NIAID Scientists Begin Study of New Coronavirus

Last Updated December 03, 2012

In September, just days after receiving reports that a newly identified coronavirus had claimed the life of a person in Saudi Arabia, NIAID and its international partners began discussing potential studies of the virus. Their plans took on greater urgency eight days later when the United Kingdom reported treating the same viral infection in a man who had recently traveled in Saudi Arabia. This patient survived.

These first two cases sparked fears among scientists of a new SARS-like outbreak. SARS—severe acute respiratory syndrome—also is caused by a coronavirus, which in 2003 spread rapidly from person to person, sickening more than 8,000 people and killing more than 900 worldwide. Until SARS, most scientists viewed coronaviruses as relatively harmless causes of the common cold.

In late November 2012, after a lull that made scientists optimistic, the case count climbed to nine people, including five deaths.

Seeking the Best Animal Model

In response to the outbreak, Drs. Heinz Feldmann and Vincent Munster at NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana, began studies of the novel coronavirus in Syrian hamsters and rhesus macaques. Their partners at Erasmus University in The Netherlands are conducting similar tests in ferrets and cynomolgus macaques. The groups are coordinating their work to determine which species may be the most suitable to study as a model of human infection. The same four animal species are used to study other human respiratory diseases, most notably SARS, influenza, and hantavirus.

The new coronavirus is closely related to coronaviruses isolated from bats, suggesting that these animals might be its natural carrier. The RML Virus Ecology Unit conducts research on viruses that originate from bats, such as Ebola and Nipah, and this new coronavirus underscores the need for NIAID research on infectious disease ecology and natural carriers, or reservoirs, of infectious agents.

Responding to an Emerging Virus

“The virus appears to cause severe lung and kidney damage,” said Feldmann, who in 2003 was among a group of scientists who tracked the spread of the SARS virus from its origin in southern China to a Hong Kong hotel, where it affected several guests.

“We want to mimic human infection in an animal model to understand how this novel coronavirus causes disease and whether there is a potential for transmission of the virus among humans.”

Once the scientists learn how the virus spreads in an animal model, they will begin working on countermeasures such as antiviral treatment and vaccines to assist preparedness efforts.

“Several weeks passed between the cases, so we still are not sure whether there is potential for this new coronavirus to infect more people,” said Munster, who heads the Virus Ecology Unit at RML. “Our studies will provide valuable knowledge that should help us if this disease is indeed similar to SARS.”   http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/emerging/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

In the Kuban vaccinations for both people and birds

While no cases of bird flu in the region is not registered
At the end of last week in Anapa and Temryuk district residents discovered hundreds of dead carcasses of wild birds - coots . Birds died just one day. Analyses showed all his fault influenza strain H5N1. He's a notorious bird flu, which claimed 64 lives during the epidemic of 2005 in Southeast Asia. This means that the danger is not only to poultry, but all residents of the Kuban. As described in the Regional Ministry of Health, from human to human infection is not transmitted, but you can get infected from sick birds, and even while cutting its carcass. Therefore, on Friday to address the governor of the region Alexander Tkachev in Anapa and Temryuk imposed quarantine and banned hunting .


- The experience we have - reminded Tkachev. - Five years ago, the edge in a short time managed to fully cope with the spread of the virus. Then there was a flash on a large poultry farm in Bryukhovetskiy area. Poultry had to completely destroy, introduced strict controls on the roads as well as in enterprises. As a result, to prevent new outbreaks. No human bird flu while ill.
In the same way there are today. While some experts bypass hunting grounds and ponds in search of dead birds, others inspect hens and geese, and questioned their owners, whether they have symptoms. At the same time, the edge of the poultry should go to the private mode, and poultry banned "to go out." Experts believe that the virus got into the Kuban with migratory birds, which means that poultry should be possible to isolate.
Veterinarians offer poultry owners to vaccinate. Procedure is free no matter how many birds you "will lead to the reception." Where the vaccination - please call "hot" line of the 8 (861) 268-33-09, 268-34-05.
The rest of the Kuban management specialists veterinarians recommend to stick to simple rules: no contact with either the home or with wild birds and not to buy meat and eggs with it.
- Since then, as the Kuban appeared avian influenza each year vaccinate everyone who lives in the 3 km of the bird production - said the spokesperson of the regional Rospotrebnadzor Irina Voronkov.
Vaccination against influenza, which was to end on December 1, extended, and a mandatory vaccination will make poultry workers. In Anapa and Temryuk district podvorovye rounds conducted 25 medical teams.
- Those who have already been vaccinated against the "human" flu (in the region of 1.7 million people), do not worry. Because the vaccine is the same, it contains several strains of the virus, including H5N1, - explain in the regional Rospotrebnadzor.
All those wishing to make the vaccine for free. You just have to go to a clinic in the community.

