Showing posts with label Influenza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Influenza. Show all posts
In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage
Of the 250 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine purchased by the US government, only 40 million was expected by Center of Disease Control (CDC) to be available by mid-October. CDC director Dr. Thomas Friedman however said, in reality, only 22.1 million were shipped.
Despite the emergency declaration of Pres. Barack Obama on the flu pandemic, the delay in vaccine availability has led to scrambling for the few medicines available as swine influenza surges in 46 states as of mid October.
“The CDC identified at-risk groups, including pregnant women, children and young adults, and recommended they be vaccinated first. But in many cases, even physicians who have vaccine don't have enough to inoculate all their high-risk patients.”----amednews (11/02/09, Moyer, C. S.)
People waiting in community clinics are afraid of catching disease as they learn the vaccine is in short supply. Since the outbreak of the flu in April, there have been 1,000 deaths and about 2,000 hospitalizations.
The CDC suggests that patients with flu-like manifestations and showing severe symptoms should be given antiviral treatment. Since it takes time to make a lab diiagnosis of the flu and the maximum benefit of the antiviral is within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, health authorities recommend that doctors start the medication even without the laboratory confirmation.
Vaccine production is accelerating to meet the demand. In response to CDC request, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA,) has approved the use of emergency intravenous antiviral peramivir for hospitalized patients with worse symptoms and do not respond to oral and inhalational anti-flu medications.
The public is encouraged to watch for advisories regarding the flu including particular attention to precautionary measures, prevention, and treatment regimens. In spite of the health preparations and citizen alerts conducted by health authorities, the vaccine delay is causing fear in the community.
Obviously the expectation on drug availability doesn’t match what has happened in the field. Doctors advise those with flu-like symptoms to stay away from people, wear masks, and bypass staying in patient’s waiting rooms---all to avoid spread of the disease. More cases of the virus infection are expected as the flu season goes in high gear. (Photo Credit: Ben Chau) =0=
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Obama calls swine flu a national emergency
As predicted early in spring that the H1N1 flu pandemic will escalate to cause illness in fall and winter. Early this month, about 20% of school children in US have complained of flu-like symptoms, most of them are thought to be caused by the H1N1 virus. In addition, 7% of 10,000 adults surveyed reported manifestations of flu which had claimed the lives of 1,000 people in USA.
The spread of the swine flu has the potential to overtax the healthcare system as 46 out 50 states have reported rising influenza infections. Wordwide, it was reported 5,000 people have so far died of the disease since the first cases were identified in April. This prompted Pres. Barack Obama to declare a national flu emergency.
“The emergency declaration, which Obama signed late Friday, lets doctors and nurses temporarily bypass certain federal requirements so they can better handle a spike in influenza A(H1N1) patients. The declaration comes just days after Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius warned that demand was outstripping supply of vaccine for the novel flu strain.”----AFP (10/24/09)
More than 1 million Americans have been downed by the H1N1 flu. Facing a vaccine shortage, the state of New York on Friday suspended the controversial ruling that health care personnel be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu by the end of November or face the possibility of job termination.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about 16.1 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine was ready for distribution and 11 million doses have already been passed on to state health authorities for use. In spite of this, it is believed that the distribution is already late to be able to cover individuals who truly need the vaccine. (Photo Credit: Fassbender, I./ Reuters/ Getty images) =0=
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H1N1 flu vaccination in US starts in October
With the onset of school, health experts fear that the spread of the swine flu will intensify. That’s why they plan to start the vaccination in about three weeks to protect as much individuals as possible to the pandemic virus.
Earlier, it was thought that the new H1N1 flu virus would need a two step dosing to achieve a level of immunity during the vaccination, but recent studies on patients with ages 18 to 64 years showed that a single dose containing 15 micrograms of the viral antigen was enough to stimulate protective levels of antibodies. From the initial results, the vaccine which didn’t contain adjuvant to boost its efficacy, showed no serious side-effects.
