When the whip comes down

Google Flu Trends indicates outbreak could be worst on record

By Will Oremus, (c) 2013, Slate

Posted:   01/10/2013 12:45:17 PM PST

Updated:   01/10/2013 01:34:14 PM PST

A man is given a flu shot by at the medical offices of Yaffe Ruden & Associates in New York on January 10, 2013. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that this year's flu season is expected to be one of the worst the country has seen in 10 years. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

If you ask the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, this year's flu season is looking "moderately severe." That assessment has been reflected in the relatively calm tone of national media coverage in recent weeks.

But wait - if you ask Google Flu Trends, we're in the midst of an outbreak that is shaping up to be the most extensive on record. Never before this week have so many people searched for the terms that Google believes are likely indicators of the influenza virus. If Google's algorithm is accurate, that should translate to a volume of doctor visits that significantly exceeds that of the H1N1 outbreak in October 2009. The media usually loves a good health scare. So why isn't anyone sounding the alarm?... 

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-living/ci_22348294/google-flu-trends-indicates-outbreak-could-be-worst

Minn. officials: 27 flu-related deaths this season

Updated 3:52 pm, Thursday, January 10, 2013

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota confirmed 23 more flu-related deaths Thursday, raising the season total to 27 for what Health Commissioner Edward Ehlinger called the state's most severe flu outbreak in several years.

More than 1,100 people have been hospitalized with flu-like symptoms statewide this season, the Minnesota Department of Health said in a weekly update, and the commissioner said it's putting stress on the health care system. Several hospitals have restricted visitors in an attempt to protect patients and staff.

Twenty-three of the state's deaths and 62 percent of the hospitalizations have been in people 65 and older, the department said.

"If you have not received your flu shot it is not too late, but the sooner the better," Ehlinger told reporters...

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Minn-officials-27-flu-related-deaths-this-season-4183894.php#ixzz2HcaI7SJ8

Flu Cases Filling Southern California hospitals With Same National Wave Of Influenza Emergency departments and doctor's offices across Southern California are bracing for a flood of patients suffering with the same wave of influenza and respiratory diseases that have swept hospitals nationwide.

A spike in respiratory illness that includes fever, cough and sore throat was reported this week by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Most cases to date are caused by viruses other than influenza, but flu activity is on the rise and expected to get worse over the next few weeks...

Los Angeles Daily News  |  By Susan AbramPosted: 01/10/2013video http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/10/flu-southern-california-hospitals-2013-influenza_n_2448341.html
Bird flu is kicking Indonesia's ass..reg flu is kickin north america's ass.. swine flu is kicking the mid east ass..Russia is having a fine time.. soon South Korea and China will join the party. Try to be ready.. when the whip comes down.

The death of two girls of bird flu in Hilla- probably swine flu

The death of two girls of bird flu in Hilla
Date: 10/01/2013 14:04:59 Thursday[-

(News) Died old girl 28 years old, and the other did not exceed 25 years on Thursday, bird flu in the city of Hilla province of Babylon.  medical source said at the hospital of Hilla surgical Agency (news): The girl first live neighborhood Hussein central city of Hilla, and died in the hospital and was "holder", noting that models of laboratory tests received from Public Health Laboratory of the Ministry of Health confirmed infected with bird flu. The source added: that the girl the second died today also before the arrival of the analysis results to sent to Baghdad on Wednesday, and continued: will be sampling Allamso two girls to take health measures. http://www.ikhnews.com/news_view_70479.html

In Omsk, with a high temperature of 20 soldiers hospitalized SCHOOL Tank Institute

1.9

Recruits began delivering groups in local military hospital in ambulances evening of January 7. Some of them were in serious condition. It is possible that it was an outbreak of pneumonia.

regular emergency involving mass admission of students of Omsk. This time in the hospital were conscripts from SCHOOL Omsk Tank Engineering Institute (OTII), located in the 14th military base. The new name of the institution Defense - Omsk branch of the Military Academy of Logistics.

