Ebola: Five admitted, 15 under surveillance

Five people suspected to have Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been admitted to different health facilities after it was established that they had been in close contact with the two people who were confirmed to have succumbed to the disease, following the latest outbreak in Luweero District, 50 kilometers from Kampala

Two of the suspects, an elderly woman and his son both related to the deceased, were Thursday admitted to the Mulago National Referral Hospital isolation facility where they are being closely monitored as they wait for results from their blood samples, expected on Friday.

Another person is admitted at Bombo Military Hospital in Luweero, while the other three are confined to their homes as an isolation centre is being set up at Nyimbwa Health Centre IV.

The Commissioner for National Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Denis Lwamafa said 15 people in Nyimbwa sub-county, Luweero, who are suspected to have come in contact with the fatalities are now under surveillance.

“This is a fresh outbreak. There is no epidemiological link between the outbreaks in Kibaale, western Uganda and the one in Luweero,” Dr Lwamafa said while responding to concerns on the possibility that the country could have been immaturely declared Ebola-free.

Uganda was declared Ebola free on October 4th after observing a 42 day post Ebola surveillance period.

Laboratory investigations done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe have confirmed that two people, all from one family in Sambwe Parish in Nyimbwa Sub-county, Luweero District, were among the first three fatalities of the Sudan strain virus that has been reported in the area.

The Minister for Health Dr. Christine Ondoa confirmed the outbreak Thursday.

This is the second epidemic in the country this year. The first one claimed 11 lives.

Travel Ban

The World Health Organisation, however, says that there is no travel ban on Uganda yet, with an exception of the affected areas. As a result, the minister told journalists, Uganda’s borders remain open both for people coming in and leaving the country.

She however said the government cannot regulate or stop other countries that may ban Ugandans from entering their countries.

Below is the Minister’s statement in full:

Ministry Of Health
15th November 2012
PRESS STATEMENT
EBOLA OUTBREAK IN LUWEERO DISTRICT

KAMPALA - The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public that another Viral Hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, has broken out in the country. This follows confirmation from the laboratory investigations done at the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe that two people, all from one family in Kakute sub-county, Sambu parish in Nyimbwa sub-county, Luweero district, had died of Ebola, the Sudan strain.

A total of three people have since the onset of the outbreak died in Luweero district located in the central part of the country. The first case, a boda boda rider, died on October 25th after presenting with signs of high fever and bleeding from some body parts. However, no samples were taken from this case as it was not reported to the health facility.

The second death occurred on November 10th 2012 at Nyimbwa Health Center IV. This was 25-year-old woman who had had nursed the boda boda rider. She too, presented with signs and symptoms of Ebola. The third case, also from the same family occurred on October 12 at Nyimbwa Health Center.

A number of suspects have already been identified and attended to appropriately. Currently, there are five suspects closely being monitored by our surveillance team. One is admitted at Bombo Military Hospital, two at Mulago National Referral Hospital Isolation facility while three are still in the communities. Those admitted have an epidemiological link with the index family and nursed the earlier two who were confirmed to have died of the disease.

The Ministry of Health and its partners have to this effect moved fast and beefed up all the necessary measures to control the spread of this highly contagious disease. 
• A team of experts from the Ministry, World Health Organisation, MSF, AFENET are already on ground to support the response plan.

• A national taskforce coordinated by the Ministry of Heath has now refocused its attention to the Luweero epidemic since the Marburg situation in western Uganda is fully under control.

• Plans are underway to create an isolation facility at Nyimbwa Health Center IV or Bombo Military Hospital.

• The Luweero district taskforce has been reactivated and is developing a response plan

• Active and sustained tracing and listing of all possible contacts that were exposed to the suspected and confirmed cases are in high gear. So far, a number of contacts have been recorded and are closely being monitored.

• The isolation facility at Mulago National Referral Hospital has already been reopened and has admitted two suspect cases.

• The necessary drug supplies and logistics for case management have been mobilized. The National Medical Stores have been requested to send the necessary logistics.

• MSF is already on the ground to evaluate and mobilise the necessary requirements for setting up an appropriate isolation centre at Nyimbwa health center IV or Bombo Military Hospital

• The Ministry has already dispatched Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and body Bags to Luweero district

• Collection of samples from suspect and probable cases has already commenced. Last evening, two samples from taken from suspect cases admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital

With the above measures, the Ministry of Health is confident that the outbreak will be effectively controlled and there should be no panic among the population.

