Tuesday, September 4, 2012

New Virus Tied to Ticks Poses Puzzle for Doctors

By DENISE GRADY

September 3, 2012

For a year and a half, scientists have been swarming over a 100-acre farm in northwestern Missouri, catching ticks and drawing blood from raccoons, possums, turkeys and deer.

“They even bled my horses, and my dogs and cats,” the owner of the farm said. “They got to looking at me, and I said, ‘I already gave.’ ”

The scientists have been trying to find out how this farmer and another unfortunate Missouri man contracted a severe viral disease — a new one, never seen before. It put both men in the hospital for more than a week with high fevers, diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, low blood cell counts and liver abnormalities.

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention think the men were infected by lone star ticks, meaning that there may be a frightening new addition to the list of tick-borne dangers that includes Lyme disease, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. But despite scouring the countryside, investigators have found neither ticks nor animals carrying the new virus. They have named it the Heartland virus, for the hospital and region where it was found. So far, the two men in Missouri are the only humans known to have been infected.

The cases are a stark reminder that new infectious diseases can still emerge, frequently from unknown bacteria and viruses that lurk in animals.

“This is a novel virus,” said Laura K. McMullan, a senior scientist at the viral special pathogens branch of the C.D.C. Now that it has been identified, she said, researchers can try to find out how long it has been around and how common it is, in part by testing stored blood samples from people who had similar illnesses in the past that were never diagnosed.

The disease first appeared in Missouri in June 2009, when Robert Wonderly, then 57, a factory worker who lives on a farm, suddenly fell ill. For several days he felt weak, feverish and irritable. Then his chest began to ache.

Tests at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph ruled out a heart attack, but Mr. Wonderly just got sicker. His fever spiked to 104 degrees. When his wife told a nurse that she had found a tick embedded in his skin the day before he became ill, the nurse called in an infectious diseases expert, Dr. Scott M. Folk.

Dr. Folk immediately suspected ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that is carried by ticks and is common in the area. So he prescribed the standard treatment, the antibiotic doxycycline. In the meantime, he sent a sample of Mr. Wonderly’s blood to Atlanta to be tested at the C.D.C.

People with ehrlichiosis usually ..

more here

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/health/research/new-tick-borne-heartland-virus-has-scientists-puzzled.html

Monday, September 3, 2012

Ebola in Uganda – update

Ebola in Uganda – update (WHO, September 3 2012,

3 September 2012

There have been no new confirmed cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever reported in Kibaale district, Uganda, since 3 August 2012, indicating that the outbreak is coming to an end.

A total of 24 probable and confirmed cases including 17 deaths have been reported since the beginning of the outbreak.

Of these, 11 cases were laboratory confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe. The last confirmed case was discharged on 24 August 2012 following recovery.

All contacts of probable and confirmed cases have been followed up daily and have completed the recommended 21 days of monitoring for any possible signs or symptoms of Ebola.

The partners who are involved in the response to the Ebola outbreak are transferring capacity to national and district authorities to sustain the essential functions, including enhanced surveillance and response, psychosocial support and infection prevention and control in health care facilities.

[link to www.who.int]

Epidemiological situation Ebola: no suspected cases in Kinshasa

A false alarm indicating the propensity of Ebola virus in the urban-rural commune of Maluku, Kinshasa last week failed to shake the city.Haemorrhagic fever Ebola virus has not reached the city of Kinshasa, not even the common urban-rural Maluku, entrance from the east. Dysentery which suffer some residents in Maluku is not viral. Efforts are made to ensure that this epidemic in the Eastern Province, particularly in the area of health Isiro is controlled.
On site, the International Committee of scientific and technical coordination of the fight against the Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus A in the district of Haut-Uele has his headquarters in Isiro for closer monitoring of the epidemiological situation. Probable cases and / or suspicious samples undergo before being placed in segregation units, to avoid the tendency. Already 28 confirmed cases with 12 deaths, as of August 30, 2012.
This development was made by the Minister of Health, Dr Felix Kabange Numbi on Friday 31 August, during a face to face with an audience of journalists, Kinshasa.
The Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Director of the 4th Directorate of the Ministry of Health responsible for the disease, took part in the press conference. There was more fear than harm. A false alarm indicating the propensity of Ebola virus in the urban-rural commune of Maluku, Kinshasa last week, failed to shake the city. Some residents have rushed to the empty suitcases places, for fear of being contaminated. "Ebola is declared" disease under surveillance in the DRC. " The epicenter of this epidemic is the health zone Isiro in the Eastern Province.
In Kinshasa, no cases of Ebola have been reported. Dysentery and other forms of diarrhea whose residents suffer Maluku is not viral. So there is not any signs of the presence of Ebola in Kinshasa, "the Minister assured. Never mind! Measures are taken to strengthen surveillance in various border crossings including N'djili International Airport and ports, services, border police. Also private ports are they subject to such supervision to protect the city of Kinshasa pangs of Ebola. All flights from the east are subject to control and ports both public and private teams are positioned so that nothing escapes the health services, "said the Minister.
The daily bulletin of epidemiological August 30, 2012 presented by the International Coordinating Committee of Scientific fight against Ebola hemorrhagic fever A in Haut-Uele district reported 28 confirmed cases, including 12 deaths. These cases are distributed as follows: Isiro: 15 cases with 9 deaths; Viadana: 10 cases with 3 deaths; Faradje 1 case. The 2 cases reported last week in Dungu, the lab results are negative. Present at the press conference, the WHO Representative in the DRC has expressed concern about the risk of spread of the disease in other provinces. Therefore He pulled the attention of the international community on the need for international mobilization to help the DRC to fight effectively against this contagious and devastating.
Efforts in preventing
"Being a viral disease, Ebola has no treatment to cure nor a vaccine to prevent it. Can not cure the symptoms, "warned Dr. Kabange Numbi. Efforts are made to ensure that this epidemic in the Eastern Province, particularly in the area of health Isiro is controlled. After the declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Eastern Province by the Ministry of Public Health of the antennas of the National Radio and Television, the Government of the Republic FC 136.5 million disbursed to enable the competent authorities to make on site for more in-depth observations.
Accompanied by the WHO Representative in the DRC and other partners including UNICEF, the Ministry of Public Health has visited the sick placed in segregation units prior to the distribution of drugs purchased by the Government and kits and protective equipment provided by WHO and UNICEF in the areas of health affected. The joint delegation also decided to free the administration of medical care to victims of Ebola virus before considering home care of the most distant. Particular emphasis was also placed on awareness. Support has been allocated to local media to achieve this end.
On-site Isiro, the International Committee of scientific and technical coordination of the fight against the Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus A in the Haut-Uele district has established its headquarters in Isiro for closer monitoring of the epidemiological situation. Probable cases and / or suspects undergo before taking places in quarantine to prevent the tendency. Bluntly, the Minister of Health called for all-out mobilization and national solidarity to prevent the tendency of the disease. http://www.mediacongo.net/show.asp?doc=23518

