February 22, 2013
Excerpt
“We’re all working in emergency phase,” said Lotfi Allal, team
leader of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s Emergency Center
for Transboundary Animal Disease in Phnom Penh.
Dr. Allal said the main task is to prevent the spread of the disease
in poultry—an uphill battle given the underreporting of the disease by
Cambodian farmers.
Rural people are hesitant to notify the authorities about their sick
ducks and chickens because when their poultry are culled, they receive
no compensation for their loss.
“We acknowledged long ago there are big weaknesses in this field,”
Dr. Allal said, referring to the reliance by authorities on local
farmers to voluntarily report possible H5N1 outbreaks.
So far, no poultry cull has been ordered in Angkor Chey commune where the latest victim lived, an official said.
“We did not find bird flu in the location where the children died so
we did not incinerate any poultry,” said Khoy Khun Huor, Kampot
provincial governor, speculating that diseased chickens may have been
brought into the commune from other locations, which may have infected
the child.
Pa Mon, Angkor Chey commune chief, said commune authorities were
disseminating information about bird flu and preventing residents from
transporting poultry in and out of the commune.
“Dealing with backyard poultry is much more difficult than commercial
farms—which is easier to contain,” Dr. Allal explained. “The farmers
are not reporting and unfortunately children play with chickens, which
is why they’re the ones mainly infected.”
Sok Touch, head of the communicable disease department at the Ministry of Health, declined to comment.
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/seventh-h5n1-death-cambodia-worlds-worst-hit-this-year-11250/
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Comparison Between new #Coronavirus & SARS in not helpful: WHO Spokesman
2013-2-22
Excerpt:
WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told Xinhua Thursday that the speed of replication of the virus is not related with its actual ability to spread.
He also reiterated that a comparison between the new virus and SARS virus is "not helpful".
He said that the novel coronavirus which we are seeing now is different genetically from SARS, it does not transmit as easily as SARS did, there are many fewer cases for the time-being of this novel coronavirus, and it causes a different spectrum of disease in some patients.
"So the two viruses are not the same," he said.
"We prefer to say that the two viruses are from the same family of coronaviruses, but that is where comparisons stop," he said.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=126782
Excerpt:
WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told Xinhua Thursday that the speed of replication of the virus is not related with its actual ability to spread.
He also reiterated that a comparison between the new virus and SARS virus is "not helpful".
He said that the novel coronavirus which we are seeing now is different genetically from SARS, it does not transmit as easily as SARS did, there are many fewer cases for the time-being of this novel coronavirus, and it causes a different spectrum of disease in some patients.
"So the two viruses are not the same," he said.
"We prefer to say that the two viruses are from the same family of coronaviruses, but that is where comparisons stop," he said.
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=126782
HK University eyes Middle East help in fight against new bug #NCoV #Coronavirus
Mary Ann Benitez and Beatrice Siu Friday, February 22, 2013
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong are looking for collaboration in the Middle East to study the new SARS-like virus, which they believe may have originated from a Japanese bat species.
This comes as the Centre for Health Protection has stepped up monitoring for the new respiratory illness that is similar to the deadly SARS virus.
-snip-
Yuen Kwok-yung, chair of infectious diseases at the university's department of microbiology said: "We are trying to find collaborators in the Middle East but cannot disclose any details at this stage."
-snip-
The Hospital Authority's chief infection control officer Dominic Tsang Ngai- chon said suspected cases who have travelled to the Middle East and the UK, or where cases have occurred, and who came into contact with patients, will be isolated and tested.
The test results will be available in 24 hours.
Continued: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=131322&sid=39037980&con_type=1
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong are looking for collaboration in the Middle East to study the new SARS-like virus, which they believe may have originated from a Japanese bat species.
This comes as the Centre for Health Protection has stepped up monitoring for the new respiratory illness that is similar to the deadly SARS virus.
-snip-
Yuen Kwok-yung, chair of infectious diseases at the university's department of microbiology said: "We are trying to find collaborators in the Middle East but cannot disclose any details at this stage."
-snip-
The Hospital Authority's chief infection control officer Dominic Tsang Ngai- chon said suspected cases who have travelled to the Middle East and the UK, or where cases have occurred, and who came into contact with patients, will be isolated and tested.
The test results will be available in 24 hours.
Continued: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=131322&sid=39037980&con_type=1
Reuters: New Saudi case takes SARS-like virus death toll to seven #NCoV #Coronavirus
Reuters:
* 13 confirmed cases, 7 deaths from new virus worldwide
* WHO says not recommending screening or travel restrictions
Feb 21 (Reuters) - A patient admitted to hospital in Saudi Arabia with a new virus from the same family as SARS has died, taking the global death toll from the previously unknown disease to seven.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday the patient died on Feb. 10, two weeks after entering hospital. The cause of death was confirmed by a laboratory test three days ago.
Saudi Arabia reports new coronavirus case #NCoV
Excerpt:
Read more: http://www.cp24.com/world/saudi-arabia-reports-new-coronavirus-case-1.1166338#ixzz2LZNOemBi
Saudi Arabia has now reported six cases. Qatar has had the two confirmed cases. And Jordan has reported two cases, but the confirmations came months after the two individuals died, after falling ill last April.
Mounts said the WHO is trying to get countries to look harder for the virus. "We're concerned and really watching it very closely and trying to push people to do more investigation."
He also said the organization is putting together networks of experts to help it with the coronavirus situation -- an approach the WHO used with much success during the SARS outbreak.