Ebola is a highly infectious disease, which presents with high grade fever and bleeding tendencies. It is very infectious, kills in a short time but can easily be prevented. The signs and symptoms of the disease include 
• fever,

• vomiting,

• diarrhoea,

• abdominal pain,

• headache,

• measles-like rash,

• red eyes, and sometimes with bleeding from body openings.

It can be spread through direct physical contact with body fluids like saliva, blood, stool, vomit, urine and sweat from an infected person and soiled linen used by a patient. It can also be spread through using skin piercing instruments that have been used by an infected person. Likewise, a person can get it by getting in touch with a dead body of a person who has died of the disease.

The Ministry of Health urges the public, especially in Luweero and the neighbouring districts to take the following measures to avert the spread of the disease. 
• Report and immediately take any suspected patient to a nearby health unit

• Avoid direct contact with body fluids of a person suffering from Ebola by using protective materials like gloves and masks

• Disinfect the bedding and clothing of an infected person

• Persons who have died of Ebola must be handled with strong protective wear and buried immediately, avoid feasting and funerals

• Avoid eating dead animals especially monkeys

• Avoid public gathering especially in the affected district

• Burial of suspicious community deaths should be done under close supervision of district health workers

• Report all suspicious deaths to the health workers

The Ministry of Health once again calls upon the public to stay calm as all possible measures are being undertaken to control the situation. The country will be kept informed further on the outcome of the health emergency.

Hon. Dr. Christine Ondoa
Minister of Health

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Ebola---Five-admitted--15-under-surveillance/-/688334/1620726/-/item/3/-/dxaqej/-/index.html

Ebola outbreak in Uganda again

The Ministry of Health in Uganda on Thursday that an outbreak of the virus Ebola has killed three people in the central and after five weeks of the announcement of free the country from the deadly virus. was an outbreak similar to the virus in the Kibaale western country since four months have claimed the lives of 17 people.

 said in a statement Ministry of Health, "the ministry moved quickly and took all necessary measures to control the disease highly infectious, has been published relief teams already to control the disease." said Health Minister Cristina Oondoa told reporters that the first victim is the driver motorcycle fever hemorrhagic severe, died on 25 last October, but has not been verified his case immediately.

added Oondoa the nurse "25 years", which was responsible care of him died on 10 November as man died last from the same family the day before. had been transported all the hospital is located just 60 kilometers meters north of the capital. minister said "laboratory tests at the Institute of Virus in Uganda concluded that they all died from infected with Ebola strain of Sudan. 

subject five cases suspected bird flu disease to monitoring by the monitoring team. " After emergency measures with the assistance of WHO and the Center of America for Disease Control Ministry of Health announced that Uganda Ebola disease-free on the fourth of October last, after months of panic in the western areas of the country after reporting dozens of cases.

  http://www.al-sharq.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?AID=216611&CatID=142&title=%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3%20%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7%20%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B4%D9%89%20%D9%81%D9%8A%20%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%BA%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%20%D9%85%D9%86%20%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF

Australia-Authorities respond to suspect NSW Avian Influenza case

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has quarantined a layer hen facility in the Lower Hunter region following a suspect case of Avian Influenza.

"The suspected virus is definitely not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention — nor is it closely related to that strain," NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said.

"Australia has previously had a small number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza viruses which were all quickly and successfully eradicated.

"The property has been placed under quarantine and initial tracing and surveillance is being undertaken to confirm that the virus hasn’t spread. We currently have no evidence to suggest it has.

"DPI’s First Response Team has been dispatched to monitor the locked-down property."

Dr Roth said the peak egg industry body Australian Egg Corporation has been advised and the property owners are co-operating with authorities.

"We are still waiting on final confirmation from CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory which is expected later this afternoon," Dr Roth said.

Dr Roth said people who notice sick or dead birds should contact their local veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.

For further information on avian influenza is available. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/news/all/2012/avian-influenza-case  

Uganda says three dead in new Ebola outbreak near Kampala

KAMPALA | Thu Nov 15, 2012 6:15am

... said five more suspected cases were being monitored, including two at an isolation facility at Mulago Hospital in Kampala.

Luwero itself was last hit by Ebola in May last year, an outbreak in which a 12-year-old girl died.

