DIARRHOEA OUTBREAK - BOTSWANA: (CENTRAL), ROTAVIRUS SUSPECTED
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Date: Fri 20 Jul 2012
Source: Mmegionline [edited]
http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid ... y/Friday20
Diarrhoea outbreak kills five in Phikwe
--------------------------------
The Selebi-Phikwe Government Hospital Superintendent, Dr Joseph Sharma has confirmed that a diarrhoea outbreak has killed 5 babies in the copper mining town. Sharma told Mmegi this week [week ending 20 Jul 2012] that they have recorded 151 cases of diarrhoea since the outbreak was noticed on 4 Jul 2012 when many babies were admitted at the hospital. He said the stools of 99 percent of the babies tested positive for rotavirus infection. He said during the 1st week, 71 babies were admitted while in a normal week, they receive only 15 diarrhoea patients. He noted that during the 2nd week, the number increased to 80. Sharma revealed that one of the babies that were brought in was already dead. He explained that the child was admitted before but the mother decided to discharge herself against doctors' orders. He said that the mother then took the baby to a traditional doctor, only for the child to die. Sharma advised parents that they should not take their babies to traditional doctors because that can only make the situation worse. He stated that the 1st thing they should do is to give their children Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) or zinc sulphate tables before taking them to a health facility.
He added that the hospital has put in place all the necessary medications targeted at assisting sick babies. "The disease affects babies under the age of 5 and the outbreak has so far only affected Selebi-Phikwe as we have not yet received any cases from the surrounding villages. "We are working on measures that will arrest the situation. Some of these measures include advising parents to wash their hands after changing nappies, to wash food before cooking, to dispose of stools in time and to increase personal hygiene," he said.
Sharma said the District Health Management Team (DHMT) has also visited 19 churches in Selebi-Phikwe where they had a chance to address parents on the outbreak of the disease and inform them on ways to prevent it. He also pointed out that the rotavirus [infection] is common in winter. He called upon mothers of babies who are 8 weeks old to bring them to health centers for vaccination against [rotavirus] diarrhoea to avoid the same scenario happening next year [2013].
Sharma also stated that tap water that is supplied to Selebi-Phikwe could not be blamed for the outbreak because it has been analyzed and has tested negative for rotavirus [contamination].
[Byline: Calistus Kolantsho]
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[Diarrhoeal disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in children under 5 years old, and is responsible for killing 1.5 million children every year. Diarrhoea can last several days, and can leave the body without the water and salts that are necessary for survival. Most people who die from diarrhoea actually die from severe dehydration and fluid loss. Children who are malnourished or have impaired immunity are most at risk of life-threatening diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is a symptom of infections caused by a host of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms, most of which are spread by faeces-contaminated water. Infection is more common when there is a shortage of clean water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Rotavirus and Escherichia coli are the 2 most common causes of diarrhoea in developing countries.
Treatment is by rehydration with intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock and/or oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution for moderate or no dehydration. ORS is a mixture of clean water, salt and sugar, which can be prepared safely at home. It costs a few cents per treatment. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces. Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25 percent and are associated with a 30 percent reduction in stool volume.
Currently 2 different rotavirus vaccines are licensed for use in infants. The vaccines are RotaTeq (RV5) and Rotarix (RV1). Before being licensed, both vaccines were tested in clinical trials and shown to be safe and effective. In these studies, during approximately the 1st year of an infant's life, rotavirus vaccine was found to prevent almost all (85-98 percent) rotavirus illness episodes that were severe and to prevent 74-87 percent of all rotavirus illness episodes.
The town of Selebi-Phikwe is situated in the north eastern part of Botswana. The town is is a mining centre. A map of Botswana showing the location of Selebi-Phikwe in the Central Province of Botseeana can be accessed at: http://www.mapsofworld.com/botswana/bot ... l-map.html. Mod.CP]
Aktuelle Epidemien in Afrika
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Cholera in Kongo DRC
Cholera outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
23.07.2012 - WHO
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp increase in the number of cholera cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu. According to the report, 368 new cases were reported from epidemiological week 24 (11-17 June) to epidemiological week 26 (25 June-1 July). The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.
There is concern that the security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health-care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
North Kivu is one the five provinces of eastern DRC where cholera is endemic. Vibrio cholerae was confirmed in the AMI-Kivu laboratory since 2011.
Response
Epidemiological investigation conducted by national authorities and other partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Merlin, and International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicated that insufficient access to safe water supply remains the main cause of the epidemic in North Kivu.
Patients are being treated with infusions and antibiotics as appropriate, at treatment centres. Interventions to control the epidemic that are being carried out include education and communication; management of cases; increased surveillance; hygiene and sanitation; and provision of safe drinking water.
