24 September 2012
Last updated at 06:59 ET
Excerpts:
As it has only been recently described, and this is only the second
laboratory confirmed case, there is limited information on how much of a
threat it may pose to humans.
At this point it is not clear whether these cases are typical of
infection with this virus or whether it could be circulating more widely
and only very rarely causing a severe illness.
Doctors do not yet know what the best treatment is, but people with
severe symptoms will need intensive medical care to help them breath.
There is no vaccine for it.
As with any newly identified virus that may be associated
with severe illness, it is better to err on the side of caution. All
infection control precautions to prevent the spread of this virus are
therefore being taken in the case of the London patient with the
confirmed diagnosis. This includes isolation of the patient, barrier
nursing and making sure that all staff wear the appropriate protective
equipment.
Experts do not yet know where the virus originated from. It may have
been the result of a new mutation of an existing virus. Or it may be an
infection that has been circulating in animals and has now made the jump
to humans.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19699677
Monday, September 24, 2012
Hong Kong alert for novel coronavirus cases
September 24, 2012
The Centre for Health Protection has formed an enhanced surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals to watch for cases of novel coronavirus infection.
The move follows the World Health Organisation's report on September 23 of a case of novel coronavirus infection. The case involved a previously healthy 49-year-old Qatari man who had been in Saudi Arabia prior to the onset of illness on September 3. He is being treated for severe respiratory illness in London.
The UK's Health Protection Agency has confirmed the presence of a novel coronavirus. It said the virus isolate from the patient is highly similar to the coronavirus identified from a fatal case in a 60-year-old Saudi man reported on September 20.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which include those that cause the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The WHO is gathering more information to determine the public health implications of these two confirmed cases.
In Hong Kong, the centre reported that the Public Health Laboratory Centre has the capacity to detect this virus. No human infection with this virus has been identified here so far.
The centre will closely monitor the progress of further epidemiological investigations and surveillance, and the corresponding advice from the WHO.
http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2012/09/20120924_193624.lin.shtml
The Centre for Health Protection has formed an enhanced surveillance mechanism with public and private hospitals to watch for cases of novel coronavirus infection.
The move follows the World Health Organisation's report on September 23 of a case of novel coronavirus infection. The case involved a previously healthy 49-year-old Qatari man who had been in Saudi Arabia prior to the onset of illness on September 3. He is being treated for severe respiratory illness in London.
The UK's Health Protection Agency has confirmed the presence of a novel coronavirus. It said the virus isolate from the patient is highly similar to the coronavirus identified from a fatal case in a 60-year-old Saudi man reported on September 20.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which include those that cause the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The WHO is gathering more information to determine the public health implications of these two confirmed cases.
In Hong Kong, the centre reported that the Public Health Laboratory Centre has the capacity to detect this virus. No human infection with this virus has been identified here so far.
The centre will closely monitor the progress of further epidemiological investigations and surveillance, and the corresponding advice from the WHO.
http://www.news.gov.hk/en/categories/health/html/2012/09/20120924_193624.lin.shtml
A case of novel coronavirus infection confirmed in Britain: WHO
2012-09-24
Excerpt:
Given that this is a novel coronavirus, WHO is currently in the process of obtaining further information to determine the public health implications of these two confirmed cases.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes viruses that cause the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/health/2012-09/24/c_131869910.htm
Excerpt:
Given that this is a novel coronavirus, WHO is currently in the process of obtaining further information to determine the public health implications of these two confirmed cases.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes viruses that cause the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/health/2012-09/24/c_131869910.htm
Health Arabia" mobilize forces in control of the ports infected with avian coronavirus and provide care for pilgrims
24-9-2012
"Health Arabia" mobilize forces in control of the ports infected with avian coronavirus and provide care for pilgrims
Excerpt:
Original:
علي الصعيد الداخلي قررت اماره المنطقه الشرقيه في المملكه اطلاق حمله توعيه لمحاصره المرض، خصوصا بالمدارس واماكن التجمعات ومع دخول فصل الشتاء، حيث تكثر العدوي واتخاذ احتياطات في جميع المنافذ لمراقبه المسافرين.
