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Death toll of H1N1 reaches 4,000 in the US

11/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In a recent estimate by the Center of Disease Control, H1N1 flu claimed the lives of 4,000 people since the disease spread to the United States in April. The number was more than the 1,000 that was previously reported. The rise in mortality was explained by adding the deaths caused by flu complications such as pneumonia and other infections.

So far about 40,000 people stricken with the H1N1 virus have been treated in hospitals. Authorities believe that the swine flu will not cause deaths more than the ordinary seasonal flu which kills about 36,000 people in the US yearly. The World Health Organization has placed the death toll of H1N1 pandemic to 6,000 across the continents.

The vaccine for H1N1 is now available and being administered to vulnerable individuals including those with pre-existing medical condition such as asthma, end stage renal disease, diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy and immunosuppression. (Photo Credit: Amadaruth) =0=

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Labels: CDC, death, H1N1 virus, Health, influenza virus, mortality, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, update, US, vaccination, vaccine

In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage

11/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

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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Labels: CDC, epidemic, FDA, H1N1 virus, Health, Influenza, influenza virus, pandemic, Totie Mesia, vaccination, vaccine

Which virus: seasonal flu or H1N1 virus?

7/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

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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Labels: CDC, H1N1 virus, Influenza, Naga City, pandemic, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, RITM, seasonal flu, Swine flu, Totie Mesia

Politics of Health: Give the flu vaccines to those who need them most

6/15/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

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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Labels: CDC, DOH, epidemic, Flu, H1N1 virus, Influenza, Makati, pandemic, politics, Public Health, RITM, seasonal flu, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, treatment, vaccination

May 8, 2009: H1N1 flu update

5/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

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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Labels: CDC, congressmen, DOH, epidemic, H1N1 virus, Influenza, isolation, Manny Pacquiao, Pacman, quarantine, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, WHO

Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic

4/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Mexico closed down schools, museums and movie houses on Friday, April 24, 2009 as nearly a thousand suspected cases of influenza were reported to sicken people and at least 61 died. The disease which may be transmitted from animals (zoonotic infection) has worried Mexican authorities for its killing power and its adverse effects on tourism, a major source of revenue for the country struck by economic downturn, drug wars, and narcotics trade.

“Mexico's Health Secretary, Jose Cordova, said only 16 of the deaths have been confirmed to have been caused by the new strain, through testing at government laboratories. Samples from 44 other people who died were still being tested. The health department put the total number of people sickened by the virus at around 943 nationwide.” ----AP/ Philstar (04/24/09)

To contain the spread of the disease, the Mexican government urged the public to shun large crowds and avoid close contacts with people. Those with fever, cough, a sore throat, muscle and joint pains are advised to see a doctor and stay at home. The people responded with certain fear and confusion.

“Most of Mexico’s dead were young, healthy adults, and none were over 60 or under 3 years old, the World Health Organization said. That alarms health officials because seasonal flus cause most of their deaths among infants and bedridden elderly people, but pandemic flus — like the 1918 Spanish flu, and the 1957 and 1968 pandemics — often strike young, healthy people the hardest.”--- New York Times (04/24/09, Lacey, M.; McNeil, D. Jr.)

Eight (8) non-fatal flu similar to those caused by this new Mexican strain were diagnosed in the southwest United States prompting health authorities to sound an alarm. It is unknown how many more will go down with the disease.

According to Center for Disease Control (CDC,) which monitors the disease, the new strain of flu contains a combination of gene sequences of pig, bird, and human influenza.

“Given how quickly flu can spread around the globe, if these are the first signs of a pandemic, then there are probably cases incubating around the world already, said Dr. Michael Osterholm at the University of Minnesota.” ----Newsnet5.com / AP (04/42/09, Stevenson, M)

It is said the flu seems responsive to the two drugs available: Tamiflu and Relenza. The medicines need to be taken early during the illness to get the best benefit.