Vietnam H5N1

Vietnam of Youxiang OIE report 3 H5N1 avian flu

Province Orientale: 28 Ebola cases reported, 12 deaths

Monday, September 3, 2012

Returning from the Eastern Province where he went especially with the representative of the WHO / DRC Dr Léodegal Bazira to assess the situation on the ground regarding the outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever raging in this part the country, the Minister of Health, Dr Felix Kabange Numbi held a press conference last Friday, August 31 at Pev during which he gave accurate figures on the evolution of the disease.

As of 30 August 2012, 28 cases were reported with 12 deaths including three health professionals. This is the area of health Isiro says Dr. Felix Kabange Numbi, considered the epicenter that more cases. 15 acs with 9 décès.soit a fatality rate of 60%. The health zone Viadana recorded 10 cases including 3 deaths, 2 cases with 0décès Dungu, Faradje 1 case with zero 0.

With regard to monitoring cases, the surveillance team followed up on Isiro 141 cases out of 172 cases date of August 30.

The Minister of Health and his team visited in turn the different areas of health affected by the epidemic. They also visited various centers isolation of patients when they were able to speak with some for comfort "because among them there are those who are anxious, thinking they are afraid they will die ..." noted Dr. Felix Kabange

While commending the bravery of the nursing staff and the support of partners including WHO, whose representative, says he took the chance to accompany me to visit people with Ebola, the MSF for building isolation units for their patients daily care, CDC Atlanta for Isiro sent five specialists who installed a mobile laboratory and UNICEF to support drug and logistics, Dr. Felix Kabange also stressed the management of land has encountered some difficulties with the complex ground geography reinforced by the poor state of roads, lack of protective equipment for staff.

However, Dr. Felix Kabange said that to overcome these difficulties the location must provide staff more motorcycles and bicycles available, and deficiency of protective equipment, the partners whose Oms is committed to meeting this gap.

Despite these problems, Dr. Felix Kabange wishes to clarify that the management of patients going in the right conditions because drugs are available. In addition, he adds, we provide holistic care, there are even psycho-clinicians to provide psychological care of people with Ebola. In addition, there is one and only one coordination on the ground, so that the various partners and community health workers working in perfect harmony to curb this epidemic.

Awareness key to eradication of the epidemic

Dr. Felix Kabange wanted to clarify size, "there is no specific treatment or vaccine to treat Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Treatment is symptomatic, that is to say they treat the signs of the disease. "However, the only effective treatment remains the awareness to observe the rules of hygiene. Why, during his stay in the Eastern Province, the Minister of Health had working sessions with local media to raise awareness among the population. It is called, to guard against contamination of the Ebola to wash their hands with soap before preparing food, before eating and after using the latrine, to boil water or disinfected with a chlorine solution, eat only hot food and goods covered.

It is also advisable not to defecate near water sources, not to organize the funeral of a deceased patient of Ebola hemorrhagic fever or touch his body, not touching an animal found dead forest. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://www.lobservateur.cd/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D8145:province-orientale-28-cas-debola-notifies-12-deces-enregistres%26catid%3D47:nation%26Itemid%3D49&usg=ALkJrhhSt3g4yxF1o8xs5sUDZB8r19weOg

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Wisconsin reports 14 cases of influenza after patients were near pigs

By Mark Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

Aug. 30, 2012
State health officials announced Thursday that 14 people in Wisconsin are confirmed to have the variant of the H3N2 influenza virus, though all have either recovered or are currently recovering from the virus. One child was hospitalized briefly, according to the Department of Health Services.

All of the patients had contact with pigs or came close to pigs at the Wisconsin State Fair or county fairs in Kenosha, Dodge and Manitowoc counties. As a result, state officials asked that fair visitors show caution and that those with weakened immune systems avoid entering swine barns.