Translation
Internally decided Eastern Province Emirate [ اماره المنطقه الشرقيه في ] in the kingdom to launch an awareness campaign to besiege the disease, especially in schools and places of gatherings with the onset of winter, with frequent infections and precautions in All ports to monitor passengers.
http://gate.ahram.org.eg/News/254406.aspx
CNN Arabia: Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims flu virus "killer"
[We are entering the season of Hajj and Umrah. This article is from CNN Arabic]
الاثنين، 24 أيلول/سبتمبر 2012، آخر تحديث
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) - Saudi authorities called pilgrims "House of God" to adhere to preventive health procedures, for their own safety and health, after monitoring three cases of HIV disease causes a rare type of influenza, called "crowns", two of whom died , while the third is still receiving treatment.
And revealed the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia for such injuries, in a statement issued Sunday, said that he came "within the framework of its preventive efforts to prevent importation of disease, and a continuation for its follow-up and a survey of all transmitted diseases between human and keen to approach transparency of what matters public health. "
The ministry said in a statement, reported by the official Saudi Press Agency "SPA", that "with the acceleration of climate change, and enter the season of Hajj and Umrah, it was diagnosed pattern rare coronavirus, a seasonal influenza viruses are known, where he was diagnosed three cases infected with the virus . "
The Saudi Ministry of Health in its statement that one of these cases to a Saudi citizen at a hospital in Jeddah, and the second for another Saudi citizen, the third event of injury to the Gulf citizen in Britain, and said that two of the injured died as a result they got sick.
And sought the ministry to reassure citizens and residents, saying that the virus "crowns" known, and most people are recovering, after providing treatment pads and simple, without complications, and in very rare cases, In Style Nader of this virus, complications occur respiratory and kidney, has lead to death, especially for the elderly, and those with heart disease, and chronic chest and HIV.
The ministry stressed that "these cases are rare, and the health situation reassuring, nor call for concern", he called on those who wish to Hajj or Umrah, from inside or outside the Kingdom, commitment vaccinations and instructions issued by the Ministry of Health, and attention to personal hygiene, washing hands, and wearing a mask in crowded places, and change them periodically. "
The ministry concluded by emphasizing that they relay constantly emerging in this regard, at the national level, regional and global levels, in coordination with the concerned authorities and international health bodies.
Saudi Arabia: فيروس إنفلونزا نادر في السعودية يقتل شخصين
Original: [Translation below]
Translation - Site includes a Video interview in Arabic
Sunday, November 07, 1433 - September 23, 2012
Happens respiratory complications and kidney may lead to death The Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia for the death of citizens infected with seasonal influenza krona, and said that one of them died in hospital in Jeddah, while the other died in Britain.
The ministry had been diagnosed pattern rare virus "krona", a seasonal influenza viruses are known, where he was diagnosed three cases infected with the virus. ministry added that the virus "crowns" equal living with recovering after providing treatment pads and simple without complications, and in very rare cases in pattern rare virus complications occur respiratory and kidney may lead to death.
Said Dr. Ziad Memc, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Assistant for Preventive Medicine, the Bulletin fourth "Arab": "The climate changes usually Mazbb viral infections that affect the respiratory system, where there are about 60 species of virus caused by infections." and adds: "For the virus" krona "It causes 15% of infections, usually simple where the patient feels Balaanqan in the throat, coughing and repeated coughing and high temperature and shortness of breath, and an equal 95% of patients to heal through rest and drink question and taking vitamins necessary." and three cases that hit this the new type of virus, "the krona," which did not discover by Dr. Memc: "If the people chronic diseases attack or chest, or are elderly persons, certainly there will be complications cause respiratory, and can occur with pneumonia, and also may affect the device and renal failure and functions leads to death."
In order to prevent loneliness . Memc that the virus is similar to other influenza viruses (a, b, c), where transmitted through coughing and sneezing and respiratory secretions on their hands, so emphasizes preventing Cover your mouth Emamat in crowded places and disinfecting hands regularly. and vaccination preventive virus says Memc: " krona "has no special treatment now, as it is a new virus, but the Ministry of Health is keen on activating the protective role of the disease and prevent infection. and ways to treat the virus added that viral diseases generally be treated there by injecting intravenous fluids and taking Fattaminac necessary and support the patient to be recovering, in the case of complications must be intervention by giving drugs that fit the situation.
أعلنت وزارة الصحة السعودية عن وفاة مواطنَين بفيروس الإنفلونزا الموسمي الكرونا، وقالت إن أحدهم توفي في مستشفى بمحافظة جدة، فيما توفي الآخر في بريطانيا.
