Wednesday, December 18, 2013

WHO: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update December 17, 2013


On 15 and 16 December 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China notified WHO of two new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
The first patient is a 39-year-old man from Guangdong Province. He became ill on 6 December 2013 and was admitted to hospital on 11 December 2013. He is currently in critical condition.
The second patient is a 65-year-old woman from Guangdong Province. She was exposed to live poultry and became ill on 11 December 2013 and was admitted to hospital on 15 December 2013. She is currently in critical condition.
So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
The Chinese government continues to take the following surveillance and control measures:
  • strengthen surveillance and situation analysis;
  • reinforce case management and treatment;
  • conduct risk communication with the public and release information;
  • strengthen international collaboration and communication; and
  • conduct scientific studies.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions. 

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_12_17influenza/en/index.html 

#H7N9 - 2nd Case (New) in Yangjiang City, China

Translation
December 18, 2013

Xinhua Guangzhou, December 18 (Reporter Xiao Sisi) According to the Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission on the 18th Bulletin, Yangjiang City, Guangdong then add 1 confirmed case of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza. At present, Guangdong Province, people infected with H7N9 bird flu confirmed cases reach five cases, including one case in Huizhou, Dongguan, two cases, Yangjiang two cases.
According to the briefing, the patient Yijun, male, 62 years old, who lives in Yangjiang City, is currently in critical condition. Guangdong Province, epidemiologists and clinical experts have assisted in Yangjiang conduct epidemiological investigations and guide patient treatment.
It is learned from the 18th Guangdong Provincial prevention of human infection of bird flu H7N9 leading group sent five inspection teams will go to the province to carry out inspection work. Inspection team will be listening to the reports and on-site inspections by the way, for poultry farming and management, the medical institutions of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza situation supervision.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

#H7N9 Update on China Dongguan 36(M)

Translation
December 17, 2013

Dongguan newspaper (Reporter Wang Wanli, Dong-chul) "Patients present with respiratory failure, multiple organ damage, the possibility of death up to 60%."Yesterday, at a press briefing in Dongguan City Health Bureau, Dongguan clinical team leader of human infection of avian influenza H7N9 Zhang Ping said.
December 15, Dongguan City, confirmed the second case of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu, the patient Mou, male, 39 years old, Nanchong, is currently in Fenggang hospital, in critical condition. It is learned that five days before the onset of patient Hemou went farmhouse dining eaten chicken, which is before the onset Hemou only contact with birds place within 10 days, but the virus traceability work still going on.
Dongguan CDC deputy director ZHANG Qiao-li said that after the outbreak, someone's farmhouse restaurant has been closed, Fenggang town other farmhouse restaurant is also a full disinfection.
ICU patients are being treated in isolation
Deputy director of the Dongguan Municipal Health Bureau spokesman Ye Xiangyang at the briefing, said that at present, Hemou critically ill patients being treated in isolation Fenggang Hospital ICU.
After preliminary investigation, the patient started on December 6 with fever, headache and fatigue and discomfort, did not improve after the self-medication, he worked in a local clinic, Fenggang town, the 11th to Fenggang hospital treatment, 13 patients with dyspnea was progressively increased transferred to ICU treatment.
Dongguan has launched a human infection with H7N9 avian influenza emergency response mechanism, sending medical treatment expert group stationed in Fenggang municipal hospitals, medical treatment under the guidance of the expert group of the province, to treat patients. Initially identified in close contact with the relevant medical staff and other patients and their families a total of 53 people, the need for a week-long medical observation.
Ye Xiangyang said that from January 1, 2013, people infected with H7N9 avian influenza has been incorporated into the statutory B infectious diseases, therefore, appealed to the general public health departments do not have to panic, people infected with H7N9 avian influenza preventable, controllable and curable, is not terrible.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Map of 2 Recent Confirmed #H7N9 Avian Influenza Cases in China

The blue postmark is the 39(M) reported & confirmed on 12/15.  The red is the 65(M) reported on today, 12/16.  

