Thursday, February 21, 2013
Cambodia: #H5N1 Human Death 2 yo from neighboring commune of most previous case
Translated
Excerpt
...Boys in Angkor Chey Commune, was taken to a hospital in Phnom Penh after the sick at least five days. Before that, a 3-year-old girl in neighboring communes with Angkor Chey has died of bird flu on 13/2.
Excerpt
...Boys in Angkor Chey Commune, was taken to a hospital in Phnom Penh after the sick at least five days. Before that, a 3-year-old girl in neighboring communes with Angkor Chey has died of bird flu on 13/2.
Cambodia: Another Human Fatality Making 8 Total
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 21 — Cambodia reported on Thursday that another
2-year-old boy died of Avian Influenza H5N1, bringing the death toll to
seven and the number of cases to eight in 2013.
The toddler lived in Angkor Chey district of Southwestern Kampot province. He died of the virus in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh, 18 hours after he was admitted, Dr. Denis Laurent, deputy director of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, told Xinhua over telephone on Thursday.
“He passed away even though our doctors did all their best to save him,” he said.
Last week, a 3-year-old girl from the same district also died of the virus at the hospital.
The country sees the worst outbreak of the virus this year since the disease was first identified in Jan. 2004. To date, the country has reported 29 human cases of the virus, killing 26 people.
The toddler lived in Angkor Chey district of Southwestern Kampot province. He died of the virus in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh, 18 hours after he was admitted, Dr. Denis Laurent, deputy director of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, told Xinhua over telephone on Thursday.
“He passed away even though our doctors did all their best to save him,” he said.
Last week, a 3-year-old girl from the same district also died of the virus at the hospital.
The country sees the worst outbreak of the virus this year since the disease was first identified in Jan. 2004. To date, the country has reported 29 human cases of the virus, killing 26 people.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Hong Kong: No human infection with novel coronavirus identified so far in Hong Kong
[hat-tip Flu Trackers]
Press Release
In response to media enquiries on a rumour concerning human infection with novel coronavirus in Hong Kong, a spokesperson for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 20) clarified that no human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong.
"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), of the total 12 confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus globally, three recently confirmed cases have been diagnosed in the UK," the spokesperson said.
According to the latest information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the UK, a male UK resident (Case 10) with confirmed novel coronavirus infection who had travelled to Pakistan and the Middle East, developed respiratory symptoms on January 24 and then had arrived unwell in the UK on January 28. While staying with his family at home, his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital under intensive care.
On February 6, a male household member (Case 11) who had contact with Case 10 from his arrival until hospital admission felt unwell. This patient had an existing medical condition that might have made him more susceptible to a severe respiratory infection. His respiratory condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital where he was under intensive care but subsequently died.
The latest confirmed case (Case 12) is a younger female family member, who only had exposure to Case 10 while he was in hospital. She became ill on February 5 with a typical influenza-like illness which did not require hospital admission. She has now fully recovered.
Cases 11 and 12 were likely infected through human-to-human transmission, although the exact route of transmission is still under investigation by the UK authority. The presence of an intermediary case or fomite spread are possible.
"According to the ECDC, close follow-up of approximately 200 health-care workers, family members and other contacts of cases in Europe and the Middle East has not yet found other demonstrated instances of human-to-human transmission. So far, no sustained transmissions or expanding clusters of infections have been identified in any country," the spokesperson remarked.
"Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry," said the spokesperson, adding that the virus may remain viable in the environment for some time and can be inactivated by 1:99 household bleach.
He also advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear facial masks and seek medical attention and reveal their travel histories to doctors.
"The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and other overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments of this novel infectious disease," he said.
"Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease," he added.
Ends/Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:26
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/20/P201302200513.htm
Press Release
In response to media enquiries on a rumour concerning human infection with novel coronavirus in Hong Kong, a spokesperson for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 20) clarified that no human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong.
"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), of the total 12 confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus globally, three recently confirmed cases have been diagnosed in the UK," the spokesperson said.
According to the latest information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the UK, a male UK resident (Case 10) with confirmed novel coronavirus infection who had travelled to Pakistan and the Middle East, developed respiratory symptoms on January 24 and then had arrived unwell in the UK on January 28. While staying with his family at home, his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital under intensive care.
On February 6, a male household member (Case 11) who had contact with Case 10 from his arrival until hospital admission felt unwell. This patient had an existing medical condition that might have made him more susceptible to a severe respiratory infection. His respiratory condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital where he was under intensive care but subsequently died.
The latest confirmed case (Case 12) is a younger female family member, who only had exposure to Case 10 while he was in hospital. She became ill on February 5 with a typical influenza-like illness which did not require hospital admission. She has now fully recovered.
Cases 11 and 12 were likely infected through human-to-human transmission, although the exact route of transmission is still under investigation by the UK authority. The presence of an intermediary case or fomite spread are possible.
"According to the ECDC, close follow-up of approximately 200 health-care workers, family members and other contacts of cases in Europe and the Middle East has not yet found other demonstrated instances of human-to-human transmission. So far, no sustained transmissions or expanding clusters of infections have been identified in any country," the spokesperson remarked.
"Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry," said the spokesperson, adding that the virus may remain viable in the environment for some time and can be inactivated by 1:99 household bleach.
He also advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear facial masks and seek medical attention and reveal their travel histories to doctors.
"The CHP will stay vigilant and continue to work closely with the WHO and other overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments of this novel infectious disease," he said.
"Locally, the CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease," he added.
Ends/Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:26
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/20/P201302200513.htm
Vietnam: People to medical surge
[Seems to be O.K. Posted here for future reference]
02/19/2013
02/19/2013
Czech Hospital (Hai Phong) the number of patients to medical east doubled, tripled normal because many people try to wait out the new holiday visit.
Afternoon on 18.2, in the examination of the hospital has a large number of patients waiting to turn. BV English Czech leader said, in the day, more than 860 patients visit the hospital-east twice normal.contrast to the busy in the large hospital emergency to direct even Tet, the clinic treatment facility 2 Cau Dat Ngo Quyen district of Hospital, health stations wards Le Loi (Ngo Quyen district) at than 14h-way 18.2 is still in closed condition then install. while in the in HCM City as Cho Ray Hospital, 1 Children, 2, Trung Vuong Nguyen Tri Phuong, 115 ... People, patient to congestion as the days before Tet. 1 Children's Hospital representative said that, every year, too-except the emergency first-visit patients often disagree as many abstain to BV those days early. As leaders of the Department of Health, although long stay on but more BV Stagger disease to early prone overload, should have arranged online and work from earlier in order to treat the backlog. In Orthopedic Hospital Trauma-alone, Cho Ray Hospital, the surgical cases date from before the festival was moved to the specified surgery on the first working day of the new year. While BV "breathable" the first day, on the other hand, at the Emergency Department of Cho Ray Hospital is always in a state of overload traffic accident on the city and in the province flock.
http://laodong.com.vn/Y-te/Nguoi-den-kham-benh-tang-dot-bien/102768.bld
http://laodong.com.vn/Y-te/Nguoi-den-kham-benh-tang-dot-bien/102768.bld
Vietnam: Children en masse hospitalized after Tet
[Everything seems to be o.k. Posted here for future referencing]
02/21/2013 After the long New Year holiday, at Children's Hospital 1 and 2, the number of children en masse to medical and hospitalization strong. Every day, in 2 Children's Hospital, the number of children to see up to nearly 9000. Not only patients in Ho Chi Minh City from the neighboring provinces such as: Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An and Ba Ria-Vung Tau also flocked to visit. Day 19.2, at 1 Children's Hospital, the clinic full of people and wait for medical procedures.
