Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

[Sharpe]

On average, more than 11 people a day for the last 8 days arrive in Hong Kong from China with unidentified pneumonia. I guess we're to assume that their rapid tests are coming up negative, because they don't say they're negative...

UNDIAGNOSED PNEUMONIA - CHINA (HONG KONG EX MAINLAND): REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ************************** A ProMED-mail post <http:> ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <http:> [1] Date: 22 Jun 2006 From: Sarah Cheeseman <smc21679 @yahoo.com=""> Source: Hong Kong Department of Health News [edited] <http:> The Hospital Authority has received 9 pneumonia cases of unidentified cause, involving 7 men and 2 women who visited Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces before the onset of symptoms. The figure brings the total number of reports to 90 since an enhanced surveillance programme began [15 Jun 2006]. Public hospitals are providing rapid tests for these patients, and the cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection. The Hospital Authority boosted its surveillance programme following notification from the Guangdong Health Department of a suspected human case of avian flu in Shenzhen. Under the programme, public hospitals report to the authority's electronic flu system all patients who have pneumonia of an unidentified cause and who had travelled to affected areas or countries with confirmed human cases of bird flu in the seven days before the onset of symptoms. -- Sarah Cheeseman <smc21679 @yahoo.com=""> ****** [2] Date: 22 Jun 2006 From: Sarah Cheeseman <smc21679 @yahoo.com=""> Source: Hong Kong Hospital Authority Press Release - 20 Jun 2006, accessed 22 Jun 2006 [edited] <http: //www.ha.org.hk/hesd/nsapi/?mival="ha_view_content&c_id=129530&know_chg=FALSE&post=POST"> In view of a human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Shenzhen, the Hospital Authority (HA) started the 3-week Enhanced Surveillance Programme from 15 Jun 2006. Public hospitals should report to the Authority's e-Flu system all patients fulfilling the case definition of having pneumonia (all types) of unidentified etiology and who had travelled in the 7 days before the onset of symptoms, to affected areas/ countries with confirmed human cases of avian influenza infection in the past 6 months. HA today (20 Jun) received the report of a total of 14 cases (8 male, 6 female, aged 2.5- months to 85 [years?]). So far a total of 70 cases (39 male, 31 female, aged 2.5 months to 89 [years]) have been received. These patients have visited Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Fujian and Zhejiang before the onset of symptoms. HA has reported the cases to the Centre for Health Protection. Public hospitals are providing rapid tests for these patients.</http:></smc21679></smc21679></http:></smc21679></http:></http:>

 

[sharon sanders]

Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

Posted by Lyro

June 22, 2006 - Health

9 MORE PNEUMONIA CASES REPORTED

The Hospital Authority has received nine pneumonia cases of unidentified cause, involving seven men and two women who visited Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces before the onset of symptoms. The figure brings the total number of reports to 90 since an enhanced surveillance programme began June 15.

Public hospitals are providing rapid tests for these patients, and the cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection.

The Hospital Authority boosted its surveillance programme following notification from the Guangdong Health Department of a suspected human case of avian flu in Shenzhen.

Under the programme, public hospitals report to the authority's electronic flu system all patients who have pneumonia of an unidentified cause and who had travelled to affected areas or countries with confirmed human cases of bird flu in the seven days before the onset of symptoms.

http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/060617/html/060617en05003.htm

 

[hawkeye]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

Is there any information as to how the patients are recovering?

-hawkeye

 

[Shannon Bennett]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

I cannot help but wish we had information as to how many of these people have ARDS? And, it goes without saying have these people been tested for H5N1?

 

[stormsailor1981]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

it looks as if these pneumonia cases are averaging about 12 per day.

 

[Snowy Owl]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

Influenza Page

13 June 2006
​

[SIZE=+1]
Be prepared for Influenza[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]The Alert Response Level has been activated[/SIZE]

http://www.chp.gov.hk/

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7073&highlight=Alert

 

[Shannon Bennett]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

The alert response is the bottom most alert level. It means that they have seen high path H5N1 in poultry near but outside Hong Kong. Alert only, do not hyper-ventilate yet. It also may indicate there are sick birds imported from China in the wet markets. And lastly, it could also mean there is active H5N1 in humans somewhere outside Hong Kong.

 

[hawkeye]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

From the pdf:

Alert Response Level 2. Alert Response Level depicts the scenarios of confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry populations outside Hong Kong; confirmation of HPAI in Hong Kong in imported birds in quarantine, in wild birds, in recreational parks, in pet bird shops or in the natural environment. Upon the advice of the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (DAFC), the Secretary of Health, Welfare and Food (SHWF) will activate this Response Level. 3. Another scenario depicts confirmation of human case(s) of avian influenza outside Hong Kong. SHWF will activate this Response Level upon the advice of Director of Health (DoH).

At the Alert Response Level, a simplified emergency response command structure will be put in place. The Health, Welfare & Food Bureau (HWFB), Department of Health (DH), Hospital Authority (HA), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) are the main parties assessing the nature and level of risks.

