April 1, 2013
Dashiell Bennett
Two men from Shanghai have died from a new strain of bird flu in the last month, sparking rumors that it might be related to the "pig soup" that has taken over local rivers. Health officials don't yet believe that
this new version of the flu, known as H7N9, can be transmitted from
human-to-human, but it's easy to see how people might make the leap to a
more upsetting conclusion.
One of the two men who died was elderly, and not an usual victim for these types of odd viruses. But the second was a 27-year-old who allegedly sold pork
in a local market. It didn't take long for people to make a connection
between that and the more than 10,000 pigs recently fished out of the
Huangpu river after dying of an unknown malady. Officials sill haven't
given a definitive answer about where the pigs came from, but users of China's social media services
have already put two and two together and spread questions and fears
around the country. It helps (or doesn't) that the director of the
University of Hong Kong's Infectious Disease Center admitted there could
be a connection, with the bird flu possibly mutating within pigs before
spreading elsewhere.
There's no actual evidence of that yet,
but state authorities will likely have to come up with more concrete
answers if they want to avoid a panic. They may also need to push hard
to find the source that dead pig debacle and severely punish whoever
dumped them illegally. There's also been a different bird flu outbreaks in India, Cambodia, Indonesia, and elsewhere in 2013, which makes it important to tamp down the fear that another H1N1 will soon upon Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, sometimes the rumors are even harder to stop from spreading than the disease.
Monday, April 1, 2013
China: Lanzhou officials claim floating human corpses do not affect water quality
April 1, 2013
By Erik Crouch
This week's 'dead things floating in drinking water' special guest: people! If ducks and hogs aren't enough for you, Lanzhou officials have reported that more than 100 human bodies are found in the Yellow River each year, with 417 recovered between 2008 and 2012. Environmental bureau chief Li Lei says that, "Based on our overall measuring results in past years, water quality not only remained normal, but in some cases has even improved," so by all means, keep dumping bodies.
SCMP reports:
By Erik Crouch
This week's 'dead things floating in drinking water' special guest: people! If ducks and hogs aren't enough for you, Lanzhou officials have reported that more than 100 human bodies are found in the Yellow River each year, with 417 recovered between 2008 and 2012. Environmental bureau chief Li Lei says that, "Based on our overall measuring results in past years, water quality not only remained normal, but in some cases has even improved," so by all means, keep dumping bodies.
SCMP reports:
Lanzhou police bureau spokesman Huang Xiaoping said most of the bodies in the river were people who died from accidents and suicides. Out the 417 bodies retrieved, only two were involved in criminal activities, he told the agency. In 2005, Xiaosanxia Power, which owns two hydropower stations in the region, issued a report on the water quality.Continued: http://shanghaiist.com/2013/04/01/lanzhou_officials_floating_bodies_dont_affect_water_quality.php
"The bodies would generate much more pollutants than daily disposals if they remain in water and decompose," the company said. It said it had found dozens of bodies floating with household rubbish every year.
#H7N9: 27yo Worked As Street Food Stall Serving Pork
By —
Two men in Shanghai have died and a woman is gravely ill from a new strain of bird flu, H7N9, that was not previously known to infect humans. One of men, aged 87, died on March 4, and the other, aged 27, died on March 10, according to Chinese health authorities.
The younger victim reportedly worked in a street food stall serving pork, drawing speculation that his death might be linked to the thousands of dead pigs found near Shanghai’s main source of drinking water. However, he contracted the virus several weeks before the first dead pigs were found in the Huangpu River. While pigs can play a role in the formation of new viruses, there is no evidence they carry H7N9.
Still, the deaths are troubling since they suggest that a previously innocuous avian virus has become deadly. “This time it has caused deaths and critical conditions, even in young patients,” University of Hong Kong Centre of Infection president Dr Ho Pak-leung told the South China Morning Post. “This shows that there is a chance of virus mutation.” Health authorities in the region are already on high alert over a new coronavirus that has caused nearly a dozen deaths.
Symptoms of the H7N9 avian influenza virus begin with coughing and fever, which later develop into pneumonia and difficulty breathing. The three victims, including a 35-year-old woman from Chuzhou in neighboring Anhui Province who is in critical condition, did not know each other. The state news agency Xinhua reported that “no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.”
Two men in Shanghai have died and a woman is gravely ill from a new strain of bird flu, H7N9, that was not previously known to infect humans. One of men, aged 87, died on March 4, and the other, aged 27, died on March 10, according to Chinese health authorities.
The younger victim reportedly worked in a street food stall serving pork, drawing speculation that his death might be linked to the thousands of dead pigs found near Shanghai’s main source of drinking water. However, he contracted the virus several weeks before the first dead pigs were found in the Huangpu River. While pigs can play a role in the formation of new viruses, there is no evidence they carry H7N9.
