Superbug found in British patients returning from treatment in Asia

Published 11 August 2010

British scientists have found a superbug which is resistant to most antibiotics and are warning that it is widespread in India and could soon appear worldwide. The superbug has so far been identified in thirty-seven people who returned to the United Kingdom after undergoing surgery in India or Pakistan.

In an article published online today (Wednesday) in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, doctors reported finding a new gene, called New Delhi-Metallo-1 (NDM-1). The gene alters bacteria, allowing them to become resistant to nearly all known antibiotics. It has been seen largely in E. coli bacteria, the most common cause of urinary tract infections, and on DNA structures that can be easily copied and passed onto other types of bacteria.

AP reports that the researchers said the superbug appeared to be already circulating widely in India, where the health system is much less likely to identify its presence or have adequate antibiotics to treat patients. Johann Pitout of the division of microbiology at the University of Calgary, Canada, wrote in an accompanying commentary

The potential of NDM-1 to be a worldwide public health problem is great, and coordinated international surveillance is needed,” the authors wrote.

Aside from the U.K., the resistant gene has also been detected in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the U.S. and Sweden. The researchers said that since many Americans and Europeans travel to India and Pakistan for elective procedures like cosmetic surgery, it was likely the superbug would spread worldwide.

The spread of these multi-resistant bacteria merits very close monitoring.

Pitout called for international surveillance of the bacteria, particularly in countries that actively promote medical tourism. “The consequences will be serious if family doctors have to treat infections caused by these multi-resistant bacteria on a daily basis.”

The Telegraph’s Rebecca Smith writes that the NDM-1 has been found in patients traveling to Asia for cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, and transplants and returning to Britain for further care. The bug was found attached to E.coli bacteria, but the enzyme can easily jump from one bacterium to another and experts fear it will start attaching itself to more dangerous diseases causing them to become resistant to antibiotics.

The bug is even resistant to the class of antibiotics known as Carbapenems which are reserved for use when all other antibiotics have failed.

Already last year, the Daily Telegraph highlighted how the bug had then been found in twenty-two patients in Britain and government scientists had issued an alert to hospitals to test for it and limit its spread. Members of the international team which wrote today’s Lancet article have tracked NDM-1 in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain and found the disease is more widespread than previously thought.

Co-authors of the research, Professor Timothy Walsh from Cardiff University and Professor David Livermore from the Health Protection Agency, wrote in the paper: “The NDM-1 problem is likely to get substantially worse in the foreseeable future…. The potential for wider international spread and for NDM-1 to become endemic worldwide, are clear and frightening.”

Antibiotics are available to buy without prescription in many countries in Asia and this is thought to have encouraged resistance to develop as many infections are exposed to the drugs without being properly killed.

Early warning system for bioterror attacks awarded contract

by Ashton Daigle on August 10, 2010

Officials with Vangent Inc. announced recently they have been awarded a $2.4 million contract over nine months to develop an early warning system that could be used in the event of a bioterrorist attack.

Block 3 of the Electronic System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics, or ESSENCE, will be used by the Defense Health Services Systems Programs office in support of the Military Health System.

Mac Curtis, Vangent's president and CEO, said he was excited about the contract.

“The Military Health System is continually monitoring, capturing, and analyzing huge amounts of data to calculate expected rates of infectious disease outbreaks with the end goal of containing emerging events and preventing full-blown epidemics,” Curtis said. “Timely, accurate information can be everything when public health is on the line, and Vangent is proud to lend its technical expertise and work hand-in-hand with the Military Health System on this critical medical surveillance project.”

Essence is an Internet-based monitoring system that tracks and alerts cases of rapid or unusual increases in the occurrence of infectious diseases and biological outbreaks. ESSENCE will collect data from approximately 90,000 outpatient and emergency department visits in Department of Defense healthcare facilities worldwide.

Block 3 will analyze complaint and lab results data, provide breakout data for inpatient and outpatient populations. It will also monitor the complete list of disease and injury data received from military treatment facilities to identify abnormal rates of syndromic-specific events, reportable medical events and disease and injury events.

WHO: H1N1 in post-pandemic period

Director-General's opening statement at virtual press conference
10 August 2010

The world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert. We are now moving into the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course.

Related links Frequently asked questions WHO recommendations for the post-pandemic period

These are the views of members of the Emergency Committee, which was convened earlier today by teleconference.

The Committee based its assessment on the global situation, as well as reports from several countries that are now experiencing influenza. I fully agree with the Committee’s advice.

As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.

In the post-pandemic period, localized outbreaks of different magnitude may show significant levels of H1N1 transmission. This is the situation we are observing right now in New Zealand, and may see elsewhere.

In fact, the actions of health authorities in New Zealand, and also in India, in terms of vigilance, quick detection and treatment, and recommended vaccination, provide a model of how other countries may need to respond in the immediate post-pandemic period.

Globally, the levels and patterns of H1N1 transmission now being seen differ significantly from what was observed during the pandemic. Out-of-season outbreaks are no longer being reported in either the northern or southern hemisphere. Influenza outbreaks, including those primarily caused by the H1N1 virus, show an intensity similar to that seen during seasonal epidemics.

During the pandemic, the H1N1 virus crowded out other influenza viruses to become the dominant virus. This is no longer the case. Many countries are reporting a mix of influenza viruses, again as is typically seen during seasonal epidemics.

Recently published studies indicate that 20–40% of populations in some areas have been infected by the H1N1 virus and thus have some level of protective immunity. Many countries report good vaccination coverage, especially in high-risk groups, and this coverage further increases community-wide immunity.