Dennis Lwamafa, commissioner for disease control, said the latest outbreak was not linked to the July infection, attributing the rising frequency of haemorrhagic fevers to increased disease surveillance.

A team of health experts including personnel from the World Health Organisation and Doctors Without Borders has been sent to Luwero and an isolation facility was being set up at the district's Nyimbwa health centre for suspected Ebola patients, Ondoa said.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/us-uganda-ebola-idUSBRE8AE0RC20121115

New Ebola outbreak erupts near Uganda capital Officials say three new deaths confirmed and several evacuations under way in central region only 62km from Kampala.

Last Modified: 15 Nov 2012 12:43

The virus also struck Uganda in July when it claimed 14 lives.

Up to three people have died in Uganda from an outbreak of the Ebola virus in its central region, near the capital Kampala, according to officials. Health Minister Christine Ondoa said on Thursday that two of the dead were from one family in Luwero district. Ondoa told reporters: "Another viral hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, has broken out in the country ... a total of three people have, since the onset of the outbreak ,died". The news of the outbreak came as Ugandan and World Health Organization officials said they have isolated scores of people. The official said that the “contact list” of possible Ebola patients had increased to 15 the day after it was confirmed that the disease was infecting people in Luweero, a district only 62km from Kampala. Two of the Ebola cases are being treated at a Kampala hospital. While appealing for calm, she said the government was working closely with experienced partners to stem the spread of Ebola. Uganda is struggling with the latest bout of deadly hemorrhagic fevers to strike the east African nation in recent months. The virus struck in July in the west of the country, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the disease first occurred in 1976. However, Uganda had declared itself free of Ebola a month ago. On October 19, health officials also reported an outbreak of Marbug, a deadly viral disease known to be a cousin of Ebola, that killed three people. The first case involved a motorcycle taxi driver who died on October 25. The second victim, a 25-year old woman who nursed the driver, died in November. Ebola and Marbug are both highly infectious, spread mostly through contact with body fluids, and have high case fatalities. Symptoms include bleeding, diarrhea and vomiting and while there is no cure for both diseases, some patients survive through treatment of symptoms.  http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/11/20121115112152743777.html?utm_content=automate&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=NewSocialFlow&utm_term=plustweets&utm_medium=MasterAccount

Uganda-Ebola: Five admitted, 15 under surveillance for Sudan strain

BY DAILY MONITORHOME ON NOVEMBER 15, 2012

Five people suspected to have Ebola haemorrhagic fever have been admitted to different health facilities after it was established that they had been in close contact with the fever’s fatalities, whose blood samples confirmed that they had died of Ebola, the Sudan strain.

http://networkedblogs.com/ELIqV

Uganda- New Ebola death toll rises to 3

Publish Date: Nov 15, 2012
At least three people are confirmed to have died from Ebola haemorrhagic fever since last month, the health ministry has said.

All the three victims were members of the same family in Kakute sub-county, Sambu Parish, Nyimbwa sub-county.

“A total of three people have since died since the onset of the outbreak in Luweero district,” health minister, Dr Christine Odoa said Thursday while addressing journalists at the media centre.

The first case, a boda boda rider died on October 25 after presenting signs of high fever and bleeding from some body parts, although no samples were taken for testing, nor was the case reported to the health centre.

The second case, a 25 year old woman died on Saturday after nursing the boda boda cyclist while the third, also a member of the same family, died on Monday at Nyimbwa Health Centre IV.

At least five people suspected to have come into contact with those infected or the deceased are under isolation. Two of these admitted at Mulago Hospital, one at Bombo Hospital and three in Luweero.

The acting director general of health services, Dr Dennis Lwamafa said health experts were also tracing at least fifteen suspected cases in different parts of the country.

The recent Ebola outbreak comes barely two months after the country was declared Ebola-free.

The health ministry has dispatched a team of experts to assess the situation in Luweero, and plans are underway to create isolation centres at Nyimbywa Health Centre IV and Bombo Hospital.   

Dr Miriam Nanyunja, the WHO disease prevention and control advisor said a team of health experts had arrived to boost efforts to contain the epidemic.  http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/637326-ebola-death-toll-rises-to-3.html

World Health Organization Warns Of "Spreading" Yellow Fever Outbreak In Darfur

A yellow fever outbreak has hit Sudan's Darfur region, infecting up to 350 people and killing 107 in the last six weeks, the World Health Organization announced Tuesday. The WHO warns that the disease could spread all over the country.