وأشارت الوزارة إلى أنه تم تشخيص نمطٍ نادرٍ من فيروس "الكرونا"، أحد فيروسات الإنفلونزا الموسمية المعروفة، حيث تم تشخيص ثلاث حالات مصابة بهذا الفيروس.
وأضافت الوزارة أن فيروس "كرونا" يتماثل المصابون به للشفاء بعد تقديم علاج مساند وبسيط من دون مضاعفات، وفي حالات نادرة جداً وفي نمط نادر من هذا الفيروس تحدث مضاعفات تصيب الجهاز التنفسي والكلى وقد تؤدي الى الوفاة.
وأشارت الوزارة إلى أنه تم تشخيص نمطٍ نادرٍ من فيروس "الكرونا"، أحد فيروسات الإنفلونزا الموسمية المعروفة، حيث تم تشخيص ثلاث حالات مصابة بهذا الفيروس.
وأضافت الوزارة أن فيروس "كرونا" يتماثل المصابون به للشفاء بعد تقديم علاج مساند وبسيط من دون مضاعفات، وفي حالات نادرة جداً وفي نمط نادر من هذا الفيروس تحدث مضاعفات تصيب الجهاز التنفسي والكلى وقد تؤدي الى الوفاة.
وقال الدكتور زياد ميمش، وكيل وزارة الصحة المساعد للطب الوقائي، لنشرة الرابعة على "العربية": "إن تغيرات المناخ عادة ماتسبب الالتهابات الفيروسية التي تصيب الجهاز التنفسي، حيث يوجد حوالي 60 نوعاً من الفيروسات التي تسببها الالتهابات".
ويضيف: "بالنسبة لفيروس "الكرونا" فهو يسبب 15% من الالتهابات، عادة تكون بسيطة حيث يشعر المريض بالاحتقان في الحلق والسعال وتكرار السعال وارتفاع في درجة الحرارة وضيق التنفس، ويتماثل 95% من المرضى للشفاء عن طريق الراحة وشرب السؤال وأخذ الفيتامينات اللازمة".
وعن الحالات الثلاث التي أصيبت بهذا النمط الجديد من فيروس "الكرونا" والذي لم يكتشف من قبل يقول د. ميمش: "إذا كان لدى الأشخاص أمراض مزمنة قلبية أو صدرية، أو يكونون كباراً في السن بالتأكيد ستكون هناك مضاعفات تلحق الجهاز التنفسي، ويمكن أن يحدث التهاب رئوي، وأيضاً قد تصيب الجهاز الكلوي وتعطل وظائفة ما يؤدي إلى الوفاة".
ومن أجل الوقاية يؤكد د. ميمش أن الفيروس مماثل لفيروسات الإنفلونزا الأخرى (أ، ب، ج)، حيث ينتقل عن طريق السعال والعطس وإفرازات الجهاز التنفسي على الأيدي، لذا يشدد على الوقاية بتغطية الفم بالكمامات في الأماكن المزدحمة وتعقيم الأيدي بصفة دورية.
وعن التلقيح الوقائي للفيروس يقول ميمش: "الكرونا" لا يوجد له علاج خاص الآن، حيث إنه فيروس جديد، لكن وزارة الصحة تحرص على تفعيل الدور الوقائي للمرض ومنع الإصابة.
وعن طرق علاج الفيروس أضاف أن الأمراض الفيروسية عامة يكون العلاج فيها عن طريق حقن السوائل الوريدية وأخذ الفتامينات اللازمة ودعم المريض إلى أن يتماثل للشفاء، أما في حالة حدوث مضاعفات فلابد من التدخل بإعطاء الأدوية التي تناسب الحالة.
ويضيف: "بالنسبة لفيروس "الكرونا" فهو يسبب 15% من الالتهابات، عادة تكون بسيطة حيث يشعر المريض بالاحتقان في الحلق والسعال وتكرار السعال وارتفاع في درجة الحرارة وضيق التنفس، ويتماثل 95% من المرضى للشفاء عن طريق الراحة وشرب السؤال وأخذ الفيتامينات اللازمة".
وعن الحالات الثلاث التي أصيبت بهذا النمط الجديد من فيروس "الكرونا" والذي لم يكتشف من قبل يقول د. ميمش: "إذا كان لدى الأشخاص أمراض مزمنة قلبية أو صدرية، أو يكونون كباراً في السن بالتأكيد ستكون هناك مضاعفات تلحق الجهاز التنفسي، ويمكن أن يحدث التهاب رئوي، وأيضاً قد تصيب الجهاز الكلوي وتعطل وظائفة ما يؤدي إلى الوفاة".