"While this strain of influenza appears to cause an illness similar to seasonal strains, keep in mind that any influenza can cause very severe illness in certain people," State Health Officer Henry Anderson said in a news release.

The majority of the flu patients have been children. The average age: 10 years...
[link to www.jsonline.com]

Woman's Death Associated With H3N2v Virus

...Ohio is currently reporting 102 cases of H3N2v statewide. Those with confirmed cases of H3N2v are between the ages of 6 months and 61 years old. Most ill individuals have recovered on their own or were treated and released after a short stay in the hospital.
At this time, surveillance indicates that the individuals most likely became ill with the flu virus after exposure to swine.
At-risk individuals (children younger than 5 years old, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune system, and neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorders) should avoid exposure to pigs and swine barns during this fair season.... [link to www2.nbc4i.com]

H3N2v H2H Clonal Expansion Raises School Concerns

Recombinomics Commentary 23:55
August 31, 2012

In the U.S., influenza surveillance systems that normally start up in October have been activated early to look for cases, Finelli said.

She said the CDC is concerned that with the resumption of school and the impending change in the weather this virus could become more transmissible among people.

So far only a few instances of person-to-person spread have been seen with H3N2v. But Finelli noted that late last year there was some human-to-human transmission in Iowa and West Virginia. While the numbers last year weren’t high, she said the CDC is worried that pattern might be repeated this year.

The above comments from a Helen Branswell piece notes the two H3N2v outbreaks at the end of 2011 that did not have swine exposure...
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/08311206/H3N2v_H2H_Clonal_School.html

Three H3N2v Case Cluster In Somerset County Pennsylvania

Recombinomics Commentary 04:30
September 1, 2012

The three cases occurred among youth participants in the Somerset County Fair, Aug. 18-25.

This is the same virus that recently caused illness in association with the Huntingdon County Fair that took place earlier in August. Nationwide, a total of 288 cases have been confirmed. The illnesses reported in Pennsylvania are also mostly in children and are typical for the flu.

The above comments from the Pennsylvania Department of Health press release describe a second H3N2v outbreak, which is also in central Pennsylvania, but closer to the Maryland and West Virginia borders, including Mineral County, West Virginia, where the current sub-clade was first detected in late 2011 at a day care center were confirmed and contact cases had no swine exposure.

Like the Huntingdon outbreak, multiple confirmed cases have been reported, and more ILI cases are likely. The sequence from one isolate from the Huntingdon outbreak, A/Pennsylvania/13/2012 (collected August 15) was closely related to the other 33 sets of sequences from July and August collections from Hawaii, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, representing clonal expansion via sustained human to human transmission.

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/09011202/H3N2v_Somerset_PA_3.html

First Confirmed H3N2v Death - Ohio

Recombinomics Commentary 18:30
August 31, 2012

The 61-year-old female Madison County resident passed away earlier this week.

The individual had direct contact with swine at the Ross County fair before becoming ill.

The above comments from the Ohio Department of Health press release describe the first confirmed H3N2v fatality. Details, including disease onset date and underlying conditions, were withheld.

The death highlights the dangers associated with a heavily biased data base focused on swine exposure. In the August 31 CDC update, additional human to human transmission was acknowledged, but the number of cases and locations were withheld.

Similarly, the sequences from 34 cases have been released, but age and gender have been withheld.

This lack of transparency is hazardous to the world’s health and signals more efficient and deadly H3N2v transmission.
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/08311204/H3N2v_Fatal_1.html

As I mentioned before, this will be your next pandemic

They just haven't told you yet.
The thing is fairly mild, but can still lead to complications in the elderly or others with underlying conditions. It is starting to slowly go H2H...
The latest flu vaccine does not cover this strain, although to get it may protect from H3N2 recombining in you with a different strain. This flu strain is new and not really understood. As usual and normal, flu strains can and do mutate.
A further problem down the road will be the chance for this flu to combine with a stronger strain such as but not limited to H5N1. No need to panic, just remain aware of it. I don't advocate a flu vaccine or offer medical advice, just trying to keep you appraised of the situation. My family took the previous H1N1 vaccine without any side effects and did not catch that or any flu in 2009...just sayin.

New strain of swine flu confirmed in Western Pa.

Posted: Sat, Sep. 1, 2012, 3:01 AM

State officials Friday confirmed two cases of a new strain of swine flu and one probable case in Western Pennsylvania.

All three cases involved youth participants at the Somerset County Fair in mid-August, the state Department of Health reported. No one was reported hospitalized.The flu, known as H3N2v, has sickened nearly 300 people nationwide. The Associated Press reported Friday that a 61-year-old woman who came into contact with hogs at an Ohio county fair and contracted the virus had died. To find out more about the virus, visit www.health.state.pa.us - Robert Moran

US reports first death from new swine flu

Kyle Robertson A pig makes it's way through the Swine Barn at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus on Aug. 1, 2012. Public health officials in the United States are reporting the first known death due to infection with the new flu virus that has been jumping from pigs to people there.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Columbus Dispatch, Kyle Robertson

The United States has reported the first known death caused by the H3N2 variant virus, the new swine flu that has been jumping from pigs to people there.
And in another development that underscores how dynamic the intersection is between pigs, people and influenza viruses, health authorities in Minnesota announced Friday they have found three people infected with a different swine flu virus, an H1N2 variant virus.
An unidentified Ohio woman became the first to succumb to infection with H3N2v, which was first seen in people in the U.S. last summer. The virus has triggered an explosion of cases — 288 at last count — in 10 states this summer...