Still, the deaths are troubling since they suggest that a previously innocuous avian virus has become deadly. “This time it has caused deaths and critical conditions, even in young patients,” University of Hong Kong Centre of Infection president Dr Ho Pak-leung told the South China Morning Post. “This shows that there is a chance of virus mutation.” Health authorities in the region are already on high alert over a new coronavirus that has caused nearly a dozen deaths.
Symptoms of the H7N9 avian influenza virus begin with coughing and fever, which later develop into pneumonia and difficulty breathing. The three victims, including a 35-year-old woman from Chuzhou in neighboring Anhui Province who is in critical condition, did not know each other. The state news agency Xinhua reported that “no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.”
H7N9: 27yo was a Pork Trader; Testing Needed on Dead Pig Samples
[The 27yo was a pork trader, and this article states that they need to test the dead pigs in the River for the avian flu virus]
4/1/13
Excerpt:
Experts suggest
Exists avian flu virus the dead pigs sample tests should be collected Huangpu River
University of Hong Kong, Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Ho Pak-leung, The past human infection with avian influenza type Mainland, mainly belonging to the H5 category. "This is transmitted to humans are special varieties of avian flu virus is likely to show epidemiological changes have occurred in the relevant areas."
As to whether Shanghai Huangpu River appears to a large number of dead pigs, Ho Pak-leung said there is not enough evidence base comment whether the two, but in view of the 27-year-old dead man was a pork traders, the relevant mainland authorities need collecting dead pig samples, testing whether the presence of the avian flu virus.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://bbs.tianya.cn/post-news-275900-1.shtml&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E4%25B8%258A%25E6%25B5%25B7%25E4%25BA%258C%25E5%258D%2581%25E4%25B8%2583%25E6%25AD%25B2%25E7%2594%25B7%25E6%25AD%25BB%25E8%2580%2585%25E5%2590%25B3%25E6%259F%2590%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DX%26noj%3D1%26biw%3D1130%26bih%3D761%26tbs%3Dqdr:h&sa=X&ei=9XtZUYeFLsS60QHW4YGACg&ved=0CEkQ7gEwAQ
4/1/13
Excerpt:
Experts suggest
Exists avian flu virus the dead pigs sample tests should be collected Huangpu River
University of Hong Kong, Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Ho Pak-leung, The past human infection with avian influenza type Mainland, mainly belonging to the H5 category. "This is transmitted to humans are special varieties of avian flu virus is likely to show epidemiological changes have occurred in the relevant areas."
As to whether Shanghai Huangpu River appears to a large number of dead pigs, Ho Pak-leung said there is not enough evidence base comment whether the two, but in view of the 27-year-old dead man was a pork traders, the relevant mainland authorities need collecting dead pig samples, testing whether the presence of the avian flu virus.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://bbs.tianya.cn/post-news-275900-1.shtml&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%25E4%25B8%258A%25E6%25B5%25B7%25E4%25BA%258C%25E5%258D%2581%25E4%25B8%2583%25E6%25AD%25B2%25E7%2594%25B7%25E6%25AD%25BB%25E8%2580%2585%25E5%2590%25B3%25E6%259F%2590%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DX%26noj%3D1%26biw%3D1130%26bih%3D761%26tbs%3Dqdr:h&sa=X&ei=9XtZUYeFLsS60QHW4YGACg&ved=0CEkQ7gEwAQ
#H7N9: 2 Unconfirmed makes Total of 5
[In this article, we have a different date of death for the 55 yo Son. February 28th. And the other Son, 69 yo, recovered. If this is correct, we also have 2 more cases, but they were not detected, as the article states below. I will add them to my case list. Another mention of the 24 yo male that is deceased, a pork hawker. I'll look into that. There are many stories on this blog of the pigs in the River recently.]
Translation out of China
Excerpt:
The National Health yesterday informed, Shanghai and Anhui found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases: patients Shanghai Lee (87 years old), the incidence of February 19, March 4 deaths; Shanghai patients Wu, male (27 years old), the incidence of February 27 and died on March 10; patients Mr. Han, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, women (35 years old) on March 9 incidence, is currently in critical condition, is Nanjing treatment.Three cases showed early symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections on to develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control, was isolated from patient samples to the H7N9 avian influenza virus, the first case diagnosed by experts as the world. Epidemiological association was not found between the three cases, the specific source of infection is not clear.
The news that Mr. Han, Anhui female patients before the onset of contact with poultry. Shanghai 24-year-old male deceased Wu, pork hawkers, also said poultry stall tenants, contact the livestock itself has a history of chronic diseases.
Early last month, the Shanghai Huangpu River bizarre floating over 10 000 dead pigs, many Shanghai residents yesterday talking about the Internet, questioned whether related to avian influenza.
