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JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND OTHER - INDIA (07): (ASSAM)
*****************************************************
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: Wed 27 Jul 2011
Source: The Telegraph [summarized, edited]
<http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110727/j ... 294448.jsp>


In Kamrup (metro), 23 individuals have been diagnosed with acute
encephalitis syndrome (AES), and only 3 patients had tested positive
for Japanese encephalitis. The number of patients diagnosed with AES
and Japanese encephalitis in the Kamrup district stands at 15 and 9,
respectively. The sources said the majority of the cases pertained to
AES and only a few among them had tested positive for Japanese
encephalitis.

"As soon as suspected cases of AES come to light, blood samples of the
patients are collected and sent for testing at the GMCH laboratory to
ascertain whether they are actually affected by the Japanese
encephalitis virus. However, doctors start symptomatic treatment as
soon as a suspected case is brought in," the joint director of Kamrup
(metro) health services, A. Bhuyan, said. In the GMCH alone, over 30
individuals suffering from AES and Japanese encephalitis are
undergoing treatment. While the conditions of patients with AES are
said to be out of danger, the condition of a few patients suffering
from Japanese encephalitis continues to be critical. A few individuals
are also admitted to other private nursing homes in the city.

"There is no specific medicine for Japanese encephalitis, and patients
are administered only symptomatic treatment. While some patients
suffering from AES and Japanese encephalitis have recovered following
treatment, a few with Japanese encephalitis continue to be critical
and have not shown much sign of improvement. We are constantly
monitoring them," a senior doctor at GMCH said.

The Japanese encephalitis virus is found in wild birds and pigs and is
transmitted to humans through the bite of _Culex_ mosquitoes. The
symptoms usually occur in the form of prolonged high fever, severe
headache, nausea and constriction in muscle movement.

[Byline: Barnali Handique]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>

[Curiously, the previous report of 25 Jul 2011 (ProMED-mail archive
no. 20110725.2245) identified all the encephalitis cases in Assam
state as due to Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus infection, with no
mention made of the "acute encephalitis syndrome" (AES) of unknown
etiology. The above report indicates that only a relatively small
proportion of the Assam encephalitis cases are due to JE virus
infection. The etiologies of the AES cases remain undetermined; no
mention is made in the above report of attempts to determine their
cause. All of the control and prevention efforts are aimed at JE
virus.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Assam state can be accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/00J->. -
Mod.TY]

HEPATITIS B AND C - INDIA: (TAMIL NADU), CHENNAI
************************************************
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Thu 28 Jul 2011
Source: The Times of India [edited]
<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 391453.cms>


At least one in every 25 people living in north Chennai have tested
positive for hepatitis. A random screening of 1297 people in 6
different locations of North Chennai by the Madras Medical College
showed 61 of them positive for hepatitis. While 44 had hepatitis B, 17
were positive for hepatitis C.

Madras Medical College dean Dr S Kanakasabai, who released the results
on Wednesday [26 Jul 2011], said the College organised [an] awareness
and screening programme (using blood samples) [for] the liver diseases
at 6 locations: Harbour, Seven Wells Street, Wall tax Road, Broadway,
Sathya Nagar (War Memorial) and Bharathi Women's College to
commemorate World Hepatitis Day, which falls on Thursday [28 Jul
2011]. The screening was done for people from the lower socio-economic
groups every day for the last one week.

"These patients were apparently healthy. They did not know they were
carriers of the disease," said Dr Kanakasabai. The results shocked not
only the patients but also many doctors in the college. "We did not
expect that more than 4 percent of the people will be tested
positive," he said. Those tested positive will be treated at the
Government General Hospital, which is attached to the college. Their
close relatives will also be screened. The college is also planning to
extend the study across the city.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a
viral infection. There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as
types A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis can lead to illness and death. In
particular, types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of
millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver
cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated
food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D -- like HIV -- usually occur as a
result of contact with infected body fluids. Acute infection may occur
with limited or no symptoms or may include symptoms such as jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea,
vomiting and abdominal pain.

