ALERT Comprehensive Flu Thread, Latest reports, States, Countries, Closings.

[Sky]

Please delete if already posted

April 23, 2009

The Public Health Agency of Canada has told quarantine services to be on alert for travelers returning from Mexico after a number of severe respiratory illnesses (SRI) were reported in some regions of the country.

PHAC, in an April 20 report, said Mexican officials informed the Canadian health agency that the "case-fatality rate was relatively high" and that most cases involved healthy adults between the ages of 25 and 44. A number of health-care workers were also affected.

Although no cause has been confirmed, some samples were positive for influenza A and B.

The above comments on an alert issued by Canada offer some insight into the situation in Mexico. The reports out of Mexico are decidedly mixed. Some reports describe an increase in influenza cases which is attributed to a late spike in influenza B, which when combined with influenza A, gives an abnormally high number of cases this late in the season. Other reports discuss revaccinating at risk groups with the current trivalent vaccine.

Samples have been sent to Canada for a comprehensive analysis.

The increased influenza-like illness and fatalities was announced as the CDC issued an MMWR dispatch on H1N1 swine flu. Two cases have been confirmed in children (9F and 10M) and family members had mild symptoms but were not tested. The precise location of the clusters in southern California has not been released, but one cluster is in San Diego Country, while the other is 100 miles away in Imperial County (see updated map). Additional suspect cases in Imperial County have been noted and it is likely that these cases are near the border with Mexico. Some media reports also note that some contacts have not been interviewed because they were in Mexico.

It remains unclear if these two outbreaks are related. All reported cases in California have been mild, and the two confirmed cases were influenza A positive, but failed to sub-type for seasonal flu. It is unclear if sub-typing failures have led to the confusing reports out of Mexico.

More information on these cases, and results of analysis in Canada, would be useful.

Similarly, a more precise location and number of confirmed and suspect cases in the United States would be useful.

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/04230901/SRI_Mexico_Alert.html

 

[Sky]

(SRI) cases

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit advises that a number of severe respiratory illness (SRI) cases are occurring in various locations of south and central Mexico. At this time, no cases have been reported outside of Mexico. Physicians and local healthcare workers are asked to actively watch for cases of SRI, especially in people who have returned from Mexico within the last two weeks.

The people in Mexico who have SRI began with influenza-like symptoms that rapidly progressed to severe respiratory distress in about 5 days, with many requiring mechanical ventilation. Some patients have died. Most people who became ill were previously healthy young adults aged between 25-44 years old. Some health care workers have also been affected.

The Health Unit notified physicians, hospitals, and walk-in clinics within the North Bay Parry Sound catchment area. If you have visited Mexico in the last two weeks and have influenza-like symptoms (eg: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or joint aches, shortness of breath) seek medical attention.

To stay healthy and prevent the spread of infections, the Health Unit recommends:

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve.
• Stay at home when you are ill.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.

The Health Unit will provide more information as it becomes available.

http://www.baytoday.ca/content/news/details.asp?c=31073

 

[Publius]

This could be relapse of the haunta virus, its caused by mice droppings that have it. The dung over time breaks down and turms into dust and the dust from it and if inhaled will make you sick and respiratory problems follow and some times death, even handling the mouse dung thats infected by cleaning up the home will do it. This also could be some thing else! Who knows what our government will try next but I would not put it past some to release bio agents into population.

 

[Amberglass]

Canadians returning from Mexico warned of illness
Article Comments (20)
CAROLINE ALPHONSO
Globe and Mail Update
April 23, 2009 at 2:22 PM EDT
Canadians who have returned from Mexico within the past week should be on alert for flu-like symptoms connected to a severe respiratory illness that has killed 20 Mexicans, health officials say.

Allison McGeer, an infectious-diseases expert at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, said that Canadians who have been back for two weeks need not worry. Those back for about four days and are feeling sick enough to go to the hospital should let doctors know they were in Mexico. "If you've got a cold, you don't need to worry about it. It's just a cold," Dr. McGeer said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada contacted health agencies across the country to put them on alert for possible infections. The respiratory illness in Mexico resulted in 20 deaths in the first three weeks of April, and has hospitalized many others.

Mexican health authorities said there were 13 flu-related deaths in Mexico City, 4 in the state of San Luis Potosí, 2 in Baja California and one in Oaxaca.

The cause of the illness has not been confirmed. Dr. McGeer said the cases could be seasonal influenza.

"Pneumonia and influenza are the third most common cause of death, and 60,000 Canadians die every year. So we're talking about 20 deaths in the last three weeks in Mexico, which has considerably more people than Canada," Dr. McGeer said. "This is not to say that when you hear this you don't get panicky and worried." But she cautions that there is no reason to be worry.

