Bird Flu Research That Stoked Fears Is Published

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.

Published: June 21, 2012

The more controversial of two papers describing how the lethal H5N1 bird flu could be made easier to spread was published on Thursday, six months after a scientific advisory board suggested that the papers’ most potentially dangerous data be censored  

 The paper, by scientists at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, identified five mutations apparently necessary to make the bird flu virus spread easily among ferrets, which catch the same flus that humans do.

Only about 600 humans are known to have caught H5N1 in the last decade as it circulated in poultry and wild birds, mostly in Asia and Egypt, but more than half died of it.

The paper’s publication, in the journal Science, ended an acrimonious debate over whether such results should ever be released. Critics said they could help a rogue scientist create a superweapon. Proponents said the world needed to identify dangerous mutations so countermeasures could be designed.

“There is always a risk,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, saidhttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/22/health/h5n1-bird-flu-research-that-stoked-fears-is-published.html..

 

Pakistan-Outbreak of polio feared over next few months

KARACHI, June 20: While only three cases of polio have been reported across the province since the year’s beginning, an upsurge is feared during the next four months, said Dr Rizwana Memon, a senior polio officer, while speaking at a workshop on Wednesday.
The media workshop on healthcare issues of children-polio was jointly organised by the Karachi Press Club, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and a non-governmental organisation, Mishal Pakistan.
Dr Memon, who is deputy project manager of the expanded programme on immuisation in Sindh, appealed to all stakeholders to remain alert this summer as the next few months were critical as far as a polio outbreak was concerned.
She said the fact that Sindh had reported only three out of 22 polio cases in the country was relatively a comfortable situation. “However, if we see the trend of new polio cases reporting in the previous years, it can be safely said that July to October are peak months for the spread of polio virus in the province,” she said.
To fight and eradicate the dreaded virus, there was a crucial need to remain cautious and continue with the serious efforts, she reiterated.
Combined efforts of all the stakeholders, including planners, field executers, vaccinators and volunteers, were required to achieve desired results, she ..

http://dawn.com/2012/06/21/outbreak-of-polio-feared-over-next-few-months/

Doctors, Researchers on Lookout for New Flu Outbreak

Mariama Diallo

June 21, 2012

Within the past 10 years, two serious pandemics have raised public health alarms around the world. The first was a respiratory infection known as SARS; the second, a virulent swine flu virus known as H1N1. Isolated cases of H1N1 continue to crop up. And as concerns grow about other potential threats, including the H5N1 or avian flu virus, international health officials are taking precautions to prevent any new pandemics.

The H1N1 influenza virus infected about 61 million people during the 2009 pandemic. Dave Cornwell was one of them. “I had a fever, I was achy, you know, flu-like symptoms," he described. "And while I was in the emergency room for several hours, someone finally came in and said it looks like piggy flu.”

H1N1 -- also known as swine flu -- claimed about 18,000 lives worldwide. What began in April 2009 in North America quickly spread around the world. Seven years earlier, it was an epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, which originated in Southeast Asia.

"There were about 8,000 cases of SARS in 2002-3, although it was severe but not extensive. And H1N1 wasn’t severe but very..

 

 http://www.voanews.com/content/doctors-researchers-on-lookout-for-new-flu-outbreak/1216316.html

Vietnam-Beware of swine streptococcus disease

11:25 AM Tuesday, June 19, 2012 -

Since early this year, Hospital for Tropical Diseases Central has received 20 patients with streptococcal infections, especially in May alone there until ca. Trong Of these, most patients with severe or complications.

Patients often appear streptococcal gangrene of the skin. Ảnh: PN Photo: PN

On 14/6 and then, the hospital also received a male patient in Hai Phong hospital in serious condition, struggle, psychosis, with the skin necrosis.

Dr. Nguyen Trung level, positive scientific treatment, Hospital for Tropical Diseases Central (Hanoi) said that patients with disease manifestations such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness perception leads to coma (due to meningitis), high fever, severe infection (sepsis).

In addition, patients with a history of alcoholism, so when the body suddenly sick to "alcohol" caused the alcohol, causing patients struggle, psychotic. The state support, but he was in hospital for at least 2 weeks.

Dr. Grant, a streptococcal infection cases reported in pigs scattered all months of the year.

These cases may be due to patients not eating pork is cooked, eat duck or contact with blood, secretions of the pig through the wound in the skin, respiratory tract. The disease is spread from pigs streptococcal disease to include three possible: sepsis, meningitis, pus, or a combination of both.

In that dangerous diseases can be fatal if treated late. People with the disease die by poisoning from bacteria, causing shock phenomenon. There's only 3 days was shocked by infection, but some have 10 days to putting such changes, depending on the location of each person.

Moreover, the initial signs of disease is not usually in addition to typical high fever so easily misdiagnosed with other diseases. The pigs had streptococcal infection can still be trapped.

It should be noted that patients with a streptococcal meningitis in pigs may have pus hospital treatment at least 3 weeks. Those who have been treating sepsis and 2 months, at a cost of hundreds of millions, depending severe sequelae or severe, said Dr. Grant.

Currently, there are eight provinces: Dien Bien Phu, Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Bac Lieu and Dong Nai PRRS less than 21 days. According to medical research, blue ear disease does not infect humans. However, this patient immunocompromised, causing other diseases in growing pigs, including streptococcus, which can spread disease to humans.

Therefore, to prevent infection, people should not slaughter sick pigs, dead, not living from handling pork products with bare hands, especially when there are injuries to hands. Wash hands after processing.

Do not eat swine, pork and live, duck, pig organs and especially undercooked pork not eat sick or dead. Tr In any case contact with sick pigs, care, breeding or slaughter, destruction should be the means of protection.

The incubation period is short, only several hours to 3 days. When signs of high fever (40, 41 degrees C), the array appears necrotic subcutaneous hemorrhage, diarrhea, stiff neck ... it can be difficult to breathe, people should go to the hospital early, avoid the risk mortality. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.tinmoi.vn/canh-giac-voi-benh-lien-cau-lon-06934537.html&usg=ALkJrhjDXAdLOve75hyYNk_FVxI7iGHo8Q

Guangdong JiangmenXinhui District occurred with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza

Time :2012-06-21 15:51
The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture Information Office of the June 17 news release, the former Secretary of Jiangmen City Xinhui District, Guangdong Province town of Ya Village June 13 suspected bird flu, on the 17th, the national bird flu reference laboratory confirmed as H5N1 subtype pathogenic avian influenza epidemic.
The outbreak a total of 3873 death of ducks culled 17,127 ducks.

At present, the epidemic has been effectively controlled. After the outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guangdong Provincial People's Government in accordance with the requirements of the emergency plans, and timely to organize epidemic emergency workhttp://info.china.alibaba.com/news/detail/v8-d1028002677.html

Mount St. Helens elk herd threatened by hoof disease

Date: Fri 15 Jun 2012]

BJ thought he had seen it all in his 44 years of hunting in the Mount St. Helens foothills, but he was not prepared for what he saw last weekend [8-9 Jun 2012].