As the "CV", the evening of 7 January 2013 in Omsk was taken to a military hospital group of students of about 20 people. Previously, they were treated in the medical unit of the educational institution, but because of the deteriorating condition of the university management has taken a decision on their admission to a specialized medical institution. All students were awarded similar symptoms: cough, fever, and headache. It is possible that there may be an outbreak of pneumonia, but to obtain reliable information about the diagnosis of the patient at the Omsk Military Hospital N335, located in the street Gusarov, we have not succeeded.

Chief doctor Anatoly SENKEVICH medical institutions refused to comment on the fact advised to send in his name an official request.

- We are in the treatment of several hundred people, and we can not keep track of what places they go, - said the head doctor. - If you need to confirm or deny this fact, go directly to the military unit.

But, as we were able to establish in the course of the investigation in recent days in Omsk military hospital received some 140 people, with a significant proportion of patients falls on Tank Institute.
cadets began to bring to the hospital in small groups long before the New Year. According to some, the hospital is now about 40 people from the Omsk branch of the Military Academy of Logistics.

The fact that the mass transport of students in the midst of Christmas - January 7, 2013 - unexpectedly confirmed by the Emergency Medical Center, but said the diagnosis with which patients were hospitalized, refused.

- Representatives of the military came to us and asked for help to transport troops to the hospital. We notified the Regional Ministry of Health and helped with transportation - dryly commented Director of Regional Disaster Medicine Centre Ivan Kostyuk. - Talking about diagnosis, we can not because they do not participate in the examination of patients. I can only say that most of the time was at a high temperature.

Transportation of patients was carried out on this day three ambulance crews. According to our source, the soldiers were transported to the hospital and after January 7. On any cases after January 8 not yet known, perhaps, the Academy managed to locate logistics infection.

According to some reports, the majority of cases - the recruits received by the MTO at the end of December from the different regions of Russia. Thus, numerous party of recruits arrived at military educational institution from Barrow on December 24. Earlier, on December 20, also was taken to a group of soldiers, and already 22 December one of them was taken to hospital with a high temperature of about 38 degrees. According to some reports, x-ray screenings showed that it is pneumonia. According to unofficial data, some voennosuzhaschie asked their relatives to send them cough and thermometers, and complained of the cold in the medical unit. They had to be there in their pajamas and were freezing, so that the status of some after being taken into custody only worsened.

Military medics could not cope with the flash itself. According to some reports, the soldiers in the medical unit received only vitamins, nose drops and cough medicine. What is the status of cases at the moment - it is not known, because the hospital does not comment on the situation. Also there is no official information about why there was an outbreak in the MTO infection suspected of being pneumonia.

Note that on January 12, 2013 in the school was to be an oath. At the event were going to arrive relatives of recruits, including those who are now in the hospital, but it is not known whether the ritual is canceled due to an emergency.  http://kvnews.ru/main/23321/

Moscow servicemen died of "atypical pneumonia"

Shock! In Moscow servicemen died of SARS 

cases account runs into tens of

01/10/13 23:20

MOSCOW, January 10 (New Region, Dmitry Stolyarov) - Four soldiers died in Moscow in the period from December 26 to January 7, with all of them doctors made ​​a preliminary diagnosis of "atypical pneumonia", reports " Interfax "referring to a source in the military medical circles.

"The source of infection - the virus outside. More accurate diagnosis will be obtained after the study of histology "- said one of the anonymous source said. The cause of death has not yet formally installed into the death is carried out pre-investigation, said another source.

What part or parts of the recorded deaths of the soldiers, the agency interlocutor did not specify.Comments on this information from the Ministry of Defense, prosecutors and investigators have not yet followed.

Meanwhile, the radio station, " Vesti FM "with reference to the portal LifeNews , who spoke to the doctors of the district military hospital in Podolsk, where soldiers have died, reports that there is a mass disease in different military units, the clinic is full of soldiers.

Help RIA "New Region":

The term "atypical pneumonia" is used to describe lung disease caused by pathogens not ordinary pneumonia (Streptococcus and Haemophilus influenzae / S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae /), and atypical pathogens such as Legionella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, viruses. All of these microorganisms are intracellular agents, they can not be detected by looking at the smear and a standard bacteriological sputum or blood.