REFERENCE "KP"
- Bird flu refuses to feed and water, does not respond to external stimuli such as "Enchanted" goes around, twists his head. I feathered skin turns blue, you can see the curvature of the neck, - warn the State Veterinary Department of the Krasnodar Territory. - However, the final diagnosis is only in the veterinary laboratory.

BTW
First bird flu found Italian veterinarians over a hundred years ago. However, the first person infected by birds only in 1997. Then ill 18 people in Hong Kong, six of them died.

http://kuban.kp.ru/daily/25994.5/2923835/

Gujarat: 38 cranes dead; avian flu back?

Ahmedabad: The sudden death of 38 cranes in the wetlands (salt pans) close to Victor village in Rajula range of Amreli district has raised fears of a return of the deadly bird flu virus. The matter first came to light when a bird lover informed forest officials about the death of five birds on Saturday.

Sunday saw the death of 30 more birds while a few others were found to be extremely ill. Of the ill birds, three more died taking the toll to 38. Incidentally, two eagles, believed to have feasted on the dead cranes were also found dead. 

Cranes migrate to the wetlands in this part of Gujarat from Siberia during the four months of winter. The salt pans belong to GHCL, a company involved in the production of salt.

Mangubhai Thapa, a bird lover and resident of a nearby village was the first to be told about death of five birds. He said that there had been sporadic incidents of bird deaths for the last one week. 

“A fortnight ago we found 15 dead birds but thought it was the handiwork of dogs. It was only when villagers informed me of the death of five birds that an alarm was raised. We informed the forest officials who sent the birds’ remains for a post-mortem,” said Thapa. 

Dinesh Goswami of Kodinar Nature Club, who rushed to the two wetlands (salt pans filled with water), said that on Sunday he had counted 30 dead birds. “It could be bird flu although we can’t be sure. Some of the cranes seemed extremely ill. Two eagles who might have feasted on the dead birds, also died while another is in a critical condition,” said Goswami.

DFO, social forestry, JK Makwana, when contacted said that the post-mortem of the birds will be done on Monday. Regarding the post-mortem report of the five birds who died earlier, he said that the reports showed that they had died due to respiratory troubles. As for the possibility of a return of avian flu, he said nothing could be said without proper investigation. “The forest department may send samples to Junagadh or Bhopal to know more details about the bird deaths,” said Makwana.

A team of veterinary doctors from Amreli is also likely to visit the place on Monday to collect samples.

Director, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Assad Rahmani, said there is a need to investigate. “Nothing can be said without proper investigation. The blood samples of the birds should be scientifically collected and sent to Bhopal for investigation. Then only will we know what caused the birds’ death,” said Rahmani. 

He also said that stomach samples of the birds should be sent to know if they died due to unintentional pesticide poisoning or avian flu.

Another source in the department said that paralysis, as displayed by the birds, is a symptom of viral infection. Principal secretary, forest and environment department, HK Dash, could not be reached for his comment.  http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/GUJ-AHD-gujarat-38-cranes-dead-avian-flu-back-4097826-NOR.html

Frequently Asked Questions on novel coronavirus

2 December 2012

What is the novel coronavirus?

This is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness in humans and animals. In humans, this large family of viruses are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

In confirmed cases of illness in humans, common symptoms have been acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. Based on current clinical experience, the infection generally presents as pneumonia. It has caused kidney failure and death in some cases. It is important to note that the current understanding of the illness caused by this infection is based on a limited number of cases and may change as more information becomes available.