"My hands were shaking so bad I could hardly hold the camera," he said. "Everyone I saw had it."

What they had was hoof rot. The mysterious disease has shown up sporadically in other Western Washington elk herds, but not like this.

Dave Ware, manager of the State Fish & Wildlife's Game Division, said he saw the video and agrees it's bad news. He said the state is preparing a conference call with international experts on hoof rot to see in anything can be done.

But Ware warns, even though they have samples, they don't know what strain of the disease they are dealing with. And even when they do, treating wild herds is extremely difficult. He said in past cases, many inflicted animals die, but the disease seems to run its course and fade away.

BJ hopes it's the disease and not the whole Mount St. Helens herd that fades away.  http://www.king5.com/news/local/Elk-hoof-disease-threaten-Mount-St-Helens-herd-159258065.html

Hong Kong-Scaly-breasted munia tests positive for H5 virus #H5N1 #BIRDFLU

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Preliminary testing on a dead scaly-breasted munia found in Yuen Long has returned a positive result for the H5 avian influenza virus, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (June 20), adding that further confirmatory tests are being conducted.

The dead bird was found and collected at Cumberland Presbyterian Church Yao Dao Secondary School, 28 Hong Yip Street, Yuen Long, on June 18. The scaly-breasted munia is a common resident bird in Hong Kong.

The spokesman said cleansing and disinfection have been stepped up at the venue, adding that three chicken farms are within 3 kilometres of where the dead bird was found. AFCD staff inspected the farms and found no abnormal mortality or symptoms of avian influenza among the chicken flocks.

The farms will be put under enhanced surveillance.

In view of the case, the AFCD has phoned...
http://7thspace.com/headlines/415152/scaly_breasted_munia_tests_positive_for_h5_virus.html

41 infected with swine flu in Thailand #swine flu

 20 June 2012 - 4:43pm

Bangkok : At least 41 people have been confirmed to be infected with the H1N1 bird flu virus in a province in Thailand, the government said Wednesday.

The virus was detected in the northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, Xinhua reported citing the ministry of public health.
There were six females and 35 male patients, officials said.
A probe showed that the first flu victim was a patient undergoing treatment for alcoholism.

http://twocircles.net/2012jun20/41_infected_bird_flu_thailand.html

Egypt-Farmer suspected bird flu injured in Assiut #H5N1

 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 15:25
 Assiut - Isra Hamid
    Wounded peasant suspicions of bird flu while he was on his ranch in the village of Beni Hilal Center Qusiya.

Major General Mohammed Ibrahim, head of security of Assiut had received a communication from the police station Qusiya Director of Veterinary Baqusih suspicions of cases of bird flu on poultry farm Invitee of Hisham AD - farmer - the village of Beni Hilal Service Center "contains about 700 chickens).
Transmission of a committee of veterinary medicine, the environment and health management and agricultural management, the professionals to take blood samples from poultry to be sent to the central laboratory in Cairo and the Committee added that it will inspect and follow up on farms surrounding the pending receipt of sample results, and cost management research investigation into the incident.  http://dostor.org/%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B8%D8%A7%D8%AA/14182-%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86%D8%B2%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%89-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B7

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ar&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://onaeg.com/%3Fp%3D167583&usg=ALkJrhgjCIaXoIT22cy5M3D9uQQ3rz-NxA

"Strange disease" appeared in Quang Ngai expression "strange" new Symptoms

"Strange disease" appeared in Quang Ngai expression "strange" new

19/06/2012 14:14 19/06/2012 14:14

 These days, at Ba Dien Commune, Ba district, Quang Ngai province, many patients with "unknown disease" are faced with the fear from the new expression outside the thick horn syndrome, dermatitis hands, feet. This makes it local people more confused, because the cause of this evil disease has not yet been determined.

During the latest visit of the delegation Dr. Bach Mai Hospital - Hanoi, although many patients have been cured, or ordinary people in Ba Dien communes, also have additional symptoms such as shortness of breath , chest, eat less, vomiting, burning face ... http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&u=http://hanoimoi.com.vn/newsdetail/Doi-song/550908/benh-la-o-quang-ngai-xuat-hien-bieu-hien-la-moi.htm&usg=ALkJrhigg7IX-XXiLD7-sCrbaYnh7dB_Yg

......An opaque eye paralyzed, signs of elevated liver enzymes, fatal symptoms common in patients, "stranger". I heard Mr. Le Han Feng, chairman of Ba To district information, a few days, who suffered chest, abdomen, vomiting foot without arms and legs in this community suddenly increased, hepatic enzyme tests show high, but not recognized as unknown disease.

The villagers do not know it, just know that the panic is growing. The number of sick people, "strange" the district has up to 240 cases, of which 16 cases of particularly serious, are unlikely to survive. Farmers are not going to give up farming fields.A district leaders say that, upon the occurrence of disease, we have noted that, where cattle drink water, near the end when they die...
http://www.tienphong.vn/xa-hoi/58133...g-Reu-tpp.html

U.S. health officials visiting Vietnam, to help fight bird flu #H5N1

RFA

2012-06-19 2012-06-19

  Deputy Director Office of Global Cooperation under the Ministry of Health and Human Welfare of the United States, Ms. Holly Wong, recently visited Vietnam and officials working with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture - Rural Development, Vietnam South.

  Taking place in Ha Noi today, meeting were representatives of the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) to attend and discuss bird flu in Vietnam.
  Statements of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi said the meeting is an opportunity for U.S. health authorities depth understanding of the impact of bird flu to the health and economy in Vietnam.
  U.S. $ 70 million funding in 2005, is the largest donor for their activities against bird flu in Vietnam.  http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&u=http://www.rfa.org/vietnamese/vietnamnews/us-official-visits-vietnam-to-discuss-influenza-activities-06192012111545.html&usg=ALkJrhh2wXHstYFqq7VCFZeQaYOgdJEcQw

Novartis, Emergent headline $400M HHS plan to combat health threats

June 19, 2012 | By Ryan McBride

Several biopharma players--including Emergent BioSolutions, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis--landed on the winning end of contracts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and churn out treatments against bioterror and pandemic threats. To fund the first phase of the effort, the HHS has committed $400 million.

