ProMED's article gives us the confirmation date as well as the onset date for this case]
Published Date: 2013-07-02 19:35:50
Archive Number: 20130702.1803875
Date: Tue 2 Jul 2013
Source: English News, Xinhuanet report [edited]
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/health/2013-07/02/c_132506048.htm
A
6-year-old girl from Cambodia's southwestern Kampot province has died
of avian influenza H5N1, bringing the death toll to 9 and the number of
cases to 13 so far this year [2013], a joint statement by the World
Health Organization and the Cambodian Health Ministry said Tuesday [2
Jul 2013].
The girl was confirmed positive for human H5N1 avian
influenza on Friday last week [28 Jun 2013] by L'Institut Pasteur du
Cambodge, the statement said, adding that she developed fever and
headache last Monday [24 Jun 2013], and her condition worsened with
cough and dyspnea. The girl was taken to a private clinic until, last
Friday, she was admitted to the Kantha Bopha Hospital with fever,
dyspnea and cough, it said. "In the Kantha Bopha Hospital, the girl was
treated with Tamiflu but died later in the night," it said. "There have
been recent poultry deaths in the girl's village, and the girl was
likely exposed to sick and dead poultry before she became sick."
"Avian
influenza H5N1 remains a serious threat to the health of all
Cambodians. This is the 13th case of H5N1 infection in humans this year
[2013]," Health Minister Mam Bunheng said in the statement. He said
children also seem to be most vulnerable and are at high risk because
they like to play where poultry are found. "I urge parents and guardians
to keep children away from sick or dead poultry and prevent them from
playing with chickens and ducks," he said. "Parents and guardians must
also make sure children wash their hands with soap and water after any
contact with poultry."
H5N1 influenza is a flu that normally
spreads among sick poultry, but it can sometimes spread from poultry to
humans, the statement said, adding that it is a very serious disease
that requires hospitalisation. Cambodia has seen the worst outbreak of
the virus this year [2013] since the disease was 1st identified in 2004.
To date, the country has recorded 34 human cases of the virus, which
has killed 28 people. Globally since 2003, there have been 632
laboratory confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza with 376
related deaths, said the statement.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Cambodia
now ranks 5th among the 15 countries reporting human cases of avian
A/(H5N1) influenza virus infection, after Indonesia, Egypt, Viet Nam and
China.
The coastal province of Kampot can be located in the map of Cambodia at http://phnompenhtour.com/cambodia-provinces/2.html.
http://beta.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130702.1803875
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Cambodia Human H5N1 Case List 2013
Updated 7/3/13
My personal case list:
My personal case list:
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
Apr 3/Kampot/Phnom Penh/4-2/5(M)/
May 24/Kampong Speu/Thpong/5-2/5(F)/Recovered
Jul 2/Phnom Penh/Khan Roeusey
Keo/6-21/58(M)/Recovered
Jul 2/Kampot/Bantheay Meas/6-28/6(F)/DOD
6-28
#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia - MOH Update - 7/2/13
hat-tip @HelenBranswell
July 2, 2013
July 2, 2013
Within the framework of the epidemiological surveillance of the
novel Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced
that three cases, who had been previously announced to be infected with
this virus, have been recovered, May Allah be praised. The first case
is for a 61-year-old citizen in Al-Ahsa governorate. The second case is
for a 41-year-old Saudi female in Riyadh region. The third case is for a
50-year-old Saudi female in the Eastern region.
Furthermore, MOH has announced the death of a 75-year-old citizen
in Al-Ahsa governorate, that is to be added to a 63- year-old Saudi
female who passed away in Riyadh, among cases who had been previously
announced to be infected with this virus, May Allah have mercy upon
them. Within the same vein, MOH has pointed out that 569 samples have
been tested at laboratories since the last statement, where all of them
have been proved negative, May Allah be praised, except what have been
published.
Six-year-old Cambodian girl dies from bird flu
02 July, 2013
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1274099/six-year-old-cambodian-girl-dies-bird-flu
A
six-year-old Cambodian girl has died from bird flu, bringing the
country’s toll from the deadly virus to nine so far this year, the World
Health Organisation said on Tuesday.
The girl, from the southern province of Kampot, died in a children’s hospital in the capital Phnom Penh on June 28, the WHO said in a joint statement with the Cambodian health ministry.
Her death makes it the deadliest outbreak in the kingdom, topping the eight killed by the illness in 2011.
Tests confirmed the victim had contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, it said.
“There have been recent poultry deaths in the village and the girl was likely to be exposed to sick and dead poultry before she became sick,” the statement said.
Cambodia has recorded 34 human cases of H5N1 since 2003, with all but six of them proving fatal.
Authorities have been scrambling to control the outbreak, although scientists have been baffled by the sharp rise in deaths this year.
The virus has killed some 376 people worldwide since a major outbreak in 2003, according to WHO statistics.
It typically spreads from birds to humans through direct contact. But experts fear it could mutate into a form easily transmissible between humans, with the potential to trigger a pandemic.
The girl, from the southern province of Kampot, died in a children’s hospital in the capital Phnom Penh on June 28, the WHO said in a joint statement with the Cambodian health ministry.
Her death makes it the deadliest outbreak in the kingdom, topping the eight killed by the illness in 2011.
Tests confirmed the victim had contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, it said.
“There have been recent poultry deaths in the village and the girl was likely to be exposed to sick and dead poultry before she became sick,” the statement said.
Cambodia has recorded 34 human cases of H5N1 since 2003, with all but six of them proving fatal.
