News Reports for November 10, 2009

Swine flu death toll crosses 500 in India

Swine flu death toll crosses 500 in India
NEW DELHI: More than 500 people have died from swine flu in India since the first fatality was reported in August, the health ministry said Monday.

The western state of Maharashtra has seen the largest number, with 207 deaths from the influenza A (H1N1) virus, the ministry said in a statement.

Besides the 502 deaths, more than 14,000 people have tested positive for swine flu across India since it was first detected here in May, it added.

More than 5,700 people have died worldwide since the virus was first discovered in April, with most of the deaths in the Americas region, according to the World Health Organization.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/co...

Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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by: mojo @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 02:36:32 AM CST

S.Korea reports 4 more death cases related to A/H1N1

S.Korea reports 4 more death cases related to A/H1N1
10.11.2009 12:10

S.Korea reports 4 more death cases related to A/H1N1

South Korea on Tuesday reported four more death cases related to A/H1N1 flu, raising the country's death toll from the new contagious disease to 52, Xinhua reported.

According to the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, the victims include a 79-year-old man and two women aged 76 and 56 respectively, all of whom are regarded as "high-risk" patients, and a 25-year-old woman who is not categorized as a " high-risk" patient.

The ministry noted that the death toll may raise as the further medical tests are still underway on at least nine other deaths suspected of being caused by the new flu.
http://en.trend.az/regions/wor...
   

Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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by: mojo @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 02:37:41 AM CST

Turkey's swine flu toll hits 30

Turkey's swine flu toll hits 30

Tuesday, November 10, 2009
ANKARA - Agence France-Presse

The death toll from swine flu climbed to 30 in Turkey on Monday as the health ministry said the disease claimed three more lives.

A 3-year-old girl, a 9-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man were the latest victims of the A(H1N1) virus, the ministry said in a brief statement.

Swine flu deaths in Turkey have risen steadily since the first fatality was reported on Oct. 24.

On Nov. 2, hospitals began vaccinating medical workers and people planning to travel to Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage - the first move in a campaign to vaccinate 28 million of the country's population of 71 million.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.c...

Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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by: mojo @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 02:38:52 AM CST

Will Tamiflu Shortage Drive U.S. To India's Version?

Will Tamiflu Shortage Drive U.S. To India's Version?
November 10, 2009

With demand for the swine flu vaccine outpacing supply, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is open to considering importing a generic flu drug from India. There's just one problem: Tamiflu, the brand-name drug, is still under U.S. patent.
snip
To deal with the shortage, the CDC has ordered more Tamiflu from Roche, its Swiss manufacturer - but it is not expected to arrive until January.

Antiflu, a generic version of Tamiflu, is made by the Indian company Cipla - despite the fact that Tamiflu's patent is protected under U.S. law until 2016. The Cipla version costs 20 to 30 percent less than the brand-name drug.

Dr. Yusuf Hamied, chairman of Cipla, says he is eager to provide the U.S. market with his generic version of the drug.

"We would keep our factories open night and day, because this is an emergency," he told NPR's Steve Inskeep.

"We would certainly cooperate in whatever way possible."
more
http://www.npr.org/templates/s...

Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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by: mojo @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 02:42:18 AM CST

Shortage? I thought I heard them say there was plenty. N/T

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by: JonC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 07:45:55 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Alaska island village hit by suspected swine flu

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...

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by: JonC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 07:23:34 AM CST

Fearing a Flu Vaccine, and Wanting More of It

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11...

When I tell nonmedical friends that our clinic is vaccinating children against the H1N1 flu virus, here is what they say.

With about half, it is something like: "Oh, my God, our doctor doesn't have it! Can you get me a dose?" And with the other half, it is something like, "Oh, my God, that brand-new vaccine - do you really think it's safe?"

There is a peculiar duality in the collective cultural mind just now, a kind of pandemic doublethink. Other doctors I know are all eagerly having their own children immunized. Many are answering frantic calls from people desperate for the vaccine. But at the same time, we are all coming up against parents who are determined to refuse that same vaccine.

Wondering what history might have to say about this incongruous state of affairs, I called David M. Oshinsky, a professor of history at the University of Texas who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Polio: An American Story" (Oxford, 2005). Dr. Oshinsky compared the current vaccination campaign with two previous situations.

In 1947, a man newly arrived in New York City from Mexico died of smallpox. The authorities "lined up the entire city" and vaccinated everyone, even those who had already been vaccinated, Dr. Oshinsky said. "The entire city was revaccinated," he added, "and there was no real resistance. People had a sense of risk versus reward and listened to public health officials."

[much more]

Keep the information coming!

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by: Cathy M @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 09:04:38 AM CST

all this week, the NYT has had some excellent stories

on the vaccine issue.

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by: DemFromCT @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 12:05:42 PM CST

[ Parent ]

FDA Chief chimes in, vaxx ok and recommended, flu locator links

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg wants to thank you for all your hard work dealing with the swine flu. Oh, and by the way, if your patients have questions about the new H1N1 vaccine, she's got some answers

We've been getting quite a few of those queries ourselves, such as, is the vaccine effective?
So if you're wondering what your doctor is being told about the vaccine, check out Hamburg's
letter to health-care professionals.

We can give you the high points. She acknowledges that some patients may wonder how everyone can be so confident a vaccine developed in only six months is OK.

Here's why, she says.

Manufacturers followed the time-tested recipe that has safely made millions of doses of the usual seasonal flu vaccine;
FDA verified the companies met quality and manufacturing standards before approving the vaccines for use; and,
Just in case, the FDA and other agencies are watching for problems.
Hamburg declares, "We are not cutting any corners." In fact, the most interesting part of the letter to us was her account of all the work that went into lining up extra chicken eggs to grow the H1N1 virus that goes into the vaccine

So you're convinced and want to get immunized. Where do you get the scarce shots or spray anyway? Try searching Google's nifty Flu Shot Finder here. Another option is the government's Flu Shot Locator here, but it's a little more trouble to use

http://www.npr.org/blogs/healt...

comment:
clickable link at site takes you to the flu shot finder and gov flu shot locator !!