“The results of the vaccine studies suggest one dose of the formula used by drugmakers should offer H1N1 protection similar to the seasonal flu shot. Paris-based Sanofi Aventis SA, London- based GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis AG are among the other companies making the vaccine. “---- Bloomberg.com (09/13/09, Randall, T; Gale, J.)
The single dose regimen will simplify the vaccination process and appreciably increase the production and stockpile of Paris-based Sanofi Aventis SA, London- based GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis AG which are making the vaccines. There are plans in the US to donate prepared vaccines to poor countries. Since the experience their use is limited, more studies are needed to validate the initial findings to ascertain the efficacy and safety of the drug. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=
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H1N1 influenza death toll doubles in RP
After the Department of Health (DOH) halted its daily update of the H1N1 pandemic in the country, the government agency reported that the August death toll doubled to 28 from July’s mortality of 13. Those who died were part of the 4,548 reported cases of swine flu documented in the country of which 4,369 fully recovered.
Morbidity & Mortality of H1N1, European Center for Disease Control Data
Worldwide, infected, 254,206 as 08/30/09
Worldwide, deaths 3,315 (ECDC)
Southeast Asia, 262
Thailand, 130
Malaysia, 73
the Philippines, 28
Singapore, 17
Indonesia, 10
Vietnam, two
Brunei, 1
Laos, 1
As the pandemic spreads and persists worldwide, the focus is to rush the flu vaccine which is expected to be ready by October. Health authorities predict a surge of the swine influenza during fall and winter seasons needing preventive measures to control its spread. The easily transmissibe virus has the potential of infecting 2 billon people worldwide.
The vaccination makes the public leery over the potential side effects of the vaccination such as Guillain Barre Syndrome which is more fatal than the H1N1 or the usual flu infection. It is unclear if this vaccination being readied will offer enugh efficacy and protection as desired.
Many health workers believe vaccination is important in preventing morbidity and mortality among vulnerable population groups, particularly the young, the elderly. the immunosuppressed, diabetes and dialysis patients, and those suffering from chronic diseases. (Photo Credit: Benedicti Desrus) =0=
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Nerve disease feared in swine flu vaccination
As the production of the H1N1 flu immunization is being rushed for the fall and winter season, scientists are worried if the vaccine can trigger a complication called Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS.) The vaccine's adverse effect involves the nerve, causing paralysis, difficulty of breathing and sometimes death.
In 1976, when vaccination was recommended in USA to a swine flu epidemic, about 500 cases came down with GBS Twenty five (25) people died, prompting health authorities to withdraw the vaccine. Guillain Barre Syndrome affected about one in 80,000. It turned out to be more lethal than the complication of the swine flu vaccine itself.
The concern for GBS was relayed to about 600 neurologists on July 28, 2009 in United Kingdom as swine vaccine is being prepared for administration to nearly 13 million people to counter the threat of the resurgence of H1N1 flu in October.
“GBS has been identified as a condition needing enhanced surveillance when the swine flu vaccines are rolled out. Reporting every case of GBS irrespective of vaccination or disease history is essential for conducting robust epidemiological analyses capable of identifying whether there is an increased risk of GBS in defined time periods after vaccination, or after influenza itself, compared with the background risk."--- Professor Elizabeth Miller, head of the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) Immunisation Department. MailOnline (08/15/09, McFarlane, J.)
The alert to monitor GBS is important to avoid the past experience when the vaccine was given to about 40 million people before it was withdrawn after the side effect emerged. Guillain Barre Syndrome carries a mortality rate of 5 to 6%. As the government strategize to control the swine flu, the public must know the possible complication(s) of the immunization. (Photo Credit: CDC H1N1)=0=
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St. Agnes Academy of Legazpi temporarily closes vs. H1N1 influenza
After 5 of its students tested positive for the H1N1 virus, St. Agnes Academy in Legazpi City stopped operations to contain the spread of the disease. Classes ceased in the elementary and high school levels and are expected to resume on August 2, 2009. Of the five ill students, 2 have recovered and 3 continue to get medical treatment.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ordered local health officers to work hand in hand with school authorities as they monitor and try to curtail the spread of the disease.