A laboratory network and a network of expert epidemiologists -- sometimes called disease detectives -- are being set up. As well, a group of clinical experts who have advised the WHO over the past decade on possible treatments for H5N1 -- bird flu -- and during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic is being reactivated to help with this situation, Mounts said.
Read more: http://www.cp24.com/world/saudi-arabia-reports-new-coronavirus-case-1.1166338#ixzz2LZNOemBi
Egypt: Confirmed #H5N1 in Poultry in New Valley Gov.
February 21, 2013
Translation
Translation
Bartan appeared to bird flu in emerging New Valley Governorate, after the death of more than 135 chickens two houses. The analysis confirmed the central positive samples.
The house was the first king of late Ahmed Marzouk Ahmed, where died 35 chickens, were sent samples two days ago to labs central Ministry of Agriculture in Cairo, and reportedly has just report confirms positive samples, although the cause of death birds infected with bird flu.
also appeared epicenter another house Sayed Hassan Abdul God maritime area tribe Kharga, where died more than a hundred chickens, and has since few campaign from the Department of Veterinary Medicine in New Valley Governorate; for the cleansing process and eliminate the disease; to prevent its spread, and officials refused to maintain to make any comment.
also appeared epicenter another house Sayed Hassan Abdul God maritime area tribe Kharga, where died more than a hundred chickens, and has since few campaign from the Department of Veterinary Medicine in New Valley Governorate; for the cleansing process and eliminate the disease; to prevent its spread, and officials refused to maintain to make any comment.
http://tinyurl.com/an4w8xe
#Coronavirus Update on Case #11
[An update of information on Case #11)
Excerpt:
Novel coronavirus – a disease similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) – has infected four people in the UK, killing one of them.
The disease was thought to have been brought to the UK by a man that is being treated in Manchester, following a recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. His 39-year-old relative died in Birmingham on February 17.
A second relative has been treated for a mild form of the illness, with a further 100 people that had been in close contact with the family having been tested and given the all-clear.
http://www.mrcvs.co.uk/en/news-story.php?id=9162
Excerpt:
Novel coronavirus – a disease similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) – has infected four people in the UK, killing one of them.
The disease was thought to have been brought to the UK by a man that is being treated in Manchester, following a recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. His 39-year-old relative died in Birmingham on February 17.
A second relative has been treated for a mild form of the illness, with a further 100 people that had been in close contact with the family having been tested and given the all-clear.
http://www.mrcvs.co.uk/en/news-story.php?id=9162
WHO: Novel coronavirus infection - update MOH in Saudi Arabia Another Case
21 February 2013 -
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of
another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV).
The patient was hospitalized on 29 January 2013 and died on 10 February 2013. The case was laboratory-confirmed on 18 February 2013. Further investigation into this case is ongoing.
In the United Kingdom, the Health Protection Agency continues to investigate the family cluster where three members of the family tested positive for NCoV infection. One member of this family, who had an underlying health condition, has died.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 13 confirmed cases of human infection with NCoV, including seven deaths.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States (MS) to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. Testing for the NCoV should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained, severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment, particularly in persons traveling from or resident in areas of the world known to be affected.
Any clusters of SARI or SARI in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur.
All MS are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case or clusters of cases with NCoV infection.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_02_21/en/index.html
The patient was hospitalized on 29 January 2013 and died on 10 February 2013. The case was laboratory-confirmed on 18 February 2013. Further investigation into this case is ongoing.
In the United Kingdom, the Health Protection Agency continues to investigate the family cluster where three members of the family tested positive for NCoV infection. One member of this family, who had an underlying health condition, has died.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 13 confirmed cases of human infection with NCoV, including seven deaths.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States (MS) to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. Testing for the NCoV should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained, severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment, particularly in persons traveling from or resident in areas of the world known to be affected.
Any clusters of SARI or SARI in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur.
All MS are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case or clusters of cases with NCoV infection.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_02_21/en/index.html
Fourth case in UK coronavirus family cluster?
By Helen Branswell
Excerpt:
...officials investigating how the virus moved from one member of the family to the next suspect another relative may have contracted the virus and may even have spread it to the third confirmed case in the cluster. This fourth family member had a respiratory illness but was not tested until after she recovered, at which point the test came back negative.
The third confirmed case in this cluster had only mild symptoms and has since recovered. "The fact that she had such a mild illness really does raise our concerns about what we might be missing," Mounts admits.
Others share the WHO's concern. In fact, several of the researchers who were key players in the response to the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic admit the patterns they are seeing bring back memories.
"It is certainly beginning to look concerning, given the obvious fact that there can be onward transmission," says Malik Peiris, chair of the department of microbiology at the University of Hong Kong.
"It is somewhat reminiscent of the emergence of SARS in 2002."
Ron Fouchier, a virologist at Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, also sees those similarities.
Excerpt:
...officials investigating how the virus moved from one member of the family to the next suspect another relative may have contracted the virus and may even have spread it to the third confirmed case in the cluster. This fourth family member had a respiratory illness but was not tested until after she recovered, at which point the test came back negative.
The third confirmed case in this cluster had only mild symptoms and has since recovered. "The fact that she had such a mild illness really does raise our concerns about what we might be missing," Mounts admits.
Others share the WHO's concern. In fact, several of the researchers who were key players in the response to the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic admit the patterns they are seeing bring back memories.