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:05:22 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Canadian - flu shots for pregnant women not OK'd yet

The made-in-Canada swine flu vaccine that's intended for pregnant women won't be going into arms anytime soon because Ottawa hasn't approved it yet, Ontario health officials said Monday.

[snip]

Ottawa is expected to approve the vaccine later this week, said King. Until then, pregnant women can still get the Australian-made shot.

King said Ontario will receive a shipment late Monday from the federal government that's expected to replenish its vaccine supplies.

[snip]

It includes 395,000 doses of the adjuvanted vaccine and 375,000 doses of the not-yet-approved unadjuvanted vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline.

Both vaccines will be packaged Tuesday and shipped to the province's public health units Wednesday, said ministry spokesman David Jensen.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toron...

COMMENT: I hope they have many safety measures to make sure the right people get the right vaccines, everyone gets the mixing instructions drummed into their heads, and that there will be no more mistakes like this one!!  http://www.newfluwiki2.com/sho...


All 'safety concerns' are hypothetical.  If not, they'd be called side effects...

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by: SusanC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 09:22:07 AM CST

They need to make it fool-proof,

like a separate line for pregnant women, with only that unadjuvanted vaccine available.  No thinking under stress required.  Then a separate table for pregnant women's children's vaccination, not making them go to the end of the line again.  (Or can kids get the same unadjuvanted vax?)

"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."  Flannery O'Connor

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by: Jane @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 10:22:24 AM CST

[ Parent ]

they really do, need to take extra care. Sigh.. n/t

All 'safety concerns' are hypothetical.  If not, they'd be called side effects...

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by: SusanC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 14:06:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

WI: Grant Co. reports first H1N1 flu death

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/s...

LANCASTER (WKOW) -- The Grant County Health Department has confirmed the first H1N1 influenza related death in that county.

The deceased is described as an adult with underlying health conditions. Citing respect for the family and patient confidentiality laws, health officials declined to release the individual's sex, age, race or location of residence.

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by: JTWisc @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 11:43:42 AM CST

US: H1N1 vaccine for hogs aims to prevent mutated virus

http://minnesota.publicradio.o...

Worthington, Minn. - The race to vaccinate humans against H1N1 is the principal focus of health leaders, but a vaccine effort for pigs is about to begin.

Scientists say it will help protect against mutations; H1N1 has shown the ability to infect several species of animals. ... Scientists though are most interested in the hog cases.

Bridges said that makes pigs a natural mixing vessel for various flu viruses. It's possible the human virus could combine with a hog or bird virus inside the pig to form a brand new bug that's more dangerous to humans.

This risk led the U.S. Department of Agriculture to seek a vaccine to protect pigs from the current H1N1 strain.

He said the vaccine should be available by the end of the year. When Clifford described the effort last September, he said it would be up to hog producers to decide whether to vaccinate their herds.

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by: JTWisc @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 11:47:49 AM CST

ECDC Daily Update 10-11-2009

ECDC has been continuously monitoring the pandemic and regularly updates its risk assessment. This has shown that after transmitting at variable rates over the summer the pandemic is now accelerating in most European countries and all the indications are that this pandemic will be a highly significant event for Europe.

(Snip)

Influenza vaccines have been used for more than 60 years and have one of the best record of safety in all age groups. ECDC expects the influenza (H1N1) 2009 vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu...

http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/h...

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by: Ruby Murray @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 12:03:43 PM CST

New Flu Victim: Blood Supply

http://online.wsj.com/article/...

The swine-flu pandemic is creating unexpected problems for the nation's blood supply-shrinking the number of blood donors and raising questions about whether the flu can be spread through a transfusion. A number of blood centers are reporting an unusual drop in collections because too many potential donors are sick with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu. Some blood drives in high schools and corporate offices have had to be scaled back or canceled because of high levels of absenteeism.

Another problem: Some centers say a growing number of donors are calling a day or two after giving blood to say they've come down with flu-like symptoms, forcing the centers to dispose of the blood as part of government regulations. Researchers in a government-funded study are testing samples of these donors' blood for viremia, the medical term for virus in the blood. Unlike infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and West Nile virus, colds and flu aren't believed to be transmitted by blood. But some studies indicate that more virulent strains can be present in the blood before flu symptoms show up. "When you get into strains that are pandemic, the rules don't necessarily apply," says Matthew Kuehnert, director of the Office of Blood, Organ and other Tissue Safety at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, medical officials say there is enough blood to comfortably supply the 15 million units used annually in trauma units, operating rooms and elsewhere. But blood centers have begun working with the federal government and hospitals to put emergency planning measures in place, such as allocating blood only to the sickest patients, should the pandemic worsen or return in a more virulent form next spring.

"We are very worried about the impact of swine flu," says Marsha Springel, donor resources manager at the Miller-Keystone Blood Center in Bethlehem, Pa., which serves eight counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. "Right now we have an ample supply, but if this hits as big as they are predicting, we will lose the schools, and they are a large proportion of our donor base," she says.

snip

Partly offsetting the reduced collections is lower blood demand as more people put off costly elective surgeries due to the tough economy, says Richard Benjamin, medical director of the Red Cross, which supplies about 43% of the nation's blood. But a looming worry is the upcoming holiday season, when it is traditionally harder to recruit donors. "If swine flu continues on its path, disrupting blood collections during that period, we are really going to need more donors," Dr. Benjamin says. The Red Cross and its local chapters are turning to social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to get the word out about the need for blood.

more at link...net/net: Don't get in a car crash anytime soon

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by: LauraB @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 12:06:16 PM CST

Sweden: change in procedures

following misdiagnosis.