Authorities have been scrambling to control the outbreak, although scientists have been baffled by the sharp rise in deaths this year.
The virus has killed some 376 people worldwide since a major outbreak in 2003, according to WHO statistics.
It typically spreads from birds to humans through direct contact. But experts fear it could mutate into a form easily transmissible between humans, with the potential to trigger a pandemic.
Solving a Viral Mystery - Experts Scramble to Trace the Emergence of #MERS #Coronavirus
From the New York Times...
By DENISE GRADY
Published: July 1, 2013
By DENISE GRADY
Published: July 1, 2013
As the scientists peered into the darkness, their headlamps revealed an eerie sight. Hundreds of eyes glinted back at them from the walls and ceiling. They had discovered, in a crumbling, long-abandoned village half-buried in sand near a remote town in southwestern Saudi Arabia, a roosting spot for bats.
It was an ideal place to set up traps.
The search for bats is part of an investigation into a deadly new viral
disease that has drawn scientists from around the world to Saudi Arabia.
The virus, first detected there last year, is known to have infected at least 77 people, killing 40 of them,
in eight countries. The illness, called MERS, for Middle Eastern
respiratory syndrome, is caused by a coronavirus, a relative of the
virus that caused SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome),
which originated in China and caused an international outbreak in 2003
that infected at least 8,000 people and killed nearly 800.
As the case count climbs, critical questions about MERS remain
unanswered. Scientists do not know where it came from, where the virus
exists in nature, why it has appeared now, how people are being exposed
to it, or whether it is becoming more contagious and could erupt into a
much larger outbreak, as SARS did. The disease almost certainly
originated with one or more people contracting the virus from animals —
probably bats — but scientists do not know how many times that kind of
spillover to humans has occurred, or how likely it is to keep happening.
Monday, July 1, 2013
#H7N9 Very Transmissible from poultry 2 human, implying it could easily become transmissible between humans - Prof. Malik Peiris
[editing is mine]
Tuesday, 02 July, 2013
Researchers say interventions have curbed the virus, but it may rebound in winter
The new H7N9 virus that has emerged on the mainland in recent months is more likely to be transmissible between humans than any other known bird flu virus, Chinese and world experts have concluded after investigations in affected areas.
They based their conclusion on the fact that the virus has caused more human infections in a shorter period than any other bird flu virus, and that it has undergone genetic changes that suggested it is better adapted to infecting humans.
"The virus appears to be very transmissible from poultry to human, implying that it could more easily become transmissible between humans," said Professor Malik Peiris, head of virology at the University of Hong Kong and one of 14 experts who took part in the study.
There were 132 cases of H7N9 human infections reported from February to May, a much higher rate of infection than H5N1 virus, which was responsible for about 60 cases a year over the past 10 years. In the first human outbreak of H5N1 in Hong Kong in 1997, 18 cases were reported, according to the WHO.
There have so far been no cases of human-to-human transmission of either H7N9 or H5N1, but H7N9 has mutated genetically to allow it to bind to human cells, while H5N1 has not.
Another strain named H9N2 has some of these mutations but it very rarely infected humans, Peiris said.
The joint mission report recommended ongoing monitoring of human and animal populations in all mainland provinces to identify any signs that the H7N9 virus was spreading geographically, gaining the ability to infect humans more easily, or transmitting efficiently among humans.
An H7N9 vaccine is being developed by the WHO.
The virus appears to have become less active, with no new infections in the past month. Peiris said it was likely that intervention and the virus' seasonal pattern played a role in curbing it.
Mainland authorities have closed live poultry markets in Shanghai and other affected areas and there have been no new cases since.
Bird flu is less active in warmer weather, but cases go up as the temperature falls.
Peiris said: "What many of us believe is that H7N9 will not completely disappear in poultry. It may appear again in winter."
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1273364/h7n9-most-adapted-bird-flu-human-human-transmission-say-experts
Tuesday, 02 July, 2013
Researchers say interventions have curbed the virus, but it may rebound in winter
The new H7N9 virus that has emerged on the mainland in recent months is more likely to be transmissible between humans than any other known bird flu virus, Chinese and world experts have concluded after investigations in affected areas.
They based their conclusion on the fact that the virus has caused more human infections in a shorter period than any other bird flu virus, and that it has undergone genetic changes that suggested it is better adapted to infecting humans.
"The virus appears to be very transmissible from poultry to human, implying that it could more easily become transmissible between humans," said Professor Malik Peiris, head of virology at the University of Hong Kong and one of 14 experts who took part in the study.
The virus appears to be very transmissible from poultry to human,
implying that it could more easily become transmissible between humans
The findings were published last month after a joint mission by the
World Health Organisation, Chinese health authorities and international
influenza experts spent a week in Beijing and Shanghai in April.There were 132 cases of H7N9 human infections reported from February to May, a much higher rate of infection than H5N1 virus, which was responsible for about 60 cases a year over the past 10 years. In the first human outbreak of H5N1 in Hong Kong in 1997, 18 cases were reported, according to the WHO.
There have so far been no cases of human-to-human transmission of either H7N9 or H5N1, but H7N9 has mutated genetically to allow it to bind to human cells, while H5N1 has not.
Another strain named H9N2 has some of these mutations but it very rarely infected humans, Peiris said.
The joint mission report recommended ongoing monitoring of human and animal populations in all mainland provinces to identify any signs that the H7N9 virus was spreading geographically, gaining the ability to infect humans more easily, or transmitting efficiently among humans.
