RIFT VALLEY FEVER - NAMIBIA

Note: RVF used as a bio-weapon in US; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rift_Valley_fever

RIFT VALLEY FEVER, ANIMAL - NAMIBIA (04): FAO
*********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010
Source: FAO NEWS Release 10/62 en [edited]



FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf yesterday [Tue 27 Jul 2010]
commended Namibia for acting swiftly and effectively to halt the
spread of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in the country during recent
outbreaks.

Speaking at a meeting in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and
Forestry in Windhoek, Diouf praised the Namibian institutions
involved. "Their alertness and prompt reaction prevented outbreaks of
RVF in May 2010 from spreading, with potentially devastating
consequences on lives, livelihoods and food security," Diouf said.

Diouf singled out the Meat Board of Namibia, the abattoirs where the
disease was detected, the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the
livestock farmers concerned.

The vigilance and response of the veterinary services was all the more
remarkable, Diouf said, when considering that RVF emerged in Namibia
after an absence of 25 years; almost all the staff involved had never
had to fight the disease before.

RVF is a disease carried by mosquitoes after heavy rains and flooding
and is characterised by high rates of abortion and neonatal mortality,
primarily in sheep, goats and also cattle. Humans are at risk -- and
can die -- when in close contact with the blood or organs of infected
animals or when bitten by infected mosquitoes.

An FAO team comprising members of the Animal Production and Health
Division and the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases
deployed at the request of the government returned from Namibia full
of praise for the professional performance of the veterinary services
in handling the outbreaks. Dr Juan Lubroth, FAO's Chief Veterinary
Officer said: "The swift response is exemplary and very likely
prevented worse from happening."

RVF was 1st suspected by veterinary services in sheep from 2 farms in
the Hardap/Karas regions on 9 May 2010. The disease was detected
during inspection at the Farmers' Meat Market Abattoir in Mariental,
when lesions of RVF were recognised during examination.

"The positive contribution of Namibia in the fight against RVF has
international significance," Diouf said. "For this reason, FAO would
like to formally recognise the preparedness and readiness in place in
Namibia and the alertness of veterinary services.

"This is an inspiring example for other countries to follow to protect
their animals, livelihoods, trade and indeed people, together with
neighbouring countries from serious animal diseases."

However, RVF will continue to pose threats, including to Namibia, as
the next rainy season -- expected in October/November 2010 -- brings
the risks back. FAO looks forward to providing support in defining the
different options for control and prevention as part of Namibia's
future strategy.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail

[Namibia has reported to the OIE, since 10 May 2010 (Immediate
Notification), 12 outbreaks of RVF in animals. The reports and a map
showing the affected locations, spread throughout the country, are
available at
.

In contrast to several RVF-affected countries during recent years,
where humans acted as sentinels of the virus circulation, in Namibia,
the disease was detected in animals, while no human infections have
been -- to the best of our knowledge -- reported so far. This
achievement is indeed commendable.

The most recent OIE follow-up report (No 2), submitted 7 Jul 2010,
provided data on 5 new outbreaks in sheep and goats. It included the
following epidemiological commentary:

"Foci detected during general surveillance. Temperatures are low with
the onset of winter, and there is little vector activity. Movement
restrictions imposed within a 5-km-radius of the infected properties.
Vaccination encouraged." A new follow-up report is anticipated.

RVF virus has been, reportedly, circulating lately in 3 southern
Africa countries: South Africa, where animal and human infections have
been recorded since the end of 2009, Namibia and Botswana. - Mod.AS]

[see also:
Rift Valley fever, animal - Namibia (03): (ER, HA, KA) 20100709.2303
Rift Valley fever, animal - Botswana (02): (GB) 20100708.2285
Rift Valley fever, animal - Botswana: (GB) OIE 20100630.2176
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (20): (EC) 20100624.2108
Rift Valley fever, animal - Namibia (02) 20100618.2050
Rift Valley fever, animal - South Africa (02): control strategy 20100606.1886
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (19): (EC) 20100519.1658
Rift Valley fever, animal - Namibia: OIE 20100514.1577
Rift valley fever, animal - South Africa: OIE 20100512.1548
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (15): WHO 20100505.1459
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (08): (multi-province) 20100403.1076
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (07): WHO 20100331.1016
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (06): (WC) 20100330.1006
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (04): (FS, EC, NC, GT, NW) 20100324.0935
Rift Valley fever - South Africa (03): (FS, EC, NC, GT, MP) 20100321.0902
Rift Valley fever - South Africa: (FS, NC) 20100309.0761
Rift Valley fever, sheep - South Africa: (FS) OIE 20100225.0622]
..................................................dh/sb/arn/msp/jw
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Nazi Germany Tries Malaria as Bio-Weapon

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/1510482/Nazis-tried-to-halt-Allies-in-Italy-with-malaria-epidemic-attack.html

MALARIA - PHILIPPINES: (CAMARINES NORTE)

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A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Sat 24 Jul 2010
Source: GMA News.TV [edited]



The Department of Health [DOH] in Bicol region has declared a malaria
epidemic in Camarines Norte province after recording 182 cases there.

DOH officials said that while most of the cases were in Jose
Panganiban town, the epidemic was declared province-wide to prepare
local health officials against the spread of the disease.

The DOH Bicol is closely monitoring malaria cases in areas near the
border of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, specifically in the towns
of Sipocot and Lupi, to prevent further spread of the disease,
according to an article posted Saturday [24 Jul 2010] on the ReliefWeb
site


Incidentally, the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) have
already declared as malaria-free some of the region's provinces --
these are: Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate.

Further assessment and validation is being done in Camarines Sur for
it to be declared malaria-free.

DOH Bicol Malaria Prevention and Control Program coordinator Camilo
Aquino said the DOH team dispatched to Jose Panganiban found out that
most victims were children and elderly. At least 20 percent were
members of a tribal community.

Health officials lamented more victims barely recovered or [not]
treated totally as health workers had difficulty in administering
treatment. In many cases, patients would refuse to follow procedures,
like the schedule of taking medicines.

Aquino said malaria is a disease caused by the parasite _Plasmodium_,
transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the
liver and infect red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, headache,
and vomiting -- they usually appear 10 to 15 days after infection.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[Camarines Norte is located on Southeasten Luzon, and is usually
considered a low risk area. Both _Plasmodium vivax_ and _P.
falciparum_ are found in the Philippines and the report above does not
state which species is responsible.
- Mod.EP]

[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the Philippines is available at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

[see also:
Malaria - Philippines: (Mindanao) 20100424.1332
2009
----
Malaria, P. knowlesi - USA (NYC) ex Philippines (PL): 2008 20090312.1021
2007
---
Malaria - Philippines (Mindanao) 20070605.1822
2004
----
Malaria - Philippines (Mindanao) 20040629.1732
2003
----
Malaria - Philippines (Igugao, Quirino) 20030721.1778]
........................................ep/mj/jw
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Bio-Pharma Bandwagon: Jump into Bio-Tech

http://www.cmd.rutgers.edu/mini-mba-biopharma.html?utm_source=fiercebiotech&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=biopharma_program

Fox News Issues

Weapons of Mass Destruction Handbook;
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,76887,00.html

ANTHRAX, BOVINE - USA (02): (NORTH DAKOTA)

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A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: 23 Jul 2010
Source: Associated Press [edited]



North Dakota has recorded its 3rd case of anthrax in cattle this year
[2010]. Deputy state veterinarian Beth Carlson says a single case of
anthrax has been confirmed in Barnes County. An anthrax case was
confirmed earlier this month [July 2010] in Dickey County. In May
2010, an anthrax case was confirmed in eastern Sioux County.