Before the 2003 SARS outbreak, Mexico, like other countries, would have investigated the incident, but not alerted other countries. Lessons have since been learned. Dr. McGeer said health officials are constantly on alert for the next pandemic.

"One of these alerts is going to be the beginning of the next pandemic. Does this sound like that's what it is? Probably not. Can I guarantee that? Well, no," she said. "Something's going on, and until we sort out what it is, all of us need to be watching for it and trying to figure it out."

There's no reason for Canadians to change their plans to travel to Mexico, Dr. McGeer said.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/serv...mexicoillnessupdate0423/BNStory/National/home

 

[Flippper]

I was dog sick when I returned from Mexico late last fall. Partly Montezuma's revenge and partly a really nasty bug that lasted for weeks. You never know, flying on planes, being in international airports, where someone's been and what they are carrying. My traveling companion didn't get sick, but I'm a lot more adventerous and friendly, so went places she didn't go.

 

[Sky]

Google translation:

500 cases reported in Mexico City

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The contagion has affected workers and employees of major public hospitals in the Capital, such as the Juarez Hospital, General Hospital, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and hospitals in the area of Tlalpan

MEXICO CITY .- At least 500 employees of the Health sector in Mexico City are infected with influenza virus, reported Antonio Sanchez Arriaga, general secretary of the National Independent Union of Health Workers.

The contagion has affected workers and employees of major public hospitals in the Capital, such as the Juarez Hospital, General Hospital, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and hospitals in the area of Tlalpan, where the National Institute Cardiology, the National Nutrition Institute and the Hospital Manuel Gea González, in addition to the Red Cross Polanco.

The union leader warned that the number of infections could triple this week not to take necessary health measures

"Last Friday we learned of the infection and ask our representatives in the various hospitals who send us reports of patients, and found that the focus of infection and reached 500 partners," said Sanchez Arriaga.

The leader of the guild said that the authorities are overcome by the presence of influenza in hospitals and only palliative measures have been implemented to try to prevent further infections.

"Right now we are being vaccinated and are taking a week leave to employees who are sick, but this is already an epidemic, and again we believe that if this continues this week we could have more than 500 thousand infected," he said.

Sanchez Arriaga explained that it is essential to vaccinate personnel working in the areas of neonatology, pediatrics, gynecology and pulmonology, and who have the most potential for spreading infection in high risk populations.

El contagio de trabajadores ha afectado ya a empleados de los principales hospitales públicos de la Capital , tales como el Hospital Juárez, el Hospital General, el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, y los hospitales de la zona de Tlalpan

CIUDAD DE MÉXICO .- Al menos 500 empleados del sector Salud en el DF se encuentran contagiados con el virus de la influenza, informó Antonio Sánchez Arriaga, secretario general del Sindicato Independiente Nacional de Trabajadores de Salud.

El contagio de trabajadores ha afectado ya a empleados de los principales hospitales públicos de la Capital , tales como el Hospital Juárez, el Hospital General, el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, y los hospitales de la zona de Tlalpan, donde se encuentran el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología, el Instituto Nacional de Nutrición y el Hospital Manuel Gea González, además de la Cruz Roja de Polanco.

El dirigente sindical advirtió que el número de contagios podría triplicarse esta semana de no tomar las medidas sanitarias necesarias,

"El viernes pasado nosotros nos percatamos del contagio y pedimos a nuestros representantes en los diversos hospitales que nos enviaran reportes de los enfermos, y encontramos que el foco de infección ya alcanzó a 500 compañeros", indicó Sánchez Arriaga.

El líder del gremio aseguró que las autoridades se encuentran rebasadas por la presencia de la influenza en los hospitales y sólo han aplicado medidas paliativas para tratar de evitar más contagios.

"Ahorita nos están vacunando y están dando permisos de una semana a los empleados que están enfermos; pero esto ya se volvió una epidemia y creemos que si esto sigue esta semana podríamos tener a más de mil 500 contagiados", manifestó.

Sánchez Arriaga expuso que es urgente que se vacune al personal que labora en las áreas de neonatología, pediatría, ginecología y neumología, ya que son quienes tienen más posibilidades de propagar el contagio en la población de alto riesgo.

http://www.elmanana.com.mx/notas.asp?id=117125

 

[Sky]

I was dog sick when I returned from Mexico late last fall. Partly Montezuma's revenge and partly a really nasty bug that lasted for weeks. You never know, flying on planes, being in international airports, where someone's been and what they are carrying. My traveling companion didn't get sick, but I'm a lot more adventerous and friendly, so went places she didn't go.

My Canadian Uncle goes to Mexico for the winter... I'll see if he has heard anything. Maybe time to hand out masks on planes!

 

[Amberglass]

I have family members down there right now... they return next week.

I think I'll stay away from them for a few weeks after they get home.