Pandemic SARS scare the whole world in 2002-2003 was caused by a viral agent. More accurately reflect the identity of the disease around the world adopted the designation "severe acute respiratory syndrome" (SARS) and its English synonym «Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome» (SARS).

The disease was first observed in November 2002 in Guangdong Province of China (PRC) with the subsequent registration of the disease in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Canada, the U.S. and 30 other countries.Measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic were not accepted immediately because PRC government initially concealed the appearance of the disease in the country.
NR2.ru: http://www.nr2.ru/moskow/419332.html

Pnuemonia outbreak in Russian soldiers

Dutchy turned me on

Highland soldier died from SARS
After that incident, emergency prosecutor's check Kovrov District Training Centre has identified 800 soldiers who were sick. Who has a cold, the flu who are, and who and pneumonia
In late December 2012 from Kovrov district training center in Podolsk military hospital brought soldiers of diagnosed with SARS. December 29 a young man died. Immediately garrison military prosecutor Vladimir began mass medical examination of all the soldiers SCHOOL.
Carpets come in a mobile medical clinic, and all the soldiers (both conscripts and contract) to undergo medical examination. The results have been disappointing. 800 people were sick. Who is stronger, who are weaker. After a more thorough survey of 600 people put to a local hospital with a diagnosis of acute respiratory disease. A 34 soldiers were taken to a military hospital in Vladimir. They had pneumonia, both conventional and atypical.
- All officers are responsible for the accident, were subjected to strict disciplinary action, - said Alexander Krakow, the military prosecutor. - They are required to verify the condition of the soldiers. And routes each to a hospital at the first call to the doctor with a soldier malaise. Indeed, the danger of SARS is that it can develop without heat.
The guys from the carpet came to the hospital on December 31 and January 1. The current state of all is stable, the deaths of soldiers was not, and, hopefully, will be no more.

http://www.vladimir.kp.ru/daily/26009/2935450/

Bali Bali Bali

INILAH.COM, Denpasar - Bali Provincial Health Office chief Ketut Suarjaya said three districts in Bali is now positive for the bird flu virus that is H5N1.232 new variants. The new variant was more virulent than the old variants were previously scattered in Bali...
http://nasional.inilah.com/read/detail/1945816/virus-flu-burung-varian-baru-serang-bali

Bird Flu Variant New Attack Bali

Thursday, January 10 2013 14:02 pm | Voices of Bali | Viewed 533 times

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Head of the Bali Provincial Health Office Suarjaya Ketut said the three districts are now tested positive for bird flu virus infected a new variant that is H5N1.232. "new variant virus was known was more virulent than the old variants which previously had been found in Island of the Gods, "said Suarjaya in Denpasar on Thursday. He said the new variant was more virulent than the old because it has been proven to attack duck known more immune to the disease. "We know what kind of bird is strong against diseases ducks. while poultry ducks got easier attacked by the virus, especially chickens and even humans, "he said. He said the three districts were declared positive is Bangli, Buleleng and Tabanan. It is possible to attack other regencies in Bali are rather susceptible to avian circulation   http://www.antarabali.com/berita/32736/flu-burung-varian-baru-menyerang-tiga-kabupaten?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