State animal health officials are urging producers to have their
cattle vaccinated against the illness and to report unexpected deaths
in their herds to veterinarians.

North Dakota usually has a few anthrax cases every year. In 2005, the
disease resulted in an estimated 1000 dead cattle, bison, horses,
sheep, llamas and farmed deer and elk.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail

[One of the abilities of the anthrax spores is to show up ranchers
who have failed to vaccinate their stock, in spite of the
instructions issued by the state's veterinary service/animal health
commission. Sporadic outbreaks occur throughout the summer. If all
goes well, it is just the odd animal. - Mod.MHJ]

[A map of North Dakota showing the location of counties can be found at:

- Mod.LM]

[see also:
Anthrax, bovine - USA: (ND) 20100520.1677
2009
----
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20090917.3266
2008
----
Anthrax, bovine - USA (02): (ND) 20080626.1968
2007
----
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20070731.2459
2006
----
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (02) 20060627.1784
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20060626.1775
2005
----
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (04) 20050804.2267
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (03) 20050728.2198
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) (02) 20050718.2067
Anthrax, bovine - USA (ND) 20050709.1947]
................................................sb/mhj/msp/lm

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Manufacturing War the American Way / Historical Precidents

http://www.infowars.com/weaponizing-deadly-viruses-historical-precedents/

ANTHRAX, BOVINE - SLOVAKIA: (PRESOV) OIE

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A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database)
reports, 2010 [edited]



Anthrax, Slovakia
-----------------
Information received on (and dated) 13 Jul 2010 from Mr Jan
Pliesovsky, Chief Veterinary Officer, State Veterinary and Food
Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Bratislava, Slovakia

Summary
Report type: immediate notification
Start date: 9 Jul 2010
Date of 1st confirmation of the event: 9 Jul 2010
Report date: 13 Jul 2010
Date submitted to OIE: 13 Jul 2010
Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 1995
Manifestation of disease: clinical disease
Causal agent: _Bacillus anthracis_
Nature of diagnosis: laboratory (basic), laboratory (advanced), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country

New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 (2010/1): Sobos, Svidnik, Presov
Date of start of the outbreak: 9 Jul 2010
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Affected animals
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed /
Slaughtered
Cattle / 120 / 7 / 7 / 7 / 0

Summary of outbreaks:
Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak statistics
Species / Apparent morbidity rate / Apparent mortality rate /
Apparent case fatality rate / Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Cattle / 5.83 percent / 5.83 percent / 100.00 percent / 11.67 percent
* Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction,
and/or slaughter

Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive

Control measures
Measures applied: quarantine; disinfection of infected
premises/establishment(s); no vaccination; no treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied: no other measures

Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type: State Veterinary and Food Institute (SVFI),
Dolny Kubin (national laboratory)
Tests and results: Species / Test / Test date / Result
Cattle / bacteriological examination / 9 Jul 2010 / positive

Future reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Map of outbreak locations
Location of current outbreaks [go to site map and klick on map to zoom in.]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[The last livestock outbreak in Slovakia involved 3 cattle in a
single outbreak in 1995. Since then it has been very quiet. Cattle
vaccination petered out around 2000.

In the old Czechoslovak Republic there was a single case in 1988; the
Czechs have not reported any outbreaks since independence in 1993 and
have long not reported any vaccination activity. However, there was a
Slovak human case in 2003, the cause of which was not clear.

This OIE report is classically brief to the point of being all but
uninformative. If any of our members in Slovakia can enlighten us as
to the possible source of this outbreak it would be appreciated. That
7 animals were afflicted is just a simple reflection of this disease
being lost to veterinary memory, awareness, and immediate suspicion
with unexpected deaths. This happens in both branches of medicine,
human and veterinary.

If I were in charge of this outbreak, I would make sure that the
other 113 animals were vaccinated immediately, and that this would be
repeated annually for the next 3 years. A simple and inexpensive
insurance against a resurgence. And to check the neighbouring herds
to make sure that they had not had any unreported deaths in the past
week or so. Farmers like to lean on their fences watching the goings
on next door but silent about events in their own pastures. - Mod.MHJ]

[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Slovakia is available at
. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]
...................................mhj/mj/dk

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and its associated service providers shall not be held
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or archived material.
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PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update 2010 (36) / Fla., Elsewhere

PRO/EDR> Dengue/DHF update 2010 (36)

ProMED-mail to promed-edr
show details 9:13 PM (3 hours ago)

DENGUE/DHF UPDATE 2010 (36)
*************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


In this update:
[1] USA (Florida) negative
[2] USA (Florida, imported)
[3] Central America/Caribbean
[4] Colombia
[5] Philippines (Mindanao, Cebu)
[6] Thailand (Nakhon Ratchasima)
[7] Viet Nam (central)
[8] Malaysia (Sarawak)

******
[1] USA (Florida) negative
Date: Fri 16 Jul 2010
Source: Palm Beach Post [edited]



Test results for a suspected case of dengue fever in the Miami area
have come back negative. The Miami-Dade County Health Department
announced the 1st test results on Friday [16 Jul 2010]. According to
health officials, a Miami Beach man was suspected of contracting the
disease and has fully recovered.

A recent study found 5 percent of Key West residents show evidence
they have been exposed to the virus, but few became ill.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[The earlier report of a suspected dengue case in the Miami area,
with risk of spread, was of concern. Fortunately, this case was
negative for dengue virus infection.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the USA showing the
location of Florida in the southeast can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[2] USA (Florida, imported)
Date: Fri 16 Jul 2010
Source: Gant Daily.com [edited]



Dengue fever warnings in Florida have now spread to the central
portion of the state. The Marion County Health Department has
received confirmation of a case in the county. The confirmation
prompted a request by the Marion County Commission to begin
conducting a mosquito spray in Citra, an unincorporated community in
the northeastern part of the county. "We have requested the mosquito
spray as a precautionary measure," said Dr. Nathan Grossman, director
of the Marion County Health Department, in a news release. "The risk
of transmission from this mosquito-borne disease is very low, but as
part of our mission to protect the health of Marion County citizens
we are taking additional steps to further reduce possible
transmission."

Advisories were already in effect in Broward and Palm Beach counties
Thursday [15 Jul 2010] after health department officials revealed
that a Miami Beach man tested positive for the virus. The
announcement from the Miami-Dade Health Department follows reports
earlier in the week of what was described as a small outbreak of the
disease in Key West [Apparently, the Miami Dade case turned out to be
negative for dengue infection. See the report above. - Mod.TY].

[Byline: Ayinde O. Chase]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[Fortunately, the 3 dengue cases detected in central Florida were all
imported and do not represent locally acquired infections, according
to a report in the 16 Jul 2010 edition of the Orlando Sentinel
().
However, if there are competent _Aedes_ mosquito vectors present in
the area, there is a risk of spread of the viruses in Central
Florida. Interestingly, the 17 Jul 2010 edition of KeysNet.com
()
cited Monroe County Health Department spokesman Chris Tittel, who
indicated that the 5 percent infection rate among Key West residents
was incorrect, and was really 5 percent of the sampled group, not the
total population of the Key, which was erroneously figured at 20 000
people. The report went on to say "We are not trying in any way to
minimize the seriousness of the presence of dengue in Key West, but
the spread of the disease is not out of control nor are the numbers
of cases that we have seen unexpected. We're seeking clarification
from the CDC on its report," county Health Department Administrator
Robert Eadie said. - Mod.TY]

******
[3] Central America/Caribbean
Date: Thu 15 Jul 2010
Source: Prensa Libre [in Spanish, trans. & summ. Mod.TY, edited]



Dengue this year [2010] is wreaking havoc in Central America and has
left at least 39 dead and more than 42 000 patients, while health
authorities reinforce educational campaigns to prevent and eliminate
the disease and to eliminate the mosquito that transmits it.