Bob, 50, is fighting for his life - now practices changed

Bob Lindborg, 50, was misjudged twice on the same day.

After two weeks he fights for his life in an artificial lung.

Now, the Region Skane forced to change their routines - to avoid another catastrophic failure.

Twice Bob Lindborg sought treatment for her flu. On the morning of Husie medical center in Malmö and at night at University Hospital in Malmö.

Both times he was sent home.

Bob was then - as her partner Agnetha Must Mountains - nearly 41-degree fever and difficulty breathing. It bubbled in his chest when he breathed and he had terrible pains in his back and chest.

- But the doctor at the health center thought he had sore muscles in my back, because he had coughed and vomited so much.
[snip]
Error in the assessment after the health care in Region Skåne introduced new procedures.

The nurses in emergency departments must now measure the oxygen saturation in the blood of influenza patients with breathing difficulties.

- It's breathing is most important. If you feel significantly that we should not air and feel extremely short of breath and general influence, so it may be a serious situation, "says Ingrid Mattiasson, chief physician at University Hospital where Bob Lindborg sought treatment twice.

In a healthy person is the oxygen saturation of between 98 and 100 percent.

- If it is lower than 95 percent must call a doctor to perform an assessment of the patient's condition. This was introduced in Region Skåne because of this case, "says Ingrid Mattiasson.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyhe...
(snips from the Google translation)

"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."  Flannery O'Connor

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by: Jane @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 13:50:38 PM CST

more

Should Lex Maria-reported

She said that Bob only examined by a nurse, who thought that it was the flu by a non-serious nature, when he was in the ER.

Both Husie medical center and the MAS will make Lex Maria-notification of wrong assessment of Bob.

Lex Maria:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...
lex maria, laws regarding reporting of injuries in health care

(Also, his partner now feels terrible because she wasn't paying close attention during their hospital visits, having been very sick herself and not eating for the previous week.)

"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."  Flannery O'Connor

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by: Jane @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 13:56:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Canada (BC): Weekly H1N1 Flu information bulletin (Nov 10, 2009)

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/new...

VICTORIA - British Columbia continues to monitor and respond to the spread of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus. Since Nov. 3, there have been 202 new severe cases of H1N1 identified in B.C. - 96 in Fraser Health, 47 in Vancouver Coastal Health, 44 in Interior Health, 11 in Northern Health and four on Vancouver Island - with eight new deaths, including three in Vancouver Coastal Health, three on Vancouver Island and two in Fraser Health. The majority of lab-confirmed cases in B.C. have been mild or moderate in severity, with the patients either having already recovered or currently recovering.

How many severe cases of the H1N1 flu virus are there in B.C.?

·Since Nov. 3, there have been 202 new severe cases of H1N1 identified in B.C., with eight new deaths.

·In total, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has confirmed 601 severe H1N1 cases in British Columbia since April 2009, including:

·To date, 23 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases in B.C. are reported to have died. In 22 of those cases, there were underlying medical conditions.  

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by: JTWisc @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:06:04 PM CST

Italy: US airman's wife, baby just delivered, died of H1N1 at Aviano Air Base

European edition, Wednesday, November 11, 2009
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - A woman died Oct. 17 in the base hospital after giving birth, base officials said.

First Lt. Kimberley Schaerdel, chief of public affairs for the 31st Fighter Wing, would not release details about the woman - a civilian married to a U.S. airman. She said the hospital is unable to provide such information because the death is under investigation and the woman's husband does not want her identity made public.

http://www.stripes.com/article...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:09:40 PM CST

whoops! that headline should read "may have died of H1N1"

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:10:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Canada: 15 more deaths in Ontario, new total 52

Ontario has 52 swine flu related deaths since April, infection rates on the rise
(CP) - 1 hour ago

TORONTO - Ontario's top medical official says there have been 52 swine flu related deaths in the province since April.

That's up from the 37 deaths reported last week, and Dr. Arlene King says 14 of the newly reported deaths occurred before last Friday.

An additional death happened over the weekend.

King says H1N1 infection rates continue to rise across the province.

Ontario is expected to ship 395,000 doses of vaccine to the province's public health units on Wednesday.

http://www.google.com/hostedne...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:17:41 PM CST

Sri Lanka: 2nd death confirmed from H1N1, expectant mother, baby died too

The second death from "Swine Flu" AH1N1 in Sri Lanka, was reported from Matara Hospital yesterday.

An expectant mother, Asoka Dissanayake, of Paregedarawatta, Dehigaspe was admitted to Matara hospital with high fever. The patient's condition compelled the doctors to perform a Caesarian Section with the consent of her husband to save her life.

However, the mother and the child both died soon after the operation. Dr.K.I.Padmatilleka, a JMO attached to the hospital, stressed the need for a postmortem examination performed by a Specialist JMO to determine the cause of death in view of the prevailing threat of Swine Flu.

The Matara city coroner put off his verdict pending a postmortem examination.

However, Dr. Mrs. S.Samarakoon, the Hospital's director said the blood and mucus tests at the MRI had confirmed that the patient had died of Swine Flue

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_B...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:24:50 PM CST

Canada: 8th death confirmed in Manitoba, first death in second wave

WINNIPEG - Manitoba has its first death this fall in the second wave of swine flu.

Manitoba Health says the adult had the H1N1 virus and also had underlying medical conditions.

The province did not give any further information about the patient.

Last week, Manitoba's medical health officer said officials were investigating a death to determine if it was related to H1N1.

In the first wave of the pandemic last spring, seven Manitobans died from the virus.

http://www.google.com/hostedne...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:27:00 PM CST

OR: ferrets in Oregon develop swine flu from owners

More ferrets in Oregon have developed swine flu from their owners, fueling worries that the virus could jump from the pets to people.