Can it be transmitted from person to person?

This is not known with certainty at this time. The cases occurring in the same family raises the possibility of limited human-to-human transmission. Alternatively, it is possible that the infected family members were exposed to the same source of infection, for example, in a household or workplace.

How could I become infected with this virus?

To date, we do not know how humans have become infected with this virus. Investigations are underway to determine the virus source, types of exposure that lead to infection, mode of transmission and the clinical pattern and course of disease.

Is there a vaccine for the novel coronavirus?

There is no vaccine currently available.

Is there a treatment for the novel coronavirus?

There is no specific treatment for disease caused by novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms caused by this virus can be treated and therefore treatment should be based on the symptoms of the patient.

What can I do to protect myself?

Exactly how people become infected with this virus is not known at this time. However, some general measures that would be prudent and help prevent the acquisition of any respiratory illness are to avoid close contact, when possible, with anyone who shows symptoms of illness (coughing and sneezing), and to maintain good hand hygiene.

How many people have been infected by the novel coronavirus?

WHO is closely monitoring the situation and regularly publishes information about the disease. For more go to http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/

How widespread is the novel coronavirus?

It is unknown how widespread this virus may be. 
WHO is encouraging Member States to continue to closely monitor for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns of SARI or pneumonia. WHO will continue to share information as it is made available.

Are health workers at risk from the novel coronavirus?

Health care workers come into contact with patients with many different infectious illnesses more often than the general public. Therefore WHO recommends that health care workers consistently apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/prevention_control/en/index.html

Is the novel coronavirus like SARS?

SARS is a coronavirus that was identified in 2003 and belongs to the same large family of viruses as the novel coronavirus. Therefore, SARS and the novel coronavirus are distantly related. Both viruses are capable of causing severe disease. However, they have important differences based on current information. Most importantly, the novel coronavirus does not appear to transmit easily between people while the SARS virus was much more transmissible.

Is it true that this novel coronavirus originated from bats?

This is one possibility but the origin of the virus has not yet been established.

Can humans become infected with novel coronavirus from animals? If so, which ones should we be concerned about?

WHO is closely monitoring the situation to identify how people are being exposed. There is currently no direct evidence that the human cases were exposed through direct contact with animals.

How is WHO responding to the emergence of this novel coronavirus?

Since the emergence of this virus, WHO has been working under the International Health Regulations to provide information to Member States. WHO is also working with involved countries and international partners to coordinate the global health response, including the provision of updated information on the situation, guidance to health authorities and technical health agencies on interim surveillance recommendations, laboratory testing of cases, infection control, and clinical management, based on the current understanding of the novel virus and the disease in humans.
WHO will continue to work with Member States and international health partners and share updated information as it is made available.

What is WHO recommending countries do?

WHO encourages all Member States to enhance their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns of SARI or pneumonia cases.
WHO urges Member States to notify or verify to WHO any suspected or confirmed case of infection with novel coronavirus.

Has WHO recommended any travel or trade restrictions related to this new virus?

No. WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions with respect to this event. WHO will continue to provide updated information as it is available.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/faq_dec12/en/index.html

EMERGING DISEASES LIKE NEW CORONAVIRUS BEING MONITORED CLOSELY IN OMAN: WHO

Madhuparna Bhattacharjee

01/12/2012 9:18 am

The World Health Organization (WHO) office in Muscat has said that emerging diseases like the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-like virus outbreak are being constantly monitored in Oman. 

The surveillance system in the sultanate is capable finding cases (if any), which includes the latest coronavirus that affected two GCC countries.

Dr Abdullah Saleh Assaedi, the WHO representative in Oman, said, “Monitoring any emerging disease is a very crucial task and we are doing it.”

He said that monitoring is done through International Health Regulations (IHR). “The country’s Ministry of Health reports it to IHR, which in turn reports to WHO.” He added that WHO encourages all member states to continue their surveillance on Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and is currently reviewing the case definition related to the novel coronavirus...

http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Emerging-diseases-like-new-coronavirus-being-monitored-closely-in-Oman-WHO-1ve8

Thailand's Farmers told to watch out for bird flu

• Published: 3/12/2012 at 12:00 AM

The Livestock Development Department (LDD) is on high alert against a possible outbreak of bird flu, which usually flares up in the cool season.

