Showing posts with label WHO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WHO. Show all posts
Woldwide, a million suicides per year says United Nations
The World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that about a million people die of suicide each year around the globe. The count puts killing oneself as frequent as one in every 40 seconds. In the last half a century, the rate of suicide has increased to 60% and the trend is likely to go up, putting the number to about 1.5
million annually by the year 2020---that will be a staggering 33% increase in a matter of about 10 years.
According to mental health experts, the risk factors in suicide vary across different cultures. Accounting for about half of all violent deaths, suicide is more common in men although more women are likely to attempt killing themselves without being successful. A quarter of suicide victims are young adults below the age of 25 years.
“The WHO report says most suicides in occur in Asia, which accounts for up to 60 percent of all cases. But it reports Eastern European countries have the highest rates of suicide. The lowest rates are found in the countries of Mediterranean Europe and the predominantly Catholic countries of Latin America and Asia, as well as in Muslim countries, such as Pakistan.’---VOA (09/10/09, Schlein, L.)
The rise in suicide may reflect the increase in the “stressors” that operate in modern life. A reduction of suicide may be achieved by education, identifying and treating mental illnesses, and recognizing the early signs of suicide among individuals. (Photo Credit: campinocastillejo) =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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2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection
Based on the tally of the World Health Organization (WHO,) the swine flu spreading throughout the world has reached 11,168 and 86 deaths as of May 22, 2009. This coincides with the first case confirmed in the Philippines which joins at least 38 countries having the disease.
The Department of Health (DOH,) reported that the swine flu-positive 11 year-old girl identified by the laboratory of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine(RITM) arrived on May 18, 2009 from USA and Canada where many swine infections have been reported. She is presently quarantined in an effort to contain the virus from infecting the general population.
“The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also check the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.”--- GMA TV News.com (05/21/09 Balagtas-See, A)
Advising the public to be calm and be mindful of the preventive measures advised by health authorities, the DOH reminds the public of the need for vigilance. Filipinos must not be complacent as the virus easily mutates; it has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality which can affect the nation's economy. Pharmaceuticals are still on the process of making a the H1N1 flu vaccine, but it will take a few months before it will be available. =0=
World Health Organization (WHO) Tally of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 06:00 GMT, 22 May 2009
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Country----Cumulative total-----Newly confirmed since the last reporting period-
--------------Cases---Deaths----Cases-----Deaths
Argentina------1------0-----------0---------0
Australia-------7------0-----------4---------0
Austria---------1------0-----------0---------0
Belgium--------5------0-----------0---------0
Brazil-----------8------0-----------0---------0
Canada--------719----1-----------0---------0
Chile-----------24-----0-----------19--------0
China-----------11-----0-----------3---------0
Colombia-------12-----0-----------0---------0
Costa Rica-----20-----0-----------0---------0
Cuba-------------4------0-----------0---------0
Denmark---------1------0-----------0---------0
Ecuador---------8------0-----------7---------0
El Salvador-----6------0-----------0---------0
Finland----------2------0-----------0---------0
France----------16-----0-----------0---------0
Germany--------14-----0-----------0---------0
Greece----------1------0-----------0---------0
Guatemala------4------0-----------0---------0
India-------------1------0-----------0---------0
Ireland----------1------0-----------0---------0
Israel------------7------0-----------0---------0
Italy-------------10-----0-----------0---------0
Japan-----------294---0-----------35--------0
Korea-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Malaysia--------2------0-----------0---------0
Mexico----------3892---75---------0---------0
Netherlands-----3------0-----------0---------0
New Zealand-----9------0-----------0---------0
Norway-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Panama----------73-----0-----------4---------0
Peru--------------5------0-----------2---------0
Philippines------1------0-----------1---------0
Poland-----------2------0-----------0---------0
Portugal---------1------0-----------0---------0
Spain------------113----0-----------2---------0
Sweden----------3------0-----------0---------0
Switzerland------1------0-----------0---------0
Thailand---------2------0-----------0---------0
Turkey-----------2------0-----------0---------0
United Kingdom--112----0---------3---------0
USA--------------5764---9-----------54--------1
Grand Total----11168---86--------134-------1
Cumulative and new figures are subject to revision
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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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Muslim religious bias behind the killing of pigs in Egypt?
