Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

'In the dark' over bird flu outbreak

Published Date: 31 May 2007

Adam Johson

NATIONAL departments working to contain the bird flu outbreak have come under fire for keeping politicians out of the loop, as the disease reached Denbighshire's main hospital.

North Wales AM Brynle Williams claimed this week that politicians were kept in the dark over the location and strain of Wales' first bird flu outbreak.

His concerns follow the identification of 221 people who may have had contact with the H7 flu virus.

Twelve people are identified as having flu like symptoms or conjunctivitis.

They have been tested for the Influenza A viruses, including the H7 subtype that has been isolated from the affected poultry. Two tests have been reported as positive for H7 subtype.

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd staff are the latest to be offered tamiflu as officials try to stay one step ahead of the virus.

Seventy-nine patients and staff from Ward Six at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd are being offered anti-viral drug tamiflu as a precaution because of contact with a healthcare worker who is being treated for the H7 flu virus.

It is believed the worker is the mother of an Ysgol Henllan pupil who tested positive for the disease.

Children and teachers at the school have been offered tamiflu as a precautionary measure.

"We have assessed the risk to others and can confirm that the healthcare worker was working at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd during the time when she may possibly have been infectious, between May 21 and May 23. Consequently the patients and staff with whom the healthcare worker has had contact are being offered tamiflu as a precaution," said Dr Marion Lyons, lead consultant in communicable disease control.

Mr Williams told the Free Press he faced a 'blackout' from all departments handling the information on the initial bird flu outbreak

"I think the way it's been handled by the ministry has been absolutely appalling. I would have thought they would tell AMs because it's a matter of importance. I do not like finding out things like this from the national media.

"There are 10 birds dead before anybody has done anything. When I phoned the ministry they said we can't tell you where it is. I am just appalled at the way it was handled. I eventually found out where it was and that was down to the police. Dread to think if this was a full blown epidemic how fast our veterinary services would be stirring into action!"

Mr Williams added: "I am very disappointed in the way that this has been handled from the onset. I will not be letting this rest. I will be writing to and contacting the ministry, and Dr Christianne Glossop. I don't think the people have moved satisfactorily enough but I know it takes time to trace where this came from.

"For four years I have been questioning the bio-security in Wales and the UK, and the last outbreak with Bernard Matthews, I said from the onset this has come off the back of a wagon, and I was proved right.

Most of the diseases we have in the UK have been imported.?

Anyone with concerns over health should contact their GP, and concerns over animals, ie dead birds, should be directed to DEFRA on 08459 335577.

http://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news?articleid=2915418

 

[gsgs]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

why not ?
h2h in H7N2 indicates that h2h probably often happens,
but doesn't go pandemic


I mean, the pandemic barriere is somewhere else. It's not just h2h.

 

[HenryN]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

why not ?
h2h in H7N2 indicates that h2h probably often happens,
but doesn't go pandemic


I mean, the pandemic barriere is somewhere else. It's not just h2h.

H2H is the name of the game.

 

[Commonground]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

....."because of contact with a healthcare worker who is being treated for the H7 flu virus.

It is believed the worker is the mother of an Ysgol Henllan pupil who tested positive for the disease."


....uh...we never did find out who that "pupil" is. It's not Meagan. Not Josh. I don't have this hard of a time figuring out my cases in Indonesia!

 

[HenryN]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

....."because of contact with a healthcare worker who is being treated for the H7 flu virus.

It is believed the worker is the mother of an Ysgol Henllan pupil who tested positive for the disease."


....uh...we never did find out who that "pupil" is. It's not Meagan. Not Josh. I don't have this hard of a time figuring out my cases in Indonesia!

Why isn't it Megan?

 

[vinny]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

im beginning to wonder how bad this might get,what with the powers that be not telling joe public the truth so there could be people out there not knowing theyve got the virus,being ill and possibly giving it to others and know a possible outbreak in somerset.only time will tell us the truth about this i fear.

 

[Commonground]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

because the Father said in the video she tested postive, and then negative. So I don't see why the press would focus on the "positive" result, when it then was "negative". No?

 

[HenryN]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

because the Father said in the video she tested postive, and then negative. So I don't see why the press would focus on the "positive" result, when it then was "negative". No?

No, everyone who recovers goes from positive to negative.

 

[Commonground]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

O.K., then Meagan's mother would be the healthcare worker. But I thought it was known that Meagan spent a little time at the market. So, Meagans mother would be the contagious person then, and not the market? I listened to the video again and it said Meagan is negative but being treated as a postive. And the mother tested postive, and then negative.

Seventy-nine patients and staff from Ward Six at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd are being offered anti-viral drug tamiflu as a precaution because of contact with a healthcare worker who is being treated for the H7 flu virus.

It is believed the worker is the mother of an Ysgol Henllan pupil who tested positive for the disease.