"It is certainly beginning to look concerning, given the obvious fact that there can be onward transmission," says Malik Peiris, chair of the department of microbiology at the University of Hong Kong.
"It is somewhat reminiscent of the emergence of SARS in 2002."
Ron Fouchier, a virologist at Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, also sees those similarities.
Cambodia: It appears the 2 year old that died on 2/19, lived just 2 kilometres (1 1/2 miles) away from the 3 year old that died on 2/13
hat-tip http://crofsblogs.typepad.com [It appears the 2 year old that died on 2/19, lived just 2 kilometres (1 1/2 miles) away from the 3 year old that died on 2/13]
Excerpt:
http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/2013/02/cambodia-more-on-the-7th-h5n1-death.html
Excerpt:
A two-year-old boy from Kampot province on Tuesday became the seventh person to die from bird flu in the Kingdom this year, and the second victim to hail from the province’s Angkor Chey district.
It is believed that the boy, from Angkor Arum Buol village in Angkor Chey commune, had been sick for at least five days before he was brought to the Kantha Bopha hospital in Phnom Penh on Monday.
A three-year-old girl from a village just two kilometres away in neighbouring Angkor Phnom Touch commune died last Wednesday.
The World Health Organisation and district health officials confirmed that a rapid response team was already investigating in Kampot.
“After last week’s death, we started a communications campaign in the village,” World Health Organisation spokesman Sonny Krishnan said.
“This campaign will be intensified across the district.”
There have been eight confirmed cases of human H5N1 in Cambodia this year, with seven deaths. The Ministry of Health is expected to release more details today.
http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/2013/02/cambodia-more-on-the-7th-h5n1-death.html
Vietnam: Influenza A/H5N1 overflow from Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City emergency prevention
02/21/2013
Translation
Currently, the A/H5N1 flu in Cambodia has spilled over the border, threatening outbreak in the southern provinces.
-snip-
Bird flu in CPC has overflowed into Vietnam. risk spread, outbreaks in the southern provinces are at a high level, especially in the CPC adjacent provinces of Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Long An.
According to the veterinary VI, in Tay Ninh area bordering with you, have discovered two outbreaks in Tien Thuan and Binh Minh (Ben Cau district).
Illegal trade in poultry operations still rampant
Bird flu spreads, combined with the sale of illegal slaughter occurs widespread throughout the coastal districts increases the risk of disease and food safety in the city.
This seriously affected the epidemiological situation of cattle and public health in the area of Ho Chi Minh City.
Before this situation, the City People's Committee has asked the departments the situation closely livestock management, trade, slaughter cattle and poultry in order to detect early outbreaks, timely treatment, not to spread on a wide.
Thorough handling of the situation of trafficking movement of poultry disease, of unknown origin, not regulations.
Besides, the city asked the health sector to strengthen propaganda against influenza A in humans, prepare facilities, equipment and medicine for the prevention of bird flu in the province south.
Cambodia Case List 2013
-->
-->
Report
Date/Province/District/ Con. Date /Name/DOD
Jan 27/Kampong Speu/Kong Pisei/1-23/35(M)/DOD 1-21
Jan 27/Takeo/Prey Kabass/1-22/15(F)/DOD 1/21
Jan 27/Phnom Penh/Porsenchey/1-22/8(mos)/Recovered
Jan 28/Kampong Speu/Kong Pisei/1-26/17(mos)/DOD 1-28
Jan 29/Kampot/Teouk
Chhou/1-28/9(F)/DOD 1-28
Feb 8/Takeo/Prey Kabass/1-22/5(F)/DOD 2-7
Feb 13/Kampot/Angkor Chey/2-11/3 (F)/DOD 2-13
Feb 21/Kampot/Angkor Chey/2-19/2 (M)/DOD 2-19
Feb 26/Kampong Cham/Trung Trang/2-23/35(M)/DOD 2-25
-->
Feb 26/Kampong Cham/Trung Trang/2-23/35(M)/DOD 2-25
Apr 3/Kampot/4-2/6(M)/
Kampong
Speu
Date
1/27/13
Name: 35(M)
From: Trapeang Sla village, Preah Nipean commune, Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu
Onset: 1/13
Adm: Treated by private practioner
Adm: 1/21
Hospital: Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hosp. Phnom Penh, sym's fever, dyspnea
DOD: 1/21
Notes: Prepared sick chicken for food prior to being sick.
Confirmation: 1/23/13 - Positive
From: Trapeang Sla village, Preah Nipean commune, Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu
Onset: 1/13
Adm: Treated by private practioner
Adm: 1/21
Hospital: Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hosp. Phnom Penh, sym's fever, dyspnea
DOD: 1/21
Notes: Prepared sick chicken for food prior to being sick.
Confirmation: 1/23/13 - Positive
Takeo
Date:
1/27/13
Name: 15(F)
From: Snao village, Prey Kabass district, Takeo Province
Onset: 1/11/13
Adm: Treated by private practioner.
Hospital: Kantha Bopha
Adm: 1/17/13 sym's fever & shortness of breath.
DOD: 1/21/13
Notes: Previous dead poultry in village. Prepared sick chicken for food prior to being sick.
Confirmed: 1/22/13 - Positive
From: Snao village, Prey Kabass district, Takeo Province
Onset: 1/11/13
Adm: Treated by private practioner.
Hospital: Kantha Bopha
Adm: 1/17/13 sym's fever & shortness of breath.