The major endeavor strives to set up an infrastructure to rapidly advance from the development, to manufacturing of..  http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/novartis-emergent-headline-400m-hhs-plan-combat-health-threats/2012-06-19

Sixty-six others with H1N1-like symptoms quarantined at training camp

Monday June 18, 2012

ALOR SETAR: Four National Service trainees remained warded at the Kuala Nerang Hospital for Influenza A (H1N1) illness.
Sixty-six others were quarantined at the Dusun Minda NS Training Camp in Kuala Nerang after they, too, displayed H1N1-like symptoms, said Kedah Health Department director Dr Ismail Abu Taat.
He said the four warded at the hospital were females while those quarantined at the camp comprised 45 boys and 21 girls.
“All of them are in stable condition. The camp has taken extra precautionary measures to prevent the illness from spreading,” he said yesterday.
Last week, 90 trainees at the camp came down with the illness after they complained of flu and cough.
The camp has not been closed, although trainees and instructors have been advised to keep the premises clean and wear face masks.
NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil is expected to inspect the camp today.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/6/18/nation/11498971&sec=nation

Egypt - Camels and FMD

18 Jun 2012

Demand for camel meat is growing in Egypt as a strain of SAT2 foot and mouth disease sweeping across the nation has decimated cattle production and left the populace fearful of consuming Beef.

According to the Cattle Site government officials suspect that smuggled shipments of infected sheep and cattle from Libya caused the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, which is responsible for killing about ten percent of cattle.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations reported their livestock census data for Egypt showed "6.3 million buffalo and cattle and 7.5 million sheep and goats are at risk."

It advised "this is an entirely new introduction of a virus strain known as SAT2, and livestock have no immune protection against it."

Humans are not at risk of catching foot and mouth disease from infected cattle, but meat and milk from infected stock are not fit for human consumption.

Egyptians have responded to the crisis by switching to camel meat, according to Alarabiya.

Camels are imported from Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda to the domestic market, where traditional camel dishes include camel steaks and camel kebabs...

  video

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/326003

Q fever confirmed in Idaho livestock

Date: Sat 16 Jun 2012
A release from Governor Otter's office says that the State Department of Agriculture [ISDA] is investigating a confirmed case of Q fever in an Idaho goat herd. The herd has been quarantined.
Q fever has been known to cause stillbirths in livestock, most often in goats, sheep and cattle.

Symptoms typically include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The disease can be contagious to humans and most often is passed through contact with birthing fluids of affected animals or through inhalation.

The ISDA encourages all livestock owners and handlers to be aware of the signs of illness and contact their veterinarian if animals display signs of Q fever.

Back in November [2011], we told you about the head girl's basketball coach in Dietrich who contracted the disease. He is still recovering.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/local/159310085.html

Case of anthrax in a Texas white-tailed male deer

The first confirmed case of anthrax in a Texas animal for 2012 has been detected in an adult white-tailed male deer near Uvalde. At this time no domestic livestock are involved. Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, whichis a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including Texas. "The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation for possible new cases across the state. Producers are encouraged to consult with their veterinary practitioner or local TAHC office about the disease," Dr. Dee Ellis, State Veterinarian, said. It is not uncommon for anthrax to be diagnosed in livestock or wildlife in the Southwest part of the state. In recent years, cases have been primarily confined to a triangular area bounded by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass  http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/site/?pageid=event_desc&edis_id=BH-20120618-35479-USA

Second strain of cholera identified in Haiti epidemic

By Thomas H. Maugh II

June 18, 2012, 1:31 p.m.

U.S. researchers have linked a second strain of cholera to the epidemic that decimated the Haitian population in 2010-11. Previous studies have suggested that the epidemic was caused by bacteria inadvertently introduced by Nepalese soldiers who came to assist in recovery from a massive earthquake. The new strain appears to be local in origin, but its role in the epidemic is not clear because this strain does not normally produce epidemics.

Haiti suffered a devastating magnitude 7 earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010, followed by about 52 aftershocks with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher. Estimates indicate that more than 250,000 died immediately, about 300,000 were injured and 1 million were rendered homeless. Cholera cases began to appear in October and the spread of the disease was exacerbated by Hurricane Tomas, which skirted the island on Nov. 5 but produced torrential rains and severe flooding. To date, cholera has killed an estimated 7,500 Haitians and sickened half a million.

Early studies by..   http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-haiti-cholera-20120618,0,3371170.story

Taliban to Ban Polio Vaccinations Until US Stops Drone Strikes

19 Jun 2012

A Taliban leader in Pakistan said that until the United States stops drone strikes—like the one that killed al-Qaida no. 2 Abu Yahya al-Libi earlier this month it will ban polio vaccinations of Pakistani children in the region it controls.

"Polio drops will be banned in North Waziristan until the drones strikes are stopped," Taliban commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur said in a statement released Saturday and published Monday by CNN. "Almost every resident of North Waziristan has become a mental patient because of the drone strikes, which are worse than polio. On one hand, the U.S. spends millions of dollars to eliminate polio, while on the other hand it kills hundreds with the help of its slave, Pakistan."

UNICEF had been hoping to launch a drive this week to vaccinate 161,000 children in the region. Bahadur said he...

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/taliban-to-ban-polio-vaccinations-until-us-stops-drone-strikes/118278/

Jaundice outbreak in Maharashtra: 12 dead, 3,000 affected

Kolhapur (Maharashtra): More than 500 new cases of jaundice have been reported from the textile town of Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur district in the last four days and the disease has killed at least 12 people in the last one month, officials said on Monday.
Kolhapur health department suspect that the consumption of contaminated water of Panchganga river by the people is the cause behind the recent rise in cases of jaundice in Ichalkaranji.
“Since May 15, there have been 3,803 cases of jaundice in the city and so far 12 people have already succumbed to the disease,” a city health official told IANS.
Ichalkaranji is 40 km from the district headquarters of Kolhapur ... http://www.firstpost.com/mumbai/jaundice-outbreak-in-maharashtra-12-dead-3000-affected-348985.html

Unair Denies Bird Flu Vaccine Projects Problems

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 | 17:47 pm 
TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Chairman of Avian Research Center University of Airlangga CA Nidom said bird flu vaccine project has been carried out thoroughly and there is no problem.  "Even the CPC has been checked and there is no deviation here," said Nidom told Tempo on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

Project that took place in 2008 and 2011 included PT Nusantara's Grace Muhammad Nazaruddin, involved in a process called inflation of the cost (mark-up).  Inflation that occurred in the procurement project of production facilities, research, and technology transfer of bird flu vaccine.

This case also involves several other entities and individuals. Commission has established the Director of Medical Services Ministry of Health Ratna Dewi Umar and the Secretary of the Directorate General of Medical Services Mulya A.  Hasjmy as a suspect.

Meanwhile, in addition to PT Anugrah, name and state Airlangga University PT Bio Farma also called related. Universitas Airlangga merupakan tempat didirikannya laboratorium yang membikin vaksin flu burung. Airlangga University is where the establishment of laboratories that make bird flu vaccines.  Bio Farma is a company in the tender was defeated by Grace.  Becomes awkward because the two companies, the experience in the production of medical devices, the comparison is like heaven and Earth.

Airlangga University, said Nidom, actually has been doing research related to avian flu since 2003. Then in 2008, he was suddenly asked to do research by the Rector of the University of Airlangga which aims to make bird flu vaccine candidates.