Surgical gasteroentrologist Dr R Surendran, who works with Stanley
Medical College, says hospital medical records show that nearly 6
percent of the population of north Chennai has hepatitis B and nearly
one percent have hepatitis C. "But we thought our data was skewed
because only people with problems came to our hospital," he said.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[World Hepatitis Day 2011: The World Heath Organization (WHO) is today
[Thu 28 Jul 2011] calling for attention to the global health problem
posed by viral hepatitis. The 1st official WHO-supported World
Hepatitis Day, coordinated by the World Hepatitis Alliance, comes
under the slogan: Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere. Know it.
Confront it. <http://www.worldhepatitisday.info/>.

It is emphasised that although some 350 million people worldwide live
with chronic hepatitis B and 170 million people with chronic hepatitis
C, awareness of the disease is low. In Europe, there are an estimated
14 million chronic hepatitis B cases and about 9 million people
infected with hepatitis C (Eurosurveillance editorial team. World
Hepatitis Day 2011. Euro Surveill. 2011;16(30):pii=19926:
<http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArt ... leId=19926>).

The 1st official WHO World Hepatitis Day is marked to increase the
awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that
it causes. It provides an opportunity to focus on specific actions
such as: strengthening prevention, screening and control of viral
hepatitis and its related diseases; increasing hepatitis B vaccine
coverage and integration into national immunization programmes; and
coordinating a global response to hepatitis.

Hepatitis B: 2 billion people (estimated) worldwide have been infected
with the virus. Read the WHO fact sheet on hepatitis B at
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factshee ... index.html>.
Key facts:
- Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can
cause both acute and chronic disease.
- The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other
body fluids of an infected person, not through casual contact.
- About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus,
and about 350 million live with chronic infection. An estimated 600
000 persons die each year due to the acute or chronic consequences of
hepatitis B.
- About 25 percent of adults who become chronically infected during
childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the
liver) caused by the chronic infection.
- The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
- Hepatitis B virus is an important occupational hazard for health
workers.
- Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

Hepatitis C: 130 million people at least are chronically infected with
hepatitis C virus. Read the WHO fact sheet on hepatitis C at
<http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factshee ... index.html>.
Key facts:
- Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus
(HCV).
- HCV infection sometimes results in an acute symptomatic illness. It
can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a
serious, lifelong chronic condition that can lead to cirrhosis of the
liver and liver cancer.
- HCV is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected
person.
- About 130-170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis
C virus, and more than 350 000 people die from hepatitis C-related
liver diseases each year.
- HCV infection is curable using increasingly effective antivirals.
- Despite ongoing research, there is currently no vaccine to prevent
hepatitis C virus infection.

The data from North Chennai provide a snap-shot of the reality of the
situation and justify the need for the World Hepatitis Day to
highlight the gravity of the situation. At present, only hepatitis A
and hepatitis B virus infections can be controlled by vaccination.

Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is the capital city of the Indian
state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of
Bengal. Chennai is the 4rth most populous metropolitan area and the
5th most populous city in India. A map of the city of Chennai can be
accessed at:
<http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/tamilna ... ai-map.htm>. - Mod.CP]

RABIES - PAKISTAN
*****************
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: Thu 28 Jul 2011
Source: Dawn.com provinces [edited]
<http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/29/5000-die ... cases.html>


5000 die annually -- Surge in rabies cases
------------------------------------------
The incidence of rabies is on the rise in Pakistan as at least 5000
deaths are being recorded annually, mostly caused by dog bite. Whereas
rabies cases being reported from India are much higher and one person
is falling prey to this zoonotic viral disease every 20 minutes. This
was stated by speakers at a national seminar on "The awareness and
current status of rabies" organised by the University of Veterinary
and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Epidemiology and the Public Health
Department in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO),
Novartis and Sadaat International at the university conference hall on
Thursday [28 Jul 2011].

Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department Secretary Hamid
Yaqoob Sheikh stressed that the health and livestock departments in
collaboration with universities should make efforts to effectively
fight rabies. He said these institutions should also play their role
in creating awareness and preventing the disease in the 1st place.
Referring to nation's joint efforts in times of emergencies and
natural calamities, Mr Sheikh asked why such collaborative efforts
could not be made in normal circumstances. He also urged the experts
to identify causes and reasons for the spread of rabies, its
prevention and cure. He lauded the university's efforts in holding the
national seminar to create awareness among the general public.

UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Nawaz said rabies was a fatal
disease and an alarming threat for human beings as well as animals. He
called for chalking out a strategy to create awareness among students,
livestock workers and the general public to control the disease. He
said the World Rabies Day would be observed on 28 Sep 2011.

Epidemiology and Public Health Department chairman Prof Dr Athar Khan
said that it was estimated that around 55 000 deaths [annually] were
being reported from across the globe due to zoonotic viral disease and
added that 56 percent of these deaths were occurring in Asia and 44
percent in Africa, particularly in rural areas. He said domestic
animals -- dogs, cats and horses -- were the most important vectors
for the spread and transmission of rabies. He called for immunization
of domestic animals and stressed that the post-exposure immunization
must be carried out in case of a bite from rabid animals.

At the technical session later, experts recommended that veterinarians
and MBBS doctors must be provided with SOPs [standard operating
procedures] to attend rabies cases. It was suggested that surveillance
was essential for detection of high risk areas, outbreaks and
monitoring of the use of vaccine. It was also recommended that
measures should be taken to control the stray dog population.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Good intentions are admirable, but not enough. According to these
figures Pakistan accounts for 9 percent of the global total of rabies
deaths. A concrete action plan is long overdue. - Mod.CP

The interactive HealthMap/ProMED map for Pakistan is available at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/00tj> - CopyEd.EJP]

UNDIAGNOSED FEBRILE ILLNESS - INDIA: (WEST BENGAL)
**************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Fri 29 Jul 2011
Source: The Times of India [edited]
<http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... spital-opd>


It seems that Jamshedpur city is in the grip of an unidentified virus,
as it has sent scores of people to hospitals with high fever in the
past 3 weeks. According to sources, about 30 000 people have been
diagnosed with this fever and the number is increasing every day. All
hospitals and nursing homes have been inundated with patients, while
doctors have been working overtime to bring the situation under
control.

District health officials have been running from one hospital to
another, overseeing diagnostic arrangements and advising authorities
about ways and means to increase accommodation. "The beds are full. In
some hospitals there's no space in the corridors also," said a
district health official. On an average, 500 patients are visiting the
OPD [out patient department] daily. "We have been advising patients to
take rest at home. Only those patients who need urgent attention are
being admitted," said S S Prasad, superintendent, MGM hospital.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[There is very little information available in this report, other than
a very substantial number of febrile cases. A large number of
etiological agents could be responsible, but without additional
information about symptoms in addition to laboratory and other
diagnostic findings, it is not possible to hazard a guess as to what
pathogen might be involved. ProMED would appreciate receiving
additional information as it becomes available.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of
Jamshedpur in West Bengal state can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/14Bt>. - Mod.TY]

CHIKUNGUNYA (19): INDIA (JHARKHAND) CONFIRMED
**********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Tue 2 Aug 2011
Source: The Telegraph [edited]
<http://telegraphindia.com/1110803/jsp/j ... 326702.jsp>


Among 32 blood samples of viral fever patients [taken] in and around
Jamshedpur [Jharkhand state] and sent separately to 3 of the most
reputable research centres in India dealing with specialised diseases,
8 chikungunya cases have been detected.

A report from the School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, which arrived
this evening [2 Aug 2011], showed that out of 10 blood samples sent by
the district health department, 3 were confirmed chikungunya cases. A
report from National Communicable Disease Centre, New Delhi, which
came last evening [1 Aug 2011], but whose contents were divulged
today, said of the 10 samples, 3 had tested positive for chikungunya
[virus].

