائرة داخل ديوان الوزارة للاستقرار على استيراد المصل المضاد لمرض أنفلونزا الخنازير والمتوقع أن يكون سعره ما بين 50 إلى 55 جنيها للجرعة الواحدة.

For his part, Dr. Amr Kandil, manager of Department of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, the negotiations are still within the Cabinet Office, Department of stability on the import of the vaccine against swine flu and is expected to be priced between 50 to 55 pounds per dose.

فى المقابل أكد الدكتور عبد الرحمن شاهين المتحدث الرسمى باسم وزارة الصحة أن الوزارة ملتزمة بالخطة الشاملة والتى ستحدد الفئات المستهدفة من التطعيم ضد المرض والتى ستبدأ بتطعيم مقدمى الخدمة الصحية.

In return, Dr. Abdel Rahman Shahin, official spokesman of the Ministry of Health said the ministry is committed to the comprehensive plan, which will determine the target groups of vaccination against the disease, which will start vaccinating health care providers.

يأتى هذا الاجتماع الدورى للوزارة لبحث أزمة انتشار مرض أنفلونزا الخنازير والذى ارتفعت إصاباته فى ساعة متأخرة من الأمس إلى 631 حالة.

The meeting is a regular for the ministry to discuss the crisis spread of swine flu, which rose to his injuries late yesterday to 631 cases.

Vietnam: Hanoi: Services dengue entering peak

Urban Economics - 1 hour ago

Service hemorrhage in Hanoi is the peak period but most nearly "sink nghim" A/H1N1 disease. Over the same period last year, number of dengue infected Hanoi's increased 10 times.

Students, students infected sharply increase
According to Mr. Do Le Huan, Director of Preventive Medical Center of Hanoi this year, dengue fever progress to a month earlier compared to the year. "This is the peak time of service. Stress period lasted from July to the end of September, "Mr. Head said.
In July and August, the number of dengue patients new Hanoi constitute 80% of patients from the first year. Also at the Institute of infectious diseases and Tropical Countries, calculated from January 1/2009 to May 7/2009 nearly 500 people infected with dengue fever. In particular, number of infected than three times higher in June than in May. Number of questions in July than two times higher than in June.

From early August, number of infected dengue fever continue to rise strongly. Nguyen Hong Ha, the Institute for infectious diseases and Tropical Country, said: "Every day an average of nearly 40 to ca dengue hospitalized.

According to Mr Ha, what is worrying many in ca admission status had severe complications due to early detection and treatment. Among them, subjects students, accounting for most students.

"August, students flock to Hanoi admission in large numbers, often rent for four humid, have bad habits when sleep is not infected desktop, create conditions for developing hemorrhagic fever," he Ha explain.

According to statistics of the Department of Health, Hanoi, by the end on 20 / 8, 100% of districts of the city had a hemorrhage, the total number of patients on 2100 persons, mostly concentrated in the area inner city and where speed urbanization strong (as Tu Liem, Thanh Tri).

A chimney flu, dengue fever is ignored?
In recent time, both people and mass media focus on evolutions translated influenza A/H1N1 and almost no "closed" to translate hemorrhage, although this is a time translation outbreak most powerful.

As noted at the Institute of infectious diseases and Tropical Countries, there are many patients who did not know services are raging dengue fever in the inner city and services are top at this time.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, dengue patients from Hoang Mai district since honesty: "I only heard but are translated influenza and dengue fever when I know there is much to the people suffer."

Mr. Nguyen Huy Nga, Director of Department of Preventive Health and Environment (Ministry of Health) said: "Compared to the same period last year, number of infected dengue nationwide has increased by 25%, death toll up 24 %. Southern provinces where there are still many patients with dengue fever and one had five deaths.

He emphasized Russia: "The local office eventually drain flu, people infected with influenza but do not worry be ignored as dengue fever. People need to actively preserve the living environment clean, safe service conditions without development ".

Signs identifying dengue
Patients with sudden high fever (39-40 degrees) with the symptoms: fatigue, anorexia, myalgia, skin rash or congestive after 2-3 days.
Patients with dengue fever if not treated promptly can cause bleeding organs, vascular access, more blood loss, risk of death is very high.