China Guangdong Province, Yangjiang City #H7N9 Confirmed New Case 65yo

Translation
December 16, 2013

BEIJING, Dec. 16 Guangzhou Electric (Tanggui Jiang Guangdong Wilson) on December 16, the Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission informed Yangjiang confirmed one case of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza.  

Patients Zhang, female, 65 years old, who lives in Yangjiang City, as retirees, current patients in critical condition.

After receiving the report, the Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission sent the day of epidemiologists and clinical experts to assist in the epidemiological investigation of Yangjiang and guide patient treatment.  

http://finance.ifeng.com/a/20131216/11284845_0.shtml

Sunday, December 15, 2013

China reports new #H7N9 case

[English]
December 16, 2013
Authorities in south China's Guangdong province confirmed a new H7N9 bird flu case on Sunday.
A 39-year-old man, surnamed He, has been hospitalized and is in serious condition, the provincial health authorities said in a statement.
The statement said the resident in Dongguan City tested positive for the virus on Saturday in a local hospital, and the result was confirmed on Sunday by the provincial disease control center.
No abnormity has been reported from the 53 people who had close contact with the patient, it said.
The Chinese mainland has reported 141 human infections of H7N9 so far.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong also confirmed its first two H7N9 cases, including an Indonesian national and a mainland resident.

http://www.ecns.cn/2013/12-16/92728.shtml

#H7N9 bird flu chickens from Mainland, Guangdong province no abnormal test measurements

Translation
December 14, 2013

BEIJING, Dec. 14, according to Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao reported that the Shenzhen farmers market recently detected H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive, Guangdong for Hong Kong chickens caused concern. Officials on the 13th Guangdong Inspection and Quarantine said that since March this year, appeared in East China bird flu H7N9 human infection since, sampling a total of more than 90,000 samples, H7 all negative so far not found bird flu. H7 test several times recently measured serum antibodies did not appear abnormal.

-snip-
Guangdong Inspection and Quarantine Bureau officials said that Guangdong is the province of live chickens from the Mainland, and that the authorities of the area currently has 39 registered live poultry farm in Hong Kong, of which 28 are registered farm chickens, live chickens daily for about 5000, as well as chilled chickens to Hong Kong every day over 140,000.
He added that the variation for the bird flu strain appeared, from April of this year, Guangdong, Hong Kong live poultry vaccines for upgrading of live poultry to Hong Kong for the introduction of new vaccines (RE-6), to ensure the safety of poultry supplied to Hong Kong.
-snip-
http://finance.ifeng.com/a/20131214/11275354_0.shtml 

China Guangdong Province #H7N9 Case, Dongguan City

[There was a confirmation of a 3yo in Dongguan City on November 5.  He has since recovered and has been discharged.   http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_11_06/en/index.html ]


Translation
December 15, 2013

Nanfang Daily (Reporter / Correspondent Luo Xiao Hua / Guangdong Wilson) afternoon, the Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission informed, Guangdong new case of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza.
It is understood why some patients, male, 39 years old, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, who now live in Fenggang Town, Dongguan City. December 14, Dongguan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention throat swab specimens of patients infected with human H7N9 avian influenza nucleic acid as positive. December 15 provinces by the CDC to review the results for the same. Currently patients in critical condition.
After receiving the report, the Provincial Planning Commission that night sent the provincial CDC Guardian First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Dongguan experts to assist in the investigation and treatment of patients. Provinces expert group to rescue the patient, carry out epidemiological investigations immediately on 53 close contacts were under medical observation, and given the anti-flu drug Tamiflu to prevent, not currently found exception. 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Shenzhen detected in three H7N9 avian influenza virus vaccine stocks rose biological

Translation
December 12, 2013
Excerpt:




December 12 hearing, according to the Guangzhou Daily reported on December 10, the Joint Working Group and Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, the prevention and control of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza in live bird markets in Shenzhen bird flu virus contaminated environment monitoring, collecting 13 total 70 parts of environmental samples of live poultry markets, where the two live bird markets in Longgang District detected three positive for H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid (1 part from Longgang District, Shenzhen market poultry cutting board; 2 parts meat from Cambridge Street, Longgang District, South Bay three birds chicken vegetable market stalls and the stall epilator).

