More than 25,500 fowl have died in Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) regency
in South Sulawesi over the past month. The number is believed to be
increasing.
Sidrap Husbandry Agency head Asis Syam said on Tuesday
that the actual number could be higher as it was possible that many
farmers had not yet filed reports with the agency.
“The dead fowl were positive for bird flu,” he added.
Of the 25,500 dead fowl, most were ducks (21,100). More than 4,000 were chickens.
Sidrap
regency is one of the biggest poultry producers in South Sulawesi and
has previously experienced a bird flu epidemic. Hundreds of fowl die of
bird flu every year in the regency.
According to the agency, the fowl population stood at 7.3 million.
Asis
said the agency had called on farmers to immediately burn the carcasses
of dead fowl, adding that the agency did not have enough vaccines to
inoculate the fowl.
“We still need around 7.3 million vaccines,” he pointed out.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/01/09/more-25500-fowl-die-s-sulawesi.html
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Indonesia: C. Java to distribute new bird flu vaccines in Feb
hat-tip Pandemic Flu Information [http://singtomeohmuse.com/viewforum.php?f=1]
January 09 2013
The Central Java administration will start distributing in February vaccines for a new strain of bird flu, identified as H5N1 clade 2.3.2, that has killed thousands of ducks in Yogyakarta, Central Java and East Java.
Central Java Animal Husbandry Agency chief Whitono said on Wednesday that the master seed of the vaccines--discovered last December in Sukoharjo, Central Java--was currently being produced by the Agriculture Ministry’s Animal Husbandry Department.
“It takes between a month and a month and a half to multiply the vaccines. God willing the new vaccines will start circulating within the first week in February,” he said.
In the meantime, poultry farmers are obliged to comply with appropriate bio-security measures, especially after directly handling poultry, according to Whitono.
They were also advised to use the vaccines for the older avian flu strain of clade 2.1.3 which killed chickens before the new vaccines arrived, he added.
The agency reported that more than 196,233 ducks had died from the new virus in 28 regencies and cities in the province.
January 09 2013
The Central Java administration will start distributing in February vaccines for a new strain of bird flu, identified as H5N1 clade 2.3.2, that has killed thousands of ducks in Yogyakarta, Central Java and East Java.
Central Java Animal Husbandry Agency chief Whitono said on Wednesday that the master seed of the vaccines--discovered last December in Sukoharjo, Central Java--was currently being produced by the Agriculture Ministry’s Animal Husbandry Department.
“It takes between a month and a month and a half to multiply the vaccines. God willing the new vaccines will start circulating within the first week in February,” he said.
In the meantime, poultry farmers are obliged to comply with appropriate bio-security measures, especially after directly handling poultry, according to Whitono.
They were also advised to use the vaccines for the older avian flu strain of clade 2.1.3 which killed chickens before the new vaccines arrived, he added.
The agency reported that more than 196,233 ducks had died from the new virus in 28 regencies and cities in the province.
H1N1 pandemic fears to maintain lofty US flu vaccination levels, says GlobalData
January 8, 2013
US demand for influenza vaccines will remain high in the coming decade, following a post-flu pandemic spike, predicts business intelligence provider GlobalData in its latest epidemiology report, which finds that seasonal influenza vaccine demand will increase from the 142 million expected for 2012 to 158 million in 2022, representing an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.2%.
Continued: http://www.thepharmaletter.com/file/119175/h1n1-pandemic-fears-to-maintain-lofty-us-flu-vaccination-levels-says-globaldata.html
US demand for influenza vaccines will remain high in the coming decade, following a post-flu pandemic spike, predicts business intelligence provider GlobalData in its latest epidemiology report, which finds that seasonal influenza vaccine demand will increase from the 142 million expected for 2012 to 158 million in 2022, representing an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1.2%.
Continued: http://www.thepharmaletter.com/file/119175/h1n1-pandemic-fears-to-maintain-lofty-us-flu-vaccination-levels-says-globaldata.html
Seasonal Flu: Ohio: 8 Times Amount Hospitalized than last Year - Sandorsky County
You may want to look up the flu in your neck of the woods. This article is out of Sandorsky, Ohio.
Jan 8, 2013
Excerpt:
During December, eight times as many people were hospitalized in Sandusky County for the flu than during the same time last year, a health official said.
“It’s a pretty significant increase,” said Mary Dennis, Sandusky County Health Department director of environmental health. “A majority of those were children.”
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20130108/NEWS01/301080045/Flu-cases-upin-Sandusky-County-nationally
Jan 8, 2013
Excerpt:
During December, eight times as many people were hospitalized in Sandusky County for the flu than during the same time last year, a health official said.
“It’s a pretty significant increase,” said Mary Dennis, Sandusky County Health Department director of environmental health. “A majority of those were children.”
http://www.thenews-messenger.com/article/20130108/NEWS01/301080045/Flu-cases-upin-Sandusky-County-nationally
Indonesia: Poultry Confirmed Postive #H5N1 in Tanjungpriok, Jakarta North
1/9/13
As an effort to prevent bird flu virus or avian influenza (A1) H5N1, the ranks of West Jakarta Livestock and Fishery Sub-Department plan to raid poultry owners in Kalideres and Cengkareng sub-districts. This is conducted because many people in both regions are nurturing poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and wild ducks. Moreover, the virus had been found in North Jakarta.