Pandemics, like the viruses that cause them, are unpredictable. So is the immediate post-pandemic period. There will be many questions, and we will have clear answers for only some. Continued vigilance is extremely important, and WHO has issued advice on recommended surveillance, vaccination, and clinical management during the post-pandemic period.

Based on available evidence and experience from past pandemics, it is likely that the virus will continue to cause serious disease in younger age groups, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period. Groups identified during the pandemic as at higher risk of severe or fatal illness will probably remain at heightened risk, though hopefully the number of such cases will diminish.

In addition, a small proportion of people infected during the pandemic, including young and healthy people, developed a severe form of primary viral pneumonia that is not typically seen during seasonal epidemics and is especially difficult and demanding to treat. It is not known whether this pattern will change during the post-pandemic period, further emphasizing the need for vigilance.

As I said, pandemics are unpredictable and prone to deliver surprises. No two pandemics are ever alike. This pandemic has turned out to be much more fortunate than what we feared a little over a year ago.

This time around, we have been aided by pure good luck. The virus did not mutate during the pandemic to a more lethal form. Widespread resistance to oseltamivir did not develop. The vaccine proved to be a good match with circulating viruses and showed an excellent safety profile.

Thanks to extensive preparedness and support from the international community, even countries with very weak health systems were able to detect cases and report them promptly.

Had things gone wrong in any of these areas, we would be in a very different situation today.

I will be happy to answer your questions.

WHO: Plague in Peru

10 August 2010 --

As of 30 July 2010, the Ministry of Health in Peru confirmed a total of 17 cases of plague in Ascope province of Department La Libertad. Of these, four are pneumonic plague, 12 are bubonic plague and one was septicemic plague, (all non-fatal). The onset of symptoms for the last reported case of pneumonic plague was on 11 July 2010. During the investigations, 10 strains of Y. pestis were isolated from humans, rodents and domestic cats.

The control measures being implemented include insect control in households located in high risk areas, strengthening of disease surveillance and case management, contact tracing, and sensitization of the affected population.

WHO is working with the Ministry of Health in assisting La Libertad with the outbreak investigation and response activities in affected areas and the surrounding districts.

Indonesia: Stay alert Solsel Bird Flu Threat

8/6/10

Cases of bird flu in South Solok regency possible. Although chances are small, people were asked to remain vigilant against infectious diseases caused by the H5N1 influenza virus.
-snip-
"Regional Solsel neighbors, are now no cases of bird flu. This makes the chance appearance of the H5N1 virus in our area are also smaller. But we must not be negligent, it could be from other animals brought here and turned out to have been attacked by the bird flu virus," added Yulia.

Indonesia: Suspected Human H5N1 Case in Bengkulu

[Previously post on situation here ]

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Patients suspect bird flu, P (19) residents Lempuing goes to hospitals M Yunus on Friday (6 / 8) at around 17:00 pm. Victim in because experiencing the heat and fever, sore throat and is known also contaminated or previously associated with poultry after burying his chickens that died a few days earlier. After review by the medical team M Yunus Hospital was hit by the H5N1 virus is suspected victims should be treated intensively.

Hospital director Dr M Yunus Bengkulu. RB Zulman Zuri yesterday to justify his side are caring for residents who suffer from one suspect bird flu. "We are currently performing maintenance on the patient suspect bird flu. But for now we are not sure whether the victims tested positive for bird flu or not. Because they still find in the medical team care hospitals M Yunus, "said Zulman.

He also revealed that he is currently treating casualties suspect bird flu isolation room Kemuning. But for now after getting the medical care it is starting to improve the condition of the victim. "For a while we thought it was not bird flu. Because based on our inspection, this was a few days of heat casualties have decreased condition and getting better. After we do a swap, which means making sempel throat throat secret. We have checked into R & D laboratories Kes Jakarta every day diving three days. And we also have to do x-rays, but we can not confirm and is still waiting for lab results first, "explained Zulman

In addition, the Hospital M Yunus Bengkulu now also been anticipating the arrival of bird flu patients, by preparing two special rooms for patients infected with bird flu. Special rooms have been placed in a room with a very tight Kemuning, view using equipment that is safe for patients and medical care for her.

"Because the rampant spread of bird flu that we see now in Bengkulu. We've mengantisifasinya by forming a team for handling bird flu disease chaired by Dr. Rasjmijon. Sp.PD, "explained director of the Hospital M Yunus.

Extends to Betungan

Meanwhile, officers Participatory Deasease Surveylens and Response (PDSR) or Bird Flu Response team discovered new cases in Sub Betungan, yesterday (9 / 8). On the same day the bird flu spread to the Middle Bengkulu (Fortress) exactly Village Pasma, 24 male officers to ensure that died suddenly of bird flu positive.

The spread of bird flu last two weeks is increasingly worrisome. Previously, the spread has occurred in the District Kepahiang. The more widespread dissemination of these cases, the status of Bengkulu City designated as Extraordinary Events (KLB) by the Disease Control Unit of Avian Influenza (bird flu), or the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC).

LDCC Coordinator is said, drh. Emran Kuswady, Bengkulu City deservedly outbreak status. Given the increasingly wide spread and will spread to susceptible humans. "People were asked to participate to this bird flu penangnan. During this difficulty in combating the spread of this virus because of the very low awareness of citizens. With this status is expected penangannnya further enhanced. Besides support from the government and citizens should also be more, it's not considered normal, "he asserted.

Related to the status and distribution of bird flu will have a negative impact, particularly chicken meat traders. But Emran described so far not been found in cases of livestock in the region. "We will constantly monitor and supervise the broiler farm. In addition, there will be checks on each farm, especially in the fasting month and Lebaran day ahead, "Emran said.