As for Lee, the 84-year-old dead in Shanghai and chronic diseases, but did not leave the house before the onset of two weeks, no livestock contact history. The Shanghai official also confirmed that Lee before the onset of their two sons as early as mid-February, due to similar symptoms admission.Youngest son (55 years old) died on February 28 due to severe pneumonia after hospitalization, the eldest son (69 years old), has recovered and was discharged. The Shanghai the sanitary health department said the two were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts, were not unusual.
Translation out of China
Excerpt:
The National Health yesterday informed, Shanghai and Anhui found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases: patients Shanghai Lee (87 years old), the incidence of February 19, March 4 deaths; Shanghai patients Wu, male (27 years old), the incidence of February 27 and died on March 10; patients Mr. Han, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, women (35 years old) on March 9 incidence, is currently in critical condition, is Nanjing treatment.Three cases showed early symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections on to develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control, was isolated from patient samples to the H7N9 avian influenza virus, the first case diagnosed by experts as the world. Epidemiological association was not found between the three cases, the specific source of infection is not clear.
The news that Mr. Han, Anhui female patients before the onset of contact with poultry. Shanghai 24-year-old male deceased Wu, pork hawkers, also said poultry stall tenants, contact the livestock itself has a history of chronic diseases.
Early last month, the Shanghai Huangpu River bizarre floating over 10 000 dead pigs, many Shanghai residents yesterday talking about the Internet, questioned whether related to avian influenza.
As for Lee, the 84-year-old dead in Shanghai and chronic diseases, but did not leave the house before the onset of two weeks, no livestock contact history. The Shanghai official also confirmed that Lee before the onset of their two sons as early as mid-February, due to similar symptoms admission.Youngest son (55 years old) died on February 28 due to severe pneumonia after hospitalization, the eldest son (69 years old), has recovered and was discharged. The Shanghai the sanitary health department said the two were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts, were not unusual.
#H7N9: 4 Cases, 27yo contact w/poultry
Sing Tao Daily - 13 hours ago
(Sing Tao Daily reported), the mainland of the world's first case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza, died early last month two men in Shanghai, Anhui, a woman in critical condition. The two sons of a deceased Shanghai severe pneumonia, but not confirmed to be infected. Another Shanghai deceased allegedly livestock stall tenants. Three cases the source of infection is unknown, the official said the virus is not found strong human-to-human transmission.
Mainland senior vice president of human infection of H7N9 cases. Reply to our inquiries, spokesman for the World Health Organization said that there is no evidence to suggest that the risk of human to human transmission of the H7N9 virus, the risk of human infection with the virus is also low, I believe that the virus is not a threat to public health, the WHO will continue to closely monitor the development of the virus.
Anhui woman in critical condition had contact with poultry
National health and birth control committee briefing yesterday, Shanghai and Anhui found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases: patients Shanghai Lee (87 years old), the incidence of February 19, March 4 deaths; Shanghai patients Wu a male (27 years old), the incidence of February 27 and died on March 10; patients with Chuzhou City, Anhui Province Mr. Han, women (35 years old) on March 9 incidence, is currently in critical condition, Nanjing, Jiangsu treatment .
Three cases showed early symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections on to develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control, was isolated from patient samples to the H7N9 avian influenza virus, the first case diagnosed by experts as the world. Epidemiological association was not found between the three cases, the specific source of infection is not clear.
The 27-year-old dead livestock stall tenants
The news that Mr. Han, Anhui female patients before the onset of contact with poultry. Shanghai 24-year-old male deceased Wu, pork hawkers, also said poultry stall tenants, contact the livestock itself has a history of chronic diseases.
Early last month, the Shanghai Huangpu River bizarre floating over 10 000 dead pigs, many Shanghai residents yesterday talking about the Internet, questioned whether related to avian influenza.
As for Lee, the 84-year-old dead in Shanghai and chronic diseases, but did not leave the house before the onset of two weeks, no livestock contact history. The Shanghai official also confirmed that Lee before the onset of their two sons as early as mid-February, due to similar symptoms admission.
Youngest son (55 years old) died on February 28 due to severe pneumonia after hospitalization, the eldest son (69 years old), has recovered and was discharged. Shanghai health authorities said, they were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts, were not unusual.
Officer: with strong human-to-human transmission capacity
Informed that, according to who is in close contact with medical observation, the virus has not found a strong human-to-human transmission. The China CDC also found no recent nationwide influenza activity level is abnormally elevated. The experts are of the virulence of the virus and the human ability to spread further judgment.
Mainland health authorities said, the world is no vaccine for the H7N9 virus, but the gene sequence analysis showed that the virus neuraminidase inhibitor class of antiviral drugs for influenza response, still observed As for efficacy. The official has the H7N9 cases to the World Health Organization, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and the countries concerned communications to Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu sent a working group of experts, guiding the patient's treatment and investigation.