As of Nov. 11, the WHO said in a statement there were 329 suspected cases including 97 deaths were reported from this outbreak. Central and South Darfur have the most suspected cases.

The number of deaths from the outbreak is steadily rising, and Sudan is working on an emergency vaccination drive. Officials reported last week that 67 people had died in the outbreak.

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The majority of those infected have no illness or only mild illness, but those who develop symptoms may experience sudden onset of fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, body aches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting within six days of exposure.

The severe form of disease brings symptoms such as high fever, jaundice, bleeding and eventually shock and failure of multiple organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is no medicinal cure for yellow fever. Doctors treat the main symptoms and wait for the viral infection to pass.

The WHO estimates that   http://www.wibw.com/home/nationalnews/headlines/World-Health-Organization-Warns-Of-Spreading-Yellow-Fever-Outbreak-In-Darfur-179388351.html

Australia-Chook farm lockdown as bird flu hits

Chook farm lockdown as bird flu hits

• BY:ALICIA WOOD 
• From:

The Daily Telegraph 

November 16, 2012 12:00AM

BIRD flu has broken out at a NSW poultry farm, with 50,000 chickens to be killed as a safety measure.

The farm, at Maitland in the lower Hunter region, was in lockdown yesterday as the CSIRO investigated the strain of the flu, although the agency confirmed it was not the deadly bird flu virus that had spread around the world.

Chief veterinary officer Ian Roth stressed there was no need for panic.

"The results confirm that the virus is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention nor is it closely related to that strain," Dr Roth said.

Nevertheless, Dr Roth said other birds and livestock in the area would be monitored to ensure there has been no spread of the virus.

"The Department of Primary Industries and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority are continuing surveillance and tracing to confirm the virus hasn't spread," he said. "We currently have no evidence to suggest it has spread."...  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chook-farm-lockdown-as-bird-flu-hits/story-e6frg6n6-1226517729079

Authorities seize poultry in Quang Binh

The Environmental Criminal Prevention Department and Quang Binh Traffic Police yesterday seized 15,000 chickens and ducks in central Quang Binh Province.

The poultry had not been through quarantine and were illegally transported by three coaches from Ha Noi to Quang Binh and Quang Tri for sale, according to the drivers.

The seized poultry will be sent to the provincial veterinary unit to be destroyed in line with current regulations. http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/52416/society-in-brief-12-11.html

Fears of an outbreak of bird flu at farms Sohag

A state of fear and panic has dealt owners of poultry farms in Sohag, and private centers in Tema and Balyana, following the deaths of large numbers of poultry exceeded 6 thousand chickens, in 5 farms, at the level of the two centers.

The owners of these farms have complained of neglect of Veterinary Medicine, for follow-up and care, stressing that they are forced to perform acts of treatment and periodic follow-up on their own, as a result of the absence of veterinary role in Sohag.

For its part, denied the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, a reported injury Poultry Sohag bird flu virus, emphasizing that of the current number of farms may be unusual injuries are not more.

He warned, Mohamed Abdel-Sabour, a veterinarian in Sohag, Sohag Governorate exposure to infected with bird flu, veterinary negligence, stressing the importance of veterinary care and supervision of the entire Veterinary on such farms.

On the other hand, Dr. Ahmed Al-Badri, Director of Veterinary Medicine to maintain, that the Directorate at the moment is doing convoys on agriculture departments, regions and rural villages to maintain, do a comprehensive inventory of poultry farms, to ascertain the extent matching these farms to the terms bio-security.

Badri added that veterinarians involved in these convoys are to withdraw samples from birds in this farm, to make sure "the immune level" and free of bird flu and other diseases affecting poultry.

He pointed out that convoys include inspect poultry be bred houses with rural farmers in villages, with the withdrawal of samples to ensure that they are free from bird flu.

The director of medicine Albitara Sohag, it has been providing all the tools used in the fight against disease of clothes and raincoats hands and masks and disinfectants, with the distribution of a special publication of bird flu on ranchers breeding birds, and dealing with the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine through which illustrate methods of infection of the disease and symptoms, prevention methods and treatment.  http://shorouknews.com/news/view.aspx?cdate=12112012&id=8c8237e0-8ffe-4544-b2df-f9c3bd253a02

Disease response still inadequate

Reports that a one-and-half-year old boy has died of Marburg virus once again brings to focus the need for sustained awareness and more vigilance. The latest victim, who died at Ruhoko Hospital in Ibanda District on Wednesday, brings the total death toll due to Marburg virus to nine since the outbreak was officially announced last month.