ومن أجل الوقاية يؤكد د. ميمش أن الفيروس مماثل لفيروسات الإنفلونزا الأخرى (أ، ب، ج)، حيث ينتقل عن طريق السعال والعطس وإفرازات الجهاز التنفسي على الأيدي، لذا يشدد على الوقاية بتغطية الفم بالكمامات في الأماكن المزدحمة وتعقيم الأيدي بصفة دورية.
وعن التلقيح الوقائي للفيروس يقول ميمش: "الكرونا" لا يوجد له علاج خاص الآن، حيث إنه فيروس جديد، لكن وزارة الصحة تحرص على تفعيل الدور الوقائي للمرض ومنع الإصابة.
وعن طرق علاج الفيروس أضاف أن الأمراض الفيروسية عامة يكون العلاج فيها عن طريق حقن السوائل الوريدية وأخذ الفتامينات اللازمة ودعم المريض إلى أن يتماثل للشفاء، أما في حالة حدوث مضاعفات فلابد من التدخل بإعطاء الأدوية التي تناسب الحالة.
Translation - Site includes a Video interview in Arabic
Sunday, November 07, 1433 - September 23, 2012
Happens respiratory complications and kidney may lead to death The Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia for the death of citizens infected with seasonal influenza krona, and said that one of them died in hospital in Jeddah, while the other died in Britain.
The ministry had been diagnosed pattern rare virus "krona", a seasonal influenza viruses are known, where he was diagnosed three cases infected with the virus. ministry added that the virus "crowns" equal living with recovering after providing treatment pads and simple without complications, and in very rare cases in pattern rare virus complications occur respiratory and kidney may lead to death.
Said Dr. Ziad Memc, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Assistant for Preventive Medicine, the Bulletin fourth "Arab": "The climate changes usually Mazbb viral infections that affect the respiratory system, where there are about 60 species of virus caused by infections." and adds: "For the virus" krona "It causes 15% of infections, usually simple where the patient feels Balaanqan in the throat, coughing and repeated coughing and high temperature and shortness of breath, and an equal 95% of patients to heal through rest and drink question and taking vitamins necessary." and three cases that hit this the new type of virus, "the krona," which did not discover by Dr. Memc: "If the people chronic diseases attack or chest, or are elderly persons, certainly there will be complications cause respiratory, and can occur with pneumonia, and also may affect the device and renal failure and functions leads to death."
In order to prevent loneliness . Memc that the virus is similar to other influenza viruses (a, b, c), where transmitted through coughing and sneezing and respiratory secretions on their hands, so emphasizes preventing Cover your mouth Emamat in crowded places and disinfecting hands regularly. and vaccination preventive virus says Memc: " krona "has no special treatment now, as it is a new virus, but the Ministry of Health is keen on activating the protective role of the disease and prevent infection. and ways to treat the virus added that viral diseases generally be treated there by injecting intravenous fluids and taking Fattaminac necessary and support the patient to be recovering, in the case of complications must be intervention by giving drugs that fit the situation.
Qatari Man in London Hospital with Sars-like Virus
[editing is mine]
Excerpt:
September 24, 2012
By Ewan Palmer
By Ewan Palmer
A respiratory illness similar to the Sars Virus which killed hundreds of people has been detected in a man at a London hospital who recently travelled to the Middle East.
The 49-year-old man from Qatar became ill after traveling to Saudi Arabia where another man died of a similar illness earlier this year, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed.
The man in the new case was sickened by a coronavirus, which causes most common colds but also causes Sars, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
He was transferred from Qatar to Britain on 11 September and is being treated in an intensive care unit at a London hospital for problems including kidney failure. The UN health agency says virus samples from the patient are almost identical to those of a 60-year-old Saudi national who died earlier this year.
Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota said: "You don't die from the common cold. This gives us reason to think it might be more like Sars."
-snip-
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/387360/20120924/sars-virus-britain-qatar-saudi-arabia-hpa.htm
WHO: Novel Coronavirus infection in the United Kingdom
23 SEPTEMBER 2012 - On 22 September 2012, the United Kingdom (UK) informed WHO of a case of acute respiratory syndrome with renal failure with travel history to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar.