According to the General Plan BV, the number of patients registered examination of more than 4,700 cases. Number of patients are treated at the hospital for up to 1,000 children. Also at Children's Hospital 2, the amount of patients flock BV examination and treatment is also increasing rapidly. Dr. Trinh Huu Tung, Head of Planning General Children's Hospital 2, said, in 18 and 19.2, every day, the number of patients to examination at more than 4000 times. majority of children examined and hospitalized diseases festival season such as: digestion, respiration. In addition, the number of child examination infectious diseases, ear, nose and throat also account for the relatively high number. Through disease investigation, the doctor said the cause of digestive disorders is because they eat too many sweets, jams, soft drinks during the holiday.
In addition, children with respiratory infections due to changes in the weather while traveling, visiting home, go out late at night ... and infected with the virus. Quantity patients to examination in fact much higher due to the child's family clinic, district hospital, private hospital or home treatment. Until they become severe leading to examination and treatment in hospital. expected, according to the BS, the number of patients with respiratory, digestive diseases will continue to increase as children go back to school, especially in children preschool age due to changes in lifestyle, diet.
Dr. Hoang Le Phuc, head of gastroenterology 1 Children's Hospital, said, to prevent gastrointestinal diseases during this time, the parents do not children should eat foods such as bread, jam left over after the holidays. Need cooked, boiled drinking and children should not eat food that has fans reheated several times. When children with gastrointestinal disorders, prolonged diarrhea should not use money to buy medicines for children that have to go to health facilities for inspection and the BS specific medications. "Diarrhoea is usually because the child infected with a virus or bacteria in the intestinal tract. Need for children to eat the full age-appropriate nutrition, split a meal several times, insert slowly with a spoon because children easily vomiting. Since the disease is spread through the fecal - oral so to prevent diarrhea Notes food hygiene ... "- BS Blessed recommended.
http://laodong.com.vn/Y-te/Tre-un-un-nhap-vien-sau-tet/103020.bld
02/21/2013 After the long New Year holiday, at Children's Hospital 1 and 2, the number of children en masse to medical and hospitalization strong. Every day, in 2 Children's Hospital, the number of children to see up to nearly 9000. Not only patients in Ho Chi Minh City from the neighboring provinces such as: Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An and Ba Ria-Vung Tau also flocked to visit. Day 19.2, at 1 Children's Hospital, the clinic full of people and wait for medical procedures.
According to the General Plan BV, the number of patients registered examination of more than 4,700 cases. Number of patients are treated at the hospital for up to 1,000 children. Also at Children's Hospital 2, the amount of patients flock BV examination and treatment is also increasing rapidly. Dr. Trinh Huu Tung, Head of Planning General Children's Hospital 2, said, in 18 and 19.2, every day, the number of patients to examination at more than 4000 times. majority of children examined and hospitalized diseases festival season such as: digestion, respiration. In addition, the number of child examination infectious diseases, ear, nose and throat also account for the relatively high number. Through disease investigation, the doctor said the cause of digestive disorders is because they eat too many sweets, jams, soft drinks during the holiday.
In addition, children with respiratory infections due to changes in the weather while traveling, visiting home, go out late at night ... and infected with the virus. Quantity patients to examination in fact much higher due to the child's family clinic, district hospital, private hospital or home treatment. Until they become severe leading to examination and treatment in hospital. expected, according to the BS, the number of patients with respiratory, digestive diseases will continue to increase as children go back to school, especially in children preschool age due to changes in lifestyle, diet.
Dr. Hoang Le Phuc, head of gastroenterology 1 Children's Hospital, said, to prevent gastrointestinal diseases during this time, the parents do not children should eat foods such as bread, jam left over after the holidays. Need cooked, boiled drinking and children should not eat food that has fans reheated several times. When children with gastrointestinal disorders, prolonged diarrhea should not use money to buy medicines for children that have to go to health facilities for inspection and the BS specific medications. "Diarrhoea is usually because the child infected with a virus or bacteria in the intestinal tract. Need for children to eat the full age-appropriate nutrition, split a meal several times, insert slowly with a spoon because children easily vomiting. Since the disease is spread through the fecal - oral so to prevent diarrhea Notes food hygiene ... "- BS Blessed recommended.
http://laodong.com.vn/Y-te/Tre-un-un-nhap-vien-sau-tet/103020.bld
Hong Kong: CHP rejects coronavirus claims
February 20, 2013
The Centre for Health Protection today clarified that no human novel coronavirus case has been identified in Hong Kong so far.The centre issued the statement today in response to media enquiries on an alleged coronavirus case in the city.
The centre said, according to the World Health Organisation, of the 12 total confirmed global cases, three recently confirmed cases have been diagnosed in the UK.
According to the latest information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control, investigation of 200 healthcare workers, family members and other contacts of cases in Europe and the Middle East, has not yet found other instances of human-to-human transmission.
No sustained transmissions or expanding clusters of infections have so far been identified in any country.
The centre said it will stay vigilant and work closely with the WHO and other overseas health authorities to monitor the situation.
It advised the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry, adding that the virus may remain in the environment for some time and can be inactivated by 1:99 household bleach.
It advised travellers returning from novel coronavirus-affected countries with respiratory symptoms to wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to doctors.
http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2013/02/20130220_184732.shtml?pickList=ticker
Hong Kong: Boy ill with severe influenza A
February 20, 2013
The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a case of severe paediatric Influenza A affecting a 15-year-old boy.He fell ill on February 17 and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre yesterday.
He tested positive for Influenza A, and is in serious condition.
He was in the Mainland from February 7 to 16.
His family contacts are asymptomatic.
http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2013/02/20130220_193135.shtml?pickList=ticker
Mansour: Egypt recorded the highest rate of infection of bird flu, according to the report "World Health"
[Since January 16, 2013, we have had 10 reported cases of Human #H5N1 Avian Influenza, including Egypt, as I posted here at the blog.]
2/20/13
2/20/13
Said Dr. Hussein Mansour, head of food safety device that, according to the World Health Organization report, Egypt recorded 169 human cases of bird flu virus
Mansour said that the virus, according to the organization led to the death of the 60 cases until the end of 2012
Mansour pointed out that Egypt recorded the highest rate of infection of bird flu in the period from 2009 to 2012
Egypt: Book housewife Shebin Hospital Menoufia after being infected with bird Flu
Translation
February 20, 2013
February 20, 2013
Detained hospital fevers Shebin, a housewife called "Rasha Mohamed", 31 years old resident of the village of Alaptanon the Shebin Center, because معانتها high temperature and difficulty in urination, and suspected of being infected bird flu virus.
At the same time the Directorate of Health Affairs to maintain, take a sample of her blood and sent to the central laboratory of the Ministry of Health for analysis.
It also announced the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, for that reason injured woman, came as a result of exposure to dead birds, and that samples were taken for analysis was notified stakeholders "Veterinary Medicine - Agriculture - Local Unit", to go to the residence in question, accompanied by the necessary forces to take preventive measures in place in this regard.