Meanwhile, the spread of bird flu more serious not so perceived by broiler breeders. Disclosed Putra, CV broiler farm manager. Anggas Jaya at Jalan Lintas Kemiling Padang, Padang Village Kemiling, the outbreak of bird flu cases has not been so influential in their efforts. Currently their sales because of the higher ahead of fasting and Idul Fitri.

Son assured, they always follow the procedures and procedures for poultry properly. For example always doing bio security, sanitation, at least twice a day. So they are not worried about his livestock is diseased tau bird flu virus. "We are very concerned the health of livestock. Before the seed or feed into the cage area must also be checked and sprayed. Every morning we do the spraying in the barn and in the afternoon in the cage environment, "he explained.

Affirmed the Son, the circulation of the chicken pieces in Bengkulu stay safe. Because the process of maintaining standards. "We guarantee a healthy and marketing as much as possible will prevent entry of disease into the stable area," he asserted.

Similar to the Son, Viktor, poultry livestock owners in The Village Sumber Jaya, they are not assured of cattle affected by bird flu. According to him, well kept birds from avian influenza will be spared. However, to anticipate the entry of this virus in cattle, Viktor haru harder to clean cages and sprayed. "I am ready to do anything to spread the disease from spreading. For now I'm trying to keep this disease does not infect my cattle, "he said. (Cik/cw1)

Indonesia: Dumai Hospital reaches 57 people with Fever-

Monday, August 09, 2010

Fever Heat victims continues to grow

Until now, the number of victims of the fever heat at SMPN1 some time ago that must be referred to hospitals Dumai has reached 57 people. Entirely a victim after a hot fever symptoms in school some time ago.

Of that amount this time have largely returned to their homes. Previously 25 patients to be treated in isolation rooms A1 and H1N1 in IRNA D Hospital Dumai. Is a day, came back 37 people, making the total to 54 patients to be treated in isolation rooms.



Sunday (2 / 8), Dumai Hospital Director Dr. Desio Isanov Dumai City MARS Online quoted as explaining, from the number of patients who went on Saturday (eighth), until Sunday, the number has a lot of the home. On Sunday, there were only two people left to patients treated in isolation of H1N1 IRNA D space.

''Today (yesterday), the number of fever patients live only 18 people. Who signed on today (yesterday), only two people. Thus far the total number of patients with sudden fever in SMP 1 Dumai who were treated in hospital isolation room IRNA D Dumai City 57 people, and 39 patients who had gone home,''he said.

Desio still can not conclude cause sudden fever that caused dozens of junior high school students forced to return home due to an illness complaint. Such complaints can be dealt with according to already provide treatment as appropriate according to the SOP suspect swine flu or bird flu.

''Why do we put in isolation rooms. This is in accordance with the complaints from the patients themselves. Care we give is also in accordance with the complaint. Alhamdullilah until now most of the patients home safely. From the number of patients who entered the isolation room, there are only two samples that we take the swap, and blood for examination in Jakarta. Two men had been representing all suspect,''he said.

Previously from Dumai City Disnakkanla already menyatakah that the results of rapid test dead birds found in the yard SMPN1 is negative. This means that dead birds found at page 1 rather than the cause of dozens of junior high school students fever simultaneously.

Not satisfied''with the rapid test, and to further convince the community, we also have to send samples of tracheal swaps and cloaca of birds to the Central Veterinary Disease Investigation (Animal Health) in Bukittinggi. This was done so that all public disquiet over this will be answered after the sample had no results,''said Surya .*** Irianto

Vietnam-The risk of re-flu outbreak

Tuesday, 10/08/2010, 01:18 (GMT +7)

Another case of H1N1 flu has died after a lull in the epidemic. That was no warning for the health sector and the community before the neglect prevention during that time. Together, the epidemic influenza A/H5N1 in which a child died in March also marks the recent return. More ominous when hundreds of places selling or slaughtering live poultry will still appear fresh spill.

Influenza A/H1N1 back

In those days, each take their children to kindergarten, Ms. Huong (live Tan Thuan Dong Ward, District 7, HCMC) re mask for his health and even 3-year-old daughter. "In 2009, when the influenza outbreak, I bought a few dozen medical masks to prevent. In May, found the situation to be quiet so subjective, this must only guard again, "Huong said.

However, not everyone is aware that prevention of influenza A/H1N1 is almost indifferent. Even health care workers in hospitals - which are required to uphold A/H1N1 flu prevention - also recent months hardly ever wear a mask when in contact with patients. Slogans, posters propaganda against influenza A/H1N1 in the medical establishment has been thrown away.

And where you LVNQ (6 years), students with a special education school in Binh Thanh District, HCM deaths caused by influenza A/H1N1 has people worried than before the owner with the disease.

Gospel According to Nguyen Van, director of the Center of Preventive Medicine, Binh Thanh district, the center has conducted the necessary health measures such as spraying sterilization in private homes, schools, and close supervision for 31 students with her classmates Q. However, promoting the area to better prevention, according to his Gospel, should have a specific plan from the health sector.

In addition to the above case of death, the doctor Nguyen Dac Tho, deputy director of Preventive Medicine Center City, said the province has found a city where influenza A/H1N1 infection. That baby PQYN (8 years old, five insurers, District 8). After a period of active treatment, until now, healthy baby N. has temporarily stabilized.

Tho received the BS influenza A/H1N1 virus in the community and still can not anticipate the ability to spread. Need to repeat that this time last year, when the influenza A/H1N1 appeared in Vietnam, the health sector groups have recommended influenza A/H1N1 is susceptible children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic disease.