-snip-
As previously reported, nine chickens owned by Hasanudin Darwis atau Ato (35), a resident of Jalan Swasembada Barat VX No 61 RT 004/14 Kelurahan Kebonbawang, Kecamatan Tanjungpriok, Jakarta Utara were suddenly dead due to positif flu burung. Until Monday (1/7), 47 chickens and 50 birds in Kebonbawang Urban Village had been burned in order to prevent the spread of bird flu virus.
http://www.beritajakarta.com/2008/id/berita_detail.asp?idwil=0&nNewsId=52819
As an effort to prevent bird flu virus or avian influenza (A1) H5N1, the ranks of West Jakarta Livestock and Fishery Sub-Department plan to raid poultry owners in Kalideres and Cengkareng sub-districts. This is conducted because many people in both regions are nurturing poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and wild ducks. Moreover, the virus had been found in North Jakarta.
-snip-
As previously reported, nine chickens owned by Hasanudin Darwis atau Ato (35), a resident of Jalan Swasembada Barat VX No 61 RT 004/14 Kelurahan Kebonbawang, Kecamatan Tanjungpriok, Jakarta Utara were suddenly dead due to positif flu burung. Until Monday (1/7), 47 chickens and 50 birds in Kebonbawang Urban Village had been burned in order to prevent the spread of bird flu virus.
http://www.beritajakarta.com/2008/id/berita_detail.asp?idwil=0&nNewsId=52819
Vietnam: Deputy Dir. Dept. Animal Health: Warning "42% Chickens Smuggled from China Contain Avain Influenza Virus"
From vn.news on 1/8/13
8/1 representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade said basically control the smuggling of poultry waste in China. However, the current status advantage of the provisions are not mandatory quarantine and control the transport and trade of less than 50 birds for illegally smuggled poultry in Hanoi. Dam Xuan Thanh, Deputy Director Department of Animal Health warnings, 90% of samples were discarded chicken smuggled from China contain toxic residue and more than 42% of the samples avian influenza virus.
http://vn.news.yahoo.com/b%E1%BA%AFt-xe-t%E1%BA%A3i-ch%E1%BB%9F-l%C3%B2ng-l%E1%BB%A3n-ch%C3%A2n-g%C3%A0-210512672.html
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
LVH Sets Up Separate ER for Flu Patients
In one of the worst flu outbreaks in years, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township will open a separate emergency room Tuesday, Jan. 8 for patients experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The hospital has set up a mobile tent outside the ER to handle an additional influx of patients suffering from flu-like illness, it said in a news release issued Monday.
Patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should still report to the main ER entrance for triage, a hospital spokesman said.
St. Luke’s University Health Network's six emergency rooms is currently seeing about 20 patients a day with flu-like symptoms but does not see a need to expand patient capacity at this time, said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, chief of infectious diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control said the 2012-2013 flu season, which typically runs October through May, is shaping up to be a bad one and the strain may be more virulent. Jahre said this flu season is worse than the previous two, which were particularly light, but not the worst he has seen.
In Pennsylvania, the flu season was off to an early start and was considered widespread in the last half of December, according to the state Department of Health.
In Pennsylvania, there were 7,181 flu cases and four deaths reported from Oct. 2 to Dec. 29, according to the state Department of Health. Lehigh County reported 355 flu cases and Northampton County reported 328 flu cases for the same period. The health department will report updated numbers on Jan. 8.
Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
Symptoms of the flu include muscle or body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever or chills, and vomiting and diarrhea (the latter two are more common in kids). The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions or cause death.
Jahre urged those who have not gotten a flu vaccine to get one – particularly the elderly and children – and those who are often in contact with them.
“It is absolutely not too late to get the vaccine,” he said.
http://palmer.patch.com/articles/lvh-sets-up-separate-er-for-flu-patients
The hospital has set up a mobile tent outside the ER to handle an additional influx of patients suffering from flu-like illness, it said in a news release issued Monday.
Patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should still report to the main ER entrance for triage, a hospital spokesman said.
St. Luke’s University Health Network's six emergency rooms is currently seeing about 20 patients a day with flu-like symptoms but does not see a need to expand patient capacity at this time, said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, chief of infectious diseases.
The Centers for Disease Control said the 2012-2013 flu season, which typically runs October through May, is shaping up to be a bad one and the strain may be more virulent. Jahre said this flu season is worse than the previous two, which were particularly light, but not the worst he has seen.
In Pennsylvania, the flu season was off to an early start and was considered widespread in the last half of December, according to the state Department of Health.
In Pennsylvania, there were 7,181 flu cases and four deaths reported from Oct. 2 to Dec. 29, according to the state Department of Health. Lehigh County reported 355 flu cases and Northampton County reported 328 flu cases for the same period. The health department will report updated numbers on Jan. 8.
Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
Symptoms of the flu include muscle or body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever or chills, and vomiting and diarrhea (the latter two are more common in kids). The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions or cause death.
Jahre urged those who have not gotten a flu vaccine to get one – particularly the elderly and children – and those who are often in contact with them.