In the world front, pharmaceuticals are rushing the production of the H1N1 vaccine in anticipation of a possible disease resurgence when the winter season arrives. At least `160 million vaccines are being rushed in United States. According to experts, up to about 40% of Americans may get ill from the swine flu. Yet, so far it behaves in a benign fashion similar to the seasonal flu. According to reports, there are increasing number of viral resistance to treatment which needs close monitoring.
The H1N1 flu has the potential to infect the elderly, the sick, those who are immunocompromised, and the very young. Deaths from these susceptible groups have been reported. (Photo Credit: AP/ Gregory Bull) =0=
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Which virus: seasonal flu or H1N1 virus?
The flu as reported by the Naga City Health Office (Bicol Mail, 07/16/09) could well indeed be cases of seasonal flu---the viral illness that makes rounds this year. However, I wonder if this flu described by Health officer Dr. Vito Borja is apart from the H1N1 which is the subject of concern, study and containment at this time.
It’s hard to differentiate between the seasonal and swine flu. The genomic features and clinical manifestations of both influenza viruses have points of overlaps. Therefore, without diagnostic confirmation as done in the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Manila, no one will ever know for sure what the city is dealing with.
I believe residents of Naga and other towns including health care workers are eager to learn if confirmatory tests are done. Whichever virus may affect the population, greater surveillance is important to put into action the ways to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
The H1N1 flu, though generally benign and self-limiting, has the potential to mutate and transform into a vicious resistant disease. It poses health risks to the people like the seasonal flu. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=
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Natural defense against H1N1 flu among Filipinos & the potential economic impact of the pandemic in poor countries
In spite of the aggressive surveillance of the swine flu, the pandemic has basically spilled in the community raising the number of those stricken ill to 604 as of June 24, 2009. The rapid transmission in Metro Manila is expected to increase as more cases are identified. Nobody knows how the disease spread will end.
In a Wall Street blog by Shirley Wang on June 23, 2009, the World Bank has estimated that the pandemic may bring far-reaching negative economic impact in countries that are poor. In Mexico where the swine influenza started, it is estimated that tourism has dropped to 43%. Citing a 2006 study, World Bank says that the low end impact of the illness is a contraction of about 0.7% of global GDP similar to the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69. A high end impact can contract global GDP by 4.8% like the 1918-1919 Spanish flu. This is something to watch when the next flu season arrives. Countries with limited funds and facilities to fight the disease are most vulnerable to get the worst effects of the pandemic.
If greater than 80% of the illness is self-limiting---i.e. the viral infection heals by itself, then the main body defense is likely the person’s immunity. A breakdown of the immune response in persons with chronic illnesses or conditions of immunosuppression will therefore put a person at risk of getting sick or dying. People catching the virus at the same time disrupt the workplace. Productivity is undermined when illness prevents people from working.
If the new virus mutates to a deadly form, the picture may change for the worse when the genetic change turns towards the acquisition of more virulence. Influenza viruses which acquire traits of greater virulence have the capacity to sicken more people.
The techniques of prevention still apply to avoid getting ill. Constant hand-washing, educational seminars to understand the nature of the disease, avoiding huge crowds and quarantine of those suspected of having disease appreciably lowers the number of infection. Case finding and treating those who harbor signs of illness on time will help avoid transmission in the community.
The use of seasonal flu vaccine (vs. the vaccine against the new swine strain) is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and thus may end up just a wastage of money. The vaccine which will accomplish protection for swine flu is still under development in laboratories abroad.