Though the outbreak was first confirmed in the western district of Kabale, disturbing reports indicate that it has so far spread to three other districts in western Uganda. The latest victim, only identified as Alexander, is the second person from Ibanda District to have died from Marburg virus having lost his mother to the same disease.

It is worrying that more people are still dying a month after the disease was reported. Despite assurances from the Health ministry that the disease is under control, there are loopholes that require urgent attention. Admittedly, the health authorities are doing what is within their power to contain further spread and educate the population.

However, there is need to increase surveillance and continually remind communities to be vigilant. Given our past experiences with Marburg and Ebola outbreaks, we ought to take precautionary measures more seriously. This may be challenging in rural areas but it is important to have a comprehensive strategy to contain and prevent similar outbreaks through sustained awareness as well as quick responses.

However, given the sluggish and negligible manner in which the nodding disease in northern Uganda was, for instance, handled, Ugandans must demand better health service delivery, more so in emergency situations such as Ebola and Marburg outbreaks and special cases such as the nodding disease syndrome.

Also, given the nature of rural communities where people rarely seek treatment partly due to lack of easy access to health facilities and ignorance, it is possible that outbreaks may come to the attention of health authorities late, making it extremely difficult to trace people who may have come into contact with affected people, yet Marburg is highly fatal.

Going forward, it is crucial to have in place functional integrated disease surveillance across the country. This will strengthen our response to outbreaks and, most importantly, build vital resources and information on various diseases, preventive measures and possible treatment. http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Editorial/Disease-response-still-inadequate/-/689360/1617454/-/yc2utlz/-/index.html

After the death of 5 people with the virus: the next threat of avian influenza to

achieve: Sayed Saleh

6074

 

Seems that the bird flu virus will be more violent and more dangerous to poultry and humans together during the coming winter season, after idle for several months during the summer season woke up the virus again, killing 5 people among the 10 people who had been infected with the virus,