Vietnam: 2 Cases Tami Resistant; Still Positive after 21 Days

Save successful two ca influenza A/H1N1 may seriously

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 6:03 PM
City:
(AFP) - Experience over 2-3 times the number of days of treatment compared with regular time and had thought at death, two cases can cum A/H1N1 have been heavily doctor Pham Ngoc Thach hospital Savior success.
Previously, patients underwent 12 CTH was immediately treated influenza A/H1N1 ineffective. The VMQ patients still positive for influenza A/H1N1 to 22 days after treatment and had computer network at St. patients in the "prevent hair hanging" by heavy pneumonia.



However, through the use Ralenza to treatment instead of Tamiflu (flu Ralenza only treatment for severe cases). Latest test results immediately 24/8 that the two patients were negative to H1N1 virus and will discharge in a few days.


According to the report of the Health Department City fast, some notable outbreaks being off track as secondary schools Cu Chinh Lan, Nguyen Extension field (three establishments have been a battlefield Wildlife Hospital and was clearance) .


Both the two hospitals battlefield National Wildlife Saigon Van (Binh Thanh District) and School Peace (Tan Binh) clearance and have been conducted continuously reducing bacteria in a few days before school was to receive back the students. Day 24/8 was more positive in 19 ca City, including 18 ca infected in the country.

A Frightening Swine Flu Forecast

August 24, 2009 3:11 PM
The nation is bracing for the return of Swine Flu this fall. The traditional flu season sets in each year when children return to schools. This year, becuase of Swine Flu, things are very different. It is a point underlined today with the release of a grim outlook.


The report was released by a group of top scientists tasked with looking at the Swine Flu threat and the nation's preparedness. They are careful to say the following is not a "prediction" but rather a "plausible scenario" of what we may face, soon:
--30-50% of the US population may become infected with the flu
--As many as 1.8 million Americans may need to be hospitalized
--Swine Flu could very well result in a big uptick in deaths from flu. In a normal year some 30,000-40,000 Americans die from flu. This year, with Swine Flu, that number could range upwards from 30,000 to 90,000.
--And this new, unique type of flu posses an especially high danger for the young as well as those with pre-existing health conditions including pregnant women.

Encephalitis kills more than 200 children in northern India

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:23:38 GMT
New Delhi - More than 210 children have died and many others are battling for survival in an outbreak of encephalitis in India's northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, officials and news reports said Monday.

Doctors at the Baba Raghav Das Hospital in Uttar Pradesh's eastern district of Gorakhpur, the epicentre of the outbreak, said nearly 900 children had been admitted since January. "One hundred seventy-four children have died due to the virus this year since January and 111 are still admitted, many of whom are in a serious condition," Dr KP Kushwaha said in a telephone interview.

Encephalitis is a brain inflammation, mostly caused by a viral infection. The risk of the disease increases during and after the rainy season, which last roughly from June to October. Neighbouring Bihar state was on high alert to check the spread of the disease after 39 children have died of encephalitis since late July, the IANS news agency reported.

The deaths occurred at the main government hospital in the state capital, Patna, while many other children were in various hospitals for treatment. All the dead were younger than 10 and from poor families. The children reported sudden, light fevers in the early morning, which was followed by bouts of unconsciousness and convulsions, leading to their deaths.

"Until 2005, the region was suffering due to Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease, which was eradicated to some extent," health official LP Rawat told the IANS. "But now it is enteroviral encephalitis, which is water-borne." The Gorakhpur district and the surrounding region are witnessing the worst outbreak of the disease since 2005. Extensive immunization against Japanese encephalitis was carried out in the region after an outbreak killed more than 1,000 people that year, most of them children. Last year, 151 children died from encephalitis in the Gorakhpur hospital.

Biological weapons experts meet at UN in Geneva

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:56:43 GMT

Geneva - A group of experts on biological weapons were set to begin Monday a week of meetings at the United Nations office in Geneva on better ways to prevent the manufacture and use of such arsenals as well as ways to utilize related sciences for constructive purposes. "These experts' contributions will be crucial to help us review our existing disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis, and containment capacities, and identify the resources that might be used to help others build their capacity," Marius Grinius, the chair of the meeting and a Canadian ambassador said.