Egypt: #H5N1 in Poultry in Menoufia
Translated
2/20/13
Declared director Mderihtab Veterinary Menoufia Wednesday morning, the discovery of a new focus for bird flu poultry farm in the village facility Sultan بمنوف. said Dr. Mohammed Kabbani, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, has been discernible samples from birds from the infected farm king Mahrous Ahmed Mr. analyzed through campaigns organized by the Directorate Beef and provincial centers. Kabbani noted that positive samples result of infection, and it is currently being culled and buried roads with health cleanse the farm, and take a sample of her contacts analyzed to make sure the illness or not.
http://tinyurl.com/apqw2m6
2/20/13
Declared director Mderihtab Veterinary Menoufia Wednesday morning, the discovery of a new focus for bird flu poultry farm in the village facility Sultan بمنوف. said Dr. Mohammed Kabbani, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, has been discernible samples from birds from the infected farm king Mahrous Ahmed Mr. analyzed through campaigns organized by the Directorate Beef and provincial centers. Kabbani noted that positive samples result of infection, and it is currently being culled and buried roads with health cleanse the farm, and take a sample of her contacts analyzed to make sure the illness or not.
http://tinyurl.com/apqw2m6
Revised interim case definition for reporting to WHO – novel coronavirus
Interim case definition as of 19 February 2013
Recommendations for surveillance are also being revised on the basis of additional information and will be posted as soon as possible.
* This may include but is not limited to cases with a history of fever or measured fever.
** Close contact includes:
Update
Based on additional information received since the original recommendations were published, WHO has updated its case definition for novel coronavirus. WHO will continue to review and revise guidance related to novel coronavirus as more information becomes available.Recommendations for surveillance are also being revised on the basis of additional information and will be posted as soon as possible.
Case definitions for reporting
Confirmed Case
A person with laboratory confirmation of infection with the novel coronavirus.Probable Case
- A person with an acute respiratory infection* with clinical, radiological, or histopathological evidence of pulmonary parenchymal disease (e.g. pneumonia or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, (ARDS)); AND
- no possibility of laboratory confirmation for novel coronavirus either because the patient or samples are not available for testing; AND
- close contact** with a laboratory-confirmed case.
Reporting:
WHO requests that confirmed and probable cases be reported within 24 hours of being classified as such, through the regional Contact Point for International Health Regulations at the appropriate WHO Regional Office.* This may include but is not limited to cases with a history of fever or measured fever.
** Close contact includes:
- anyone who provided care for the patient, including a health care worker or family member, or who had other similarly close physical contact;
- anyone who stayed at the same place (e.g. lived with, visited) as a probable or confirmed case while the case was symptomatic.
Efficient Replication of the Novel Human Betacoronavirus EMC on Primary Human Epithelium Highlights Its Zoonotic Potential
[Editing is mine] http://mbio.asm.org/content/4/1/e00611-12
ABSTRACT
The recent emergence of a novel human coronavirus (HCoV-EMC) in the Middle East raised considerable concerns, as it is associated with severe acute pneumonia, renal failure, and fatal outcome and thus resembles the clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) observed in 2002 and 2003. Like SARS-CoV, HCoV-EMC is of zoonotic origin and closely related to bat coronaviruses. The human airway epithelium (HAE) represents the entry point and primary target tissue for respiratory viruses and is highly relevant for assessing the zoonotic potential of emerging respiratory viruses, such as HCoV-EMC. Here, we show that pseudostratified HAE cultures derived from different donors are highly permissive to HCoV-EMC infection, and by using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and RNAseq data, we experimentally determined the identity of seven HCoV-EMC subgenomic mRNAs. Although the HAE cells were readily responsive to type I and type III interferon (IFN), we observed neither a pronounced inflammatory cytokine nor any detectable IFN responses following HCoV-EMC, SARS-CoV, or HCoV-229E infection, suggesting that innate immune evasion mechanisms and putative IFN antagonists of HCoV-EMC are operational in the new host. Importantly, however, we demonstrate that both type I and type III IFN can efficiently reduce HCoV-EMC replication in HAE cultures, providing a possible treatment option in cases of suspected HCoV-EMC infection.
IMPORTANCE
A novel human coronavirus, HCoV-EMC, has recently been described to be associated with severe respiratory tract infection and fatalities, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) observed during the 2002-2003 epidemic. Closely related coronaviruses replicate in bats, suggesting that, like SARS-CoV, HCoV-EMC is of zoonotic origin. Since the animal reservoir and circumstances of zoonotic transmission are yet elusive, it is critically important to assess potential species barriers of HCoV-EMC infection. An important first barrier against invading respiratory pathogens is the epithelium, representing the entry point and primary target tissue of respiratory viruses. We show that human bronchial epithelia are highly susceptible to HCoV-EMC infection. Furthermore, HCoV-EMC, like other coronaviruses, evades innate immune recognition, reflected by the lack of interferon and minimal inflammatory cytokine expression following infection. Importantly, type I and type III interferon treatment can efficiently reduce HCoV-EMC replication in the human airway epithelium, providing a possible avenue for treatment of emerging virus infections. Footnotes E.K., H.R.J., and D.M. contributed equally to this work. R.D. and V.T. contributed equally to this work. Citation Kindler E, Jónsdóttir HR, Muth D, Hamming OJ, Hartmann R, Rodriguez R, Geffers R, Fouchier RAM, Drosten C, Müller MA, Dijkman R, Thiel V. 2013. Efficient replication of the novel human betacoronavirus EMC on primary human epithelium highlights its zoonotic potential. mBio 4(1):e00611-12. doi:10.1128/mBio.00611-12. Received 20 December 2012 Accepted 4 February 2013 Published 19 February 2013
ABSTRACT
The recent emergence of a novel human coronavirus (HCoV-EMC) in the Middle East raised considerable concerns, as it is associated with severe acute pneumonia, renal failure, and fatal outcome and thus resembles the clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) observed in 2002 and 2003. Like SARS-CoV, HCoV-EMC is of zoonotic origin and closely related to bat coronaviruses. The human airway epithelium (HAE) represents the entry point and primary target tissue for respiratory viruses and is highly relevant for assessing the zoonotic potential of emerging respiratory viruses, such as HCoV-EMC. Here, we show that pseudostratified HAE cultures derived from different donors are highly permissive to HCoV-EMC infection, and by using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and RNAseq data, we experimentally determined the identity of seven HCoV-EMC subgenomic mRNAs. Although the HAE cells were readily responsive to type I and type III interferon (IFN), we observed neither a pronounced inflammatory cytokine nor any detectable IFN responses following HCoV-EMC, SARS-CoV, or HCoV-229E infection, suggesting that innate immune evasion mechanisms and putative IFN antagonists of HCoV-EMC are operational in the new host. Importantly, however, we demonstrate that both type I and type III IFN can efficiently reduce HCoV-EMC replication in HAE cultures, providing a possible treatment option in cases of suspected HCoV-EMC infection.
IMPORTANCE
A novel human coronavirus, HCoV-EMC, has recently been described to be associated with severe respiratory tract infection and fatalities, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) observed during the 2002-2003 epidemic. Closely related coronaviruses replicate in bats, suggesting that, like SARS-CoV, HCoV-EMC is of zoonotic origin. Since the animal reservoir and circumstances of zoonotic transmission are yet elusive, it is critically important to assess potential species barriers of HCoV-EMC infection. An important first barrier against invading respiratory pathogens is the epithelium, representing the entry point and primary target tissue of respiratory viruses. We show that human bronchial epithelia are highly susceptible to HCoV-EMC infection. Furthermore, HCoV-EMC, like other coronaviruses, evades innate immune recognition, reflected by the lack of interferon and minimal inflammatory cytokine expression following infection. Importantly, type I and type III interferon treatment can efficiently reduce HCoV-EMC replication in the human airway epithelium, providing a possible avenue for treatment of emerging virus infections. Footnotes E.K., H.R.J., and D.M. contributed equally to this work. R.D. and V.T. contributed equally to this work. Citation Kindler E, Jónsdóttir HR, Muth D, Hamming OJ, Hartmann R, Rodriguez R, Geffers R, Fouchier RAM, Drosten C, Müller MA, Dijkman R, Thiel V. 2013. Efficient replication of the novel human betacoronavirus EMC on primary human epithelium highlights its zoonotic potential. mBio 4(1):e00611-12. doi:10.1128/mBio.00611-12. Received 20 December 2012 Accepted 4 February 2013 Published 19 February 2013
- Eveline Kindlera,
- Hulda R. Jónsdóttira,
- Doreen Muthb,
- Ole J. Hammingc,
- Rune Hartmannc,
- Regulo Rodriguezd,
- Robert Gefferse,
- Ron A. M. Fouchierf,
- Christian Drostenb,
- Marcel A. Müllerb,
- Ronald Dijkmana,
- Volker Thiela,g
+ Author Affiliations
- Address correspondence to Ronald Dijkman, Ronald.Dijkman@kssg.ch, or Volker Thiel, Volker.Thiel@kssg.ch.