LDD chief Tritsadee Chaosuancharoen said the department had instructed poultry farm owners and volunteers to look out for for any unusual deaths of fowls.

Farmers have been told to take special care of fowls during the cool season, when the animals are at risk of contracting the bird flu virus.

The LDD also encourages the farmers to raise poultry in a closed system, which can limit the chance of virus infection among the chickens.

Livestock officials were al..  http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/324209/?

The head of Rospotrebnadzor Russia warns of SARS in the Middle East

02/12/2012, 16:32

Photo: RIA Novosti

The head of Rospotrebnadzor, Russian doctor Gennady Onishchenko advised when planning winter do not forget the case of acute pneumonia (SARS) in the Middle East. Interview, "Interfax," Onishchenko said the number of patients with SARS in China East has developed den9: 2 people in Jordan, five in Saudi Arabia and two in Qatar. In Jordan and Saudi Arabia have deaths. World Health Organization of the United Nations assessment of the spread and not made barriers to international travel and trade. However, Mr. Onishchenko warned the Russians are prepared to travel the Middle East should remember about the situation in the region. Previously doctor Onishchenko advised people to winter holidays and New Year holidays in Russia, and if you go abroad, do not forget the precautions.

http://vietnamese.ruvr.ru/2012_12_02/96618865/

The new coronavirus is more dangerous than thought

..Don't forget the total of suspected cases in Jordan were as many as 15..

On which dangerous, SARS--like exciter more people have died than assumed. Preserved blood samples indicate that in last April in Jordan two people died in it

The dangerous new coronavirus has claimed two more lives. As theWorld Health Organization (WHO) announced in Geneva, there are two people in Jordan.

She died in April, but only now could be proved that they had been infected with the new virus. The virus is related to the SARS virus, which is also among the coronaviruses, and ten years ago enabled the world in terror.

Nine people ill, five of them died

According to the latest WHO data so affected nine people from the virus, five of whom died. One of the two deaths in Jordan two sufferers come in Qatar. One of the two Qataris was treated in a lung clinic in California and, according to the Robert Koch Institute healed (RKI), released in mid-November.

In Saudi Arabia, five people infected with the virus, three of them died.Symptoms are similar to pneumonia

To Jordan shared with the WHO now have it there in April, a number of severe cases of pneumonia given. The Ministry of Health in Amman, WHO had then asked for help. A WHO team traveled to the country and announced on 24 April, that none of the known coronaviruses was detected.

When in October the new coronavirus was discovered, sent the Jordanian Ministry of Health kept since April samples to the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases.This has now discovered the new virus in the two deceased. A team of WHO had arrived in Amman on Wednesday, to assist the local authorities in epidemic control.

http://www.welt.de/gesundheit/article111764861/Das-neue-Coronavirus-ist-gefaehrlicher-als-gedacht.html?

Jordan did not score any new cases of HIV Coruna

: Health Minister Jordanian Abdul Latif Wreikat Sunday that his country had not recorded any new cases of coronary virus (Corona) after testing two deaths in Jordan as a result of the virus in April / April.

Said Wreikat "The ministry has not recorded since the month of April last until today any case corona virus in the Kingdom."

And he said in remarks reported by the Jordanian news agency that "the World Health Organization (WHO) announced yesterday (Saturday) proved injury cases (in Jordan) died in the month of April past Pkorona".

"The care Algesithih in hospital blue state (23 km north-east of Amman) had recorded 11 cases of pneumonia severe during the period from 7 to April 21, including two cases of doctors and 9 cases among cadres nursing underwent all the treatment and turned cases of highly pathogenic to a private hospital. "

He noted that "on April 19 died nurse Arbainet with severe pneumonia in a blue hospital under treatment."

He added, "and later on April 26 also died a college student at the age of 25 years, a resident of the blue."