Students were separated in the treatment of influenza H1N1 infection in 2009. Photo: Tg. LAM


To date, Vietnam has recorded 59 cases of death from H1N1 influenza mainly located in this target group.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tran Hien, Director of the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that appeared scattered some cases positive for influenza A/H1N1 in Dong Nai, Tien Giang and Ho Chi Minh. This is considered a warning sign is outbreaks of influenza A/H1N1 back.

According to Dr. Le Hoang San, Deputy Director of the Institute Pasteur HCMC, through community monitoring exist these days also showed that influenza A/H1N1 are back. Did a lot of flu infection in the community.

Worry for influenza A/H5N1

Although not the peak season arising avian (A/H5N1), but the fact was noted that signs of this pandemic arising again.

In the past month 3-2010, is a case of death due to influenza A/H5N1. That baby N.T.K.M. (3 years old, live Thuan An, Binh Duong Province), Children's Hospital Added City and two tested positive for influenza A/H5N1. Patients M. hospitalized with high fever five consecutive days, occasional cough, have been suspected dengue but not test, photograph showed pneumonia, respiratory failure.

Doctors conducted tests PCR (molecular biology) for her results M. positive for influenza A/H5N1 virus. Through inspection, authorities discovered the baby around family living selling chickens and more people live.

Earlier, on May 2-2010, is another case of death from influenza A/H5N1 in Tien Giang. It was 38 years old female patient, a resident of An Thai Trung commune, Cai Be district, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia leading to death. Epidemiological investigation showed that patients with a history of slaughtering poultry and fish processing.

Although the risk of influenza A/H5N1 epidemic outbreaks but is now back in area city, state trading and slaughtering live poultry place still widespread, difficult to control.

On Chanh Hung, District 8, each evening has brought dozens of chickens, ducks live unsettled guests take out the curb. Along Nguyen Van Linh (District 7), especially the area under the bridge Mr. Big has many venues sell all kinds of live poultry trade and slaughter on the spot.

In addition, a series of trade, slaughter poultry at different existing District 12, Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, Go Vap, Hoc Mon ... World Health Organization (WHO), warned of avian influenza and the potential is always at risk in outbreak very high in winter to prevent if there is no good.

According to the Department of Public Health Pasteur Institute HCMC, through surveys in the southern provinces that captivity and slaughter birds back by popular local and yet most thorough prevention.

HCMC Pasteur Institute recommended authorities directed the provinces south of strengthening supervision and implementation of prevention and control measures of avian influenza A / H5N1.

Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology recommendation, to reduce the risk of death from H1N1 influenza, those with prolonged fever, or trouble breathing, symptoms of pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, children, old people need medical facility for examination, detected in time.

A new suspected case of plague entered the Regional

Monday, August 9, 2010
Yesterday, a new suspected case of bubonic plague entered the Trujillo Regional Teaching Hospital. This time it's a person around 32 years old who arrived from Cariaga sector in Chocope district in the province of Ascope.
As reported by the Regional Technical Committee Chairman Operational Pest Control, Pedro Diaz Camacho, this person has a right groin Bobon and now his health is stable. "I was in the hospital and have traveled to the area to make an inspection and have ruled out another suspect case," he said.

Cases increase
In the same vein, Diaz Camacho said that to date in La Libertad were presented 29 cases of people infected with the plague. "Of these 12 cases were confirmed, four pneumonia, two and six septicemic plague, and 17 cases are as likely," said

Cases of plague still no results
Monday, August 9, 2010



Although cases of pneumonic plague, septicemic and bubonic come and have attracted increasing attention nationally and internationally, the authorities of the Ministry of Health (MoH) seem to take much interest to rule out or confirm suspected cases presented in our region. (Photo: Diffusion)



The Regional Technical Committee Chairman Operational Pest Control, Pedro Diaz Camacho, criticized the delay of the authorities of the National Health Institute (INS) to resolve the 16 analysis sent to the city of Lima a week ago.

"Laboratories much delayed. I have 16 suspected cases and can not be confirmed because the results of the tests take to be shipped from Lima. We sent the analysis, on Tuesday last week and to date we do not have results, "he said.

In this regard, and in order to prevent the spread of this epidemic, called on the authorities of the Ministry of Health (MoH) have a preferential attention to the cases sent from Trujillo.

"With the epidemic that we live in Trujillo, Lima would have to give us another kind of attention, so we will continue as more probable cases and not take proper control of the epidemic," he said.

Decentralization
Also, Camacho Díaz, required decentralizing authorities Minsa laboratories discard the plague. "This could be confirmed or excluded cases immediately and not wait a week to learn and take action."

Finally, he said that in about 60 days, Trujillo may have a laboratory discard the plague, the same as would be installed at the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (UNT).

A new case of plague in Ascope

The number of people infected could rise to 29 in La Libertad. Emergency was admitted, presenting symptoms of this plague.

According to health authorities, the plague would be controlled. (USI)
Cases of plague in La Libertad could rise to 29 if the National Institute of Health in Lima confirmed that a man of 32 years, the hamlet of Careaga district of Chocope in Ascope province is infected with the disease. This was announced by Health Manager, Víctor Peralta.

The official said two days ago this patient had high fever, nausea and a bubo in the right groin, so he was taken to Chocope health center, but to contact the staff of Health decided it was Trujillo transferred to the Regional Hospital of the province.

Peralta also reported that a group of specialists, headed by the Chairman of Technical Committee on Pest Control, Pedro Díaz, go to the area to examine whether there are more cases, in order to act immediately to control tasks .