Original of highlighted blue above:  2份来自龙岗区南湾街道康桥肉菜市场三鸟档的鸡粪和该档口的脱毛器

http://finance.ifeng.com/a/20131212/11262846_0.shtml

WHO Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update December 10, 2013

On 28 November and 6 December 2013, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China notified WHO of two new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
The first patient is a 57-year-old man from Zhejiang Province. He became ill on 20 November 2013 and was admitted to hospital on 25 November 2013. He is currently in critical condition.
The second patient is a 30-year-old man from Zhejiang Province. He became ill on 29 November 2013 and was admitted to hospital on 5 December 2013. He is currently in critical condition. He is the son-in-law of the 57-year-old male from Zhejiang Province with onset on 20 November 2013, reported above.
On 2 December and 6 December 2013, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), China, Hong Kong SAR, notified WHO of two laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus.
The first patient is a 36-year-old woman who became ill on 21 November 2013. She was admitted to hospital on 27 November 2013 and transferred to an intensive care unit on 29 November 2013. She is currently in critical condition. She had visited Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China on 17 November 2013 and had slaughtered live chicken for cooking and consuming. The investigation is ongoing; close contacts, including family contacts, have so far tested negative for avian influenza A(H7N9).
The second patient is an 80 year old man with underlying chronic illness who lives with his family in Shenzhen and travelled from Shenzhen to China, Hong Kong SAR, on 3 December 2013 for management of his medical condition. He was admitted to a hospital in China, Hong Kong SAR, on 3 December 2013. He was afebrile on admission and developed fever on 6 December 2013. His condition is currently stable. The investigation is ongoing; close contacts, including family contacts, have so far tested negative for avian influenza A(H7N9). No epidemiological link was identified between the two cases in China, Hong Kong SAR.
So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions. 

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_12_10/en/index.html 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

CIDRAP: Hong Kong, China offer more details on #H7N9 cases

December 9, 2013
Excerpt:

From today's reports, the steering committee concluded that the two cases are sporadic imported cases.
Health officials today traveled to Shenzhen, where the two patients had traveled from before they were diagnosed with H7N9 in Hong Kong, to meet with local and national health officials from the mainland.
Investigators found that the woman may have visited a residential unit in Shenzhen's Longgang district and handled live poultry. However, Hong Kong officials said the woman is unable to clearly identify the source of the poultry. The second patient's family bought and cooked a slaughtered chicken from a market in Fuyong Town in Shenzhen, the statement said, adding that the man did not visit the live poultry market or have direct contact with live poultry.
Mainland authorities have tested poultry samples, but so far none have been positive for the virus. Hong Kong officials said they and Guangdong officials view the source of the infection as inconclusive so far. On Dec 3 as part of its response Hong Kong suspended imports of live poultry from farms in Shenzhen.

Cases in father and son

In other developments, the family connection between Zhejiang province's two latest H7N9 patients was revealed on Dec 7 in a report in Chinese from Xinhua, China's state news agency. Infectious disease news blogs flagged the report over the weekend.
According to the machine translation, the 30-year-old man whose case was first announced on Dec 5 is the son of the 57-year-old man whose illness was first announced at the end of November.
Both patients are hospitalized and in isolation. The father is in critical condition, and his son is in stable condition. The family kept six chickens, and the father's medical team believes the birds are probably the source of the virus, according to the Xinhua report.
Global health officials have said H7N9 virus doesn't appear to spread easily from person-to-person, but family clusters of cases aren't surprising in view of common exposures or close contact.

Two live bird markets in Shenzhen detected positive for #H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid

December 11, 2013 Xinhua Guangzhou, December 11 (Reporter Xiao Sisi) on the 11th Guangdong Provincial Health and Family Planning Commission announced that the live bird markets, Longgang District Environmental samples detected H7N9 avian influenza virus nucleic acid positive. Experts assessed that occurred in Guangdong Province sporadic human infection with H7N9 avian influenza cases extremely high risk.   