He added that "laboratory results at the time did not prove any positive result for intractable disease and the results were negative for any type of flu viruses such as bird flu and SARS and swine even Koruna except some positive results for bacteria."

The minister said that "Today's announcement gives the opportunity to the World Health Organization (WHO) team is currently in Jordan to investigate and investigate the epidemiological situation," adding that "action taken by Saudi Arabia and Qatar after new bird flu disease."

For his part, said the WHO representative in Oman Akram Toum that "the number of cases the new Corona disease discovered nine cases recorded in the eastern Mediterranean, five cases in Saudi Arabia and two in Qatar and two in Jordan."http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2012/1...tml?entry=arab

Jordan corona follow up-No new cases

Sunday, December 2, 2012
Health: proven and فاتين بالكورونا and failure to monitor new cases

Amman - Petra - Health Minister Dr. Abdul Latif Wreikat officially on Sunday proved wounding two died in April last illness Coruna new time in which the failure to monitor any case the disease in the Kingdom. 

said Wreikat at a press conference on Sunday in the ministry building following the announcement of the World Health Organization yesterday, for the registration of cases of disease Koruna new "today after been definitely confirmed that two deaths in Jordan Natjtin disease Coruna new that were not until recently known internationally is not available with reagents was announced to remove ambiguity imposed nature new disease The knowledge derived for the world around him and the availability of reagents for him. " 

and added that the announcement today gives the opportunity for the WHO team is currently in Jordan to investigate and investigate the epidemiological situation, a measure taken by Saudi Arabia and Qatar after recording injuries sick new as well as allow scope for raising the capacity of the epidemiological monitoring laboratory for diseases flu kinds of laboratory Jordanian all. 

stressed Wreikat that the ministry did not register from last April until today any case virus Koruna new characterized deploy limited. 

and chronology to record injuries explained that cases fired on them and the media in the month of April, the mysterious disease "as that at the time recorded in the care Algesithih in hospital blue state 11 cases of pneumonia severe during the period from 7 to April 21, including two cases of doctors and 9 cases among cadres nursing, and underwent all the treatment and turned cases of highly pathogenic to a private hospital., adding that the ministry has taken preventive measures and treatment by protocols health tired globally in such cases were withdrawn samples Laboratory for examination in laboratories Ministry and King Hussein Cancer Center and the University of Science and Technology did not show laboratory results then any positive result for the disease intractable and the results were negative for any type of flu viruses such as bird flu and swine and SARS and even kronaexcept some positive results for the bacteria pseudomonas aeroginosa. said"Meanwhile and on April 19 died nurse Arbainet of who develop pulmonary severe Hospital blue is under treatment at the private hospital, and died later on April 26 also a college student at the age of 25 years, a resident of the blue and said the ministry in time for these deaths. " 

He said he instructed then in April to transfer university student from hospital blue government to Prince Hamzah Hospital as he was complaining of a sore membranes heart and suspicion disease tuberculosis and encountered his hospitalization in conjunction with the pandemic in it. "It did not stop the ministry for further monitoring and survey epidemiological laboratory for cases with symptoms similar in blue did not report any injury outside the hospital and close the file at the time for lack of evidence of any cases of disease flu kinds laboratory either in the laboratory of Jordan or reference to the World Health Organization as well as the lack of injuries similar to the monitoring and survey epidemiological. " 
And that in the evolution of global later announced the World Health Organization abruptly for two deaths resulting from a new disease types of flu called krona new in Saudi Arabia in July of this year and announced it officially in September.
The health minister said that the ministry and in the light of this announcement, intensified procedures preventive, as vaccinated pilgrims Bmtaum flu seasonal before traveling to Saudi Arabia, as well as giving Scion of health personnel in hospitals, and when pilgrims return to Jordan was a process of monitoring them and give them precautionary preventive treatment for flu at border crossings. 

and pay announcement WHO ministry to demand from laboratories Navy SEAL (NAMRU 3) in Cairo, re-examination of samples of the disease called crowns new which was not known previously, that particular lab reagents for the disease became available after the announcement of the deaths in Saudi Arabia Bcesp new disease. 
showed results of laboratory tests to NAMRU 3 in November 14 last, that Arbain deceased (nurse) and the young university was positive for Corona new. 