However, Diaz said the outbreak of plague in the La Libertad region, because of rodent flea bites, and is under control. However, it recommended making permanent actions to prevent further cases.

The health authorities questioned the candidate's political movement Contigo Laredo, Javier Rodriguez, warning that 28 thousand people of this district at risk of contracting the epidemic.

EN AREQUIPA.
In the south, warned about the increasing number of patients with fever in La Libertad, Regional Management of Health has launched campaigns to exterminate rats, with the aim of preventing any cases of bubonic plague. "For 10 years not registered bubonic plague patients," said Hector Flores Hinojosa, head of the entity.

The first hospital was involved Goyeneche Hospital, located in the center and considered one of the most important for the many patients who receive their emergency and inpatient areas.

Irresponsible and criminal indifference

Monday, August 9, 2010
The imminent danger of a violent proliferation of bubonic and pneumonic plague does not seem to turn on the speed of public officials of the Health of Lima.


As is clear from the undue delay that the doctors treat the capital scenario analysis outbreaks of this disease, the issue is not relevant even though the amount of cases being reported daily in our region.

To date, about 29 have been reported among confirmed cases (12) and those to be confirmed. As the results come, however, our patients continue to pray for a cure, and we, the concerned expectant, unfortunately we only ask that we not hold them off guard.

Prevention, however, is a much more arduous task, especially if, after learning something about the mechanism of infection and contagion, or the etiology of the disease, we understand that this is a pest that attacks first, to disadvantaged populations. Is precisely where the work of education and prophylaxis is complicated greatly. If this reality is compounded by the silence of the Lima laboratory workers, the picture is much more worrisome.

In principle, know the final diagnosis of about 17 difficult patients wishing to undertake any action that doctors, whose primary duty is to save lives. Wandering in uncertainty, contingency plans against the virus that wishes to enter the Regional Health Management, end up stagnating. That is, to be unworkable. If only it were possible to close the eyes, pretending to be a bad dream, dream, of course, "and just wake up! And forget.

But the reality is not necessary so that when least expected, hits us in all its violence and tried to force to react. How much do you actually know of the capital charge required to issue final reports on the analysis of virus samples forwarded to them for over a week? Apparently, they do not know anything about anything, and that is natural. A distance of 557 miles between Trujillo and Lima will also make a dent in the myths of a quasi-fictional integration and national brotherhood.

I say quasi-fictional because you can not understand or justify the delay. Sent analysis are 17 more than a week, so far unsolved. Meanwhile, our patients get worse, the Management of Health is reassuring the public and the press attention to this phenomenon, only records incidents, making votes because we do not see in the coming days with a pathological situation uncontrollable. Praying also because we do not reach, or bubonic plague or his relentless sister pneumonic.

Freedom is a source of pride for the nation in many aspects: cultural, gastronomic, tourist. Go! Even beauty queens, our daughters, we have taken to the delight of the world to honor the globe! The meanness of centralization, however, hold as much as a virus, much more than the benefits, in the fragile national memory

Doctors Hospital La Caleta fight against 'Bubonic Plague' in Chimbote,Peru

Monday, August 9, 2010 10:00

Given the cases presented in 'Bubonic Plague' in northern director of the Hospital La Caleta, in coordination with the health committee and COPROSEC, is coordinating a plan of proposals for preventive measures to avoid possible cases of patients infected with this disease .
In response, the Director Zuniga Guiselle Prince said one of the main proposal is to raise awareness regarding this issue which has alerted the whole country and the other would start the clean-up campaign to avoid outbreaks of infection in vulnerable areas where there is greater risk of spreading the spread of bubonic plague and pneumonic plague.

Among them, human settlements that lack basic services which threatens the health of the inhabitants, as well as the bus terminal where there is direct contact between people coming from other places and that possibly they may be infected with pneumonic plague, and then transmit it to the chimbotanos, just as another area for example is that in the back of the pier is currently with mounds of garbage and it is clear the presence of rodents that can leave their infected fleas.
Also, the Miramar area and around because they are near the sea which is currently contaminated

from Monday, May 10, 2010 - 08:31

Ministries of Health and Agriculture to dilute the importance of the report of the Research Unit U.S. NAMRU-3...And confirm that the bird flu virus constantly mutating

الإثنين، 10 مايو 2010 - 08:31 New report made public by the laboratories of the Research Unit, U.S. NAMRU-3 of the U.S. Navy detected viral sequences in cases of bird flu, "h5n1" similar to the characteristics of seasonal influenza virus transmitted between humans, fears of the spread of the virus.

He warned against Mohammed Saif, a veterinary professor at the University of Beni Suef the seriousness of the integration of the avian influenza virus seasonal influenza, which could result in a new strain of influenza, pointing out that the most dangerous accelerant "comes from the seasonal flu, which kills more than 500 thousand persons in the world and added sword seasonal influenza the most common types of influenza infection and killing of human beings, while bird flu is the fastest species killing of human beings.

The sword that there has been a significant overlap between the viral flu h1n1 influenza, seasonal flu, but it did not happen, but the gravity would be the most dangerous in the event of avian mating with seasonal influenza, which has not happened yet.

Has reduced the ministries of agriculture and health significance of the coefficient of the Research Unit of America, asserted that the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation that the changes that occur the avian influenza virus, whether of birds or of human permanent occurrence is the virus constantly mutating, according to Dr. Saber Abdel Aziz, general manager of of the epidemics in poultry.

And Abdel-Aziz, mutations that have occurred in the virus led to reduced mortality to 10% only, indicating that the mutations in the isolated avian normal and does not mean the virus will mutate into a virus a human being.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the influenza virus is a virus mutation permanent and always active genetic variability from time to time have already been registered HIV many genetic changes, which earned him the changes in the activity.