Health authorities scramble to control the disease which has the potential to spread as a pandemic. It isn't known if the vaccination given last fall and winter confers protection from this new viral strain which is transmissible from person to person. Neither is it understood how the genetic mixture of the virus came to be. Frequent hand washing and covering one’s mouth during a sneeze or cough are among the common precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. (Photo Credit: Opiado)

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Labels: CDC, diseases, epidemic, Flu, Health, infection, Influenza, influenza virus, Medicine, Mexico, pandemic, virus, WHO

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and Sen. Miriam D. Santiago’s tiredness

2/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

I hope Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile was correct when he said that Sen. Miriam D. Santiago needed an indefinite leave from her legislative work because of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS.) I don't know if what he meant coincided with what we know of the disease.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a nebulous medical condition with unknown cause whose manifestations run from physical to the psychological. As such CFS comes as a diagnosis only after careful and thorough health investigation which considers a plethora of possibilities----hormonal problems (i.e. thyroid disease, diabetes,) chronic infections (TB, malaria,) exogenous drugs (substance abuse), malignancies, organ dysfunctions, nutritional, immunologic, and metabolic derangements (malnutrition, poisonings, autoimmune diseases) and psychiatric problems (bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia) among others.

CFS is a hard diagnosis to make because there are no specific tests or laboratory markers to pinpoint the ailment; many illnesses have fatigue as among their prominent symptoms and a good fraction of patients looks well. The manifestations of CFS vary in severity and its course is characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations.

A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
• malaise or exhaustion lasting > 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• unrestful sleep
• joint pain without signs of inflammation
• persistent musculo-skeletal pain
• depression
• mood swings
• headaches
• tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• sore throat
• cardiac and respiratory symptoms

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) between 1 and 4 million Americans suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), an illness which presents with overrid ing tiredness. A fraction of patients are seriously impaired; at least a quarter are unemployed or on disability. About 50% of those affected come to their doctors and 40% of them have previously unrecognized medical or psychiatric condition.---Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs

What CDC tells us is just the tip of the iceberg. From the medical perspective, one can however surmise if Sen. Miriam D. Santiago really suffers from a serious disease. Is she really sick? Does she have CFS or is she plainly tired. Let her doctor investigate so she can be treated.

The flamboyant senator who is known for her “intelligence and tartness” just wrapped up her investigation on the scandalous World Bank (WB) allegations that top-ranked officials in government colluded in rigging of project deals by contractors. She must really be tired as the Filipinos--- for nothing of great significance came out of a senate probe of this nature. The investigation only broke open the unhealing wounds of corruption that has left the country mired in shame. (Photo Credits: St.ChristopherLucky; diong) =0=

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Labels: CDC, CFS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fatigue, illness, Medicine, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Senator, Totie Mesia, World Bank

Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010

12/11/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that cancer will lord as the leading cause of death by 2010. The disclosure predicts that if trends continue, by 2030 new cancer diagnosis can reach 27 million, jacking up the number of sufferers to 75 million worldwide. A staggering 17 million of them are expected to die in that year surpassing the top killer: cardiac diseases.

It has been noted that cancer worldwide is on the rise, eclipsing the upward climb of infections and heart diseases. Countries like China, Russia, Indonesia, and India are known to have a huge smoking population. It is believed that tobacco-smoking in developing countries is the main reason for the increase in cancer cases, mostly in developing countries where at least 40% of smokers reside. Population growth and better disease recognition also add to fresh cancer diagnoses which are expected to reach 12 million this year.

PHILIPPINES IS SECOND IN THE MOST NUMBER OF SMOKERS AMONG ASEAN NATIONS
Country/%/# of Smokers in Millions
Indonesia----------46.16%-----------58.07
Philippines---------16.62%-----------20.91
Vietnam------------14.11%-----------17.75
Burma--------------8.73%------------10.98
Thailand------------7.74%-------------9.74
Malaysia------------2.90%-------- ----3.65
Cambodia----------2.07%--------------2.60
Singapore----------0.04%--------------0.05
Others-------------1.63%--------------2.05
ASEAN Countries--Total------------- 125.8
Source: Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) Philstar (09/04/07, Crisostomo, S)

"Cancer is one of the greatest untold health crises of the developing world…Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse," said Dr. Douglas Blayney, president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

"This is going to present an amazing problem at every level in every society worldwide," added Peter Boyle, director of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer. ---Reuters (12/10/08)

The concern for the cancer problem is real. Though it is potentially preventable and treatable among the major life-threatening chronic diseases, malignancies are blamed for 1 in 8 deaths worldwide. With the rising cost of medical services and the sharp increase of those who need care, treatment for cancer will over-burden the healthcare services.