informed the ministry WHO on Thursday registered cases of injury بالكورونا new after confirming diagnostic laboratory, although not record any injury Similar since April this year so far, according to Dr. Wreikat who said that this confirms that the cases were limited to section intensive care in hospital blue. 
his part, considered representative of the World Health Organization in Amman Dr. Akram Toum, Jordan beacon for technical cooperation in the various fields of health , especially monitoring, they are from developed countries and advanced level region compared with other regions in the world, because the Kingdom has strong health systems. 

explained that the number of cases detected disease Coruna new 9 cases recorded in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, five cases in Saudi Arabia, and two in Qatar , and two in Jordan. He sent the organization a professional team to support the efforts of the Ministry of Health in the survey and surveillance of the disease and respiratory epidemiological situation in general at the level of folders it depends protocols to investigate the disease, especially new viruses Lyman Organization importance of research and survey in the detection of infected cases and provide early treatment and conduct field research and laboratory. 

said Dr. Tom to need to pay attention to strengthening monitoring systems and control of communicable diseases and investigate how HIV infection, location, rates spread in the States, more than the importance of knowledge of the chronology of the injuries, which rely on recorded history laboratory analysis and evidence of injury. 

And the director of Primary Health Care Department, Dr. Bassam Hijjawi that disease Koruna new is a viral disease that affects the respiratory system and is accompanied by a rise in temperature, dry cough and difficulty in breathing which often infects humans and animals and is similar to SARS is not available to him vaccine does not treat the two types. 
said Hijjawi, the ministry adopted since 2008 monitoring system in 3 hospitals in Amman The north and south, to investigate the respiratory disease severe as it has been withdrawn 234 sample from April until the end of last June were sent to laboratories (NAMRU 3) and appeared results negative is, they is infected with coronavirus new. 

pointed out that the Survey teams epidemiological according monitoring systems adopted in the ministry, in cooperation with a technical team from the World Health Organization, headed today to Karak to make sure monitoring systems capabilities there and investigate the epidemiological situation.http://www.alrai.com/article/554543.html

A patient with suspected H5N1

TP - Leaders of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases Ho Chi Minh City yesterday just received confirmation 1-12 Nguyen VS 42-year-old patient living in Binh Duong, hospitalized in a state of continuous high fever, cough, sore throat, chest and shortness of breath with diagnosis of suspected H5N1 infection.
Samples of the patients were sent to the Tropical Disease Hospital Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute tested to determine whether or not the H5N1 flu.
\
http://www.tienphong.vn/Suc-Khoe/602...-H5N1-tpp.html

Eastern Iowa boy sickened by rare influenza strain

An eastern Iowa boy recently came down with a relatively rare strain of flu, drawing the attention of state and federal medical experts.

The unidentified Cedar County child was sickened by a strain of H3N2 influenza. The strain normally is associated with pigs, but investigators said the boy apparently caught it from another person.

“We found he had no exposure to livestock at all,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health. However, investigators didn’t find anyone else around the boy who had been sickened.

Health officials track such incidents closely because of the possibility that new strains of animal flu could mutate into versions that would be easily transmissible from person to person. If that happened, the new virus could cause a dangerous pandemic.

In this case, Quinlisk said, the child did not become seriously ill.

The Cedar County case was one of 308 H3N2 infections documented nationally this year. More than two-thirds of those cases were reported in Ohio and Indiana, after outbreaks associated with infected pigs that came into contact with people at fairs. Most people have suffered relatively mild illnesses. One death has been reported.

Last year, three children in Webster and Hamilton counties were sickened by the virus. One child apparently gave it to the two others, officials said at the time. No direct exposure to pigs was found.

Quinlisk on Friday asked public health officials to be on the lookout for other possible cases. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20121201/NEWS/312010033/Eastern-Iowa-boy-sickened-by-rare-influenza-strain?News&nclick_check=1

Health hold a press conference tomorrow about influenza disease

 first of December (Petra) - The Minister of Health, Dr. Abdul Latif Wreikat on Sunday held a press conference at noon in the ministry building displays the latest developments at the level of respiratory diseases severe including flu of all kinds.