 

[Sharpe]

Re: China - Human bird flu case reported in Shenzhen

Re: China - Human bird flu case reported in Shenzhen

This article may provide an explanation for the pneumonia cases arriving in Hong Kong from Guangdong. Apparently they may be having a large human influenza outbreak in Guangdong--not a good thing considering the coexistence of H5N1. It was only last week that we had a confirmed case in Shenzhen and in late March a confirmed case in Guangzhou. Who knows how many unconfirmed cases have existed in this area.


UNDIAGNOSED RESPIRATORY ILLNESS - CHINA (GUANGDONG): REQUEST FOR INFORMATION **************************************************** A ProMED-mail post <http://www.promedmail.org> ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org> Date: Sat 24 Jun 2006 From: Dan Silver <dgsilver@yahoo.com> Source: Southern Metropolitan News, Fri 23 Jun 2006 [trans. by submitter; edited] <http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/dd/dsb/A08/200606230025.asp> According to incomplete statistics, between 11 and 22 Jun 2006 over 130 students and employees of Guangzhou University in University City contracted influenza [i.e. an influenza-type illness - Mod.CP]. Some patients have completely recovered but new cases are still appearing. Guangzhou University has taken measures to prevent the further spread of [the influenza-type illness]. According to sources [influenza-type illness] cases have also occurred in other schools in University City. Last night, Southern Metropolitan News obtained a copy of a document called "Roster of Guangzhou University Influenza-type Cases" released by the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine University City Branch. This roster shows that from 11 to 21 Jun 2006 a total of 136 cases of [influenza-type illness] had been identified at Guangzhou University. The vast majority of patients were students who reside in dorms, as well as a smaller number of employees. Knowledgeable sources say the roster does not include all patients. Among known patients there are 2 names that do not appear on the list. The list reveals that the earliest 2 cases occurred on 11 Jun 2006. Starting on 17 Jun 2006 the number of new cases quickly increased. Forty-two new cases were noted to have occurred on 20 Jun 2006. The Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine University City Branch says that students have recently been coming for treatment. The main symptoms are fever, suspected [of being related to] colds. Knowledgeable sources told Southern Metropolitan News that symptoms are not severe among the vast majority of patients and [many] have already fully recovered. Those who have not recovered are basically able to attend class as normal, so students have reacted calmly to the situation. Guangzhou University convened relevant departments yesterday to discuss countermeasures, and requested that dormitory management strengthen supervision over students, to report influenza cases immediately, and to clean the dorms. Personnel responsible for student management in each department were also informed that students should increase ventilation in dormitories and pay special attention to routine hygiene. Afterward the school confirmed to reporters that there were some students with [influenza-type illness] and that the matter had attracted serious concern from relevant provincial and city departments. In addition, there are other schools in University City where [influenza-type] cases have occurred. But the detailed situation is unclear. [Byline: Fang Shuyang, Chen Liangjun and Dan Xiaoliang] -- Dan Silver <dgsilver@yahoo.com> [ProMED-mail would welcome precise information on the cause of this outbreak. The signs and symptoms of the illness appear to be mild and any of a variety of human respiratory pathogens could be responsible. It is late in the season for outbreaks of human influenza A virus infection and the contagiousness and mild nature of the infection eliminates bird flu from consideration. Information from a reliable source in China, on the other hand, indicates that the Guangzhou outbreak may be one among many influenza outbreaks in the southern part of mainland China. In fact Guangdong province usually has an influenza peak in the summer. Outbreaks of this size are common. The reason for reporting of this particular outbreak may be the recent occurrence of a human case of H5N1 avian influenza in Shenzhen. The city of Guangzhou is located in the southern province of Guangdong close to the border with the Hong Kong SAR <http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/china_rel01.jpg>. - Mod.CP] ........................cp/pg/mpp

 

[KC]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

ProMED is a service of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. ProMED is a moderated source that may not reflect current research or understanding on an individual topic of discussion or the discussion of an emerging disease or illness.

The International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) was created to bring together all individuals interested in infectious diseases, including infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, public health workers, parasitologists, virologists, mycologists, molecular biologists, and others with similar concerns.

The main goals of the ISID are to increase the knowledge base of infectious diseases through research and to enhance the professional development of the individual in this discipline; to extend and transfer technical expertise in microbiology and infectious diseases; and to develop, through partnerships, strategies for control and cost-effective management of infectious diseases.

Recent posts on ProMED about the HK ("UNDIAGNOSED RESPIRATORY ILLNESS - CHINA") and Brazil ("hemorrhagic pneumonia of unknown etiology"), leave questions about how infectious diseases are being researched and whether ISID is meeting the intent of their ProMED page, or members who are following the emergence of H5N1 influenza.