Many countries worldwide aren’t prepared. The medical infrastructures needed to manage cancer patients are lacking or virtually non-existent. Governments are therefore urged to embark on aggressive cancer prevention programs, grassroots anti-smoking and anti-cervical cancer campaigns among others, to combat the emerging top killer. (Photo Credits: Andreia; Laura la Fataliste)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "The Death Clock and the Dangers of Smoking" Posted by mesiamd at 10/22/2008; "Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010" Posted by mesiamd at 12/11/08.

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Labels: cancer, CDC, cigarette smoking, Health, illness, malignancy, mortality, Smoking, Statistics, Totie Mesia, tumor, WHO

September 28, 2008: World Anti-Rabies Day

9/27/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Rabies aka hydrophobia is a viral zoonotic neuroinvasive disease transmitted by infected domesticated animals like dogs and cats. Wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and wolverines still affect many people particularly from poor countries. About 15, 000 human rabies cases are reported worldwide.

“The number of cases of rabies in the Philippines which currently ranks fourth worldwide in incidence of the disease is increasing, despite government promises to rid the country of the problem by 2020. In 1998, 362 Filipinos died of rabies, compared with 321 in 1997 and 337 in 1996. About 10000 dogs are believed to be infected with the disease each year. “ Center for Disease Control CDC (2007 Wallerstein, C); BMJ 1999;318:1306.

In observance of the world anti-rabies day, activities to promote the prevention of rabies have been slated in the Philippines. From the www.rabiesday.org, the following are some of them:

Zamboanga City, Philippines (Local event)

Dog Fashion Show II-A World Rabies Day Celebration
Duration: September 28, 2008, 2:00 P.M. to September 28, 2008, 5:00 P.M.

This event started last year during the city's observance of The World Rabies Day. For this year, we're doing it again with a carrying theme of; "Trabaha Quita Junto Para El Rabis Ay Queda Historia" -- a translated theme from english to chavacano (our local dialect). The event is targeted to the public to increase awareness of healthy and responsible pet-owner relationships and introduce the existing city ordinances (C.O. 241-The Rabies Control and Eradication Ordinance; and C.O. 242-The City Pound Ordinance) and the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines.

Price:FREE
Event is open to public
To get more information: Through radio, television, flyers, posters and personal communication
Contact name: Office of the City Veterinarian-City Government of Zamboanga
Contact email: !Please, turn on JavaScript or go to the contact us page!

Pagbilao, Quezon Province, Philippines (Regional event)

World Rabies Day Commemoration
Duration: September 29, 2008, 7:30 am to September 29, 2008, 12:00 pm

The Center for Health Development for CaLaBaRZon will commemorate World Rabies day by mourning the deaths caused by Rabies which could have been prevented. The attendees will be wearing black shirts and black ribbons. The program will include a motorcade to raise the awareness of the people in the locality and a symposium will be held with students as participants.

Price:Free
Event is open to public

Naga City, Philippines (Regional event)

World Rabies day Celebration
Duration: September 28,2008, 8:00 am to September 28, 2008, 5:00 pm

There will be a free dog vaccination, dog castration and deworming.

Price:none
Event is open to public. (Photo Credits: Juna Cullador; Bvalves) =0=

Labels: anti-rabies, CDC, Health, hydrophobia, Philippines, rabies, World Anti-rabies Day

UP Ibalon Bicol

Death toll of H1N1 reaches 4,000 in the US

In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage

Which virus: seasonal flu or H1N1 virus?

Politics of Health: Give the flu vaccines to those who need them most

May 8, 2009: H1N1 flu update

Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and Sen. Miriam D. Santiago’s tiredness

Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010

September 28, 2008: World Anti-Rabies Day

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