"We are advising vets to take care because of the possibility of animal to human transmission," said Emilio DeBess, the state public health veterinarian.

So far, the virus has only gone one way - from owners to their ferrets.

In early October, the first case of human to ferret transmission of the H1N1 virus was documented by DeBess in the Portland area. Then at the end of last month, nine ferrets owned by a family in Roseburg came down with flulike symptoms, he said.

That was a week after two kids in the Roseburg family - a teenager and a child younger than 10 - got sick with the swine flu.

Like the kids, the ferrets developed high fevers, red eyes, runny noses and they were coughing and sneezing.

"If the ferrets could talk, they'd say 'Oh my God, my body aches,'" DeBess said.

Tests on three of the ferrets confirmed that they had the H1N1 virus. DeBess suspects that the others had the virus as well.

Ferrets, which mimic human flu symptoms, are used in labs researching the flu. DeBess said ferrets are especially susceptible to catching pneumonia.

A pet ferret in Nebraska that caught the H1N1 virus from its family died, and a cat in Iowa has come down with the virus, said Michael San Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pigs in Indiana have also contracted the virus along with swine in Canada and other countries. Two health inspectors were infected with the H1N1 virus when they visited the sick swine herd in Canada, San Filippo said.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:30:34 PM CST

Canada: 8 more deaths in BC, total now 23 and 202 more hospitalizations last week

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Eight more people have died in B.C. in the last week after getting the H1N1 flu.

That brings to 23 the number of people who have died in the province since April and health officials say in all but one of those cases the patients had underlying medical conditions.

In the past week, 202 people have had to be hospitalized in B.C. after they contracted the H1N1 flu, for a total of 601 admissions so far.

http://www.google.com/hostedne...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:46:47 PM CST

MA: Boston man 1st death in second wave, 14th death in Massachusetts from H1N1

A 65-year-old Boston man is the first death linked to 2009 H1N1 influenza in Boston this fall.

The Boston Public Health Commission announced the death Tuesday.

"It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of a Boston resident from illness associated with H1N1. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends", said Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission.

The patient, who had multiple underlying health conditions, was hospitalized Oct. 14. He tested positive for Influenza Type A and died Oct. 31.

Boston health officials were notified Nov. 9 that state laboratory test results came back positive for H1N1.

The patients death is the fifth attributed to H1N1 influenza in Boston and the 14th in Massachusetts since the pandemic began in the spring.

http://www.wbz.com/Boston-man-...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:54:53 PM CST

FL: child, 11, died of H1N1 in Lee County, Florida, 149th death from H1N1 there

The Lee County Health Department has received notification of its fifth H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related death in an 11 year old female resident with pre-existing conditions.

...As of October 31, 149 deaths have been reported in Florida.

http://www.news-press.com/arti...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 15:58:21 PM CST

CA: Vacaville 6 yr old girl confirmed H1N1 death

VACAVILLE- Complications from the H1N1 virus caused the death of a 6-year-old Vacaville girl last month, Solano coroner's officials announced Monday.

Alexis Clara, 6, reportedly fell ill with flu-like symptoms on Oct. 15 and was admitted to VacaValley Hospital on Oct. 18. She died that same day.
Though it was quickly determined that she had the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu virus, it took a battery of tests to determine whether the condition caused the child's death, coroner's officials have said.

Absenteeism at Browns Valley Elementary School, where Alexis was a first-grader, rose to 25 percent soon after the girl's death. On the recommendation of county public health officials, the school was closed for four days.

"By having it closed for four days, it will interrupt that cycle of transmission," said Robin Cox, Solano County health education manager, at the time.

Meanwhile, Vacaville Christian High School was also briefly closed after more than 40 students and a third of the teaching staff were afflicted with "H1N1 symptoms," according to a note at the school's entrance.

County health officials have urged residents to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:11:28 PM CST

TX: 19th death reported in Dallas County, 18 yr old male with no prior health probs

DALLAS - Dallas County's 19th death from swine flu was confirmed on Tuesday by Dallas County Health and Human Services.

According to a news release, the 18-year-old male Dallas County resident had no underlying medical conditions.

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcont...  

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:28:56 PM CST

What happened to #18?

Really - they were scrolling across the screen this morning the 17th H1N1 death.

This from the affiliated newspaper 24 hours ago
"The death of a 51-year-old Dallas County man was confirmed as the county's 17th H1N1-related death, Dallas County Health and Human Services said today. "
http://www.dallasnews.com/shar...

BTW - your link to this story seems to be defective. Try this one
http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcont...

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by: Catte Nappe @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:56:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

link again, sorry but WFAA is an old DFW TV station and it does say 19th death

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcont...

still it could be a glitch thingy hehe, and perhaps they meant it was the 18th death, in a 19 yr old, or vice versa lol

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:16:12 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Somehow #19 made the news ahead of #18

The deaths of two men, a 24-year-old and an 18-year-old, were confirmed as the county's 18th and 19th H1N1-related deaths, Dallas County Health and Human Services said Tuesday. Both men had no underlying medical conditions...
http://www.dallasnews.com/shar...

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by: Catte Nappe @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:19:28 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Joseph

Can you please check the link for this article? I get "page not found"

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. --Unknown

     

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by: Carol@SC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 19:26:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hi Joseph

I am having trouble accessing the link you posted. Can you please check it? Thanks.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. --Unknown

     

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by: Carol@SC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 19:27:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sorry...

I meant to post this under the California article above.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. --Unknown

     

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by: Carol@SC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 19:29:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Morocco: schools closed for H1N1 outbreak

The swine flu pandemic has arrived in Moroccan schools, with 252 cases now identified across the kingdom. The first case of the current outbreak was detected in Fes on October 23rd.

Affected schools have been temporarily closed in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Marrakesh. All of the closed schools are private academies; a nationwide school closure is not anticipated, according to Omar Meneazhi, Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Health.