The Telegraph carried a report today on Tata Main Hospital's (TMH)
initiative, which had sent 12 samples to National Institute of
Virology, Pune. [Of these,] 2 were confirmed cases of chikungunya.

Meanwhile, the health department sent state assistant malaria officer
KK Lal and state entomologist Sagya Singh to MGM hospital and TMH.
They held talks with civil surgeon Vibha Sharan. "The only silver
lining is that the number of viral fever cases is down by 10-12 per
cent," said Lal.

The Union health ministry will send a 4-member fact-finding team from
the Pune institute -- research scientist Yogesh Kumar Gaurav,
technical assistants Gopal Krishnan and P More and attendant NR Khond
-- to visit TMH and MGM hospital tomorrow [3 Aug 2011]. The district
health department has been asked to keep ready a list of viral fever
patients.

The report from Calcutta arrived at the office of additional chief
medical officer (East Singhbhum), Swarn Singh, also district
surveillance officer of integrated disease surveillance project. He
contacted ADM (law and order) Vijay Kumar Singh, who relayed the news
to DC [deputy commissioner] Himani Pande.

[Byline: Animesh Bisoee]

--
Communicated by:
Ronan Kelly
for FluTrackers.com
<ronankelly@comcast.net>

[The 29 Jul 2011 edition of The Times of India
(<http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... spital-opd>)
reported this outbreak as due to an unidentified virus. A physician
living in London reported that family members living in Jamshedpur in
the state of Jharkhand were suffering from chikungunya virus
infections. ProMED-mail posted a request for information (see archive
no 20110723.22230 and it is now clear that it is a mixed chikungunya
and dengue virus outbreak. The details are provided above.

Ronan Kelly alertly pointed out that Jamshedpur is in Jharkhand state
and not in West Bengal as reported when this outbreak was posted as
undiagnosed in ProMED-mail archive no 20110730.2297.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand state can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/14Bt>. - Mod.TY]

HEPATITIS - TAJIKISTAN: (DUSHANBE), PRIVATE DENTAL CLINICS
**********************************************************
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: Thu 4 Aug 2011
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Tajik Service
[edited]
<http://www.rferl.org/content/private_de ... 85852.html>


Private Tajik Dental Clinics Closed Following Hepatitis Scare
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dushanbe city council has closed down 12 private dental clinics after
residents claimed they had contracted hepatitis while undergoing
treatment there, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

Holmuhammad Nazarov, deputy head of the State Sanitary Control
Service, told RFE/RL that the decision to inspect all private dental
clinics in the capital and several other districts was taken in
response to numerous such complaints.

Nazarov also told RFE/RL that the inspections brought to light many
violations of sanitary standards and regulations. "We were very
surprised to learn that dentists were using one and the same
instrument to extract the teeth of 20 patients, while regulations
require using separate disposable [sterilisable?] instruments for each
patient. Some of the dentists wore nail varnish, which is prohibited,"
Nazarov told RFE/RL. These clinics were closed last week.

A resident of Dushanbe told RFE/RL she contracted hepatitis virus
infection [B or C or both?] at a dental clinic in the capital in
February [2011]. "My life has turned into a nightmare since then, I
have spent a lot of money to treat the disease and contacted the
Health Ministry for help," she stated. She also said that in general
sanitary conditions in state-run dental clinics are poor.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Dushanbe (formerly Stalinabad) is the capital and largest city
(population 700 000 approximately) of Tajikistan. It can be located
using the HelthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Tajikistan at:
<http://healthmap.org/r/00Fa>.

Hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus can cause lifelong
infection, leading to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver
failure, and death. Hepatitis B and C viruses are transmitted through
activities that involve percutaneous or mucosal contact with
infectious blood or body fluids. The risk of transmission of
hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus from dentist to patient is
minimal unless there is exposure of the patient to blood or secretions
from the dentist, or there is transmission from patient to patient
through use of inadequately sterilised instruments. In the latter
situation transmission of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] is an
additional hazard.