"Research we've done two times, first with a budget of about USD 1.6 billion, nearly USD 1.7 billion, I forget the exact figure," said Nidom.  While the second study with a budget of Rp 2.4 billion.

 Both this research, he said, financed entirely by Bio Farma. While the equipment to fully research assistance from the Ministry of Health. Nidom itself also did not know the details of the process until the bird flu laboratory which he led would be appointed to handle the manufacture of this vaccine.
To be sure, Nidom added to the first research project will at least have produced a vaccine and has been submitted to Bio Farma in November 2009.  Even the delivery of vaccine candidates, he said, as was witnessed in person by Vice President Boediono and Minister of Health Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih.

. "For the second study has also been submitted to Bio Farma in August 2011 and witnessed directly by the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono," he said.

Nidom claimed to know nothing will breakdown of bird flu this project. "From us is clear. We hope this goes on, as if stuck in Bio Farma, so further research will also be jammed," said Nidom.
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=id&tl=en&u=http://www.tempo.co/read/news/2012/06/19/063411582/Unair-Bantah-Proyek-Vaksin-Flu-Burung-Bermasalah&usg=ALkJrhiiMBrjgTGx6zvAoBOLyEvnyBDf7A

Q fever cases confirmed in eastern Idaho

by Stephanie Zepelin

NWCN.com

Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:30 PM

Updated today at 8:49 AM

BOISE -- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture says two Idaho goats have tested positive for Q fever. Q fever is a contagious bacteria that affects, sheep, goats and cattle, and it can be spread to humans.

This is not the first case in the state, but this is the first outbreak on record in Idaho. The ISDA is trying to keep it from spreading to more animals, or humans.

"The Department of Agriculture received confirmation that two goats in the state had tested positive for Coxiela burnetii," said Doctor Scott Leibsle of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Coxiela burnetii is the organism that causes Q fever.

"When we got the confirmation of the positive, we notified the owner of the goats and we immediately put the goats under...

 http://www.nwcn.com/home?fId=159380825&fPath=/news/local&fDomain=10227

Two-year old girl dies of fever amid reports of epidemic outbreak in Kasaragod district

KASARAGOD,June 18, 2012
Amid reports of outbreak of epidemics in parts of the district as monsoon gathered momentum during the last couple of days, a two-year old girl died at a hospital in Mangalore due to suspected case of fever and vomiting.

Aneesha, daughter of Satheeshan, residing at Ichilangode near Paduppu, died late on Sunday night in the hospital where she was said to have been undergoing treatment for severe bout of fever and vomiting for the last two days.

The girl’s death comes amid reports of outbreak of epidemics in Kumbla and Bandiyode localities triggering panic among the residents.

E. Raghavan, District Medical Officer, when contacted, however, said that the actual reason that caused the girl’s death could ....

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3543213.ece

Hong Kong-2 Year old boy still in hospital #H5N1

Dr Tsang: Undetermined down when the avian flu a serious alert level
18/06/2012 1:07 PM


To Hong Kong from Guangzhou in early two-year-old boy diagnosed with the H5N1 avian influenza infection, currently still in hospital. Centre for Health Protection Thomas Tsang said that Hong Kong is only one human cases of infection, the center view of Hong Kong and the Mainland, including virus new development, will also work with the Guangdong Provincial Health Department to contact and then decide when to cut the avian flu a serious alert level.

In addition, Thomas Tsang refers to the 24 imported cases of dengue fever so far this year, called on members of the public traveling abroad to anti-mosquito measures.
http://www.metroradio.com.hk/997/News/Default.aspx?NewsID=2b891477-65c4-493c-adfa-0d5549ad0a09

Dien Bien: current third bird flu outbreak

(06/17/2012)

As of this moment, bird flu is spreading strong. . Specifically, appearing three major outbreak in the communes of Thanh Yen, Do Luong (Dien Bien) and Nam Thanh ward (Ho Dien Bien Phu), with over seven thousand infected poultry.

From the beginning of the year, Dien Bien district and city.  Dien Bien Phu outbreak appears more consecutive farms that were difficult.  To reduce damage to livestock when infected poultry, Dien Bien province has directed the Department of Finance in collaboration with the Agriculture and Rural Development can assist households infected poultry destroyed in accordance of the State. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=vi&tl=en&u=http://daidoanket.vn/index.aspx%3Fchitiet%3D51654%26menu%3D1434%26style%3D1&usg=ALkJrhgZ0t86p8RdbD-YtSZc7KwYIPCgZQ

Dien Bien Phu declares bird flu outbreak #H5N1

Dien Bien Phu declares bird flu outbreak
The northern province of Dien Bien has declared an epidemic of the H5N1 avian flu in Nam Thanh ward, Dien Bien Phu City.

Since May 21, bird flu has been detected in Thanh Yen and Noong Luong villages in Dien Bien district and Nam Thanh ward in Dien Bien Phu City.

Local authorities in Nam Thanh ward have killed nearly 7,000 birds and implemented a series of measures to prevent the disease from spreading, including a ban on the transportation, processing, selling and handling of sick poultry. Strict control on the slaughtering, trading and transporting of poultry products has also been introduced.

Since the beginning of the year, farmers in Dien Bien Phu City have suffered from a number of difficulties caused by consecutive outbreaks of epidemics.

The province has directed its Department of Finance in coordination with the agriculture and rural development sector to support those farmers whose poultry have been killed.

Blue-ear pig disease outbreak in Dong Nai

The southern province of Dong Nai announced on June 15 that blue-ear pig disease has broken out in Hieu Liem village and Vinh An town in Vinh Cuu district.

Hoang Son Hai, head of the provincial Department of Animal Health said that over the past week more than 600 pigs have been infected with the disease, which has resulted in the death of over 200 pigs. The remaining pigs have been isolated, vaccinated and are under strict controls.

The department is coordinating with local authorities to carry out preventive measures, including sterilising farms and the surrounding areas, and setting up check points to monitor the transportation of livestock.

Hai added that the vaccination on the pigs in the area will be completed in the next three days.

Kon Tum teachers benefit from US-funded project

More than 250 teachers in the Central Highland province of Kon Tum have completed an intensive training programme focused on the special needs of disabled and ethnic students as part of a US-funded project.

At a ceremony held on June 14 in Kon Tum, the teachers received certificates in recognition of their improved skills in art, linguistics, mathematics, nutrition, and crafting teaching aids.

The US$4.2 million project, which is implemented in three years, has refurbished 25 kindergartens, completed age-appropriate furnishings and developed materials for local education authorities in Kon Tum. It will benefit more than 1,800 children aged between three and five.

"This has been a joint effort with the provincial government and people of Kon Tum to help improve education and care for disadvantaged children, especially those with disabilities," said USAID mission director Francis Donovan.