She said the CDC is concerned that with the resumption of school and the impending change in the weather this virus could become more transmissible among people. So far only a few instances of person-to-person spread have been seen with H3N2v.
But Finelli noted that late last year there was some human-to-human transmission in Iowa and West Virginia. While the numbers last year weren’t high, she said the CDC is worried that pattern might be repeated this year.
“We learned from that situation that we have to be ultra-vigilant as weather changes from hot weather to cold weather,” Finelli said.
There is evidence that suggests flu transmission is more efficient when temperatures are cooler and absolute humidity drops.
As well, young children are highly susceptible to this virus, having no immunity to it. So if an infected child went to school, there is a possibility the virus could take off among his or her classmates.... http://metronews.ca/news/world/354993/us-reports-first-death-from-new-swine-flu/

Minnesota State Fair: Pigs might've given people flu

Three people appear to have become infected with a strain of influenza after exhibiting pigs or visiting the swine barn at the Minnesota State Fair, health officials said Friday.
Only one of the three cases has been confirmed to be an infection of the influenza variant H1N2, and test results are pending for the other two people, Minnesota health officials said.

"The H1N2v strain is different from the H3N2v strain that has prompted stepped up surveillance and prevention efforts nationwide, after causing 289 reported cases of illness and one death since the beginning of the year," state health officials said in a statement.

A teenage girl was confirmed to have the virus after she saw the pigs at the fair and became ill on August 26, officials said.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/31/health/minnesota-state-fair-influenza/index.html

State confirms two cases of swine flu at Somerset County Fair

Health officials confirmed three cases of swine flu contracted by participants at the Somerset County Fair. (August 31, 2012)

MICHELLE GANASSI Daily American Staff Writer Daily American

August 31, 2012

Health officials report that three Somerset County Fair participants have contracted the new strain of swine flu.

Christine Cronkright, state Department of Health spokeswoman, said two of the cases have been confirmed by lab reports and a third person visited their physician with similar symptoms.

"We think they may have it," Cronkright said.

None of the three people were hospitalized. Cronkright declined to comment on whether the youth were showing pigs or provide their identities.

There have been a total of 288 confirmed cases nationwide of the H3N2v strain. Cronkright said the department received the information Friday afternoon. She did not know if Somerset County Fair officials were notified because the state Department of Agriculture notifies fair officials. That department was notified late Friday afternoon.

Cronkright said there is no evidence that the flu is being transferred from person to person.

"It is something we are watching very closely," she.

http://www.dailyamerican.com/news/somerset/da-ot-state-confirms-two-cases-of-swine-flu-at-somerset-county-fair-20120831,0,4437712.story

CDC: First Death From “State Fair Flu”

August 31, 2012 |

5:58 pm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today reported the first death from influenza A H3N2 variant (H3N2v), the swine flu strain that has been crossing intermittently from pigs to humans since last year. The victim was an “older adult with multiple underlying health conditions,” according to the CDC, and the Associated Press fills in that the victim was a 61-year-old woman from “central Ohio’s Madison County [who] died this week… after having contact with hogs at the Ross County Fair.” In a statement, the Ohio Department of Health says that she was one of 102 cases so far in the state this year. In total, the CDC says, there have been 289 cases so far this year (with Indiana leading, at 138 cases); in 2011, there were 12. Fifteen people have been hospitalized.

The CDC has been urging people for several weeks now to consider the risk of flu in state fair pig areas, and to stay away if they are....

In most of the US, then, the immediate risk of exposure from fair animals will end soon. However, the CDC has pointed out that there has been limited person-to-person transmission of this virus in the past two years, and has written some guidance for school systems who may want to be watching for ongoing clusters of infection.
The distant concern with flu is always that it is unpredictable, and may mutate into a more infectious or more virulent form. Adding pigs into the picture always alarms public health people a little, because the immunoanatomy of pigs’ lung epithelium is similar to humans’, allowing pigs to possibly serve as a “mixing vessel” for reassorting strains of flu. While concern over the H3N2v outbreak has seemed muted, it’s clear the CDC and the rest of the public health establishment do not take it lightly; 10 days ago, for instance, the CDC published standards for “enhanced surveillance” for any laboratories examining isolates from this flu.
With luck, and with deference to the victims — especially this sad death in Ohio — the H3N2v will remain a curiosity rather than become a source of alarm. But even so, it is yet another of the periodic reminders we get, that flu should never be taken for granted.
Update: Just as I hit the button on this, supreme flu reporter Helen Branswell of the Canadian Press published a piece emphasizing the concerns over transmission as kids return to school. Separately, I asked on Twitter for any sightings of blog posts on H3N2v, as I hadn’t seen any. The loose consensus is that the indefatigable Mike Coston of Avian Flu Diary is the only blogger to examine it this far. If you saw others, please let me know. Oops: Profound apologies to Crawford “Crof” Kilian, who has been covering it as well. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/08/death-fair-flu/

Swine Flu Death: Ohio Woman First Person To Die From H3N2v Influenza Virus, State Health Department Says

08/31/12 04:03 PM ET

CINCINNATI -- The death of a 61-year-old Ohio woman is the first in the nation associated with a new swine flu strain, the state Department of Health said Friday.