WHO is working to support national authorities in response to the cholera outbreak and the broader humanitarian emergency resulting from conflict and population displacement.
Gruß
Birgitt
23.07.2012 - WHO
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp increase in the number of cholera cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu. According to the report, 368 new cases were reported from epidemiological week 24 (11-17 June) to epidemiological week 26 (25 June-1 July). The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.
There is concern that the security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health-care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
North Kivu is one the five provinces of eastern DRC where cholera is endemic. Vibrio cholerae was confirmed in the AMI-Kivu laboratory since 2011.
Response
Epidemiological investigation conducted by national authorities and other partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Merlin, and International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicated that insufficient access to safe water supply remains the main cause of the epidemic in North Kivu.
Patients are being treated with infusions and antibiotics as appropriate, at treatment centres. Interventions to control the epidemic that are being carried out include education and communication; management of cases; increased surveillance; hygiene and sanitation; and provision of safe drinking water.
WHO is working to support national authorities in response to the cholera outbreak and the broader humanitarian emergency resulting from conflict and population displacement.
Gruß
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Gelbfieber in Sierra Leone
YELLOW FEVER - AFRICA (04): SIERRA LEONE (PUJEHUN), REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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A ProMED-mail post
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ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Fri 20 Jul 2012
Source: All Africa [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207201168.html
The Director of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Amara Jambai, has yesterday [19 Jul 2012] disclosed an outbreak of yellow fever in the Pujehun District.
Speaking to journalists at the weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Jambai said the outbreak should be a serious concern to the government and people of Sierra Leone.
"Yellow fever is potentially a fatal viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Our investigation team is trekking to Bevehun in the Pujehun District to look into the outbreak," Dr. Jambai explained.
[Byline: Mohamed Massaquoi]
---
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
[There is a mixed outbreak going on in Sierra Leone involving not only yellow fever virus infections, but cholera and Lassa Fever infections as well. The fatalities in the report are totaled for all 3 diseases without indicating the numbers of deaths due to each. ProMED would appreciate receiving more specific information about the numbers of yellow fever cases and their dates, locations, outcomes and Ministry of Health plans and actions in response to the reported outbreak.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of Pujehun district, Southern province can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2OcO. - Mod.TY]
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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 20 Jul 2012
Source: All Africa [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207201168.html
The Director of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Amara Jambai, has yesterday [19 Jul 2012] disclosed an outbreak of yellow fever in the Pujehun District.
Speaking to journalists at the weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Jambai said the outbreak should be a serious concern to the government and people of Sierra Leone.
"Yellow fever is potentially a fatal viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Our investigation team is trekking to Bevehun in the Pujehun District to look into the outbreak," Dr. Jambai explained.
[Byline: Mohamed Massaquoi]
---
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall
[There is a mixed outbreak going on in Sierra Leone involving not only yellow fever virus infections, but cholera and Lassa Fever infections as well. The fatalities in the report are totaled for all 3 diseases without indicating the numbers of deaths due to each. ProMED would appreciate receiving more specific information about the numbers of yellow fever cases and their dates, locations, outcomes and Ministry of Health plans and actions in response to the reported outbreak.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map showing the location of Pujehun district, Southern province can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2OcO. - Mod.TY]
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Cholera in Afrika
CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2012 (33): AFRICA
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this update:
[1] Cholera - Congo DR (North Kivu Province)
[2] Cholera - Sierra Leone,Guinea
[3] Cholera - Mali (North)
[4] Cholera - Nigeria (Ekiti State)
[5] Cholera - Niger (Tillaberi Region)
[6] Cholera - Uganda (Bundibugyo District)ex Congo DR
******
[1] Cholera - Congo DR (North Kivu Province)
Date: Mon 23 Jul 2012
Source: WHO [edited]
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_07_23/en/index.html
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp increase in the number of cholera cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu. According to the report, 368 new cases were reported from epidemiological week 24 (11-17 Jun 2012) to epidemiological week 26 (25 Jun - 1 Jul 2012). The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.
There is concern that the security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
North Kivu is one the 5 provinces of eastern DRC where cholera is endemic. _Vibrio cholerae_ was confirmed in the AMI-Kivu laboratory since 2011.
Epidemiological investigation conducted by national authorities and other partners, including Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Merlin, and International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicated that insufficient access to safe water supply remains the main cause of the epidemic in North Kivu.
Patients are being treated with infusions and antibiotics as appropriate at treatment centres. Interventions to control the epidemic that are being carried out include education and communication; management of cases; increased surveillance; hygiene and sanitation; and provision of safe drinking water.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to support national authorities in response to the cholera outbreak and the broader humanitarian emergency resulting from conflict and population displacement.