DOD: 1/21/13
Notes: Previous dead poultry in village. Prepared sick chicken for food prior to being sick.
Confirmed: 1/22/13 - Positive
Phnom Penh
Date:
1/27/13
Name: 8 month male
From: Chrey Korng Village, Sangkat Chorm Chao, Khan Porsenchey district, Phnom Penh
Onset: 1/8/13Hospital: National Pediatric Hosp.
Adm: 1/9 sym's fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting.
Notes: Samples sent on 1/11. History of contact with poultry.
DOD: survived and recovered
Confirmed: 1/22/13 - positive
From: Chrey Korng Village, Sangkat Chorm Chao, Khan Porsenchey district, Phnom Penh
Onset: 1/8/13Hospital: National Pediatric Hosp.
Adm: 1/9 sym's fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting.
Notes: Samples sent on 1/11. History of contact with poultry.
DOD: survived and recovered
Confirmed: 1/22/13 - positive
Kampong
Speu
Date 1/28/13
Name: 17 month girl
From: Kong Pisei district, Prey Nhat commune, Kampong Speu
Onset: 1/13, fever, runny nose, vomiting
Adm: private practitioner
Adm: 1/17 fever, cough, somnolence & dyspnoea
Hospital: Kantha Bopha Phnom PenhNotes: Recent poultry death in village. Contact with poultry.
DOD: 1/28
Confirmed: Positive 1/26
Name: 17 month girl
From: Kong Pisei district, Prey Nhat commune, Kampong Speu
Onset: 1/13, fever, runny nose, vomiting
Adm: private practitioner
Adm: 1/17 fever, cough, somnolence & dyspnoea
Hospital: Kantha Bopha Phnom PenhNotes: Recent poultry death in village. Contact with poultry.
DOD: 1/28
Confirmed: Positive 1/26
Kampot
Province
Date
1/29/13
Name:
9 yo girl
From: Thmei village, Thmei commune, Toeuk Chhou district, Kampot Province
Onset: 1/19, fever, cough
Adm: Initially treated by a private practitioner
Adm: 1/27
Hospital: Kantha Bopha with fever, cough, somnolence and dyspnoea
DOD: 1/28
Notes: Poultry dead around village.
Confirmed: Positive - 1/28
From: Thmei village, Thmei commune, Toeuk Chhou district, Kampot Province
Onset: 1/19, fever, cough
Adm: Initially treated by a private practitioner
Adm: 1/27
Hospital: Kantha Bopha with fever, cough, somnolence and dyspnoea
DOD: 1/28
Notes: Poultry dead around village.
Confirmed: Positive - 1/28
Takeo
Province
Date 2/8/13
Name:
5 yo female
From: Angk Krasang Village, Prey Lvea commune, Prey Kabass district, Takeo Province.
Onset: 1/25
Adm: local private practitioner
Adm: 1/31 with fever, cough & dyspnoea
Hospital: Kantha Bopha Hospital
Confirmed: Positive, diagnosed on 2/7
DOD: 2/7
Notes: recent deaths of poultry in village. Touched & ate dead chicken.
From: Angk Krasang Village, Prey Lvea commune, Prey Kabass district, Takeo Province.
Onset: 1/25
Adm: local private practitioner
Adm: 1/31 with fever, cough & dyspnoea
Hospital: Kantha Bopha Hospital
Confirmed: Positive, diagnosed on 2/7
DOD: 2/7
Notes: recent deaths of poultry in village. Touched & ate dead chicken.
Kampot
Province
Date: 2/13/13
Name: 3 yo female
From: Trapeang Kamphleanh village, Ang Phnom
Toch commune, Angkor Chey District, Kampot Province
Adm: 2/6
Hospital: Kantha Bopha Hospital, fever, abdominal
pain, drowsiness
Onset: 2/3 red rash, initially treated by
private practioner
Notes: Recent death of poultry in village,
history of contact. Critical
Condition w/severe breathing problems.
Confirmation: 2/11/13
DOD: 2/13/13
Kampot
Province
Date: 2/21/13
Name: 2 yo male
From: Ang Romduol Village, Angkor Chey
commune, Angkor Chey district, Kampot Province
Onset: 2/6, runny nose & fever. Treated by local private practioner.
Adm: 2/18 Kantha Bopha Hospital, Phnom Penh with
fever, cough, dyspnea
Confirmation: 2/19/13
DOD: 2/19/13 (18 hours after admission)
Note: Poultry death in Village. Eighth death this year. 29th person to become
infected. 26th to
die. Of the 29 confirmed Cases, 20
were children under 14. 19 of the
29 were Female.
-->
Kampong Cham Province
Date: February
26, 2013
Name: 35 (Male)
From: Kbl Ou Village, Me Sar Chrey commune, Stueng
Trang, Kampong Cham Province
-->
Onset: 2/8 fever; worsened on 2/10 w/frequent
cough, dypsnea
Adm: Local
practitioner
Adm: 2/13
Kampong Cham Hosp. Treated with
Tamiflu
Adm: 2/19,
Hospital Benh Calmete, Phnom Penh (MOH Statement says 2/21), developed pneumonia
Notes: Contact
with dead Ducks and eating.
Confirmation:
Positive on2/23/19
DOD: 2/25
Kampot Province
Date: 4/3/13
Name: 6 (M)
From: Southwest
Kampot Province
Onset:
Adm: 3/31 Kantha
Bopha Hospital, Phnom Penh
Note: Critical
condition.