In Egypt where 90% adhere to the Muslim religion, the consumption of porcine meat is forbidden. Muslims believe pigs are unclean and many don’t eat pork. That’s why it is easy for the government to order the slaughter of 300,000 pigs, many of which are raised by the poor 10% Coptic Christian minority in the country.
Christians condemn the government action which threatens to decimate the hog industry which supplies about 30% of the country’s meat consumption. So far about 700 pigs have been killed and irate hog raisers engaged the police with rocks and bottles to protest in Cairo.
Adel Hammouda, the chief editor of the weekly al-Fagr and a Muslim, picked up on the religious implication of the pig slaughter when he wrote in his column: "They found in this black epidemic their golden opportunity to wage their religious war against Christianity, hiding behind the pigs." ---- AP (05/06/09, Michael, M)
Allegation of religious bias cropped up after the Egyptian government ordered the killing of pigs as a preventive measure against the spread of the swine flu. The action was considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as unnecessary since there is no convincing evidence that these hogs harbor the H1N1 flu virus.
Certainly, the lines which divide health decisions, politics and religion are thin. The Egyptian government must be rational in deciding on health policies which put certain groups in society at a disadvantage. There is no convincing reason to justify the singling out of Egypt’s Christians who raise pigs as their source of food. The killing of their hogs must stop. (Photo Credit: Peggy Collins) =0=
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Christians condemn the government action which threatens to decimate the hog industry which supplies about 30% of the country’s meat consumption. So far about 700 pigs have been killed and irate hog raisers engaged the police with rocks and bottles to protest in Cairo.
Adel Hammouda, the chief editor of the weekly al-Fagr and a Muslim, picked up on the religious implication of the pig slaughter when he wrote in his column: "They found in this black epidemic their golden opportunity to wage their religious war against Christianity, hiding behind the pigs." ---- AP (05/06/09, Michael, M)
Allegation of religious bias cropped up after the Egyptian government ordered the killing of pigs as a preventive measure against the spread of the swine flu. The action was considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as unnecessary since there is no convincing evidence that these hogs harbor the H1N1 flu virus.
Certainly, the lines which divide health decisions, politics and religion are thin. The Egyptian government must be rational in deciding on health policies which put certain groups in society at a disadvantage. There is no convincing reason to justify the singling out of Egypt’s Christians who raise pigs as their source of food. The killing of their hogs must stop. (Photo Credit: Peggy Collins) =0=
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Egypt’s slaughter of pigs to prevent swine flu criticized
Because there’s no evidence that pigs harbor the H1N1 virus that cause the swine flu, the killing of pigs isn’t necessary. That’s according to Barbara Straw, a professor of large animal clinical science at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her reaction comes on the wake of Egypt’s move to kill an estimated 300,000 swines which many consider as a knee-jerk reaction to the threat of influenza. Eating bacon, pork chops, or other pig products are not likely to cause swine flu. So far health authorities believe nothing like this is happening at this time.
"Killing (pigs) is not a solution, otherwise, we should kill the people, because the virus spreads through them," wrote Abdullah Kamal of the daily Rose El-Youssef.---- http://www.ynetnews.com
“Egypt, which has no swine flu cases, is the only country in the world to order a mass pig slaughter in response to the disease. The move mirrored Egypt's battle with bird flu, in which the government killed 25 million birds within weeks in 2006.”----AP (05/03/05, El-Tablawy, T)
A country of 80 million, Egypt doesn’t have a large hog industry and its predominant Muslim religion forbids the consumption of pig’s meat. Swine is the source of food of non-muslims, mostly Coptic Christians who comprise only a 10th of the population.
Egyptians are enraged over the Health department’s pig slaughter order which the public considers a reflection of the government ineptness in handling health emergencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) thinks the pig slaughter wasteful and unnecessary.
Though the swine flu appears to have slackened in its spread, more countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America have reported cases of the influenza. The reference of the disease as H1N1 viral flu is preferable than "swine flu" which is misleading and dampens the business of hog raisers. It is unclear if the infection will extend into the months of fall when the seasonal flu comes along. (Photo Credit: AP/ Nouri, N) =0=
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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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May 2, 2009: Update of swine influenza; Hongkong reports its first case
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its vigilance to level 5---an indication that the swine influenza infection has actively propagated through an efficient human-to-human infection causing more people to fall ill. Still expected to rise, the number of confirmed H1N1 pig influenza infection has reached 331 as of May 1, 2009. If uncontrolled, the disease is on its way to be a pandemic.