Anti-virals (Tamiflu) may be used to ameliorate the signs of the disease, but their efficacy to foil the new H1N1 flu is basically equivocal. Dirty contaminated masks that are repeatedly used may serve as a soil on which the swine flu can grow if not discarded in a timely fashion. (Photo credit: Lucher) =0=
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Philippines reports first death of swine flu
At a time when the country registered 445 cases of H1N1 flu, the first mortality to the viral infection came to a 49 year old woman who suffered from complications of congestive heart failure following a heart attack.
According to Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director for the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the victim who had pre-existing heart disease developed signs of flu on June 17, 2009. This underscores the higher risk of mortality among those with medical conditions which lower the resistance against flu----those who are immunocompromised or suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, asthma, cancer and the likes.
Related to the flu pandemic, 8 more schools temporarily closed after some of their students contracted the swine flu. At the rate the infection spreads, Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy testified to the house hearing that it’s possible 25% (about 22 million) of the population can be stricken by the illness. The virus has the potential to transform through genetic changes into a strain of greater virulence and lethality. (Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
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Politics of Health: Give the flu vaccines to those who need them most
The number of H1N1 flu infection ominously jumped from 111 to 147 cases and health authorities reported brisk community transmission in Nueva Ecija----suggesting that more cases are cropping up and the flu is getting harder to control.
As a response, the government said 8,000 Makati City employees will be given free flu shots on Monday to prevent the seasonal flu, not the H1N1 viral infection. The government thinks mass vaccination against the common flu at a cost of P2.8 million will help track down by “elimination” those with swine flu. But health authorities know that giving the vaccine doesn't completely assure seasonal flu will be avoided.
“We have prioritized the immunization against seasonal or common flu of our city workers, especially our frontline and field workers, not only to strengthen their defenses against respiratory diseases, but also to help us in promptly identifying possible cases of A(H1N1),” Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said.---Philippine Daily Inquirer (06/14/09, Lopez, A.)
Really?
The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to be effective in preventing the H1N1 flu. At best, the justification that swine flu can be detected by “elimination” is faulty because there are many illnesses which present with flu-like symptoms. If one means to control the viral disease, it’s not by “elimination.” Doctors need the right diagnosis, even if influenzas in general have essentially the same treatment.
To identify H1N1 flu or seasonal flu, a lab test like the one done at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) must be done. This makes one to consider if Mayor Binay’s decision to administer the vaccine is in line with good medical judgment. Why don't politicians like Binay leave the medical decisions to Dr. Francisco Duque III and the Department of Health (DOH?)
Government employees, unless they are in the high risk group, hardly qualify as the priority group to get the vaccines. Though workers may receive them, the government in triaging patients, must give the vaccines to those who need them most as shown below. On the process of production, it will take sometime before the new H1N1 vaccine will be readily available in the market:
2008-09 INFLUENZA PREVENTION & CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
Center for Disease Control
Vaccination of all children aged 6 months–18 years should begin before or during the 2008–09 influenza season if feasible, but no later than during the 2009–10 influenza season. Vaccination of all children aged 5–18 years is a new ACIP recommendation.
Children and adolescents at high risk for influenza complications should continue to be a focus of vaccination efforts as providers and programs transition to routinely vaccinating all children and adolescents. Recommendations for these children have not changed. Children and adolescents at higher risk for influenza complication are those:
•aged 6 months–4 years;
•who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
•who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);
•who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
•who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
•who are residents of chronic-care facilities; and,
•who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
Note: Children aged <6 months should not receive influenza vaccination. Household and other close contacts (e.g., daycare providers) of children aged <6 months, including older children and adolescents, should be vaccinated.
Annual recommendations for adults have not changed. Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for any adult who wants to reduce the risk for becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting it to others. Vaccination also is recommended for all adults in the following groups, because these persons are either at high risk for influenza complications, or are close contacts of persons at higher risk:
•persons aged >50 years;
•women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
•persons who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
•persons who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);
•persons who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
•residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
•health-care personnel;
•household contacts and caregivers of children aged <5 years and adults aged >50 years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged <6 months; and,
•household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe complications from influenza.