(Sing Tao Daily reported), the mainland of the world's first case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza, died early last month two men in Shanghai, Anhui, a woman in critical condition. The two sons of a deceased Shanghai severe pneumonia, but not confirmed to be infected. Another Shanghai deceased allegedly livestock stall tenants. Three cases the source of infection is unknown, the official said the virus is not found strong human-to-human transmission.
Mainland senior vice president of human infection of H7N9 cases. Reply to our inquiries, spokesman for the World Health Organization said that there is no evidence to suggest that the risk of human to human transmission of the H7N9 virus, the risk of human infection with the virus is also low, I believe that the virus is not a threat to public health, the WHO will continue to closely monitor the development of the virus.
Anhui woman in critical condition had contact with poultry
National health and birth control committee briefing yesterday, Shanghai and Anhui found three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases: patients Shanghai Lee (87 years old), the incidence of February 19, March 4 deaths; Shanghai patients Wu a male (27 years old), the incidence of February 27 and died on March 10; patients with Chuzhou City, Anhui Province Mr. Han, women (35 years old) on March 9 incidence, is currently in critical condition, Nanjing, Jiangsu treatment .
Three cases showed early symptoms of fever, cough and other respiratory tract infections on to develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties. March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control, was isolated from patient samples to the H7N9 avian influenza virus, the first case diagnosed by experts as the world. Epidemiological association was not found between the three cases, the specific source of infection is not clear.
The 27-year-old dead livestock stall tenants
The news that Mr. Han, Anhui female patients before the onset of contact with poultry. Shanghai 24-year-old male deceased Wu, pork hawkers, also said poultry stall tenants, contact the livestock itself has a history of chronic diseases.
Early last month, the Shanghai Huangpu River bizarre floating over 10 000 dead pigs, many Shanghai residents yesterday talking about the Internet, questioned whether related to avian influenza.
As for Lee, the 84-year-old dead in Shanghai and chronic diseases, but did not leave the house before the onset of two weeks, no livestock contact history. The Shanghai official also confirmed that Lee before the onset of their two sons as early as mid-February, due to similar symptoms admission.
Youngest son (55 years old) died on February 28 due to severe pneumonia after hospitalization, the eldest son (69 years old), has recovered and was discharged. Shanghai health authorities said, they were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza. In addition, Shanghai, Anhui diagnosed patients of all close contacts, were not unusual.
Officer: with strong human-to-human transmission capacity
Informed that, according to who is in close contact with medical observation, the virus has not found a strong human-to-human transmission. The China CDC also found no recent nationwide influenza activity level is abnormally elevated. The experts are of the virulence of the virus and the human ability to spread further judgment.
Mainland health authorities said, the world is no vaccine for the H7N9 virus, but the gene sequence analysis showed that the virus neuraminidase inhibitor class of antiviral drugs for influenza response, still observed As for efficacy. The official has the H7N9 cases to the World Health Organization, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and the countries concerned communications to Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu sent a working group of experts, guiding the patient's treatment and investigation.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
#H7N9: Why Did It Take Nearly 20 Days To Report?
4/1/13
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
The new virus has not been included in the reporting system
Two cases diagnosed patients died in early March, why is published in the March 31 outbreak? Office of Health Emergency, said the people infected with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, is the world's first discovery of a new subtype of influenza virus, has not been included in our statutory report infectious disease monitoring and reporting system.
Medical and health institutions in Shanghai found that the above-mentioned cases, in a timely manner to carry out the relevant laboratory screening, has ruled out the infected with seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza, H1N1 flu, people infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) and SARS, new Coronavirus possible. In further testing, the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center on March 22 found that patients may be infected with the H7 influenza, after specimens were sent to the China Disease Prevention and Control Center. On the afternoon of March 29, the Chinese Center for Disease Control three H7N9 avian influenza virus isolated from the submission of cases specimens. National Health and Family Planning Commission once again organizing expert analysis, determine the patients with human infection of H7N9 avian influenza virus, according to the public on March 31.
The world's first two patients died of #H7N9 avian influenza in Shanghai
2013-04-01
Communist China's Ministry of Health confirmed on Sunday in Shanghai and Anhui has confirmed three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, including the death of two patients in Shanghai, is the world's first.
-snip-
Continued: http://www.ntdtv.com/xtr/gb/2013/04/01/atext872768.html
Communist China's Ministry of Health confirmed on Sunday in Shanghai and Anhui has confirmed three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza virus, including the death of two patients in Shanghai, is the world's first.