-
Editor Michael Buchmeier, University of California, Irvine
Coronavirus: Does Not Trigger an Innate Immune Response; Adaptation to Human Lungs Complete
[an additional excerpt from The Canadian Press article in the previous post]
The source of the new virus is still unknown. As such, there are many unanswered — and currently unanswerable — questions about how much of a risk the virus poses to people. No one can say at this point whether it will fade away, continue to trigger the occasional infection or start to spread easily from person to person.
But the question of whether the virus would need to evolve more to gain the power to infect human lungs does seem to have been answered.
"If an animal virus gets into the human population, one assumes that some adaptation is needed," Thiel said.
"As we have seen for instance for SARS, there was a phase of adaptation to the human cells, to the receptor. And obviously that is not needed for this new coronavirus."
Still, he cautioned that just because the virus can easily infect human lung cells doesn't mean it has all the tools it would need to take off and spread widely among people.
"We have shown that the airway cells can easily be infected. But this does not mean that the virus can easily be transmitted," Thiel said. "I think this distinction is important."
The study also found that all three coronaviruses seem to be able to slip past the immune system because they don't trigger much of an innate immune response. The innate immune system is the so-called first line of defence.
The source of the new virus is still unknown. As such, there are many unanswered — and currently unanswerable — questions about how much of a risk the virus poses to people. No one can say at this point whether it will fade away, continue to trigger the occasional infection or start to spread easily from person to person.
But the question of whether the virus would need to evolve more to gain the power to infect human lungs does seem to have been answered.
"If an animal virus gets into the human population, one assumes that some adaptation is needed," Thiel said.
"As we have seen for instance for SARS, there was a phase of adaptation to the human cells, to the receptor. And obviously that is not needed for this new coronavirus."
Still, he cautioned that just because the virus can easily infect human lung cells doesn't mean it has all the tools it would need to take off and spread widely among people.
"We have shown that the airway cells can easily be infected. But this does not mean that the virus can easily be transmitted," Thiel said. "I think this distinction is important."
The study also found that all three coronaviruses seem to be able to slip past the immune system because they don't trigger much of an innate immune response. The innate immune system is the so-called first line of defence.
New coronavirus tested in human lung cells
The Canadian Press
Posted: Feb 19, 2013 4:18 PM ET
The authors say the findings suggest this new virus is already well-adapted to being a human pathogen.
The new research finding was published in the journal mBio on Tuesday, the same day British health officials announced that the new coronavirus had taken another life. The unidentified man's death brings to six the number of people confirmed to have died from the new infection.
The man, who had another illness that may have made him more susceptible to infection, is believed to have been infected by a relative, a British resident who became ill while travelling recently in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The father remains in serious condition in hospital.
Continued: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/02/19/coronavirus-infections.html
Excerpt:
The new coronavirus can easily infect the cells of the airways of the human lung and in fact is as adept at doing so as a common cold virus, a new study reports.The authors say the findings suggest this new virus is already well-adapted to being a human pathogen.
The new research finding was published in the journal mBio on Tuesday, the same day British health officials announced that the new coronavirus had taken another life. The unidentified man's death brings to six the number of people confirmed to have died from the new infection.
The man, who had another illness that may have made him more susceptible to infection, is believed to have been infected by a relative, a British resident who became ill while travelling recently in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The father remains in serious condition in hospital.
Continued: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/02/19/coronavirus-infections.html
Why the swine flu situation in India is bad
Nirmalya Dutta, Feb 20, 2013
There’s
something very familiar with the way swine flu news filters in from
around the country. As the temperatures dip, the authorities of various
states claim that the situation is under control, there is enough stock
of medicine, enough laboratories to test the virus, enough wards in
government hospitals to keep the victims isolated, etc. etc… ad nauseum.
Despite this, news of deaths and positive cases of swine continues.
Since the 2009 pandemic, there is clearly no strategy in place to prevent the disease from spreading. At best, the state government’s initiatives can be termed as treating the victims. The problem with the swine flu H1N1 virus is that it’s becoming more and more difficult to diagnose and treat due to several viral strains that have been traced such as H1N1, H3N1 and H3N2.
Why India is more vulnerable to swine flu?
India is even more vulnerable because of its climate. While in most countries the swine flu virus makes an appearance during the winter season, in India it surfaces twice a year – during the monsoon and winter seasons. Add to that the fact, that our population density is very high, public places and transport is overcrowded and there’s utter disregard for sanitation and hygiene. There’s also a lack of awareness about the disease and many people still believe that virus spreads from pigs. The swine flu situation actually points out the deficiencies of India’s public health system.
What needs to be done?
(continued) http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/why-the-swine-flu-situation-in-india-is-bad/
There’s
something very familiar with the way swine flu news filters in from
around the country. As the temperatures dip, the authorities of various
states claim that the situation is under control, there is enough stock
of medicine, enough laboratories to test the virus, enough wards in
government hospitals to keep the victims isolated, etc. etc… ad nauseum.
Despite this, news of deaths and positive cases of swine continues.Since the 2009 pandemic, there is clearly no strategy in place to prevent the disease from spreading. At best, the state government’s initiatives can be termed as treating the victims. The problem with the swine flu H1N1 virus is that it’s becoming more and more difficult to diagnose and treat due to several viral strains that have been traced such as H1N1, H3N1 and H3N2.
Why India is more vulnerable to swine flu?
India is even more vulnerable because of its climate. While in most countries the swine flu virus makes an appearance during the winter season, in India it surfaces twice a year – during the monsoon and winter seasons. Add to that the fact, that our population density is very high, public places and transport is overcrowded and there’s utter disregard for sanitation and hygiene. There’s also a lack of awareness about the disease and many people still believe that virus spreads from pigs. The swine flu situation actually points out the deficiencies of India’s public health system.
What needs to be done?
(continued) http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/why-the-swine-flu-situation-in-india-is-bad/
Researchers Discover Migratory Route of Mallards, Carriers of Bird Flu
Video (in English)
February 20, 2013
Excerpt of video transcript:
...The tracking devices showed that the mallards had flown around 300 kilometers north,… passing through the Yalu River and into China to arrive in inner Mongolia, where they spent the summer.
After six months, the birds flew back past China and the Yalu River to arrive at the river in Ah-san...
http://www.arirang.co.kr/Player/News_Vod.asp?code=News&nSeq=144187
February 20, 2013
Excerpt of video transcript:
...The tracking devices showed that the mallards had flown around 300 kilometers north,… passing through the Yalu River and into China to arrive in inner Mongolia, where they spent the summer.