 

[HenryN]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

because the Father said in the video she tested postive, and then negative. So I don't see why the press would focus on the "positive" result, when it then was "negative". No?

Reporters usually work off the official statements. It was clear from the beginning that a negative test didn't mean much. The owners of the farm were negative, but thye are the only real link to the birds. No one thinks all of te confirmed and suspect cases in Wales had close contact with the 15 dead birds.

I suspect the reporters think there is H2H, but can't get anything official ither than its a possibility with low probability. However, as time goes by, it will be clear that the new cases were not die to contact with birds because the birds are dead, and most were dead by May 17.

 

[HenryN]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

O.K., then Meagan's mother would be the healthcare worker. But I thought it was known that Meagan spent a little time at the market. So, Meagans mother would be the contagious person then, and not the market? I listened to the video again and it said Meagan is negative but being treated as a postive. And the mother tested postive, and then negative.

Seventy-nine patients and staff from Ward Six at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd are being offered anti-viral drug tamiflu as a precaution because of contact with a healthcare worker who is being treated for the H7 flu virus.

It is believed the worker is the mother of an Ysgol Henllan pupil who tested positive for the disease.

I suspect all positives in Wales are linked to the owners of the farm. Some time at the market really doesn't sound right. If that is all it took, the number of cases with symptoms early this month would be higher. The market date was May 7. I think the only ones that fit in with that date are the two sets of couples (in Wales and St Helen).

Everyone else is H2H.

 

[Commonground]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

Got it.

 

[vinny]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

And a week after Wales? first outbreak of bird flu was confirmed, it emerged that officials are no closer to finding the source.

Although investigations have centred on a Cheshire market, officials last night said this was only one line of inquiry they are pursuing.





so know there not sure how it started,the mind boggles.



http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100...objectid=19227838&siteid=50082-name_page.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

Avian influenza A/(H7N2) outbreak in the United Kingdom

Editorial team (eurosurveillance@ecdc.europa.eu), Eurosurveillance editorial office

Several cases of influenza-like-illness (ILI) and/or conjunctivitis in humans have been linked to an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry at a smallholding near Corwen in northern Wales in the United Kingdom (UK).

Three of the cases were hospitalized [1]. H7N2, a low pathogenic strain of avian influenza (LPAI), has been identified as the cause of the poultry outbreak by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) [2].

Four human cases (two in Wales and two in north-west England) have confirmed Influenza A infection and are closely linked in time and place to the discovery of the H7N2 avian influenza virus. Since there are currently very low levels of seasonal influenza in the UK, it is presumed that they are infected with influenza H7N2.

Antiviral medication was given to three of the cases and all have now recovered. The poultry infections have been traced back to a public market selling poultry in Chelford, north-west England, on 7 May.

In accordance with UK policy, it was decided to offer antivirals to anyone who may have been exposed to the diseased poultry or had close contact with cases.

By 30 May, 20 avian flu contacts had been identified who have or have had symptoms of an ILI or conjunctivitis. The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales is using the following definitions of cases and contacts:

A case is an individual with influenza-like illness (fever above 38? C, aches and pains, cough/head cold, sore throat or conjunctivitis) who has been in contact with affected premises or to known infected poultry (handling/within one metre) or close contact with another human case;

A contact is defined as an individual who has been in contact with affected premises or with known infected poultry (handling/within one metre) or has had close contact with another person with confirmed or presumptive avian influenza.

The NPHS of Wales identified 256 people who might have had contact with the avian flu: in household settings, in a school and in the workplace setting, including patients and staff at two hospitals. Seventy-nine patients and staff from Ward 6 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd have been offered antiviral medication as a precaution because of contact with a healthcare worker who became sick with an ILI and is a part of the outbreak.

Sixty-nine patients and staff from the Accident and Emergency Unit, Trysfan Ward and Gogarth Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd are also being contacted because a patient, who is now discharged, is being treated for the avian flu virus [3].

As of 29 May, the NPHS had received microbiological test results from 12 patients in Wales. These were from swabs taken from the nose and throat and eyes. They were tested for the Influenza A viruses, including the H7 subtype that was isolated from the affected poultry. One test was positive for the H7 subtype and one for influenza A [3].

Investigations are ongoing in the UK [4] and further results and updates will become available through the web-sites of the relevant authorities - the Health Protection Agency (www.hpa.org.uk), DEFRA (www.defra.gov.uk), the Welsh Assembly Government (www.wales.gov.uk) and the NPHS for Wales (www.nphs.wales.nhs.uk).

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the input from Roland Salmon (NPHS), Kathrin Thomas (NPHS) and Carol Joseph (HPA).