In the report from Dushanbe the evidence for transmission of hepatitis
disease is unclear, since symptoms would be slow to develop. It seems
unlikely that all dental clinics in Dushaanbe, private or state-run,
would be similarly negligent in infection control procedures. There is
no information on confirmation of the accusations by laboratory
diagnostics.

Further information would be appreciated concerning the details of
this incident, the identity of the virus (or viruses) transmitted, and
the treatment offered. Hepatitis C virus infection is treatable,
depending to some extent on the particular genotype of hepatitis C
virus transmitted, whereas hepatitis B virus, although preventable by
vaccination, is difficult to treat. - Mod.CP]

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND OTHER - INDIA (08): (UTTAR PRADESH)
*************************************************************
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: Wed 3 Aug 2011
Source: Andhra News [edited]
<http://www.andhranews.net/India/2011/Ja ... r-6908.htm>


Japanese encephalitis, a viral disease, continues to affect locals in
Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur District. More than 700 patients have been
admitted to the city's Baba Raghav Das Medical College [Hospital]
since January [2011]. The disease has claimed 107 lives, including
children, and left many affected.

According to media reports, more than 7000 people have died of
encephalitis in the last 32 years at the Gorakhpur Medical College
Hospital. "Around 40 to 50 patients get admitted (in medical college)
daily, and out of which 4 - 5 children lose their lives everyday,"
said Balwant Kumar, a family member of another patient.

Meanwhile, the state health department has reportedly taken preventive
measures such as immunization drives, fogging and spraying of
mosquito-repellents in affected areas.

Encephalitis is caused by [virus transmitted by] mosquitoes that breed
in stagnant water. Its symptoms include headache, fever, confusion,
drowsiness, and fatigue and the inflammation of the brain.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Previous reports about encephalitis cases in this geographic area
indicate that less than half are due to Japanese encephalitis (JE)
virus infections. The above report does not indicate etiologies other
than JE virus or that undiagnosed "acute encephalitis syndrome" are
involved in the over 700 cases mentioned so far this year (2011).

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh state can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/02lp>. - Mod.TY]

HEPATITIS -TAJIKISTAN (02): BACKGROUND
**************************************
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: Fri 5 Aug 2011
Source: GIDEON (Global Infectious Disease & Epidemiology Network)
[edited]
<http://www.gideononline.com/>


[Re: ProMED-mail Hepatitis - Tajikistan: (DU), private dental clinics
20110804.2355]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding a recent outbreak in Dushanbe, rates of hepatitis B in
Tajikistan and surrounding countries have declined considerably since
the 1990's, and are similar to those reported in the United States.
See graph at
<http://www.gideononline.com/wp/wp-conte ... -CAsia.png>
*

Interestingly, this trend began a decade before the introduction of
universal hepatitis B vaccination in the region. [1,2]
<http://www.gideononline.com/wp/wp-conte ... -TajUS.png>
*

* Custom graphs are generated using an interactive module in Gideon
<http://www.gideononline.com/cases/video/multi-graphs/>.

References
----------
1. Berger SA. Infectious Diseases of Tajikistan, 2011. 340 pp, 80
graphs, 87 references. Gideon e-books series.
<http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/coun ... ajikistan/>.
2. Berger SA. Hepatitis B: Global Status, 2011. 327 pp, 405 graphs,
1517 references. Gideon e-books series.
<http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/dise ... al-status/>.

--
Communicated by:
Dr Steve Berger
Geographic Medicine
Tel Aviv Medical Center
Israel
<mberger@post.tau.ac.il>

[ProMED-mail thanks Prof Berger for provision of these data, and for
drawing attention to the fact that the recorded incidence of hepatitis
B infection in Tajikistan and its Central Asian neighbors had begun to
decline prior to the general availability of hepatitis B virus
vaccine. Presumably this reflected a greater awareness of the problem
of blood-borne transmission of hepatitis disease and a general
improvement in medical and blood transfusion procedures.