More than 1,000 women in 25 communes have been equipped with knowledge and skills related to early childhood care, which has also enabled them to earn enough money to keep their own children in school.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/society/23717/society-in-brief-17-6.html

Cambodia's border to watch the bird flu recurrenc

Cambodia's border to watch the bird flu recurrence

South of the capital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia nongrimsusanbu border town in a village in Takeo province avian influenza (AI) for three days causing the H5N1 virus has been detected. Bird flu recurs in the area as nongrimsusanbu salcheobunhago poultry within 5km around the town distribution and sale of poultry, consumption, were instructed to suspend.

Cambodian side of the exact number of infected or dead poultry, of course, but government officials have already killed more than 16,000 of 3 manyeomari gamyeong showing symptoms, he said.

But so far no sign of an infected person said.

In Cambodia in 2004 after seven people died of bird flu.

Six transported to hospital after getting swine flu vaccine

Contributor: Marisa Yamane
Email: myamane@khon2.com
Last Update: 11/16 10:15 pm


Paramedics were called to Sacred Hearts Academy today after about a dozen people appeared to have a reaction to the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.
Officials say the apparent reactions could have a lot to do with anxiety rather than the vaccine itself.

Approximately 300 students and 100 faculty at Sacred Hearts Academy got armed against the H1N1 swine flu Monday morning in the State's school vaccination clinic.


Kindergartener Tai Martinez was one of those students.

"Under the recommendations of her pediatrician we felt confident," said Tai's mother Jade Martinez.


But school officials say about a dozen people had an apparent reaction minutes after getting vaccinated.


"It ranged from a rash on the arm, to breathing problems, their neck tightened up. A couple became nauseous. The most common complaint was light headedness," said Betty White, Head of Sacred Hearts Academy.


The clinic manager called EMS four times, and altogether paramedics took five students and one adult to the hospital.

All were released by noon, except for one student who has asthma.

When asked if she thinks they overreacted, State Epidemiologist Sarah Park said: "I think we're still looking into things but it does sound like probably we could've been a little been less reactive."

Park says according to protocol, she and a state pediatrician are standing by to answer any questions by phone.

"But if she's, if any of our clinic managers are in a pinch and they have to make a decision and they're not certain then yes the protocol is to call EMS for help," said Park.


Park says the clinic manager was new, and that the symptoms were actually side effects sometimes seen at the seasonal flu clinics, often due to anxiety and nerves.

"Bottom line for today -- what we heard about was not unusual. the only unusual thing was that they were clustered but anything with the kids they're fine it was a matter of being safe than sorry," said Park.


The Health Department began its H1N1 vaccination clinics on Friday and today held five clinics at schools across Oahu.


Officials say none of the other clinics reported any problems.

Pregnant B.C. teachers refuse work, saying schools unsafe because of H1N1 virus

By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
November 17, 2009 3:02 AM

VANCOUVER — A few teachers recently refused to work in British Columbia public schools because they said the prevalence of H1N1 illness among students had created an unsafe workplace.

The first reports were filed late last month by pregnant teachers in Victoria who walked away from their classrooms. Another report was filed this month by a Prince George teacher.

By law, employees have a right to refuse work if there is a reasonable cause to believe it poses a health or safety hazard.

The Victoria teachers' claims of unsafe work prompted an on-site inspection by WorkSafe BC to determine if the schools had implemented a proper "exposure control plan" to minimize the risk of H1N1 infection, Ray Roch, a WorkSafe BC regional director who handles H1N1 issues, explained in an interview Monday.

With a proper exposure control plan, the H1N1 risk for employees likely will be lower than the risk in the general community, he added. Such plans should include daily efforts to identify and isolate students who have coughs and fevers, as well as those whose immediate family members are ill.

The inspectors in Victoria also reviewed materials submitted by the teachers' union, but concluded that the schools did not pose an undue hazard. In fact, Roch said that as of Monday, inspections had not identified a single work site in any sector that was hazardous due to the virus.

The B.C. Public School Employers' Association has advised school districts that based on the WorkSafe BC findings, "it will not be deemed to be unsafe for a pregnant teacher to go to work in the classroom where the potential to contract H1N1 exists."

Nevertheless, the B.C. Teachers' Federation (BCTF) is urging members who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems to take steps to protect themselves if there is a high rate of infection in their schools. Susan Lambert, the union vice-president, said the first action should be a request for re-assignment to reduce exposure to the virus.

If that's refused, the union advises them to refuse to work, Lambert said. But only at schools where there is an outbreak.

Anne Guthrie Warman, president of the Vancouver Secondary Teachers' Association, suggested teachers should not be discouraged from making a claim because of the recent WorkSafe BC rulings. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, she noted.

It hasn't been a problem in Vancouver, she noted, because the district is accommodating requests for re-assignment.

Scott McCloy, a WorkSafe BC spokesman, said the organization understands that pregnant women are worried about H1N1. "There's an emotional response and a rational response," he said, but the latter suggests the risk in schools is not as great as it is elsewhere in the community.

Vancouver teachers, meanwhile, are questioning the decision to make students a priority for vaccination, but not their teachers. "Teachers who work alongside students all day . . . are most vulnerable currently when there is an outbreak," she said in an e-mail.

Vaccination will be available in specific Vancouver schools over the next four weeks

Utah cat tests positive for H1N1 flu

Nov 16, 2009

DVM NEWSMAGAZINE


Prospector, Utah -- What's believed to be the second case of an H1N1-infected cat surfaced in Utah, and one of the cat's owners also tested positive for the virus.

Like the cat diagnosed with H1N1 last week in Iowa, the most recent case involves a 13-year-old domestic shorthair spayed female that presented with breathing problems, Dr. Carl Prior, owner of Park City Animal Hospital, tells DVM Newsmagazine. Prior and his associate, Dr. Angela West, treated the cat, which the owner described as breathing with its mouth open.

“I was thinking pneumonia or cancer of the lungs, it looked so sick,” says Prior, who first saw the cat Nov. 3 – the day the story broke of the H1N1 case in the Iowa cat.

The cat was placed in an oxygen chamber set at about 50 percent for the first hour, then reduced over the next four to five hours, he says. Once the cat relaxed, he was able to take X-rays and blood samples. The blood test showed a low white blood cell count, and a human A/B-type influenza test obtained locally came back positive, Prior says.

He and West hadn’t really considered H1N1 until the story of the Iowa cat broke later that day, and they realized at least one of the owners had a confirmed case. Staff members had mentioned they were upset the owner had come into the clinic at all, since she said she had been confirmed to have H1N1. Another member of the household was believed to have H1N1, but that case was not confirmed, Prior says.

A test from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine's diagnostic laboratory, and it came back seropositive, he says. So Iowa sent more samples, including a PCR test, which came back negative. Prior says officials at the school were surprised at the negative reading, but told him their cat had tested the same way.