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Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR
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[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at http://healthmap.org/r/1Zu.]
******
[2] Cholera - Sierra Leone, Guinea
Date: Wed 18 Jul 2012
Source: Agence France-Presse [edited]
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... dfd1d7.531
Sierra Leone's health ministry on Wed 18 Jul 2012 said an outbreak of cholera in the west African country has killed 62 people in less than a month. The western area, including the capital Freetown, and "3 towns in the northern and southern parts of the country have now been declared cholera outbreak areas," said a ministry statement.
Between 23 Jun 2012 and 17 Jul 2012, 62 people have died and 3721 cases have been reported in the areas concerned, statistics showed. The highest number of cases was in the town of Port Loko, where 21 children under the age of 5 have died.
"The outbreak has been traced to unsanitary conditions, acute water shortages in many parts of the country and migration from affected regions," a health official said.
A recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said the disease had also spread to neighboring Guinea.
As the annual rainy season is getting underway, the waterborne disease has already left some 700 people dead in West and Central Africa with more than 29 000 cases reported, UNICEF said last week. Mali and Niger have also been hard hit, with high levels of malnourishment as a result of a food crisis exacerbating the problem.
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[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1KlT.]
******
[3] Cholera - Mali (North)
Date: Mon 16 Jul 2012
Source: UNICEF [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207170997.html
UNICEF is sending 20 000 water, sanitation and hygiene kits to the North of Mali as part of its emergency response to a cholera outbreak. Some 120 000 people, including 60 000 children, will benefit from the supplies that include purification tablets, storage containers and other equipment dispatched to Gao and Timbuktu in the north. Local partners will distribute the supplies.
Since the start of the cholera outbreak about 10 days ago, 6 children have died among 56 cases reported in Wabaria, Labbezanga and Ansongo in Gao region on the banks of the Niger River.
Though cholera is endemic in the countries of the Sahel, the crisis in northern Mali combined with the massive displacement of people and the onset of the rainy season are raising fears of a sharp increase in cholera cases in the coming weeks.
"We must do everything we can to prevent the further spread of cholera in northern Mali," said Frederic Sizaret, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Mali.
When the outbreak was 1st reported, UNICEF sent 3 trucks loaded with medicine and equipment to help partners in Gao respond. Cholera prevention for 500 000 people is under way in high-risk areas. Distribution of kits is accompanied by sessions to explain how to treat water and encourage better hygiene. Each of the 20 000 kits, which will be distributed this week, contain collapsible jerry cans and buckets and a 6-month supply of soap and water purification tablets for a family of 6.
"The cholera epidemic on top of the nutrition and security crises currently faced by Mali increase people's vulnerability and risks, endangering current emergency response efforts. We urgently need more funding to respond," Mr. Sizaret said.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1CnR.]
******
[4] Cholera - Nigeria (Ekiti State)
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: The Nation Online [edited]
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/i ... ekiti.html
2 persons have so far died from the cholera outbreak reported in Igbaraodo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasuba, confirmed the figure to journalists on Thu 19 Jul 2012 in Ado-Ekiti. He said government had already conveyed vaccines to the affected community and the neighboring Ilawe-Ekiti.
The commissioner also said government was embarking on a sensitisation campaign on the ailment to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1qGF.]
******
[5] Cholera - Niger (Tillaberi Region)
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [edited]
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Chole ... r-20120719
A cholera epidemic in Niger has killed 58 people and spread to a refugee camp housing Malians who have fled the unrest in the north of their country, the UN said on Thu 19 Jul 2012.
"The overall number of cases reported as of 15 Jul 2012 is 2900, with 58 deaths," the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report issued from Niger's capital Niamey.
"The number of cholera cases continues to increase [and] the ... situation remains worrying with the arrival of the rainy season," it added.
The epidemic broke out in January 2012 in the western region of Tillaberi. Its spread to the Tabareybarey refugee camp, where the WHO has registered 9 cases, is particularly worrying for health officials. The contagious intestinal illness can decimate refugee camps.
Some 250 000 Malians have fled to neighbouring countries, including 52 000 to Niger, according to the UN refugee agency.
--
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The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1CnU.
******
[6] Cholera - Uganda (Bundibugyo District)ex Congo DR
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: New Vision [edited]
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633115- ... asese.html
An outbreak of the deadly cholera disease in Bundibugyo district has killed 4 people leaving over 150 others hospitalized. The epidemic spread to the district from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The 4 persons died before being taken to hospitals for medication according to Isaac Bisunga, the district disease surveillance officer.