In Guatemala, the government initiated a plan to eliminate mosquito
breeding sites after heavy rains caused by tropical storm Agatha,
which hit the country in May [2010], leaving 165 fatalities.

Cases of dengue occur each year in the rainy season in Central
America (May to November), but this year [2010], hospitals and
clinics in Honduras and Costa Rica are overwhelmed because the cases
have multiplied. "We cannot lower our guard; we must continue to
destroy the breeding of the mosquito," said the Costa Rican Health
Minister Maria Luisa Avila.

Various factors -- including poverty -- impede the eradication of the
_Aedes aegypti_ mosquito, the vector of the disease [virus] in its
classic and hemorrhagic varieties (which is much more severe), which
can be fatal if prompt medical attention is not received.

Dengue this year [2010] has left 19 dead in Honduras, 13 in
Guatemala, 5 in Nicaragua and 2 in Costa Rica. In the latter country,
which has the best health indices of the isthmus, disease cases have
increased by 590 percent compared to 2009. In El Salvador and Panama,
there have been no deaths, but cases have also multiplied, almost 8
times as compared to 2009 in the case of El Salvador.

The health authorities have recorded 16 500 cases of dengue fever in
Honduras, 12 000 in Costa Rica, 6197 in El Salvador, 6000 in
Guatemala, 1500 in Nicaragua, and 100 in Panama.

For many reasons, the people disregarded the recommendations of
destroying containers holding clean water or water tanks, sites for
mosquitoes to reproduce. Abandoned tires are also an ideal place for
breeding of vectors, so the authorities are campaigning to collect
and destroy them.

In Honduras, the Council of Ministers on 22 Jun [2010] declared a
"state of national emergency following the increase in dengue cases."
The disease caused 18 deaths last year [2009] and only 9 in 2008.

In Costa Rica, the Director of the National Program to Combat Dengue,
Rodrigo Marin, admitted this week that the campaign, unfolded in 2009
against H1N1 influenza, diverted attention and resources in the fight
against dengue. The priority was swine flu "because that was what was
killing people," said the official, who suspects that contributed to
the "explosion" of dengue cases observed this year [2010]. One of the
Costa Rican provinces whose tourism is most affected has been the
Guanacaste, bordering Nicaragua, where [service in] several hospitals
has collapsed [due to a high number of dengue cases].

In Nicaragua, the Health Ministry in late June 2010 began a national
campaign of spraying and training people with the support of the Army.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[It would be of interest to know the economic impacts of the dengue
outbreak in Costa Rican tourist destinations, since tourism is a
major economic activity in that country.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of the
Central American countries mentioned can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[4] Colombia
Date: Thu 15 Jul 2010
Source: Estadao [in Portuguese, trans. Mod.TY, edited]



Dengue deaths in Colombia have increased to 115 this year [2010], and
the number of reported cases of the disease has reached 112 802,
reported the Ministry of Social Protection this Wednesday [14 Jul
2010]. Of the 112 702 confirmed cases, 104 671 are classical dengue
fever, and 8031 are DHF or serious cases.

The departments [equivalent to states or provinces] having the
greatest number of fatal victims due to the disease are Valle del
Cauca (in the southwest), with 23 cases; Santander (in the
northeast), with 15 and Tolima (central), with 14.

The Ministry pointed out "the importance of continuing with all
strategies for integrated programs in order to mitigate the epidemic
at the national level."

In addition, there is a trend toward the reduction of the disease in
the departments of Boyaca, Caldas, Casanare, Caqueta, Cesar, Guainia,
Guaviare, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo,
Quindio, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima, Valle, Vaupes and Vichada.

However, on the other hand, it was stated that there is a continuing
trend for more cases in the departments of Antioquia, with 11
victims, and in the Caribbean [coastal departments] such as Atlantico
and Sucre during the epidemic period.

In 2009, there were nearly 71 000 registered cases of classical
dengue fever and DHF, compared with an average of 42 000 in the
previous years. Last year [2009], 44 people died of dengue in
Colombia.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-PORT


[A map showing the Colombian departments mentioned above can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Colombia can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[5] Philippines (Mindanao, Cebu)
Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: MB.com.ph [edited]



Despite the government's all-out campaign against the spread of
dengue fever, the deadly mosquito-borne disease continues to claim
more lives on [reported on] Tuesday [13 Jul 2010], with the death
toll in Mindanao rising to 15, while 11 other persons were reported
to have died in Cebu.

Health authorities noted the rise of cases attributed to the dreaded
disease in at least 2 regions in Mindanao, with 4065 persons reported
infected as of Tuesday [13 Jul 2010]. In Northern Mindanao --
comprising the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Camiguin
-- at least 10 persons succumbed to the disease among the 2345 cases
reported from January to June this year [2010], health authorities
reported.

In Northeastern Mindanao -- comprising the provinces of Agusan del
Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte and the
cities of Butuan, Bislig, Surigao, Tandag, Bayugan and Cabadbaran --
health authorities also reported the deaths of 5 persons, mostly
children, while 1720 were stricken with the disease in the past 6
months. In Cagayan de Oro alone, the City Health Office recorded 500
dengue cases, including 5 deaths, from January to June this year
[2010]. Last year, cases only reached 300 during the same period. Of
the recorded cases this year, Bukidnon had 517, higher from last
year's 47 cases [in 2009]. Dr. David Mendoza, head of the
Epidemiology Department of the Department of Health (DoH), said the
province is now being referred to as the "dengue hotspot" in the
region.

In Misamis Oriental, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ignacio Moreno
said they have already recorded 571 cases from January to June this
year [2010], a far cry from the 171 cases recorded during the same
period last year. At least 10 deaths were recorded in the province's
571 dengue cases, Moreno said. Most of the dengue cases in the
province came from the municipality of Tagoloan, where 118 residents
were reported infected. The 1st fatality was recorded in the town, in
Barangay Natumolan. Other barangays in the town with high incidence
of dengue cases include Poblacion with 35 and Sta. Cruz, 28.

Moreno said, for 2 years there had been no dengue case reported in
Barangay Natumolan. Aside from Tagoloan, the other areas in Misamis
Oriental with high incidence of dengue cases include Gingoog City
with 86 and Villanueva, 54. From January to June this year [2010],
Gingoog City also had 86 cases of dengue, while Villanueva town had
54. Personnel of the DoH in Caraga region and Region 10 have been
mobilized to help community health officers in stopping the spread of
the dreaded disease.

Health officials in the 2 regions asked the local government units
(LGUs) to continue without let up their massive information campaign
against dengue. Health officials also tapped the Department of
Education (DepEd) in the massive information drive.

In Caraga region, most of the victims have been admitted in various
hospitals in the cities of Butuan, Surigao and Bislig and provincial
and community hospitals in the 4 provinces and 3 other component
cities in the region. Health officials in the field said 5 deaths
were reported in the Caraga region, 2 from Surigao City and one each
from Cabadbaran City, Magallanes, Agusan del Norte and San Francisco,
Surigao del Norte.

Based on the DoH-Caraga disease surveillance report, Butuan had the
highest number of dengue cases, with 432.

Meanwhile, at least 11 persons died due to dengue in Cebu province in
the 1st half of the year [2010], the Integrated Provincial Health
Office (IPHO) said on Tuesday [13 Jul 2010]. IPHO Dengue Coordinator
Rosalinda Jao said the number of fatalities this year [2010]
represented an increase of nearly 50 percent of the fatalities
recorded in the same period last year. The 11 fatalities were
reported in the localities of Argao, Asturias, Ginatilan, Moalboal,
Medellin, Compostela and Pinamungajan. Aside from the fatalities, Jao
said 548 dengue cases have been recorded from January to June this
year, or 180 cases more compared to the 368 cases recorded in the
same period of last year [2009]. Danao City recorded the highest
number of cases with 64, followed by Asturias town and Talisay City
with 52. Toledo City had 44 cases, while Carmen recorded 19.