"The situation is bound to get worse before it gets better," he warned. "But we're managing to keep it under control. Monitoring committees have been set up to evaluate the situation and apply appropriate strategies."

http://www.magharebia.com/coco...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:31:28 PM CST

FL: Orange County (Orlando) man, 50, died of H1N1, 9th death there, 149 deaths in state

A 50-year-old Orange County man has died of swine flu-related complications, health officials said today.

This is ninth death from swine flu or H1N1 reported in Orange County, said Orange County Health Department spokesman Dain Weister.

As of November 3, state health officials have reported 149 deaths and 1008 hospitalizations in Florida due to the swine flu.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:41:50 PM CST

AR: Arkansas now has 18 dead from H1N1

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas' death toll from swine flu already stands at 18 today, weeks before the usual start of the flu season, the state Department of Health said.

"Looking at where we are right now, no one can remember a flu season where we've had so many deaths before November. Our flu season normally doesn't even get started until December," Health Department spokesman Ed Barham said.

"It's been five decades since we've had flu season extend all through the summer," Barham said, noting a swine flu epidemic in the United States in the late 1950s

http://arkansasnews.com/2009/1...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 16:51:58 PM CST

refreshingly honest!

 I have to say this Health Department spokesman is the first PH official I've heard being so frank and honest about the flu situation in their area. I'm no disaster monger, but to continuously hear how it's nothing much, no worse that seasonal flu, just our imagination etc etc ad infinitum, is insulting to our intelligence. It's a flat out relief to hear someone saying what we pretty much know to be true from the evidence: This aint no ordinary flu!

(I'll bet he takes a lot of c--p for it though)

Always have a plan B.

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by: maryinhawaii @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 22:45:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Canada: Ontario health officials add 1st responders police and firefighters, et al to vaxx priority

Ontario health officials announced Tuesday they are expanding H1N1 immunizations to include "first responders" such as police officers and firefighters, correctional officers and those aged 65 and over living in long-term care.

Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, also said a small group of ministry staff involved in pandemic response, including herself, will be able to get immunized. King said that is likely between 100 and 120 poeple.

King said a decsion will be made later this week on when to expand vaccinations to the general public.

http://www.globaltoronto.com/O...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:09:06 PM CST

ECDC's risk assessment and some reflections

Here are 3 related ideas I've been thinking about for some time, all around adjuvanted vaccines and how to think about recommendations, or at least some considerations:

---

Sometimes vaccines are offered with the idea that there will be less societal disruption due to unpredictably messy absenteesim.

Here's what's written on page 14 of the current (Nov 6th, 2009) ECDC's risk assessment (my emphasis):

Though the absenteeism rates will not be higher than usual, it should be remembered that in ordinary winters other respiratory viruses combine with influenza to put people off of work.

This, in my mind, means the risk of societal disruption is seen to be "not higher" than last year.

At the same time:

1) We don't have as much evidence as we'd like about the safety of adjuvanted vaccines in otherwise healthy people.

2) The epidemic wave moves on, in many places faster than vaccination.

So, do you vaccinate the police and firefighters with adjuvanted vaccines?

---

Sometimes it's said HCWs should be vaccinated to protect fragile patients.

There are 2 considerations I think we need to add to the decision pot:

1) HCWs have a higher probability than most people to have acquired natural immunity already, or at least are acquiring it earlier in the wave than the bulk of their patients.

2) In many cases, patients lead an otherwise normal life, going from the doctor's office to the supermarket or mall.  In numbers, each patient has many people around, and only a small fraction is their HCW.  So the reduction in "benefit for the patient", which is what we really care about, is close to nil I'd say.  This is different in bed ridden patients, who have maybe 4-6 people around, so that it might make sense to vaccinate as many of them as possible.

So, is it reasonable for most HCWs to treat themselves, with regards to adjuvanted vaccines, more or less like they would treat healthy people who are not HCWs?

---

So maybe there are 3 groups re vaccination:

1) healthy people (including HCWs who treat walking patients).  Their need for vaccines is smallest.

2) people with conditions.  They benefit from the vaccine in proportion to:
- their relative risk, with some figures in the ECDC document, and I'd say a judgement call between patient and doctor,
- and also in proportion to the timing of the vaccine, so that being vaccinated well into the wave is much less useful.

3) exclusive carers for people with conditions who are bed ridden.  These are the generous souls.  Useful if useful for patient without too much risk for carer.

When in doubt, remember vaccines are not the only tool that can be used.  Antivirals are there too.

You arm yourself to the teeth just in case.  You don't leave the gun near the baby's hand.

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by: lugon @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 05:38:02 AM CST

[ Parent ]

KY: child becomes Kentucky's 21st death confirmed from H1N1

Nelson County Child 21st Kentucky H1N1 Flu Victim
A school-age child has become the 21st person in Kentucky to die from the H1N1 flu.

http://www.wbko.com/news/headl...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:21:11 PM CST

FL: Naples health department accidentally gave 77 students 'seasonal vaxx' not H1N1 vaxx

NAPLES - Seventy-seven students at the Community School of Naples were mistakenly given the seasonal flu vaccine earlier this week when parents had signed consent forms for their children to receive the H1N1 vaccine, the Collier County Health Department said Tuesday.

The mistake was discovered when staff members at the health department were inputting data into computers at the school clinic Monday and the computers would not accept the lot numbers as correct for H1N1 vaccine, said Dr. Joan Colfer, executive director of the health department.

The vaccine clinic was halted and an additional supervisor was sent to the school to oversee the continuation of the H1N1 clinic for the rest of the school, she said.

The mistake was discovered 10 or 15 minutes after they started administering the shots, said Deb Millsap, spokeswoman for the health department.

http://www.naplesnews.com/news...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:25:40 PM CST

FL: woman booted from flight for ILI symptoms

TAMPA, Fla. -- A 50-year-old woman says she was booted from a flight from Tampa to Hawaii because the flight crew aboard the aircraft suspected she had the flu.