Bisunga says the epidemic broke out in June 2012, but it was only realized that it was cholera last week. The most affected areas include Bundibugyo town council, Nyahuka town council, Kasithu sub-county, Bukukwanga sub-county, Kisuba sub-county, and Bubandi sub-county.
Isolation centers have been established at Bundibugyo hospital and Nyahuka health center IV according to the disease surveillance officer.
[Byline: Masereka Bernard]
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ProMED-mail
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[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1wa6.]
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this update:
[1] Cholera - Congo DR (North Kivu Province)
[2] Cholera - Sierra Leone,Guinea
[3] Cholera - Mali (North)
[4] Cholera - Nigeria (Ekiti State)
[5] Cholera - Niger (Tillaberi Region)
[6] Cholera - Uganda (Bundibugyo District)ex Congo DR
******
[1] Cholera - Congo DR (North Kivu Province)
Date: Mon 23 Jul 2012
Source: WHO [edited]
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2012_07_23/en/index.html
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp increase in the number of cholera cases in the armed conflict area of North Kivu. According to the report, 368 new cases were reported from epidemiological week 24 (11-17 Jun 2012) to epidemiological week 26 (25 Jun - 1 Jul 2012). The most affected areas include Birambizo, Goma, Karisimbi, Kiroshe, Mutwanga, Mweso and Rwanguba.
There is concern that the security situation may increase difficulty in accessing the health care facilities and could increase the number of severe and fatal cases. The current armed conflict in North Kivu also poses a risk of international spread of the disease to neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda.
North Kivu is one the 5 provinces of eastern DRC where cholera is endemic. _Vibrio cholerae_ was confirmed in the AMI-Kivu laboratory since 2011.
Epidemiological investigation conducted by national authorities and other partners, including Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Merlin, and International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicated that insufficient access to safe water supply remains the main cause of the epidemic in North Kivu.
Patients are being treated with infusions and antibiotics as appropriate at treatment centres. Interventions to control the epidemic that are being carried out include education and communication; management of cases; increased surveillance; hygiene and sanitation; and provision of safe drinking water.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to support national authorities in response to the cholera outbreak and the broader humanitarian emergency resulting from conflict and population displacement.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-EAFR
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at http://healthmap.org/r/1Zu.]
******
[2] Cholera - Sierra Leone, Guinea
Date: Wed 18 Jul 2012
Source: Agence France-Presse [edited]
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ar ... dfd1d7.531
Sierra Leone's health ministry on Wed 18 Jul 2012 said an outbreak of cholera in the west African country has killed 62 people in less than a month. The western area, including the capital Freetown, and "3 towns in the northern and southern parts of the country have now been declared cholera outbreak areas," said a ministry statement.
Between 23 Jun 2012 and 17 Jul 2012, 62 people have died and 3721 cases have been reported in the areas concerned, statistics showed. The highest number of cases was in the town of Port Loko, where 21 children under the age of 5 have died.
"The outbreak has been traced to unsanitary conditions, acute water shortages in many parts of the country and migration from affected regions," a health official said.
A recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said the disease had also spread to neighboring Guinea.
As the annual rainy season is getting underway, the waterborne disease has already left some 700 people dead in West and Central Africa with more than 29 000 cases reported, UNICEF said last week. Mali and Niger have also been hard hit, with high levels of malnourishment as a result of a food crisis exacerbating the problem.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1KlT.]
******
[3] Cholera - Mali (North)
Date: Mon 16 Jul 2012
Source: UNICEF [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207170997.html
UNICEF is sending 20 000 water, sanitation and hygiene kits to the North of Mali as part of its emergency response to a cholera outbreak. Some 120 000 people, including 60 000 children, will benefit from the supplies that include purification tablets, storage containers and other equipment dispatched to Gao and Timbuktu in the north. Local partners will distribute the supplies.
Since the start of the cholera outbreak about 10 days ago, 6 children have died among 56 cases reported in Wabaria, Labbezanga and Ansongo in Gao region on the banks of the Niger River.
Though cholera is endemic in the countries of the Sahel, the crisis in northern Mali combined with the massive displacement of people and the onset of the rainy season are raising fears of a sharp increase in cholera cases in the coming weeks.
"We must do everything we can to prevent the further spread of cholera in northern Mali," said Frederic Sizaret, the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Mali.
When the outbreak was 1st reported, UNICEF sent 3 trucks loaded with medicine and equipment to help partners in Gao respond. Cholera prevention for 500 000 people is under way in high-risk areas. Distribution of kits is accompanied by sessions to explain how to treat water and encourage better hygiene. Each of the 20 000 kits, which will be distributed this week, contain collapsible jerry cans and buckets and a 6-month supply of soap and water purification tablets for a family of 6.