References:

HPA. Confirmation of Avian Influenza H7N2 Infection. May 25 2007. Available from: http://www.hpa.org.uk/hpa/news/articles/press_releases/2007/070525_avian_flu_H7N2.htm

DEFRA. Avian influenza (bird flu) confirmed in North Wales. 24 May 2007. Available from: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0524.htm
National Public Health Service for Wales. Avian Flu in North Wales. 29 May 2007. Available from: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/newsitem.cfm?contentid=6801
DEFRA. Update on investigation into avian influenza outbreak in North Wales. 29 May 2007. Available from: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0525.htm



http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ew/2007/070531.asp#2

 

[hawkeye]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

Fresh Information is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Anyone else having any luck?

 

[Mingus]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_west/6716909.stm

Bird flu numbers are tailing off
The number of people affected by an outbreak of bird flu in north Wales last month appears to be tailing off, according to official figures.

An outbreak was first confirmed at a smallholding in Conwy


At its height it was feared that 252 people may have come into contact with the virus and 17 had shown symptoms.
The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales said it was still "checking and monitoring" seven after the outbreak on a Conwy smallholding.
A spokesman said no-one experiencing symptoms was seriously ill. <!-- E SF -->
The NPHS said 17 "avian flu contacts" have or have had symptoms of a "flu-like illness or conjunctivitis".
Of the 252 who may have come into contact with the H7N2 strain, 245 are now out of the incubation period and seven are still being monitored.
The H7N2 strain is not as serious H5N1 strand of the disease.
<!-- S IIMA --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="203"> <tbody><tr><td>

Teachers and pupils at Ysgol Henllan have been given treatment

</td></tr> </tbody></table> <!-- E IIMA -->
In the latest official update on Sunday communicable diseases consultant Dr Marion Lyons, of the NPHS for Wales, said: "We are actively managing the outbreak.
"This involves taking every precaution in identifying possible contacts of the infected poultry or people who have been ill after contact with the infected poultry.
"We will remain vigilant. Most people fall ill within two or three days of coming into contact with the virus but this period can be as long as seven days."
The first case of the avian flu was confirmed last month among poultry on a smallholding near Corwen in Denbighshire.
The Rhode Island chickens first affected were bought at a Chelford Market in Macclesfield, Cheshire on 7 May.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

No new bird flu cases

4/6/2007

The risk to the health of the general public is assessed to be low following the flu outbreak among birds in Corwen ten days ago.

245 of 252 contacts can now be sure they will not develop symptoms, or further symptoms, of avian flu in this outbreak because the incubation period of seven days has passed.

By Saturday 17 avian flu contacts had been identified who have or have had symptoms of a flu like illness or conjunctivitis. This figure has been unchanged for three days.

No one is seriously ill.

http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=11520

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Wales: Bird flu symptom cases rise to 17

Wales bird flu is over

5/6/2007

The North Wales bird flu outbreak has ended.

All 252 people, whose health was being monitored following possible contact with infected birds or people who had been ill after contact with the birds, have come out of the seven day incubation period for the flu virus.

The special helpline will be closed at 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday).

Dr Marion Lyons, Lead Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS), said, ?There is no more risk of people in North Wales being infected with the virus identified in infected poultry on Thursday 24 May."

Seventeen people were identified with the bird flu virus because they had conjunctivitis or a flu like illness. Two were tested positively with the H7 virus. All other test results were negative.

Dr Lyons said, "?The illness people experienced was, for the most part, not serious. No one was seriously ill. The risk to the health of the general public was low.

?Preliminary investigations indicate that we cannot exclude person to person spread having occurred in this outbreak. Person to person spread would be very unusual but limited spread of this type has been seen elsewhere in the past in some cases of bird flu. There is no laboratory confirmation.

?Experience of this particular bird flu virus in humans is limited so we actively managed the public health response."

The National Public Health Service for Wales said that investigations would continue into the outbreak and how it occurred. There will be further testing of the people who had symptoms by the NPHS and Health Protection Agency. This will examine the level of antibodies and provide evidence of how the virus spread.

There will be a report published into the management of the outbreak with contributions from the NPHS and the North Wales local health boards and NHS Trusts involved.

Dr Lyons said, ?There will be lessons to be learned from this outbreak. These include scientific lessons with the possibility of an addition to the body of knowledge about bird flu. They also include practical lessons for the handling of other outbreaks and for the management of a flu pandemic."

More than 100 NHS staff came together to respond to the outbreak. The bulk of activity took place over the bank holiday weekend.

Dr Lyons said, ?People have responded very positively to our actions which understandably have caused some concern. I am very grateful for the support people have shown and for the commitment shown by so many staff across the NHS and local
government."

Avian flu cases and contacts in people

17 avian flu contacts were identified who had symptoms of a flu like illness or conjunctivitis.

252 people were identified who may have had contact with the avian flu:

39 in the household setting

14 at Ysgol Henllan

199 in the workplace setting (including 79 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and 69 at Ysbyty Gwynedd)

http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=11530