News Reports for August 16, 2012

US: New swine flu hits 66 Ohio cases

It used to be called "swine flu." But now there are so many different varieties of it, scientists have given one of them the technical name, H3N2V, and the number of human cases is increasing in Ohio and across the country. Ohio now has 66 confirmed human cases, spread out over 17 counties.

(Snip)

"Ohio didn't have any confirmed cases of H3N2V in humans last year," Pollock says. "CDC reports that there only 12 human cases nationally between August and December of 2011. This year we are looking at more than 150 cases so far in 2012."

(Snip) five  out of the 66 Ohioans who've gotten this strain of swine flu have had to be hospitalized and all of them have been treated and released. It appears that many of them got the illness by coming into contact with pigs at county fairs. (Snip) http://www.wksu.org/news/story...

(Note: There are more than 150 cases. The number was higher than that the end of last week and it continues to increase.)

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 00:46:36 AM UTC

H3N2v Ohio Cases Increase to 66 in 17 Counties

Recombinomics Commentary

Ashland (1), Butler (17), Champaign (13), Clark (3), Fairfield (1), Franklin (4), Gallia (11), Greene (4), Hamilton (3), Licking (1), Medina (1), Monroe (2), Morrow (1), Preble (1), Ross (1), Union (1), Warren (1).

The above list represents the August 15 tally of H3N2v cases confirmed in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).  The number of cases increased from 54 to 66, while the number of counties increased from 12 to 17.  These one day increases signal increased testing, but also strongly suggests that many of the totals will represent serious undercounts.

The new counties were Ashland, Fairfield, Licking, Preble, and Union  with 1 case each.  Franklin increased again (Snip)  The remaining 5 newly reported  (from 2 to 4) while Champaign County, again increased by five cases (from 8 to 13).

(Snip) officials in Champaign told residents to not seek medical attention if not at risk or seriously ill, so most cases will not be tested.  (Snip) this request may be linked to the presence of more serious cases in Champaign, because as the number of confirmed cases in Champaign increased, the number of hospitalized cases for the state increased from 1 to 2 to 5 to several. Continued: http://www.recombinomics.com/N...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 05:51:56 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

US: First case of swine flu in Michigan confirmed in Washtenaw County child

The first case of the variant flu virus known as H3N2v has been detected in Michigan, adding to the recent national spike in cases.

The Michigan case is believed to have been transmitted by an Ingham County fair pig to a Washtenaw County child. The case was mild and the child didn't require hospitalization (Snip) State lab tests will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation. The age and gender of the child were not disclosed.

This year's flu vaccine does not protect against H3N2, which is known to infect swine and began to be detected among humans in August 2011. About a dozen cases in several states, not including Michigan, were reported by the end of last year, according to the CDC.

In July, H3N2v human infections began to spike. As of last week, 154 cases had been logged this year nationally, mostly in Ohio and Indiana - correlating with county and state fair season.

The virus shares a gene associated with the H1N1, worrying public health officials about an increased probability of human-to-human transfer. But it doesn't appear that has happened, said Tom Skinner, a CDC spokesman. Continued: http://www.freep.com/article/2...  

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 00:50:59 AM UTC

Netherlands flags LPAI: 31,870 birds destroyed

LPAI H7N7 has been discovered on a farm just south of the Dutch city of Utrecht in the village of Hagestijn. (Snip) chief veterinary officier attached to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, has reported to the OIE an outbreak of Low pathogenic avian influenza with the serotype H7N7.

The outbreak, starting on the ninth of August on a free range farm, was discovered during a routine check. A positive PCR test by the Central Veterinary Institute in Lelystad confirmed the virus to be H7N7.

(Snip) 31,870 free range laying hens were destroyed. There are no commercial holdings within one kilometre of the farm.

Standard quarantine measures have been installed. The OIE notes that the low pathogenic forms of avian influenza H5 and H7 in poultry is a notifiable disease (Snip) http://www.worldpoultry.net/ne...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 05:05:44 AM UTC

Vietnam: Farmers brace for bird flu

HANOI, 16 August 2012 (IRIN) - Farmers in north and central Vietnam are bracing for a new wave of bird flu outbreaks as local authorities are urged to take precautions against the disease.

In the past two weeks, local news reported around 67,000 poultry infected with the H5N1 virus in the northern city of Hai Phong, and 17,000 in Ha Tinh Province in the centre of the country. This follows six outbreaks in late July in the north that led to almost 30,000 birds being culled (Snip)

(Snip)

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has urged local authorities to tighten the inspection of poultry imports to stop infected birds entering the country. Local news reports blamed a lack of awareness among poultry farmers, and poor preparedness in disease prevention and control, but the cause is still unknown, according to OIE.