In a matter of days, what was originally confined to Mexico and United States has spread to 10 countries with confirmed infection: Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) United States (109), Hongkong (1) and Great Britain (8). Closures of schools and cancellation of public gatherings, surveillance of travelers for febrile illness, educational campaign to prevent infection, and the use of anti-flu drugs are among the measures being done to stop the contagion's spread.
Hongkong recently confirmed it's first case of swine influenza diagnosed from a Mexican tourist. Quarantine procedures were quickly set in place for about 300 individuals who were in close contact with the ill person. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Lee, Jin-man)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: “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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Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic
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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The Ebola-Reston virus scare in the Philippines
Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
There was panic and alarm when Ebola virus first emerged as a fatal bleeding disease in Congo (Zaire) in 1978. Similar outbreaks in neighboring countries in Africa occured. Transmitted mainly by body fluids, the acute infection (aka Ebola hemorrhagic fever, EHF) of the Filoviridae family of RNA viruses presented like a typical viral infection--- fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, and weakness after an incubation of 2 to 21 days. Some manifested with a skin rash, conjunctival injection, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, internal and external bleeding.
There were those who survived and spontaneously recovered, but many with severe infections showed signs of hemorrhage, fluid loss, shock, and eventual death. EHF is feared because it is highly transmissible and carries a high mortality rate.
Reported cases of EHF have been zoonotic infections (animal borne.) A potential agent of bioterrorism, Ebola can present as a nosocomial infection, a disease contracted in hospitals and medical facilities during an outbreak. The exact origin, location, and natural habitat (known as the "natural reservoir") of Ebola virus aren't fully known. This makes containment of the infection difficult.
The first 4 of the 5 subtypes of Ebola is known to cause disease in humans: Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, Ebola-Ivory Coast and Ebola-Bundibugyo. The virulence and lethality of these viral strains are suggested by World Health Organizations's (WHO) containment recommendations below. EHF has no known vaccine nor specific cure.
WHO's containment of Ebola
•Suspected cases should be isolated from other patients and strict barrier nursing techniques implemented.
•Tracing and following up people who may have been exposed to Ebola through close contact with patients are essential.
•All hospital staff should be briefed on the nature of the disease and its transmission routes. Particular emphasis should be placed on ensuring that invasive procedures such as the placing of intravenous lines and the handling of blood, secretions, catheters and suction devices are carried out under strict barrier nursing conditions (biohazard.) Hospital staff should have individual gowns, gloves, masks and goggles. Non-disposable protective equipment must not be reused unless they have been properly disinfected.
•Infection may also spread through contact with the soiled clothing or bed linens from a patient with Ebola. Disinfection is therefore required before handling these items.
•Communities affected by Ebola should make efforts to ensure that the population is well informed, both about the nature of the disease itself and about necessary outbreak containment measures, including burial of the deceased. People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried. --- World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO's therapy and treatment of Ebola
• Severe cases require intensive supportive care, as patients are frequently dehydrated and in need of intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes.
• No specific treatment or vaccine is yet available for Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Several potential vaccines are being tested but it could be several years before any is available. A new drug therapy has shown some promise in laboratory studies and is currently being evaluated. But this too will take several years.
• Experimental studies using hyper-immune sera on animals have shown no protection against the disease. ---World Health Organization (WHO)
Ebola Reston virus in the Philippines
"In 1989, Reston, an Ebola virus subtype, was isolated in quarantined laboratory cynomolgus monkeys (Macacca fascicularis) in Reston, Virginia, USA. From 1989 to 1996, several outbreaks caused by the Ebola Reston subtype occurred in monkeys imported from the Philippines to the USA (Reston in Virginia, Alice in Texas and Pennsylvania) and to Italy. Investigations traced the source of all Ebola Reston outbreaks to one export facility near Manila in the Philippines, but the mode of contamination of this facility was not determined. Several monkeys died, and at least four people were infected, although none of them suffered clinical illness."---World Health Organization (WHO)
The Ebola-Reston (ERV,) the fifth subtype of the virus was first found in Philippine monkeys. It has caused disease in primates, but not in humans. Mainly because this that local health authorities seem to be “in control” over the simmering Ebola outbreak that has infected pigs in Pandi, Bulacan.