The ministry said in a statement that the discovery of the laboratories of the Research Unit, U.S. NAMRU-3, of U.S. Navy in Egypt sequences of viral cases of bird flu flu (H5N1) similar to the characteristics of seasonal influenza virus transmitted among humans, they discovered an old reference to the end of the past year has been declared out in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, which was recorded on all the infected cases of bird flu and swine.

Have reached NAMRU-3 to sub-sequences HA and NA in the cases examined in Egypt, and found that it included one of the specifications of existing seasonal influenza virus and transmitted between humans, which indicates that this capacity is becoming a constant in the virus in Egypt.

The study had been conducted earlier indicated the existence of similarities between the H5N1 and H1N1 seasonal influenza leading to increased fears about HIV transmission among people, especially those cases that contained one of the genetic traits which were found in cases that have been examined.

The NAMRU-3 is working with the Egyptian Ministry of Health in the analysis of samples suspected of being infected with influenza viruses present.

Egypt: BF virus mutates, New Vaccine & Mapping System

[Previous post on new vaccine here ]

The Institute of Animal Health in the implementation of a huge project in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications to set up an electronic map of all enterprises, animal and poultry in Egypt ‮. ‬وقالت د‮. Said Dr. ‬ ‮. ‬مني محرز رئيس المعهد انه تم البدء بتنفيذ المشروع في محافظتي القاهرة والجيزة وذلك في إطار مواجهة انفلونزا الطيور‮. ‬ Mona Mehrez head of the institute was to start implementing the project in the governorates of Cairo, Giza and in the context of tackling bird flu ‮. ‬مشيرا إلي وجود حالات إصابة لا يقوم أصحاب المزارع بالإبلاغ‮ ‬عنها،‮ ‬ودعت المربين إلي تطبيق معايير الأمان الحيوي والإبلاغ‮ ‬عن أي إصابة لتحقيق مصلحتهم في المقام الأول‮. ‬

He pointed to the existence of cases does not farm owners reporting by ‮ ‬, ‮ ‬ and invited educators to the application of bio-safety standards and reporting ‮ ‬ for any injury to their own benefit in the first place ‮. ‬وكان اتحاد منتجي الدواجن قد حذر من تحور فيروس انفلونزا الطيور،‮ ‬وأعلن عن بدء تجربة لقاح جديد وسيتم استيراده خلال شهر بعد اختباره‮.‬ ‬

The Union of Poultry Producers has warned of bird flu mutates, ‮ ‬ announced the start of the experience of a new vaccine will be imported during the month after testing ‮.

Bubonic plague is still advancing

there were 22 patients infected by this disease in Trujillo
Ascope alarm.
Residents and medical Chicama, Casa Grande, Chocop, Paiján, El Milagro and Chiclín, jurisdictions Ascope, Trujillo, were anxious about the progress of bubonic plague and pneumonic plague that has killed one person in the area.

"We have enough equipment or personnel to deal with an epidemic and it appears that this can occur," said the director of Regional Hospital of Trujillo, Fernando Gil, who in turn said that the disease could be an epidemic.
He explained that it is not known exactly how many people are infected with this disease transmitted by a flea that carries Yersin Pestis bacteria, which causes bumps on the skin and high fever. If pneumonic plague is affecting the lungs and spread more rapidly because it is transmitted by sweat or saliva.
This, he added, considering that it has detected 11 new cases of bubonic plague, a figure that increases to 22 the number of infected people.

August 8, 2010

Trujillo threatened by plague

Saturday August 7, 2010 - 21:251493
The number of people infected with the virus rose to 25 in Liberty.

(Image reference)

Hugo Villanueva, president of the Medical Federation of La Libertad, said he is dismayed by the bad health policy in the region,

"We are far from controlling the epidemic. Now we have seven new cases and two of them are young people who are hospitalized in the hospital Lazarte Garay. Not enough resources to adequately treat patients, "said Villanueva.

Also announced that the rodents carrying evil are only three thousand meters from the center of Trujillo.

Egypt: New Vaccine for H5N1

Agriculture put forward a tender for the production of a vaccine "bird flu" locally

Sunday, August 8th, 2010 - 12:56

Agreed Amin Abaza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, to put an international tender by the Ministry to produce a vaccine against avian influenza strains local isolated and selected according to the events of variables in the virus, according to the Terms and Conditions laboratory guarantee the efficiency of vaccines in the fight against the disease.

ومن جانبه قال د.سعد نصار، مستشار وزير الزراعة واستصلاح الأراضى، فى تصريحات صحفية صباح اليوم، الأحد: "إن اللجنة الفنية لمكافحة أنفلونزا الطيور بالوزارة أوصت بسرعة اتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة من الجهات المعنية لإنشاء خط لإنتاج اللقاح محليا". For his part, Dr. Saad Nassar, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, in press statements this morning, Sunday: "The Technical Committee of the ministry's bird flu recommended quickly take the necessary action from the concerned authorities to create a line to produce vaccine locally."

Plague threatens to reach Trujillo

Saturday, August 7, 2010


After Lima, the Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed that rodents trapped in the town carrying the bacteria Miracle 'yersinia pestis' (plague), the Health authorities and staff met yesterday to prepare an emergency plan preventive to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases like bubonic plague and pneumonic. (Photo: Carlos Flores)


The discovery process began with the placement of 70 traps in the area 9 where there are about 20 blocks, in which prevail the yards.