The woman, whose identity was not released, was from central Ohio's Madison County and died this week following an illness she contracted after having contact with hogs at the Ross County Fair.
The woman had underlying medical conditions, but the H3N2v influenza virus may have contributed to her death, the department said...
[link to www.huffingtonpost.com]

Ohio woman dies from H3N2v complications

In the U.S., the new strain of swine flu has died the first person
September 1st, 2012 | 08:13

Officials from the U.S. state of Ohio reported the first case of death of people who acquired a new strain of swine influenza H3N2v.

According to the Ministry of Health staff, 61-year-old woman who shortly before she developed symptoms of swine flu in contact with pigs at a fair, died earlier this week. However, the report states that the woman also suffered from several other diseases, which together with H3N2v could be fatal.

"Strain H3N2v, like other viruses, are more likely affects those with weakened immunity," - said the head of the Ministry of Health Ohio Uaymislo Ted, who also urged people who are at risk, contact with pigs, and take all necessary precautions .

Federal authorities have identified this summer 288 cases of human infection with the strain H3N2v, 102 of them in Ohio.

Previously, biologists found three new antibodies, one of which successfully protect mice from lethal doses of all types of influenza, including swine (H1N1) and avian (H5N1) influenza. This leads to the prospect of a universal cure for the disease. http://podrobnosti.ua/health/2012/09/01/855585.html

KOLKATA:It’s not a #birdflu outbreak: Experts

| Sep 1, 2012, 04.16AM IST
KOLKATA: Poultry deaths in North 24-Parganas might not have resulted from bird flu, believe animal husbandry officials and a section of experts. Even though samples are yet to be sent to the High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal for testing, the symptoms observed so far are closer to Ranikhet disease than H5N1 or the bird flu virus, they said.

All precautions, though, have already been taken to ensure that chickens from the affected areas don't reach either Kolkata or any of the other districts, according to the animal husbandry department. It has already resulted in a marginal price rise of chicken in the city.

"We have sent the samples for analysis. As of now, it doesn't seem to be bird flu for it's rare at this time of the year. The symptoms are more like Ranikhet disease. Also, had it been bird flu, it wouldn't have been restricted to just the organized poultries. The backyard farms would have also been affected," said an animal husbandry official.

Meanwhile, the ban on chickens from North 24-Paragans, which supply around 60% of Kolkata's chicken, has led to a spurt in price. The cost of a kg has gone up from Rs 88 last week to around Rs 92 now. Midnapore, Birbhum and Howrah are now catering to the Kolkata market. "We have instructed poultries in North 24-Paraganas not to supply to Kolkata. Supply won't be affected in Kolkata for the other districts are now providing more. But this could lead to a scarcity in the districts," said Avijit Kanjilal of the West Bengal Poultry Federation.

The federation has already taken steps to check the spread of the virus. "Initial signs suggest that this is not a flu outbreak. But we are taking no chances. Disinfectants have already been sent to farms in every south Bengal district. The affected poultries in North 24-Parganas have been shut down. We shall distribute more disinfectants over the next few days," added Kanjilal.

Microbiologists said the outbreak was less likely to be bird flu. "First, it's unlikely at this time of the year. More importantly, had it been H5N1, it would have spread by now. It could be some other virus like the Ranikhet disease. But we can't be sure unless the samples are checked," said a microbiologist at the West Bengal University of Animal and Fisheries Sciences.

Nurul Haq, secretary of the animal resoucres development ministry, said that local tests had confirmed that it wasn't bird flu. "It could be either Ranikhet disease or some other virus. We have sent the samples to Bhopal and shall wait for the report," Haq said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Its-not-a-bird-flu-outbreak-Experts/articleshow/16100055.cms

Govt denies bird flu report, samples sent to Bhopal lab

Govt denies bird flu report, samples sent to Bhopal lab
With bird flu panic gripping Swarupnagar in North 24-Parganas for the past few days, the state husbandry department has decided to send the blood samples of the chickens to a Bhopal research laboratory. The Belgachia lab here did not find any H5N1 positive case.
Animal Resources Development (ARD) Minister Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury, said bird flu was not behind the fowl deaths and said samples will be sent to Bhopal. “Following their confirmation, we can say whether there has been an occurrence of bird flu in that area,” he said.
The unusual death of a large number of poultry triggered the panic. Officials of ARD Department on Friday said there has been no report of fresh case of bird death from the area. They suspect that chickens may have been given stale food that resulted in their largescale deaths.
A senior official of the ARD department said the preliminary blood test reports confirmed that the birds died not due to bird flu but because of some “unnatural disease”.
A team of officials from ARD today inspected the poultry in Swarupnagar, where its sale has been stopped. Around 40 commercial poultry farms have been sealed in four panchayat areas of North 24-Parganas — Baduria, Kakrasuti, Lakshmikantapur and Nayabandh — where about 50,000 chickens died, a few days ago.
Quarantine measures like spraying lime has been started within one square kilometre area where the bird deaths took place, according to the guidelines of the Animal Husbandry department of the Union government.
It may be noted that in 2011, bird flu spread in parts of Tehatta in Nadia and the government gave around Rs 17 lakh as compensation to around 4,000 poultry farmers. Officials of the ARD department said this year, a total of around Rs 25 lakh has been allotted to control the disease of animals and preventive measures, therefore, should be taken earlier to prevent any outbreak.
Govt hiding facts: CPM
Leader of the Opposition Surya Kanta Mishra on Friday criticised the government and said the state government is trying to hide facts regarding bird flu. He said “he was confirmed that bird flu panic has gripped North 24-Parganas and that the government is trying to hide facts”. “There is no need to take all ministers along with secretaries on district tours. The secretaries have their work in the field too”, he said. The need of the government is to send the blood samples of the dead birds to laboratories in Bhopal and Pune for testing, he added. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-denies-bird-flu-report-samples-sent-to-bhopal-lab/996246/2