Cambodia: #H5Nl Death - Joint Press Release from the Ministry Of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO)
Eighth New Human Case of Avian Influenza H5N1 in Cambodia in 2013
Phnom Penh, 21 February 2013
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to advise members of the public that one more new human case of avian influenza has been confirmed positive for the H5N1 virus.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the MoH website www.cdcmoh.gov.kh where relevant health education materials can also be downloaded. For more information on human influenza please call the MoH Influenza Hotline numbers: 115 (free call); 012 488 981 or 089 669 567
The eighth case, a 20-month-old boy from Ang Romduol village, Angkor Chey commune, Angkor Chey district in Kampot province, was found positive for influenza H5N1 on 19 February 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge.
He developed fever and a runny nose on 6 February 2013 and was initially treated by local private practitioners. His condition worsened and he was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital on 18 February 2013 with fever, cough and dyspnea and died on 19 February 2013. There is evidence of recent deaths among poultry in the village.
The boy is the eighth person this year and the 29th person to become infected with H5N1 virus, and the 26th person to die from complications of the disease in Cambodia. Of the 29 confirmed cases, 20 were children under 14, and 19 of the 29 were female.
"Avian influenza H5N1 remains a serious threat to the health of Cambodians, especially children,” said HE Dr. Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health.
“This is the eighth case of H5N1 infection in humans this year, and children still seem to be most vulnerable. Children are at high risk because they may play where poultry are found and I urge parents and guardians to keep children away from sick or dead poultry and prevent them from playing with chickens and ducks.”
“Parents and guardians must also make sure children wash their hands with soap and water after any contact with poultry. If they have fast or difficult breathing, they should seek medical attention at the nearest health facility and attending physicians must be made aware of any exposure to sick or dead poultry.”
“The greatest risk of exposure to the virus is through the handling and slaughter of infected poultry. Home slaughtering and preparation of sick or dead poultry for food is hazardous: this practice must be stopped.”
The Ministry of Health's Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have gone to the hospital and the field to identify the boy’s close contacts, any epidemiological linkage among the eight cases and to initiate preventive treatment as required.
In addition, a public health education campaign is being conducted in the village to inform families on how to protect themselves from contracting avian influenza.
The Government's message is: wash hands often; keep children away from poultry; keep poultry away from living areas; do not eat sick poultry; and all poultry eaten should be well cooked.
H5N1 influenza is a flu that normally spreads between sick poultry, but it can sometimes spread from poultry to humans. Human H5N1 Avian Influenza is a very serious disease that requires hospitalization. Although the virus currently does not easily spread among humans, if the virus changes it could easily be spread like seasonal influenza. Hence early recognition of cases is important.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the MoH website www.cdcmoh.gov.kh where relevant health education materials can also be downloaded.
For more information on human influenza please call the MoH Influenza Hotline numbers: 115 (free call); 012 488 981 or 089 669 567
Phnom Penh, 21 February 2013
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to advise members of the public that one more new human case of avian influenza has been confirmed positive for the H5N1 virus.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the MoH website www.cdcmoh.gov.kh where relevant health education materials can also be downloaded. For more information on human influenza please call the MoH Influenza Hotline numbers: 115 (free call); 012 488 981 or 089 669 567
The eighth case, a 20-month-old boy from Ang Romduol village, Angkor Chey commune, Angkor Chey district in Kampot province, was found positive for influenza H5N1 on 19 February 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge.
He developed fever and a runny nose on 6 February 2013 and was initially treated by local private practitioners. His condition worsened and he was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital on 18 February 2013 with fever, cough and dyspnea and died on 19 February 2013. There is evidence of recent deaths among poultry in the village.
The boy is the eighth person this year and the 29th person to become infected with H5N1 virus, and the 26th person to die from complications of the disease in Cambodia. Of the 29 confirmed cases, 20 were children under 14, and 19 of the 29 were female.
"Avian influenza H5N1 remains a serious threat to the health of Cambodians, especially children,” said HE Dr. Mam Bunheng, Minister of Health.
“This is the eighth case of H5N1 infection in humans this year, and children still seem to be most vulnerable. Children are at high risk because they may play where poultry are found and I urge parents and guardians to keep children away from sick or dead poultry and prevent them from playing with chickens and ducks.”
“Parents and guardians must also make sure children wash their hands with soap and water after any contact with poultry. If they have fast or difficult breathing, they should seek medical attention at the nearest health facility and attending physicians must be made aware of any exposure to sick or dead poultry.”
“The greatest risk of exposure to the virus is through the handling and slaughter of infected poultry. Home slaughtering and preparation of sick or dead poultry for food is hazardous: this practice must be stopped.”
The Ministry of Health's Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have gone to the hospital and the field to identify the boy’s close contacts, any epidemiological linkage among the eight cases and to initiate preventive treatment as required.
In addition, a public health education campaign is being conducted in the village to inform families on how to protect themselves from contracting avian influenza.
The Government's message is: wash hands often; keep children away from poultry; keep poultry away from living areas; do not eat sick poultry; and all poultry eaten should be well cooked.
H5N1 influenza is a flu that normally spreads between sick poultry, but it can sometimes spread from poultry to humans. Human H5N1 Avian Influenza is a very serious disease that requires hospitalization. Although the virus currently does not easily spread among humans, if the virus changes it could easily be spread like seasonal influenza. Hence early recognition of cases is important.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed of developments via the MoH website www.cdcmoh.gov.kh where relevant health education materials can also be downloaded.