Hong Kong-No alert upgrade despite virus cases

01-12-2012

Health Secretary Ko Wing-man. File photo. The Secretary for Health, Ko Wing-man, says Hong Kong doesn't need to upgrade its response level to the novel coronavirus, even though three more cases have been confirmed in the Middle East.Dr Ko said the Centre for Health Protection is closely monitoring the situation and is liaising with the World Health Organisation. Nonetheless, he urged people to remain on their guard. Two people are now known to have died from the SARS-like virus in Jordan and another infection was found in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to nine.

http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20121201/news_20121201_56_886649.htm

EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE - UGANDA (30): (LUWEERO) WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION UPDATE

Date: Fri 30 Nov 2012

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO), CSR, disease Outbreak News [edited]

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_11_30_ebola/en/index.html





Ebola in Uganda - update


------------------------


As of Wed 28 Nov 2012, the Ministry of Health in Uganda reported 7 cases (6 confirmed, 1 probable) with Ebola haemorrhagic fever [Ebola virus disease] in the Luweero and Kampala districts. Of these cases, 4 died. [WHO Note: The total number of cases reported on 23 Nov 2012 was 10 (6 confirmed, 4 probable) Probable cases that tested negative for Ebola have been classified as Non-Cases and excluded from the case counts.]



Field teams continue to investigate cases alerted to them from the communities. The major challenge faced in some communities is the belief that witch-craft and not Ebola [virus] was the cause of deaths, despite ongoing intensive awareness campaigns. Social mobilization teams are working closely with traditional healers and religious leaders to raise awareness on prevention and control of the disease.



The WHO and partners, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), the Uganda Red Cross (URCS), African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and Plan Uganda continue to support the national authorities in the response to the outbreak. Through the WHO, an expert on infection prevention and control has been deployed to the field.



With respect to this event, the WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restriction be applied to Uganda.



--

Communicated by:

ProMED-mail Rapporteur Marianne Hopp

[This update does not report any new confirmed cases in this outbreak since the previous WHO update dated 23 Nov 2012, and reproduced as ProMED-mail post: Ebola virus disease - Uganda (29): (LO) WHO update 20121123.1422071. This new update reports that 3 of the 4 probable cases identified in the previous update have not been confirmed, and the case count returns to 7 (6 confirmed and one probable). It appears that the outbreak in the Luweero and Kampala districts, for the moment, has been contained.

Bird flu kills 4,000 wild ducks in Russia

MOSCOW — Around 4,000 wild ducks have been found dead in Russia's southern Krasnodar region, officials said on Friday, blaming H5 bird flu for the mass deaths.

"This is the H5 virus, the strain is being confirmed," a spokeswoman for the Krasnodar region branch of Russian agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor told AFP.

The birds' remains were now being tested, she added.

The dead birds have been found on lakes near the Black Sea resort town of Anapa.

The region has gone on high alert, with poultry and humans now being vaccinated.

"All of these are protective measures, it's better to be on the safe side," the spokeswoman added.    http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hkclP5htvyU9uItLrfoLukWP6KJw?docId=CNG.a7d2f8d949f2ecbfd7611ccf89934f70.21

Monkey fever:Forest watcher hospitalized

Forest watcher hospitalized

TNN | Dec 1, 2012, 06.47 AM IST

MYSORE: Two days after a forest watcher was hospitalized, another watcher fromAlegowdanakattte anti-poaching camp in Maddur forest range of Bandipura tiger Reserve, got admitted to Gundlupet General Hospital on Friday. 

Pradeep Kumar, 46, came to hospital with complaints of body pain, headache and eye burn, said hospital chief medical officer Dr R Srinivas. "We have put him on drips," the officer said. 

Four other watchers, who were working at the anti-poaching camp, are fine. 

On Wednesday, Chikkakariaiah, a 42-year-old watcher, was hospitalized following tiredness. He is recuperating. He, however, continues to be under observation. Chikkakariaiah is likely to be discharged on Saturday. 