January 9, 2013 | BP

Bird Flu Patient Treatment

Tamiflu Effective for Symptoms of ILI Only Day One

Denpasar (Bali Post) - Drugs for bird flu patients at this time is tamiflu. However, this drug was only effective in patients who suffer from symptoms of bird flu ILI (Influenza Like Illness) 1 x 24 hours. If you exceed this time, the spread of the bird flu virus and aggressiveness can not be prevented even been given tamiflu. It is presented Secretary Bird Flu Handling Sanglah dr. Ken Wiransadhi when met on Tuesday (8/1) yesterday.  According to him, the public should be alert if he or nearby suffering from ILI after contact with dead poultry in her neighborhood. '' If you experience symptoms such as hot ILI, fever, cough and tightness after any contact or history of poultry died suddenly in his neighborhood, immediately take it to a government clinic or hospital as soon as possible,'' firmly Ken. Bringing patients ILI symptoms to health centers and government hospitals, with meaning to be given Tamiflu as soon as possible. Whereas, the availability of tamiflu only on government health services. '' If it is brought to a private hospital or a private practice, certainly not available tamiflu. If taken there, the patient will only be given drugs to treat simtomp or symptoms appear. If it were so, would become treatments for patients too late,'' explained Ken.treatment with Tamiflu does have limitations. But if given before 24 hours after ILI symptoms appear, according to Ken, giving tamiflu to patients very effectively. To alert against bird flu cases, said Ken, Sanglah has provided at least 1,700 Tamiflu tablets and personal protective equipment to prepare for the patient. '' APD we at least be able to cover 23 patients with bird flu hospitalizations average two days,'' said Ken. place incoming patients at Sanglah such as IRD, Wings International and Polyclinic also increasingly enhanced vigilance, especially in capturing the patient's symptoms of ILI .  According to Ken, every patient with ILI symptoms who came to Sanglah be questioned is there any history of illness and history of poultry deaths in the neighborhood. '' Especially if patients came from endemic areas where bird flu has infected poultry,'' said Ken. If a history of contact with poultry or poultry were no deaths during the span of a week before the patient's illness, said Ken, the patient will be given tamiflu and observed in Space Nusa Indah.For bird flu patient treatment rooms, Sanglah has four intensive care unit of negative pressure in Nusa Indah Hall. '' This negative pressure room air serves to absorb the infected germs and replace it with new air. Infected air is filtered by a tool called invaporator so safe before being discharged into the environment,'' explains Ken. addition to intensive care, there are four recovery room bed.  http://www.balipost.co.id/mediadetail.php?module=detailberita&kid=10&id=73098 Flu Strikes Down Hundreds of Ducks in Bali January 07, 2013 DENPASAR Hundreds of ducks in Takmung village, Klungkung regency, Bali, have suddenly died with avian flu believed to be the cause. I Wayan Sudia, a duck breeder in Takmung village, said he had just lost hundreds of his ducks to bird flu. “Laboratory reports show my ducks were infected by bird flu,” I Wayan Sudia told reporters on Thursday as reported by Antara news agency. “The symptoms included cloudy eyes and seizures,” he added. Two months ago, Sudia bought 500 ducks in Tabanan regency, about 200 of which have died in the past few days. Disinfectants have been distributed to breeders in the village for free to prevent the flu from spreading. http://www.thebalitimes.com/2013/01/07/flu-strikes-down-hundreds-of-ducks-in-bali/

New strain of norovirus (Sydney 2012) detected

The emergence of a new Australian strain of norovirus – the 'winter vomiting bug' – has featured in most newspapers today. The Daily Telegraph reports that the new strain is to blame for the record number of cases of the virus seen this winter, which it terms a 'severe norovirus season'.

Experts have been quick to point out that the new strain of the virus does not cause more serious illness than any other strain. The strain is called Sydney 2012, prompting the Daily Mirror to headline its coverage ‘Down chunder’.

Norovirus is contagious and its spread can be prevented by washing hands (particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food) and disinfecting surfaces. Although norovirus is extremely unpleasant, most people make a full recovery in a few days.

What is the norovirus?

Noroviruses are the most common cause of stomach bugs (gastroenteritis) in the UK. Norovirus can affect people of all ages and is more common i..

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/01January/Pages/New-strain-of-norovirus-detected.aspx

SA Health issues warning not to touch dead bats that died in hot weather

SA Health has warned South Australians not to handle dead bats because they can carry potentially fatal diseases, after at least 65 were found dead during the recent hot weather.

Dr Chris Lease, Director Health Protection SA Health, said bats could carry a range of diseases that could be very serious in humans.

He said the 65 bats likely died as a result of heat stress.

"Bats are known to carry diseases such as the Hendra virus, Menangle virus and Australian Bat Lyssa virus (ABL), which can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat," he said.

"These diseases can cause serious illness, including paralysis, delirium, convulsions, and can also be fatal.

"That is why it is important to treat all bats as if they were potentially infectious and not attempt to handle them, whether they are alive or dead...  http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/sa-health-issues-warning-not-to-touch-dead-bats-that-died-in-hot-weather/story-fndo2izk-1226551278961

Jordan: high number of people infected with swine flu to 66

66 cases until yesterday evening after recording 11 new cases, according to what was confirmed for the Constitution and Minister of Health. Abdul Latif and Wreikat.