“It is absolutely not too late to get the vaccine,” he said.
http://palmer.patch.com/articles/lvh-sets-up-separate-er-for-flu-patients
PA Hospital Establishes 'Mobile Surge Tent' For Flu Cases
Jan 07, 2013 9:33 PM EST
ALLENTOWN, Pa. -
The severity of this year's flu season in our area has led one Pennsylvania hospital to create a "mobile surge tent" to handle the number of incoming flu cases.
The tent was set up at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.
The hospital says patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should still come to the emergency room
.
Hospital administrators tell FOX 29's Dave Kinchen the tent will help to triage the most serious cases.
Health officials say about 3,000 people in Pennsylvania have the flu and 700 of them are in the Lehigh Valley.
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/20523984/pa-hospital-establishes-mobile-surge-tent-for-flu-cases
ALLENTOWN, Pa. -
The severity of this year's flu season in our area has led one Pennsylvania hospital to create a "mobile surge tent" to handle the number of incoming flu cases.
The tent was set up at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.
The hospital says patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should still come to the emergency room
.Hospital administrators tell FOX 29's Dave Kinchen the tent will help to triage the most serious cases.
Health
officials say about 3,000 people in Pennsylvania have the flu and 700 of them are in the Lehigh Valley.http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/20523984/pa-hospital-establishes-mobile-surge-tent-for-flu-cases
Egypt: Warnings of the spread of pneumonia in poultry due to cold wave
1/8/13
Poultry Division warned the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the spread of pneumonia in poultry, under the cold wave that hit the country, and demanded the Division, the Minister of Petroleum, providing pipe butane farms to keep poultry in that period.
Poultry Division warned the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, the spread of pneumonia in poultry, under the cold wave that hit the country, and demanded the Division, the Minister of Petroleum, providing pipe butane farms to keep poultry in that period.
Dr Abdulaziz al-Sayed, head of the division, Al-Masri Al-Youm, that the Ministry of Petroleum required to raise the prices of the tube large commercial 5-fold, brought from 12 pounds to 60 pounds, and promised to provide to farmers licensed and unlicensed.
He pointed out that the number of poultry farms increased from 26 thousand to 90 thousand farm, 60% of which is licensed, pointing out that the heating is necessary to keep poultry flocks.
He explained that the coastal areas in Kafr El-Sheikh, and status , and Port Said, are the most vulnerable areas for 'bird flu' pandemic and other infectious diseases, stressing that educators must provide immunization and heating on a regular basis.
http://www.almasryalyoum.com/node/1370916
http://www.almasryalyoum.com/node/1370916
Egypt: Put on high alert to cope with bird flu and swine in North Sinai
1/8/2012
North Sinai - Ashraf Sweilem said Director of Preventive Medicine in North Sinai, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah, that the Department of Preventive Medicine and all hospitals in North Sinai and Quarantine, has raised the full readiness to face the swine flu and bird flu. Abdulla was lifting the state surveillance and anticipation within hospitals, and active surveillance to monitor any cases where, especially those who have inflammation in the respiratory tract and hotter and severe symptoms nominated severe are dealing with these cases very seriously and is withdrawn sampled and sent to the laboratories of the Ministry of Health in Cairo. director added preventive medicine that samples were taken from some cases in northern Sinai, and sent samples to the laboratories of the Ministry of Health in Cairo and were all negative outcome, as we follow people from any foreign country especially on the Palestinian side and people who have contact with poultry farms or expatriates to maintain follow with preventive measures.
For his part, Dr. Tarek Khater, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in northern Sinai, we raised the state of emergency medical private areas bordering with eastern border private crossing "Auja" central Sinai and the Rafah crossing, through tighter preventive measures through preventive medicine and quarantine, and there scrutiny being of travelers coming from the Gaza Strip, and take preventive measures in accordance with the ministerial instructions from the Ministry of Health.
China: two deaths from H1N1 flu
Tuesday, 08.01.2013, 13:59
Two Chinese women have died of H1N1 flu in Beijing for 10 days, the Beijing Daily newspaper quoted officials said on 7/1.
These are the first deaths because the flu virus in the Chinese capital since 2010.
Beijing Daily quoted the Center for Disease Control and Prevention China said a 65-year-old cancer patient died on 5/1 and a 22-year-old migrant worker died on 27/12/2012. Health authorities in Beijing said the women were inherently in a state of poor health.
The flu cases in Beijing is at its highest level in five years and the dominant H1N1 strain. Number of flu cases increase was due to record low temperatures in Beijing, and many regions in China.
H1N1 swine flu vaccine had caused fear in 2009 when the global outbreak in the United States and Mexico and then spread around the world in the last six weeks. Initially, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the number of deaths as epidemic spreads around the world at about 18,500 people, but a study in June said the number of flu deaths up to 284500-579000 people, according to Reuters.
H1N1 swine flu is said to be directly transmitted from pigs to humans. From 2009-2010, the H1N1 virus has killed 80 people in Beijing.