I have a personal opinion (my bad): If it is "undiagnosed" or "unknown etiology".... more research is needed to find the basis of disease, not excuses or reasons that it is ABBF or anything else. Factual information, findings, and research is what will help lessen, or prevent the morbidity and mortality of the next emerging pandemic.

The moderators of the ProMED discussion about Brazil and China should take note. A ProMED stance should be neutral until all facts are heard from all the experts from all related fields of expertise.... or the flutrackers members should take the "ProMED" posts with a grain of salt and continue their personal research and preparations. JMHO. Just the facts.

 

[Gaby]

More cases reported

More cases reported

5 MORE PNEUMONIA CASES REPORTED

http://www.news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/060617/html/060617en05003.htm
5 July 2006

The Hospital Authority has received five more pneumonia cases of unidentified cause, involving two men and three women. The figure brings the total number of reports to 161 since an enhanced surveillance programme began June 15.

The patients visited the Mainland and Thailand before the onset of symptoms. They are undergoing tests and the cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection
.
The Hospital Authority boosted its surveillance programme following notification from the Guangdong Health Department of a suspected human case of avian flu in Shenzhen.

Under the programme, public hospitals report to the authority's electronic flu system all patients who have pneumonia of an unidentified cause and who had travelled to affected areas or countries with confirmed human cases of bird flu in the seven days before the onset of symptoms

 

[caonacl]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

very troubling and ominous turn of events. considering with the rumors in Thailand, or the reports from Indonesia... this may be biggest red flag that I've seen lately.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

It is hard the judge the relative importance. Many travel extensively in this part of the world. The enhanced reporting may be distorting the facts since there is no prior similar reporting to compare to.

 

[caonacl]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

It appears that they are on the lookout for human H5N1 infections.

Distinctive seasonal patterns of bird flu still unclear, WHO official says

It remains unclear whether there are truly distinctive seasonal patterns to outbreaks of the bird flu in poultry, said an official with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

"We do know that the bird flu virus can survive for a time in colder weather, but it's really not clear at this point whether the virus is changing in such a way that it can survive in warm weather for a longer period than it was previously able to," said Roy Wadia, spokesman of the WHO office in China.

Hong Kong's health chief, York Chow, said on Friday that the latest human case of bird flu on the Chinese mainland might indicate the virus has mutated and become as infectious in summer months as it is in cooler months.
"Much more research needs to be carried out on this," Wadia said.

Virus changes all the time and these changes could make the virus more transmittable between poultry, from poultry to humans, and from humans to humans, he told Xinhua in an interview.

"This is why it is so important that agricultural authorities everywhere -- including the Ministry of Agriculture of China -- share virus isolates from animal outbreaks with the international scientific community," he said.

Genetic sequences of H5N1 virus samples have been shared by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture which is helpful, but isolates of virus are key to understanding how the virus is changing on the Chinese mainland, said Wadia.

A 31-year-old man in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, was confirmed on Thursday to have contracted bird flu, bringing the country's total human infections of the disease to 19.

He showed symptoms of fever and pneumonia on June 3 and is in critical condition, said the Ministry of Health in a report.

Epidemiological research found Jiang had been to a local market where live poultry are sold, several times before developing the symptoms.

The Hong Kong government on Thursday decided to stop poultry imports from the Chinese mainland and Macao announced on Wednesday it would halt the import of live poultry from Shenzhen.

"We are concerned if the virus has changed to become infectious all year round or even more virulent in winter," Hong Kong's Health, Food and Welfare Secretary, York Chow, told the media on Friday.

Source: Xinhua

http://english.people.com.cn/200606/17/eng20060617_274920.html

 

[caonacl]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

This was from about one month ago.

Thousands of children sent to hospital during heatwave

(08-06-2006)

HA NOI ? Soaring temperatures brought thousands of children to the Central Paediatric Hospital to undergo treatment.

Can Phu Nhuan, head of the hospital?s medical examination department, said that the 390C weather was the main reason behind the increasing number of young patients. Around 1,500 children were brought to the hospital in recent days, with about 15 requiring hospitalisation due acute pneumonia or diarrhoea.

Most of the young patients suffered high fevers, seizures, diarrhoea or pneumonia. Every hospital doctor has been treating between 50 and 60 children daily during the heatwave, compared to an average of 25 patients on a normal day.

According to the deputy head of the hospital?s infection department, Pham Nhat An, the number of children infected with encephalitis this year did not increase as suddenly as during the same period last year. But he added that it is possible there will be a spike in the number of cases in the upcoming months.

Nhat An said there are 44 patients with encephalitis undergoing treatment at the hospital, and 30 per cent of them tested positive for encephalitis B. ? VNS

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01SOC080606

 

[Sharpe]

Re: Pneumonia Cases in Hong Kong

I agree with Florida1 on this one. It's hard to judge. They don't say what the symptoms are, they haven't mentioned if any of them have died, the rate is not increasing--it's still 9 per day, as it was two to three weeks ago. It's hard to know. I wouldn't worry about it too much, at least not unless or until we find out something else about it.