(Snip)

The government has handed out over three million doses of vaccine (Snip) Last year, the virus killed 151,300 birds, but this was 50 percent fewer than in 2010.

(Snip)

Four people are reported to have died from the disease this year - the first cases in 21 months. According to the World Health Organization, there have been 121 confirmed human H5N1 infections and 61 deaths in Vietnam since the virus first appeared in the country in 2003. http://www.irinnews.org/Report...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 05:15:00 AM UTC

Hospitalized Ohio H3N2v Cases Raise Concerns

Recombinomics Commentary

To date, two of the confirmed cases were hospitalized, but they have since been treated and released.

To date, five of the confirmed cases were hospitalized, but they have since been treated and released.

To date, several of the confirmed cases were hospitalized, but they have since been treated and released.

The above comments are from the August 13, 14 and 15 H3N2v updates from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).  In these three reports, the number of confirmed cases in Champaign County was reported for the first time (3 cases) on August 13 and increased by five in each subsequent report, which may have been linked to the daily increases in the total number of hospitalized cases.

(Snip) Champaign County Health Commissioner Shelia Hiddleson stated "her staff has taken calls from others with flu-like symptoms and that they have been told to treat fever and discomfort and only call a doctor if they are at high risk for flu complications..." suggesting that the number of cases in Champaign County may have been high.  

The 13 confirmed cases in the latest ODH report are greater than the 11 confirmed in Gallia County, where more than 200 attendees of the Gallia Junior County fair were symptomatic and 200 were tested with an influenza A rapid test.  69 were positive and a sub-set was sent to ODH for H3N2v confirmation.  (Snip) the sensitivity levels of commercial rapid tests suggests that all or most of the symptomatic cases were influenza A positive, and ODH testing suggested that all influenza A positive cases were H3N2v infected.

Therefore, the 13 confirmed cases in Champaign County may indicate that the number of symptomatic cases exceeded 200, and the number seeking medical treatment may have strained health care delivery in the area. (Snip) the increases in hospitalized patients with the increases in confirmed H3N2v cases in Champaign County may indicate a more aggressive H3N2v is transmitting in the area. (Snip) http://www.recombinomics.com/N...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 05:37:49 AM UTC

H3N2v Jumps from Gallia Ohio to Mason County West Virginia

Recombinomics Commentary

Three human cases of H3N2v have been reported in Mason County, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services.

The above comments describe three H3N2v case linked to the Mason County Fair at Point Pleasant, West Virginia.  Last week the West Virginia Department of Health began testing cases because of the large outbreak (over 200 H3N2v infections) at the Gallia Junior County Fair at Gallipolis. Ohio, 5 miles from the Mason County fair.  (Snip)

(Snip)

The spread of H3n2 from Ohio to West Virginia further supports human to human transmission of a novel sub-clade, which was initially identified at a West Virginia Mineral County daycare center.

The recent explosion of H3N2v cases in Indiana and Ohio has led to increased testing at agricultural fairs, leading to detection of a novel sub-clade rapidly spreading via human to human transmission. http://www.recombinomics.com/N...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 06:00:17 AM UTC

Mexico Vaccinates 80 Million Birds Against Flu Virus

A total of 80 million birds have been vaccinated against the AH7N3 avian flu virus in Mexico, where another 8 million birds have been destroyed, federal health officials said.

Inspections have now been conducted at 426 poultry farms in the Los Altos region of the western state of Jalisco during the 7-week-old emergency health campaign (Snip) Inspectors found 385 farms to be free of the virus, while 41 farms tested positive for the presence of the AH7N3 avian flu virus (Snip)

"The farms free of the virus have been allowed to move their products to the main markets," Senasica director Enrique Sanchez said. A quarantine remains in effect in the high-risk area, with the transportation of poultry products restricted to prevent the spread of the virus.

Officials have also ordered the slaughter of birds that test positive for the AH7N3 virus, the Senasica said.

A total of 11,253 samples from farms in 20 states have been tested, yielding negative results and "giving us scientific evidence to support the idea that the outbreak has been contained for now in the Los Altos zone of Jalisco, where it originated," Sanchez said. Continued: http://www.hispanicallyspeakin...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 06:26:26 AM UTC

Confirmed Cases of Seasonal Flu In Boyd County, Ky.

ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The Ashland Boyd County Health Department has confirmed the first cases of seasonal flu in the state of Kentucky.

(Snip)

All cases in Boyd County so far have been the season H3N2 strain that is included in this season's influenza vaccine. No cases of the H3N2 variant strain linked to swine exposure that have been found in Ohio have been identified in Kentucky.

Typically flu season begins in October or November, but sometimes a low level of flu activity can begin as early as late summer.