An H7N9 vaccine is being developed by the WHO.
The virus appears to have become less active, with no new infections in the past month. Peiris said it was likely that intervention and the virus' seasonal pattern played a role in curbing it.
Mainland authorities have closed live poultry markets in Shanghai and other affected areas and there have been no new cases since.
Bird flu is less active in warmer weather, but cases go up as the temperature falls.
Peiris said: "What many of us believe is that H7N9 will not completely disappear in poultry. It may appear again in winter."
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1273364/h7n9-most-adapted-bird-flu-human-human-transmission-say-experts
CDC: Interim Recommendations: Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2013
[This year there are many different types of influenza vaccinations. I suggest you open the document and look at the chart, and most importantly, read all the footnotes.]
Influenza Prevention and Control Recommendations
Introduction
This document summarizes recommendations for the use of influenza vaccines approved on February 21, 2013 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). An expanded 2013 ACIP influenza vaccination recommendation statement will be published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports prior to the start of the 2013-2014 influenza season. Providers should consult the expanded 2013 ACIP influenza vaccination statement when available for complete and updated information.Continued: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/2013-interim-recommendations.htm
China: Sichuan fully completed #H7N9 bird flu virus samples for inspection work
July 1, 2013
Translation
National Health and Family Planning Commission in accordance with the General Office of the State Forestry Administration Office "on the good wild bird H7N9 avian influenza virus detection work notice" (CDC Health Office letter [2013] No. 382) and the National Forestry Office "on further strengthen the H7N9 avian influenza virus traceability investigation and disease monitoring and other wild animal epidemic prevention and control work of the emergency notice "(Office of retaining the word [2013] No. 50) requirements, Sichuan Provincial Health Department and the Forestry Department promptly transmitted document and workflow, responsibilities division of labor, timing and specimen collection detection task decomposition to specific cities and states Forestry Administration and the Health Center for Disease Control.
Foci in the provincial wildlife disease monitoring station under the unified guidance, the province's forestry sector positive action at all levels, with the local disease control departments in close collaboration, the successful completion of the wild bird H7N9 avian flu virus specimen collection and inspection work.
According to summary statistics, the province's cities and states involved in collecting samples for inspection cranes, swans, peacocks, vultures, eagles silver pheasant, duck, guinea fowl and thrush, Acacia birds and other wild birds and captive birds 68 species collected in various ways blood, swabs, tissue, feces and water and other samples, submission 2143 copies, is the amount of state-assigned task 1100 of 195% for the next avian H7N9 virus detection traceable investigation and monitoring prevention and control work to provide a reliable reference.
http://www.sichuan.gov.cn/10462/10464/10465/10574/2013/7/1/10267695.shtml
Translation
National Health and Family Planning Commission in accordance with the General Office of the State Forestry Administration Office "on the good wild bird H7N9 avian influenza virus detection work notice" (CDC Health Office letter [2013] No. 382) and the National Forestry Office "on further strengthen the H7N9 avian influenza virus traceability investigation and disease monitoring and other wild animal epidemic prevention and control work of the emergency notice "(Office of retaining the word [2013] No. 50) requirements, Sichuan Provincial Health Department and the Forestry Department promptly transmitted document and workflow, responsibilities division of labor, timing and specimen collection detection task decomposition to specific cities and states Forestry Administration and the Health Center for Disease Control.
Foci in the provincial wildlife disease monitoring station under the unified guidance, the province's forestry sector positive action at all levels, with the local disease control departments in close collaboration, the successful completion of the wild bird H7N9 avian flu virus specimen collection and inspection work.
According to summary statistics, the province's cities and states involved in collecting samples for inspection cranes, swans, peacocks, vultures, eagles silver pheasant, duck, guinea fowl and thrush, Acacia birds and other wild birds and captive birds 68 species collected in various ways blood, swabs, tissue, feces and water and other samples, submission 2143 copies, is the amount of state-assigned task 1100 of 195% for the next avian H7N9 virus detection traceable investigation and monitoring prevention and control work to provide a reliable reference.
http://www.sichuan.gov.cn/10462/10464/10465/10574/2013/7/1/10267695.shtml
Vietnam: A/H1N1 flu outbreak: People ignore dangerous source
I have to post this excerpt from the CDC on where the A/H1N1 came from. Hopefully Vietnam will understand more.
Continued: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/information_h1n1_virus_qa.htm
July 1, 2013
Excerpt -translation
Influenza A/H1N1 still shows the complicated movements appear as consecutive deaths this flu. The functional departments in the Mekong Delta are implementing drastic measures to stop while people are pretty vague about this flu.
-snip-
Also in Vinh Long After appearing deaths due to H1N1 influenza, the Health Department has purchased 500 tablets of Tamiflu for special treatment and prevention, Dr. Nguyen Thanh - Hospital Director of Vinh Long - said Hospital has established Steering Committee and the prevention of influenza A, with nearly 20 doctors and nurses, nursing, science Lay in bed for 20 - Infection with the service received, the cases or suspected influenza A . If an outbreak, the hospital will spend the whole of science Bed Spread 40 - Infection serve the epidemic. Dr. Thinh Nguyen Kim - Deputy Director of the Health Center in Tam Nong (Dong Thap) - said that the Prevention of influenza by households is limited, few people seek medical facility flu vaccine shots (one dose of influenza vaccine formulations from 2012 to 2013, including three strains: A/H3N2, A/H1N1 and influenza B strains ). Currently, the center is only 230 doses of flu vaccine shots for people. Every 3-5 days only to district health centers vaccine shots.
http://baobacgiang.com.vn/266/113209/Nguy_co_bung_phat_cum_AH1N1_Nguoi_dan_tho_o_voi_nguon_nguy_hiem.bgo
Where did the 2009 H1N1 flu virus come from?