While no one has claimed the owners of poultry farms for the presence of HIV infections have, perhaps fearing move the relevant authorities, and decision execution of infected poultry, although the silence on injuries flu if any - lead to disastrous results may kill all poultry at the farm, and perhaps move to other farms فيصيبها virus, and may also be passed to farm workers or others leads to their death!! 
constitutes a bird flu virus found in Egypt quality H5, h9 great danger with the changing seasons on poultry farms, and on humans, too, where a virus, says Dr. Mostafa Bustami professor poultry Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University and dean Previous - activity acute leading to mortality rate is high among Aldaojun, it can also lead to death in humans, where finally announced the deaths of 5 cases out of 10 human cases was hit by the virus. 
Symptoms of infection Aldaojun by , the appearance of blue color on the face and body, and secretions from the nose, diarrhea, sore in the blood vessels, and leads the virus to infect humans with symptoms similar, including inflammation of the eye, and secretions from the nose, pneumonia, difficulty in breathing. 
To counter the virus, Egypt is importing vaccines many from abroad, especially from China, where endemic disease in Southeast Asia, with the exception of a vaccine and a single synthesized in Egypt, however it has to be very careful during the change of seasons, and trapping the virus risks severe so as not to spread between farms, and humans. 
prevention is better than cure 
and estimated poultry in Egypt - says Dr. Nabil Darwish Chairman of the General Federation of Poultry Producers - 6 million mothers, and 500 million chickens fattening, in about 22 thousand and 500 farms large and small, the volume of investments about 20 billion pounds, and employs about 5.1 million factor, as well as farms amber one and includes (2000 chickens), or wards of the 5 thousand chickens, the virus exists in Egypt since 2006, where he was addressing his vaccination, and there it when facing virus vaccine should expect that we can not get rid of the virus easily, and it will continue to exist for a period ranging between 5 and 10 years, pointing out that prevention is better than cure, which requires procedures caution, and reporting of cases infected, and follow safety procedures vital that adhere plantations only, while not committed to small farms in any preventive measures, which led to the localization of the virus in Egypt. 
biosafety 
and biosecurity who do not know many people - is a commitment to standards hygiene within farms, and are sterilized workers on farms when entering wards, and when you exit, and prevent the arrival of animals like cats, dogs and rats, as well as Bird Kalasaver to farms, because it represents a significant factor in the transmission of the bird flu virus between farms, and are designed wards scientific manner so that ventilation and fresh air, and not less than the distance between farms and residential area about 500 meters. 
farms random 
and the problem lies in the spread of poultry farms within regions random, and sticking to each other, and not following safety procedures vital, and not design wards in a scientific, as well as a failure to follow procedures caution and prevention necessary, where plantation owners or workers by closing the windows in the winter to protect the chickens from the cold, due to the lack of appropriate means for heating Under crises butane and diesel to hit the country road, allowing the spread of the virus easily between these farms, and then death of large amounts of chicken, as well as the possibility of transmission of the virus between humans, which threatened death in the absence of trapping the virus, and diagnosis and treatment of an infected person required speed . 
problems vaccines 
and hard scientifically that the virus could mutate during the period of time between 6 and 12 months, so they may not benefit vaccines old to be cured, so they should isolate the virus every 3 months, the production of new vaccines in the case of mutate, but the problem in Egypt that are isolated virus each two years, and the government approvals to import vaccines take 6 months as well as another 3 months to test the vaccine in the laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, and during that period the virus has spread between farms ..In short, we have a problem we do not find responsible one take where a firm decision to maintain the poultry. 
compensation for farms 
and other issue that is no less important, are not informed of small farms, or farms of the big companies in the field of production Aldaojun for bird flu cases in farms, even not affected its reputation in the market, and some owners of small farms fear also reported cases of HIV infection fearing execution herds chicken completely, although there is a committee to pay compensation to the owners of farms in the case of early reporting of injury, where being counted extent of the damage, and to compensate those affected by 70% in poultry fattening, and 60% in the mothers, and 50% of grandparents Aldaojun, and the problem is that the committee that decides compensation - After previewing the extent of damage - not moving to exchange compensation required speed, which leads to the reluctance of many of the owners of the affected farms for reporting the presence of HIV infections among poultry , leading to spread and difficult to control him, and then killed all quantities, and spread the virus between farms surrounding, and humans as well. 
protecting poultry 
and marvel at the President of the General Federation of Poultry Producers of non-activation of the ministerial decree on non-trading of live poultry, and not sold live in shops poultry , poultry moving from province to province, and replace to replace, and mingle with humans, which ultimately leads to endless chain of transmission of the disease and its spread, and to protect poultry, it was decided to prevent poultry and domestic birds in the cities, and decides to prevent bird trade live assignee under the law No. 790 of 2009, and since the beginning of July 2009 decided to prevent this trade in 6 main cities of Cairo and Giza, Alexandria, Helwan and Maadi, and 6 October and Sheikh Zayed, and was scheduled as of July 2010 for one year, to be banned trade of live birds in various cities and capitals Egypt completely, but it did not happen to the circumstances that followed the revolution last January, and then did not abide by one of the owners of stores that sell poultry to the resolution, which increases the chances of the spread of the bird flu virus, especially with the onset of winter. 
serious complications on humans 
and the risk of bird flu on humans - and the talk here of Dr. Alaptanona professor Chest Diseases, Faculty Bootleg - that their symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, such as the very high temperature, cough, and shortness of breath, and when HIV infection occurs severe complications such as pneumonia, and respiratory failure, and therefore require the bird flu virus early diagnosis and prompt treatment to overcome the complications of the disease, which, if neglected treatment required speed, accuracy in diagnosis, lead to deterioration of the infected person expose themselves to injury failed pulmonary and respiratory, necessitating placed in intensive care to control the symptoms associated the infecting virus, and therefore I would advise the need to take precautionary measures to prevent injury from the ground up, and quickly see a doctor in case of seasonal flu syndrome, so as not to cause delays in diagnosis to serious complications mentioned, which may lead to death.

http://www.ahram.org.eg/Investigations/News/182461.aspx

on suspicion of bird flu

Archival

Cairo - Zeinab Abdel Rahman

Detained Directorate of Health Affairs Menoufia, a housewife called "hope. H. P" (35 years old, from the village of Manial دويب inside Fever Hospital Ashmun, on suspicion of being infected with bird flu, and the appearance of symptoms of the disease. Dr. Ayman Abdel-Moneim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Menoufia , has been taking a sample of blood and sent to labs central Ministry of Health for analysis.announced Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, for that reason injury victim was the result of exposure to dead birds, where it was clear her family's home, and take samples from contacts her home, and take preventive measures adopted in this regard.  http://www1.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=842445&SecID=296&IssueID=0