Indonesia: Dir. Animal Borne Disease Control: "Farmers Wear Mask & Gloves When Cleaning Cages" #H5N1 Clade 2.3.2
KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia's government insists no cases of the H5N1 virus commonly known as bird flu, which attacks humans. The assertion was followed by social unrest caused mass deaths of ducks suspected of bird flu in several regions in Indonesia.
Director of Animal Borne Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Rita Kusriastuti, in dialogue with Pro 3 RRI time explaining Bird flu is a new strain that has variant code 2.3.2, while bird flu occurred in 2003 with a code variance 2.1.
Suspected virus originated in China, but until now, both in Indonesia and in other countries there are no reports of humans exposed to avian flu. Although there was, there were only 1 or 2 and it was not in Indonesia.
"Not to attack humans. No humans were infected with bird flu-like symptoms at the moment, "said Rita Kusriastuti, Tuesday (01/08/2013).
Recognized the impact of bird flu, as poultry farmers have lost Itiknya died suddenly. Despite not infect humans, he urged the public to remain vigilant and keep clean.
For farmers, it is suggested to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning cages and then wash your hands with soap and water immediately change clothes.
As for the others, especially housewives who used to shop at the market, immediately wash your hands thoroughly after holding a chicken or a duck. If found people with a high fever, chills and shortness of breath after holding a duck or dead duck found in large quantities in the environment around, it must be immediately brought to the clinic as soon as possible.
"We will be given the drug and sampled," says Rita.
Indonesia: MOH "3 Deaths of 5 Human Cases with Clade 2.3.2.1 in China & Hong Kong"
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - At least 15 countries, including Indonesia, has reported to the UN agency for health affairs, WHO, the bird flu cases "clade" newly discovered in birds, but in Indonesia so far has not infect humans. "So far no No cases of bird flu (clade) in humans in Indonesia recently. latter case is still young IT (4) of the Long Parung, Bogor, died on December 6, 2012 that the virus is still a long clade 2.1," said Director General of Disease Control and Environmental Health ( P2PL) Ministry of Health Tjandra Yoga Aditama in a statement on Monday.
All 15 countries that have reported the discovery of bird flu virus "clade" that the new Iran, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Laos, Indonesia and Russia.
According to the WHO, in the period September 2012 in February, the virus was detected in wild birds (wild birds) in Hong Kong, India and Nepal, and on farms in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Vietnam. "Human cases still only exist in three cases, namely Bangladesh and China, including Hong Kong five cases. Bangladesh are all mild cases. cases in China (including Hong Kong) passed away three of their five cases," Tjandra said. [Tiga = three -- Original Text:
"Kasus pada manusia tetap hanya ada di Bangladesh yaitu ada tiga kasus dan China termasuk Hong Kong lima kasus. Kasus Bangladesh semuanya ringan. Kasus di China (termasuk Hongkong) meninggal tiga dari lima kasus mereka," kata Tjandra.]
Meanwhile in Indonesia, the Ministry of Health to prepare the return of bird flu, including the new clade virus transmission among others, by issuing circulars to district health office. "After Welfare Coordination Meeting on December 27, 2012, we have made a second circular on December 28, the contents of which reaffirmed the first circular dated December 11, 2012 and added the results of meetings held, "said Tjandra. few things added in that circular Tjandra explained is the existence of health posts and handling activities in the port. "Staff are also actively P2PL checks to the provinces and CTF on their readiness, and there have been a lot of feedback as advanced circular to district / city, availability of drugs and others, " said Tjandra. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health also continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out the update (up date) data on birds and activities on the ground.(A043/S023)
All 15 countries that have reported the discovery of bird flu virus "clade" that the new Iran, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Laos, Indonesia and Russia.
According to the WHO, in the period September 2012 in February, the virus was detected in wild birds (wild birds) in Hong Kong, India and Nepal, and on farms in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Vietnam. "Human cases still only exist in three cases, namely Bangladesh and China, including Hong Kong five cases. Bangladesh are all mild cases. cases in China (including Hong Kong) passed away three of their five cases," Tjandra said. [Tiga = three -- Original Text:
"Kasus pada manusia tetap hanya ada di Bangladesh yaitu ada tiga kasus dan China termasuk Hong Kong lima kasus. Kasus Bangladesh semuanya ringan. Kasus di China (termasuk Hongkong) meninggal tiga dari lima kasus mereka," kata Tjandra.]
Meanwhile in Indonesia, the Ministry of Health to prepare the return of bird flu, including the new clade virus transmission among others, by issuing circulars to district health office. "After Welfare Coordination Meeting on December 27, 2012, we have made a second circular on December 28, the contents of which reaffirmed the first circular dated December 11, 2012 and added the results of meetings held, "said Tjandra. few things added in that circular Tjandra explained is the existence of health posts and handling activities in the port. "Staff are also actively P2PL checks to the provinces and CTF on their readiness, and there have been a lot of feedback as advanced circular to district / city, availability of drugs and others, " said Tjandra. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health also continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out the update (up date) data on birds and activities on the ground.(A043/S023)
Indonesia: Tamiflu Only Effective In First 24 Hours of Symptoms
January 9, 2013
Tamiflu Effective for Symptoms of ILI Only Day One Denpasar (Bali Post) - Drugs for bird flu patients at this time is tamiflu. However, this drug was only effective in patients who suffer from symptoms of bird flu ILI (Influenza Like Illness) 1 x 24 hours. If you exceed this time, the spread of the bird flu virus and aggressiveness can not be prevented even been given tamiflu.