Meanwhile, another R5 million [USD 107 632] worth of "impregnated"
mosquito nets will be installed in 24 elementary schools in Region 10
following a "near epidemic proportion" of dengue cases, according to
the regional director of the DoH, Dr. Jaime Bernadas. The 24 schools
will be the 2nd batch that will be receiving World Health
Organization recommended nets made of "Olyset Net" fibers. Another
batch is expected to receive the mosquito nets within this year
[2010]. "These nets are already available for the 24 schools; we are
now just waiting for these schools for their proper implementation,"
Bernadas said. Last March 2010, the DoH started giving impregnated
nets to 12 pilot schools, worth P3 million [USD 64 579]. Bernadas
said they based their distribution of curtains according to the most
reported cases within the area.

Based on the regional data as of 9 Jul 2010, a total of 2667 dengue
cases were reported from 29 hospital sentinel sites in the region,
about 233 percent higher compared to the same period last year
[2009], which only reported 800 cases. There were 41 deaths already,
compared to 9 deaths last year. The province of Bukidnon ranks 1st in
the provincial level, with an increase of 930 percent, with the
municipality of Kalilangan, Bukidnon having the most number of cases.

Health authorities said maintaining cleanliness is the best way to
avoid the spread of the disease. They urged the public to help battle
dengue-causing mosquito species _Aedes aegypti_ by eliminating
possible breeding sites. These mosquitoes are day-biting and thrive
in clean but stagnant water. The DoH warned that with the onset of
the rainy season, dengue outbreaks would likely occur in affected
areas, particularly in low-lying areas where children are mostly
victims. In Cebu City, the City Health Department is advising
residents to keep their surroundings clean and implement measures to
prevent the dengue mosquitoes from breeding.

Durinda Macasucol, assistant city epidemiologist, issued the appeal
after announcing a 112-percent rise in dengue cases in the city from
January-May this year [2010] when compared to the dengue cases over
the same period last year [2009]. Macasucol said she expected the
increase in dengue cases to continue with the start of the rainy
season. Macasucol said the health department is intensifying
anti-dengue campaigns such as mist spraying, fogging operations, and
declogging of canals where mosquitoes are expected to breed.

[Byline: Mike U. Crismundo and Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A maps showing the locations of the Philippine provinces can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the Philippines can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[6] Thailand (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Date: Fri 16 Jul 2010
Source: National News Bureau of Thailand [edited]



The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office has warned
local residents of the prevalence of dengue fever, with over 1000
infected patients and 3 fatalities so far. According to the latest
report, more than 1000 people in Nakhon Ratchasima province have been
infected with dengue fever, 3 of whom have succumbed to the disease.
Over 300 of the total patients were reported in June 2010 alone.

MD Varunyu Sattayawongtip, medical service officer of the Nakhon
Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office, stated that public health
officials in all 32 districts of the province had already been tasked
with educating the locals on how to protect themselves from the
disease. All stagnant waters in the area, which could serve as
mosquito breeding grounds, are also being sprayed with larvicide on a
continuous basis.

As reported by the Bureau of Epidemiology, 4000 people living in the
lower northeastern part of Thailand, such as Nakhon Ratchasima,
Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram and Surin provinces, have been infected with
dengue fever [virus], while 4 of them have died.

[Byline: Boonsong Lipimas]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A map showing the provinces of Thailand can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Thailand can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[7] Viet Nam (central)
Date: Sat 17 Jul 2010
Source: Thanhnien News [edited]



So far this year [2010], dengue fever outbreaks in Viet Nam's central
region have sickened thousands and claimed several lives, officials
said. The worst to be hit was the Khanh Hoa province, with 2170
reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness, the provincial
authorities reported Friday [9 Jul 2010]. According to the local
Center for Preventive Health, this year's massive outbreak was fueled
by poor mosquito eradication efforts.

Health officials in Binh Dinh have reported a 50 percent increase in
dengue cases, compared with last season's numbers [2009]. Binh Dinh
officials say they've had 676 cases, including 2 child deaths. Last
week, officials in the Phu Yen province announced reports of 929
cases and one death. Every day, new reports are trickling in from
Quang Ngai, Kon Tum and Gia Lai.

Experts and officials blamed the recent outbreak on hot weather
accompanied by rain: ideal conditions for _Aedes aegypti_ mosquitoes
to breed. Furthermore, locals lack the knowledge needed to implement
preventative measures (such as the covering or drainage of standing
water around the home), officials said.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall

[A map showing the provinces in Viet Nam can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Viet Nam can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[8] Malaysia (Sarawak)
Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: Crofstsblogs [edited]



Sarawak will intensify efforts to curb dengue fever, following an
increase in cases and deaths from the mosquito-borne disease [virus]
in the state. Deputy Chief Minster Tan Sri Dr George Chan said from
January to June this year [2010], a total of 2478 cases of dengue and
11 deaths -- 5 in Sibu, Kuching (two), and one each in Samarahan,
Betong, Miri, and Serian -- were recorded in the state.

He said the number of deaths had already exceeded last's year [2009]
death toll of 7. "I'm a bit disturbed by the number of dengue deaths
reported. We must take concerted effort to fight dengue. We are going
to take intensive efforts to reduce the number of dengue [cases],
especially in Sibu and Miri," he told reporters at his office here
Tuesday [13 Jul 2010], after attending a briefing by the State Public
Health Deputy Director, Dr Jamilah Hashim.

Dr Chan, who is also the state Disaster and Relief Management
Committee Chairman, said Miri and Sibu recorded 550 and 536 dengue
cases respectively for the 1st 6 months of this year [2010].

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[An interactive map of Sarawak on Borneo Island can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Malaysia can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

[see also:
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (35) 20100715.2372
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (34) 20100715.2368
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (33) 20100713.2342
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (32) 20100705.2240
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (30) 20100627.2152
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (29) 20100622.2085
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (27) 20100616.2009
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (25) 20100601.1821
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (24) 20100524.1722
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (22) 20100510.1528
Dengue update 2010 (21) 20100503.1439
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (20) 20100426.1347
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (17) 20100405.1094
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (15) 20100323.0922
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (11) 20100308.0753
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (08) 20100222.0597
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (06) 20100208.0426
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (03) 20100119.0211]
.................................dk/sb/ty/msp/lm

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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
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Cuba a World Leader in Bio-Medics, Bio-WMD's

..and we (U.S.)are about to "make friends" (allies) of them;

Canada down with the plan too, ...urges US to lift Cuban embargo; http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=91878§ionid=351020701

Bill to lift travel restrictions to Cuba passes first hurdle;
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/news/article_1567676.php/Bill-to-lift-travel-restrictions-to-Cuba-passes-first-hurdle

Cuba's Institute of Tropical Medicine;

Only just one of Cuba's world-class facilities, this Institute has, among other agents, conducted extensive research on yellow fever. Yellow fever is a viral disease that has caused large epidemics in the world. Infection causes a wide spectrum of disease, from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. The yellow in the name is explained by the jaundice that affects some patients. The disease is caused by the yellow fever virus, which belongs to the flavivirus group.

The virus remains silent in the body during an incubation period of three to six days. There are two disease phases. Those patients who enter into the second phase or toxic phase develop jaundice, bleeding, kidney function deteriorates. Half of the patients in the toxic phase die within 10 days.