For more information on human influenza please call the MoH Influenza Hotline numbers: 115 (free call); 012 488 981 or 089 669 567
Hong Kong: Press Release Concerted efforts in enhancing surveillance and control measures for novel coronavirus
[editing is mine]
Published on: 2013-02-21
Representatives from the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) met today (February 21) to discuss the updated global situation of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus and will work together in enhancing the surveillance and control measures for the disease. This is the fourth special meeting held between the DH and the HA on the issue.
The surveillance measures currently in place include statutorily notification of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronovirus and enhanced laboratory testing for novel coronavirus in severe respiratory cases with pneumonia with unknown causes, after ruling out common causative agents.
During the meeting, representatives from the DH and the HA agreed to further enhance the laboratory surveillance for novel coronavirus. For cases of pneumonia with unknown cause, pneumonia cases that require intensive care, clusters of pneumonia or health-care workers with pneumonia, routine testing for novel coronavirus will be carried out irrespective of travel history. These enhanced measures will be carried out starting from tomorrow (February 22).
Speaking at a media session after the meeting, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Leung Ting-hung, expressed concern on the latest development of the disease in the UK.
"The mortality of this disease is very high and several instances of human-to-human transmission are likely to have occurred in the Middle East and the UK. However, no sustained transmission or expanding clusters of infection have been identified in any country since the earliest cases traced back to April 2012," Dr Leung said.
"Doctors are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected cases to the CHP. Health-care workers should exercise appropriate infection control measures at all times. As with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) experience, the public should pay particular attention to personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry," he said, adding that the virus may remain viable in the environment for some time and can be inactivated by 1:99 household bleach.
Dr Leung 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 closely monitor the situation and update the surveillance criteria and testing strategies accordingly.
Also speaking at the media session, the Chief Infection Control Officer of the Hospital Authority, Dr Dominic Tsang, added that public hospitals will continue to closely monitor, promptly isolate and perform rapid diagnostic testing of patients based on defined criteria and risk factors identified.
"Such cases will also be notified to the CHP through existing channels. Health-care workers will be updated once again on the current situation and reminded to adhere to proper infection control measures. Treatment guidelines will be provided to front-line doctors in guiding patient clinical management," Dr Tsang said.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:40http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/21/P201302210521.htm
Published on: 2013-02-21
Representatives from the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) met today (February 21) to discuss the updated global situation of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus and will work together in enhancing the surveillance and control measures for the disease. This is the fourth special meeting held between the DH and the HA on the issue.
The surveillance measures currently in place include statutorily notification of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronovirus and enhanced laboratory testing for novel coronavirus in severe respiratory cases with pneumonia with unknown causes, after ruling out common causative agents.
During the meeting, representatives from the DH and the HA agreed to further enhance the laboratory surveillance for novel coronavirus. For cases of pneumonia with unknown cause, pneumonia cases that require intensive care, clusters of pneumonia or health-care workers with pneumonia, routine testing for novel coronavirus will be carried out irrespective of travel history. These enhanced measures will be carried out starting from tomorrow (February 22).
Speaking at a media session after the meeting, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Leung Ting-hung, expressed concern on the latest development of the disease in the UK.
"The mortality of this disease is very high and several instances of human-to-human transmission are likely to have occurred in the Middle East and the UK. However, no sustained transmission or expanding clusters of infection have been identified in any country since the earliest cases traced back to April 2012," Dr Leung said.
"Doctors are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected cases to the CHP. Health-care workers should exercise appropriate infection control measures at all times. As with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) experience, the public should pay particular attention to personal and environmental hygiene and avoid direct contact with animals, birds or poultry," he said, adding that the virus may remain viable in the environment for some time and can be inactivated by 1:99 household bleach.
Dr Leung 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 closely monitor the situation and update the surveillance criteria and testing strategies accordingly.
Also speaking at the media session, the Chief Infection Control Officer of the Hospital Authority, Dr Dominic Tsang, added that public hospitals will continue to closely monitor, promptly isolate and perform rapid diagnostic testing of patients based on defined criteria and risk factors identified.
"Such cases will also be notified to the CHP through existing channels. Health-care workers will be updated once again on the current situation and reminded to adhere to proper infection control measures. Treatment guidelines will be provided to front-line doctors in guiding patient clinical management," Dr Tsang said.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:40http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/21/P201302210521.htm
Hong Kong: Cluster of 7 Influenza A cases in Caritas Medical Centre, 3 Staff Member since 2/12
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (February 21):
A total of four children (three male and one female, aged 4 to 17) and three staff of the developmental and disabilities unit have presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms since February 12. Influenza tests have been arranged and confirmed three children have been suffered from Influenza A. The concerned children are being treated under isolation. One of them is in serious condition and the others are in stable condition. One staff member is now on sick leave while the other two have recovered and been back to work.
Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. Admission and activities of children who are staying in same dormitory have been suspended while visiting arrangement remains normal. All other children as well as staff in the unit are under close surveillance.
CMC has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:48
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/21/P201302210529.htm
The spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (February 21):
A total of four children (three male and one female, aged 4 to 17) and three staff of the developmental and disabilities unit have presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms since February 12. Influenza tests have been arranged and confirmed three children have been suffered from Influenza A. The concerned children are being treated under isolation. One of them is in serious condition and the others are in stable condition. One staff member is now on sick leave while the other two have recovered and been back to work.
Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. Admission and activities of children who are staying in same dormitory have been suspended while visiting arrangement remains normal. All other children as well as staff in the unit are under close surveillance.
CMC has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, February 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:48
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201302/21/P201302210529.htm
Exactly How Contagious is the Coronavirus?
[Below is an excerpt from the document, published on February 20th, from the HPA: "Infection Control Advice Novel Coronavirus Cases". The editing below is mine. The whole document can be found as a pdf file link provided at the bottom of page. I have got to wonder exactly how contagious this is. I also wonder if the family members that visited the Index case (Case #10) and the case that just died (Case #11) wore an FFPE Respirator while in the room?]
This document outlines infection control and other general advice for personnel who may be involved in receiving and caring for patients, primarily within healthcare settings, who may be infected with a novel coronavirus.
Added/updated: 20 February 2013
Excerpt of document below:
The remainder of this document concerns infection control advice solely for probable or confirmed cases.
Isolation
• Patients requiring admission should be admitted directly to negative-pressure single rooms, if available. If this is not possible then a single room with en-suite facilities should be used. Room doors should be kept closed. Positive pressure, single rooms should not be used.
• If on a critical care unit, the patient should be nursed in a negative pressure room where available, or if not available, a neutral pressure side room with (closed ventilator circuit) should be used.
• Staff should wear protective clothing as detailed below. Rooms should be appropriately decontaminated before being used again (see below: Cleaning). Suitable written information must be placed on the isolation room door indicating the need for respiratory and enteric isolation, though there will be a need to respect patient confidentiality.
• Only essential staff should enter the room.
• A record of all staff that have had contact with a confirmed/probable patient should be kept.
Staff
• Staff must comply with all infection control procedures as detailed above.
• A record of all staff caring for the patient must be maintained. The record sheet should be placed at the door and all staff entering must complete this.
• The use of bank or agency staff should be avoided wherever possible.
• All HCW should be vigilant for any respiratory symptoms in the ten days following last exposure to a case and should not come to work if they have a fever or cough. They should seek advice from their infection control team/occupational health department as per the local policy. Their hospital infection control team and/or local HPU will advise on where they should be medically assessed. During this period, symptomatic healthcare workers should avoid close contact with people both in the hospital and in the general community.
Visitors
• The number of visitors should be restricted.
• Visitors entering the isolation room must wear PPE as previously detailed.
• Visitors must be trained in the appropriate use of protective clothing and hand hygiene.
• A log of all visitors must be kept.
4
Contact tracing
• Follow up of staff contacts of patients will be co-ordinated by the Trust Occupational Health Department.
• Follow up of community contacts of patients will be co-ordinated by the local Health Protection Unit.
Protective clothing
To be worn by ALL staff and visitors entering the room (see appendix 1: putting on and removing personal protective equipment)
• Long sleeved, fluid-repellent disposable gown – the possibility of staff wearing scrubs underneath would obviate problems with laundering of uniforms and other clothing.
• Non-sterile surgical gloves.
• An FFP3 respirator conforming to EN149:2001 to be worn by all personnel carrying out clinical care, visitors or staff in the room during aerosol generating procedures. Fit testing must be undertaken before using this equipment. Refer to DH poster: How to fit test an FFP3 respirator. [added by me: Definition Aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) are procedures that stimulate coughing and promote the generation of aerosols. I was very curious about the FFP3 mask, so I did some research. Below is a screen shot & link:]
• Every time a respirator is used it should be fit-checked. Refer to DH poster: How to fit and fit check an FFP3 respirator.
• Eye protection (prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection against droplets, sprays and splashes).
It is vital that the protective clothing described above is worn for all airway management, including intubation
Hand hygiene
• This is essential before and after all patient contact, removal of protective clothing and cleaning of the environment.
• Use soap and water or use alcohol hand rub if hands are socially clean
• Rings (other than a plain smooth band), wrist watches and wrist jewellery must not be worn by staff.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317136232722
This document outlines infection control and other general advice for personnel who may be involved in receiving and caring for patients, primarily within healthcare settings, who may be infected with a novel coronavirus.
Added/updated: 20 February 2013
Excerpt of document below:
The remainder of this document concerns infection control advice solely for probable or confirmed cases.
Isolation
• Patients requiring admission should be admitted directly to negative-pressure single rooms, if available. If this is not possible then a single room with en-suite facilities should be used. Room doors should be kept closed. Positive pressure, single rooms should not be used.
• If on a critical care unit, the patient should be nursed in a negative pressure room where available, or if not available, a neutral pressure side room with (closed ventilator circuit) should be used.
• Staff should wear protective clothing as detailed below. Rooms should be appropriately decontaminated before being used again (see below: Cleaning). Suitable written information must be placed on the isolation room door indicating the need for respiratory and enteric isolation, though there will be a need to respect patient confidentiality.
• Only essential staff should enter the room.
• A record of all staff that have had contact with a confirmed/probable patient should be kept.
Staff
• Staff must comply with all infection control procedures as detailed above.
• A record of all staff caring for the patient must be maintained. The record sheet should be placed at the door and all staff entering must complete this.
• The use of bank or agency staff should be avoided wherever possible.
• All HCW should be vigilant for any respiratory symptoms in the ten days following last exposure to a case and should not come to work if they have a fever or cough. They should seek advice from their infection control team/occupational health department as per the local policy. Their hospital infection control team and/or local HPU will advise on where they should be medically assessed. During this period, symptomatic healthcare workers should avoid close contact with people both in the hospital and in the general community.