The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (referred to as “swine flu” early on) was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that its gene segments were similar to influenza viruses that were most recently identified in and known to circulate among pigs. CDC believes that this virus resulted from reassortment, a process through which two or more influenza viruses can swap genetic information by infecting a single human or animal host. When reassortment does occur, the virus that emerges will have some gene segments from each of the infecting parent viruses and may have different characteristics than either of the parental viruses, just as children may exhibit unique characteristics that are like both of their parents. In this case, the reassortment appears most likely to have occurred between influenza viruses circulating in North American pig herds and among Eurasian pig herds. Reassortment of influenza viruses can result in abrupt, major changes in influenza viruses, also known as “antigenic shift.” When shift happens, most people have little or no protection against the new influenza virus that results. For more information, see “How the Flu Virus can Shift: Drift for Shift.”Continued: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/information_h1n1_virus_qa.htm
July 1, 2013
Excerpt -translation
Spray chemicals for prevention of influenza A/H1N1.
|
-snip-
Also in Vinh Long After appearing deaths due to H1N1 influenza, the Health Department has purchased 500 tablets of Tamiflu for special treatment and prevention, Dr. Nguyen Thanh - Hospital Director of Vinh Long - said Hospital has established Steering Committee and the prevention of influenza A, with nearly 20 doctors and nurses, nursing, science Lay in bed for 20 - Infection with the service received, the cases or suspected influenza A . If an outbreak, the hospital will spend the whole of science Bed Spread 40 - Infection serve the epidemic. Dr. Thinh Nguyen Kim - Deputy Director of the Health Center in Tam Nong (Dong Thap) - said that the Prevention of influenza by households is limited, few people seek medical facility flu vaccine shots (one dose of influenza vaccine formulations from 2012 to 2013, including three strains: A/H3N2, A/H1N1 and influenza B strains ). Currently, the center is only 230 doses of flu vaccine shots for people. Every 3-5 days only to district health centers vaccine shots.
http://baobacgiang.com.vn/266/113209/Nguy_co_bung_phat_cum_AH1N1_Nguoi_dan_tho_o_voi_nguon_nguy_hiem.bgo
Sunday, June 30, 2013
WHO revises MERS-CoV surveillance advice
CIDRAP
Robert Roos and Lisa Schnirring | Staff Writers | CIDRAP News | Jun 28, 2013
excerpt:
Meanwhile, in a Lancet commentary today, two experts called for a similar approach in the absence of conclusive data on MERS-CoV transmission pathways and risks. The piece was written by Charles D. Gomersall, BSc, MBBS, and Gavin M. Joynt, MD, both of whom are affiliated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Queensland School of Medicine in Brisbane.
They base their observations on a recent Lancet report on two MERS-CoV cases in France, involving a man who fell ill after traveling in the Middle East and another man who contracted the illness after sharing a hospital room with him.
The authors note that none of 100 healthcare workers exposed to the first patient get sick, nor did any of 40 community contacts of the second patient. However, they also observe that in the UK, a person who had no other exposures caught the virus while visiting a confirmed case-patient in a hospital for 2½ hours.
"In the absence of conclusive data it would be prudent to isolate individuals suspected of having MERS-CoV infection and to follow guidelines for prevention of airborne transmission," say Gomersall and Joynt.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/06/who-revises-mers-cov-surveillance-advice
hat-tip PFI: http://singtomeohmuse.com/viewtopic.php?p=353131&sid=7d68d30f2d4eb9db3527e8576d832565#353131
Robert Roos and Lisa Schnirring | Staff Writers | CIDRAP News | Jun 28, 2013
excerpt:
Meanwhile, in a Lancet commentary today, two experts called for a similar approach in the absence of conclusive data on MERS-CoV transmission pathways and risks. The piece was written by Charles D. Gomersall, BSc, MBBS, and Gavin M. Joynt, MD, both of whom are affiliated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Queensland School of Medicine in Brisbane.
They base their observations on a recent Lancet report on two MERS-CoV cases in France, involving a man who fell ill after traveling in the Middle East and another man who contracted the illness after sharing a hospital room with him.
The authors note that none of 100 healthcare workers exposed to the first patient get sick, nor did any of 40 community contacts of the second patient. However, they also observe that in the UK, a person who had no other exposures caught the virus while visiting a confirmed case-patient in a hospital for 2½ hours.
"In the absence of conclusive data it would be prudent to isolate individuals suspected of having MERS-CoV infection and to follow guidelines for prevention of airborne transmission," say Gomersall and Joynt.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/06/who-revises-mers-cov-surveillance-advice
hat-tip PFI: http://singtomeohmuse.com/viewtopic.php?p=353131&sid=7d68d30f2d4eb9db3527e8576d832565#353131
Are We Prepared for MERS or Another Pandemic?
hat-tip PFI: http://singtomeohmuse.com/viewtopic.php?p=353131&sid=7d68d30f2d4eb9db3527e8576d832565#353131
By: Robert C. Hutchinson on June 28, 2013
At a recent homeland security conference, one of the speakers referred to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as the “greatest challenge facing the world today.”