Source: Center for Disease Control (Photo Credit: Healthcarewithoutharm/ Southeastasia) =0=
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WHO declares H1N1 flu a pandemic; RP’s cases rise to 92
After weeks of weighing in the right time to declare a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally ruled on Thursday, June 11, 2009 that the swine flu which caused illness and death to 27,737 and 141 people respectively, had reached pandemic level. It’s the first pandemic to be categorized in more than 40 years.
The new viral infection which has spread to 74 countries usually manifests as a mild illness and uncommonly cause death. Health authorities however emphasize the need for prevention and more caution. The virus is highly transmissible and quite unpredictable. It has a potential to transform and grow in virulence as it affects different populations of the world.
The decision to raise the disease to level 6 underscores the need for vigilance, prevention and control by various governments. The pandemic will spur the production of vaccines and drugs to fight the disease. It will require more money to keep the illness under control.
The raising the alert to the highest level coincides with the increase of cases in the Philippines to about 100, the highest number of those sickened so far by the swine infection in Southeast Asia. With the unpredictability the infection, one can just hope that the effort by the health authorities will lessen the incidence, mortality and morbidity of the pandemic in the country.
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is a new infectious disease that spreads around the world.
The best recent example of a pandemic is AIDS, caused by a virus new to humans: HIV.
Seasonal flu viruses spread around the globe and cause 250,000 to 500,000 deaths each year -- including some 36,000 annual deaths in the U.S. But seasonal flu isn't considered a pandemic, even though the viruses that cause them change a little from season to season.
One of the seasonal flu viruses is a type A H1N1 virus. But the type H1N1 swine flu virus that appeared in 2009 is an entirely different virus. It carries genes from swine flu viruses from North America and Eurasia as well as genes from human and bird flu viruses.
Humans have never before been infected with this virus. That means that nobody is immune, although some people born before 1957 may have been exposed to an ancestor virus that could possibly give them a small degree of protection.
Because the vast majority of people are vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus, because it spreads easily from person to person, and because the virus is spreading in communities in different parts of the world, the current swine flu has reached pandemic proportions.
Flu pandemics occur regularly. That's because there are many kinds of flu viruses in animals (mostly birds), but so far only a few have evolved the ability to infect humans. There were three flu pandemics in the 20th century: in 1918, in 1957, and in 1968. Source: WebMD (06/11/09, Daniel J. DeNoon; Louise Chang, MD)
What is WHO doing to respond?
"WHO continues to help all countries respond to the situation. The world cannot let down its guard and WHO must help the world remain and become better prepared.
WHO's support to countries takes three main forms: technical guidance, materials support, and training of health care system personnel.
WHO's primary concern is to strengthen and support health systems in countries with less resources. Health systems need to be able to prevent, detect, treat and mitigate cases of illness associated with this virus.
WHO is also working to make stocks of medicines (such as antivirals and antibiotics) and an eventual pandemic vaccine more accessible and affordable to developing countries.
Both antivirals and vaccines have important roles in treatment and prevention respectively. However, existing stocks of antivirals are unlikely to meet the demand. And vaccines may be developed, but it will some months.
Therefore, rational use of the limited resources will be essential. And medicines are only part of the response. WHO is also deploying diagnostic kits, medicines and masks and gloves for health care settings, teams of scientific experts, and medical technicians so countries in need can respond to local epidemics.
A pandemic sets national authorities in motion to implement preparedness plans, identify cases as efficiently as possible, and minimize serious illness and deaths with proper treatment.