Grinius noted that the meeting was taking place in the shadow of the A(H1N1), or swine flu, pandemic. Biological weapons are prohibited from being produced, stockpiled or used by the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), which entered into force in 1975, and was negotiated under the Conference on Disarmament, hosted by the UN in Geneva. This year's meeting of experts would focus on using biological sciences and technology for peaceful purposes, disease surveillance, and fighting infectious diseases. The experts would also try to promote cooperation between nations. The BWC was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons, and over 160 countries have pledged to abide by its rules. Most major military powers are parties to the convention, with the exception of a few, such as Egypt, Israel and Myanmar.

WHO: Conserve Tamiflu for the high-risk group

Published yesterday by ■ John Louie S. Ramos

The World Health Organization issued a press release Friday saying that the antiviral medicine Tamiflu should only be given to particularly vulnerable people -- the young, the old and the pregnant.

WHO issued the warning specifically against countries such as Britain which gives away the swine flu drug freely. The International health agency previously said that prescribing the drug is the doctor's prerogative adding that those people who catch mild to moderate cases of swine flu don't need to take the drug, however, the young, old, pregnant, and those with underlying health problems surely do. The WHO also warned the possibility that the liberal use of Tamilflu could lead to Tamiflu-resistant viruses -- which were already spotted in several cases in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Denmark and some parts of the United States.

So. Korea: Fears over flu drugs shortage

August 24, 2009

The new flu is spreading like wildfire across the nation. An additional 258 cases were confirmed in a single day last week, and the number of confirmed cases has surged in the past two days since the number of daily cases exceeded 100 people for the first time last Wednesday.

The A(H1N1) virus may become more deadly as autumn draws near, and there is a high chance that the disease could spread faster than expected, sparking concerns of a pandemic. Thus it is time that the health authorities and the entire country came together to resolve the crisis. However, the preparations of the nation’s health authorities leave a great deal to be desired. Above all, the supply of antiviral drugs and vaccines, which are considered effective against the new virus, falls far short of demand.

The current stockpile of antiviral drugs is enough for 5.3 million, or 11 percent of the total population. This is low compared to reported stockpiles in other countries, such as Britain and France (50 percent) and the United States and Japan (20-25 percent).

We are on the verge of a crisis but the current supply of Tamiflu will be inadequate to meet the demand soon if the number of rises dramatically. If a flu pandemic presents a tremendous challenge, we will have a catastrophe on our hands because of a shortage of appropriate drugs.

The government must look beyond allowing domestic drug manufacturers to produce substitute medicines. It must provide efficient vaccines as soon as possible and spare no effort or expense importing more flu vaccines from foreign manufacturers.

Above all, people should react to the recent flu outbreaks in an objective and calm manner. Excessive anxiety won’t help anyone. People should do everything they can for personal hygiene management, such as gentle hand washing.

If you begin to show flu-like symptoms such as a sudden high temperature, you should immediately visit your local doctor or nearby medical facility. Unless such symptoms are observed, people should refrain from hoarding a personal stockpile of Tamiflu. The drug is already in short supply following fears of a possible epidemic.

We believe the government and the public will share their wisdom to respond to and recover from the pandemic.

However, new types of viruses will likely continue to appear. We should explore ways to boost our capability to produce flu vaccines and anti-virus medicines on our own to ensure that we will be able to protect our own lives.

This is the most important lesson we should have learned from this new flu outbreak, and we have no excuse if we fail to properly protect ourselves in the future.
hat-tip Avian Flu Diary

Brace for 2nd wave: WHO

Aug 23, 2009
GENEVA - THE World Health Organisation is urging the planet to brace for a second wave of the swine flu pandemic as the heavily populated northern hemisphere edges towards the cooler season when flu thrives.

'The WHO is still mobilised and worried,' spokesman Gregory Hartl said as the global health watchdog kept an anxious eye on some 'mysterious' patterns of illness associated with the new A (H1N1) virus that appeared in April.

Influenza traditionally surges to its peak during the northern autumn and winter.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan warned on Friday that there had been second and third waves in previous pandemics.

'We cannot say for certain whether the worst is over or the worst is yet to come,' Ms Chan said in a videotaped address to a symposium on flu in the Asia-Pacific region.