 

[Sky]

Live Developing Story

CDC holds briefing on human cases of swine influenza Live on CNN website

swine flu briefing hope this link works

http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream4&iref=lb100

 

[Sky]

I have family members down there right now... they return next week.

I think I'll stay away from them for a few weeks after they get home.

Amberglass I was thinking the same thing... but if this is an epidemic it will spread fast into Canada and the U.S.

This part really stood out for me
"Right now we are being vaccinated and are taking a week leave to employees who are sick, but this is already an epidemic, and again we believe that if this continues this week we could have more than 500 thousand infected," he said.

 

[Amberglass]

So, we may have a case in Canada.

Local hospitals watching for Mexican flu-type illness
Map data ©2009 Tele Atlas - Terms of Use





One patient being monitored at Rouge Valley Centenary hospital in Scarborough
Apr 23, 2009 - 03:22 PM
BY REKA SZEKELY
DURHAM -- Local hospitals are keeping a lookout for a flu-type illness which has led to deaths in Mexico and the hospitalization of one Rouge Valley patient in Scarborough.

Ministry of Health officials are asking hospitals to watch for severe respiratory illnesses in patients recently returned from Mexico and report incidences to the local medical officer of health. Patients who fit a list of criteria released by the MOH are to be isolated.

Dave Brazeau, a spokesman for Rouge Valley Health Systems, said a bulletin regarding the illness has gone out.

"We shared that with all of our staff at both of our campuses," he said.

There have been no cases at the Ajax site, though a patient is under watch at the Scarborough Centenary Hospital.

"At this point, this patient is being closely monitored related to that alert," said Mr. Brazeau.

Since SARS, hospitals have been screening patients with flu-type illnesses; they've now added Mexico to the list of places to look out for, said Helen Gibson, director of infection prevention and control for Lakeridge Health. There are no cases at the Lakeridge hospital.

Ms. Gibson said all staff were notified on Tuesday about the situation and signs have gone up around the hospital as well. All patients admitted are asked if they've recently been to Mexico, since the country's south and central areas are a hot pocket for the illness.

"Which is hugely problematic because it's a tourist area and we know lots of people from Durham Region travel down to Mexico for vacation."

The ministry said the Mexican cases involved flu-like symptoms which rapidly became severe respiratory distress in about five days with many patients requiring ventilation. Some have died and most cases have occurred in previously healthy young adults aged 25 to 44.

Some samples have tested positive for A and B flu viruses, but it's unknown whether they're linked or the cases represent isolated incidents. The ministry said there is no evidence to suggest infection with an unusual pathogen including a novel strain of flu.

Ms. Gibson stressed that since the illness reportedly acts very quickly, people shouldn't ignore symptoms.

"What we'd really want to encourage people to do, if they have the fever, the chills, the coughs, they really need to plan on getting health care as quickly as possible," she said.
http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/news/life/article/124690

 

[Double_A]

FRACK!

My cousin from the sticks of Northern Canada is in Mexico right NOW with two buddies. My mom and I pleaded with him to get a package deal in Vegas instead, but nooo. I just can't fathom how Canadians just love freaking Mexico.

 

[Amberglass]

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loc...TorontoNewHome

Canadians told to be on alert for Mexico illness
Updated: Thu Apr. 23 2009 4:02:06 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

A mysterious and "severe" respiratory illness has surfaced in parts of Mexico and may be affecting some Canadians who recently vacationed there.

Canadians who have recently returned from Mexico are being warned they should be on alert for severe flu-like symptoms that could be connected to the illness, says an advisory sent by the Public Health Agency of Canada to health services across Canada.

While the chances that this is a new pandemic are "pretty low," health officials are still treating the outbreak seriously, said Alison McGeer, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto's Mount Sinai hospital.

"At the other end, is the possibility that this is a new virus that we haven't before described," she told CTV Newsnet Thursday.

"But one of the things we've committed to around the world is enhanced surveillance and being really sure that we don't miss these new viruses," she said.

Since respiratory illnesses have short incubation periods, travellers who get sick two weeks after returning from Mexico shouldn't worry, said McGeer.

However, if you've recently returned from Mexico and have a severe fever, cough and respiratory problems, you should let a doctor know of your travels so experts can map out different flu strains, added McGeer.

PHAC contacted health and quarantine services on April 17 to inform them that Mexican health authorities had advised Canada of possible infections. PHAC has told Canadian quarantine services to be on alert for travellers returning from Mexico showing signs of illness.

The mystery illness has infected hundreds in south and central areas of Mexico, according to Mexican health officials, killing some and leaving others on ventilators. The Mexican health secretary has issued a national alert, following reports of numerous influenza deaths in the first three weeks of April.