"The cholera epidemic on top of the nutrition and security crises currently faced by Mali increase people's vulnerability and risks, endangering current emergency response efforts. We urgently need more funding to respond," Mr. Sizaret said.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1CnR.]
******
[4] Cholera - Nigeria (Ekiti State)
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: The Nation Online [edited]
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/i ... ekiti.html
2 persons have so far died from the cholera outbreak reported in Igbaraodo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasuba, confirmed the figure to journalists on Thu 19 Jul 2012 in Ado-Ekiti. He said government had already conveyed vaccines to the affected community and the neighboring Ilawe-Ekiti.
The commissioner also said government was embarking on a sensitisation campaign on the ailment to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1qGF.]
******
[5] Cholera - Niger (Tillaberi Region)
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [edited]
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Chole ... r-20120719
A cholera epidemic in Niger has killed 58 people and spread to a refugee camp housing Malians who have fled the unrest in the north of their country, the UN said on Thu 19 Jul 2012.
"The overall number of cases reported as of 15 Jul 2012 is 2900, with 58 deaths," the UN's Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report issued from Niger's capital Niamey.
"The number of cholera cases continues to increase [and] the ... situation remains worrying with the arrival of the rainy season," it added.
The epidemic broke out in January 2012 in the western region of Tillaberi. Its spread to the Tabareybarey refugee camp, where the WHO has registered 9 cases, is particularly worrying for health officials. The contagious intestinal illness can decimate refugee camps.
Some 250 000 Malians have fled to neighbouring countries, including 52 000 to Niger, according to the UN refugee agency.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1CnU.
******
[6] Cholera - Uganda (Bundibugyo District)ex Congo DR
Date: Thu 19 Jul 2012
Source: New Vision [edited]
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/633115- ... asese.html
An outbreak of the deadly cholera disease in Bundibugyo district has killed 4 people leaving over 150 others hospitalized. The epidemic spread to the district from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The 4 persons died before being taken to hospitals for medication according to Isaac Bisunga, the district disease surveillance officer.
Bisunga says the epidemic broke out in June 2012, but it was only realized that it was cholera last week. The most affected areas include Bundibugyo town council, Nyahuka town council, Kasithu sub-county, Bukukwanga sub-county, Kisuba sub-county, and Bubandi sub-county.
Isolation centers have been established at Bundibugyo hospital and Nyahuka health center IV according to the disease surveillance officer.
[Byline: Masereka Bernard]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at: http://healthmap.org/r/1wa6.]
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Gelbfieber in Südafrika und Ghana - beide ex Nigeria
YELLOW FEVER - AFRICA (05): NIGERIA, FAKE CARDS
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this posting:
[1] South Africa ex Nigeria
[2] Ghana ex Nigeria
******
[1] South Africa ex Nigeria
Date: Mon 23 Jul 2012
Source: The Nation [edited]
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/i ... dance.html
On 2 March this year [2012], 125 Nigerians on Arik Airlines plane to Johannesburg were denied entry and deported by the South African port health authority. The authority had concerns about the validity of the yellow fever vaccination cards, which the passengers had as proof of having been vaccinated against yellow fever. Nigeria reciprocated by deporting more than 60 South Africans; thus a diplomatic feud ensued until South Africa apologised.
Yellow fever, which is a viral haemorrhagic fever, is endemic in West Africa since 50 per cent of the population is not vaccinated. And Nigeria, according to a WHO report, is at risk of a yellow fever outbreak while South Africa is not.
[A worker] at one of the airlines' stalls at the international airport said: "Yes, the fake cards were being sold freely before the disagreement between South Africa and Nigeria, but now things are a little different. I would even advise you to get vaccinated. It would help you and it is cheaper; it is just N500 [USD 3.12]. People buy the fake cards because they want to get it for someone else or they don't want to be injected."
A visit by The Nation to the Port Health Services at MMIA ascertained the persistence of the fake cards. The Chief Nursing Officer, who did not acquiesce to the publication of her name in print, said, "The fake yellow fever cards, which had been seized by the Port Authority from passengers, still bear 1969 as the year of issue. Whereas it has been reviewed; now the new original ones bear 2005.
"Also, there are traits common with fake cards. They usually carry stamps of fictional hospitals and names of vaccines that are no longer administered, such as Cholera vaccine that is only administered to people going on the hajj pilgrimage. These touts often write CMS, the bus stop, instead of CSM (cerebro-spinal meningitis) vaccine on the fake cards."