-snip-
Continued: http://www.ntdtv.com/xtr/gb/2013/04/01/atext872768.html
#H7N9 Virus Recently Infected Patient "Lee" & His Two Sons
[This excerpt reiterates the post from Avian Flu Diary, that the Father and his two sons were infected, he and one Son died, and one child recovered. ]
4/1/13
Excerpt: Translation out of China
Recently, two patients in Shanghai, Lee, Wu because of fever, cough and other symptoms to the hospital, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died. Dead early onset of both influenza-like symptoms, a week after symptoms develop into pneumonia and was progressively increased. Two patients had chronic underlying disease history. Lee before the onset of his two sons are also due to similar symptoms to the hospital for treatment, the eldest son was diagnosed with a lung infection, pneumonia, has been cured; youngest son was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died. They were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza.
http://news.ifeng.com/mainland/detail_2013_04/01/23728492_0.shtml
4/1/13
Excerpt: Translation out of China
Recently, two patients in Shanghai, Lee, Wu because of fever, cough and other symptoms to the hospital, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died. Dead early onset of both influenza-like symptoms, a week after symptoms develop into pneumonia and was progressively increased. Two patients had chronic underlying disease history. Lee before the onset of his two sons are also due to similar symptoms to the hospital for treatment, the eldest son was diagnosed with a lung infection, pneumonia, has been cured; youngest son was diagnosed with severe pneumonia after she died. They were not detected in the H7N9 avian influenza.
http://news.ifeng.com/mainland/detail_2013_04/01/23728492_0.shtml
#H7N9: Need To Examine sensitivity to Tamiflu, Zanamivir (Neuraminidase inhibitors)
4/1/13
Excerpt: Translation out of China:
Specific treatment need to examine
Excerpt: Translation out of China:
Specific treatment need to examine
A: The gene sequence analysis showed that the drug-sensitive virus neuraminidase inhibitor class of anti-influenza virus. Experience other type influenza antiviral treatment after the onset of the early use of the neuraminidase inhibitor class of anti-influenza virus drugs may be effective remains to be seen, but the means of specific treatment of newly discovered human H7N9 avian influenza virus infection research.
The experts recommended that the medical staff to take the necessary protective measures in the process of the treatment of the patients.
http://news.qq.com/a/20130401/000031.htm
http://news.qq.com/a/20130401/000031.htm
#H7N9 Human Case List
Kudos to Flu Trackers for the excellent reporting. Here is my Case List for this outbreak. It seems that the 55(M) that died in the 3/8/13 report is the same person as the 27(M) below.
H7N9 Human Cases
2013
Date of Report:
3/8/13
Name: Li Family
– Father & 2 Sons
Ages:
55(M) – died from severe pneumonia
69(M) - recovered & discharged
87 (M) – Father – listed below
Adm: Feb. 14 –
24, 2013
Hospital:
Shanghai No. 5 People’s Hospital
Sym’s: Fever
and Cough
Diagnosis:
SARS, Bird Flu & Coronavirus ruled out.
Pneumonia for all 3.
Notes: Same
Family so Case reported to Minhang District Center for Disease Control &
Prevention for investigation.
The 87 year old below is one of the 3 family members.
Date of Report 3/31/13
Name: 87(M)
Father of 2 above
From: Shanghai
Onset: 2/19
Notes: No mutual infections among the 3 cases. 88 contacts are fine. H7N9 has never been contracted to
humans before. Virus shows no
signs of being highly contagious.
All sym’s were fever, cough developing into severe pneumonia &
difficulty breathing in later stage.
Confirmation:
3/30/13
DOD: 3/4
Date of Report:
3/31/13
Name: 27(M)
From: Shanghai
Onset: 2/27
Notes: No mutual infections among the 3 cases. 88 contacts are fine. H7N9 has never been contracted to
humans before. Virus shows no
signs of being highly contagious.
All sym’s were fever, cough developing into severe pneumonia &
difficulty breathing in later stage.
Confirmation:
3/30/13
DOD: 3/10
Date of Report:
3/31/13
Name: 35(F)
From: Chuzhou
City, Anhui
Onset: 3/9
Notes: Critical
Condition 3/31. No mutual
infections among the 3 cases. 88
contacts are fine. H7N9 has never
been contracted to humans before.
Virus shows no signs of being highly contagious. All sym’s were fever, cough developing
into severe pneumonia & difficulty breathing in later stage.
Confirmation:
3/30/13
More Details Emerge On Shanghai H7N9 Case
From Mike Coston and Avian Flu Diary:
http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-details-emerge-on-shanghai-h7n9.html
http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-details-emerge-on-shanghai-h7n9.html
Taiwan on alert against #H7N9 bird flu
2013/03/31
Taipei, March 31 (CNA) Taiwan heightened its vigilance at its entry ports and alerted the medical professionals to be on the look out for unknown pneumonia patients after China reported two deaths from and one critical case of H7N9 avian influenza infection Sunday.
Chou Jih-haw, deputy director general of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, said China's Centers for Disease Control informed his centers of the H7N9 bird flu cases Sunday evening, upon which he issued a notice to all medical institutions in Taiwan as well as to all airports and sea ports.
Chou said the medical institutions have been advised to be on the alert against any cases of unknown pneumonia, clusters of pneumonia or medical workers stricken by unknown pneumonia. Hospitals and other health care facilities were told to strengthen control of infectious diseases.