The flu-like condition has so far affected healthy young adults between the ages 25 and 44. The victims showed influenza-like symptoms that progressed to "severe respiratory distress" within five days. Some health care workers have been affected.

Health officials say some specimens collected from the patients have tested positive for influenzas A and B.

The illness appears to have infected hundreds in south and central areas of Mexico, but not the tourist areas on the coast. According to a report in a Spanish-language newspaper in Mexico, the regions affected include: the capital region; San Luis Potosí; Oaxaca; and Baja, California.

At this point, no cases have been confirmed outside of Mexico. The Pan American Health Organization, the Americas branch of the World Health Organization, says it is working with Mexican authorities to monitor the situation.

Anyone who has returned from Mexico within the last two weeks and is suffering the following symptoms should contact a physician:

fever
cough
sore throat
shortness of breath
muscle and joint pain
McGeer said that health officials have become increasingly vigilant over the past decade in tracking down new illnesses.

"SARS taught us that it can take a very little time to move a virus all around the globe," she said.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Neil Rau told CTV Newsnet that it appears that the illnesses in Mexico are simply seasonal flu illnesses, though virological and epidemiological studies are being conducted.

"In a few days, we will have more information after more lab tests are done," he said.

"The outstanding question is whether this is a more severe form of the garden-variety flu. The word pandemic certainly isn't being used yet. And a 'new virus' is not coming into the vernacular yet either."

At a press conference Wednesday, the Mexican undersecretary for Health Prevention and Promotion, Mauricio Hernández Ávila said that while this year's flu season is stretching into April, the flu cases do not appear to indicate an epidemic.

He noted that the cases appearing in young people may be a consequence of the fact that many of these people did not get the flu shot, which is typically given to children and the elderly, the highest risk groups.

Rau said he doesn't think this illness report should deter any Canadians from travelling to Mexico, but they should consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before they travel.

"At this point, people going to Mexico should think about getting the flu shot, if they haven't had one already. But I don't think there is any preventative measure they can take unless Canada issues a travel alert saying not to go."

 

[Amberglass]

I just can't fathom how Canadians just love freaking Mexico.

Not so much any more....most are traveling to the DR or Cuba if they are after inexpensive vacations.I used to travel to Mexico every year up until about 10 years ago....couldn't pay me to go there now.

 

[Publius]

FRACK!

My cousin from the sticks of Northern Canada is in Mexico right NOW with two buddies. My mom and I pleaded with him to get a package deal in Vegas instead, but nooo. I just can't fathom how Canadians just love freaking Mexico.

I see canadians coming and going by the droves all the time, all heading to Florida or back home, I would think Florida is to hot for them it is for me.

 

[Double_A]

Dammit I just contacted my brother who was on a Mexico cruise and came back last Sunday.

He said he's had a cough and has stayed home a couple days this week.

 

[Sky]

New Strain Of Swine Flu Emerges In California

Both cases occurred last week; the first a 10-year old boy in San Diego County, the second a 9-year old girl in nearby Imperial County. Doctors say that both children have fully recovered.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that there was no need for people to be alarmed or to take unusual precautions in preventing the spread of the disease. Officials have however asked doctors in several southern California counties to send samples of anyone with flu-like symptoms.

“The CDC is concerned, but that’s our job,” said Tom Skinner, spokesman for the agency.

Pigs can harbor influenza viruses adapted to humans and others that are adapted to birds, allowing the viruses to exchange genes and create a pandemic strain.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1674960/new_strain_of_swine_flu_emerges_in_california/

 

[Sky]

Could this be related to Mexico alert

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Seven cases of a strange and unusual new kind of swine flu have been found in California and Texas, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday.

All seven people have recovered but the virus itself is a never-before-seen mixture of viruses typical among pigs, birds and humans, the CDC said.

"We are likely to find more cases," the CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat told a telephone briefing. "We don't think this is time for major concern around the country."

 

[Sky]

FRACK!

My cousin from the sticks of Northern Canada is in Mexico right NOW with two buddies. My mom and I pleaded with him to get a package deal in Vegas instead, but nooo. I just can't fathom how Canadians just love freaking Mexico.

My Uncle lives in Canada and he goes to Mexico every winter. I don't understand it either

 

[Amberglass]

I found this over at PFI.... trying to locate more info...

The Canadian Broadcasting System radio news just reported that there are 10 people in the province of Ontario who have returned recently from Mexico with respiratory problems, they are being monitored. Provincial emergency medical services have been informed. If this story has legs, there should be more information forthcoming.

 

[SassyinAZ]

As I've been reading, the concern with this influenza is some of the samples have come back as positive for both type A and B, as I understand it, a combination.

I don't know enough to know why that combination is of concern though, but I know others here do and I'd like to hear more.

So throwing it out there and bumping.