It is presented Secretary Bird Flu Handling Sanglah dr. Ken Wiransadhi when met on Tuesday (8/1) yesterday. According to him, the public should be alert if he or nearby suffering from ILI after contact with dead poultry in her neighborhood. '' If you experience symptoms such as hot ILI, fever, cough and tightness after any contact or history of poultry died suddenly in his neighborhood, immediately take it to a government clinic or hospital as soon as possible,'' firmly Ken.
Bringing patients ILI symptoms to health centers and government hospitals, with meaning to be given Tamiflu as soon as possible. Whereas, the availability of tamiflu only on government health services. '' If it is brought to a private hospital or a private practice, certainly not available tamiflu. If taken there, the patient will only be given drugs to treat simtomp or symptoms appear. If it were so, would become treatments for patients too late,'' explained Ken. treatment with Tamiflu does have limitations. But if given before 24 hours after ILI symptoms appear, according to Ken, giving tamiflu to patients very effectively.
To alert against bird flu cases, said Ken, Sanglah has provided at least 1,700 Tamiflu tablets and personal protective equipment to prepare for the patient. '' APD we at least be able to cover 23 patients with bird flu hospitalizations average two days,'' said Ken. place incoming patients at Sanglah such as IRD,
Wings International and Polyclinic also increasingly enhanced vigilance, especially in capturing the patient's symptoms of ILI . According to Ken, every patient with ILI symptoms who came to Sanglah be questioned is there any history of illness and history of poultry deaths in the neighborhood. '' Especially if patients came from endemic areas where bird flu has infected poultry,'' said Ken. If a history of contact with poultry or poultry were no deaths during the span of a week before the patient's illness, said Ken, the patient will be given tamiflu and observed in Space Nusa Indah. For bird flu patient treatment rooms, Sanglah has four intensive care unit of negative pressure in Nusa Indah Hall. '' This negative pressure room air serves to absorb the infected germs and replace it with new air. Infected air is filtered by a tool called invaporator so safe before being discharged into the environment,'' explains Ken. addition to intensive care, there are four recovery room bed. (Kmb24)
Tamiflu Effective for Symptoms of ILI Only Day One Denpasar (Bali Post) - Drugs for bird flu patients at this time is tamiflu. However, this drug was only effective in patients who suffer from symptoms of bird flu ILI (Influenza Like Illness) 1 x 24 hours. If you exceed this time, the spread of the bird flu virus and aggressiveness can not be prevented even been given tamiflu.
It is presented Secretary Bird Flu Handling Sanglah dr. Ken Wiransadhi when met on Tuesday (8/1) yesterday. According to him, the public should be alert if he or nearby suffering from ILI after contact with dead poultry in her neighborhood. '' If you experience symptoms such as hot ILI, fever, cough and tightness after any contact or history of poultry died suddenly in his neighborhood, immediately take it to a government clinic or hospital as soon as possible,'' firmly Ken.
Bringing patients ILI symptoms to health centers and government hospitals, with meaning to be given Tamiflu as soon as possible. Whereas, the availability of tamiflu only on government health services. '' If it is brought to a private hospital or a private practice, certainly not available tamiflu. If taken there, the patient will only be given drugs to treat simtomp or symptoms appear. If it were so, would become treatments for patients too late,'' explained Ken. treatment with Tamiflu does have limitations. But if given before 24 hours after ILI symptoms appear, according to Ken, giving tamiflu to patients very effectively.
To alert against bird flu cases, said Ken, Sanglah has provided at least 1,700 Tamiflu tablets and personal protective equipment to prepare for the patient. '' APD we at least be able to cover 23 patients with bird flu hospitalizations average two days,'' said Ken. place incoming patients at Sanglah such as IRD,
Wings International and Polyclinic also increasingly enhanced vigilance, especially in capturing the patient's symptoms of ILI . According to Ken, every patient with ILI symptoms who came to Sanglah be questioned is there any history of illness and history of poultry deaths in the neighborhood. '' Especially if patients came from endemic areas where bird flu has infected poultry,'' said Ken. If a history of contact with poultry or poultry were no deaths during the span of a week before the patient's illness, said Ken, the patient will be given tamiflu and observed in Space Nusa Indah. For bird flu patient treatment rooms, Sanglah has four intensive care unit of negative pressure in Nusa Indah Hall. '' This negative pressure room air serves to absorb the infected germs and replace it with new air. Infected air is filtered by a tool called invaporator so safe before being discharged into the environment,'' explains Ken. addition to intensive care, there are four recovery room bed. (Kmb24)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Influenza surveillance in the Pacific island countries and territories during the 2009 pandemic: an observational study
Author: Jacobus Leen KoolBoris Igor PavlinJennie MustoAkanisi Dawainavesi
Credits/Source: BMC Infectious Diseases 2013
Historically, Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) have been more severely affected by influenza pandemics than any other part of the world. We herein describe the emergence and epidemiologic characteristics of pandemic influenza H1N1 in PICTs from 2009 to 2010.