She revealed that the latest real stamp by the Port Health Services was "PORT HEALTH OFFICER, MURTALA MOHD INT. AIRPORT, HEADQUARTERS IKEJA" also with the impression of the Nigerian Coat of Arms. She contrasted it with the fake cards that bore stamps like: "MEDICAL OFFICE OF HEALTH, LAGOS ISLAND, L.G. CITY HALL LAGOS", "MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH", and "PORT HEALTH SERVICES, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH, M.M INTER. AIRPORT, IKEJA". Other fakes have only the Coat of Arms imprinted on them. She said some fake cards had Oshodi and Ikeja as locations of non-existing hospitals.
She described the incorrect vaccine batch numbers that were filled in the counterfeit cards. These, particularly, were the features the South African Port Health Authority said they found unrecognisable and unacceptable. She said of intending passengers interested in fake cards, "These people claim they are healthy. They say, 'I don't have malaria; I don't have fever.' They don't know yellow fever is a disease on its own and the vaccine prevents it. Yellow fever has the tendency to perforate any organ. It can kill a lot of people within 72 hours."
Known symptoms of yellow fever are jaundice (yellowness of the skin and membranes), congestion of the face, widespread haemorrhage, nausea, and vomiting of blood. According to Wikipedia, every year, 30 000 deaths out of 200 000 cases of yellow fever occur in endemic areas.
The Chief Nursing Officer, who is also a community health expert said: "The essence of vaccination is to prevent trans-boundary communication of the disease. We shouldn't let citizens of this country infect citizens of another country, and vice-versa."
It should be noted that danger associated with the international transmission of yellow fever is the high mortality that accompanies the infection of population that has not been infected (non-endemic areas), while natives in endemic areas are relatively protected by acquired immunity.
On the status of the relationship of the Port Health Services with South Africa, the Chief Nursing Officer said, "South Africa does not accept vaccination cards from any other health facility, be it University of Benin Teaching Hospital or University College Hospital. They only accept those of Port Health Services. Also, there is a secret way we fill the original cards, and this is only known by us and the Port Health officers in South Africa." She, however, did not say if any secret arrangements had been made with other countries to ensure authenticity of the cards.
She lamented the plight and ignorance of those who were deported in the past for possessing fake cards, "A woman and her daughter had purchased the fake cards at N2500 [USD 15.58] per card, only to be sent back to Nigeria. Deportees had bought the fake cards because of sheer ignorance, and because Nigerians just like short-cut to everything. These people don't know that the yellow fever vaccine should be administered 10 days before travelling, because it is by this time the traveller would be immunised. Also, some travel agents had also helped prospective travellers acquire fake yellow fever vaccination cards."
A prospective traveller in the queue at the departure section of MMIA, who refused to be named, showed his yellow fever vaccination card. It was worn out and did not have the real stamp of the Port Health Services; it only had the Nigerian Coat of Arms imprint. "I have been using this card for a while. My agent procured it for me. It cost N1000 [USD 6.24]. I wasn't given any injection; In Nigeria, we don't do that jare [sic]."
When asked if she would attribute the sale of fake cards to laxity in the manner the Port Health Services officers discharge their duty, the Chief Nursing Officer said: "We had the vaccines, but travellers did not come. Even though it was just N500 [USD 3.12] and we administered the vaccine to them, they would rather buy the expensive fake ones without being vaccinated. However, after the South Africa problem, a lot of people have been coming here to get vaccinated. We also have a 24-hour operational clinic at the airport where people can be vaccinated."
This reporter saw would-be passengers being vaccinated at the MMIA clinic. When a nurse was asked if the yellow fever vaccination cards could be obtained without vaccination or for someone else, she said, "No."
On the implementation of plans by the Federal Government to curb the peddling of the fake cards, the Chief Nursing Officer said: "Directives have been given to the Nigerian Air Force and State Secret Service to arrest those printing and selling the cards. The Federal Government has said it would commission the Central Bank of Nigeria to formulate and print new cards so that they will not be easily copied."
The yellow fever vaccination card, also known as International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, had been used to certify vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera and smallpox for a long time. It could also be used to certify other vaccinations that individual countries may require before entry is permitted.
After the certificate was revised in 2005, only yellow fever vaccination remained mandatory. In 1973, Cholera vaccine was stopped, while WHO declared on 8 May 1980 the eradication of small pox. Immunisation against yellow fever lasts for 10 years.
[Byline: Damilola Owoyele]
Comment from a website reader:
"Thank You For Enlightening Us On This Issue; Though It Will Take A Tout To Patronise A Tout. But Your Explanations Will Only Give These Touts The Insights To Change Their Modus Operandi (Mode Of Operation) A They Will Start Putting All These Fixtures You Mentioned. Trust Nigerians On That!