Mitra Mostoufi says she was humiliated when she was taken off the United Airlines flight on Monday morning. She says she doesn't "need to be treated like a disease."

Mostoufi says she doesn't have the flu. She says medication for restless leg syndrome made her feel nauseous, so she asked for an air sickness bag. After she made the request, a United Airlines employee told her to leave the aircraft.

A United spokesman says airline crews try to act in the best interest of all the travelers.

Mostoufi and her 12-year-old daughter are expected to fly back to Hawaii on Tuesday morning

http://www.miamiherald.com/new...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:32:17 PM CST

NJ: two more deaths in New Jersey last week

Two New Jersey men died of H1N1 flu during the past week, bringing the number of deaths from the virus to 22 since the disease was first identified in April, the state health department reported.

The two, a 37-year-old Essex County man and a 51-year-old Gloucester County man, each had multiple underlying health conditions, said Donna Leusner, a health department spokeswoman.

Swine flu is considered widespread in the state, with all counties reporting emergency department visits well above the baseline for this time of year.

Ten percent of visits to hospital emergency rooms were due to influenza-like illnesses in the week ending last Saturday, up from 9 percent the week before, and more than double the 4 percent average for previous years at this time. About 5 percent of the week's emergency visits lead to hospital admissions.

http://www.northjersey.com/new...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:45:37 PM CST

NV: Nevada confirms 4 more deaths, two children included

 6-year-old North Las Vegas boy and a 17-year-old boy have died from H1N1 influenza complicated by underlying medical conditions, the Clark County Coroner's Office said today.

Two 54-year-olds, a man and a woman, also died from the novel H1N1 flu strain, the Southern Nevada Health District said. The woman suffered from an underlying medical condition.

Clark County has reported 24 deaths from H1N1 flu since the virus was reported in April.

A spokeswoman for the coroner's office said the 6-year-old boy who died Thursday afternoon at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center succumbed to respiratory failure, H1N1 and sickle cell anemia.

Before the 6-year-old boy, all H1N1-related deaths had been of adults, the Southern Nevada Health District reported.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/new...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 17:56:16 PM CST

Pakistan: at least one doctor caring for dead Afghani woman also has H1N1

Messiah contracts Swine flu

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
By Tauseef-ur-Rahman

PESHAWAR: One of the doctors who had interacted with the Afghan woman who died after infected with Swine flu (H1N1), has also acquired the disease as the provincial health officials confirmed that the medic had tested positive for the pandemic.

The doctor, who works in the anesthesia department of a private health facility, North-West General Hospital and Research Centre Peshawar, was tested positive for the Swine influenza.

"Yes, we have received information from National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad that a doctor of the private hospital has also been infected with the virus," said NWFP Director General Health Services Dr Fazl Mahmood while talking to The News.

Dr Fazl said he had told his deputy director of public health to send a letter to the private health facility to close the hospital for two or three days. "The hospital administration should fumigate the entire hospital and also dispose off all the stuff that was used for the Afghan woman including bed, and other surgical equipment," he added.

He said samples of some 12 staff members of the private hospital were sent to NIH among which the institute officials telephonically conveyed that one person had been tested positive for Swine flu virus.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/prin...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

---

by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:02:18 PM CST

One flu death, so dispose of bed and equipment used

and close the hospital for fumigation for 2 or 3 days?  Isn't that extreme for H1N1?  How many patients with swine flu are in ICUs in other countries, simultaneously?

"The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it."  Flannery O'Connor

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by: Jane @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:13:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This situation with more and more Doctors and other HCW geting the flu means something.

Granted these caregivers are being directly exposed to the virus at a close personal level, but at the same time I am sure they use all the personal protective gear available, and are experts in the use of same. The fact that regardless of precautions like these they are still getting infected indicates something new may be happening with this virus, although i'm not sure what. Are the patients shedding a much higher load, is the virus increasing in it's ability to infect, and/or is it finding new routes in?  

Always have a plan B.

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by: maryinhawaii @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 22:53:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Belarus Reports Almost 1/4 Million Flu Cases

http://www.recombinomics.com/N...

The press service of the Gomel regional executive committee BelaPAN reported that in the Gomel region died of pneumonia eight people. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 827 people, including a 643 adults and 184 children.

According to the press service of Belarus continues to rise in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI). From 2 to 9 November in 18 cities of the republic controls 223,349 registered cases of influenza and ARI. Among the control of cities, the highest incidence rates of influenza and ARI recorded in Rechitsa, Gomel, Mozyr, Molodechno, Mogilev, Vitebsk, Borisov, Minsk, Soligorsk.

In the region from 2 to 9 November diagnosed with influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI), put 48,752 people, of which the proportion of children was 49% (24051), adults - 51% (24701). Share hospitalized was 2.7% (1,299 people). Among the hospitalized children predominate (60%).

At all administrative territories of the Gomel region introduced a set of preventive measures. In connection with a high incidence in Gomel region on November 9 in 169 schools and three vocational training institutions suspended the learning process

.

The above translation describes a significant influenza outbreak in Belarus, which has many similarities with Ukraine. Eight pneumonia deaths have been reported in Gomel, which is adjacent to the Kiev Oblast in Ukraine (see map).  In the latest report from Ukraine, the largest increases in cases were in Kiev and Kiev Oblast.  In addition, 10 suspect H1N1 deaths in Minsk have been reported suggesting that the deaths may also be linked to H1N1 and hemorrhagic pneumonia.  90 such fatalities were described in Ukraine, and the total disintegration of both lungs is similar to cases described in the United States and Mexico, as well as cases in 1918.

The cases in Belarus are widespread and the numbers cited for Gomel would be above the epidemic threshold.  Most areas in Ukraine are also above the epidemic threshold, while the remaining areas are near the threshold.