The cases were distributed, according to the minister, 43 injured in hospitals and the Ministry of Health and 7 injuries in the Royal Medical Services and 6 injuries in the private sector hospitals and 9 cases in the King Hussein Cancer Center and one at the University of Jordan Hospital.

http://iraq4allnews.dk/ShowNews.php?id=47288

Sumatra-Hundreds of dead chickens in the village of Unity

Thursday, January 10, 2013 17:25 PM
Perbaungan-After hundreds of dead chickens owned by residents in the Village District Banyan Banyan Deliserdang District, now turn to the people in the village of Unity District Perbaungan Serdang Bedagai who experienced the same thing, hundreds of chickens have started to die in numbers this past week, until this very moment people do not know what's become their animals die every day. One of the victims are residents uyun (45) until yesterday was head of cattle his 30s who died...  http://www.tribunnews.com/2013/01/10/ratusan-ayam-mati-di-desa-kesatuan

China-Abroad to be careful! Indonesia, Nepal, the avian flu epidemic

Taiwan Shin Wen Daily News (2013-01-10 20:05)

Indonesia, Nepal, avian flu is popular , people abroad to be careful! The CDC called for people overseas travel or business trip, should strengthen self-protection, to avoid contact with birds, to reduce the risk of infection; Chang Gung Children's Hospital, director of infection remind the consumption of meat and eggs must be fully cooked, if returning fever or flu-like symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

According to statistics, in 2003 so far, countries around the world infected with the H5N1 influenza confirmed cases, a total of 610 cases, including 360 deaths, a mortality rate of nearly 6 percent, the number of deaths before the three countries into Indonesia, Egypt , Vietnam . The World Health Organization ( WHO ) announced last year, a total of 32 cases of H5N1 flu cases occurred in Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Chinese mainland and other places, the birds history of exposure by the survey the majority of cases, which has 20 cases of death . CDC director, said the recent Kathmandu many chicken farm H5N1 highly pathogenic avian flu in Bali, Indonesia also reported ducks suspected bird flu fatalities, the avian flu pandemic risk persists. CDC called on the public not to smuggling birds immigrants, returning with fever or flu-like symptoms, quarantine officers to assist at the airport to seek.
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, director of infection in children, said people traveling abroad, you should avoid contact with birds infected by the avian fluvirus and more contact with chickens fecal infection after touching chickens must be properly wash their hands, and attention to food hygiene, poultry meat products, eggs should be cooked before eating.

http://news.sina.com.tw/article/20130110/8744932.html

Discover 100 cases of swine flu in Kuwait and 1 death

Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 14:37

File photo

Mobilized Kuwaiti Ministry of Health its preventive impact of rising numbers of swine flu among patients hospital area morning medical specialist, where exceeding the 100 cases, spread over several hospitals of the region. came alert by health sources informed after the occurrence of deaths due to swine flu, silence them, but that the results of tests public health laboratories have shown dozens of positive cases, including this case. The sources indicated that the area manager d. fair sparrow raise an urgent report to the Undersecretary d. Khaled Sahlawi for infected cases and hospitals, which were positioned where cases and preventive measures after a state of alert that occurred . http://www2.youm7.com/News.asp?NewsID=903765

BIN: There Is No Evidence Bird Flu Bioterrorism

BIN: There Is No Evidence Bird Flu Bioterrorism Through
Thursday, January 10, 2013 | 18:50

Head of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Marciano Norman (Jakarta Globe / Afriadi Hikmal) (source: Jakarta Globe)
"We continue to follow these developments, the deepening of the relevant ministries but we continue to follow. Till now, there is no indication that it was heading bioterrorism."

Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Lt. Gen. Marciano Norman said that the evidence of bioterrorism-related outbreak of the bird flu virus H5N1 clade 2.3.2 new type, has not been found.

"We continue to follow these developments, the deepening of the relevant ministries but we continue to follow. Till now, there is no indication that it was heading bioterrorism," he told reporters on Thursday (10/1).