After six months, the birds flew back past China and the Yalu River to arrive at the river in Ah-san...
http://www.arirang.co.kr/Player/News_Vod.asp?code=News&nSeq=144187
Duck migration path as a source of spreading bird flu detected #H5N1
2013-02-20
Translated:
Schedule and migration path similar Mallard ducks are considered a source of spreading bird flu confirmed for the first time in the country of South Korea. According to the National Environmental Research Institute, Mallard ducks that have passed the winter in the river Gokgyo, Asan, South Chungcheong back in November 2011 to that location in December 2012 through the Yalu river and a number of regions in China and Mongolia. It is known by the position detection device attached to the Mallard ducks by the National Environmental Research Institute. Al-result, it obtained information about Mallard duck, like a nest, habits and migration distance. Meanwhile, the results are useful to provide effective measures to prevent the entry of bird flu emerged in China or Mongolia.
http://world.kbs.co.kr/indonesian/news/news_Sc_detail.htm?No=29116&id=Sc
Translated:
Schedule and migration path similar Mallard ducks are considered a source of spreading bird flu confirmed for the first time in the country of South Korea. According to the National Environmental Research Institute, Mallard ducks that have passed the winter in the river Gokgyo, Asan, South Chungcheong back in November 2011 to that location in December 2012 through the Yalu river and a number of regions in China and Mongolia. It is known by the position detection device attached to the Mallard ducks by the National Environmental Research Institute. Al-result, it obtained information about Mallard duck, like a nest, habits and migration distance. Meanwhile, the results are useful to provide effective measures to prevent the entry of bird flu emerged in China or Mongolia.
http://world.kbs.co.kr/indonesian/news/news_Sc_detail.htm?No=29116&id=Sc
Novel coronavirus 2012 in the UK: situation at 19 February 2013
[Editing is mine]
Since the first identification of a novel coronavirus in September 2012 [1], four confirmed cases had been identified in the United Kingdom (UK) by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) by 19 February 2013: two imported cases and two indigenously acquired cases linked to the second imported case.
The first case of novel coronavirus identified in the UK was in a foreign national transferred to London for the treatment of a serious, unexplained respiratory illness in September 2012 [2]. Coronavirus testing was undertaken following the announcement that a new coronavirus had been discovered in a Saudi Arabian national with a similar illness. The patient was very unwell, requiring intensive care and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and remains very unwell. Extensive follow up of all close contacts (household and healthcare) by the HPA identified a number of persons with mild respiratory illness in the 10 days following exposure but none of these contacts had novel coronavirus infection detected on respiratory sampling or serology [3].
On 11 February 2013, the HPA published details of an adult UK resident (the index case), with confirmed novel coronavirus infection and influenza A infection, who had travelled to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the 10 days before illness onset. This individual had developed respiratory symptoms on 24 January, prior to returning to the UK on 28 January. While staying with family at home in the UK, this individual's condition deteriorated and they were admitted to hospital in Birmingham, before being transferred to Manchester, where they remain in intensive care, with ECMO.
On 6 February, an adult household member of the case who had not recently travelled abroad – but who had been in sustained close contact with the index case from their arrival in the UK until hospital admission – became unwell with a febrile respiratory illness. This third case, on admission to hospital in Birmingham, was confirmed to have novel coronavirus infection. Their condition worsened – requiring intensive care and ECMO – before the patient died on 17 February. This patient had an existing medical condition that may have made them more susceptible to a respiratory infection.
On 5 February, an adult member of the same extended family of the two confirmed cases – who had not travelled abroad – developed an influenza-like illness. The illness remained mild, not requiring hospital admission, and there has been a full recovery. A sputum sample from this case was later confirmed to contain novel coronavirus. This case had limited exposure to the index case on three occasions while the latter was in hospital, and had no contact with the second case.
Infection control measures around the three recent cases have followed UK national guidance [4] and contact tracing and follow-up is continuing for those persons who may have been in close contact with any of the three cases.
Contacts in three main settings are being followed up:
The routes of transmission to humans of the novel coronavirus have not yet been fully determined, but the recent UK experience provides strong evidence of human-to-human transmission in at least some circumstances. The limited contact that one of the cases had with the index case, however, leaves open the possibility of an intermediary case within the extended family.
The three recent cases in the UK represent an important opportunity to obtain more information about the characteristics of this infection in humans and risk factors for its acquisition, particularly in the light of the first ever recorded instance of apparently lower severity of illness in one of the cases, and the occurrence of dual infection in the index case.
2. Bermingham A, et al. Severe respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, in a patient transferred to the United Kingdom from the Middle East, September 2012. Euro Surveill. 2012 Oct 4; 17(40): 20290. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20290.
3. Pebody RG, et al. The United Kingdom public health response to an imported laboratory confirmed case of a novel coronavirus in September 2012. Euro Surveill. 2012 Oct 4; 17(40): 20292. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20292.
4. Health Protection Agency. Infection Control Advice – Novel coronavirus cases Version 1.3, HPA, 4 October 2012. http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317136232722.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/infections/respiratory.htm
Since the first identification of a novel coronavirus in September 2012 [1], four confirmed cases had been identified in the United Kingdom (UK) by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) by 19 February 2013: two imported cases and two indigenously acquired cases linked to the second imported case.
The first case of novel coronavirus identified in the UK was in a foreign national transferred to London for the treatment of a serious, unexplained respiratory illness in September 2012 [2]. Coronavirus testing was undertaken following the announcement that a new coronavirus had been discovered in a Saudi Arabian national with a similar illness. The patient was very unwell, requiring intensive care and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and remains very unwell. Extensive follow up of all close contacts (household and healthcare) by the HPA identified a number of persons with mild respiratory illness in the 10 days following exposure but none of these contacts had novel coronavirus infection detected on respiratory sampling or serology [3].
On 11 February 2013, the HPA published details of an adult UK resident (the index case), with confirmed novel coronavirus infection and influenza A infection, who had travelled to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the 10 days before illness onset. This individual had developed respiratory symptoms on 24 January, prior to returning to the UK on 28 January. While staying with family at home in the UK, this individual's condition deteriorated and they were admitted to hospital in Birmingham, before being transferred to Manchester, where they remain in intensive care, with ECMO.
On 6 February, an adult household member of the case who had not recently travelled abroad – but who had been in sustained close contact with the index case from their arrival in the UK until hospital admission – became unwell with a febrile respiratory illness. This third case, on admission to hospital in Birmingham, was confirmed to have novel coronavirus infection. Their condition worsened – requiring intensive care and ECMO – before the patient died on 17 February. This patient had an existing medical condition that may have made them more susceptible to a respiratory infection.
On 5 February, an adult member of the same extended family of the two confirmed cases – who had not travelled abroad – developed an influenza-like illness. The illness remained mild, not requiring hospital admission, and there has been a full recovery. A sputum sample from this case was later confirmed to contain novel coronavirus. This case had limited exposure to the index case on three occasions while the latter was in hospital, and had no contact with the second case.
Infection control measures around the three recent cases have followed UK national guidance [4] and contact tracing and follow-up is continuing for those persons who may have been in close contact with any of the three cases.
Contacts in three main settings are being followed up:
- Aircraft: the aircraft passengers in the same row and the two rows in front and behind the case on a flight from Saudi Arabia to London when the first case had been unwell;
- Household: the family and friend household contacts of all three cases;
- Health care: the healthcare workers, patients and family and friends who were in contact with the cases in a health care setting.