 

[tansau]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N23355101.htm

WASHINGTON, April 23 (Reuters) - Seven people have been diagnosed with a strange and unusual new kind of swine flu in California and Texas, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday.

All seven people have recovered but the virus itself is a never-before-seen mixture of viruses typical among pigs, birds and humans, the CDC said...

"We believe at this point that human-to-human spread is occurring," Schuchat said. "That's unusual. We don't know yet how widely it is spreading ... We are also working with international partners to understand what is occurring in other parts of the world."..

Unusually, said the CDC's Nancy Cox, the viruses all appear to carry genes from swine flu, avian flu and human flu viruses from North America, Europe and Asia.
"We haven't seen this strain before, but we hadn't been looking as intensively as we have," Schuchat said. "It's very possible that this is something new that hasn't been happening before."

 

[SassyinAZ]

Thanks Tansau!

That's not very comforting.

 

[Amberglass]

California and Texas.....

Is this never before seen illness the same one in Mexico and now Canada? My guess is yes....

 

[Amberglass]

This is translated from French.....


Ontario Tourism Warning on the subject of a respiratory disease Updated on Thursdays April 23 2009 to 16 o'clock 22 Divisions To Print The authorities of Canadian healths emitted a warning on the subject of a harsh respiratory disease that did 20 deaths to the Mexico
during the four last weeks.

The symptoms resemble themselves those of the flu at first, but degenerate in a serious respiratory disease in five days.

The agency of public health of Canada asks notably to the workers of health of first line to retrieve immediately all possible case of respiratory disease with the travelers that went recently to Mexico. Records it to place these patients in isolation was equally transmitted.

One knows few things of the respiratory disease that would be in cause.

Prudence in Ontario

Dr David Williams, doctor hygienist in boss of the Ontario The doctor hygienist in boss of the Ontario confirms that the province oversees closely about ten recently returned travelers of the Mexico with of important respiratory problems.

The Dr David Williams indicates that the province, that was at the taken ones with the crisis of the SRAS in 2003, does not run any risk. The medical personnel must retrieve all the cases of respiratory problems diagnosed with people that return from Mexico.

The medical services of urgency of Toronto do equally proof of prudence: the ambulance drivers ask the patients themselves they visited the Mexico during the two last weeks.

Certain offices of public health, of which the one of North Bay Parry Sound, already emitted warnings to the population.

Position to Mexico

Thursday, Mexico emitted a national alarm on the subject of this disease. The patients represent symptoms resembling themselves those of the flu. The respiratory infection seems very virulent since the attained persons must be connected to respirators. About twenty persons are dead to the Mexico for three weeks and hundreds of others contracted the disease. During this period, the number of case increased of 40%.

The victims generally were adults in health before contracting the disease: they were of age 15 to 45 years.

The center and the south of Mexico are the two regions more touched. Sanitary authorities are unaware of always causes it disease. Certain preliminary tests nevertheless allowed detecting the stumps HAS and B of the virus of the flu.

http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/Ontario/2009/04/23/004-avertissement-respiratoire_n.shtml

Avertissement au sujet d'une maladie respiratoire
Mise à jour le jeudi 23 avril 2009 à 16 h 22
Partager
Imprimer
Les autorités de la santé canadiennes ont émis un avertissement au sujet d'une maladie respiratoire sévère qui a fait 20 morts au Mexique au cours des quatre dernières semaines.

Les symptômes s'apparentent à ceux de la grippe au début, mais dégénèrent en une grave maladie respiratoire en cinq jours.

L'Agence de la santé publique du Canada demande notamment aux travailleurs de santé de première ligne de rapporter immédiatement tout cas possible de maladie respiratoire chez les voyageurs qui se sont rendus récemment au Mexique. La consigne de placer ces patients en isolement a également été transmise.

On sait peu de choses de la maladie respiratoire qui serait en cause.

Prudence en Ontario


Dr David Williams, médecin hygiéniste en chef de l'Ontario
Le médecin hygiéniste en chef de l'Ontario confirme que la province surveille de près une dizaine de voyageurs récemment rentrés du Mexique avec d'importants problèmes respiratoires.

Le Dr David Williams indique que la province, qui a été aux prises avec la crise du SRAS en 2003, ne court aucun risque. Le personnel médical doit rapporter tous les cas de problème respiratoire diagnostiqués chez des gens qui reviennent du Mexique.

Les services médicaux d'urgence de Toronto font également preuve de prudence: les ambulanciers demandent aux patients s'ils ont visité le Mexique au cours des deux dernières semaines.

Certains bureaux de santé publique, dont celui de North Bay Parry Sound, ont déjà émis des avertissements à la population.