A weaponized yellow fever virus produces a strong strain of what is known as urban yellow fever. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Prevention is through vaccination. There are other tropical disease that could be used as bioweapons, such as: malaria, dracunculiasis, filariasis, leishmaniasis, dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever.

In the link below is a rather long-winded but important Study of the history of Cubas growth in the production of Bio-Genetics and Biological Weapons of Mass Destruction; http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/cuba/oagmc028.htm

NOW READ THIS;Just in today

YELLOW FEVER - AFRICA (04): DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Mon 19 Jul 2010
Source: World Health Organization Global Alert and Response [edited]



On 25 Jun 2010, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) reported a suspected
case of yellow fever [YF] in Titule, Base Ouele district of Orientale
province (northern part of the country). Between March and June 2010,
11 other suspected cases were reported, including 2 deaths.

The index case was identified as a 43-year-old male farmer who
presented with clinical symptoms of fever, jaundice and haematuria
(blood in urine). The onset date of his illness was 15 Mar 2010, and
he died a few days later. He had no history of yellow fever
vaccination. Laboratory tests conducted by the Institut National de
Recherche Medicale (INRB) in Kinshasa showed IgM positive by ELISA
test and was confirmed by the regional reference laboratory for
yellow fever at the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal with more
specific tests (plaque reduction neutralization test or PRNT).

Following identification of the index case (the 43-year-old male), an
investigation is being conducted in the town, inhabited by some 17
000 people, for the purpose of determining the scope of the outbreak
response and to prepare for emergency vaccination.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among Africa's yellow fever
endemic countries and, in 2003, introduced yellow fever vaccine in
the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) for all children at 9
months of age. The DRC has not yet benefited from preventive
vaccination campaigns.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Marianne Hopp

[The 12 YF cases raise the question of whether these cases represent
infections from the sylvan transmission cycle from mosquitoes feeding
on YF virus infected non-human primates or the urban,
human-mosquito-human cycle. The absence of any additional cases after
June 2010 suggests that ongoing YF virus transmission to humans may
have ended. Any additional information from this area would be of
interest.

A map showing the location of Titule, Haut-Congo can be accessed at
.
A map of the provinces of the DRC can be accessed at
.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the DRC can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

[see also:
2008
----
Yellow fever - Africa (04): Congo DR, susp., RFI 20080607.1815]
....................................................lm/ty/msp/lm

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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
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or archived material.
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CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER - RUSSIA (02): (STAVROPOL, ASTRAKHAN,

**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


[1] CCHF in Stavropol
Date: Wed 14 Jul 2010
Source: Yugo News agency [in Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]



The epidemic season for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)
continues in the Stavropol oblast. The cumulative number of cases was
25 in the oblast this year [2010] so far. The 1st case was a man who
removed ticks from cattle with his bare hands and crushed them.

According to Rospotrebnadzor (the Federal Agency for Consumer
Protection and Welfare), CCHF cases were recorded in 11 regions
[rayons] of the Stavropol oblast. Most cases occurred in the
Ipatovski and Neftekumski regions.

There have been 8000 reports of tick bites. A survey revealed that
only 5 percent of ticks were CCHF virus carriers, but this is a
significantly greater number than recorded in 2009.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-RUS

******
[2] CCHF in Astrakhan
Date: Fri 9 Jul 2010
Source: Interfax-Russia News Agency [In Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]



The Astrakhan Ministry of Health has given details of 6 cases of
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) this year [2010], including
one fatal case. Three cases were recorded in the Privoljskoe region
[rayon], including the single fatal case. One case each was recorded
in Astrakhan, Narimanovskoe and Chernoyarskoe rayons.

The tick population is estimated to be 1.3 times larger this year
[2010] in comparison with last year. More than 1000 people sought
medical attention as a result of tick bites.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-RUS

******
[3] CCHF in Volgograd
Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: Rodnoi Gorod [in Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]



A total of 725 people applied for medical help in the Volgograd
oblast this year [2010]. However, of these, only 3 became infected
with CCHF [virus]. Last year [2009], 770 people suffered tick bites,
and none of them contracted CCHF virus infection.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-RUS

******
[4] CCHF in Rostov
Date: Thu 8 Jul 2010
Source: Yushnyi Region [in Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]



The head epidemiologist for the South Federal Okrug in the Russian
Ministry of Health has provided some information about the incidence
of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] in the region. He announced
that the peak of morbidity is expected during June and July. In
total, 11 cases of CCHF have been registered in the Rostov oblast so
far this year [2010].

All the south regions of Russia are endemic for CCHF except for the
Krasnodar Krai. However, there has been one suspected case there
which is still being investigated. Currently, 8 people have been
hospitalized for suspected CCHF.

Overall, 62 people were hospitalized with suspected CCHF, but only 11
cases were confirmed.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-RUS

[Although CCHF was 1st described in the Crimea in 1944, the disease
is now known to be endemic in many countries in Africa, Europe and
Asia. Its distribution is largely determined by that of the tick
vector. A number of tick genera are capable of becoming infected with
CCHF virus, but the most efficient and common vectors for CCHF appear
to be members of the genus _Hyalomma_.

The interactive map of Russia at can
be used to locate these regions of Russia and to provide individual
maps of each region. The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of
Russia can be accessed at: . - Mod.CP]

[see also:
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia: (ST) 20100519.1664
2009
----
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia (06): (VG) 20090815.2899
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia (05): (ST) 20090620.2267
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia (04): (ST) 20090606.2098
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia: (ST) 20090523.1926
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia (02): (ST) 20090506.1696
Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Russia: (S Fed Dist) 20090316.107]
..............................................np/cp/msp/dk

*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
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information, and of any statements or opinions based
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using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
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or archived material.
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US Gearing Up for Biological Warfare; Grants Bio-Pharma 291M Contract for "Therapeutic Candidates" for Ebola and Hemorrhagic Fever

Read article carefully and you will see that they are developing these "Theraputic Candidates" under the auspices of treating our military in case they are subjected to bio-terrorism attacks,...HOWEVER, towards the end of the article you will see that these "Theraputic Candidates" with have the capacity to be manipuated either "up or down,"...that is, they can be used for defense against or offensive attack;

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/avi-biopharma-discloses-new-contract-with-us-government-for-potential-funding-of-up-to-291-million-to-advance-development-of-therapeutic-candidates-for-ebola-and-marburg-hemorrhagic-fever-viruses-2010-07-16?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Q Fever - Netherlands, Update

History of Q Fever as a Biological Weapons Agent

As a biological weapons agent, Q Fever is a highly infectious incapacitating agent. Q Fever would most likely be spread in an aerosolized cloud. Disinfection could be achieved with 0.05% hypochlorite solution (1 tbps. bleach per gallon of water). Q Fever was developed as a biological agent by both US and Soviet biological arsenals. Dr. Ken Alibek, once deputy chief of Biopreparat, developed the possible connection between an outbreak of typhus among German troops in the Crimea in 1943 and the Soviet biological weapons project.

The United States conducted human trials with Q Fever in the first study of Operation Whitecoat known as CD-22. Whitecoat was the name given to men who volunteered for the operation. The roughly 2,300 Whitecoats were Seventh-day Adventists who wished to serve the US military without having to carry arms, an act prohibited by their faith. The operation began at Camp Detrick, Maryland, in January 1955 as administrators used the 'Eight Ball,' a million liter aerosol dispersion chamber. In July 1955, at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, volunteers along with guinea pigs and monkeys stood in the desert night as Q Fever was released from generator sprays 3,000 feet away. The experiment succeeded as the volunteers came down with Q Fever. Volunteers who developed symptoms were treated with antibiotics
. All recovered. Operation Whitecoat continued for almost two decades.