In the meantime, entry port workers were asked to watch the health conditions of travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau, tighten checks on fever-looking in-bound visitors and question their travel history. Those found to be suffering from fever should be asked to leave their contact addresses and numbers, he added.
Two men, aged 87 and 27, in Shanghai passed away on March 4 and 10 respectively. In Anhui, central China, a 35-year-old female patient came down with the virus, according to Chinese health authorities, who noted that these were the first reported cases of H7N9 human infection in the world.
Chou said China's CDC on March 29 conducted tests and confirmed that all three cases were H7N9. He quoted China's CDC as saying that all three cases presented early respiratory infection symptoms of fever and cough, and later developed into severe pneumonia and had breathing difficulties.
No link had been found between the three patients and no abnormality was detected among the 88 close contacts of three cases.
There is no vaccine against the virus at the moment.
The centers reminded the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, as well as their droppings. If contacts have been made, one is advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(By Chen Ching-fang and S.C. Chang)
Taipei, March 31 (CNA) Taiwan heightened its vigilance at its entry ports and alerted the medical professionals to be on the look out for unknown pneumonia patients after China reported two deaths from and one critical case of H7N9 avian influenza infection Sunday.
Chou Jih-haw, deputy director general of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, said China's Centers for Disease Control informed his centers of the H7N9 bird flu cases Sunday evening, upon which he issued a notice to all medical institutions in Taiwan as well as to all airports and sea ports.
Chou said the medical institutions have been advised to be on the alert against any cases of unknown pneumonia, clusters of pneumonia or medical workers stricken by unknown pneumonia. Hospitals and other health care facilities were told to strengthen control of infectious diseases.
In the meantime, entry port workers were asked to watch the health conditions of travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau, tighten checks on fever-looking in-bound visitors and question their travel history. Those found to be suffering from fever should be asked to leave their contact addresses and numbers, he added.
Two men, aged 87 and 27, in Shanghai passed away on March 4 and 10 respectively. In Anhui, central China, a 35-year-old female patient came down with the virus, according to Chinese health authorities, who noted that these were the first reported cases of H7N9 human infection in the world.
Chou said China's CDC on March 29 conducted tests and confirmed that all three cases were H7N9. He quoted China's CDC as saying that all three cases presented early respiratory infection symptoms of fever and cough, and later developed into severe pneumonia and had breathing difficulties.
No link had been found between the three patients and no abnormality was detected among the 88 close contacts of three cases.
There is no vaccine against the virus at the moment.
The centers reminded the public to remain vigilant against avian influenza infection and to avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, as well as their droppings. If contacts have been made, one is advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
(By Chen Ching-fang and S.C. Chang)
Two Chinese die from H7N9 bird flu
March 31, 2013
BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Three cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza have been detected recently in Shanghai and Anhui Province, and two of them have died, the other being in a critical condition, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said Sunday.
The victims include an 87-year-old male in Shanghai who got sick on Feb. 19 and died on March 4, a 27-year-old male in Shanghai who became ill on Feb. 27 and died on March 10, and a 35-year-old female in Chuzhou City of Anhui who became ill on March 9 and is now in a critical condition.
They all showed initial symptoms of fever and coughs which developed into severe pneumonia and difficult breathing in later stages, according to the report.
On Saturday, the three cases were confirmed to be human infection with H7N9 avian influenza by an expert team summoned by the health and family planning commission, based on clinical observation, laboratory tests and epidemiological surveys.
On Friday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Preservation separated the H7N9 bird flu virus from body samples of the patients. So far, the commission said, it is unclear how the three got infected, and no mutual infections were discovered among them. Besides, no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.
The subtype of H7N9 bird flu virus has not been contracted to human beings before.
The virus shows no signs of being highly contagious among humans, according to the clinical observation on the cases' close contacts. However, as only three cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done on it. The expert team is working to study the toxicity and human-infection capacity of the virus, according to the commission. There are no vaccines against the H7N9 bird flu virus either at home or abroad.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90882/8189463.html
The victims include an 87-year-old male in Shanghai who got sick on Feb. 19 and died on March 4, a 27-year-old male in Shanghai who became ill on Feb. 27 and died on March 10, and a 35-year-old female in Chuzhou City of Anhui who became ill on March 9 and is now in a critical condition.
They all showed initial symptoms of fever and coughs which developed into severe pneumonia and difficult breathing in later stages, according to the report.
On Saturday, the three cases were confirmed to be human infection with H7N9 avian influenza by an expert team summoned by the health and family planning commission, based on clinical observation, laboratory tests and epidemiological surveys.
On Friday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Preservation separated the H7N9 bird flu virus from body samples of the patients. So far, the commission said, it is unclear how the three got infected, and no mutual infections were discovered among them. Besides, no abnormalities were detected among 88 of their close contacts.