The Health/ProMED-mail interactive map of Tajikistan can be accessed
at <http://healthmap.org/r/00Fa>. - Mod.CP]

FOODBORNE ILLNESS, RUSSIAN TOURISTS - TURKEY: (ANTALYA) ALERT
*************************************************************
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: Wed 27 Jul 2011
Source: Channel 6 News, BNO News report [edited]
<http://channel6newsonline.com/2011/07/a ... sort-city/>


Almost 100 Russian tourists received medical assistance after
suspected food poisoning in the Turkish resort city of Alanya [Antalya
province], officials said on Wednesday [27 Jul 2011].

According to RIA Novosti, Russia's tourist watchdog said 98 tourists
had been affected and 8 remained in the hospital. Turkish health
officials have taken samples of the Club Gunes Garden hotel's food and
drinks, where all the tourists were staying.

A total of 5 Russian tourists died in the Turkish port city of Bodrum
in late May 2011 after drinking bootleg whiskey on a sailing trip
organized by a local company.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Tourists from other countries may well be affected by the illness.
Without more information regarding the symptoms and incubation period
of the illnesses, it is impossible to begin to speculate on the
etiology or etiologies of the outbreak, which could be a biological or
chemical toxin, a virus, bacteria, or even protozoan. - Mod.LL]

[Alanya can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of
Turkey at <http://healthmap.org/r/16OI>. - Sr.Tech.Ed.MJ]

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND OTHER - INDIA (09): (UTTAR PRADESH)
*************************************************************
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Sat 6 Aug 2011
Source: News 24 [edited]
<http://www.news24online.com/ViewDetails ... wsID=31536>


One more child succumbed to encephalitis at a hospital here, taking
the death toll due to the deadly disease in eastern UP to 128 this
year [2011]. 13 new cases have been reported to the state-run BRD
Medical College Hospital since yesterday [5 Aug 2011], Senior
Paediatrician K.P Kushwaha said. 124 patients suffering from the
disease are undergoing treatment in the hospital.

As many as 731 encephalitis cases were reported in hospitals in the
region this year [2011]. Gorakhpur and Kushinagar are the worst
affected districts.

The fever is caused by a virus found in pigs and is transferred to
humans by mosquito bite.

--
Communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[The 3 Aug 2011 ProMED-mail post (archive no. 20110804.2356) indicated
that there have been 107 deaths from Japanese encephalitis virus
infections. The above report indicates that there are now 128 cases.
Although the above report does not indicate the specific etiology of
the encephalitis cases, the mention that the virus is found in pigs
and transmitted by mosquitoes is a clear implication that JE virus is
involved. It would be of interest to know whether all of these cases
were laboratory confirmed as JE virus infections.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh state can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/02lp>. - Mod.TY]

DENGUE/DHF UPDATE 2011 (32)
***************************
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>


- India (Jharkhand state). 2 Aug 2011. Among 32 blood samples of viral
fever patients sent separately to 3 of the most reputable research
centres in India dealing with specialised diseases, 2 dengue cases
have been detected.
<http://telegraphindia.com/1110803/jsp/j ... 326702.jsp>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Jharkhand can be accessed
at <http://healthmap.org/r/0f1i>. - Mod.TY]

- India (Delhi). 2 Aug 2011. According to the MCD statistics on
vector-borne diseases, the number of dengue cases so far this season
has gone up to 15, including 5 new cases reported on Monday [1 Aug
2011]. One dengue death was reported last week from east Delhi.
<http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... ngue-death>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Delhi can be accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/01Jf>. - Mod.TY]