Situation au Mexique

Jeudi, le Mexique a émis une alerte nationale au sujet de cette maladie. Les malades représentent des symptômes s'apparentant à ceux de la grippe. L'infection respiratoire semble très virulente puisque les personnes atteintes doivent être branchées à des respirateurs. Une vingtaine de personnes sont mortes au Mexique depuis trois semaines et des centaines d'autres ont contracté la maladie. Durant cette période, le nombre de cas a augmenté de 40 %.

Les victimes étaient généralement des adultes en santé avant de contracter la maladie: elles étaient âgées de 15 à 45 ans.

Le centre et le sud du Mexique sont les deux régions les plus touchées. Les autorités sanitaires ignorent toujours la cause de la maladie. Certains tests préliminaires ont toutefois permis de détecter les souches A et B du virus de la grippe

 

[Sky]

Helen Branswell, THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - Public health units, quarantine officers and medical practitioners across the country have been warned to be on guard for cases of a mystery illness in Canadians returning from Mexico.

The warning follows reports from that country of cases of severe respiratory illness, which in some cases has led to death.

Mexican authorities have insisted the outbreak is not an epidemic and that preventive measures are being taken to reduce the risk of transmission of disease.

Mexican authorities informed Canadian counterparts about the situation on April 17, asking for help with their investigation. Scientists at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg are assisting in efforts to determine the cause or causes of the illnesses.

"We are aware of the reports and are looking into them," said Andrew McDermott, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

It's not clear if there is any link between these illnesses and the recent discovery of several human cases of swine flu infection in California.

Dr. Arlene King, who is the Public Health Agency of Canada's point person for pandemic influenza preparedness, said samples from Mexico will need to be studied to see if there is any link.

King, who was named Ontario's new chief public health officer on Thursday and takes on the job in mid-June, said it is important to be on the lookout for new infectious disease outbreaks.

"We absolutely have to remain vigilant in the country around the situation in Mexico and globally," said King, who is director general of the public health agency's centre for immunization and respiratory infectious diseases.

"We need to be prepared for any emerging infectious disease threat that may occur outside of our borders. It's absolutely fundamental."

A spokesperson for the Pan American Health Organization - the World Health Organization's Americas branch - said PAHO is also working with Mexican authorities to look into the reports.

"We're co-operating with (Mexican) authorities on it," Donna Eberwine-Villagran said from Washington.

"We have people in our field office in Mexico City and also in our border office working with Mexican authorities looking at the cases."

The illnesses are said to have been occurring in south and central Mexico and involve mainly young, previously healthy adults. Some reports have suggested health-care workers have become ill.

To date, two clusters of severe respiratory infections with death have been reported in April, one in Mexico City and one in San Luis Potosi. Mexico City has reported 120 cases including 13 deaths while San Luis Potosi, in central Mexico, has reported 14 cases including four deaths.

In addition there has been a death reported in Oaxaca, in southern Mexico and two deaths reported in Baja California Norte, which borders California.

Health authorities have been told some of the cases have tested positive for influenza, but some cases are influenza A and others are influenza B.

A leading infectious diseases expert said a number of pathogens could be the culprit or culprits.

"It could be anything," said Dr. Allison McGeer of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital. "Full range from new and unidentified virus to stuff that goes on every day and somebody just did a test."

She added, though that it was "improbable" that the illness was being caused by anything exotic and was most likely the work of influenza or an adenovirus.

An advisory from Toronto Public Health to health professionals said that given the severity of the illness, health care workers should be actively looking for cases of severe respiratory infection in people who have been in Mexico in the previous two weeks.

But the advisory stressed that there is no evidence the infections are caused by an unusual pathogen or a novel flu strain.

Mexican health officials held a news conference Wednesday to discuss the situation, putting the surge in illnesses down to end-of-season flu activity.

Mauricio Hernandez Avila, the undersecretary for health prevention and promotion, said the health department had initiated an active search for cases of serious pneumonia associated with the illness in the country, especially in the federal district that encompasses Mexico City.

 

[Sky]

oops forgot to include link to my last post

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/04/23/9221806.html

 

[denfoote]

New Strain Of Swine Flu Emerges In California

Both cases occurred last week; the first a 10-year old boy in San Diego County, the second a 9-year old girl in nearby Imperial County. Doctors say that both children have fully recovered.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that there was no need for people to be alarmed or to take unusual precautions in preventing the spread of the disease. Officials have however asked doctors in several southern California counties to send samples of anyone with flu-like symptoms.

“The CDC is concerned, but that’s our job,” said Tom Skinner, spokesman for the agency.

Pigs can harbor influenza viruses adapted to humans and others that are adapted to birds, allowing the viruses to exchange genes and create a pandemic strain.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1674960/new_strain_of_swine_flu_emerges_in_california/

Now we know why pork has been on sale for so cheap lately!!