There they caught the rats that were studied in a laboratory at the National Institute of Health in Lima, where he said Thursday at 4 pm, the animals were carrying the fleas carry the bacteria.

Although, the manager of Network Micro Hope, Carlos Herrera Vassallo, said no cases recorded in Trujillo in Sector 9 humble about 500 families are at risk for the evil that progressively attacks the body's defenses if is not taken adequate preventive measures.

"There is a method of placing the traps. The trap allows to know the rate of rodent fleas which are the bacteria are studied in the laboratory where they finally determines whether a carrier or not, "said the specialist.

A bugging
Given this warning, yesterday at the Health Center of El Milagro, the mayors of Huanchacho, Fernando Bazán Pinillos, and the center village of El Milagro, Wilder Loyola Vásquez, managers of the Micro Network of Hope and Health Network " Trujillo, Carlos Vasallo and Jose Herrera Villanueva Villanueva, among others, planned to take emergency measures such as buying flea and production of brochures.

The city of Huanchaco bear the cost for the purchase of 3000 kilos of 'Carbarín' dusting substance that will eliminate the fleas in four markets as Santa Rosa, July 28, Lord of Miracles, among others, as well as 23 institutions education. The brigades also will go to areas 9 and 8, and 170 farms in the vicinity.

"It is estimated that two kilos would be used for each house. The cost is high and make the effort to take extreme precautionary measures and prevent fleas infect humans. We are coordinating the substance by buying directly from Lima, "said the manager of the Micro Red de La Esperanza, Carlos Herrera.

It is important to add that also educate people coordinating the distribution of printed messages, which are urged to maintain cleanliness, the cleanliness of their homes and move out of the garbage and go to the nearest health center if suffering symptoms of diseases like plague and pneumonic plague (the second is the complication of the first).

"In the prison, El Milagro, both in men and woman, have taken the warnings of the case. It also recommends that people manage their solid waste and maintain cleanliness. From today (yesterday) started with the multimedia campaign, "said the manager of the Micro Network, Carlos Herrera.

Mystery Pig Deaths Spread Through Three Provinces

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer Phnom Penh Monday, 02 August 2010

Photo: AP

Animal health authorities are trying to learn what has killed nearly 200 pigs in three separate provinces.

“On Saturday, we started the blood tests on seven pigs.”

Animal health authorities are trying to learn what has killed nearly 200 pigs in three separate provinces.

An unknown number of pigs have died in the provinces of Battambang and Kampong Cham, while nearly 150 have perished in the southern province of Kampot.

Health officials said the disease appears to be bacterial, making an outbreak of H1N1, sometimes called swine flu, unlikely.

On Monday, officials began blood tests of pigs in Kampot, where the latest and most severe outbreak has occurred.

“On Saturday, we started the blood tests on seven pigs,” Kao Phal, director of the animal health department of the Ministry of Agriculture, said Monday. “But unitl now we do not know exactly the disease that happened to the pigs is.”

The animal health department is also appealing to farmers not to transport any pigs from their farms to market for the rest of the month of August, he said

Officials Fear Swine Epidemic From Vietnam, Thailand

Wednesday, 04 August 2010


The pigs have all died in the last two weeks, fanning concern of an epidemic, officials said in a special meeting of provincial leaders in Phnom Penh.

“Animal health officials, military police and police, as well as customs officials, are working closely together to stop the illegal import of pigs,” Agriculture Minister Chan Sarun said at Wednesday’s meeting. “This measure is to prevent an epidemic of the disease from one side [of the border] to the other.”
Hundreds of pigs have now died across nine provinces, from two types of disease that may have come from neighboring countries, animal health officials said Wednesday.

The pigs have all died in the last two weeks, fanning concern of an epidemic, officials said in a special meeting of provincial leaders in Phnom Penh. Authorities say they are concerned infected pigs are being smuggled in from Thailand and Vietnam.

Government officials are now appealing to provincial officials near the borders to step up efforts to stop the import of pigs for an unspecified amount of time.

“Animal health officials, military police and police, as well as customs officials, are working closely together to stop the illegal import of pigs,” Agriculture Minister Chan Sarun said at Wednesday’s meeting. “This measure is to prevent an epidemic of the disease from one side [of the border] to the other.”

Blood tests by the Ministry of Agriculture’s department of animal health on more than 80 pigs turned up two causes for the deaths: porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome and classical swine fever.

Classical swine fever was found in samples from Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham and Takeo provinces. PRRS was found in samples from Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces, officials said.

Authorities from the ministry’s department of animal health have taken control of villages in nine provinces where they hope to contain the spread of the diseases.

A similar epidemic in China in 2006 killed more than 10,000 pigs before it was brought under control. In May, Vietnam and Laos experienced a similar outbreak, followed by another in Thailand last month.

PRRS news / Cambodia

Friday, August 06, 2010

Thailand's Pigs Now PRRS-Free

THAILAND - Thai authorities have affirmed that blue-ear swine disease, also known as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), is not present in pigs in Thailand and say exports of live swine remain at normal levels.

"No outbreak of this disease has been detected here. Thai pig farms have generally adopted a standardised farming system, and exporting live pigs to Cambodia requires prior approval to move them and disease-free certification from the Livestock Development Department," said department chief Preecha Somboonprasert.

Mr Preecha made the remarks after reports emerged that Cambodia had banned pig imports from neighbours Vietnam and Thailand after animals infected with blue-ear disease were smuggled into the country from Viet Nam, infecting other pigs.

Bangkok Post reports that the ban was announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who also asked market vendors to keep pork prices stable.