Dr Srinivas told TOI that they are awaiting reports from experts working in Kyasanur forest of Shimoga to confirm the disease. Blood samples of six watchers and viscera of primates have been sent to National Institute of Virology (Pune).   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Forest-watcher-hospitalized/articleshow/17436530.cms

Pacific: A patient with suspected H5N1

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To the Provincial Hospital in a state of continuous high fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath ... the usual treatments for patients who do not yield results, the doctor suspected H5N1-infected patients should be moved Tropical diseases hospital treatment

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Vietnam-A patient with suspected H5N1

Saturday, 01/12/2012 - 06:

(Reuters) - By Provincial Hospital in a state of continuous high fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath ... the usual treatments for patients who do not yield results, the doctor suspected patients H5N1 infection should be referred to hospital for Tropical diseases treatment.

Cases suspected of being infected with the virus aforementioned risk patients Nguyen Van Sang (42 years old, live in Kien Giang). Known, Mr Sang is made in the town of Thuan An, Binh Duong. Before admission, he visited the home in Kien Giang, his family had a flock of ducks, but are dying.Unfortunately, he brought 3 to Binh Duong disease ducks eating meat.

On 26/11, Mr. Sang began to appear symptoms of high fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath ... despite taking multiple medications, but the condition is not relieved. On 27/11 a friend took him to a Hospital Binh Duong visit. Here, the X-ray results recognized in patients with large cardiac shadow, pleural effusion associated with clinical symptoms doctors suspected H5N1-infected patients should be transferred to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases to continue treatment .

Immediately after receiving the notification of cases of suspected influenza, preventive medicine center in Binh Duong province has carried out disinfection in patients boarding area and the surrounding area. Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City is conducting the necessary tests to be the most accurate conclusion to this case. 

  http://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/mot-benh-nhan-nghi-nhiem-cum-h5n1-668782.htm

Identical Novel Beta Coronavirus Sequences Signal H2H

Recombinomics Commentary 21:00
November 30, 2012

A paper “Recovery from severe coronavirus infection” published in the Saudi Med J by Dr Ziad Memesh and colleagues describes the third confirmed novel betacornavirus case (45M), which was announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health on November 4, the date of discharge.
 
The case is a gym-teacher from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who developed symptoms on October 9. His conditioned worsened and he visited the emergency room on October 10 and 12. His conditioned continued to worsen and was intubated for mechanical ventilation on October 13 and transferred to the ICU. Kidney failure led to hemodialysis between October 15-23.
 
The novel betacornavirus was detected in respiratory samples using PCR tests for the upstream region of the E gene as well as ORF1B and N genes. The paper included two sets of sequences for two regions, a 311 Bp fragment of ORF1B (positions 18105-18414) and a 409 BP fragment of E (positions 27278-27868).  These sequences were from samples collected from case 1 (60M businessman from Bisha, treated in Jeddah, confirmed at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands) and case 3 described above. The two sets of sequences were identical to the updated public sequence for case 1 (JX869059.2) as well as case 2 (49M businessman from Doha, Qatar and treated in London).
 
The identity of the two regions in all three cases once again indicates these cases were not infected by an animal source.  Media reports continue to cite the relatedness to bat coronaviruses, which were identified under an enhanced surveillance program to identify the natural reservoir for SARS CoV.  Bats were found to host a wide variety of coronaviruses including the two members of class 2c found in Guangdong Province, China (HKU4 and HKU5).  These cases were identified using the same pan-coronavirus PCR tested used to identify the first two recent human cases.  However, for the two regions above the three cases from widely separated areas in two countries (Bisha, Doha, Riyadh) were identical, yet had more than 20% mismatches for the most closely related bat class 2c coronaviruses (HKU4 and HKU5).
 
Moreover, WHO has now reported two confirmed cases from an ICU outbreak in Zarka, Jordan in April.  The novel betacornavirus spread throughout the unit and infected at least seven nurses and a doctor as well as the brother of a fatally infected nurse.  The ECDC report cited one fatality, but WHO has already confirmed two fatalities.
 
Release of sequences from the Jordan outbreak would be useful.

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/11301203/Betacoronavirus_Seq_3.html