Perhaps the virus isn't shed for very long, Prior suggests, adding that a follow-up blood test at Iowa again confirmed a positive H1N1 diagnosis.

The cat's health improved after several hours in the clinic with antibiotics and oxygen care and was sent home the night it was brought in, Prior says. He and West will continue to monitor the cat, checking its serum every few weeks, he says, adding that another cat in the household will be tested too. It hasn't shown any signs of illness, Prior says, but he will monitor to see whether cat-to-cat transmission may occur.

Prior expected more testing requests since the first H1N1 cat case surfaced, but his clients are asking more questions. Treat the animals like a sick family member, Prior advises, avoiding them if they are sick themselves and isolating them from other pets that might be ill.

ht Dutchy

Number of victims of influenza and pneumonia in Ukraine has reached 315 people - Ministry of Health

20:05
Number of victims of influenza and SARS rose in Ukraine up to 315 people as of Monday evening, November 16.

According to the operative data of the Ministry of Health, over the past day from the disease and complications (pneumonia) died 16 people, including a pregnant woman.

As of Sunday night was 299 victims.

Ministry of Health does not provide operational data on cases of the disease pandemic influenza A/H1N1. According to information made public on Monday afternoon, in Ukraine, 166 laboratory-confirmed cases of A/H1N1, including 15 - fatal.

According to the Ministry of Health, the average number of deaths per day in the current year is less than in 2008, when the figure was 18 people per day.

Since the beginning of the epidemic (29 October), the largest number of deaths from influenza and ARI recorded in Lviv (89), Ivano-Frankivsk (38), Chernivtsi (25 people) and Ternopil (22 people) areas.

In Kiev during the epidemic of influenza and SARS deaths of 11 people.

Since the beginning of the epidemic has not been the victims in only one of the Luhansk region.

Total number of cases since the epidemic began was 1 million 400 thousand 999 people, the last day - 36 060 persons. Hospitalized for the last day of 4464 people.

Since the beginning of the epidemic were hospitalized, 78 326 people. To date issued, 48,155 thousand patients.

South still leads in child deaths from swine flu

Three weeks ago, Facing South reported that two-thirds of child deaths attributed to the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, had happened in states centered in the South.

Here's an update: The South's share of H1N1 fatalities has declined, but children in Southern states are still bearing the brunt of the epidemic.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control show that, out of 117 pediatric deaths directly related to swine flu, 49 have come from two areas in or near the South.

The CDC collects data in 10 regions nationally. Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, leads the nation with 44 H1N1 deaths among children.

Region 4, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, has the second-highest figure: 25.

Together, the two regions make up 42% of the total child deaths from H1N1.

Why has swine flu been uniquely devastating in Southern states? The high rate of children without health insurance in many Southern states, and therefore limited health care options, could be one factor.

Another is timing: Swine flu hit the South first, so it's claimed more victims in the region. Other areas might well catch up as the H1N1 virus makes its way through populations in places like the Northeast (one of the few where the documented cases of the virus isn't in decline).

Here's a Google Flu Trends map that shows which states first documented 5,000 cases of H1N1:

As Nate Silver at 538.com (not just election analysis!) observes:

Although the initial outbreak of H1N1 back in April was centered on Texas, California, New York, Illinois and South Carolina, the place where the flu first hit critical mass several months later was in Louisiana. It then slowly radiated its way outward to most of the neighboring states -- Maine finally hit the 5,000-point threshold just last week.

Vietnam-Ministry of Health interview

---

Concerns the combination of influenza A/H1N1 and influenza A/H5N1
Monday, 16/11/2009-2: 22 PM)


Nguyen Huy Nga.
KTNT - After some time im Ang, influenza A/H5N1 services began to appear in the service influenza A/H1N1 and dengue fever are still complicated development. How to deal with all kinds of diseases are the concern of many people. Around this problem, we had a talk with Mr. Nguyen Huy Nga, Director of Department of Preventive Health and Environment (Ministry of Health).

He said Russia:
Notified by the World Health Organization (WHO), some countries in the Americas appeared song the dengue and influenza A/H1N1 in an individual. In Vietnam, the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical countries also announced a second case of simultaneous development of both influenza A/H1N1 virus and dengue fever.

However, there are no studies showing that there is a combination of these two viruses. The two co-infected with this disease more difficult for the treatment of disease diagnosis and clinical landscape is worse than when infected with a disease alone. Next time, the Health Ministry will conduct training for health workers in line to update knowledge of the influenza A/H1N1 infection and hemorrhage, as well as patients likely infected with the other, to minimize complications and mortality for patients.

In the north, entering the winter, do people fear the emergence of influenza A/H5N1, sir?

We in the North, translated dengue tend to decrease. It influenza A/H1N1 and influenza A/H5N1 often appear in cold weather, wet. Thus, when entering the northern winter is the flu outbreak of this kind can occur completely.

The only measure to prevent influenza is vaccination effective vaccines. Could you tell us, never the first batch of vaccine to be about our country and the audience will be given priority?

We do not have a formal announcement on the timing of vaccine to Vietnam. According to the WHO final report, expected in November will have the vaccine but the first or between December we have.

Quality of vaccines produced in the world can not meet at once to all global citizens. WHO recommends, will for the immediate object is high risk of death as pregnant women, people infected chronic ... Therefore, we propose the plan to prioritize vaccination of pregnant women from January 3 or more, patients with diabetes, cardiovascular ... Medical staff directly treating patients infected influenza will also be a priority.

We will concentrate in those regions in which the limited amount of vaccine?

Ministry of Health are asking for detailed guidance. Advisory Council vaccines, the Steering Committee to organize vaccination campaigns have also proposed a number of options. First, the vaccine for all pregnant women over 3 months in all provinces and cities. Second, if there are more vaccines, we will organize a vaccination for the country. Where high population density, with deaths due to influenza A/H1N1, which dispersed power service, many people with chronic diseases focus ... will be the priority areas.

The goal of the first vaccination is not reducing the number of questions reduced incidence in people at high risk, serious complications or death.

However, some research results showed that side effects of flu vaccines A/H1N1co may occur in some rare cases such as mild fever, a sore, nausea, sore throat. The symptoms from the mild and quickly through.

So, the vaccination will be conducted how, sir?

Vietnam is the world rated as a national immunization system expansion relatively good. We would normally immunization of pregnant women to prevent tetanus, so the problem completely nothing worrying. Commune health stations will directly conduct the vaccination.

Attack H5N1 Luwuk

Monday, November 16, 2009, 11:59:00
LUWUK-Indonesia was not yet free of bird flu or H5N1. The virus is deadly dangerous and it was entered into Luwuk District, Central Sulawesi. Exactly peterankan chicken attack in District Kintom.

Chairman of the Banggai Livestock Association, Nasrun Bandiong said about 20 chicken farms in the district's community Kintom tested positive for bird flu. However, not known from where the virus originated.