These high rates are driven by H1N1 because levels of other seasonal flu's throughout Europe and North America are negligible.  Well over 99% of sub-typed flu is swine H1N1.

The deaths in Belarus and Ukraine raise concerns that there have been small genetic changes in the virus position 225 has been changed (D225G, D225N, and D225E) in multiple swine H1N1 isolates, including recent isolates from fatal cases in Sau Paulo, Brazil.

The expanding number of cases and fatalities increases concerns created by the delay in the release of H1N1 sequences from Ukraine.

---

by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:12:00 PM CST

WHO says H1N1 virus could mutate, warns vigilance in watching for symptoms

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.c...

Geneva, Switzerland -- Concerned by the potential of the H1N1 pandemic virus to become more virulent as the pool of viral genes circulates among a number of hosts, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for close monitoring and proper management of animals that exhibit symptoms of respiratory infections.

The WHO is on guard for viral changes, especially after detecting a novel H3N2 influenza virus affecting mink on a farm in Denmark. No humans have been infected with that H3N2 virus, but a WHO spokesperson says the incident demonstrates "the constantly evolving ecology of influenza viruses, the potential for surprising changes, and the need for constant vigilance."

Snip

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by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:13:39 PM CST

good find madelaine ))

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 00:44:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

189 Deaths Reported in Ukraine - Belarus to 223K Cases

http://www.recombinomics.com/N...

1,122,188 Influenza/ARI

57,286 Hospitalized

189 Deaths              

The above numbers are from the latest report from Ukraine.  Numbers in all categories continue to rise,  The two locations with the biggest increases were Kiev (8062 to 76,285) and Kiev Oblast (6,522 to 56,688). These increases indicate the H1N1 is spreading east and the high numbers in the Kiev region may be associated with the jump of cases in the Gomel region in Belarus, with 48,754 cases in influenza/ARI (see map). Belarus also reported 8 fatal pneumonia cases fro the region, and larger numbers of fatalities had been reported earlier for Minsk.  For the entire country, Belarus reported 223,349 cases, further supporting the H1N1 spread in the region.

Snip

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by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:16:04 PM CST

Swine flu died 439 Russians

http://naviny.by/rubrics/zdoro...

On 10 November in Russia 4563 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in the last 9 months of 439 Russians died of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections.

This Gazeta.ru today announced Minister of Health and Social Development Tatyana Golikova.  

---

by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:20:40 PM CST

Uh, WTF? n/t

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by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:21:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Hmm...

It's hard to bully Ukraine (and most of Europe) out of more gas money when they are experiencing a flu epidemic and your not.  So...

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by: Okieman @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:26:49 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Original Story

http://gazeta.ru/news/lenta/20...

Looks like a ITAR-TASS story (their AP). Last week wasn't the total number 7 or some such thing from Russia?

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by: magdelaine @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 18:28:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Another translation (using Google)

In the Gomel region [Belarus] died of pneumonia eight

The press service of the Gomel regional executive committee BelaPAN reported that in the Gomel region died of pneumonia eight people. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 827 people, including a 643 adults and 184 children.

According to the press service of Belarus continues to rise in the incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI). From 2 to 9 November in 18 cities of the republic controls 223,349 registered cases of influenza and ARI. Among the control of cities, the highest incidence rates of influenza and ARI recorded in Rechitsa, Gomel, Mozyr, Molodechno, Mogilev, Vitebsk, Borisov, Minsk, Soligorsk.

In the region from 2 to 9 November diagnosed with influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI), put 48,752 people, of which the proportion of children was 49% (24051), adults - 51% (24701). Among the hospitalized children predominate (60%).

At all administrative territories of the Gomel region introduced a set of preventive measures. In connection with a high incidence in Gomel region on November 9 in 169 schools and three vocational training institutions suspended the learning process.

Cases of influenza A (H1N1) press office does not disclose how and Regional Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology.

[Posted by AlohaOR, not seeing any telephone booths in which to change out of the mask and cape]

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by: NewsDiary @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 22:15:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

UK: Vital step forward in battle with swine flu

A cutting edge Southampton drug research company has taken a key step forward in its battle to come up with a medical defence against swine flu.

Southampton General Hospital-based Synairgen has just completed lab tests that show its drug Inhaled Interferon Beta has a "potent" impact on the virus.

Although the product still faces a long route to market and will probably need a large pharmaceutical company as a partner, if successful it has the potential to corner a slice of a multi-billion-pound global market.

(Snip)

Designed for asthma sufferers and other people with breathing problems who are most at risk from swine flu, Synairgen's process aims to bolster the body's defences rather than attack the virus head-on. Instead, Synairgen prevents respiratory viruses spreading from the nose and throat to the lungs, where the condition becomes most dangerous.

The tests showed infection levels down between 94 and 100 per cent, apparently confirming the company's belief in the drug.

Richard Marsden, chief executive officer, said: "Having already shown Interferon Beta activity against the main common cold viruses, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), we can now add H1N1 to our existing body of evidence, and will be continuing further experiments with other flu viruses."

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/new...

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by: Ruby Murray @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 19:48:49 PM CST

OH: 2 more deaths in Ohio reported, now 25 in total for state

Ross and Fayette counties reported their first H1N1-related deaths this week.

A 33-year-old Washington Court House man with no underlying health problems died Sunday at Mount Carmel West in Columbus, apparently from the virus, said Karen Lowe, Fayette County deputy health commissioner.

The man, whose flu strain was confirmed by testing, died within a week of falling ill, she said.

In Ross County, a 54-year-old woman with a laboratory-confirmed case of H1N1 flu died a week ago today at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, officials said.

Statewide, 25 deaths have been reported as of today, said Ohio Department of Health spokesman Kristopher Weiss. There have been 2,155 flu-related hospitalizations, he said.