The case is a previously healthy, 49 year old male Qatari national that presented with symptoms on 3 September 2012 with travel history to the KSA prior to onset of illness. On 7 September he was admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Doha, Qatar. On 11 September, he was transferred to the UK by air ambulance from Qatar. The Health Protection Agency of the UK (HPA) conducted laboratory testing and has confirmed the presence of a novel coronavirus .
The HPA has compared the sequencing of the virus isolate from the 49 year old Qatari national with that of a virus sequenced previously by the Erasmus University Medical Centre, Netherlands. This latter isolate was obtained from lung tissue of a fatal case earlier this year in a 60 year-old Saudi national. This comparison indicated 99.5% identity, with one nucleotide mismatch over the regions compared.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes viruses that cause the common cold and SARS. Given that this is a novel coronavirus, WHO is currently in the process of obtaining further information to determine the public health implications of these two confirmed cases.
With respect to these findings, WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions. Information regarding requirements and recommendations for the Hajj season in 2012 can be found at http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20120730/en/index.html
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_09_23/en/index.html
Questions and answers - novel corona virus September 2012
{I will put this post on the right side-bar for easy access}
How many new cases have been reported to date?
This new coronavirus has been laboratory confirmed in only two cases globally to date: both occurred between July - September 2012.
The first case was confirmed in a patient in Saudi Arabia who has since died in Saudi Arabia.
The second case was confirmed in a patient from Qatar who had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia. This patient acquired their infection in the Middle East and had the infection diagnosed after travelling to London.
A further small number of possible cases are also being investigated.
What are coronaviruses?
Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid 1960s and are named for the crown-like projections on the surface of the virus. They are a group of viruses causing respiratory infections in humans and animals. There are 3 main sub-groupings of coronaviruses, known as alpha, beta and gamma.
What type of coronavirus is this?
This is the first time this particular strain of coronavirus has been identified in the UK and only the second time in the world - in both cases the infection was acquired in the Middle East. The virus was identified by the Health Protection Agency's virus reference laboratories at Colindale. It is genetically the same as one recently isolated in a laboratory in Saudi Arabia, which was then confirmed and its genetic material sequenced in a laboratory in the Netherlands. As it has only been recently described, and this is only the second laboratory confirmed case, there is limited information on clinical impact, transmission and severity at this stage.
What are the main symptoms?
The virus has so far only been identified in two cases of acute, serious respiratory illness who presented with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. At this point it is not clear whether these cases are typical of infection with this virus or whether it could be circulating more widely, but causing a milder illness, and only very rarely causing a severe illness.
What is the treatment?
We do not have enough information yet to make specific treatment recommendations. However, acute respiratory support for those with severe symptoms and who have been hospitalised would be advised.
How do you catch this infection?
Coronaviruses are typically spread like other respiratory infections such as influenza. This infection is therefore likely to be passed from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes, though much is unknown at this stage.
How contagious is it?
Tranmission appears to be very limited as, if it were very contagious, we would have expected to have seen more cases in other countries or the people caring for these two cases, the first of which occurred over three months ago.
With any newly identified virus, that may be associated with severe illness, it is better to err on the side of caution. All infection control precautions to prevent the spread of this virus are therefore being taken in the case of the London patient with the confirmed diagnosis. This includes isolation of the patient, barrier nursing and making sure that all staff wear the appropriate protective equipment.
Coronaviruses are fairly fragile, and outside of the body their survival time is only around 24 hours. They are easily destroyed by usual detergents and cleaning agents.
Where has this infection come from?
At this stage we do not know. New infections may occur from a mutation (change) to an existing virus which causes it to behave differently in the type or seriousness of infection caused. Some new infections may be caught from infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, circulating in the animal population (zoonoses). Certain infections may cause only mild infection in an animal species but more serious infections in people (and vice versa). At this stage we have no evidence that this is a zoonosis.
Is there a vaccine for this?
No, a vaccine is not available.
Is there a laboratory test?
The main test for this particular coronavirus is a PCR followed by sequencing. Full sequencing of the virus' genetic material is a complex test to absolutely confirm the strain of the virus.
What should I do if I am planning to travel to the Middle East?
Given that there have only been two confirmed cses worldwide, people planning to travel to the Middle East should continue with their plans. Travel advice will be kept under review if additional cases occur or when the patterns of transmission become clearer.
If I visited the Middle East and have signs of a cold/fever should I be worried?