So far, he said, the government did not want to draw conclusions. However, NIA continues to coordinate with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture.

"I ask ministries to deepening, because they have really in depth. We have real confidence," he said.

According to Marciano, developments in the global spread of the virus is growing rapidly. It could even lead to war in the future.

"Later that wars of the future would have been like that. If Indonesia does not lead to it," he said.

Earlier, Secretary of the National Commission for Control of Zoonoses, Emil Agustiono, suspecting a new type of bird flu virus, H5N1 clade 2.3.2, deliberately distributed to Indonesia as part of bioterrorism. Signaled the spread of this new virus he aims to shake up food security and national economies.  http://www.beritasatu.com/nasional/91324-bin-belum-ada-bukti-bioterorisme-lewat-flu-burung.html

CHP closely monitoring global and local influenza activity

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (January 10) that the CHP has been closely monitoring global and local influenza activity.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the influenza season in the US has arrived earlier than in previous years. The predominant circulating virus in the US so far has been influenza A(H3N2) (A/Victoria/361/2011-like), followed by influenza B (B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like of the Yamagata lineage and the Victoria lineage) and influenza A (H1N1)2009 (A/California/7/2009-like). Most of these viruses characterised are well matched with the component of this season's trivalent influenza vaccine and they were susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir.

According to the World Health Organization, many countries in North America, Europe, North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean have reported increasing influenza activity over the past weeks...  http://7thspace.com/headlines/429809/chp_closely_monitoring_global_and_local_influenza_activity.html

Beware Lampung Bird Flu Transmission to Humans

This usually means there are cases already,

 | Thursday, January 10, 2013 |

 LAMPUNG, KOMPAS.com- Lampung Provincial Health Department warning of the possibility of human transmission of bird flu following the death of widespread duck (duck) and chicken in recent weeks. Public advised not to touch dead birds suddenly without adequate protection tool.

This was disclosed PR Diskes Asih Hendrastuti Lampung Province, Thursday (01/10/2013).

"Case-fatality rate of bird flu transmission to humans is very high. Virus is very dangerous. We continue to beware," said Asih. He admitted that it was concerned with the emergence of a new kind of virus H5N1 (subclade) a lot of attacking ducks in various parts of Indonesia, including Lampung. In fact, previous ducks relatively more immune to bird flu.

Party Diskes Lampung ask the concierge for surveillance and rapid reaction alert to the emergence of bird flu to humans. In Lampung, the appearance of the last case of bird flu in humans occurred in 2010.

http://regional.kompas.com/read/2013/01/10/20300389/Lampung.Waspadai.Penularan.Flu.Burung.ke.Manusia

Fauci: Nation to experience 'one of the worst flu seasons'

WASHINGTON - The flu season is on track to be nearly one of the worst in a decade, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

"We are in for what looks like it's going to be one of the worst flu seasons in nine or 10 years," Fauci told WTOP Wednesday morning.

The last time the nation saw flu rates this high was the 2003-2004 season, he says.

"That uptick that started early -- which was right at the very beginning of December, end of November, and is continuing to go way up -- has led now to widespread flu activity through virtually, essentially the entire country with few exceptions," Fauci says.

Flu season typically peaks between mid-January and February. Washington-area hospitals have already been inundated with flu patients, so much so that they've had to increase their emergency room staffs.

While Fauci characterizes this season's H3N2 flu strain as one that is "more severe" than other strains, he says there is some good news.

"The good news about the flu vaccine and the flu season this year is really this is a very, very good match. The effectiveness of the vaccine in protecting you relates very much to whether what is in the vaccine matches well to what is circulating throughout society," he says.

"The H3N2 is very well matched to the vaccine," he says.

Fauci says the nation has roughly 135 million doses of the flu vaccine, the highest ever.

Protection against the flu varies not only by the strains contained in the vaccine, but also by a person's age.

"Older people have less of a protection. It's still reasonably good. Young, healthy people have very good protection, if the match is good itself," Fauci says.

Anyone who hasn't gotten a flu shot yet is encouraged to do so.

With the flu, one of the things people may not realize is that it can be spread even before a person gets symptoms.