Quang Ngai declares H5N1 bird flu epidemic

Tuoitrenews

A+A-

Updated : Sat, September 1, 2012,11:52 AM (GMT+0700)

Veterinary officers handle ducks infected with the A/H5N1 virus in Tu Nghia District, Quang Ngai Province

Photo: VnExpress

The Quang Ngai Province People’s Committee yesterday declared an epidemic of the A/H5N1 avian flu as the disease has spread to five districts, with nearly 58,000 affected ducks and chickens having died or been culled.

Under the declaration, poultry slaughtering, transportation and trade are banned in epidemic areas, and urgent measures, including spraying antiseptic in affected areas, must be taken in accordance with to the Health Ministry’s instruction to prevent the spread of the disease.

The provincial Veterinary Sub-department said it has sent nearly 80 samples taken from affected poultry to the Veterinary Agency for Zone 4 in Da Nang city for testing, and results have shown that all the samples were infected with the deadly A/H5N1 virus.

Currently, the disease has seriously affected 17 communes in five districts, namely Son Tinh, Nghia Hanh, Tu Nghia, Mo Duc and Binh Son, according to the sub-department.
The provincial authorities request that breeders inform veterinary agencies of any new epidemic outbreaks and not to trade, slaughter or transport infected poultry.

All concerned agencies are required to tighten control over poultry-related activities and absolutely ban transporting of poultry into or out of epidemic areas, the authorities said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has granted 1 million doses of vaccines against A/H5N1 virus to Quang Ngai to vaccinate all flocks of poultry in the province. http://www.tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/society/quang-ngai-declares-h5n1-bird-flu-epidemic-1.84914

Bird flu epidemic breaks out in Quang Ngai 58,000 infected fowl

(VOV) - The Quang Ngai provincial People’s Committee declared on August 31 that a bird flu epidemic has swept through 23 hamlets in 17 communes of five districts across the province

All of the nearly 80 blood samples sent from these localities tested positive for the A/H5N1 virus, prompting local authorities have culled 58,000 infected fowl.
The provincto e is implementing strict measures to control the illegal slaughter and transport of poultry to prevent the disease spreading wider.
The provincial Department of Animal Health has provided one million doses of vaccine to protect poultry in seven neighbouring districts and towns.
http://english.vovnews.vn/Home/Bird-flu-epidemic-breaks-out-in-Quang-Ngai/20129/141652.vov

Friday, August 31, 2012

Ministry said has smuggled poultry breeds, Hanoi said no

Ministry said has smuggled poultry breeds, Hanoi said no

TP - Recently 3-4 cars a week (more than 100 thousand children, chicken Grower) chickens smuggled from China to Hanoi, turbulent market chickens, disturbing outbreak and spread of infectious diseases .

30-8, as observed by Pioneer reporter in poultry markets Dai Xuyen, Phu Xuyen - Ha Noi - the largest seed market in Hanoi, many households sell 10-15 day-old chicken, wear marks "chicken" and selling 13-16 thousand VND / child.
"The incubator in Dai Xuyen hamlet not sell chicken Grower, only sells day-old chickens, usually reserved for the oven. Grower that many households sell chicken is chicken smuggled from China, "she United, an incubator disclose.
Mr. K., the famous incubator in Phu Xuyen, said in the Great Trans often 3-4 first recruiter specializing run of the chickens, ducks Grower, through Lang Son, Mong Cai.
According to K., in China, they hamlet breeding herd, then they pick up the drums (left in above about 90% of the roof), move to Vietnam, so the price is very cheap. Hen, they are kept for egg production. Because of big interest dozen trips, arrested several trips still have money in their pockets.
"With Grower chicken, only sold 13 -14 thousand VND / child, high 16-17 thousand / children. Vietnamese chicken also, if fed by size, to sell 17-20 thousand VND / child, even more. Because cheaper than 3-4 thousand VND / child, and people still buy more, longer than about quality, not packaging our breeding centers. Another form, as they enter the Chinese egg hatching, however, due to various risks, so few people do, "said K. said.
Many traders like chicken said China policy support, if exports to lower costs, will be subsidized.
According to the understanding of reporters, every week there are about 3-4 cars chickens smuggled from China, often carrying Phu Xuyen on 3rd and 6 weekly.
Each car is about 20-30 thousand, which accounted for 90% chicken. The car always has 3-4 plates, at 17 (Pacific), at 99 (Bac Ninh), at sea 30 (Hanoi), vehicles without number plates.
Recently, the inter-agency rigorous inspection, smuggling objects do not use the truck to haul chickens, which used nine passenger car, remove the seats for the transport, in order to avoid inter-agency.
Fear of uncontrolled disease
Still smuggled poultry breeds in Hanoi, but in exchange for money, he needed Xuan Binh, Director of Animal Health Rights Hanoi said: "There is almost no poultry, including smuggled poultry breeds for domestic price is too low, livestock losses. "
According to Binh, the same bird before pirated from 10 to 15 days of age is essential. Recently, limit the trade in smuggled poultry transport, of unknown origin.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Duc Trong, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry (MARD) said poultry breeds, including culling chickens smuggled from China still to Hanoi.
Mr Trong said, when smuggled to Vietnam, Chicken Grower legitimized veterinary papers, it can be transported around the country. The most dangerous disease is not controlled, the risk of spread is large.
"The type avian influenza virus emerging in the country, originating from China, in the absence of effective vaccines. On the other hand, is highly dependent on the source of vaccine produced by China. Therefore, this is a very complex and dangerous, "he worried weight.
Mr Trong said, Phu Xuyen area where the biological safety in the North today, not what the Ha Vy poultry market (Thuong Tin).
Want to handle, veterinary districts, combined with the government, the police in Phu Xuyen found the recruiter collectors to thoroughly treated.
His weight warned: "The provinces, especially Hanoi makes drastic, the border will be less immediately, because chickens smuggled want to not know to whom, what input do. Otherwise, the risk of disease spread is huge. " http://www.tienphong.vn/xa-hoi/590100/Bo-noi-co-gia-cam-giong-nhap-lau-Ha-Noi-bao-khong-tpp.html