The subtype of H7N9 bird flu virus has not been contracted to human beings before.
The virus shows no signs of being highly contagious among humans, according to the clinical observation on the cases' close contacts. However, as only three cases of human infection of H7N9 have been found, relatively little research has been done on it. The expert team is working to study the toxicity and human-infection capacity of the virus, according to the commission. There are no vaccines against the H7N9 bird flu virus either at home or abroad.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90882/8189463.html
Saturday, March 30, 2013
#Coronavirus: Hong Kong Suspected Case Tests Negative
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today
(March 30) provided an update on the suspected case of Severe
Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.
Preliminary laboratory test results for the respiratory specimens of the 55-year-old man today showed negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease.
The 55-year-old man, with chronic illness, travelled with his wife to Italy from March 18 to 26. The man presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms on March 28. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital for isolation and treatment yesterday (March 29).
His current condition is stable. His wife is asymptomatic.
"The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
Continued
Source: HKSAR Government
Preliminary laboratory test results for the respiratory specimens of the 55-year-old man today showed negative for Novel Coronavirus associated with Severe Respiratory Disease.
The 55-year-old man, with chronic illness, travelled with his wife to Italy from March 18 to 26. The man presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms on March 28. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital for isolation and treatment yesterday (March 29).
His current condition is stable. His wife is asymptomatic.
"The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
Continued
Source: HKSAR Government
Friday, March 29, 2013
Hong Kong: #Coronavirus - Deaths bring chill as SARS marked
| |
#Coronavirus: Hong Kong Suspected Case - More Details
Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the
Department of Health (DH) received a report from United Christian
Hospital (UCH) today (March 29) of a suspected case of Severe
Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus.
The 55-year-old man, with chronic illness, presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms yesterday (March 28). He was admitted to UCH for isolation and treatment today.
His current condition is stable.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled with wife to Italy from March 18 to 26. They took transit in Dubai and stayed in the airport for about four hours on March 27, and returned to Hong Kong on the same day.
His wife is asymptomatic.
His chest X-ray was clear. Respiratory specimens were taken and laboratory test results are expected to be available tomorrow (March 30).
"The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
Source: HKSAR Government
The 55-year-old man, with chronic illness, presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms yesterday (March 28). He was admitted to UCH for isolation and treatment today.
His current condition is stable.
Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that the patient travelled with wife to Italy from March 18 to 26. They took transit in Dubai and stayed in the airport for about four hours on March 27, and returned to Hong Kong on the same day.
His wife is asymptomatic.
His chest X-ray was clear. Respiratory specimens were taken and laboratory test results are expected to be available tomorrow (March 30).
"The CHP will continue its surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals, practising doctors and the airport for any suspected cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus," a DH spokesman remarked.
"No human infection with this virus has been identified so far in Hong Kong," the spokesman stressed.
Source: HKSAR Government
#Coronavirus Latest Confirmed Human Death Had Much Contact With Camels
March 27, 2013. Translation out of Germany:
Excerpt:
-snip-
Coronavirus: Greatly reduced lung function...How dangerous is the virus and the strongly reduced lung function is apparent in the
Example of the late 73Jährigen: First flu symptoms expressed on 8
March, two days later he was taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi. After
A week ago he had to be artificially ventilated. His relatives decided
then for a transport to Munich. "He was in the past
often treated in Munich, "says Wendtner." We also have a close
Cooperation with Abu Dhabi. "This Schwabing Clinic also specializes in
such infectious diseases. It is one of the seven National Reference Centres in
Germany.
Patient in a private jet airliner flown no
On 19 March the patient was flown to Munich. "He was not, of course, in
transported a commercial airliner, "says Wendtner." In a private jet to and
special ventilation equipment, he came to Munich. "The wealthy 73-year old
there was further treated, but he died on coronavirus.
Coronavirus: patient had a lot of contact with racing camels
How the man could have been infected, is not safe. It is speculated. "The
Virus has a high similarity with the bat coronavirus, "explains Wendtner.
He had been bitten but not by a bat. Ungulates can also
have such a virus. "One of the 17 so far in the novel coronavirus diseased
Patient was infected by a goat. Our patient had much contact with
Racing camels. "We can only speculate, however, whether any of the camels also
the virus had in it. "Nothing is confirmed yet. All we know is that all the camels
apparently still live, "says Wendtner.
No fear of pandemic: Novel Coronavirus not highly contagious
Fear of a pandemic due to the dead man had no
have. "The novel coronavirus is not highly contagious," said the expert.