Guangdong Province , Shenzhen Joint Working Group and the prevention and control of human infection of H7N9 avian influenza on the 10th at live bird markets in Shenzhen environment pollution monitoring avian influenza virus in live bird markets were collected 13 specimens of 70 parts of the environment, of which two Longgang District a live bird markets avian influenza detected in three H7N9 virus nucleic acid positive.   

Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province organized the 11th province of infection prevention and control of human H7N9 avian flu epidemic will work. Expert Group assessed that the high risk of occurrence of sporadic human infection in Guangdong Province H7N9 bird flu cases, there may be cases occur at any time. Experts advise the public to enhance awareness, prevention and control work well together.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/local/2013-12/11/c_118519529.htm

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Corona On Suspicion Of Infecting The Expatriate Indian Citizenship Of Jawf

hat-tip Niman

December 11, 2013
 Hollow now - special 
- about Hospital Abuajerm patient Indian citizenship 40 years after the examination and suffering from shortness of breath to the hospital Jandal. 
According to a medical source Hospital Jandal was suspected of wounds infected crowns where around him to hospital Sudairi as directed by the Ministry of Health processed hospitals Bookmark and took a sample to be sent Central Laboratory of the Riad and confirm the situation within 24 hours or denied.

http://www.aljoufnow.com/inf/news.php?action=show&id=11419  

Monday, December 9, 2013

Hong Kong Centre For Health Protection (CHP) Update December 9, 2013 #H7N9

Translation
December 9, 2013

CHP on the second case of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) confirmed cases of epidemiological investigation and follow-up work

Centre for Health Protection , Department of Health spokesman said today ( December 7 ) Hong Kong confirmed the second case of avian influenza infection in humans (H7N9) cases , to provide the latest information . The case involved an 83- year-old man .

A spokesman said: "The Government " Serious Response Level influenza pandemic contingency plan " has been launched under the epidemiological investigation and follow-up work of the CHP are full speed ."

He said, " The patient was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment under isolation and are in stable condition ."

As of 4pm today, the CHP has tracked the nineteenth close contacts and more than one hundred and thirty other contacts. Details are as follows :

( A ) of nineteen patients who had been in close contact with quarantine and was prescribed Tamiflu drugs for prevention and treatment , they include :

One . Thirteen patients admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital patient intercourse period ( including both general symptoms appear ) ;

Two . Five of his family members did not appear asymptomatic , being at the Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation ; , and

Three . December 3 pick was the patient and his family to Tuen Mun Hospital for the taxi driver has been found in the Shenzhen Bay Port , he no symptoms , and had been sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation.

Eighteen in close contact with the sample after the CHP Public Health Laboratory Services Branch preliminary tests are confirmed for avian influenza (H7N9) virus were negative , and the remaining one was asymptomatic close contacts of the samples, to be laboratory results . They will accept quarantine , isolation period since the last contact with patients from the date ten days. If circumstances change during the health , need further testing and observation.

( B ) more than one hundred and thirty other contacts ( including other relatives of patients , health care workers and related visitors who came to Tuen Mun Hospital and ambulance services , as well as one of the Shenzhen Bay border crossing immigration control officers ) are under medical surveillance . Among them, four Tuen Mun Hospital medical staff appeared generally asymptomatic , all on avian influenza A (H7N9) virus was negative.

As year-old female patient with the first confirmed case , still in Queen Mary Hospital for treatment under isolation , the current critical condition. As of 4pm today, the CHP found no new cases for this close contact . Contact has been maintained close contacts in seventeen other contacts were two hundred and thirty people will continue to receive medical surveillance . These 17 close contacts also continue to receive quarantine , isolation period since the last contact with the patient from the date ten days. During the isolation period , if the health situation has changed , need to be tested again and observation.