 

[Sky]

Now we know why pork has been on sale for so cheap lately!!

getting ready to go to lunch to our local Mexican restaurant now I'll be thinking about this

 

[Rex Jackson]

Seeing its 24 to 44yo, I'm thinking they may have sniffed this. Laced cocaine perhapse.

 

[Mr. Mason]

This could spread so fast it would make our heads spin. We literally could be a matter of days from a pandemic.

Let's assume it's a "mild" new flu that "only" has a 1% mortaility rate (with extensive treatment).

But we don't have the hospital beds and ventalators to give extensive treatment to 10% of the people in the USA. Nothing even close to that.
In fact, any flu with more than about a 1% mortality rate with treatment would quickly overwhelm the medical system resulting in no treatment which would cause the 1% to go to 5% or 10%.

10%... think about that... 1 out of 3 househouses losing a family member.
It would be absolute chaos.

 

[Amberglass]

There have to be more cases...I doubt they are just in Ontario...


Home > More
Ten Ontario residents being observed for potentially deadly Mexican influenza
Neil Kumar 2009-04-23 19:20
There is concern for anyone who has recently vacationed in Mexico. Public health units and doctors across Canada are being warned to be on guard for cases of a mystery illness.

This follows reports from Mexico of several cases of severe respiratory illness, some have been fatal.

What does this mean for travellers? So far, ten Ontario residents are being examined for the mystery illness.

Any Canadian who have just returned from Mexico should be on alert for flu like symptoms that could be related to the illness.

The illness has surfaced in South and Central Mexico, including Mexico City.

David Caplan, Ontario's Minister of Health, told CityNews what to do if you think you're affected.

Caplan said,"One of the things to do is immediately contact the Public Health network , if you have any signs or symptoms."

Twenty people have died from the illness in Mexico. Health Officials are saying this is not an outbreak.

The affected patients in Mexico have tested positive for influenza A and B.
http://www.680news.com/more.jsp?content=20090423_191843_9444

 

[Amberglass]

APRIL 23, 2009

Swine Flu Infects Seven; Genetic Make-Up Has Scientists Stymied

A swine flu strain that has infected seven people in the United States since late March is an unusual hybrid that carries genetic material from four different sources, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this afternoon. The agency says the situation is no reason for major concern yet, since the spread of the virus appears limited, and unlike the avian H5N1 flu, it does not appear to cause a very severe disease. But the virus can apparently be transmitted between humans, raising concerns that an epidemic—or even a pandemic—is possible, and officials have asked doctors and labs around the country to be on the lookout.

On Tuesday, CDC officials reported that two children in California had become infected with a swine influenza strain. Since then, five more cases of the swine flu have been confirmed through lab analysis, Anne Schuchat, interim deputy director of CDC's Science and Public Health Program, told reporters during a teleconference this afternoon. Three of those occurred in California, and two near San Antonio, Texas. None of the patients has been in contact with pigs. It's unclear whether there's a link to recent reports about a severe respiratory illness in Mexico.

All seven patients have recovered, and although one of them had to be hospitalized, "so far, it's not looking like a very severe influenza," Schuchat said. Lab tests have shown that the virus is resistant to two old influenza drugs called rimantadine and amantadine, but is susceptible to two newer drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, which have a different mode of action.

The enigmatic virus is an H1N1 influenza strain that normally infects swine.

Researchers occasionally find human infections with swine flu viruses; a human outbreak of the virus in 1976 triggered a massive vaccination campaign that many now say was an overreaction, and that was cancelled after the vaccine caused severe side effects in an unusual number of people.

Preliminary genetic analysis has shown that the virus appears to be an unusual hybrid that has genetic material from four different sources, Nancy Cox, chief of CDC's Influenza Division, said at the teleconference: avian and swine viruses from North America, a swine flu strain usually seen in Asia, and a human influenza strain. It's unclear how the virus picked up the odd combination. CDC is preparing a so-called seed strain that could be used to make a vaccine, a process that can take several weeks and that is "standard operating procedure" whenever a new influenza strain is going around, Cox said.

CDC expects to confirm many more cases in the days ahead. But at today's press conference, Schuchat cautioned against panic, stressing that the seven cases so far may have simply been identified as a result of improved surveillance. (The two cases that started the investigation were found thanks to the Border Infectious Disease Survillance, a network of clinics that conducts surveillance along he U.S.-Mexican border, and a naval lab in California with advanced diagnostic capabilities.) "We don't think it's time for major concern around the country," Schuchat said.

CDC will provide updates on the situation every day around 3 p.m. in the weeks ahead.

—Martin Enserink
http://blogs.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2009/04/swine-flu-infec.html

 

[Amberglass]

120 cases in Mexico City now....

Is this on top of the 500 ?