The routes of transmission to humans of the novel coronavirus have not yet been fully determined, but the recent UK experience provides strong evidence of human-to-human transmission in at least some circumstances. The limited contact that one of the cases had with the index case, however, leaves open the possibility of an intermediary case within the extended family.
The three recent cases in the UK represent an important opportunity to obtain more information about the characteristics of this infection in humans and risk factors for its acquisition, particularly in the light of the first ever recorded instance of apparently lower severity of illness in one of the cases, and the occurrence of dual infection in the index case.
References
1. Corman VM, et al. Detection of a novel human coronavirus by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Euro Surveill. 2012 Sep 27; 17(39). pii: 20285. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20285.2. Bermingham A, et al. Severe respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, in a patient transferred to the United Kingdom from the Middle East, September 2012. Euro Surveill. 2012 Oct 4; 17(40): 20290. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20290.
3. Pebody RG, et al. The United Kingdom public health response to an imported laboratory confirmed case of a novel coronavirus in September 2012. Euro Surveill. 2012 Oct 4; 17(40): 20292. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20292.
4. Health Protection Agency. Infection Control Advice – Novel coronavirus cases Version 1.3, HPA, 4 October 2012. http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317136232722.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/infections/respiratory.htm
HPA: Update on family cluster of novel coronavirus infection in the UK
19 February 2013
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) continues its investigations into a family cluster of novel coronavirus infections in the UK. Three members of the same family have all tested positive for novel coronavirus. Two of these had no history of recent travel suggesting that transmission has occurred in the UK.
One person has sadly died. This patient had an underlying condition that may have made them more susceptible to respiratory infections. The first patient in this cluster, who had recent travel history to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, is still receiving treatment. The third case, who had a mild illness, has recovered.
Since September 2012, when an earlier case was diagnosed in the UK, there have been a total of 12 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus reported globally, with six deaths. Intensive work has been carried out in the UK to identify contacts of the UK cases. In total the HPA has identified and followed up more than 100 people who had close contact with the cases in this recent family cluster. Besides the identified secondary cases, all tests carried out on contacts to date have been negative for the novel coronavirus infection.
Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: "The routes of transmission to humans of the novel coronavirus have not yet been fully determined, but the recent UK experience provides strong evidence of human-to-human transmission in at least some circumstances.
“The three recent cases in the UK represent an important opportunity to obtain more information about the characteristics of this infection in humans and risk factors for its acquisition, particularly in the light of the first ever recorded instance of apparently lower severity of illness in one of the cases.
“The risk of infection in contacts in most circumstances is still considered to be low and the risk associated with novel coronavirus to the general UK population remains very low. The HPA will continue to work closely with national and international health authorities and will share any further advice with health professionals and the public if and when more information becomes available."
Ends
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) continues its investigations into a family cluster of novel coronavirus infections in the UK. Three members of the same family have all tested positive for novel coronavirus. Two of these had no history of recent travel suggesting that transmission has occurred in the UK.
One person has sadly died. This patient had an underlying condition that may have made them more susceptible to respiratory infections. The first patient in this cluster, who had recent travel history to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, is still receiving treatment. The third case, who had a mild illness, has recovered.
Since September 2012, when an earlier case was diagnosed in the UK, there have been a total of 12 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus reported globally, with six deaths. Intensive work has been carried out in the UK to identify contacts of the UK cases. In total the HPA has identified and followed up more than 100 people who had close contact with the cases in this recent family cluster. Besides the identified secondary cases, all tests carried out on contacts to date have been negative for the novel coronavirus infection.
Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: "The routes of transmission to humans of the novel coronavirus have not yet been fully determined, but the recent UK experience provides strong evidence of human-to-human transmission in at least some circumstances.
“The three recent cases in the UK represent an important opportunity to obtain more information about the characteristics of this infection in humans and risk factors for its acquisition, particularly in the light of the first ever recorded instance of apparently lower severity of illness in one of the cases.
“The risk of infection in contacts in most circumstances is still considered to be low and the risk associated with novel coronavirus to the general UK population remains very low. The HPA will continue to work closely with national and international health authorities and will share any further advice with health professionals and the public if and when more information becomes available."
Ends
Notes to editors
- Laboratory confirmed cases to date: 12 (6 deaths)
Saudi Arabia: 5 (3 deaths)
Jordan: 2 (2 deaths)
UK: 4 (1 patient from Qatar – receiving treatment, 3 patients from UK; 1 receiving treatment,
1 recovered, 1 death)
Germany: 1 (patient from Qatar – discharged) - Coronaviruses are causes of the common cold but can also include more severe illness, such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). This new coronavirus was first identified in September 2012 in a patient who died from a severe respiratory infection in June 2012. The virus has so far only been identified in a small number of cases of acute, serious respiratory illness who presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.
- For the latest clinical update from the HPA, please visit: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpr/infections/respiratory.htm
- For further information, see the HPA website's coronavirus webpages which includes a Q&A on this topic.
- The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk.
- For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk. Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400.
Last reviewed: 19 February 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
PLOS ONE: Molecular Epidemiology and Complete Genome Characterization of H1N1pdm Virus from India
Abstract
Background
Influenza A virus is one of world’s major uncontrolled pathogen, causing seasonal epidemic as well as global pandemic. This was evidenced by recent emergence and continued prevalent 2009 swine origin pandemic H1N1 Influenza A virus, provoking first true pandemic in the past 40 years. In the course of its evolution, the virus acquired many mutations and multiple unidentified molecular determinants are likely responsible for the ability of the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause increased disease severity in humans. Availability of limited data on complete genome hampers the continuous monitoring of this type of events. Outbreaks with considerable morbidity and mortality have been reported from all parts of the country.Methods/Results
Considering a large number of clinical cases of infection complete genome based sequence characterization of Indian H1N1pdm virus and their phylogenetic analysis with respect to circulating global viruses was undertaken, to reveal the phylodynamic pattern of H1N1pdm virus in India from 2009–2011. The Clade VII was observed as a major circulating clade in phylogenetic analysis. Selection pressure analysis revealed 18 positively selected sites in major surface proteins of H1N1pdm virus.Conclusions
This study clearly revealed that clade VII has been identified as recent circulating clade in India as well globally. Few clade VII specific well identified markers undergone positive selection during virus evolution. Continuous monitoring of the H1N1pdm virus is warranted to track of the virus evolution and further transmission. This study will serve as a baseline data for future surveillance and also for development of suitable therapeutics.Citation: Sharma S, Joshi G, Dash PK, Thomas M, Athmaram TN, et al. (2013) Molecular Epidemiology and Complete Genome Characterization of H1N1pdm Virus from India. PLoS ONE 8(2): e56364. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0056364
Editor: Jean-Pierre Vartanian, Institut Pasteur, France
Received: October 12, 2012; Accepted: January 8, 2013; Published: February 15, 2013
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0056364
India: Rajasthan: Docs go for higher dose as flu H1N1pdm 2009 virus resists drug
Doctors at government and private hospitals admitted to slow recuperation of flu patients despite being administered higher dosage of Tamiflu. In 2009 when the deadly virus H1N1 swine flu spread its fangs in state (198 people had lost their lives then), doctors were prescribing 75 mg dose of Tamiflu. This year, doctors at several hospitals have started prescribing an increased dose of 150 mg, but they are not getting the ‘desired results’ on patients affected by the virus.
A doctor with the SMS Hospital said on condition of anonymity, “We are prescribing a dose of 150 mg Tamiflu to patients, but the results are not very encouraging. The medicine is not as efficient as it used to be in 2009.” It is quite likely that the H1N1 flu has mutated and has grown resistant to the medicine, he added. Dr Pankaj Anand, consultant critical care. We are prescribing a dose of 150 mg of Tamiflu to patients, but the results are not very encouraging. The medicine is not as effective as it was in 2009 when we managed to heal flu patients with a dose of just 75 mg."