Methods: The World Health Organization gathered reports of influenza-like-illness and laboratory-confirmed pandemic H1N1 cases from all 23 Pacific island countries and territories, from April 2009 through August 2010.
-snip-
Conclusions: Pandemic influenza spread rapidly throughout the Pacific despite enormous distances and relative isolation. Tokelau and Pitcairn may be the only jurisdictions to have remained pandemic-free.
Despite being well-prepared, Pacific island countries and territories experienced significant morbidity and mortality, consistent with other indigenous and low-resource settings.For the first time, regional influenza-like-illness surveillance was conducted in the Pacific, allowing health authorities to monitor the pandemic's spread and severity in real-time.Future regional outbreak responses will likely benefit from the lessons learned during this outbreak.
Full article: http://7thspace.com/headlines/429501/influenza_surveillance_in_the_pacific_island_countries_and_territories_during_the_2009_pandemic_an_observational_study.html
Credits/Source: BMC Infectious Diseases 2013
Historically, Pacific island countries and territories (PICTs) have been more severely affected by influenza pandemics than any other part of the world. We herein describe the emergence and epidemiologic characteristics of pandemic influenza H1N1 in PICTs from 2009 to 2010.
Methods: The World Health Organization gathered reports of influenza-like-illness and laboratory-confirmed pandemic H1N1 cases from all 23 Pacific island countries and territories, from April 2009 through August 2010.
-snip-
Conclusions: Pandemic influenza spread rapidly throughout the Pacific despite enormous distances and relative isolation. Tokelau and Pitcairn may be the only jurisdictions to have remained pandemic-free.
Despite being well-prepared, Pacific island countries and territories experienced significant morbidity and mortality, consistent with other indigenous and low-resource settings.For the first time, regional influenza-like-illness surveillance was conducted in the Pacific, allowing health authorities to monitor the pandemic's spread and severity in real-time.Future regional outbreak responses will likely benefit from the lessons learned during this outbreak.
Full article: http://7thspace.com/headlines/429501/influenza_surveillance_in_the_pacific_island_countries_and_territories_during_the_2009_pandemic_an_observational_study.html
“Public health officials have sent out the message that the flu vaccine works about as effectively as other vaccines, about 70 to 90 percent of the time, but I would say that’s been overestimated,” said Michael Osterholm
1/7/13
Excerpt:
A 160-page University of Minnesota analysis of the flu vaccine published last October concluded that the yearly immunization is, at best, about 60 percent effective in children and young healthy adults and may not be very effective at all in elderly people who are most at risk of dying from flu-related complications.
“Public health officials have sent out the message that the flu vaccine works about as effectively as other vaccines, about 70 to 90 percent of the time, but I would say that’s been overestimated,” said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy who led the team that issued the flu vaccine report. “But some protection is better than nothing, so it’s still a good idea to get the vaccine. I just don’t think we should be overselling its benefits.”
Full article: http://bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2013/01/07/fighting-flu-limits-modern-medicine/3y915UcpP3wAji7BqMJXzO/story.html
Excerpt:
A 160-page University of Minnesota analysis of the flu vaccine published last October concluded that the yearly immunization is, at best, about 60 percent effective in children and young healthy adults and may not be very effective at all in elderly people who are most at risk of dying from flu-related complications.
“Public health officials have sent out the message that the flu vaccine works about as effectively as other vaccines, about 70 to 90 percent of the time, but I would say that’s been overestimated,” said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy who led the team that issued the flu vaccine report. “But some protection is better than nothing, so it’s still a good idea to get the vaccine. I just don’t think we should be overselling its benefits.”
Full article: http://bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2013/01/07/fighting-flu-limits-modern-medicine/3y915UcpP3wAji7BqMJXzO/story.html
University of North Dakota Develops Avian Flu Antibody for poultry
A University of North Dakota
scientist says an antibody to protect poultry from avian influenza could
be on the market within a year.
David Bradley, the lead researcher on the project at UND, said the avian influenza antibodies are created by geese and harvested from the goose eggs.
Bradley said treatment would slow the spread of avian influenza outbreaks and reduce the economic impact to farmers.
"Right now, when there's an avian influenza outbreak, they certainly kill all of the flocks immediately," he said. "In some cases, they kill all of the birds within in a five-mile radius of the infected birds. We would hopefully have a mechanism to treat those birds, probably not in the infected population but those in the surrounding radius."
Bradley said the final step is testing the antibodies in a biosecure lab to make sure they are safe and effective in treating live poultry.
He said the goal is to offer protection against the most common avian influenza viruses.
"We have evidence that these avian antibodies can be stored and kept on the shelf for at least five years," he said. "So we would be making assessments and making antibodies for those things that would be most likely to occur and stockpiling."
A $700,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce will help fund the final research.
Bradley said the antibody treatment for poultry will have an international market and will be produced by Avianax, a company in Grand Forks, N.D., that is also developing goose antibodies to treat humans for diseases like West Nile Virus and influenza.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/12/31/health/poultry-avian-flu-antibody/
David Bradley, the lead researcher on the project at UND, said the avian influenza antibodies are created by geese and harvested from the goose eggs.