Most of the U.S. likely has not adequately prepared for it, even under the umbrella of all-hazards or whole community planning. MERS has reportedly killed more than half of the 55 infected victims, once again raising concerns for a viral respiratory illness that could evolve into the next Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or even worse, and the U.S. is inadequately prepared for it.
Reports indicate that this virus has been identified in time to contain it and classify it quickly if encountered in other locations to institute the appropriate response. However, are we truly prepared if this novel coronavirus were to appear on our shores after a short flight if it adopts the level of person-to-person transmission that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome reached? Or should we be concerned about other emerging viruses, such as the H7N9 influenza virus in China, that appear and then often recede without sustained human transmission?
If MERS were to arrive in the U.S., it would trigger a response in many critical sectors, especially medical services, public health and law enforcement. It would surely test our medical detection and surge capacity capabilities to a level that may demonstrate insufficient planning and preparedness in an all-hazards world. One of the first lines of defense, and possible failure points, would be the initial screening and identification of the virus in time to utilize designated quarantine and isolation procedures and practices to contain the spread of the virus. If possible, containment would be the most effective response to assess and control the exposure of the emerging threat. This raises at least two questions:
For those not directly involved in this field, this topic may be quite foreign and irrelevant for their day-to-day duties and priorities. Inaccurately, too many may view this threat solely as a federal responsibility to interdict and contain at an international border. There are national strategy documents to help frame and assign responsibilities for an obligation shared by all levels of government and the private sector. The National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (2005) (PDF) and the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (2006) (PDF) outline how the nation would prepare for, detect and respond to a potential pandemic threat, specifically influenza.
The 2005 strategy document identifies three pillars for the national strategy, the third being:
Mitigate the health, social and economic impacts of a pandemic; and where appropriate, use government authorities to limit nonessential movement of people, goods and services into and out of areas where an outbreak occurs.
(The other two pillars are Preparedness and Communication, and Surveillance and Detection.)
The 2006 implementation plan begins with the following statements to frame the threat and necessity for the involvement of all levels of government and citizens.
“In the last century, three influenza pandemics have swept the globe. In 1918, the first pandemic (sometimes referred to as the Spanish Flu) killed more than 500,000 Americans and more than 20 million people worldwide. One-third of the U.S. population was infected, and average life expectancy was reduced by 13 years. Pandemics in 1957 and 1968 killed tens of thousands of Americans and millions across the world.”
The active engagement and full involvement of all levels of government and all segments of society, including at the community level, are critical for an effective response. Ultimately, however, the actions of individuals will be the key to the response.
The 2006 implementation plan identifies numerous key considerations such as delaying a pandemic, screening procedures and other proactive measures, as well as law enforcement response during an outbreak, quarantines and other movement restrictions. The national strategies confirm the truism that all incidents begin and end locally. According to the implementation plan, state, local, tribal and private-sector entities have primary responsibility for the public safety and security of persons and nonfederal property within their jurisdictions, and are typically the first line of response and support in these functional areas.
The pandemic strategies acknowledge the unique challenges that state, local and tribal organizations would encounter during a pandemic illness that requires expanded mutual aid between them and/or federal assistance. As a result, government agencies are encouraged by the national documents to formulate comprehensive pandemic response plans and undergo training related to the execution of their plans. However, the development of these plans requires a comprehensive understanding of their operating environment in conjunction with their vulnerabilities during an emerging epidemic or pandemic. What are their capabilities and responsibilities under the national strategy in relation to other government levels? Are there other relevant federal strategies and guidance to be considered by the policymakers and planners?
http://www.emergencymgmt.com/health/Prepared-MERS-Pandemic.html
By: Robert C. Hutchinson on June 28, 2013
At a recent homeland security conference, one of the speakers referred to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as the “greatest challenge facing the world today.”
Most of the U.S. likely has not adequately prepared for it, even under the umbrella of all-hazards or whole community planning. MERS has reportedly killed more than half of the 55 infected victims, once again raising concerns for a viral respiratory illness that could evolve into the next Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or even worse, and the U.S. is inadequately prepared for it.
Reports indicate that this virus has been identified in time to contain it and classify it quickly if encountered in other locations to institute the appropriate response. However, are we truly prepared if this novel coronavirus were to appear on our shores after a short flight if it adopts the level of person-to-person transmission that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome reached? Or should we be concerned about other emerging viruses, such as the H7N9 influenza virus in China, that appear and then often recede without sustained human transmission?
If MERS were to arrive in the U.S., it would trigger a response in many critical sectors, especially medical services, public health and law enforcement. It would surely test our medical detection and surge capacity capabilities to a level that may demonstrate insufficient planning and preparedness in an all-hazards world. One of the first lines of defense, and possible failure points, would be the initial screening and identification of the virus in time to utilize designated quarantine and isolation procedures and practices to contain the spread of the virus. If possible, containment would be the most effective response to assess and control the exposure of the emerging threat. This raises at least two questions:
- Are we prepared to utilize federal- or state-ordered isolation procedures with short notice at a border, medical facility, screening location or city limit?
- Do we have comprehensive plans and resources to support this rather unique and very infrequently executed mission?
For those not directly involved in this field, this topic may be quite foreign and irrelevant for their day-to-day duties and priorities. Inaccurately, too many may view this threat solely as a federal responsibility to interdict and contain at an international border. There are national strategy documents to help frame and assign responsibilities for an obligation shared by all levels of government and the private sector. The National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (2005) (PDF) and the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (2006) (PDF) outline how the nation would prepare for, detect and respond to a potential pandemic threat, specifically influenza.