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/RAJ-JPR-rajasthan-docs-go-for-higher-dose-as-flu-virus-resists-drug-4184549-NOR.html
Germany Reports Low-Path Bird Flu on Duck Farm
19 February 2013
GERMANY - Low-pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 sub-type has been reported on a duck farm in the state of Brandenburg.
The veterinary authority in Germany sent Follow Up Report No. 1 dated 18 February to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Continued: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/28118/germany-reports-lowpath-bird-flu-on-duck-farm
GERMANY - Low-pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N1 sub-type has been reported on a duck farm in the state of Brandenburg.
The veterinary authority in Germany sent Follow Up Report No. 1 dated 18 February to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Continued: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/28118/germany-reports-lowpath-bird-flu-on-duck-farm
Amid massive security, bird flu virus research awaits approval
University of Wisconsin-Madison center aims to prepare people for possible mutations
Health Protection Agency HPS nCoV CASE ALGORITHM
[I have added this to the right side-bar for easier access. Below is a screen shot. Please refer to the PDF file.]
Version case_v13 19/02/2013
INVESTIGATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF POSSIBLE CASES OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317136270914
Version case_v13 19/02/2013
INVESTIGATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF POSSIBLE CASES OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH A NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus: UK Patient Dies (2nd reported family member)
[Going from my personal list of cases this is the patient that was reported on 2/13/13 and had an onset date of 2/6/13]
A patient being treated for a new form of virus has died at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Birmingham (QEHB).
The patient, the fourth in the UK and the third in one family to be identified with a respiratory illness caused by a Sars-like coronavirus, became the first British fatality in this country when they died in the hospital's critical care unit on Sunday.
The hospital said in a statement: "The patient was already an outpatient at QEHB, undergoing treatment for a long-term, complex unrelated health condition. The patient was immuno-compromised and is believed to have contracted the virus from a relative who is being treated for the condition in a Manchester hospital."
The hospital was working closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which is following up other household members and contacts of this case.
The patient is one of three family members from the West Midlands affected by the virus. The first, a man who had recently travelled to the Middle East and Pakistan, was admitted to the Manchester hospital this month, and was the first UK resident to be identified with the infection. He was reported to have fallen ill on 26 January and was diagnosed with a severe illness on 31 January.
Continued: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/19/coronavirus-patient-dies-birmingham-hospital
Coronavirus patient dies in Birmingham hospital
Excerpt:A patient being treated for a new form of virus has died at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, Birmingham (QEHB).
The patient, the fourth in the UK and the third in one family to be identified with a respiratory illness caused by a Sars-like coronavirus, became the first British fatality in this country when they died in the hospital's critical care unit on Sunday.
The hospital said in a statement: "The patient was already an outpatient at QEHB, undergoing treatment for a long-term, complex unrelated health condition. The patient was immuno-compromised and is believed to have contracted the virus from a relative who is being treated for the condition in a Manchester hospital."
The hospital was working closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which is following up other household members and contacts of this case.
The patient is one of three family members from the West Midlands affected by the virus. The first, a man who had recently travelled to the Middle East and Pakistan, was admitted to the Manchester hospital this month, and was the first UK resident to be identified with the infection. He was reported to have fallen ill on 26 January and was diagnosed with a severe illness on 31 January.
Continued: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/19/coronavirus-patient-dies-birmingham-hospital
AQSIQ: prevent avian influenza was introduced into China from New York
2013-2-18
The AQSIQ announced yesterday the occurrence of low pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype of view of the state of New York, to prohibit the direct or indirect input from the U.S. state of New York poultry and related products, stopped issuing import of poultry from the U.S. state of New York and its associated products, animal and plant quarantine permit.
January 10, 2013, New York State, the low pathogenic H5 subtype of avian influenza. To prevent the disease from entering China, the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said shipped since the date of the announcement of poultry and poultry products from the United States in New York, should be returned or destroyed. Prohibits the mailing or the travelers carrying poultry and poultry products from the United States, once discovered, should be returned or destroyed.
Via our or our stay international sailing ships, aircraft and trains and other means of transport, such as found in poultry and poultry products from the United States, all be sealed. The traffic staff autotrophic own use poultry must be loaded intact in the cages, waste, swill all harmless treatment under the supervision of the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies shall not be abandoned.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&ei=MGkjUZXiLJSi8QTzrIH4Ag&hl=en&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E4%25B8%25A5%25E9%2598%25B2%25E7%25BE%258E%25E5%259B%25BD%25E7%25A6%25BD%25E6%25B5%2581%25E6%2584%259F%25E4%25BC%25A0%25E5%2585%25A5%25E4%25B8%25AD%25E5%259B%25BD%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26tbo%3Dd%26tbs%3Dqdr:d&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&u=http://cm.sci99.com/news/9316.html&usg=ALkJrhj1s9ufdekxX1L1AIO4uXEKX42V2w
The AQSIQ announced yesterday the occurrence of low pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype of view of the state of New York, to prohibit the direct or indirect input from the U.S. state of New York poultry and related products, stopped issuing import of poultry from the U.S. state of New York and its associated products, animal and plant quarantine permit.
January 10, 2013, New York State, the low pathogenic H5 subtype of avian influenza. To prevent the disease from entering China, the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said shipped since the date of the announcement of poultry and poultry products from the United States in New York, should be returned or destroyed. Prohibits the mailing or the travelers carrying poultry and poultry products from the United States, once discovered, should be returned or destroyed.
Via our or our stay international sailing ships, aircraft and trains and other means of transport, such as found in poultry and poultry products from the United States, all be sealed. The traffic staff autotrophic own use poultry must be loaded intact in the cages, waste, swill all harmless treatment under the supervision of the entry-exit inspection and quarantine agencies shall not be abandoned.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&ei=MGkjUZXiLJSi8QTzrIH4Ag&hl=en&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E4%25B8%25A5%25E9%2598%25B2%25E7%25BE%258E%25E5%259B%25BD%25E7%25A6%25BD%25E6%25B5%2581%25E6%2584%259F%25E4%25BC%25A0%25E5%2585%25A5%25E4%25B8%25AD%25E5%259B%25BD%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26tbo%3Dd%26tbs%3Dqdr:d&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=zh-CN&u=http://cm.sci99.com/news/9316.html&usg=ALkJrhj1s9ufdekxX1L1AIO4uXEKX42V2w
Egypt: Suspected Human Case of #H5N1 Avian Influenza in Menoufia
19-2-2013
Detained by the Directorate of Health Affairs Menoufia Tuesday morning, a woman named Rasha Mohammed Alsnbawi (31 years old housewife) village Alaptanon inside Fever Hospital Shebin on suspicion of being infected with bird flu, and the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
Dr. Tariq Mahlawi and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Menoufia, has been taking a sample of blood and sent to the central laboratory of the Ministry of Health for analysis, pointing out that the declaration of a state of emergency in all centers of the province in anticipation of the emergence of other cases.
And Dr. Mohamed Kabbani, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, for the cause of the injury victim to exposure to dead birds, has been cleared home eligibility, and sampling of her contacts at home and take preventive measures adopted in this regard.
http://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/310697.aspx
Detained by the Directorate of Health Affairs Menoufia Tuesday morning, a woman named Rasha Mohammed Alsnbawi (31 years old housewife) village Alaptanon inside Fever Hospital Shebin on suspicion of being infected with bird flu, and the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
Dr. Tariq Mahlawi and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Menoufia, has been taking a sample of blood and sent to the central laboratory of the Ministry of Health for analysis, pointing out that the declaration of a state of emergency in all centers of the province in anticipation of the emergence of other cases.