Another Comment from a website reader:
"It is not only touts that are selling the yellow fever cards without the injection, even the officials i.e. nurses at the government hospitals are guilty of the same offence. I visited the local health centre at Aderemi Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State in 2011 to receive yellow fever injection with the card as I was to travel to South Africa. I was made to pay the official fee, but the nurse told me that they did not have the injection. I protested and she went to call a senior colleague who just reiterated the same statement that I heard earlier. I had no option than to take the card without the injection because I needed to travel to South Africa for an important assignment.
"I got to the Murtala Muhammed international airport where I was to be cleared by the health officials who are recently posted there. I was told by them that the dose written on the card was not correct. I asked them to write it themselves, and they borrowed a black pen from me and they wrote it. The question now is that how do you confirm or crosscheck a document that is not linked to a database? If those guys at the airport was to confirm the authenticity of my card, then they will have to travel to Ile-Ife that night to confirm. Even if they have done that, they would have not being able to confirm because those officials at the health centre at Ile-Ife also were not keeping records. So fellow Nigerians let us face it, we still have a long way to go. May God bless Nigeria, the land of my birth."
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Human yellow fever cases do occur in Nigeria from time-to-time (see ProMED-mail archives below). There is the risk that an individual viremic with yellow fever (YF) virus could enter a YF virus-free country using a fake immunization document, and if _Aedes_ mosquito vectors were present, an outbreak could be started. Sale of fake immunization cards presents a serious public health problem, and local health authorities are entirely justified in denying entry into the country of individuals attempting to use them. One hopes that the response of the South African health authorities in the above situation sends a clear message that issuance of fake immunization cards will not be tolerated, and the Nigerian government will crack down on those who sell them.
***Administration of YF virus vaccine at the airport immediately before embarking on a flight does not provide the 10 days needed for an adequate immune response. - Mod.TY]
******
[2] Ghana ex Nigeria
Date: Tue 24 Jul 2012
Source: The Guardian [edited]
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.ph ... Itemid=559
A diplomatic row may soon arise between Nigeria and Ghana as the country is said to be denying Nigerians entry over alleged fake yellow fever [immunization] cards.
Some Nigerian travellers to Accra told The Guardian that they were recently subjected to inhuman treatment at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, over yellow fever vaccination.
The Guardian learnt that all the yellow fever cards from Nigeria were presumed fake and international passports of such Nigerians seized with the Ghanaian immigration officials insisting that the affected persons get Ghana's yellow fever cards at the cost of N2000 [USD 12.48] before their documents could be released to them.
According to one of the affected Nigerians, "on 29 Jun 2012, there were 2 last flights by Aero and Arik that landed almost simultaneously at about 6.10 p.m. Nigerian time. Immediately, the health officials mounted an unconventional roadblock on the way to the immigration points. Every vaccination card issued in Nigeria was presumed fake. We were all asked to move to the side after all our international passports have been seized.
"New vaccination cards were issued to us after injecting us with the vaccine and a fee of N2000 charged for that which was paid in Nigerian currency. Charging for this in Naira is curious. A pregnant woman was issued only with a card when she told them she is pregnant but only after parting with N2000," he added.
He said attention was not paid to new international arrivals consisting of whites and blacks on board, stressing that on inquiry, "the health officials claimed ignorance of such arrivals, disclosing that they were only after Nigerians."
"We were held for hours that day. To confirm extortion of money from Nigerians, why should they collect money from a pregnant woman who was not jabbed with an injection? Why should we be paying in Naira and why should every yellow fever card issued in Nigeria be presumed fake? Do the health officials of foreign countries have the powers to seize the passports of travellers/visitors to their countries?" he queried.
A diplomat, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, said the Federal Government was already studying the ugly situation, not only in Ghana but around the world, just as he said that the Nigerian authority had made it known that it would provide protection for her law-abiding citizens around the globe.
According to the source, "the Federal Government has reached out to its Ghanaian counterpart and [they] are discussing ways to end the alleged hostilities."
[Byline: Wole Shadare]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The Nigerians were neither turned back nor denied entry -- they were forcibly vaccinated and charged 4 times what they would have paid for it in Nigeria. But the reporter did not point that out, nor that protection does not kick in for 10 days and the incubation period of YF is only 3-6 days. - Mod.JW]
[This is a good example of the loss of confidence by national health authorities resulting from the earlier fraudulent sale of fake YF vaccination cards. Now, all Nigerian YF vaccination cards are likely to be suspect. - Mod.TY
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map can be accessed at: http://healthmap.org/r/1qGF.]