Blue ear disease continues to spread in Bac Kan

Last updated at 16:41, Friday, 31/08/2012 (GMT 7)

Nhan Dan Online-The last day in Na Oh, Duong Quang, Bac Kan (Bac) some sick pigs died, authorities take samples for testing and determining the blue ear disease .

Soon after the local authorities have destroyed 70 infected pigs, and localized outbreaks, conduct chemical spray disinfection cages once a day in the outbreak and the surrounding areas.

Earlier, the blue ear disease occurs in two, and then spread to the four communes and far spread Cho Moi District in Bac Can province also killed and destroyed nearly 200 pigs. Provincial Department of Animal Health said: Currently the pigs in the bordering area of the Cho Don district, Na Ri is the risk of spread.

Although the province has set up checkpoints on Highway 3 in Yen Dinh commune, Cho Moi district to prevent the transportation of pigs through the service, but in recent days some cars still secretly carrying pigs to town to spread disease.

Current H5N1 avian influenza are very complex evolution in Cho Don district, have tended to spread. http://www.nhandan.com.vn/cmlink/nhandandientu/thoisu/doi-song/i-s-ng-tin-chung/d-ch-l-n-tai-xanh-ti-p-t-c-lay-lan-b-c-c-n-1.365421

Deadliest prey in the jungle: viruses

August 30 2012 at 06:00pm
By Mark Piesing

In this 2009 file photo, Hong Kong police officers guard a hotel which was sealed off after the first swine flu victim in the city was confirmed to have stayed there.

London - For many, the dimly remembered panics over the bird-flu, swine-flu and Sars pandemics may now seem like a case of the authorities crying wolf, or even a conspiracy to boost the profits of Big Pharma. But to “virus hunter” Professor Nathan Wolfe, these viruses, which had all crossed over from wild animals, were merely the first gusts of a viral storm blowing out of the jungle and heading straight towards us.

Last year, Professor Wolfe's work led to the creation of an embryonic early-warning network of “viral listening posts” across Africa and Asia. The network earned his not-for-profit Global Viral Forecasting Initiative (now renamed Global Viral) the label of the “CIA of the viral world” and its founder a place in Time magazine's top 100 most influential people of 2011.

.....

“After all, despite all the efforts of the public health authorities, swine flu still infected 10 per cent of the world's population, and if it had been a little more deadly it could have easily killed millions.”

However, for Professor Wolfe there is also hope as, along with “the wonderful precedent of earlier efforts of the campaign to eliminate smallpox”, we now have “a whole load of tools that mean for the first time we can do something to prevent one of these hugely costly pandemics”.

Ultimately, he can imagine the possibility of a single global viral control room. Imagine Dr Strangelove's war room, but with the enemy being swarming viruses. Professor Wolfe was first made aware of the danger posed by the viral reservoirs carried around by wild animals - particularly in the jungle hotspots of Africa and Asia - as a field researcher in Cameroon and Uganda, where he witnessed the devastation wrought by Aids.

His own research on the many variations of the HIV virus in the villages he was monitoring showed just how big the viral reservoir was.

He believes that, while humans and this viral reservoir have always been connected “through the catching and butchering of wild game”, the further we have moved away from our origins as hunter-gatherers the more vulnerable we have become to viruses that we would once as a species have had immunity to.

So the “accelerating interconnectivity of the modern world” has helped to create the potential for a viral storm because any virus that crosses over and which would have burnt out in a small population (victims either dying or developing immunity) “now has, in a world of six billion people, the potential to spread and spread, as people are the fuel of viruses”.

It occurred to Professor Wolfe (and to others such as Dr Larry Brilliant, the president of the Skoll Global Threats Fund, as well) that improving scientific knowledge plus technological advances meant that for the first time humanity could start “imaging a kind of global immune system” that would be able to predict and then prevent viral outbreaks by “harnessing the power of data”.

By aggregating together information gathered from jungle hunters reporting strange deaths of wild animals that might warn of a new dangerous viral mutation, with data from “global organisations whose sickness records of their global workforce could pick up the first signs of a spreading virus”, and even by “looking at what people are posting via their smartphones,” it should be possible to predict an outbreak and then monitor how fast it is spreading.