"Department of agriculture has made vaccination and cleaning the cage in an area that this H5N1 virus," said Nasrun.

In addition, he beber, citizens also volunteered to do the destruction of infected cattle is believed to H5N1 virus. Nasrun also asked the Department of Health to immediately fall into Sub Kintom to check people in the area, to mengansipasi these viruses do not infect humans.

"The H5N1 virus is more dangerous than the H1N1 virus (swine flu) and can be quickly transmitted to humans. So the Department of Health to intervene," he concluded

Swine flu afflictions on the rise.

Monday, November 16, 2009State health officials have boosted the numbers of fatalities they say are related to the H1N1 flu virus to more than 500, compared to some 297 deaths compared to a swine flu in California update, up from 266 reported on Oct. 31.

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton said Thursday in Sacramento that the virus is widespread in California, and has caused 5,380 hospitalizations to date, up from 4,820.

Horton says the vaccine's arrival has been slower than expected in California, with about 4.5 million doses shipped to the state so far.

First H1N1 infection reported at joint park in North Korea

By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean man working at a North Korean industrial park has been confirmed to have the Influenza A virus, the first such infection to be detected north of the border, the Unification Ministry said Monday.

The worker, 32, who authorities would only identify by his family name Seo, was urgently transferred to South Korea on Saturday morning on signs of high temperature at the joint park in the North's border town of Kaesong, said ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung. He tested positive for H1N1 infection late night Saturday.

"He was brought here because there's no facility at Kaesong park to test for the new flu," Chun said, adding he was now in stable condition.

Seo's case raised concerns of possible infection of North Korean workers at the factory park, where about 40,000 North Koreans work for about 110 South Korean businesses. Chun said Seo has mostly worked in his company office in Kaesong and had little contact with local workers at its factory.
Three other South Korean workers who were in frequent contact with Seo also returned to the South for checkups. "All of them tested negative," the spokesman said.

In an Oct. 30 report, North Korea said no Influenza A cases have been reported in the country, a claim that remains highly dubious amid the rapid spread of the pandemic in the cold weather. Sixty-four South Koreans have died of the disease as of Monday.

Any contact with the H1N1 virus could be particularly dangerous to people in North Korea, many of whom are undernourished and may have impaired immune systems, North Korea watchers say.

The South Korean government provided 30 doses of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu for South Korean workers at the Kaesong park last week.

In May, the World Health Organization supplied an emergency stockpile of 35,000 Tamiflu tablets each to North Korea and about 70 developing countries.

Iraq: Situation report on influenza A H1N1 pandemic (as of 15 Nov 2009)

Full_Report (pdf* format - 65.3 Kbytes)

As of 15th November 2009, 9:00 AM Baghdad time, 18 governorates ( All Iraq governorates) have reported 1835 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 including 9 deaths. Out of the total cases 480 are members of the multinational forces.

Table-1: Laboratory confirmed H1N1 cases reported in Iraq

Governorate	Number of cases	Number of deaths
Baghdad	808	7
Wassit	212	0
Basra	38	1
Babel	7	0
Kirkuk	49	0
Suleimaniyah	10	0
Kerbala	12	0
Erbil	12	0
Najaf	50	1
Thiqar	25	0
Diala	30	0
Missan	11	0
Diwaniyah	64	0
Ninewah	2	0
Salaheddin	2	0
Muthana	10	0
Anbar	11	0
Dahuk	2	0
Multinational forces	480
Total	1835	9

At the EMR regional level, As of 7 November 2009, 23:00 hours, Cairo time, 25,531 laboratory-confirmed cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 were reported to WHO by 22 out of 22 Member States of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Somalia has reported the first 2 cases on the beginning of November. There are 153 related deaths from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 reported, so far, from 14 member states in the Region. These deaths were reported from Saudi Arabia (28), Oman (25), Islamic Republic of Iran (22), Kuwait (17), Yemen (17), Afghanistan (11), Iraq (9), Bahrain (6), Syria (6), Egypt (5), Jordan (3), Lebanon (2), Palestine (1), and Qatar (1).

As of 8 November 2009, worldwide more than 206 countries and overseas territories/communities have reported over 503,536 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 6,260 deaths. As many countries have stopped counting individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the case count is likely to be significantly lower than the actual number of cases that have occurred. WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of data.

* The financial support of the European Committee and their continued follow-up is greatly acknowledged

Full_Report (pdf* format - 65.3 Kbytes

Influenza stumbled on the epidemic threshold

/ / The epidemic in the capital will decline

on 14/11/2009

Influenza epidemic in Moscow, according to Rospotrebnadzor, Monday will go down. The last weekly monitoring has shown that the increase in the incidence of influenza has declined by almost 15%. Meanwhile, in 17 regions of Russia and 42 cities of the epidemic threshold for influenza is exceeded several times. In the cities of the Urals and Siberia, indefinitely extended the autumn school holidays and closed schools.

In Moscow, according to the capital Rospotrebnadzor, for the last week of SARS and flu are sick 142 thousand, 77.5 thousand of them - children. In the department noted that compared to last week incidence decreased by 14.5%, and among high school students - 48%. At the same time in 1396 people confirmed diagnosis of "swine flu" virus (A/H1N1). "The situation was brought under control - said Kommersant's chief sanitary doctor, Gennady Onishchenko, Russia .- Monday will be confident to talk about reducing the rate of morbidity in some regions and Moscow. What made it possible, in particular in the capital to begin a new academic quarter, with due control over the state of children. "

The population of Moscow continued to mass instilled from influenza. According to the latest Capital of Rospotrebnadzor, in clinics, as well as at work or school vaccinated 1.791 million people. Deputy Mayor of Moscow Lyudmila Shvetsova promised that before the end of November "vaccination campaign against influenza in Moscow will be completed. Nevertheless, the epidemic threshold in the capital still exceeded, and security measures remain at the maximum level. Thus, each of the 70 thousand fans who will come in "Luzhniki" at a football match Russia-Slovenia, will receive anti-virus mask. They are, according to Mrs. Shvetsova, will be handed out in the Moscow theater. Masked Monday will work all host population metropolitan officials. As already reported yesterday, "Kommersant, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has promised to select the license of those metropolitan pharmacies in stock that are not masks and influenza drugs.

In Russia, according to Rospotrebnadzor, the epidemic threshold for influenza exceeded in 17 regions. In the most common flu in Siberia. In particular, in Chita, the epidemic threshold is exceeded by more than five times, and local authorities yesterday announced a state of emergency in nine districts of the Trans-Baikal region. In Blagoveshchensk threshold is exceeded in 5.9 times, in Yakutsk and the Amur region - in 3,4 times. In Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg today and at least a week closed all universities, schools and institutions of secondary vocational education, as in Buryatia local government Rospotrebnadzor shut them indefinitely. In the Krasnoyarsk region, where on November 13 confirmed 936 cases of swine influenza (two died), Vacation in schools extended to November 17 inclusive, all public events canceled.