Visitors
• The number of visitors should be restricted.
• Visitors entering the isolation room must wear PPE as previously detailed.
• Visitors must be trained in the appropriate use of protective clothing and hand hygiene.
• A log of all visitors must be kept.
4
Contact tracing
• Follow up of staff contacts of patients will be co-ordinated by the Trust Occupational Health Department.
• Follow up of community contacts of patients will be co-ordinated by the local Health Protection Unit.
Protective clothing
To be worn by ALL staff and visitors entering the room (see appendix 1: putting on and removing personal protective equipment)
• Long sleeved, fluid-repellent disposable gown – the possibility of staff wearing scrubs underneath would obviate problems with laundering of uniforms and other clothing.
• Non-sterile surgical gloves.
• An FFP3 respirator conforming to EN149:2001 to be worn by all personnel carrying out clinical care, visitors or staff in the room during aerosol generating procedures. Fit testing must be undertaken before using this equipment. Refer to DH poster: How to fit test an FFP3 respirator. [added by me: Definition Aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) are procedures that stimulate coughing and promote the generation of aerosols. I was very curious about the FFP3 mask, so I did some research. Below is a screen shot & link:]
 |
| Link: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFEQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.directa.co.uk%2Fproduct_datasheets%2Fffp.pdf&ei=yRgmUfWiF-ng2QWcmYCQBQ&usg=AFQjCNEOywY0NSF6rywA-jIgVkPhflKvug&sig2=zih-H3sYdtecW4JFPe-4Sg&bvm=bv.42661473,d.b2I&cad=rja |
• Every time a respirator is used it should be fit-checked. Refer to DH poster: How to fit and fit check an FFP3 respirator.
• Eye protection (prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection against droplets, sprays and splashes).
It is vital that the protective clothing described above is worn for all airway management, including intubation
Hand hygiene
• This is essential before and after all patient contact, removal of protective clothing and cleaning of the environment.
• Use soap and water or use alcohol hand rub if hands are socially clean
• Rings (other than a plain smooth band), wrist watches and wrist jewellery must not be worn by staff.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1317136232722
Vietnam: Department of Preventive Medicine A/H5N1 flu prevention guide
February 20, 2013
When symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath related to avian people immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.
When symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath related to avian people immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.
The complicated development of A/H5N1 flu are returned in a number of countries and regions Hong Kong (China), Cambodia, Vietnam ... aim of A/H5N1 flu spread from poultry to humans and reduce mortality, Preventive Medicine Department (Ministry of Health) strongly recommends people make good some of the following measures:
- Do not transport, purchase and sale of poultry and poultry products of unknown origin.
- Ensure cooked, boiled drinking; wash hands with soap before eating.
- Upon detection of sick poultry, died absolutely slaughtered and use that to notify local authorities handled promptly.
- When you have symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath related to avian influenza immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination and treatment.
http://www.baomoi.com/Home/SucKhoe/alobacsi.vn/Cuc-Y-te-du-phong-huong-dan-phong-chong-cum-AH5N1/10427621.epi
http://www.baomoi.com/Home/SucKhoe/alobacsi.vn/Cuc-Y-te-du-phong-huong-dan-phong-chong-cum-AH5N1/10427621.epi
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City: Emergency #H5N1 flu prevention
2/21/13
(Reuters) - Influenza A/H5N1 from Cambodia has spilled over the border threatened outbreak in the southern provinces. Before this situation, the city asked the departments to enhance disease prevention, strictly handle violations.
Continued http://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/tphcm-khan-cap-phong-chong-cum-ah5n1-698778.htm
Cambodia: #H5N1 Human Death 2 yo from neighboring commune of most previous case
Translated
Excerpt
...Boys in Angkor Chey Commune, was taken to a hospital in Phnom Penh after the sick at least five days. Before that, a 3-year-old girl in neighboring communes with Angkor Chey has died of bird flu on 13/2.
Excerpt
...Boys in Angkor Chey Commune, was taken to a hospital in Phnom Penh after the sick at least five days. Before that, a 3-year-old girl in neighboring communes with Angkor Chey has died of bird flu on 13/2.
Cambodia: Another Human Fatality Making 8 Total
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 21 — Cambodia reported on Thursday that another
2-year-old boy died of Avian Influenza H5N1, bringing the death toll to
seven and the number of cases to eight in 2013.
The toddler lived in Angkor Chey district of Southwestern Kampot province. He died of the virus in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh, 18 hours after he was admitted, Dr. Denis Laurent, deputy director of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, told Xinhua over telephone on Thursday.
“He passed away even though our doctors did all their best to save him,” he said.
Last week, a 3-year-old girl from the same district also died of the virus at the hospital.
The country sees the worst outbreak of the virus this year since the disease was first identified in Jan. 2004. To date, the country has reported 29 human cases of the virus, killing 26 people.
The toddler lived in Angkor Chey district of Southwestern Kampot province. He died of the virus in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh, 18 hours after he was admitted, Dr. Denis Laurent, deputy director of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, told Xinhua over telephone on Thursday.
“He passed away even though our doctors did all their best to save him,” he said.
Last week, a 3-year-old girl from the same district also died of the virus at the hospital.
The country sees the worst outbreak of the virus this year since the disease was first identified in Jan. 2004. To date, the country has reported 29 human cases of the virus, killing 26 people.
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