Q Fever was discovered along with anthrax, botulism, mustard gas, and sarin gas as a weapon in the biochemical weapons arsenal developed by the Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo in 1995. As a biological agent, militaries favor Coxiella burnetii due to its incapacitating rather than lethal affect on human populations.

In July 2007, The CDC placed restrictions on Texas A&M’s search on Coxiella burnetii after the Sunshine Project, a biosafety group in Austin, Texas, uncovered through the Freedom of Information Act that in 2006, three researchers were accidentally infected with Q Fever and the incident was not reported to the CDC as law required.

Read more about Q Fever here; http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/intro/bio_qfever.htm

Q FEVER - NETHERLANDS (29): UPDATE
**********************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Thu 15 Jul 2010
Source: RNW (Radio Netherlands Worldwide) via Expatica.com [edited]



Q fever restrictions in the Netherlands lifted
----------------------------------------------
The Dutch Agriculture Ministry has lifted restrictions on breeding
and transporting milk goats and milk sheep, which had been in force
since the outbreak of Q fever earlier this year [2010].

The disease is spread by bacteria that use pregnant goats and sheep
as hosts; it affects humans and can be lethal for weakened patients.
Since Jan 2010, 420 people have been infected with Q fever, and 5
people who were already suffering from other afflictions died.

The lifting of restrictions enables goat farmers to repopulate their
stables. In an attempt to minimise the spread of Q fever, 89 goat and
sheep farms were cleared of all livestock. This has led to a shortage
of some 35 000 goats, according to farmers' umbrella organisation
LTO. Many farmers have been financially crippled by the loss of
income, and LTO warns that many of them may not be able to restart
their businesses.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail


[The 91st farm to be found Q-fever infected in the Netherlands is a
dairy goat farm in Oirschot, North Brabant, about 12 km (7.5 miles)
north-west of Eindhoven (map at
). Infection, detected by the PCR
testing of milk, has occurred in spite of vaccination, which had been
duly and timely carried on. Vaccination does not rule out infection
altogether, but is expected to significantly reduce bacteria
proliferation and spread by infected animals, and will prevent abortions.

The case was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture on 13 Jul 2010.
The vaccinated flock will not be culled nor will a breeding ban
implemented. To be on the safe side, prescribed biosecurity measures
have been applied.

The new infected location has been added to the Dutch Q-fever map,
available at

(go to 'Kaart overzicht').

According to the data of the public health authorities, out of the
420 human Q-fever cases notified during 2010, 310 patients have
undergone their infection during 2010. It is known that 95 patients
got infected during 2009, 6 earlier, while the infection year of the
remaining 9 patients is still to be determined. - Mod.AS]

[see also:
Q fever - Netherlands (28): update 20100601.1826
Q fever - Netherlands (27): risk assessment, Europe 20100525.1742
Q fever - Netherlands (26): update, EFSA 20100512.1544
Q fever - Netherlands (23): scientific advice, update 20100324.0945
Q fever - Netherlands (21): animal vaccination resumed 20100310.0782
Q fever - Netherlands (17): international response 20100227.0656
Q fever - Netherlands (15): 2 new outbreaks, update 20100220.0583
Q fever - Netherlands (14): PCR test reliability 20100217.0559
Q fever - Netherlands (11): culling dispute 20100206.0407
Q fever - Netherlands (09): zoo-sanitary measures 20100128.0307
Q fever - Netherlands (06): OIE 20100115.0181
Q fever - Netherlands (05): investigation committee 20100112.0144
Q fever - Netherlands (04): culling 20100111.0119
Q fever - Netherlands: monitoring 20100103.0028
2009
----
Q fever - Netherlands (19): update 20091229.4375
Q fever - Netherlands (17): pathogenicity, RFI 20091222.4312
Q fever - Netherlands (16): pathogenicity, RFI 20091222.4304
Q fever - Netherlands (13): control measures 20091209.4198
Q fever - Netherlands (11): public health 20091113.3930
Q fever - Netherlands (09): predictions 20091004.3452
Q fever - Netherlands (08): update, monitoring & animal
vaccination 20090927.3380
Q fever - Netherlands (04): fatalities 20090626.2330
Q Fever - Netherlands (03): update, animal vaccination 20090510.1744
Q fever - Netherlands: sheep & goat vaccination 20090228.0841
2008
----
Q fever - Netherlands (04): sheep & goat vaccination 20081023.3352
2007
----
Q fever - Netherlands (Noord-Brabant, Gelderland) 20070809.2592]
....................sb/arn/ejp/dk

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ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
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information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
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************************************************************
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Dengue Spreading in the USA

DENGUE/DHF UPDATE 2010 (35)
**************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


In this update:
[1] USA (Florida)
[2] Puerto Rico
[3] Dominican Republic
[4] Guadeloupe
[5] Mexico (Jalisco)
[6] Mexico (San Luis Porosi)
[7] Brazil

******
[1] USA (Florida)
Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: Reuters [edited]



Of the population of Key West, Florida, 5 percent -- more than 1000
people -- have been infected at some point with the dengue virus,
government researchers reported on Tuesday [13 Jul 2010]. Most
probably, they did not even know it, but the findings show the
sometimes deadly infection is making its way north into the United
States, the researchers said.

"We're concerned that if dengue gains a foothold in Key West, it will
travel to other southern cities where the mosquito that transmits
dengue is present, like Miami," said Harold Margolis, chief of the
dengue branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"These cases represent the reemergence of dengue fever in Florida and
elsewhere in the United States after 75 years," Margolis said in a
statement. "These people had not traveled outside of Florida, so we
need to determine if these cases are an isolated occurrence or if
dengue has once again become endemic in the continental United States."

Dengue is the most common virus transmitted by mosquitoes, infecting
50 million to 100 million people every year and killing 25 000 of
them. It can cause classic flu-like symptoms but can also take on a
hemorrhagic form that causes internal and external bleeding and
sudden death. Companies are working on a vaccine, but there is not
any effective drug to treat it.

Dengue was eradicated in the United States in the 1940s, but a few
locally acquired U.S. cases have been confirmed along the
Texas-Mexico border since the 1980s. More cases have been reported
recently in Mexico and the Caribbean.

After 27 cases of dengue were reported in Florida in 2009, scientists
from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health took blood samples
from 240 randomly chosen Key West residents. Of these, 5 percent had
active dengue infections or antibodies to the virus, showing they had
been infected, the researchers told the International Conference on
Emerging Infectious Diseases being held in Atlanta.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[Although these figures were the same as those presented in the 21
Apr 2010 report (see ProMED archive no. 20100503.1439), the above
report presents the 1st rough estimate of the numbers of individuals
who have been infected with dengue virus in Key West recently,
justifying the concern that the virus might have become endemic there
with risk of spread to other states in the southeastern USA. There is
evidence of dengue virus transmission in Key West within the past 3
months. The 13 Jul 2010 edition of the Sun Sentinel.com
()
indicated that Key West physicians had seen 14 dengue cases in Old
Town since April 2010.

A map showing the location of the Florida Keys can be accessed at
. A map of the
Florida Keys themselves can be accessed at
. A
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the USA showing the location
of Florida in the southeast can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[2] Puerto Rico
Date: Fri 9 Jul 2010
Source: Noticias Terra [in Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



CDC reports that a 31-year-old woman became the 4th fatality from DHF
in Puerto Rico. This has been confirmed today [9 Jul 2010] by the
Secretary of the Department of Health (DS), Lorenzo Gonzlez.
According to the latest report of the DS, for the week of 11-17 Jun
[2010], a total of 398 cases of dengue were reported, 311 cases above
the epidemic threshold (i.e. cases statistically expected) for that
week. An additional case of dengue hemorrhagic fever has been added
to the total, bringing the number to 23 so far this year [2010].