'We need to be prepared for whatever surprises this capricious new virus delivers next,' she added.

Some 1,799 people have died since the A(H1N1) was uncovered in Mexico and the United States nearly six months ago, according to the UN health agency.

By comparison, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 people die around the world every year from seasonal flu, and overall the symptoms of the new pandemic virus have proved to be mild in the great majority of known cases.

However, it has spread swiftly into 177 countries, proving to be more infectious than seasonal flu and more durable through warmer months.

Through a full season in the southern hemisphere, the pandemic strain gradually became dominant. -- AFP

U.S.: Government agencies issue fresh pandemic guidance

Companies should have a plan in place to deal with outbreak

Jeff Casale

Two federal agencies last week issued fresh guidance about what employers can do if there is a serious influenza outbreak.

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines employers can follow to build a preparedness and action plan in a flu outbreak.

However, experts say fear of a pandemic may have waned and employers may have slipped into a false sense of security. Experts also note the H1N1 influenza virus could wreak havoc on employers if they're not prepared.

According to a World Health Organization update last week, more than 182,000 confirmed cases of pandemic flu have occurred in 177 countries and territories. Nearly 1,800 deaths have been reported as a result of the flu, the vast majority in the Americas.

Michael Keating, Atlanta-based director of Navigant Consulting Inc., said employers are aware of a potential flu outbreak, but some have not taken the simple step of forming a team to help outline how a company would operate should its workforce be hit by employee illness.

Chicago-based Navigant recently launched a survey of employers that focuses on risk management and human resource departments checking their preparedness in the event of a flu outbreak.

“Interest has kind of atrophied since late April when the outbreak first happened,” Mr. Keating said. “There isn't a lot of new guidance out there, but what the CDC is advocating is (for employers) to prepare to be flexible.”

In its guidelines (see related box), the CDC asks employers to work with employees to implement plans that can reduce the spread of flu, while keeping their business functioning during a slumping economy. The CDC also advises employers to encourage employees to receive a vaccination for seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 virus when that vaccine becomes available.

Mr. Keating and the CDC encourage employees with flulike symptoms to stay home. Further, they encourage employers to remain flexible in allowing employees to stay home if they are ill without fear of losing their jobs.

“One of the most important things that employers can do is to make sure their human resources and leave policies are flexible and follow public health guidance,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “If employees are sick, they need to be encouraged to stay home.”

Mr. Keating said some employees will abuse this flexibility, but also said employers can put policies in place to ensure employees are actually taking time off because they are ill. He mentioned actions such as unpaid leave and negative vacation balances as two ways of doing this when workers have already used their available days.

“Not getting paid or using vacation is enough to keep most people honest, but it provides that their job is still there for them once they are healthy again so they don't come to work sick in an effort to prevent the loss of their job,” Mr. Keating said.

He also recommends that employers get to know their local health officials and community leaders, who will communicate flu risk information in affected local areas. Another way employers can gauge the seriousness of a flu outbreak is monitoring school closings, he said.

Government agencies also encourage that other steps—such as stocking up on hand sanitizer, soap, tissue and other infection-prevention products—be done as early as possible, so they will be readily available during an outbreak when stores and distributors may not be able to keep up with demand.

Identifying key people within the company who maintain relationships with key clients and ensuring they are vaccinated and remain healthy is another step employers can take, Mr. Keating said.

“It's a good idea to index the skills held by a few people in the organization,” Mr. Keating said. “You have to plan how you're going to fill those roles should those people become sick, and there may not be time to cross-train someone. It's important to know where your vulnerabilities are and address them in advance.”

More information on influenza and how businesses can prepare for an outbreak is available at www.flu.gov.

More About The National Ventilator Survey

Disaster preparedness has been a priority in the United States and around the world since the events of September 11th, 2001. Mass casualty respiratory failure represents a serious challenge to the US healthcare system with respect to both personnel and materiel. Mass casualty respiratory failure may result from man-made or natural disasters such as explosions or earthquakes. It may also be infectious in origin resulting from man-made or naturally occurring agents such as anthrax or the recent H1N1 flu.