Of the regions of European part of Russia most difficult situation in the Voronezh region, where over the last week registered 7 thousand ill SARS and influenza, and doctors predict that by Monday they will be 12-13 thousand here identified 221 cases of swine flu. All educational institutions of the city will be closed to quarantine on Monday. Recall that MHSD RF reported that of acute respiratory viral infections in Russia, 439 people died. Yesterday swine flu death another man, who lived in Syktyvkar.

The St. Petersburg Institute of Influenza Kommersant reported yesterday about the beginning of mass production "kit for the prevention and treatment of influenza. It consists of two drugs - Alfaron and Ingaron "which, according to the Institute, effective, and to prevent A/H1N1. The end of November will be issued 350 thousand packages set in December and January - to 1.2 million packages. In the sale throughout the country, they arrive at the price of 350-390 USD.

Two more Czech hospitals close their doors to visitors as swine flu spreads

Two more hospitals have closed their doors to visitors and others are considering doing the same as the swine flu virus continues to spread across the country. Over 480 people in the Czech Republic have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, of that 92 in the last week alone. Three people have died of related complication after getting the swine flu. The third death was reported from Ostrava on Saturday, where a middle-aged man succumbed to pneumonia after contracting the swine flu virus.

Four schools were closed down this week and the authorities registered the first case of health-workers getting infected from patients. The process of vaccinating people at risk has not yet begun and the Czech Doctors’ Chamber has criticized the government for the delay, warning that for many the vaccine may come too late.

China Investigates Deaths After Swine Flu Shot

By Alice Park Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Students at a high school receive vaccine injections against H1N1 Swine Flu in Shenyang, northeast China, November 12, 2009.

Chinese health officials reported on Friday the first deaths in people who received the H1N1 vaccine. The Ministry of Health announced that the two people, including one teacher from Hunan province, died hours after receiving their inoculations. Since September, when the Ministry began its H1N1 immunization program, 12 million Chinese have received the pandemic flu shot.

A preliminary autopsy revealed that the teacher died of an apparent heart attack while playing basketball, and a Ministry spokesperson told the China Daily newspaper that the death was "a coincidental medical incident" and not related to the vaccine. No details on the second victim have been released so far. As they conduct an autopsy investigation into the second death, Chinese health officials have pulled all vaccines manufactured in the same batch used to inoculate the teacher. Although the H1N1 vaccine has been rigorously tested and vetted for safety, no inoculation can be considered 100% safe and may cause adverse events, including death, in some people.

Taking an aggressive approach to the pandemic flu, back in June the Chinese government asked 11 biotech companies to develop a pandemic H1N1 vaccine. Beijing-based Sinovac succeeded in developing the world's first approved swine flu shot. The company raced to conduct clinical trials, and was the first to report that a single dose of vaccine, instead of the two doses that most flu experts had believed would be necessary, was sufficient to protect against 2009 H1N1. In early September, China became the first country to begin swine flu inoculations.

But by the end of October, 54% of Chinese residents reported in a China Daily survey that they would not get the H1N1 vaccine because of concerns about the shot's safety. That prompted the director of the World Health Organization's Beijing office, Dr. Michael O'Leary, to tell the newspaper, "The H1N1 vaccine is one of the safest vaccines being used. When it's available to me, I would not hesitate to get the vaccine developed and produced by China."Three vaccine manufacturers in China, including Sinovac, have received orders from the government for more than 34 million doses. Among the 12 million inoculated so far, 1,235 have complained of side effects, ranging from sore arms, rashes, and headaches, to anaphylactic shock and sudden drops in blood pressure.

While the Chinese government has been criticized for its draconian public health response to swine flu — using quarantines, canceling school and detaining entire planeloads of people when a single passenger appears to have flulike symptoms — the country's officials say the strict measures helped stem the spread of flu. So far, China reports about 36 deaths and 62,800 H1N1 cases — compared with U.S. government estimates of 4,000 American deaths and 22 million infections. China plans to immunize 65 million citizens, or 5% of the country's population, by the end of the year. As in the U.S., health officials are targeting high priority groups first, including the military, police, health-care workers, teachers, students and those with chronic diseases.

Slovakia not to let buses from Ukraine

00:45 / 16.11.2009

A regular bus service with Ukraine disrupted because of the threat of the influenza epidemic

Told the press secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Slovakia Stanislav Yurikovich, said Korrespondent.net

"Passenger routes will be resumed when the epidemiological situation in this country will improve", - said Yurikovich.

Reported earlier that Bratislava had closed most of the road checkpoints on the border with Ukraine. Open remains the only CAT near settlements cherry German.

Citizens with signs of influenza Slovak authorities to refuse entry into the republic.

In late October, the control on the border with Ukraine, Belarus increased. Latvians and Estonians power of these republics were advised to refuse to travel to Ukraine. Russia in turn said that he would not close the border with Ukraine, which declared a flu epidemic.

City prepares for seriously ill swine-flu patients

By Cai Wenjun 2009-11-16
EXPERTS from the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, a designated hospital for swine-flu treatment, expect an increase in patients seriously sickened by the virus.

Their fears come as the number of swine-flu cases balloons in both China and many parts of the world.

The hospital has made preparations for extra medication, respiratory machines, staff training and wards to accommodate more than 500 seriously sick patients.

The possibility of serious effects from swine flu is usually one to three people in every 1,000 cases.

Early detection and treatment for serious cases were the major challenges for the medical field, Dr Lu Hongzhou, vice president of the center, told a Sino-Australian seminar on infectious diseases in Shanghai yesterday.

Experts are encouraging high-risk people to undergo shots for both swine and seasonal flu, adding that pregnant women should be included.

Officials from the Shanghai Health Bureau said yesterday that since giving swine-flu vaccinations to at-risk people from mid-October, there had been no serious adverse reactions reported in the city.

Lu, a member of both the Shanghai and national expert panels for swine-flu prevention and control, said the government should adjust its policy to include pregnant women in the free-shots program, as Western countries do.

"The Chinese mainland hasn't given pregnant women the free shots because of a lack of clinical tests to show their effects and safety on such people," Lu said.

"Since both the source of the virus strain and the production technology and procedure at home and abroad are the same, domestic authorities can follow Western countries to vaccinate pregnant women."

As clinical tests in China and overseas on the vaccine have not included children aged under three, experts suggest parents not take toddlers to crowded places.
A person starts to produce antibodies three weeks after catching swine flu or two weeks after receiving vaccinations. Clinically using vaccinated people's serum may help treat seriously ill patients.

"We have collected serum from vaccinated staff and carried out research," Lu said. "This serum may be used to treat seriously sick patients in the future."

As of last Thursday, the city had detected 1,538 cases of swine flu since the first was found in May.

Only two patients have become seriously ill in Shanghai with swine flu and both have recovered.