Bradley said treatment would slow the spread of avian influenza outbreaks and reduce the economic impact to farmers.
"Right now, when there's an avian influenza outbreak, they certainly kill all of the flocks immediately," he said. "In some cases, they kill all of the birds within in a five-mile radius of the infected birds. We would hopefully have a mechanism to treat those birds, probably not in the infected population but those in the surrounding radius."
Bradley said the final step is testing the antibodies in a biosecure lab to make sure they are safe and effective in treating live poultry.
He said the goal is to offer protection against the most common avian influenza viruses.
"We have evidence that these avian antibodies can be stored and kept on the shelf for at least five years," he said. "So we would be making assessments and making antibodies for those things that would be most likely to occur and stockpiling."
A $700,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce will help fund the final research.
Bradley said the antibody treatment for poultry will have an international market and will be produced by Avianax, a company in Grand Forks, N.D., that is also developing goose antibodies to treat humans for diseases like West Nile Virus and influenza.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/12/31/health/poultry-avian-flu-antibody/
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Seasonal Flu: SC - "virus has probably mutated just enough so that it is causing patients who have been vaccinated to have influenza as well". 15 Deaths so far.
By Nikki Gaskins
Excerpt:
So far, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control report 15 deaths from the illness.
-snip-
DHEC officials report 862 people from around the state have been hospitalized with the flu since September 30.
-snip-
"The flu has been significantly worse than preceding years," says Dr. Barron Nasion of Nason Medical Center. He says 10 percent of his patients coming to his clinics have the flu.
"We're seeing over 700 patients a day and 60 to 70 of those patients will be positive for influenza. We had over 400 cases of influenza within the past week," said Nason.
-snip-
"We've found that the virus is more virulent and has probably mutated just enough so that it is causing patients who have been vaccinated to have influenza as well," said Nason.
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/20500053/sc-flu-season-hits-hard-and-early
Excerpt:
So far, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control report 15 deaths from the illness.
-snip-
DHEC officials report 862 people from around the state have been hospitalized with the flu since September 30.
-snip-
"The flu has been significantly worse than preceding years," says Dr. Barron Nasion of Nason Medical Center. He says 10 percent of his patients coming to his clinics have the flu.
"We're seeing over 700 patients a day and 60 to 70 of those patients will be positive for influenza. We had over 400 cases of influenza within the past week," said Nason.
-snip-
"We've found that the virus is more virulent and has probably mutated just enough so that it is causing patients who have been vaccinated to have influenza as well," said Nason.
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/20500053/sc-flu-season-hits-hard-and-early
Saturday, January 5, 2013
CDC Reports Continued Influenza Activity, Elevated Visits to Healthcare Providers for ILI
1/4/13
Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s latest FluView report.
Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s latest FluView report.
• Viral Surveillance: 31.6 percent were positive for influenza. (up from 29.6 reported last week)
• Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold.
• Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were
reported and were associated with influenza B viruses. (Total of 18)
• Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 5.6 percent; above the national baseline of 2.2 percent and up again from last week. New York City and 29 states experienced high ILI activity (up from 16 states last week)
• Geographic Spread of Influenza: Forty-one states reported widespread geographic
influenza activity (up from 31 last week)
According to the CDC, the proportion of people seeing their healthcare provider with ILI in the United States has been elevated for four consecutive weeks, climbing sharply from 2.8 percent to 5.6 percent during that time. Last season, which was relatively mild, ILI peaked at 2.2 percent. Comparatively, during 1998-1999 and 2003-2004, which were moderately severe seasons, ILI peaked at 7.6 percent. During 2007-2008, another moderately severe season, ILI peaked at 6.0 percent. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, ILI peaked at 7.7 percent.
During the past 10 influenza seasons, ILI remained at or above baseline for an average of 12 consecutive weeks, with a range of one week (2011-2012 season) to 16 weeks (2005-2006 season). During the pandemic, the proportion of visits to doctors for ILI remained above the national baseline for 19 consecutive weeks.
“Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” according to Dr. Joe Bresee, chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division. CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time.
“While we can’t say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations,” says Bresee.
“Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now,” Bresee adds. “And it’s important to remember that people who have severe influenza illness, or who are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, should get treated with influenza antiviral medications if they get flu symptoms regardless of whether or not they got vaccinated. Also, you don’t need to wait for a positive laboratory test to start taking antivirals.”
Information about flu-related hospitalizations is collected from 15 states to calculate a rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations. Right now, cumulative influenza hospitalization rates are 8.1 per 100,000 people. According to Bresee, “This is high for this time of year.”
Influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reportable to CDC since the 2004-2005 season. To date, CDC has received reports of 18 pediatric deaths this season.
One factor that may indicate increased severity this season is that the predominant circulating type of influenza virus is influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which account for about 76 percent of the viruses reported. Bresee explains “typically ‘H3N2 seasons’ have been more severe, with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, but we will have to see how the season plays out.”
So far this season, most (91 percent) of the influenza viruses that have been analyzed at CDC are like the viruses included in the 2012-2013 influenza vaccine. The match between the vaccine virus and circulating viruses is one factor that impacts how well the vaccine works. But Bresee cautions that other factors are involved.