CHP epidemiological investigation ( including contact tracing , and follow up on the source of infection ) two cases continues.

CHP has stepped up surveillance of suspected cases of local public and private hospitals , and will continue to work with the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the Mainland and overseas health authorities to contact , monitor the latest development , the exchange of accurate and timely information, and according to WHO recommendations , the adjustment local monitoring strategy.

The spokesman said: "The Department of Health has for disease prevention and control measures at all ports of entry , existing ports already have sufficient infrared thermal imager for temperature monitoring of all incoming persons have contacted the Department Auxiliary Medical Service and Civil Aid Service . team , to increase manpower at entry and exit points to portable instrument sampling temperature of travelers if suspected cases of infectious diseases , will immediately be referred to a public hospital for follow-up investigation . "

Health education crossings travelers , the Department has stepped distributing health education leaflets , putting up posters in the lobby about immigration avian influenza A (H7N9) in arriving aircraft broadcast , strengthen port environmental health inspections and through meetings and communication of information to the travel industry updates regularly diseases . DH will closely monitor developments and take appropriate port health measures .

The spokesman added : "We have stepped up propaganda against avian influenza and Health Education Centre for Health Protection has issued letters to various government departments and related organizations , reminding them to take measures to prevent avian influenza ."

CHP has set up a hotline ( 21251111 ) for public inquiries. As of 4pm today, the hotline received seventy-two query.

The spokesman reminded the arriving passengers , especially travelers from areas affected by avian influenza A (H7N9) affected arrivals , if fever or respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical attention immediately , and to travel outside the medical report record . Health care professionals should pay special attention may have been in contact in the affected areas , birds or poultry manure by patients .

He also urged travelers visiting affected areas should live bird markets , avoid direct contact with poultry , birds or their droppings . Once exposed , should thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water .

They should continue to be vigilant and to take the following measures to prevent avian influenza :

* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating ;
* Wash your hands frequently with soap , especially before touching the mouth , nose or eyes, before handling or eating food , after using the toilet , after touching escalator handrails, elevator buttons or door handles and other public facilities or objects, and coughing or sneezing make hand stained with respiratory secretions ;
* Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing , hold the spit with tissue packets properly , covered and placed in the trash ;
* Avoid visiting crowded places, avoid contact with fever patients ; and
* Where respiratory symptoms , or those who take care of patients with fever , should wear a mask .

http://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/view_content/32491.html

#H7N9 Update on Recent Confirmed Cases

[For those of you who have a hard time with translations, it says the 30yo has improved and has gone from critical to serious condition and no longer requires the use of vent; the 80yo is also referred below as "octogenarian man" and they are still trying to trace his movements to see where he contracted the virus.  19 of his close contacts & 104 other contacts all tested negative.  The 36(F)'s 17 close contacts have all tested negative, 11 people have completed their quarantine and 6 more remain isolated]

Translation
December 9, 2013
Excerpt:

Secretary for Food and Health  Ko Wing-man, said yesterday that Hong Kong's first confirmed H7N9 were thirty-year-old Indian commission, Queen Mary Hospital intensive care unit still requires inhalation of high concentrations of oxygen, but her condition improved slightly, from critical to serious without the use of artificial lung ventilation, expect her to leave the intensive care unit as soon as possible; rather confirmed H7N9 infection Eighty-year-old man is being treated in isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital in stable condition. Indian commission has improved dye H7N9 KO refers Centre for Health Protection  disease control departments after contact with the mainland, days will arrange the exchange of experts to the epidemic in Guangdong experience and track down the source of the virus. It is understood that the move octogenarian man with hearing impairment, so to trace the source of infection difficulties. Centre for Health Protection said  patients living in Shenzhen Fuyong new district and nineteen close contacts and other contacts over one hundred and forty, all tested negative for the virus. The seventeen printed close contact with infected domestic helpers who earlier, 11 people completed quarantine, and the remaining six people must still isolated.

http://news.stheadline.com/dailynews/content_hk/2013/12/09/265878.asp

Saturday, December 7, 2013

19 isolated after contact with man in Hong Kong's second bird flu case #H7N9

 Sunday, 08 December, 2013, 6:26am

At least one of those who came into contact with 80-year-old Shenzhen man was found to have mild respiratory symptoms, health chief says

Nineteen people who came into contact with Hong Kong's second H7N9 flu patient are being kept in isolation in a hospital and at a holiday camp.