The goal is to reduce the impact of the pandemic on society."---Source: www.who.int (Photo Credit: Amanda Ruth) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Mitigation versus containment in the fight against the H1N1 flu" Posted by mesiamd at 6/09/2009
UDATE: June 14, 2009. Surveillance of H1n1 cases in the Philippines added more cases to the previous count---now totalling to 111 cases after a few grade school students in Nueva Ecija tested positive to the swine flu infection. =0=
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Mitigation versus containment in the fight against the H1N1 flu
The sudden rise of H1N1 flu cases in the Philippines to 46 had Dr. Francisco Duque III of the Department of Health (DOH) and his team to shift gear in the battle against the viral infection. Early on, containment was the goal to stop the spread of the swine flu at the bud, but the sharp increase of those stricken with the disease, made them to resort to “mitigation”----a lesser goal to reduce the outbreak’s spread and severity.
“As more and more cases were confirmed daily, Duque said health authorities were no longer doing contact tracing since the virus was being transmitted much faster than they could trace and quarantine all contacts of those infected with the virus.
"It offers little benefit to do extensive tracing of this virus when it is clear that the disease can be passed on to others at a rate faster than it will ever be humanly possible to find the contacts,” he said.
“This means that we only do early detection and aggressive treatment of cases as they come, especially for those with high-risk preexisting conditions. Those manifesting mild symptoms can be managed and monitored at home so that only patients at risk of developing complications ‘----PDI (06/08/09, Pazzibugan, D.)
What Dr. Duque says is that the illness is out of the genie box and absolute control is unrealistic. Minimization of the disease’ potential impact is the "better" course of action. Reducing the severity of exposure is now the strategy knowing that the exposed have become more difficult to track.
This comes at a time of the opening of classes. And rainy season is at hand. Dengue, another health hazard carried by mosquitoes is brewing in the air. In greater numbers, more people have become possible swine flu and dengue hemorrhagic fever carriers thus making more infections in the community possible.
To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified the Philippines to have the highest number of swine flu cases in Southeast Asia. As of its latest tally on June 8, 2009, WHO listed 73 countries affected by the swine flu with a total of 25,288 confirmed cases and 139 recorded deaths. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=
UPDATE: June 9, 2009: Follow up update revealed 57 cases of swine flu in the Philippines. Many of the recently infected had been students in Manila and those with history of travel outside the country. Vigilance, personal responsibility, and self-help to prevent the disease are in order to limit the spread of the infection.
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WHO about to declare H1N1 flu as a worldwide pandemic
In spite of close monitoring and containment, the H1N1 virus has spread to sicken render about 20,000 individuals in 66 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is weighing in if it’s the right time that the viral infection be called a pandemic, the highest level of threat for a highly transmissible disease.
At present, the spread of the disease is mostly among travelers, in schools, and close contacts, but not much within the community. However, with the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, health authorities worry if the swine flu will infect more people than last year’s similar strain (H1N1 flu) which is resistant to the anti-viral medication Tamiflu.
The WHO is now "getting closer" to declaring the outbreak had reached phase six, the highest level on their alert scale.---said WHO’s flu chief Keiji Fukuda. Guardian.co.uk (06/03/09 Carrell, S.)
The same consideration has been reported in New York Times (06/03/09, A9, McNeil)
To declare the flu as a pandemic requires many considerations. People who don’t fully understand the disease may panic so the logistics to inform and prepare them must be put in place. In a pandemic, there may be trade and travel restrictions that my impact the economy of a country. A bigger budget and personnel to fight the illness must be readied.
The WHO is preparing an additional $500 million to aid poor countries. Pres. Barack Obama has asked the US legislature for $2 billion in anticipation of a full blown pandemic.
The virus which behaves like a mild seasonal flu at this time may mutate, grow in virulence and cause more deaths than generally expected as it moves along. With all these considerations, WHO calls on its experts---public health officials and academics to think what is best in the fight against the infection. They’re trying to figure if raising the level of disease threat to 6 is warranted and will be for the benefit of the people. (Photo Credit: Healthcare without Harm) =0=
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June 3, 2009: Philippine Swine Flu Update
The 22nd case of H1N1 flu in the Philippines was confirmed in a 21 year old foreign student prompting the De La Salle University in Manila to close temporarily on June 4 to 14 as a measure to contain the disease.