Uganda Red Cross, government and partners in Marburg Fever operation

Written by Catherine Ntabadde

Monday, 05 November 2012 08:39

By Ronald Arinaitwe-Branch Manager URCS Kabale Since the outbreak of Marburg fever in Kabale, the district task force formed sub committees to control the disease. The Uganda Red Cross Society Kabale branch  is attached to the social mobilization committee charged with the responsibility of sensitizing the communities about Marburg.   42 URCS branch volunteers were mobilized and have been trained by the district to help in sensitizing the communities.Volunteers engaged.The branch engaged 42 volunteers in this exercise as below:• 14 Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) volunteers were on Thursday 25th trained by Medicines San Frontiers and deployed at the Isolation Centre set up at Rushoroza Health Centre III. • 28 branch volunteers were trained by Health Officers from the District Health Office and are now involved in house to house sensitization exercise in villages and in the 3 divisions of Kabale Municipality. They move with a team of social mobilizers from the district. Community entry The volunteers liaise with the local leaders to penetrate the communities. They move house to house sensitizing the household members about Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. The involvement of local leaders has helped to build confidence in the communities and also accepting the volunteers to pass on the message to them. Activities done  .•At the isolation centre, the volunteers are engaged in spraying at the different entries of the isolation centre as trained and oriented by MSF Officers. •Volunteers are carrying out door to door household sensitization in villages, wards and divisions allocated to them on daily basis. •On prayer days like Friday, Saturday and Sundays, the volunteers give talks about Marburg in the Mosques and churches. •Distribution and pinning up Information, Education and Communication materials  • Every day 2 meetings are attended in the morning and evening at the District Lukiiko Hall. Safety of the volunteers. All Branch Volunteers participating in this exercise were oriented on the risk of Marburg Haemorrhagic Fever and were also trained by a team of Health Officials before they started working.   At the isolation centre at Rushoroza Health Centre III,  14 volunteers deployed received special training and orientation about the isolation centre by Officials from Medicine San Frontiers, They were all given protective gears such as heavy duty gloves, face masks, gumboots, washing water mixed with jik and soap and also overalls.   All the safety precautions are observed by the volunteers in the field and those working at the isolation centre.  Partners in the Marburg Fever operation  URCS through its Kabale Branch  Medicine San Frontiers  World Health Organization AFENET  World Vision Care Internationa l Ministry of Health  Office of the Prime Minister  Police  Kabale District Political Leader  Local radios

Last Updated on Thursday, 08 November 2012 07:52 http://www.redcrossug.org/component/content/article/1-latest-news/390-uganda-red-cross-government-and-partners-in-marburg-fever-operation.html

Traders in Kabale Force Health Minister to Lift Ban on Markets

State Minister for primary health care Sarah Aceng Opendi was on Friday held hostage by angry traders at Kabale district head quarters.
All it says

BEEN CLOSED DUE TO MARBURG..NOW FORCED TO OPEN.
http://ugandaradionetwork.com/a/story.php?s=47279

One-year-old dies of Marburg in Ibanda

Saturday, November 10  2012 at  02:00

IBANDA

A one-and-half-year old boy has reportedly died of Marburg virus at Ruhoko Hospital in Ibanda District.

The District Health Officer, Dr Julius Bamwine, on Thursday confirmed to Saturday Monitor that the victim, only identified as Alexander, died on Wednesday night. “I can confirm to you that one of the victims from Kikyenkye, who had tested positive to Marburg virus died last night. He is a son to Mr Mande who lost his wife to the same disease recently,” Mr Bamwine said. The baby becomes the second person from Ibanda to die of the virus but the ninth to succumb to the killer virus in the region.

The Health ministry confirmed the Marburg outbreak a month ago in the western district of Kabale. It has since spread to three other districts in Western Uganda. Alexander’s mother, Rosette Katusiime, died of the virus at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital on October 23. Her husband had also tested positive.

The boy was admitted at Rukoho Hospital with other four suspected cases last week. 
The number of suspected cases has since gone up to 12. Dr Bamwine said they are in the process of discharging eight people who have tested negative while four still remain under surveillance as they wait for their results from Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe.