- India (Punjab state). 2 Aug 2011. Dengue is spreading fast across
Ludhiana. Seven new cases of dengue have been confirmed in DMC
Hospital Ludhiana. Three cases are from Ludhiana. It was confirmed
after their examination that all of them had contracted dengue.
<http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/PUN-LU ... 17714.html>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Ludhiana in Punjab state can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/0Y*N>. - Mod.TY]

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND OTHER - INDIA (10): (BENGAL)
******************************************************
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<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Date: Wed 10 Aug 2011
Source: The Telegraph [edited]
<http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110810/j ... 360418.jsp>


In the past 24 hours, 2 children from Bansihari have died of viral
encephalitis, and at least 10 others have developed symptoms of the
killer disease. Chief medical officer of health of South Dinajpur Asit
Kumar Mondal said a 9 year old and 10 year old who had been admitted
to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri with
viral encephalitis yesterday afternoon [8 Aug 2011] died this morning
[9 Aug 2011].

"The NBMCH authorities have confirmed that they died because of viral
encephalitis. Of the 10 children who have been down with fever, 2 have
been admitted to the district hospital in Balurghat," the CMOH said.

For the past one week, several children had been complaining of high
fever, severe headache, nausea and delirium at Shantipur village in
Bansihari, the CMOH said. Most of the children had been admitted to
Rashipur health centre and Gangarampur subdivisional hospital. But
their condition deteriorated, and the 2 deceased children were shifted
to the NBMCH.

The CMOH said an 8-member medical team headed by deputy CMOH Gourav
Roy had been sent to Shantipur and adjoining Biswanathpur, 70 km [44
miles] from Balurghat. According to Mondal, blood samples have been
collected. A medical camp has also been opened in the area under block
medical officer Tapas Saha. Block medical officer Saha said:
"Encephalitis usually spreads through pigs. But no one is known to
rear pigs in the locality. We suspect that someone might have been
infected with the disease [virus] from outside, and it had then spread
through mosquito bites."

--
communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
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[Encephalitis cases, with fatalities, continue to occur in north
eastern India. The above report implicates pigs and mosquitoes,
suggesting that the medical authorities believe that the etiological
agent involved in these cases is Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus,
which is likely to be correct. Laboratory confirmation is needed to
confirm the diagnosis. Pigs are amplifying hosts of JE virus. Wild
birds are the reservoir hosts and alone can serve as sources of
infectious blood meals for transmission to humans. The suggestion that
an infected human introduced the virus is incorrect for JE virus.
Human viremias are not of sufficient magnitude and duration to infect
vector mosquitoes. Thus, humans are dead end hosts. The proportion of
individuals in this area who are immunized against JE virus is not
stated in this report.

The HealthMap/ProMED-mail map showing the location of Bansihari in
Bengal state can be accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/17vW>. -
Mod.TY]

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND OTHER - INDIA (11): (UTTAR PRADESH)
*************************************************************
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: Thu 11 Aug 2011
Source: MSN News [edited]
<http://news.in.msn.com/national/article ... id=5359151>


A total of 4 more deaths due to encephalitis have been reported in the
Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, taking this year's toll to 143,
health officials said today [11 Aug 2011]. At present, 168 patients
are undergoing treatment at the Nehru Hospital of BRD Medical College
and other hospitals here, they said, adding 22 patients showing
symptoms of the disease were admitted today. Out of this, 19 have been
admitted at the Nehru Hospital, they added.

--
communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[This appears to be part of an encephalitis outbreak that has been
going on in Uttar Pradesh at least since early July 2011. The
etiologies responsible for these encephalitis cases has been variously
attributed to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and to an acute
encephalitis syndrome of undetermined etiology. The above report does
not mention if JEV is responsible for these most recent cases, nor
what action has been taken to obtain a laboratory diagnosis.