To make sure the ERV doesn't spread to the general population, the Philippine government in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) is on the process of slaughtering 6,000 infected pigs. So far no person has been reported to have fallen ill of the disease, but there are 6 farm workers and butchers who turned positive for Ebola antibodies. This is surely a cause of concern.
In spite the Department of Health's (DOH) effort to contain the disease, nobody knows the extent ERV has spread in the country at this time. It is unclear which other animal species harbor the disease agent and need isolation or killing. Philippine health authorities can only speak of what they know---that a number of pigs and some individuals were proven to be positive for antibodies--- which means they encountered the virus without suffering signs of illness.
With the potential to mutate and acquire virulence, Ebola-Reston can be transmitted to susceptible hosts and become infective to more animals and humans. Though ERV doesn’t cause disease in healthy individuals, it’s unclear what happens if the virus infects people with weak immunity or those sick of debilitating illnesses. That’s why to avoid epidemics, isolation or euthanasia of infected animals (like in the Avian Flu infection) are high in the list of priorities.
Awareness of the disease is enhanced through step-up public health education. Cleanliness is important. There is heightened watch over the sale of “double-dead” meat that may carry the disease agent. As a precaution, testing for ERV is expanded and export of porcine meat to other countries has been halted.
The strategies to combat ERV is complex and tedious. Despite DOH’s monitoring and vigilance, medical workers have to deal with the challenges of a serious health threat whose outcome is just starting to unravel. The danger of Ebola doesn't only rest on the Philippines, but on the entire world as well. It's a global effort that this disease is nipped on the bud. (Photo Credit: [][][][][]/ www.bio.davidson.edu /KeeAun)=0=
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Cancer races to be #1 disease killer in 2010
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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Rising Road Accidents
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates about 1.2 million people die in traffic accidents worldwide every year. Moreover, 10 million are injured costing about 520 billion in expenses. Juan Mercado of Cebu Daily News (07/11/06) wrote on the frequent occurence of road accidents in the Philippines. He said the government data tend to underestimate the extent of the problem are not accurate. The records in hospitals don’t agree with what are kept by the police.
"On paper, the Philippine accident rate is about 6.0 fatalities per 10,000 vehicles.’ T“hat makes us look good among ASEAN nations. The low victim headcount has, in fact, lulled authorities into complacency, the report notes. But newspaper and broadcast reports show these up as smug assumptions.
“In 2003, the police reported only about 900 fatalities.” That same year, “about 9,000 fatalities could be attributed to road traffic accidents,” the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) asserted in its National Injury Survey.The UNICEF study covered 90,500 households, randomly selected from barangays to regional level. It concluded that over 783,000 pileups occur yearly. In over 144,000 instances, people were injured severely. Another 630,000 got off with bruises, black eyes, dented cars -- and the scare of their lives.”
I believe we don’t need more evidence about the bane of traffic accidents in the county. We recall the death of UP Ibalon George Evangelio and injury of his wife in a gruesome bus smash up this year in Pamplona, Camarines Sur killing at least 11 and injuring more than 20 people.
Ibalonians Fred Salva, Karen Canon, and Rebecca Espeso died of injuries suffered from vehicular accidents in Manila and Baao, Camarines Sur. I had Henry Mesia, my brother in Naga City who sustained fatal head trauma in 1985. Ten (10) South Korean visitors recently died of injuries in August 27, 2008 on their way to a resort in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Apolonio Baylon had a picture of a Bicol University bus totally wrecked in an mishap in Sison, Pangasinan. Ed Gumban snapped a photo of an overloaded tricycle which depicted the real danger of the street in Irosin, Sorsogon.
Based on data from two years ago, 27% (4,182) of car accidents were caused by driver error. This included sleeping on the wheel, failure to follow road signs, drunk driving, and the use of cell phones while driving. Fifteen percent (15%) was due to vehicle mechanical defects, and 13% from speeding.
Marichu V. Cruz, a Manila Times reporter (07/29/08), reveals a continuing increase in traffic accidents this year and obviously, reliable documentation is required to keep government authorities abreast with solutions. The Philippine Natonal Police (PNP) attributes the alarming traffic accidents on undisciplined Filipino drivers. Traffic officers point to more education and personal responsibility in trying to bring down injuries and deaths on the road. (Photo Credits: Bicol Mail;stchristopherlucky; Ed Gumban) =0=
UPDATE: On October 27, Monday, an additional six (6) people died and 15 others were injured when a vehicle fell into a ravine in Tagaytay, Batangas.
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