The 2005 strategy document identifies three pillars for the national strategy, the third being:
Mitigate the health, social and economic impacts of a pandemic; and where appropriate, use government authorities to limit nonessential movement of people, goods and services into and out of areas where an outbreak occurs.
(The other two pillars are Preparedness and Communication, and Surveillance and Detection.)
The 2006 implementation plan begins with the following statements to frame the threat and necessity for the involvement of all levels of government and citizens.
“In the last century, three influenza pandemics have swept the globe. In 1918, the first pandemic (sometimes referred to as the Spanish Flu) killed more than 500,000 Americans and more than 20 million people worldwide. One-third of the U.S. population was infected, and average life expectancy was reduced by 13 years. Pandemics in 1957 and 1968 killed tens of thousands of Americans and millions across the world.”
The active engagement and full involvement of all levels of government and all segments of society, including at the community level, are critical for an effective response. Ultimately, however, the actions of individuals will be the key to the response.
The 2006 implementation plan identifies numerous key considerations such as delaying a pandemic, screening procedures and other proactive measures, as well as law enforcement response during an outbreak, quarantines and other movement restrictions. The national strategies confirm the truism that all incidents begin and end locally. According to the implementation plan, state, local, tribal and private-sector entities have primary responsibility for the public safety and security of persons and nonfederal property within their jurisdictions, and are typically the first line of response and support in these functional areas.
The pandemic strategies acknowledge the unique challenges that state, local and tribal organizations would encounter during a pandemic illness that requires expanded mutual aid between them and/or federal assistance. As a result, government agencies are encouraged by the national documents to formulate comprehensive pandemic response plans and undergo training related to the execution of their plans. However, the development of these plans requires a comprehensive understanding of their operating environment in conjunction with their vulnerabilities during an emerging epidemic or pandemic. What are their capabilities and responsibilities under the national strategy in relation to other government levels? Are there other relevant federal strategies and guidance to be considered by the policymakers and planners?
http://www.emergencymgmt.com/health/Prepared-MERS-Pandemic.html
Vietnam reports 11th swine flu death
[This is regarding the last death in Vietnam. This article is in English.
-->
-->
Excerpt - editing is mine:
June 30, 2013
A 58-year-old man in the Mekong Delta Province of Hau Giang has become the 11th person to die from influenza A/H1N1, better known as swine flu, in Vietnam this year.
-snip-
Vietnam reported its first H1N1 death of the year in April.
-->
Name—From—Adm--Condition
58M-- Vĩnh Viễn, Hau Giang Prov.—6/18—DOD 6/27]
Excerpt - editing is mine:
June 30, 2013
A 58-year-old man in the Mekong Delta Province of Hau Giang has become the 11th person to die from influenza A/H1N1, better known as swine flu, in Vietnam this year.
-snip-
After
that the Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City, which conducted postmortem
tests, confirmed that he had been infected with the A/H1N1 strain of
swine flu.
Six
of Thanh’s family members been isolated and are being tested for swine
flu, while local health authorities have sterilized the environment
around his house, online newspaper VnExpress reported.
-snip-
Le Hoang Be, director of the province’s Department of Interior, was among the patients, VnExpress reported.
Vietnam reported its first H1N1 death of the year in April.
Vietnam: Science Communication Conference and HIV Infections Nationwide in 2013
Translation:
Day 28-29 / 6, in Da Nang, Science Communication Conference and HIV infections nationwide in 2013 by the Infectious Diseases Society of Vietnam, Clinical Medical Association HIV / AIDS and the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases was organized by the of place. The conference attracted close to 500 delegates researcher, a specialist of the leading national and international participants.
Day 28-29 / 6, in Da Nang, Science Communication Conference and HIV infections nationwide in 2013 by the Infectious Diseases Society of Vietnam, Clinical Medical Association HIV / AIDS and the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases was organized by the of place. The conference attracted close to 500 delegates researcher, a specialist of the leading national and international participants.
Paper presented at the conference said, in recent years, emerging infectious diseases and re-emerged with the growing trend that is the latest epidemic H7N9 influenza in China has made 37 deaths among 132 cases must. Along with that, the possibility of mutation by genetic reassortment of influenza virus strains caused great concern about the outbreak of a new strain capable of spreading as strong and virulent respiratory syndrome coronavirus respiratory mortality is 60%. in Vietnam, mosquitoes resistant cause outbreaks of dengue fever, meningitis, malaria, hantavirus disease, Negleria fowleri amoeba, H1N1 flu, swine streptococcus, hand - foot - mouth ... tend to reappear. The situation of HIV / AIDS despite the marked decline in Vietnam but each has found about 14,000 new infections. This poses challenges for the health sector in Vietnam. Cong control of communicable diseases in general and HIV / AIDS in Vietnam in particular are faced with enormous challenges. It is a matter to raise awareness of the people and the prevention of disease, such as surveillance methods for early detection services, is in the care, treatment effectiveness, time constraints death .. . Therefore, timely information, share experience in prevention and control of infectious diseases and HIV / AIDS among local, national professional bodies have very important meaning. At the conference, delegates focused on four thematic discussions are emerging infectious diseases and re-emerged, HIV / AIDS and infectious diseases, and other infectious diseases, HIV / AIDS in Vietnam .Thereby, will provide essential information and personnel necessary to do research, infectious disease care, HIV / AIDS services from central to local basis.
Haiti-Dominican “chicken war” claims half million hens
[...and the poultry ban has nothing to do with sickly virus laden poultry....]