As of June 3, 2009, the WHO tally puts the number of swine flu infections to 19, 273 and 117 deaths in 66 countries. About half of the number of cases have been confirmed in the United States. (Photo Credit: Bendicte Desrus)
UPDATE: On June 4, 2009, 6 more positive H1N1 flu sufferers were reported by Dr. Francisco Duque III of DOH, bringing a total of 28 people having contracted the disease. =0=
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H1N1 flu watch: 16 cases reported in RP
As of Saturday, May 30, 2009, the number of new cases of H1N1 flu in the Philippines rose to 16. According to the Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Francisco Duque III, aside from these cases, there are still 29 individuals under observation.
The increase in number of the swine flu infection in the country stresses the need for vigilance and preventive measures to stop the spread of the disease. Although there are suggestions to indefinitely close schools because of the flu, health authorities in Manila believe that the situation doesn’t merit the postponement of the opening of classes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that so far, there had been 15,510 documented cases of the disease reported in 53 countries. Of those who got sick, at least 99 people died. (Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
UPDATE: June 2, 2009. The number of H1N1 cases in the Philippihes rose from 16 to 21 over the weekend. Filipinos who are preparing for the opening of classes nationwide are advised to take preventive measures to help stop the disease. =0=
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H1N1 flu cases in RP jump to a total of 6
The Department of Health (DOH) announced 4 more Filipinos testing positive for the H1N1 flu bringing the number of cases to a total to 6 of May 27, 2009. Two of the four got their illnesses after attending a wedding in Zambales where the infected Taiwanese woman and her child were present.
A one-year old girl from USA also exhibited signs and symptoms of flu 5 days after her arrival on May 19, 2009. Another is a 13 year old boy who became ill after a trip from Hongkong.
The increase in swine flu cases is a cause of concern knowing that the virus is highly transmissible. With the anticipated opening of classes in the Philippines, the public is advised to take the needed precaution to avoid the disease.
In a tally of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, the number of those who contracted the disease has reached 13,398 in 48 countries. It has caused death to 95 people.(Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines" Posted by mesiamd at 5/25/2009; "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection" Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Manny Pacquiao: a disappointing role model?
The praises Manny Pacquiao got in beating Ricky Hatton during a boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada had been extraordinary. He was truly deserving of such admiration from his adoring fans. Yet, in a rare read, I came across the editorial of Malaya----which was bold in criticizing the sports hero for not heeding the advice of health authorities in Manila and the World Health Organization (WHO.) The humble entertaining boxer from General Santos City was stubborn. He couldn't be dissuaded from postponing his return so that the health protocol to keep the disease out of the country could be enforced. Billions of dollars had been spent the world over in order to prevent the disease from spreading any further.
“Manny Pacquiao was a disappointment as a role model when he turned a deaf ear to the appeal of health officials to undergo self-quarantine for at least five days before returning to Manila. There were two options presented to him. First, to postpone his return home for at least five days. Second, to closet himself for the same length of time if it was impossible for him to postpone his homecoming.”---- Malaya (05/10/09)
Manny’s slobbering VIP treatment is common in the Philippines. Almost no one in the country can speak against the boxing legend “who can’t go wrong”--- not even Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo and the politicians. The way some people trivialize health risks and disregard medical advice is rather worrisome. I hope nothing horrible comes along because Manny prevailed over the wisdom of Department of Health (DOH). (Photo Credit: Newkleus00)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "May 8, 2009: H1N1 flu update" Posted by mesiamd at 5/09/2009; " Filipinos take risk in allowing Pacquiao to go home early" Posted by mesiamd at 5/08/2009
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May 8, 2009: H1N1 flu update
As of May 8, 2009, Guatemala is the latest country to report having to deal with H1N1 flu. The country which shares the southern border with Mexico is added among 25 countries which according to the World Health Organization (WHO) have laboratory confirmed the swine flu infection. The Center for Disease Control (CDC,) disclosed that the United States has the H1N1 influenza in 43 states.The countries with the number of confirmed swine flu cases are: Austria (1), Brazil (4), Canada (214), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (12), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (6), Mexico (1,204), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (88), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (34). United States of America (1,639).