They include 13 Tuen Mun Hospital patients who were being cared for in beds close to the 80-year-old man when he was initially admitted to hospital for diabetes and heart failure. Five of the man's relatives and the taxi driver who took him from the Shenzhen Bay border post to the hospital make up the rest of the group.

Seven of the 19 were yesterday moved from Princess Margaret Hospital to a quarantine centre set up at the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung. The rest remain in the hospital in Kwai Chung.

Health chief Dr Ko Wing-man said one or two of the 19 had mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.

He said experts believed some chickens in Shenzhen had been infected with the deadly virus.

Hong Kong authorities had provided information to their Shenzhen counterparts so they could try to trace the source of the virus, he added.

The man in the latest case lives in Shenzhen. He was in stable condition yesterday, while Indonesian domestic helper Tri Mawarti, 36, the first person in the city confirmed to have the flu strain, remains critically ill in intensive care in Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam.
Ko said Tri's condition had gradually improved, but doctors decided she should stay in the intensive care unit.
Ko said the 80-year-old patient had hearing problems and medical staff had trouble communicating with him.
"We're still looking into what he has done in Shenzhen. We heard he had eaten chicken, but it's unclear whether he came into direct contact with live poultry," he said.
Shenzhen's centre for disease control and prevention yesterday sent a team to collect samples from the Yonghe and Shuihetian markets in Baoan district, close to where the man lives.
Chickens were being sold as usual at the two markets, and neither had been subject to sterilisation. "The authorities did not make us stop selling chicken. We feel worried, but have to make a living," a chicken seller at the Yonghe wet market said.
A vendor at a Shekou wet market said: "The government should buy and take away all our chickens to test."
The man in the latest case had treatment for heart disease at the Fuyong People's Hospital between November 13 and 29. A nurse who took care of him said none of the staff had been asked to have a test or put in isolation.
University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said it appeared clear that the virus had spread in Shenzhen, but that all evidence so far suggested it could not sustain effective human-to-human transmission.
Ho said all mainland live poultry imports should be halted.

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1375694/19-isolated-after-contact-man-hong-kongs-second-bird-flu-case

New #H7N9 case reported in China

HANGZHOU, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 30-year-old man was confirmed to have been infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus in east China's Zhejiang Province, local health authorities said Friday.
The patient, surnamed Yu, is a native of Anji County, Zhejiang. He is being treated at the First Hospital affiliated with the Medical College of Zhejiang University, said the provincial health department.
He is in critical condition with a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius, said Liang Weifeng, a doctor with the hospital.

Friday, December 6, 2013

#H7N9 Hong Kong 80yo companions show no symptoms

12/6/13
Translation

The Department of Health in Hong Kong has soared to a case of H7N9 avian influenza incident notification and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen initially learned the 80-year-long resident counterparts chronically ill man, has been back three famous people in Shenzhen, no symptoms.

http://inews.stheadline.com/inews-content.php?cat=a&nid=818450

Press Release Hong Kong CHP on 2nd Confirmed Case #H7N9

Second confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong under CHP investigation
Ends/Friday, December 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:09
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 6) investigating another confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong affecting a man aged 80.

     The patient, with underlying medical condition, lives in Shenzhen. He was admitted to a hospital in Shenzhen for management of his chronic illness from November 13 to 29.

     On December 3, he arrived in Hong Kong with his three family members via Shenzhen Bay Port Border Control Point (SBP BCP) and subsequently took a taxi there in the afternoon to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) where he was admitted for further management of his chronic illness on the same day.