"While it is transmitted by droplet infection, the virus infected but in the
deep lung sections. "When Sars virus, it had 8000 confirmed cases in a short
Given time - 800 of them died. "The novel coronavirus is 17
confirmed cases over a year what in virology a very long period
meets "says Wendtner." We should not have any panic. "
http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/Araber-stirbt-an-Coronavirus-Das-steckt-dahinter-id24609101.html?view=print
Excerpt:
Even the common cold infection is one of the coronavirus
In fact, it is related to the "swine flu" the SARS virus, "coronaviruses have six sub-types, that also includes four general viruses, which are manifested as a cold or flu infection," explains Prof. Dr. Clemens Wendtner, chief of Infectology at Schwabing Clinic."In addition, also SARS is a lower mold. If the type on which the patient has died today, it is but to human coronavirus, a novel virus."
-snip-
Coronavirus: Greatly reduced lung function...How dangerous is the virus and the strongly reduced lung function is apparent in the
Example of the late 73Jährigen: First flu symptoms expressed on 8
March, two days later he was taken to a hospital in Abu Dhabi. After
A week ago he had to be artificially ventilated. His relatives decided
then for a transport to Munich. "He was in the past
often treated in Munich, "says Wendtner." We also have a close
Cooperation with Abu Dhabi. "This Schwabing Clinic also specializes in
such infectious diseases. It is one of the seven National Reference Centres in
Germany.
Patient in a private jet airliner flown no
On 19 March the patient was flown to Munich. "He was not, of course, in
transported a commercial airliner, "says Wendtner." In a private jet to and
special ventilation equipment, he came to Munich. "The wealthy 73-year old
there was further treated, but he died on coronavirus.
Coronavirus: patient had a lot of contact with racing camels
How the man could have been infected, is not safe. It is speculated. "The
Virus has a high similarity with the bat coronavirus, "explains Wendtner.
He had been bitten but not by a bat. Ungulates can also
have such a virus. "One of the 17 so far in the novel coronavirus diseased
Patient was infected by a goat. Our patient had much contact with
Racing camels. "We can only speculate, however, whether any of the camels also
the virus had in it. "Nothing is confirmed yet. All we know is that all the camels
apparently still live, "says Wendtner.
No fear of pandemic: Novel Coronavirus not highly contagious
Fear of a pandemic due to the dead man had no
have. "The novel coronavirus is not highly contagious," said the expert.
"While it is transmitted by droplet infection, the virus infected but in the
deep lung sections. "When Sars virus, it had 8000 confirmed cases in a short
Given time - 800 of them died. "The novel coronavirus is 17
confirmed cases over a year what in virology a very long period
meets "says Wendtner." We should not have any panic. "
http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/Araber-stirbt-an-Coronavirus-Das-steckt-dahinter-id24609101.html?view=print
#Coronavirus: Hong Kong Suspected Human Case in Kowloon
[Kwun Tong is the district that the United Christian Hospital is located. It is one of 16 districts and is located in Kowloon. This suspected case is interesting in that they only spent a few hours in the Dubai airport after traveling to Italy. The wife had no symptoms.]
8 hours ago
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said today received the United Christian Hospital reported serious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus suspected cases.
The 55-year-old man with chronic illness, with fever and upper respiratory symptoms yesterday, today to stay in the United Christian Hospital for treatment under isolation, is now in stable condition.
CHP Initial investigations revealed that the patient and his wife traveled to Italy on March 18 to 26, spent about four hours transit in Dubai airport on March 27, to return to Hong Kong on the same day. His wife did not have any symptoms.
Lung X-ray examination of the patient is normal, and has collected respiratory samples for laboratory testing, Laboratory test results are expected tomorrow.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
#Coronavirus: ECDC airs geographic considerations
Lisa Schnirring 
Staff Writer
Mar 27, 2013 (CIDRAP News) Staff Writer
Excerpt:
In other developments, the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) updated its epidemiologic assessment today, as four new cases have been reported since its last report on Feb 22.
It noted that three of the four cases were reported by Saudi
Arabia's health ministry, with the last one reported on Mar 25 by
Germany's Robert Koch Institute, the 73-year-old man from the United
Arab Emirates who died in a Munich hospital yesterday.
The ECDC noted that six case-patients so far have been diagnosed
and treated in Europe, three of whom were transferred from Arabian
Peninsula countries where they were infected.
Though the number of NCoV infections increased over the past
month, most cases continue to have links to the Arabian Peninsula, where
contact tracing and epidemiologic investigations are under way, the
group wrote.
Also, the ECDC issued a separate document that addresses the World
Health Organization's (WHO's) NCoV surveillance update, which was
published on Mar 18. Though the latest version from the WHO is more
comprehensive, the ECDC took issue with one of the testing
recommendations.
It noted that for testing, the WHO no long distinguishes between
countries in which unexplained sporadic cases have occurred and those,
such as in Europe, that have detected imported cases or infections
linked to imported cases.
It said the November version of the WHO guidance specifically
referenced countries in the Arabian Peninsula and their neighbors.
However, the ECDC said it and the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) are retaining that recommendation. The CDC lists the
countries considered in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring areas as
Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian
territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and
Yemen.
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