If the symptoms are mild you almost certainly have an upper respiratory tract infecftion due to a common respiratory virus such as the common cold. However if the symptoms worsen considerably and you become very breathless you should contact your General Practitioner or NHS Direct mentioning which countries in the Middle East you have visited. Even with severe respiratory illness it is most likely that the diagnosis will be another more common respiratory pathogen, rather than this newly recognised coronavirus.
Is this similar to SARS?
SARS was also caused by a coronavirus but this is not SARS. Coronaviruses can cause a range of symptoms varying from mild symptoms such as the common cold to more serious respiratory illnesses. The two laboratory confirmed cases have experienced a serious respiratory illlness which makes it similar to SARS in this respect.
Last reviewed: 23 September 2012
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1317136202755
UN issues global alert over new SARS-like virus
updated 1 hour 48 minutes ago
Qatari man is treated for disease almost identical to one that killed Saudi Arabian earlier this year
A new virus belonging to the same family as the SARS virus that killed 800 people in 2002 has been identified in a Qatari man who had recently been in Saudi Arabia, the World Health Organisation said Sunday.
The United Nations health body, which issued a statement through its "global alert and response" system, said tests on the patient, a 49-year-old Qatari man, confirmed the presence of a new, or novel, coronavirus.
It said the U.K. scientists compared gene sequences of the virus from the Qatari patient with samples of virus sequenced by Dutch scientists from lung tissue of a fatal case earlier this year in a 60-year-old Saudi Arabia national. The two were almost identical, it said.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes the common cold and SARS.
"Given that this is a novel coronavirus, WHO is currently in the process of obtaining further information to determine the public health implications," the statement said.
A statement by U.K. government experts said the symptoms included fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms.
The Qatari patient, who was moved to the U.K. for treatment, was in "strict respiratory isolation" with staff looking after him wearing protective clothing, it added.
SARS, or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, appeared in China in 2002 and killed some 800 people globally before being brought under control.
Peter Openshaw, director of the Centre for Respiratory Infection at Imperial College London, said at this stage the novel virus looked unlikely to prove a concern, and may well only have been identified due to sophisticated testing techniques.
Video: Taking precautions to prevent contagion (on this page)
"For now, I would be watchful but not immediately concerned," he told Reuters.
Openshaw said the fact the two cases found so far are apparently unrelated suggests "that what has been picked up is just some rare event that in past times might have been undiagnosed."
But he added: "Any evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission or of contact would be more worrying, raising the worry that another SARS-like agent could be emerging."
The WHO said it was not recommending any travel restrictions but would be seeking further information on the virus.
The WHO said the Qatari patient had first presented to doctors in Qatar on Sept. 3 with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection.
On Sept. 7, he was admitted to an intensive care unit in Doha, Qatar, and on Sept. 11, he was transferred to Britain by air ambulance from Qatar.
"The Health Protection Agency of the U.K. conducted laboratory testing and has confirmed the presence of a novel coronavirus," the WHO said.
A statement on the HPA's website quoted Professor John Watson, head of its respiratory diseases department, said that "in the light of the severity of the illness ... immediate steps have been taken to ensure that people who have been in contact with the U.K. case have not been infected, and there is no evidence to suggest that they have."
"As we are aware of only two cases worldwide and there is no specific evidence of ongoing transmission, at present there is no specific advice for the public or returning travellers to take but we will share any further advice with the public as soon as more information becomes available," he added.
Reuters contributed to this report.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49145381/ns/health-health_care/#.UGBC7NCXR8M
Acute respiratory illness associated with a new virus identified in the UK
23 September 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm the diagnosis of one laboratory confirmed case of severe respiratory illness associated with a new type of coronavirus. The patient, who is from the Middle East and recently arrived in the UK, is receiving intensive care treatment in a London hospital.
In recent months, this new human coronavirus was also identified in a patient with acute respiratory illness in Saudi Arabia, who subsequently died.
Coronaviruses are causes of the common cold but can also include more severe illness, such as the virus responsible for SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). This new virus, however, is different from any that have previously been identified in humans. Preliminary enquiries have revealed no evidence of illness in contacts of these two cases, including healthcare workers. Based on what we know about other coronaviruses, many of these contacts will already have passed the period when they could have caught the virus from the infected person.
We are also aware of a small number of other cases of serious respiratory illness in the Middle East in the past three months, one of whom was treated in the UK but has since died. This person's illness is also being investigated although there is no evidence at present to suggest that it is caused by the same virus or linked to the other two cases. No other confirmed cases have been identified to date in the UK.
Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: "The HPA is providing advice to healthcare workers to ensure the patient under investigation is being treated appropriately.
"In the light of the severity of the illness that has been identified in the two confirmed cases, immediate steps have been taken to ensure that people who have been in contact with the UK case have not been infected, and there is no evidence to suggest that they have.
"Further information about these cases is being developed for healthcare workers in the UK, as well as advice to help maintain increased vigilance for this virus. This information is also being shared with national and international authorities including the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Control.
"As we are aware of only two cases worldwide and there is no specific evidence of ongoing transmission, at present there is no specific advice for the public or returning travellers to take but we will share any further advice with the public as soon as more information becomes available."
Notes for editors:
- Laboratory confirmed cases to date
Saudi Arabia:1
UK: 1 - For further information, see the Q&A that has been developed on this topic.
- Further information has also been produced for health professionals.
- The Health Protection Agency is an independent UK organisation that was set up by the government in 2003 to protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. In April 2013 the Health Protection Agency will become part of a new organisation called Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health. To find out more, visit our website: www.hpa.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @HPAuk.
- For more information please contact the national HPA press office at Colindale on 0208 327 7901 or email colindale-pressoffice@hpa.org.uk . Out of hours the duty press officer can be contacted on 0208 200 4400.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Saudi Arabia MOH Issues Statement on New Virus: Coranavirus
Sep 23, 2012, SPA
Ministry of Health issued a statement saying: "As part of its efforts to prevent importation of diseases and continue its follow-up and survey of all transmitted diseases among humans and based on its keenness to follow transparency on matter of public health, it states that with the acceleration of climate changes and the entry of Hajj and Umrah season, a rare pattern of Coronavirus, a known seasonal influenza virus, was detected.
"Three cases were diagnosed with this virus: the first case is a Saudi citizen diagnosed at a hospital in Jeddah, the second is a Saudi citizen and another GCC citizen (diagnosed) in Britain recently. Two of them died and the third is still receiving treatment. "
The ministry added, "The virus is known and most people afflicted with it recover after providing supporting and simple treatment without complications. In very rare cases and in a rare pattern of this virus, complications occur to the respiratory system and kidneys which may lead to death, especially in elderly people and those with chronic cardiac illnesses and immune deficiency.
The ministry assured the public that such occurrences are rare and the overall health conditions are reassuring and do not cause concern.
It called upon those who wish to perform Hajj or Umrah from the Kingdom or abroad to abide by the vaccinations and instructions issued by the Ministry of Health, pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands and wear a mask in crowded places and change it periodically.
In its statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed that it is constantly following developments in this regard at the national, regional and global levels in coordination with the concerned authorities and international health bodies.
http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/popdetails.php?id=1032573&catid=9
Ministry of Health issued a statement saying: "As part of its efforts to prevent importation of diseases and continue its follow-up and survey of all transmitted diseases among humans and based on its keenness to follow transparency on matter of public health, it states that with the acceleration of climate changes and the entry of Hajj and Umrah season, a rare pattern of Coronavirus, a known seasonal influenza virus, was detected.
"Three cases were diagnosed with this virus: the first case is a Saudi citizen diagnosed at a hospital in Jeddah, the second is a Saudi citizen and another GCC citizen (diagnosed) in Britain recently. Two of them died and the third is still receiving treatment. "
The ministry added, "The virus is known and most people afflicted with it recover after providing supporting and simple treatment without complications. In very rare cases and in a rare pattern of this virus, complications occur to the respiratory system and kidneys which may lead to death, especially in elderly people and those with chronic cardiac illnesses and immune deficiency.
The ministry assured the public that such occurrences are rare and the overall health conditions are reassuring and do not cause concern.
It called upon those who wish to perform Hajj or Umrah from the Kingdom or abroad to abide by the vaccinations and instructions issued by the Ministry of Health, pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands and wear a mask in crowded places and change it periodically.
In its statement, the Ministry of Health confirmed that it is constantly following developments in this regard at the national, regional and global levels in coordination with the concerned authorities and international health bodies.
http://www.spa.gov.sa/English/popdetails.php?id=1032573&catid=9
Vietnam: #H5N1 Avian Influenza Poultry Outbreak Quang Ngai: One Month
23/08/2012:
Excerpt:
(VOV) - Bird flu has recently been spreading widely to many localities in central Quang Ngai province, with more than 27,000 birds culled.