Gonzalez also reported that he will meet next week with the mayors of
communities with the highest incidence of dengue to discuss new
strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.

"[Even with] more spraying carried out, unless [we have the]
appropriate cooperation of the public, we accomplish nothing," said
Gonzalez in a press release.

Gonzalez added that they have detected the presence of 3 types of
dengue [virus], and, as one might expect, a significant increase in
those infected with the virus.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of
Puerto Rico in the Caribbean can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[3] Dominican Republic
Date: Mon 12 Jul 2010
Source: La Nacion [in Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



Given the dramatic increase in those affected by dengue in the
Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Public Health and Welfare during
the weekend has increased action at a national level to prevent and
combat dengue and other diseases in order to prevent the advance and
spread of the disease in the population.

During the weekend, there was an increase in cases that went to
health centers at a rate of 20 per day. Just in the Robert Reid
Cabral Children's Hospital yesterday [11 Jul 2010], there were 27
admissions due to the disease, and the emergency room remained
crowded with children with febrile symptoms. The center's director,
Emilio Mena, said that in dealing with the high demand in the
hospital, since Saturday [10 Jul 2010], they proceeded to renovate
and expand the consultation areas to attend to patients in a timely manner.

The situation was similar in Los Minas Maternity Hospital, where a
group of more than 30 children were waiting for care in the emergency
area, most with fever. There were also a large number of patients in
emergency units of the Luis Eduardo Aybar and el Santo Socorro Hospitals.

In particular, measures to prevent dengue intensified on Sunday [11
Jul 2010] in more than 15 neighborhoods and sectors of Peravia
province, where dozens of technicians and health workers carried out
fumigation, elimination of mosquito breeding sites, trash cleanup,
and conducted educational activities for the public. Similar work was
carried out simultaneously during the weekend in Santo Domingo,
Santiago, San Francisco de Macoris, Salcedo Haina, San Cristobal and
San Jose de Ocoa, among other places. He also said that the
provincial governments and health sectors will carry out tasks of
home visits coordinated together with local organizations and
institutions, community leaders and health teams, informing
[citizens] about the importance of "bleach treatment and covered
[water] tanks" to control the disease [virus vector mosquitoes].

Public Health reported that in support of these actions, thousands of
informational brochures aimed at households have been distributed,
and 25 000 posters are to be placed in strategic locations to promote
the prevention and control actions.

Clearing the rubbish in homes was stressed; that consists of the need
of maintaining clean patios, gardens, alleys and the whole
environment of the homes individually or collectively, through
conferences with the support of neighborhood associations, local
governments and other grass-roots community and faith organizations
to prevent mosquito breeding sites.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of the
Dominican Republic in the Caribbean can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[4] Guadeloupe
Date: Sat 10 Jul 2010
Source: Atout Guadeloupe [in French, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



The epidemic is progressing and reached almost the 2007 level (in
time for) the summer holidays, Guadeloupe has a very severe epidemic
of dengue. Fortunately, most people are affected by the best known
serotype, which is the least dangerous [dengue virus serotype
unspecified here - Mod.TY]. However, our island travelers still need
to arm themselves with mosquito repellents and to place nets over
their beds. The 2300 laboratory confirmed cases represent 5 percent
of the population, but you do need to be especially vigilant,
especially for those weaker members of the community.

Since the beginning of the epidemic that occurred in an unusual way,
out of the epidemic risk period, the number of cases clinically
suggestive of dengue fever has progressed slowly and steadily until
mid May [2010]. Since mid-May 2010, there has been a dynamic change,
and there is a rapid weekly increase of clinically suggestive cases.
During the last week (week 26 of 2010), the number of cases seen in
consultation [clinically suggestive of dengue] is estimated at about
2200 cases, about 20 percent more than the week before. This number
is close to the level of the peak of the epidemic of 2007 (2500 cases).

In recent weeks, all indicators of epidemiological evidence show the
continued intensification and generalization of the epidemic:
- the level currently achieved is close to the level of the 2007 epidemic;
- the number of trips to the emergency dengue (clinics) is increasing;
- the monthly number of laboratory confirmed cases, hospitalized,
stable so far, has doubled during the month of June 2010;

The proportion of severe forms remained stable since the beginning of
the epidemic.

Until now, the system of hospital care has not encountered
difficulties in addressing the epidemic. The epidemiological
situation of Guadeloupe corresponds always to Phase 4 of PSAG
[epidemic rating system] confirmed outbreak.

[This report includes a graph of the 2007 and current epidemic curves
and a map of case distribution.]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of
Guadeloupe in the Caribbean can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[5] Mexico (Jalisco)
Date: Tue 13 Jul 2010
Source: Milenio.com [in Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



The intensification of the storm is now reflected in the increase in
the number of dengue cases in Jalisco. In [epidemiological] week 26
of this year [2010], which runs from 27 Jun-3 Jul [2010], there were
27 new patients, 10 more than the average of the previous weeks, said
Lucia Salazar Montes, head of the Department of Epidemiology at the
Jalisco Health Secretariat (SSJ). Most recent infections occurred in
the metropolitan area of Guadalajara.

In Tlaquepaque are 8 confirmed cases (all of classical dengue) and a
"small outbreak" in the Lomas de Tlaquepaque neighborhood, where
there were 2 confirmed cases with 3 more probable [cases]. Other
neighborhoods with dengue patients are El Campesino, Los Olivos,
Hidalgo, Colonial Tlaquepaque and Adolfo Lopez Mateos.

Of the 27 cases, 23 were of the classical type and 4 of DHF.
Distribution per municipality was: 8 in Tlaquepaque, 4 in
Guadalajara, 4 in Casimiro Castillo, 3 in Zapopan and Tomatlan, 2 in
Puerto Vallarta and one in Tonala, Cihuatlan and Casimiro Castill.

That is, 16 of the new infections (59.2 percent) were concentrated in
municipalities in the ZMG [municipal area of Guadalajara]. But
Salazar Montes said that except for the case of Lomas de Tlaquepaque,
none of the detected infections are related in time and space, and,
therefore, one cannot speak of "outbreaks" of dengue in any of the
municipalities.

In Guadalajara, the cases of the disease [virus] transmitted by the
_Aedes aegypti_ mosquito occurred in the Artesanos and Lagos del
Country, and in Zapopan, in St. Lucia and Nuevo Vergel.

With the 27 new cases in [epidemiological] week 26 -- which was the
highest recorded for a period of 7 days since [epidemiological] week
9 of this year (28 Feb- 6 Mar [2010]), when there were 30 after the
extraordinary rainy period in February 2010 -- the cumulative number
of patients with dengue in Jalisco reached 623 cases (166 percent
more than the 234 recorded in the same period in 2009), which puts
Jalisco in 4th place nationally.

Currently, 48 percent of the [dengue] cases are concentrated in 3
coastal municipalities. These are Puerto Vallarta, Cihuatlan and
Tomatlan, where there are 347 of the 623 patients. Meanwhile, with
115 infected individuals, the SMG reported 18.4 percent of the total.

Leandro Barrios Hernandez, head of Vectors and Zoonoses SSJ [Health
Secretariat of Jalisco], announced that the "small outbreak" of
dengue in Lomas de Tlaquepaque now was treated this past weekend and
that fogging and spraying has been undertaken in homes where infected
patients are living, with the placement of abate [larvicide] for 9
blocks around them.

It is expected that the health problem in this area will be
controlled, and next week, we will work on preventive action in the
neighborhoods of Coronillia, Crucero de Guadeloupe and Tulipanes
(Zapopan), in Azucena (El Salto), in the township of Tlajomulco, El
Vergel and Las Juntitas (Tlaquepaque), and in Hermosa Provincia,
Lagos de Oriente and Providencia (Guadalajara).