June 28, 2013
June 28, 2013
Santo Domingo.- Half a million laying hens will be sold at 50
pesos (around one dollar) each this weekend in the capital and some
areas nationwide, as a result of the “chicken war” waged between Haiti
and Dominican Republic.
The measure aims to cut overproduction in poultry farms sector, following Haiti’s ban on Dominican poultry, Agriculture minister Luis Ramon Rodriguez announced Wednesday. He said the government subsidy will be as much as RD$12.0 million, or 20 pesos per bird sold.
"We’ll sell 40 trucks in the five Cibao provinces (north) and poor neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, we hope to end the surplus out there in 10 to 15 days, then lower our egg production which is too high, at 140 million monthly and our consumption is 120," the official said, quoted by the Corripio Communications Group.
Exaggeration
Rodriguez said since the sector exported around 15 million eggs and one million chickens per month to Haiti, its losses after the ban might not be as severe as farmers claim.
"I think in the heat battle poultry farmers exaggerated a bit, because on just two food products, including chickens and eggs, US$245 million were exported last year."
Contrary to what most people expect, the price of chicken might not decrease, since, according to Rodriguez, the ban didn’t affect it.
Some sectors see the “chicken war” on Hispaniola as the result of competition in the two countries over the lucrative poultry market.
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2013/6/27/48104/Haiti-Dominican-chicken-war-claims-half-million-hens
The measure aims to cut overproduction in poultry farms sector, following Haiti’s ban on Dominican poultry, Agriculture minister Luis Ramon Rodriguez announced Wednesday. He said the government subsidy will be as much as RD$12.0 million, or 20 pesos per bird sold.
"We’ll sell 40 trucks in the five Cibao provinces (north) and poor neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, we hope to end the surplus out there in 10 to 15 days, then lower our egg production which is too high, at 140 million monthly and our consumption is 120," the official said, quoted by the Corripio Communications Group.
Exaggeration
Rodriguez said since the sector exported around 15 million eggs and one million chickens per month to Haiti, its losses after the ban might not be as severe as farmers claim.
"I think in the heat battle poultry farmers exaggerated a bit, because on just two food products, including chickens and eggs, US$245 million were exported last year."
Contrary to what most people expect, the price of chicken might not decrease, since, according to Rodriguez, the ban didn’t affect it.
Some sectors see the “chicken war” on Hispaniola as the result of competition in the two countries over the lucrative poultry market.
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2013/6/27/48104/Haiti-Dominican-chicken-war-claims-half-million-hens
Dominican and Haitian presidents discussed in Managua the ban on poultry products
06/29/2013
Holy Sunday, June 30 (EFE). - The presidents of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Danilo Medina and Michel Martelly, respectively, met today in Managua where they addressed the situation created after the ban enacted by Haiti poultry products Dominicans.
In a statement the Dominican Presidency reports that the meeting was brief, took place in a cordial atmosphere and at the same Dominican leader "listened carefully" explanations that were offered on the subject.
The note, which does not reveal more details about the content of the conversation and it also indicates that the meeting was also attended by Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.
The meeting came in the VIII Summit of Heads of States and Government of Petrocaribe, held today in Managua.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.wunitv.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcoronavirus%26lr%3D%26newwindow%3D1%26sa%3DX%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1036%26bih%3D745%26noj%3D1%26tbs%3Dqdr:h
Holy Sunday, June 30 (EFE). - The presidents of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Danilo Medina and Michel Martelly, respectively, met today in Managua where they addressed the situation created after the ban enacted by Haiti poultry products Dominicans.
In a statement the Dominican Presidency reports that the meeting was brief, took place in a cordial atmosphere and at the same Dominican leader "listened carefully" explanations that were offered on the subject.
The note, which does not reveal more details about the content of the conversation and it also indicates that the meeting was also attended by Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.
The meeting came in the VIII Summit of Heads of States and Government of Petrocaribe, held today in Managua.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.wunitv.com/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dcoronavirus%26lr%3D%26newwindow%3D1%26sa%3DX%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1036%26bih%3D745%26noj%3D1%26tbs%3Dqdr:h
War on MERS: Deadly virus prompts global battle plans
June 30, 2013
by Eryn Brown
Excerpt:
In a war room of sorts in a neatly appointed government building, U.S. officers dressed in crisp uniforms arranged themselves around a U-shaped table and kept their eyes trained on a giant screen. PowerPoint slides ticked through the latest movements of an enemy that recently emerged in Saudi Arabia - a mysterious virus that has killed more than half of the people known to have been infected.
Here at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts from the U.S. Public Health Service and their civilian counterparts have been meeting twice a week since the beginning of June to keep tabs on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. MERS-CoV, as the pathogen is known, causes fevers, severe coughs and rapid renal failure as it attacks the lungs of victims.
-snip-
Epidemiologists started noticing clusters of MERS cases in families and in hospitals, in people who had close contact with victims. That made researchers worry that the virus might evolve to spread more easily from person to person - a prerequisite for a pandemic.
-snip-
The CDC response team is working with other countries and with medical facilities in the U.S. to make sure procedures are in place to combat MERS. Hospitals have received guidelines for assessing and isolating patients to keep the virus contained.
"If there are cases that come to the U.S., we want to be well-prepared to address them," said CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-06-war-mers-deadly-virus-prompts.html
by Eryn Brown
Excerpt:
In a war room of sorts in a neatly appointed government building, U.S. officers dressed in crisp uniforms arranged themselves around a U-shaped table and kept their eyes trained on a giant screen. PowerPoint slides ticked through the latest movements of an enemy that recently emerged in Saudi Arabia - a mysterious virus that has killed more than half of the people known to have been infected.