Public health preparedness for mass casualty respiratory failure includes surveillance and appropriate counter measures. The current H1N1 flu epidemic has resulted in small pockets of severe respiratory failure around the world. With the fall flu season of 2009 ahead of us, planning and preparation are priorities.

A major limitation in the US preparation for mass casualty respiratory failure is our inability to account for the number of ventilators currently available in US hospitals. Attempts at counting US ventilators have resulted in numbers from 65,000 to 105,000 devices.

Why is this important? As the Federal government plans for the possibility of mass casualty respiratory failure, the purchase of ventilators for the strategic national stockpile represents one countermeasure. The important question is how many ventilators are necessary? The single greatest impediment to answering this question, is not knowing how many ventilators are currently available.

The purchase of ventilators for mass casualty respiratory failure results in an approximate cost of $10,000 per device. If the estimation of ventilators is off by 10,000 devices, then an unnecessary purchase of that volume of equipment represents inappropriate allocation of $100M.

The Department of Health and Human Services has enlisted the American Association for Respiratory Care in completing what amounts to a census of ventilators in United States hospitals. The success of this project is critical in assisting the government in planning for mass casualty respiratory failure. This endeavor is a vital first step in meeting the threat of a severe fall flu season.

The AARC will be reaching out to each of you for help. As leaders of the Respiratory Care Community, your rapid, accurate, and complete response to the survey is the key to the success of the project. We are looking for one complete survey from each institution, completed by the individual with the best knowledge of the hospitals ventilator resources. Your Government has placed its trust in the AARC as the one organization with the membership and expertise to accomplish this task. The success of this project rests with each of you. The AARC and your Government are counting on you!

hat-tip Hawkeye

US Hospitals Urged to Take Survey on Ventilator Numbers by September 10

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contracted with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to perform a comprehensive inventory of mechanical ventilators in every hospital in the country. A survey is being taken to gain an accurate account of the number of ventilators that would be available in the event of a nationwide pandemic.

The Office of Preparedness and Response requested this inventory information “as the nation braces for the nH1N1 virus that may affect record numbers of Americans,” according to an announcement from AARC. The announcement goes on to explain, “Initial experience shows that many individuals are placed on ventilators as a result of this flu.”

All information gained from the survey will be kept in confidence and will not be available through the Freedom of Information Act. The AARC clarifies that no relocation of ventilators will be performed as a result of this survey; the information is sought so that the government can acquire or assist in augmenting current ventilator capacity.

Information on filling out the surveys has been sent to the Manager of Respiratory Care at each hospital in the United States.

"We are urging all hospitals to immediately begin this survey," said Timothy Myers, AARC president. "We hope to have this data gathered by September 10. There is an urgency to the effort."

hat-tip Hawkeye

India: Download H1N1 Information In Gujarati

[From page 11 of document]
FRIENDS,

Please find GUJARATI Presentation on subject of H1N1(SWINE FLU). You may use it for awareness and teaching purpose.


Dr.Maulik Shah
associate professor - Pediatrics,
MP Shah Medical College & GG Hospital,
JAMNAGAR(GUJARAT)
visit my blog:http://matrutvanikediae.blogspot.com/
http://navjaatshishu.blogspot.com/

Climate has no impact on swine flu virus: WHO

Sun, Aug 23 09:46 AM

New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) The World Health Organisation has said the swine flu virus is not affected by any variation in the temperature. Citing cumulative report of swine flu cases and deaths from different nations around the globe, WHO said the H1N1 virus has infected people from several countries with varying temperatures.

As per a WHO report, more than 18 lakh laboratories have confirmed cases of the pandemic influenza and nearly 1,800 deaths registered from across 177 countries and territories around the globe. Dr S J Habayeb, WHO representative in India, said, "H1N1 virus has no relation to weather.

Swine flu cases have been heard from countries with cold and hot temperatures." Citing example, he said, "Swine flu cases have been equally reported from Texas, New York and California, though the temperature varies in all the three places.

Texas is warmer than New York." According to WHO, over 1.8 lakh confirmed swine flu cases have been reported across the world.

Over one lakh people have tested positive for the virus in North and South America, where more than 1,500 deaths have been reported. This has been followed by European countries with over 32,000 people testing positive for the virus and more than 50 deaths reported from all over the continent.