At Mbarara hospital, the three suspected cases admitted last week have tested negative and been discharged but two more cases were on Wednesday admitted with symptoms similar to those of the Marburg virus.

“We have two male suspected Marburg patients; one is from Kisenyi in Kakoba Division, Mbarara Town. He had severe nasal bleeding while the other is from Rwampara County in Mbarara. He was vomiting and passed stool with blood,” said Ms. Eugenia Namulindwa, the in-charge of the isolation unit.

The virus
Seven other people have died of Marburg Virus in Kabale District since October 19 and two are positive and remain admitted at Rushoroza Isolation Centre.

Marburg hemorrhagic fever is a rare, severe type of hemorrhagic fever which affects both humans and non-human primates. The virus is reported to be transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva and blood of an infected person, along with getting in touch with infected wild animals such as monkeys.  http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/One+year+old+dies+of+Marburg+in+Ibanda/-/688334/1616178/-/aetde2z/-/index.html

Second chicken tests positive for (EEE) virus

A second sentinel chicken has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, prompting Hernando County health officials to issue a cautionary advisory.

The chicken is part of the same flock as the first chicken that tested positive for the virus last month.

The flock is located in the northwest corner of Hernando County, off Zebrafinch Ave., west of U.S. 19.

This means that mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus are present in the area.

The county maintains several flocks of chickens throughout the county that are tested periodically to determine if they are carrying a mosquito-borne virus.

The viruses are not harmful to the chickens, but they can be deadly to humans and horses.

Hong Kong traveller tests negative for Sars

A Hong Kong man who fell ill following a trip to Saudi Arabia is not infected by a new respiratory virus related to Sars, the Centre for Health Protection said on Wednesday afternoon.

A centre spokesman said a nasal specimen and throat swab taken from the patient both tested negative for the new coronavirus associated with Sars.

The 59-year-old man, who has underlying illnesses, came down with fever, coughing and shortness of breath on Tuesday.

He was admitted to the isolation ward at Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday and is reported in stable condition.

The patient, who lives in Hong Kong, travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on October 9 and then to Medina and Mecca. He returned to Hong Kong last Thursday.

He was not exposed to wild animals during his stay in the Gulf nation, and none of his travelling companions or home contacts show any symptoms, the centre said.

Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry this week confirmed a new case of the respiratory virus in the kingdom, raising the total number to three in recent weeks.  http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1076988/hong-kong-man-tested-sars-virus

Uganda plans wildlife cull as deadly Ebola and Marburg affect tourism

Posted on Tuesday, 06 November 2012 13:59

The deadly Ebola and Marburg diseases, which hit Uganda recently, are negatively impacting on the country's tourism.

A number of foreign tourists have reportedly cancelled their trips to Uganda due to fear of the disease.

The country's Ministry of Tourism has resolved to cull all wild animals in national parks, as they suspect these could be carrying the fatal viruses.

Mid this year, there was an Ebola outbreak, where 14 people died. A Marburg virus outbreak, a few weeks ago, has so far claimed 10 lives.

Tourism Minister, Maria Mutagamba said her ministry was working with the Health Ministry to carry out research and identify animals carrying the viruses so they could adopt preventive measures.

Ebola and Marburg diseases are believed to originate from wild animals, and as Ugandans are fond of game meat, they are prone to infection from the deadly diseases.

"We are looking at several ways of fighting the deadly diseases. Fencing the game parks so that local people do not access them would be the best option but it is very expensive.

"We shall eliminate animals suspected to be carrying viruses of Ebola and Marburg," Mutagamba said.

She said because of Ebola and Marburg diseases a number of foreign tourists cancelled their trips to Uganda, leading to loss of income.

A medical expert, Dr Asuman Lukwago said suspected cases of Marburg had been found in monkeys, chimpanzees and bats.

He said when some people poach wild animals in game parks, they end up killing and eating those infected with deadly virus and they also get infected.



But Uganda wildlife authority spokesperson, Lillian Nsubuga wonders how animals would be identified for the cull, as there are thousands of them.



"I wonder how they will identify animals with Ebola or Marburg virus. There are thousands of buffaloes and hippos. How will they check them for the virus?" she asked.

She blamed people living near the national parks for poaching uncertified and wild animals for game.

Read the original article on Theafricareport.com : Uganda plans wildlife cull as deadly Ebola and Marburg affect tourism | The Africa Report.com 
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