Both officials agreed that "yes, there is concern" that with the
mobility of people following the summer vacation period, the cases
will increase because people travel to places of risk such as the
beaches of Guerrero, Colima and Jalisco.

[Byline: Ignacio Perez Vega]

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[A map of Mexican states showing the location of Jalisco can be
accessed at
. A
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Mexico can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

******
[6] Mexico (San Luis Porosi)
Date: Wed 13 Jul 2010
Source: El Sol de San Luis [in Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



More than 500 outbreaks of dengue have been reported in the Huasteca
region, of which some are of DHF, and 60 are of the classic (type),
while the remainder are [classified as] probable, as the results of
the samples have not been received back from the laboratory. For now,
preventive measures and actions will be taken to combat and control
the mosquito vector.

According to the information provided, it is known that a total of
537 probable cases of dengue are registered in the region up to now
in Health District 5, which covers the municipalities of the northern
Huasteca, with Dr. Margarita Ibarra Villanueva in charge.

The trouble is that with the rains that have occurred and changes in
weather, conditions are favorable for breeding of the mosquito _Aedes
aegypti_, but it is being fought, and moreover, a call to the people
is being made to keep their lots free of weeds and dispose of
containers where water is stored, where the mosquito reproduces.

Of the probable cases, 60 are the classic dengue type, and 4 are DHF,
which are being treated; rapid recuperation is expected for those
patients who respond satisfactorily to treatment. The remaining cases
were discarded, but taking into account the weather conditions, the
following months will be under risk that new cases will appear.

To avoid a health problem in this part of the state, the "clean yard"
program will be strengthened due to the increase in rainfall, for
which is planned strict compliance with abate [larvicide] treatment
and fogging, and maintenance of epidemiological activity.

From this perspective, the promotion of active participation of the
population to collaborate with preventive measures and thereby avoid
the problem of dengue becoming higher than in previous years [is
essential]. It is important for people to acquire a culture of prevention.

Meanwhile, abate treatment and fogging have been strengthened in
areas where outbreaks have occurred, in addition to providing
information to the public on new habits of the mosquitoes, which now
breed even in plant leaves, so it is important for grounds to remain
free of weeds of all kinds.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


******
[7] Brazil
Date: Fri 9 Jul 2010
Source: Yahoo! Brasil Noticias [in Portuguese, trans. Mod.TY, edited]



In a preliminary epidemiological survey carried out by the Ministry
of Health between 1 Jan-1 May 2010, 737 756 dengue cases were
recorded in Brazil in 2010. This number is 120 percent higher than
for the same period last year [2009], during which 335 265 [dengue]
illnesses were registered. Nearly 80 percent of the cases are
concentrated in 7 states: Acre, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondonia, Goias,
Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, and Sao Paulo.

According to the Ministry, preventive actions have been intensified
since 2009 in the regions of the country with increases in incidence,
such as the dispatch of equipment for the application of insecticides
and an increase in medical supplies.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-PORT


[A map showing the states of Brazil can be accessed at
. A
HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Brazil can be accessed at
. - Mod.TY]

[see also:
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (34) 20100715.2368
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (33) 20100713.2342
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (32) 20100705.2240
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (31) 20100701.2196
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (30) 20100627.2152
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (29) 20100622.2085
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (28) 20100618.2043
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (27) 20100616.2009
Chikungunya and dengue - France ex overseas 20100616.2008
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (26) 20100607.1903
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (24) 20100524.1722
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (23) 20100517.1620
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (22) 20100510.1528
Dengue update 2010 (21) 20100503.1439
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (20) 20100426.1347
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (19) 20100420.1279
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (18) 20100412.1190
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (17) 20100405.1094
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (16) 20100329.0982
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (15) 20100323.0922
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (14) 20100322.0910
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (13) 20100316.0840
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (12) 20100315.0835
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (11) 20100308.0753
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (10) 20100304.0707
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (09) 20100302.0685
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (08) 20100222.0597
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (07) 20100216.0537
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (06) 20100208.0426
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (05) 20100201.0346
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (04) 20100125.0277
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (03) 20100119.0211
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (02) 20100111.0131
Dengue/DHF update 2010 (01) 20100104.0038]
........................................dk/sb/ty/msp/dk

*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
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or archived material.
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.

ANTHRAX, HUMAN, LIVESTOCK - COTE D'IVOIRE: (BOUNA)

***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: 15 Jul 2010
Source: AfriScooP.com [edited]



An outbreak of anthrax has killed 5 people among the population in
the region of Bouna (Northeast), said a statement from the Ivorian
Ministry of Animal Production and Fish Resources on Wednesday [14 Jul 2010].

According to the statement, "anthrax" was triggered in the herds of
livestock. "The human victims have been in contact with sick
animals," said Minister of Animal Production Alphonse Douaty, stating
that it is a cattle disease transmitted to humans.

He has announced that he will be making a tour in the region "in the
coming days" to bring the condolences of the government to families
of the victims.

"Currently located in the region are 100 000 head of cattle which are
at risk. We will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of
the disease," promised Mr. Douaty.

The minister also appealed to people so that they avoid contact with
domestic animals infected with anthrax.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail

[Anthrax is enzootic in the northeast of the country, where they have
champs maudits (chronically contaminated ground). Reporting is
erratic and vaccination light. - Mod.MHJ]
............................................................sb/mhj/msp/dk

Venezuela Gov't Denies Outbreaks of EEE

Sound familiar? Remminicent of our own gov't denial of the Existance of Mad-Cow Disease (BSE) in the USA? - http://madcowhorses.blogspot.com/

EASTERN & VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS - VENEZUELA (02): HUMAN, EQUINE, NOT
***************************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post

ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases


Date: Sun 11 Jul 2010
Source: El Nacional, Agencia Venezolana de Noticias (AVN) report [in
Spanish, trans. Corr.SB, edited]



The Venezuelan Government has already activated the health protocols
to ensure the prevention and comprehensive care of the horse herd in
different parts of the country and no cases of equine encephalitis
have been confirmed.

The assertion was made by the Venezuelan Minister of Agriculture and
Lands, Juan Carlos Loyo, during the inspection conducted on Sunday
[11 Jul 2010] at the Jose Felix Ribas Social Property Unit in the
municipality of Papelon, Portuguesa state.

Loyo reported that hundreds of technicians from the National
Institute of Integral Health (INSAI) are in the fields, evaluating
the health of horses, donkeys, and mules, taking samples, reviewing
symptoms and preparing vaccination plans necessary to avoid the
appearance of the virus.

The field samples are sent to the laboratories of the National
Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) and in light of the
results are evaluated immunization plans. "In Venezuela there are
serious animal health care policies and our producers know it," he stressed.

"The last outbreak of equine encephalitis in Venezuela was registered
in 1995 and that was not a coincidence because the agricultural
health unit had been completely destroyed by the privatization," he recalled.

Loyo dismissed the existence of an epidemic in the national herd and
noted that the comprehensive health protocol is fully active, with
greater emphasis on the states of Bolivar, Guarico, Barinas, Cojedes,
Portuguesa, and Aragua.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail


[How very odd that media sources carried information reporting the
outbreak, with information from the appropriate seemingly government
source. Now it is being denied, from seemingly, government sources.
One has to wonder, if the reported cases are being covered up, or if
it was some sort of preparedness exercise. - Mod.TG]

[see also:
Eastern & Venezuelan equine encephalitis - Venezuela: humans, equines
20100703.2219]
...................................sb/tg/mj/dk

*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Donate to ProMED-mail. Details available at:

************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at .
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org (NOT to
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For assistance from a human being, send mail to:
.