Here at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, experts from the U.S. Public Health Service and their civilian counterparts have been meeting twice a week since the beginning of June to keep tabs on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. MERS-CoV, as the pathogen is known, causes fevers, severe coughs and rapid renal failure as it attacks the lungs of victims.
-snip-
Epidemiologists started noticing clusters of MERS cases in families and in hospitals, in people who had close contact with victims. That made researchers worry that the virus might evolve to spread more easily from person to person - a prerequisite for a pandemic.
-snip-
The CDC response team is working with other countries and with medical facilities in the U.S. to make sure procedures are in place to combat MERS. Hospitals have received guidelines for assessing and isolating patients to keep the virus contained.
"If there are cases that come to the U.S., we want to be well-prepared to address them," said CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-06-war-mers-deadly-virus-prompts.html
Monitoring Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus through National Influenza-like Illness Surveillance, China
hat-tip Crofsblogs
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/19/8/13-0662_article.htm
Volume 19, Number 8—August 2013
Abstract
In China during March 4–April 28, 2013, avian influenza A(H7N9) virus testing was performed on 20,739 specimens from patients with influenza-like illness in 10 provinces with confirmed human cases: 6 (0.03%) were positive, and increased numbers of unsubtypeable influenza-positive specimens were not seen. Careful monitoring and rapid characterization of influenza A(H7N9) and other influenza viruses remain critical.http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/19/8/13-0662_article.htm
Pilgrimage to Mecca concern because of #Coronavirus #MERS
 |
| Virologists experts anxiously watching the enigmatic and dangerous coronavirus MERS in the forthcoming pilgrimage to Mecca, while Saudi Arabia is the most affected by the disease. (Fayez Nureldine) |
30-06-2013
Excerpt:
"This is a new phenomenon. We do not know yet its potential for transmission from man to man, based on the information we have. We do not know to this day what is the full geographic range of the virus, "said Wednesday during the Conference Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General of WHO.
-snip-
For the Saudi Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Ziad Memish present at the meeting, one of the critical issues is the case of pilgrims from countries underdeveloped health system. "We do not know if the disease is not already there. They have no oversight," he told AFP.
Complete article: http://www.leparisien.fr/laparisienne/sante/pelerinage-de-la-mecque-preoccupation-a-cause-du-coronavirus-29-06-2013-2939487.php
#H1N1 Vietnam - Update on 3 Cases in Ca Mau
6/29/13
Translation & Excerpt. I have taken the translation and replaced it with the original text, which makes a whole lot more sense. The last name matches in the translation below, and that is enough to know it's the same person that other articles are speaking of:
The two cases are:
Chị Mùa onset 4 days ago. She self-medication of drinking but not the fever that kept coughing up the family to hospital treatment Cai Nuoc district. Just send sample tests, hospital patients were taken immediately to the flu A and implementing isolation to prevent infection. Riêng ông Đua, after more than 10 days of treatment was healthy again, preparing discharge.
http://bacsytructuyen.com/y-te/vietnam/cum-h1n1-bung-phat-o-dong-bang-song-cuu-long/25971.html
Translation & Excerpt. I have taken the translation and replaced it with the original text, which makes a whole lot more sense. The last name matches in the translation below, and that is enough to know it's the same person that other articles are speaking of:
The two cases are:
Name: Lê
Hoàng Bé, Dir. of Interior
From: Ca Mau
Onset: 6/18
Adm: 6/19 Gen. Hosp. Cau Mau, Trans. to HCMC
Adm: 6/26 trans. to Pham Ngoc Thach Hosp
(HCMC)
Syms
on 6/26: high fever, shortness breath
Confirmed: 6/27
Name: 67(F) Lương Văn Đua
From: Nguyen Phich Commune, U Minh District, Ca
Mau
Adm: 6/19 U Minh Hospital
Note: 10 days of treatment, recovered. Preparing discharge.
Name: 30(F) Trần Thị Mùa
From:
Cái Đôi Vàm town, Phu Tan District, Ca Mau
Onset: 6/24
Adm: 6/27 Cai Nuoc Hospital
Sym’s on adm:
shortness of breath, fever, cough
Influenza H1N1 outbreaks in the Mekong Delta
In the health sector, before his sick Bé to the Ha Noi. Nearly 10 days before he was about to Ca Mau and Protection Division Provincial health care with fever symptoms. Then Director of the Department of the Interior was transferred to hospital but the treatment of Ca Mau Province worsening of the disease. Morning 26/6, febrile patients, dyspnea should be referred to the Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital (HCMC). Here sample for testing, the results were positive for A/H1N1 flu virus.
Chị Mùa onset 4 days ago. She self-medication of drinking but not the fever that kept coughing up the family to hospital treatment Cai Nuoc district. Just send sample tests, hospital patients were taken immediately to the flu A and implementing isolation to prevent infection. Riêng ông Đua, after more than 10 days of treatment was healthy again, preparing discharge.
http://bacsytructuyen.com/y-te/vietnam/cum-h1n1-bung-phat-o-dong-bang-song-cuu-long/25971.html
Saturday, June 29, 2013
#H5N1 Vietnam - Poultry is smuggled into inland through the quarantine turnaround
[editing is mine]
06/29/2013 - 18:09
The paper uses multiple rotating quarantine, the contraband made poultry dealers mingled with domestic poultry, causing difficulties in controlling the disease, a great influence on the environment and people's health .
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