There have been nine outbreaks of bird flu in Tu Nghia and Nghia Hanh districts since early August.
http://english.vov.vn/Home/Bird-flu-spreads-across-Quang-Ngai/20128/141345.vov
23/09/2012
Excerpt:
(VOV) - By this time, Quang Ngai discovered and destroyed more than 100,000 birds sick.
Avian influenza occurred in 66 households in 39 villages in 27 communes in 6 districts of Quang Ngai.
http://www.baomoi.com/Home/ThoiSu/vov.vn/Quang-Ngai-cong-bo-dich-cum-gia-cam-H5N1/9386223.epi
Excerpt:
(VOV) - Bird flu has recently been spreading widely to many localities in central Quang Ngai province, with more than 27,000 birds culled.
There have been nine outbreaks of bird flu in Tu Nghia and Nghia Hanh districts since early August.
http://english.vov.vn/Home/Bird-flu-spreads-across-Quang-Ngai/20128/141345.vov
23/09/2012
Excerpt:
(VOV) - By this time, Quang Ngai discovered and destroyed more than 100,000 birds sick.
Avian influenza occurred in 66 households in 39 villages in 27 communes in 6 districts of Quang Ngai.
http://www.baomoi.com/Home/ThoiSu/vov.vn/Quang-Ngai-cong-bo-dich-cum-gia-cam-H5N1/9386223.epi
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Contamination Concerns, Many Countries Banned Cake
Lo disease, many countries boycotted cake
22.09.2012
(VNA) - The source of Chinese quarantine inspection Bureau, this year 34 countries and regions worldwide export ban mooncakes.
Because most types of mooncakes are potentially contain sources of infectious diseases such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and other diseases should China and many other countries prohibit entry of moon cakes containing eggs and meat.
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| Contamination concerns, many countries banned cake |
Besides, due to the transportation process, send cakes as gifts should take some time cake metamorphosed vulnerable components so that a few countries have restrictions on sending cakes as gifts.
year to 34 countries and areas banned immigration cakes, including Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Mexico, Brazil , Uruguay, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Singapore, Philippines-pinQatar, India, Indonesia, Indonesia Malaysia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Congo, Equatorial Guinea , Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Burundi, Gabon, Ethiopia, Sudan, Libya.
addition, some countries restrict send cakes abroad, for example in Australia clearly defined wheel sent not contain ingredients such as egg yolks, meat, nuts; Britain, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand and other countries banned the entry of mooncakes containing egg yolk and meat.
Relevant departments remind the People should not take the bread that contains all kinds of meat, eggs, fruits and gifts to send overseas to avoid inspection and quarantine agencies seized. Before sending gifts to relatives abroad should seek to understand the quarantine regulations of that country.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Indonesia: Indramayu West Java Poultry Die-off; Citizens Monitored
Indramayu is in north West Java. Central Java being to the right of the map. The poultry have not been diagnosed. The people are being monitored.
September 21, 2012
Indramayu - the sudden death of chickens in the village of North Anjatan, District Anjatan, continue to grow in number. In fact, if previously only occurred in Block Buyut Millah, Thursday (20/9) yesterday, also extends the chicken deaths in the two other Blok Babakan dan Blok Sabrang Wetan.
In two blocks, the number of chickens owned by residents who died mysteriously reported to reach dozens of birds. But unfortunately, there has been no real effort from the local Animal Husbandry Department. So whether chickens that died of bird flu virus (H5N1) or not, is uncertain.
"New from Health Department officials are acting. Conduct outreach and monitoring health conditions people whose chickens died suddenly. If from no other services are down, " said North Anjatan Kuwu, Asmono.
Knowledge, the incidence of many chickens that died suddenly has been going on since last July. But entering in September, increasing the chicken deaths and widespread. Although alarming, he suspected the death of dozens of chickens caused by diseases that are common anyway when the transition season.
Why or Newcastle disease often attacks the chickens and can quickly spread. And often results in sudden death. "Hopefully not die of bird flu virus," he hoped.
Marno (38) local residents also suspect so. Some tail 3 month old chickens died suddenly yesterday morning and immediately bury it. "So please do not spread to other chickens," he said.
However, he hoped that no action of the parties to determine the exact cause of death of chickens owned by residents. Marno not mind if the whole chickens culled if it is infected with the bird flu virus.
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