Vaccination can be given anytime during the flu season and is being encouraged to be given as soon as available due to the early start to the flu season this year. (Snip) http://www.wsaz.com/news/headl...

(Note: I am very suspicious about this. There is a high probablity that all H3N2 positive cases and untested symptomatic flu cases right now are the H3N2v strain. Samples need to be sent ASAP to the CDC in Atlanta for further tests. JMO)

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 08:13:30 AM UTC

Indonesia: Police start probe on bird flu vaccine graft

The Jakarta Post | National | Thu, August 16 2012, 9:24 AM

JAKARTA: The National Police has begun investigating graft allegations surrounding the procurement of bird flu vaccine, which caused state losses of more than Rp 460 billion (US$48.3 million).

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said that investigators from the criminal investigations division had requested the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to check bank accounts belonging to those implicated in the graft case and look for suspicious transactions.

The investigators have also questioned witnesses in the case, including officials from companies who won the contract from PT Anugrah Nusantara and companies appointed by the Health Ministry to build facilities for vaccine production.

PT Anugrah Nusantara is thought to be owned by Democratic Party chairman, Anas Urbaningrum.

An audit by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) revealed irregularities in what it called an "unhealthy" partnership between the Health Ministry, which oversaw the procurement, and companies appointed to build facilities to produce the vaccine, which included PT Anugrah Nusantara.

full article
http://www.thejakartapost.com/...

United we stand: Divided we fall
www.flunewsnetwork.com

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by: cottontop @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 14:53:33 PM UTC

Man Dies of Avian Flu in Indonesia

August 16, 2012
http://vaccinenewsdaily.com/me...
The recent death of a man in Indonesia brings the country's death toll from bird flu to nine this year.  The Global Alert Health Response reported a lab-confirmed new case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, according to the Ministry of Health in Indonesia, MedicalNewsToday reports.  The 37-year old victim came from Yogyakarta province and lived 50 meters from a poultry slaughterhouse and near a farm. The man also had four pet caged birds in his home, according to investigation results.  On July 24, the man developed a fever. He was admitted to the hospital on July 27 and died three days later, according to MedicalNewsToday.
(more)


"I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man."  Thomas Jefferson

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by: History Lover @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 15:12:47 PM UTC

CDC Vaccine Schedules

August 16, 2012
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/sc...
Schedule of recommended immunizations for adults.

"I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man."  Thomas Jefferson

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by: History Lover @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 15:21:11 PM UTC

DHHR says 3 confirmed swine flu cases in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Three swine flu cases have been confirmed in West Virginia. (Snip) all three cases were found in Mason County. The cases have been linked to attendance at the Gallia County Fair in Ohio where swine were present.

(Snip)

The department says people attending fairs should wash their hands frequently. People with health issues should avoid contact swine at fairs. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/a...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 20:45:33 PM UTC

India: Swine flu claims city's 3rd victim this year as 57-yr-old woman dies (Maharashtra)

Mumbai: A 57-year old woman suffering from swine flu died on Thursday at Godrej Hospital, Vikhroli, said civic officials. This is the third swine flu death in the city this year.

All the deaths were reported in August. (Snip) the patient, Shanti Jain, who suffered from hypertension and diabetes, died at 10.45am. On August 2, the Kanjurmarg resident was first admitted to a local nursing home, Aniket Nursing Home, with complaints of severe vomiting and diarrhoea, said officials.

"On August 6, she was shifted to Godrej Hospital after her symptoms aggravated. She had Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Godrej Hospital officials sent her throat swabs for testing to a private accredited laboratory on August 7. She tested positive for H1N1 virus on August 9," (Snip) she required ventilator support when she was transferred to Godrej Hospital. (Snip) Jain was also suffering from malaria and her platelet count was low.

On August 1, a 19-year-old youth from Chembur, suffering from pneumonia and epilepsy, succumbed to swine flu infection. On August 6, a 72-year old woman from Malad, who suffered from diabetes, heart disease and renal failure, died of H1N1 influenza at Kasturba Hospital, Chinchpokli.

(Snip) civic health officers from the area will get in touch with people who could have come in contact with Jain, including her relatives, neighbours and the hospital staff who came in touch with her.

Meanwhile, two people including a 16-year old boy from Mahim and a 15-year old boy from Prabhadevi tested positive for H1N1 virus on Thursday taking the total number of swine flu cases in the city to 275 this year.

"The Prabhadevi resident was admitted to a private hospital. Both patients are stable," (Snip) http://www.hindustantimes.com/...

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 @ Thu Aug 16, 2012 at 20:56:08 PM UTC

Please post new news stories to...

News Reports for August 17, 2012

Thank you!

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by: AlohaOR @ Fri Aug 17, 2012 at 04:10:21 AM UTC