Purvanchal is a geographic region comprised of the eastern end of
Uttar Pradesh state and borders Nepal to the north, the state Bihar to
the east, Bagelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh state to the south, the
Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh to the west and the end of Doab (at
Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh to its south west. A map of the Purvanchal
region can be accessed at
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UP_region_map.gif>. - Mod.TY]

CHIKUNGUNYA (20): INDIA (GOA)
******************************
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: Sun 14 Aug 2011
Source: The Times of India [edited]
<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 595347.cms>


Data released by the directorate of health services (DHS) has revealed
that 39 [people in Goa] have tested positive for chikungunya this year
[2011]. From January to 12 Aug 2011, almost 291 people were tested for
chikungunya [virus infections], of which 39 were positive.

According to DHS officials, the outbreak of vectorborne diseases
coincides with monsoon and post-monsoon periods. "Dry spells in
between rains lead to water stagnation and an increase in the
population of mosquitoes. Precautions have to be taken to prevent such
stagnation. Personal protection to avoid mosquito bites and reporting
to the nearest health centre in case of fever are essential," said an
official.

--
communicated by:
HealthMap Alerts via ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Chikungunya virus is endemic in India, so sporadic cases and
outbreaks are not surprising.

A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of Goa
can be accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/18i*>. - Mod.TY]

DENGUE/DHF UPDATE 2011 (33)
***************************
A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
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<http://www.isid.org>

******

- Pakistan (Punjab province). 12 Aug 2011. 8 new cases of dengue have
been reported following diagnosis in Lahore during the last 24 hours.
5 patients belonged to Lahore, while the remaining 3 hailed from other
districts of the province. The total number of patients of dengue
fever reported from the whole province during the last 7 months has
reached 65 out of which 49 have been reported from Lahore.
<http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDe ... =8/12/2011>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Punjab province can be
accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/0cco>. - Mod.TY]

- Pakistan (Karachi, Sindh province). 9 Aug 2011. At least 4 dengue
viral fever cases have been reported from Karachi and all 4 patients
are admitted in private hospitals. In-charge Dengue Surveillance Cell
of Sindh Health Department, Dr Suresh Kumar, said Monday [8 Aug 2011]
that 4 cases of dengue viral fever had been confirmed.
<http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.as ... 11_pg12_16>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Sindh province can be
accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/02SY>. - Mod.TY]

- India (Goa). 14 Aug 2011. From January-12 Aug 2011, about 513
persons were tested for dengue, of which 7 were tested positive.
According to DHS officials, the outbreak of vector borne diseases
coincides with monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
<http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... uito-bites>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Goa can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/018C>. - Mod.TY]

- India (Orissa state). 16 Aug 2011. 2 more dengue deaths were
reported in the state today [16 Aug 2011] -- at SCB Medical College
and Hospital in Cuttack and Kalinga Hospital in Bhubaneswar -- taking
the toll to 14 so far. According to officials of the health
department, 195 of the 541 blood samples sent so far have tested
positive for the disease [virus]. Though the fever was earlier
confined to Angul, Dhenkanal, and Sundargarh, it has now spread to 16
districts, including Balasore, Khurda, Cuttack, and Kalahandi.
<http://www.indianexpress.com/news/2-mor ... 14/832419/>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Orissa state can be
accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/07gd>. - Mod.TY]

- India (Delhi). 9 Aug 2011. 10 new cases of dengue have been reported
in Delhi in the last week. With this the total number of such cases
this season has gone up to 25, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
said. One person died of dengue last month [July 2011].
<http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... -programme>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of India showing the location
of Delhi can be accessed at <http://healthmap.org/r/01Jf>. - Mod.TY]

- Nepal (Chitwan district). 9 Aug 2011. 7 more cases of dengue have
been found in the past 3 weeks in Chitwan district according to the
District Public Health Office (DPHO). A total of 735 dengue cases and
4 deaths were confirmed in Chitwan in 2067 BS [April 2010-April 2011].
The total number of dengue cases in the district has reached 17 after
the Nepali New Year [16 Apr 2011].
<http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index ... s_id=34493>

[A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of Nepal can be accessed at
<http://healthmap.org/r/18Bz>. - Mod.TY]