And Dr. Mohamed Kabbani, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, for the cause of the injury victim to exposure to dead birds, has been cleared home eligibility, and sampling of her contacts at home and take preventive measures adopted in this regard.
http://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/310697.aspx
Cambodia: Suspected Human Case of #H5N1 Avian Influenza
02/19/2013 Translation
18/2 AI news broke out in the district Stueng Trang and Prey Chhor in Province Kongpong Cham, the country's capital, Phnom Penh is about 120 km to the east.
Alert on quoted health officials said there were 385 birds died in the past few days. A man in this province were carried out after testing suspected H5N1 virus infection by eating dead duck.
If the test result is positive, this will be the eighth person in Cambodia, H5N1 viruses from 2013 to date.
Deprived week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cambodian Ministry of Health said there were 6 deaths from bird flu since the beginning of this year. According to the WHO, since the first bird flu outbreak in the world in the January / 2004, Cambodia had 29 cases with 25 deaths. Cambodian Health Minister Man Bunheng confirmed bird flu still a "serious threat to the people of Cambodia, especially children.
[Below is a Chart of Kongpong Cham Province. You can note how close Tay Ninh Province in Vietnam is. I just posted an article on a H5N1 poultry outbreak there, located here.]
18/2 AI news broke out in the district Stueng Trang and Prey Chhor in Province Kongpong Cham, the country's capital, Phnom Penh is about 120 km to the east.
Alert on quoted health officials said there were 385 birds died in the past few days. A man in this province were carried out after testing suspected H5N1 virus infection by eating dead duck.
If the test result is positive, this will be the eighth person in Cambodia, H5N1 viruses from 2013 to date.
Deprived week, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cambodian Ministry of Health said there were 6 deaths from bird flu since the beginning of this year. According to the WHO, since the first bird flu outbreak in the world in the January / 2004, Cambodia had 29 cases with 25 deaths. Cambodian Health Minister Man Bunheng confirmed bird flu still a "serious threat to the people of Cambodia, especially children.
[Below is a Chart of Kongpong Cham Province. You can note how close Tay Ninh Province in Vietnam is. I just posted an article on a H5N1 poultry outbreak there, located here.]
Monday, February 18, 2013
WHO Update: Table 1: Laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection (16 January - 8 February 2013)
Click to enlarge:
Public health risk assessment of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses: Any time influenza viruses are circulating in poultry, sporadic infections or small clusters of human cases are possible especially in people exposed to infected poultry kept in households. However, currently, this H5N1 virus does not appear to transmit easily among people and therefore the risk of community level spread of this virus remains low. Therefore, the public health risk associated with this virus remains unchanged.
Figure 1: Epidemiological curve of avian influenza H5N1 cases in humans by country and month of onset
Fig 2: Map of avian influenza H5N1 cases in humans for 2013
*All dates refer to onset of illness
Data as of 15 February 3013
Source: WHO/GIP
Continued: http://www.who.int/entity/influenza/human_animal_interface/Influenza_Summary_IRA_HA_interface_15Feb13.pdf
 |
| NA: not applicable or not available |
Public health risk assessment of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses: Any time influenza viruses are circulating in poultry, sporadic infections or small clusters of human cases are possible especially in people exposed to infected poultry kept in households. However, currently, this H5N1 virus does not appear to transmit easily among people and therefore the risk of community level spread of this virus remains low. Therefore, the public health risk associated with this virus remains unchanged.
Figure 1: Epidemiological curve of avian influenza H5N1 cases in humans by country and month of onset
Fig 2: Map of avian influenza H5N1 cases in humans for 2013
Data as of 15 February 3013
Source: WHO/GIP
Continued: http://www.who.int/entity/influenza/human_animal_interface/Influenza_Summary_IRA_HA_interface_15Feb13.pdf
WHO: Since January 16, 2013, 10 New Human Cases Reported, including Egypt
[Since this report, one human case in China has died. The common thread is everyone "does not seem" to e epidemiologically related, and "additional human cases might be expected"...]
Summary and assessment as of 15 February 2013
Human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses and associated animal health events
From 2003 through 15 February 2013, 620 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection have been officially reported to WHO from 15 countries, of which 367 died.
Since the last update on 16 January 2013, ten new laboratory-confirmed human cases with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection were reported to WHO.
Since 16 January, Cambodia reported seven new human cases with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection including six fatal cases. These cases come from four provinces all located in southern Cambodia. These cases do not seem to be linked epidemiologically, and most had contact with sick poultry in the village. Enhanced surveillance has been put in place and did not detect additional cases linked to these cases. Current evidence does not support human-to-human transmission. It has been suggested that the A(H5N1) virus is endemic in poultry in Cambodia(1), and that there is more poultry and human movement around the Lunar New Year. As such, additional sporadic human cases might be expected.
Egypt has reported one new human case with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in Behera Governorate. The A(H5N1) virus is also endemic in poultry in some areas of Egypt, and additional sporadic human cases are possible.
On 10 February 2013, China reported 2 new human cases of influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Both remain in critical condition. The cases come from the same province but do not seem to be epidemiologically linked. Neither had documented contact with sick or dead poultry. Contact tracing and follow up is on-going but no additional cases have been identified. The last official report of A(H5N1) in poultry in mainland China was from Guangdong Province in September 2012.
(1) Sorn, S., et al. Dynamic of H5N1 virus in Cambodia and emergence of a novel endemic sub-clade. Infect. Genet. Evol. (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2012.05.013 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567134812002158
http://www.who.int/entity/influenza/human_animal_interface/Influenza_Summary_IRA_HA_interface_15Feb13.pdf
Summary and assessment as of 15 February 2013
Human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses and associated animal health events
From 2003 through 15 February 2013, 620 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection have been officially reported to WHO from 15 countries, of which 367 died.
Since the last update on 16 January 2013, ten new laboratory-confirmed human cases with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection were reported to WHO.
Since 16 January, Cambodia reported seven new human cases with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection including six fatal cases. These cases come from four provinces all located in southern Cambodia. These cases do not seem to be linked epidemiologically, and most had contact with sick poultry in the village. Enhanced surveillance has been put in place and did not detect additional cases linked to these cases. Current evidence does not support human-to-human transmission. It has been suggested that the A(H5N1) virus is endemic in poultry in Cambodia(1), and that there is more poultry and human movement around the Lunar New Year. As such, additional sporadic human cases might be expected.
Egypt has reported one new human case with influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in Behera Governorate. The A(H5N1) virus is also endemic in poultry in some areas of Egypt, and additional sporadic human cases are possible.
On 10 February 2013, China reported 2 new human cases of influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. Both remain in critical condition. The cases come from the same province but do not seem to be epidemiologically linked. Neither had documented contact with sick or dead poultry. Contact tracing and follow up is on-going but no additional cases have been identified. The last official report of A(H5N1) in poultry in mainland China was from Guangdong Province in September 2012.
(1) Sorn, S., et al. Dynamic of H5N1 virus in Cambodia and emergence of a novel endemic sub-clade. Infect. Genet. Evol. (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2012.05.013 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567134812002158
http://www.who.int/entity/influenza/human_animal_interface/Influenza_Summary_IRA_HA_interface_15Feb13.pdf
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