"About a day before you get symptoms you can actually start spreading it inadvertently," Fauci says.

"The bottom line is you really can't predict because the one thing about flu is it is unpredictable." http://www.wtop.com/267/3186021/Fauci-One-of-the-worst-flu-seasons

Prepare Kementan Vaccines, Poultry Stocks Safely

New Bird Flu Virus Variants More Malignant

: Muhammad Azhar, Chief of the Management and Control of Avian Influenza Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Ministry of Agriculture, said it was preparing a 25 million doses of a new bird flu vaccine. The vaccine for the new strain, the virus clade 2.3.2.

"This type of virus is sufficiently virulent than the attacking AI virus in chickens," he said.

According to him, although the AI ​​virus is more virulent than ever, but its impact can not be put in the Extraordinary Incident (KLB). Because, judging from the need meat in Indonesia, ducks are between five and six percent. The rest, 20 percent eating beef, and the highest 60 percent of chicken meat.

"Total food requirements of birds as much as 1.738 billion. Ducks only supply 46.99 million, "he said.

242 368 dead ducks were recorded in 69 counties and cities in 11 provinces from October to January 8, 2013. Transmission can of snot and dirt that can be carried by other media such as crushed sandals or shoes.

"Ducks can not just far from the water. This causes easily spread. Moreover duck feathers with a beak like cleaning contaminated. Now these feathers also love flying everywhere, "he said.  http://www.lensaindonesia.com/2013/01/09/virus-flu-burung-varian-baru-lebih-ganas.html

Efforts DG PP and PL in response relation with new Clade AI News

PROF. DR. TJANDRA YOGA ADITAMA SPP (K) MARS DTM & H DTCE JANUARY 9, 2013 0

In connection with the news of a new clade of bird flu, the Director General of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Prof. dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama SPP (K), MARS, DTM & H, DTCE, delivering:

1. After Welfare Coordination Meeting on December 27, 2012, we had to create a circular to the second (December 28 2012), the contents of which reaffirmed the first circular (December 11, 2012) and adding the results of meetings held (including the existence of Command Post, the activities in the port and others )

2. Staff actively PP and PL also check into the various provinces and CTF on their readiness, and there have been a lot of feedback as advanced circular to district / city, availability of drugs and others.

3. Continued coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, to update the data on birds and activities directly in the field.

4. Thus far there are no new cases in humans in Indonesia. The last case is a child that is IT, 4 yrs, Long Parung Bogor, died on December 6, 2012 that the virus is still  clade  old 2.1.

5. Ministry of Agriculture also issued a re-PKH DG Circular dated January 3, 2012

6. Based on the data world / countries so far:

a). 15 countries reported cases of avian  clade  new: Iran, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China Including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Lao, Indonesia, and Russia.

b). In the period from February to September 2012, the virus was detected in wild birds ( wild birds ) in Hong Kong, India and Nepal, and on farms in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Vietnam.

c). Human cases remain only in Bangladesh (3  cases ) and China, including Hong Kong (5  cases )

d). 3 cases of Bangladesh all light. Cases in China (including Hong Kong) 3 people died of their 5 cases

e.) Instructions WHO on a case that is: " The control activities in humans have not changed for the new clade, except for updating lab primers and probes. Data on antiviral sensitivity is limited from the human cases, but there is no reason to expect a change . "

This was stated by Prof.. dr. Tjandra Yoga Aditama of Jakarta.

http://sehatnews.com/proftjandra/?p=460

Government Urged related Serious Bird Flu

Thursday, January 10, 2013 | 6:22 pm

Reuters / Dedhez Anggara / vgJakarta: Deputy Chairman of House Commission IX Nova Riyanti Yusuf asked the government to give serious attention to the existence of a new type of bird flu that attacked ducks the H5N1 clade 2.3.2 to provide security for the people. "There must be a determination of the status of the outbreak by the government .,,

http://www.metrotvnews.com/metronews/read/2013/01/10/6/121543/Pemerintah-Didesak-Serius-terkait-Flu-Burung

Mexico reports bird flu outbreaks at two egg farms culls 300,000 birds

Wed Jan 9, 2013 2:55pm EST

Jan 9 (Reuters) - Mexico reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic bird flu virus at two egg farms and that these had been resolved after the culling of nearly 300,000 birds, world animal health body OIE said on Wednesday.