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the government caved in to boxer Manny (Pacman) Pacquiao's decision to go home ignoring the quarantine recommendation of WHO. This is also true with the 50 congressmen who came to the United States to watch the Pacquiao-Hatton match.
The early return of the Pacman and the 50 congressmen plus their respective entourages makes it hard for DOH to abide with its quarantine program, risking the health of Filipinos. There are at least 13 people in the Philippines who have been cleared after undergoing proper observation by DOH for possible swine flu infection. =0= (Photo Credit: CDC)
More Swine Flu Cases
Additional confirmed H1N1 flu cases have recently been disclosed in Japan (3), Australia (1), and Panama (1)
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Filipinos take risk in allowing Pacquiao to go home early
"Better safe than sorry."
"A pound of prevention is greater than an ounce of cure."
This is in essence what the Department and Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) are telling the country when they advice Manny Pacquiao to postpone his triumphal return to Manila after his boxing victory in Las Vegas, Nevada.
But it appears, some people can’t be dissuaded until something horrible happens. If the Philippines need the proactive control against the H1N1 virus, it must be at this stage when no confirmed case has reached the country. But there are government leaders who don't believe so. The logistics of tackling a potential epidemic is hard and as a nation, Filipinos must cooperate.
I believe the risk of Pacquiao and the 50 congressmen who watched the boxing match in United States is small, but it’s there. There are more than 30 states affected by the swine flu. No one can quantify the exact chance that those who traveled in these places will bring the virus into the country. And no one is sure how the country will cope if the disease takes root among the people
Viruses are very tricky and we must respect them as they are. Health authorities are still on the process of learning about H1N1 flu which has the potential to cause widespread illness, overtax the ability of the health care workers to respond, dampen business, and cause economic hardship.
It’s the duty of the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform Filipinos of the dangers of the swine infection. But it is the Filipino citizens' responsibility to take the needed precautions. This is not the time to joke around. The threat of the swine infection must be treated as a health issue and not as a political matter.
Being a pathologist, I believe keeping Pacquiao, his entourage, and the 50 congressmen out of the country for just a few more days and allow the viral incubation period to elapse is the best. Health and government authorities must not compromise. They have the power to impose mandatory isolation on these possible carriers to safeguard the health the population. So far, DOH looks after at least 3 people in the country who may harbor the disease.
In the excitement of having Manny come home, Filipinos must understand. Erring on the side of caution has strong merits. Diseases don’t discriminate whether someone is a hot-shot victorious boxer or an influential rich congressman who can afford a ringside ticket in Las Vegas. Contagion is something that everyone must take seriously. (Photo Credit: Lalechededios) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Wasteful RP Congress holiday after 50 representatives watched the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "Quarantine of 3 possible Swine flu sufferers in Cebu" Posted by mesiamd at 5/06/2009; "May 2, 2009: Update of swine influenza; Hongkong reports its first case" Posted by mesiamd at 5/02/2009; “The march of the pig virus “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/28/2009; “Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/25/2009
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Pig flu spreads to Italy
While the temptation to be complacent is there to stifle the fight against the swine influenza, the first case of infection is reported in Italy.
The Italian who traveled from Mexico was hospitalized in Massa near Florence after coming down with flu on April 23, 2009. With treatment, he apparently recovered. Anti-viral medications were given to his relatives as disease prevention.
Raising the alert level to 5 which indicates that a pandemic is likely, the viral illness cause fear in all corners of the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has closely monitored the spread of the disease which is present in at least 15 countries. In USA, 143 cases are confirmed in 20 states. In Mexico, the total number of persons infected has jumped to 443, including several deaths. (Photo Credit: shhexycorin) =0=
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