Professor Wolfe, though, is concerned that “understandable fears over privacy” will hinder the “good use” of .....With bird flu on a new killing spree in Indonesia, we have to hope he is right http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/news/deadliest-prey-in-the-jungle-viruses-1.1372921

Schools re-open after Ebola attack

Pupils of Kakindo Primary School in Kibaale District attend a lesson yesterday. Schools have re-opened after authorities did not register any new cases of Ebola
Posted Friday, August 31 2012 at 01:00

In Summary

Back to business. Schools and markets in Kibaale District have re-opened after authorities confirmed no more cases of the haemorrhagic fever.

More than 200 schools that were indefinitely closed in Kibaale District following the outbreak of Ebola, have been allowed to re-open for the third term after all cases of the disease were discharged from Kagadi Hospital.

“After consultation with World Health Organisation, the ministries of Health and Education, the district has cleared markets and schools to resume normal operations,” Mr Stephen Mfashingabo, the vice chairperson of the district Ebola task force, said on Wednesday.

Mr Mfashingabo, who is also the district vice chairperson, said medical officials will continue to closely monitor activities in schools and markets to ensure they do not become centres of infection.

Schools and markets were closed after medical officials registered back to back cases of people infected with the highly contagious disease. The district education officer, Mr John Kyaboona had, last month, announced the closure of over 220 private and government-aided primary and secondary schools in the counties of Buyaga East, Buyaga west and Buyanja.

He said the closure was a precautionary measure to prevent a possibility of massive infections given the fact that Ebola is highly infectious. The District health officer, Dr Dan Kyamanywa, said surveillance teams have not detected any new cases in the district since the last patient was discharged last week.

Mr Kyamanywa said if no new confirmed Ebola cases are registered, the district will be declared Ebola-free after the completion of 21 days when the last case was discharged from hospital.

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Schools+re+open+after+Ebola+attack/-/688334/1490770/-/hift7vz/-/index.html

Markets re-opened on Monday although Muhorro, Kagadi, Karuguuza and Mabaale, which were popular, have registered low turn ups.

DRC Govt Confronts Ebola as New Cases Test Positive at Entebbe's UVRI

2012-08-30 21:43:33
Cases of Ebola continue to rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as government continues to find ways to control the outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

Read more: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=45059#ixzz257FcglOc

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Viral outbreak grips Panchthar‚ 50 cases reported

Over 50 cases of fever have been reported so far in the District Hospital, Panchthar. A viral fever outbreak has hit hard Prangbung, Lungrupa, Memeng, Angsarang VDCs [Village Development Committees] and their headquarters, Phidim. In fact, Angsarang has been the most affected VDC. The number of students attending schools has dropped in the Angsarang-based Jyoti Secondary School after children suffered from the disease.

In the same way, Prangbung-based Kalika Secondary School also faced similar problems after a number of students fell sick.

According to the Principal Lungrungpa Parbat Lal Dangal of the Siddheshwori Secondary School, more than 60 students have remained absent in their terminal examinations.

Health workers said when the symptoms of viral fever are found, then the disease will affect the patient for a week. However, since it is transmissible, most of the people in the village have taken ill.

The number of viral fever patients has increased in the District Hospital. Over 50 cases of fever are reported so far. The viral outbreak which spread in Parbat's southern Barrachaur and Ranipani VDCs has not been controlled.

With the spread of viral fever and typhoid since a week, hundreds of people are being affected daily. A team of health workers along with the medicine has been sent to the affected areas.
Barrachar-based Jana Sewa Secondary School has been closed after the outbreak, while the numbers of students in the Ambari Secondary School and surrounding schools have decreased by 50 per cent. Ambari School's Principal, Ganesh Poudel, said that schools could not be conducted for the whole day as there are very few students, and most of them have been ill. More than 100 patients are reported in local clinics. Health worker Surya Bahadur Karki reported that among them, 80 per cent are fever patients and 20 per cent typhoid.

Similarly, maternal health worker Kopila Sharma said that over 80 cases of fever are reported in the Barrachaur Health Post. Dr Sagar Rajbhandari of the District Hospital, Parbat said viral fever has spread due to climate change and unclean drinking water consumption.

Likewise, Lamjung's Duipiple-ba-sed Bhairavkali Higher Secondary School has been shut after most students were affected by viral fever. The number of students going to school has dropped since a week, so the school has been closed after an emergency meeting of the School Management Committee held today [29 Aug 2012], reported committee chairperson Nirmal Gautam. He said that after the suggestions of doctors and health workers of the nearby health posts, they have decided to shut the school.

Viral fever has spread in Gorkha's Gumda 6, 7, 8 and 9 since Sunday [26 Aug 2012]. With its spread, the local Suryodaya Secondary School was shut for 3 days as the teachers and students have taken ill, reported the school's management committee chairperson Bhim Prasad Gurung. According to him, over 250 households have been affected with at least one member in each family taken ill. Patients have the symptoms of runny nose, headache and fever, reported Gurung. Local health centres have started to face the shortage of medicine after fever spread in their areas.
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Viral+outbreak+grips+Panchthar%26sbquo%3B+50+cases+reported&NewsID=345346

statcounter

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

By DENISE GRADY

September 3, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Vietnam of Youxiang OIE report 3 H5N1 avian flu

Monday, September 3, 2012

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Veterinary officers handle ducks infected with the A/H5N1 virus in Tu Nghia District, Quang Ngai Province

Photo: VnExpress

Friday, August 31, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012