Mexico on alert for outbreaks of influenza
Has left 20 dead this year


Notimex
Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova asked the population to have calm before the outbreak of influenza.
Agencies

April 23, 2009

120 cases in Mexico City
Distribution of vaccines

Mexico News

MEXICO - The head of the Health Secretariat (SSA), José Ángel Córdova Villalobos, called upon the people to remain calm in the cases of influenza season.

120 cases in Mexico City

Announced that the SSA will acquire 300 thousand influenza vaccine, in addition to the 200 thousand doses donated by a laboratory which is used to vaccinate health sector employees who "believed immune" and were not protected.

Interviewed in the National Forum: "Current status and challenges to address addiction in the workplace," said Córdova Villalobos not detected cases of influenza in medical staff, but other employees in that sector.

The federal official announced that the Federal District are 120 probable cases of seasonal influenza and confirmed the deaths of 20 people throughout the country for this cause in recent weeks.

Rejected epidemic

In this context, it is believed that a controlled situation, but not a pandemic, so people should remain calm and resort to the physician any symptoms of possible influenza.

"It is not an epidemic, but it is important to inform the public about preventive measures to be taken to lessen the risk of contagion," said the health ministry said in a statement.

"We must remain calm, especially the families must cooperate so that when they have symptoms with a doctor if they do not sneezing directly to others, if the problem does not say hello or kiss or hand, may not share utensils for food if they are not washed, "said Córdova Villalobos.

The health officer reported that the health alert began last week and will remain as long as necessary until we see a real reduction in cases. "

He added that although there have been situations of this kind in only seven states of Mexico should remain vigilant throughout the country.

http://74.125.47.132/translate_c?hl...um=100&usg=ALkJrhhdvJwoKwBxjEYsCd1EYCOQf-Q4TQ

 

[RAT]

this doesn't look good at all!

Translated from Spanish...

Thursday, April 23, 2009
The contagion has affected workers and employees of major public hospitals in the Capital, such as the Juarez Hospital, General Hospital, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and hospitals in the area of Tlalpan

MEXICO CITY .- At least 500 employees of the Health sector in Mexico City are infected with influenza virus, reported Antonio Sanchez Arriaga, general secretary of the National Independent Union of Health Workers.

The contagion has affected workers and employees of major public hospitals in the Capital, such as the Juarez Hospital, General Hospital, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, and hospitals in the area of Tlalpan, where the National Institute Cardiology, the National Nutrition Institute and the Hospital Manuel Gea González, in addition to the Red Cross Polanco.

The union leader warned that the number of infections could triple this week not to take necessary health measures

"Last Friday we learned of the infection and ask our representatives in the various hospitals who send us reports of patients, and found that the focus of infection and reached 500 partners," said Sanchez Arriaga.

The leader of the guild said that the authorities are overcome by the presence of influenza in hospitals and only palliative measures have been implemented to try to prevent further infections.

"Right now we are being vaccinated and are taking a week leave to employees who are sick, but this is already an epidemic, and again we believe that if this continues this week we could have more than 500 thousand infected," he said.

 

[Amberglass]

I keep wondering about these regions that have been hit.... Are the poverty stricken areas as well as tourist regions affected.

Poor people that can't afford health care will not be added into the mix of numbers right away.

Maybe I'll do a little research on the regions most affected when I have a bit of time tonight.

 

[Amberglass]

500 health care workers......

I think if there were 500 health care workers infected, they would put up travel advisories......I have to wonder if that translation is correct.

Anyone here speak Spanish that could translate the threads concerning 500 health care workers?

 

[Sligo]

I spent today doing inventory and re-organizing my preps, and paid special attention to my red box (medical) and water. When I was done, I stopped to catch the evening news and heard the less-then-3-minutes they gave this story. No mention on NBC News of Canadian illness, just 7 cases in US and lots in Mexico. No mention of ages of those stricken. My back is a little sore now from all the moving and shuffling around of stuff, but I touched everything and know what's there and the small gaps to fill in the next day or so. I guess I picked a good day for "spring cleaning". Prayers for all those in affected areas. Keeps your eyes open and your hands clean.

 

[Exodia]

I reading other places that the 500,000 number is a machine tanslation mistake and should read 1,500. Not that it's good to have 1,500 healthcare workers infected, but better than 500,000.

 

[Amberglass]

Schools closed in Mexico City due to influenza
http://www.exonline.com.mx/diario/n...manana_suspenden_clases_en_df_y_edomex/579248

April 23, 2009
Tomorrow classes will be suspended in Mexico City and the State of Mexico ["Edomex", the state surrounding Mexico City]

The Health Secretary, José Ángel Córdova Villalobos, announced that this Friday classes in public and private facilities at all levels of the Federal District and State of Mexico will be suspended, because of the high level of cases of influenza in the country.

Tonight, representatives of the Health Sector held a meeting.