[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
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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
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