“While influenza vaccination offers the best protection we have against influenza, it's still possible that some people may become ill despite being vaccinated,” says Bresee. “Healthcare providers and the public should remember that influenza antiviral medications are a second line of defense against influenza.”
CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time.
CDC has recommendations on the use of antiviral medications (sold commercially as “Tamiflu®” and “Relenza®”) to treat influenza illness. Antiviral treatment, started as early as possible after becoming ill, is recommended for any patients with confirmed or suspected influenza who are hospitalized, seriously ill, or ill and at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, including young children, people 65 and older, people with certain underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Treatment should begin as soon as influenza is suspected, regardless of vaccination status or rapid test results and should not be delayed for confirmatory testing.
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2013/01/cdc-reports-continued-influenza-activity-elevated-visits-to--healthcare-providers-for-ili.aspx
• Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and
influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold.
• Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were
reported and were associated with influenza B viruses. (Total of 18)
• Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 5.6 percent; above the national baseline of 2.2 percent and up again from last week. New York City and 29 states experienced high ILI activity (up from 16 states last week)
• Geographic Spread of Influenza: Forty-one states reported widespread geographic
influenza activity (up from 31 last week)
According to the CDC, the proportion of people seeing their healthcare provider with ILI in the United States has been elevated for four consecutive weeks, climbing sharply from 2.8 percent to 5.6 percent during that time. Last season, which was relatively mild, ILI peaked at 2.2 percent. Comparatively, during 1998-1999 and 2003-2004, which were moderately severe seasons, ILI peaked at 7.6 percent. During 2007-2008, another moderately severe season, ILI peaked at 6.0 percent. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, ILI peaked at 7.7 percent.
During the past 10 influenza seasons, ILI remained at or above baseline for an average of 12 consecutive weeks, with a range of one week (2011-2012 season) to 16 weeks (2005-2006 season). During the pandemic, the proportion of visits to doctors for ILI remained above the national baseline for 19 consecutive weeks.
“Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” according to Dr. Joe Bresee, chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division. CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time.
“While we can’t say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations,” says Bresee.
“Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now,” Bresee adds. “And it’s important to remember that people who have severe influenza illness, or who are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, should get treated with influenza antiviral medications if they get flu symptoms regardless of whether or not they got vaccinated. Also, you don’t need to wait for a positive laboratory test to start taking antivirals.”
Information about flu-related hospitalizations is collected from 15 states to calculate a rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations. Right now, cumulative influenza hospitalization rates are 8.1 per 100,000 people. According to Bresee, “This is high for this time of year.”
Influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reportable to CDC since the 2004-2005 season. To date, CDC has received reports of 18 pediatric deaths this season.
One factor that may indicate increased severity this season is that the predominant circulating type of influenza virus is influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which account for about 76 percent of the viruses reported. Bresee explains “typically ‘H3N2 seasons’ have been more severe, with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, but we will have to see how the season plays out.”
So far this season, most (91 percent) of the influenza viruses that have been analyzed at CDC are like the viruses included in the 2012-2013 influenza vaccine. The match between the vaccine virus and circulating viruses is one factor that impacts how well the vaccine works. But Bresee cautions that other factors are involved.
“While influenza vaccination offers the best protection we have against influenza, it's still possible that some people may become ill despite being vaccinated,” says Bresee. “Healthcare providers and the public should remember that influenza antiviral medications are a second line of defense against influenza.”
CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time.
CDC has recommendations on the use of antiviral medications (sold commercially as “Tamiflu®” and “Relenza®”) to treat influenza illness. Antiviral treatment, started as early as possible after becoming ill, is recommended for any patients with confirmed or suspected influenza who are hospitalized, seriously ill, or ill and at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, including young children, people 65 and older, people with certain underlying medical conditions and pregnant women. Treatment should begin as soon as influenza is suspected, regardless of vaccination status or rapid test results and should not be delayed for confirmatory testing.
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2013/01/cdc-reports-continued-influenza-activity-elevated-visits-to--healthcare-providers-for-ili.aspx
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Early flu peak swamping medical offices
Jan 2, 2013
Flu season has hit the state hard, with some medical practices forced to bring on extra staff to handle the volume of cases.
“Overwhelmed
is a pretty accurate description,” Dr. Jim Ellis, medical director of
MD 360 Convenient Care practices, told GreenvilleOnline.com. “We’ve had
to increase our staff.”
Statewide, flu was first categorized as widespread on Nov. 24, said Lindsey Evans, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. Thirteen deaths have been confirmed since Sept. 30, she said.
In neighboring North Carolina, 14 people have died from the flu, according to The Associated Press.
Ellis said it started the week before Thanksgiving.
“We’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in volumes,” he said. “And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.”
Continued: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130102/NEWS/301020010/Early-flu-peak-swamping-medical-offices
Statewide, flu was first categorized as widespread on Nov. 24, said Lindsey Evans, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. Thirteen deaths have been confirmed since Sept. 30, she said.
In neighboring North Carolina, 14 people have died from the flu, according to The Associated Press.
Ellis said it started the week before Thanksgiving.
“We’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in volumes,” he said. “And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.”
Continued: http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130102/NEWS/301020010/Early-flu-peak-swamping-medical-offices
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