A total of 740 poultry have died from the virus which emerged in the two egg farms located in the central state of Aguascalientes, said a report by the Mexican agriculture ministry to Paris-based OIE.

The virus, reported to be the highly pathogenic avian influenza serotype H7N3, is different from the deadly H5N1 strain, which has devastated duck and chicken flocks and caused hundreds of human deaths after it was first detected in 1997 in Hong Kong.

Outbreaks of H7N3 occurred previously in Mexico, with the latest one in September last year in the northeastern part of the state of Jalisco, which is near Aguascalientes, it said.

"Timely notification from the farmer and surveillance activities allowed immediate depopulation of the two affected production units, reason why both outbreaks identified are closed," the ministry said in the report.

Countries that are members of OIE have the obligation to report outbreaks of certain animal diseases to the Paris-based organisation.

The ministry said it was still doing active and passive surveillance at national level and that epidemiological investigation was ongoing. The source of the outbreaks or origin of the infection was still unknown.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/09/mexico-birdflu-idUSL5E9C9DX520130109

BIN Investigates Avian Flu Origin

Thursday, 10 January, 2013 | 00:15 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:National Commission for Zoonosis Control secretary Emil Agustiono suspects the new mutation of avian influenza type H5N1 clade 2.3.2 was brought to Indonesia for bioterrorism purposes.

There are such indications, said Emil at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economys office on Wednesday, January 9.
Emil added that the new virus seemed to be aimed at certain parts of society to create instability in the national economy and threaten food security. Bioterrorists apply non-traditional actions by spreading infectious diseases. We must handle this carefully,” said Emil.

Emil explained that bioterrorism via the avian flu virus still needed further scientific investigation. Emil added that the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) has stepped in to investigate the situationân. BIN is also a member of the Zoonosis National Commission. http://www.tempointeractive.com/hg/nasional/2013/01/10/brk,20130110-453292,uk.html

Bird Flu Spreads in Banten

Bird Flu Spreads

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2013

There is a suspected case  here

SERANG - Department of Agriculture, Agriculture, and Livestock (Distanbunak) Serang find thousands of ducks 

suddenly died from bird flu (Avian Influenza / AI) in District Pontang and Tanara.

 From reports of residents and the Department of Health (PHO) Serang, bird flu spread also 

reached Carenang District, Tirtayasa, Cikande, Kopo, Jawilan, and Karamatwatu. 

Chief Animal Health Section on Distanbunak Serang Hindarti stated, the cause of death of 

thousands of ducks in the District Pontang and Tanara known after the sample of 20 

carcasses of ducks tested. "Based on the examination, 70 percent of the positive samples of 

bird flu," he told reporters on Tuesday (8/1). 

Nevertheless, he said, the type of bird flu that attacked the duck is different from the type 

of bird flu that attacks chickens, the H5N1 clade 2.1 . "The duck is a virus that attacks the 

H5N1 clade 2.3," he said. 

Distanbunak not have the tools to test the transmission of H5N1 clade 2.3. "We have not 

been able to ascertain, whether the virus can be transmitted to humans or not," said 

Hindarti. 

therefore Distanbunak cooperation with research institutions in Subang district. The plan, 

the clade 2.3 H5N1 research with research institutes will take place in February.

 "We will investigate further about the bird flu virus in eight districts according to reports," he said. 

traits ducks exposed to H5N1 clade 2.3, among others, duck head spin for one to six hours 

 

before death and ducks eyes will be white and die.

  
Based on the data, the number of ducks that died from H5N1 clade 2.3 reached 5,000 

head.

 "Data based on reports of citizens and DHO Attack," said Hindarti. 

It will conduct outreach to the community and provide a disinfectant in a 

duck pen. He also appealed to owners of ducks for routine cage cleaning 

with detergent.

 "If there are ducks that died suddenly, immediately report to us," he said. (Run / don)

http://www.radarbanten.com/beta/daerah/7917-flu-burung-meluas-