"I would like to appeal to provincial authorities, especially provinces near the borders of Viet Nam and Thailand, to suspend pig imports," he said, warning that the disease could spread rapidly through the pig population.

Cambodian Agriculture Minister Chan Sarun said the outbreak followed an order by Hanoi instructing farmers in Vietnam to slaughter infected pigs.

But he said some farmers had instead dumped their pigs across the border in Cambodia at knock-down prices, spreading the disease, which is also known as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.

Testing has revealed hundreds of pigs have died from the disease in four provinces bordering Vietnam, and experts said blue-ear had probably spread to half of Cambodia's 24 provinces.

In 2007, Cambodia banned pig imports from Thailand and Viet Nam for eight months after a similar outbreak.

The Livestock Development Department said Thailand exported 200,000 live pigs to Cambodia last year worth 12 billion baht. In the first half of this year, exports topped 80,000 pigs worth of 6,000 baht apiece.

Nopporn Vayuchote, executive vice-president of the Betagro Group, said the disease was not transmittable to humans.

Swine flu recurs, other diseases on the rise in HCMC

8/6/2010 7:25

The influenza A (H1 N1) virus has reappeared in Ho Chi Minh City after an absence of several months, and other diseases like dengue fever and the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are on the increase, the local Center of Preventive Health has warned.

At a meeting with local health agencies Wednesday (August 4), the center reported that a six-year-old child who was admitted to the Children Hospital No.2 late last month and died early this week, was found infected with H1 N1 virus.

An eight-year-old girl in District 8, meanwhile, is now suspected of catching the flu, the center said.

Deputy Minister of Health, Trinh Quan Huan, had been quoted by Tuoi Tre newspaper in June as saying no swine flu case had been reported in Vietnam for more than two months.

Meanwhile, more than 1,700 cases of HFMD, including one death, have been recorded in many city districts, especially Binh Thanh, Binh Chanh, and Cu Chi.

The number of affected cases has increased over 20 percent year-on-year, the center said.

It said the Children’s Hospital No.1 and No. 2 have both admitted nearly ten children with the disease a day over the past week, adding many were hospitalized with critical complications.

The situation was the same for dengue fever, the center said.

Dr. Nguyen Dac Tho, vice director of the center, said most city districts, including District 1 and 3, had recorded significant increases in the incidence of the mosquito-borne disease in July over June. On average, the increase was at least double the June figures, but some districts have recorded three to four times the number of cases, Tho said.

“The increase in dengue fever cases showed that districts have not controlled the epidemic properly,” Le Truong Giang, vice director of the city’s Department of Health told the meeting.

Agreeing with Giang, Tho urged districts to tighten controls of various epidemics instead of focusing on one.

“Otherwise, the epidemics will very likely go up dramatically within the next days, especially H1 N1, given that next month is peak season for the disease.”

The city’s neighboring provinces like Binh Phuoc have also reported increases in dengue fever with 700 cases, including two deaths, so far this year.

To Duc Sinh, director of the provincial Center of Preventive Health, said at the moment over 100 people are being hospitalized with dengue fever every day.

In Dong Nai Province to the northeast of HCMC, more than 1,000 people have been afflicted dengue fever so far this year, and three have died.

17 provinces have blue ear epidemic

(Chinhphu.vn) - Day 7 / 8, Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and rural development, said the blue ear epidemic continues in some provinces. Currently, there are 17 provinces has not translated over 21 days.

Destruction of blue ear pig died - Photo VNN

Accordingly, in Tien Giang, on 05/08/2010, PRRS continues to arise more in 91 households in 10 districts, including three new social services as the New East (Go Cong Dong), Binh Xuan (Go Cong town) and Binh Tan (Go Cong Tay). Total number of pigs infected herd is 1289 children in 2274, which destroyed a number of 789 children.
In Hau Giang, the test samples of pig farmers in a village Diagon A hammock, Hiep Loi Commune, Nga Bay Town is positive for pathogenic blue ear virus. The disease appears on 26/07/2010 on pigs of 32 children to 211 children infected and four dead.
In Long An additional 23 households have arisen in the city service. Tan An and Chau Thanh district.
Before this situation, the leader of Animal Health Department, the regional animal health agencies to direct and support the work of prevention services in local areas.
On 05.08.2010, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued directives to send the local People's Committee, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Department of Animal Health of provinces and cities on the "To enhance Blue ear disease prevention. "
17 provinces where PRRS is not over 21 days, Nghe An, Cao Bang and Soc Trang, QuangTri, Tien Giang, Lao Cai, Long An, Binh Duong Lieu, Quang Nam, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Da Nang, Vinh Long, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Hau Giang

Research team finds signal that predicts flu spread in humans

Tokyo, Aug 7 (Kyodo)

An international team of researchers led by a university professor from Japan has discovered a biochemical signal in flu virus that indicates whether it would infect humans and spread, the US science journal PLoS Pathogens has said.

Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka of University of Tokyo found out that if either of two particular amino acids, lysine or arginine, is observed in position 591 in PB2 protein of flu viruses, it will lead to efficient replication of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus or the pandemic new-type H1N1 virus in humans.

"Even the H5N1 virus, which rarely spreads to humans, would be able to replicate in humans if the amino acids are observed in this area (position 591)," said Kawaoka, a director of the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo.

Bengkulu City

18 villages in Bengkulu City AI Positive

Saturday, August 7, 2010 13:21 pm

Bengkulu is a city on the west coast of Sumatra island in Indonesia.With a population of 340,000 (2007), the city is capital and largest city of the Bengkulu province. Until the 1970s the city was considered was very remote with no roads, and due to thick forest was only accessible through the coastal shipping.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengkulu_City