The tally of H1N1 deaths is not, and won't ever be, complete. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't required that all adult deaths be reported, only child deaths

http://www.dispatch.com/live/c...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 20:12:25 PM CST

CA: Kern County, California reports 4 more deaths, 14 thus far

Four more Kern County residents died of complications of the H1N1 Flu in the last week, bringing the local death toll to 14, the Kern County Health Department reported Tuesday. The H1N1 Flu has hospitalized 162 local people since the beginning of the year, the health department said.

The Health Department also reported the county's first 2009 death from the seasonal flu. Eleven people have been hospitalized with flu strains other than H1N1.

The figures report deaths and illnesses from Tuesday to Tuesday.

http://www.kget.com/news/local...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 20:52:04 PM CST

OR: 7 new deaths, 33 since Sept. 1, 45 in total from H1N1 thus far

From Sept. 1 through Nov. 6, a total of 1,015 people in Oregon were hospitalized and 33 have died from Influenza A virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC catalogs influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths in 12 Oregon counties.

Though not all of these patients were tested for H1N1, public health officials have determined that nearly all of these patients were positive for pandemic H1N1 influenza.

All Influenza A cases, Sept. 1 through Nov. 6:

County                  Hospitalizations     Deaths
Clackamas                      80                    1
Clark and Region IV         95                   0
Columbia                           0                    0
Multnomah                     184                    4
Washington                     92                    2

Schools throughout the region are reporting anywhere from typical to somewhat-higher-than-usual amounts of absences due to influenza-like illness.

http://www.katu.com/news/local...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 20:58:36 PM CST

Media finally reports some numbers...

... and can you believe, most of the comments were screaming about them HYPING the flu!! (Maybe this is why the media hesitates -- with such ostrich idiots around!). Only one comment had any sanity to it, and the comment scared me (I believe the "who cares" to be ironic):

Who cares, just because in my entire 20+ years of working in one of the finest hospital systems in the metro area, I've never seen multiple cases of otherwise perfectly healthy young adults walk in through the front door with a simple case of the flu and then end up being wheeled out the back door by the undertaker, that's no reason to protect myself & my children. Go figure.

Oh, and the numbers KATU reported are for up to Nov. 10th, according to the flu.oregon.gov site... the actual numbers for "up to Nov 6th) would be 942 hospitalizations, meaning that 73 new hospitalizations happened over the weekend, and 3 new deaths....  

Keep the information coming!

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by: Cathy M @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 22:31:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

3 new deaths reported today

were from Josephine County (1) and Multnomah County (2).

---

by: AlohaOR @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 22:50:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Accelerating rate of deaths in OR

Deaths reported in 1st 4 months (June 1-Sept 30): 14
Deaths reported in October: 17
Deaths reported in the first 10 days of November: 14

---

by: AlohaOR @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 23:00:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

And if they gave us more data, we might see if it's new cases or not

But no one will give us the length of illness for any of these deaths -- even tho that would hardly compromise anyone's privacy!!

Keep the information coming!

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by: Cathy M @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 00:03:32 AM CST

[ Parent ]

it's the classic pattern of exponential wave n/t

All 'safety concerns' are hypothetical.  If not, they'd be called side effects...

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by: SusanC @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 23:40:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Dozens of students givin wrong flu shot

http://www.nbc-2.com/Global/st...

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by: JonC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 21:13:33 PM CST

S. Korea: Health officials concern at bird flu 'resurgence' at time of H1N1

The resurgence of bird flu in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province is causing concerns to health authorities as the H1N1 flu scare continues. A low pathogenic bird-flu virus was found in excrement of migratory birds in a reservoir in Chuncheon. Despite the low infectiousness, health authorities claim they cannot rule out danger to humans or mutation and pledged to stay alert.

The worst-case scenario is that patients infected with the H1N1 virus could additionally contract bird flu, leading to a mutation that gives rise to a new supervirus. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that a new form of virus will be formed when the bird flu virus appears amid the spread of H1N1 virus," a health official said. "But if that did actually happen, the situation we've seen so far would be a mere shadow of what lies ahead. That's why we have to take preventive measures."

Disease prevention headquarters on Tuesday said it will vaccinate some 40,000 fowl breeders from the third week of this month instead of December as originally planned.

http://english.chosun.com/site...

"I have come to value liberated minds as the supreme good of life on earth."

epitaph on grave of J. Frank Dobie

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by: Joseph_Roehl_kiwiamerican @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 21:52:36 PM CST

Please post new news stories to...

 
News Reports for November 11, 2009

Thank you!

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. --Unknown

     

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by: Carol@SC @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 23:24:15 PM CST

Beat me, again

by 47 seconds this time.

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by: AlohaOR @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 23:25:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Please post new news stories to...

News Reports for November 11, 2009

Thank you!

---

by: AlohaOR @ Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 23:25:02 PM CST

US (who else?!): Recalculating the Tally in Swine Flu Deaths

About 4,000 Americans - rather than about 1,200 - have died of swine flu since the disease emerged in April, according to new figures being calculated by epidemiologists for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The larger number of deaths does not mean the virus is more dangerous. Rather, it is a new estimate made by combining deaths from laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu and deaths that appear to be brought on by flu, even though the patient may have ultimately died of bacterial pneumonia, other infections or organ failure.

The new estimate of deaths - actually a range both larger and smaller than 4,000 - will not be released until sometime next week because the centers' consultants are still looking over the figures, said Glen Nowak, a C.D.C. spokesman.

The new estimate will be a more accurate comparison to the 36,000 deaths from seasonal flu each year, he said. That estimate is also based on confirmed cases as well as hospital reports of people who appear to have died after a bout of flu.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11...

Aaagghh - 2am last night I re-set all the US figs since 31st Aug in my spreadsheet cos I had been unable to update it for the past three weeks!

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by: Ruby Murray @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 06:24:48 AM CST