     The patient had no fever upon admission. However, he developed fever this morning and was put under isolation immediately. His nasopharyngeal swab was tested positive for the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP today.

     The patient will be transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation. His current condition is stable.

     Initial investigation by the CHP revealed that his family members who had either accompanied him to or visited him in TMH have remained asymptomatic.

     "The Serious Response Level under the Government's Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic has been activated while the CHP's epidemiological investigation and follow-up actions are currently in full swing," a CHP spokesman remarked.

     The spokesman urged the taxi driver who had taken the male patient on wheelchair and his three family members comprising one man and two women at SBP BCP at about 2.15pm on December 3 and arrived in the AED of TMH at about 2.50pm to contact the CHP hotline (2125 1111) immediately.

     Contact tracing for his family members in Hong Kong, patients in TMH who stayed in the same cubicle with the confirmed patient as well as healthcare workers in TMH and relevant hospital visitors are under way. They will be put under medical surveillance.

     This is the second confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong.

     The CHP will issue letters to doctors and hospitals to keep them abreast of the latest situation.

     "The confirmed case has been notified to the World Health Organization, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) as well as health and quarantine authorities of Guangdong and Macau," the spokesman said.

     Locally, enhanced surveillance over suspected cases in public and private hospitals is under way. The CHP will continue to maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Mainland and overseas health authorities to monitor the latest developments and obtain timely and accurate information. Local surveillance activities will be modified according to the WHO's recommendations.

     "All border control points (BCPs) have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place at BCPs for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. The DH has liaised with the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service to deploy additional manpower at BCPs to conduct random temperature checks using handheld devices. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman said.

     Regarding health education for travellers at BCPs, the distribution of health education pamphlets, display of posters on avian influenza A(H7N9) in departure and arrival halls, in-flight public announcements, environmental health inspection and the provision of regular updates to the travel industry via meetings and correspondence have all been escalated. The DH will keep a close eye on the latest developments and adopt corresponding port health measures.

     "We have enhanced our publicity and health education on the prevention of avian influenza. The CHP has also sent letters to government departments and related organisations to reinforce our health advice on the prevention of avian influenza," the spokesman added.

     The CHP hotline (2125 1111) has been set up for public enquiries. As of 4pm today, 69 calls had been received.

     Meanwhile, the CHP today verified with the NHFPC an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang affecting a man aged 30. The case was confirmed on December 5 and the patient is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Hangzhou.

     "Travellers, especially those returning from avian influenza A(H7N9)-affected areas with fever or respiratory symptoms, are reminded to immediately wear facial masks, seek medical attention and reveal their travel history to a doctor. Healthcare professionals should also pay special attention to patients who might have had contact with birds, poultry or their droppings in affected areas," the spokesman advised.

     The spokesman also urged travellers not to visit live poultry markets in the affected areas and avoid direct contact with poultry, birds and their droppings. If contact has been made, they should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.

     Members of the public should remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:

* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

     The public may visit the CHP's avian influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/24244.html) and its website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/global_statistics_avian_influenza_e.pdf) for more information on avian influenza-affected areas.


#MERS #Coronavirus Abu Dhabi Confirmed Fatality Has Closed Coffin Because Seriousness & possible Transmission of Disease

hat-tip Niman http://fluboard.rhizalabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10742&start=41

December 5, 2013
Translation

Buried in the town in the governorate of Irbid Smoa Wednesday funeral Jordanian citizen died from injuries she sustained Middle East respiratory syndrome virus "corona".
The WAM news agency "WAM" quoted the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi last Sunday the news of the death of the Jordanian resident in the emirate with her family.
The work of the deceased engineer. And hit her husband with the virus, as announced in the injury of their son, who is 8 years old, as indicated in the Health Authority Abu Dhabi to be the case of a husband and son are stable and are subject to full medical care.
According to people close to the family of the deceased, the embassy in Abu Dhabi, Oman asked the family not to open the coffin, or disclosure of the late, and not to bring the coffin to the house of the deceased to the seriousness of the disease, and the possibility of transmission to others.