***********************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this posting:
[1] South Africa ex Nigeria
[2] Ghana ex Nigeria
******
[1] South Africa ex Nigeria
Date: Mon 23 Jul 2012
Source: The Nation [edited]
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/i ... dance.html
On 2 March this year [2012], 125 Nigerians on Arik Airlines plane to Johannesburg were denied entry and deported by the South African port health authority. The authority had concerns about the validity of the yellow fever vaccination cards, which the passengers had as proof of having been vaccinated against yellow fever. Nigeria reciprocated by deporting more than 60 South Africans; thus a diplomatic feud ensued until South Africa apologised.
Yellow fever, which is a viral haemorrhagic fever, is endemic in West Africa since 50 per cent of the population is not vaccinated. And Nigeria, according to a WHO report, is at risk of a yellow fever outbreak while South Africa is not.
[A worker] at one of the airlines' stalls at the international airport said: "Yes, the fake cards were being sold freely before the disagreement between South Africa and Nigeria, but now things are a little different. I would even advise you to get vaccinated. It would help you and it is cheaper; it is just N500 [USD 3.12]. People buy the fake cards because they want to get it for someone else or they don't want to be injected."
A visit by The Nation to the Port Health Services at MMIA ascertained the persistence of the fake cards. The Chief Nursing Officer, who did not acquiesce to the publication of her name in print, said, "The fake yellow fever cards, which had been seized by the Port Authority from passengers, still bear 1969 as the year of issue. Whereas it has been reviewed; now the new original ones bear 2005.
"Also, there are traits common with fake cards. They usually carry stamps of fictional hospitals and names of vaccines that are no longer administered, such as Cholera vaccine that is only administered to people going on the hajj pilgrimage. These touts often write CMS, the bus stop, instead of CSM (cerebro-spinal meningitis) vaccine on the fake cards."
She revealed that the latest real stamp by the Port Health Services was "PORT HEALTH OFFICER, MURTALA MOHD INT. AIRPORT, HEADQUARTERS IKEJA" also with the impression of the Nigerian Coat of Arms. She contrasted it with the fake cards that bore stamps like: "MEDICAL OFFICE OF HEALTH, LAGOS ISLAND, L.G. CITY HALL LAGOS", "MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH", and "PORT HEALTH SERVICES, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH, M.M INTER. AIRPORT, IKEJA". Other fakes have only the Coat of Arms imprinted on them. She said some fake cards had Oshodi and Ikeja as locations of non-existing hospitals.
She described the incorrect vaccine batch numbers that were filled in the counterfeit cards. These, particularly, were the features the South African Port Health Authority said they found unrecognisable and unacceptable. She said of intending passengers interested in fake cards, "These people claim they are healthy. They say, 'I don't have malaria; I don't have fever.' They don't know yellow fever is a disease on its own and the vaccine prevents it. Yellow fever has the tendency to perforate any organ. It can kill a lot of people within 72 hours."
Known symptoms of yellow fever are jaundice (yellowness of the skin and membranes), congestion of the face, widespread haemorrhage, nausea, and vomiting of blood. According to Wikipedia, every year, 30 000 deaths out of 200 000 cases of yellow fever occur in endemic areas.
The Chief Nursing Officer, who is also a community health expert said: "The essence of vaccination is to prevent trans-boundary communication of the disease. We shouldn't let citizens of this country infect citizens of another country, and vice-versa."
It should be noted that danger associated with the international transmission of yellow fever is the high mortality that accompanies the infection of population that has not been infected (non-endemic areas), while natives in endemic areas are relatively protected by acquired immunity.
On the status of the relationship of the Port Health Services with South Africa, the Chief Nursing Officer said, "South Africa does not accept vaccination cards from any other health facility, be it University of Benin Teaching Hospital or University College Hospital. They only accept those of Port Health Services. Also, there is a secret way we fill the original cards, and this is only known by us and the Port Health officers in South Africa." She, however, did not say if any secret arrangements had been made with other countries to ensure authenticity of the cards.
She lamented the plight and ignorance of those who were deported in the past for possessing fake cards, "A woman and her daughter had purchased the fake cards at N2500 [USD 15.58] per card, only to be sent back to Nigeria. Deportees had bought the fake cards because of sheer ignorance, and because Nigerians just like short-cut to everything. These people don't know that the yellow fever vaccine should be administered 10 days before travelling, because it is by this time the traveller would be immunised. Also, some travel agents had also helped prospective travellers acquire fake yellow fever vaccination cards."
A prospective traveller in the queue at the departure section of MMIA, who refused to be named, showed his yellow fever vaccination card. It was worn out and did not have the real stamp of the Port Health Services; it only had the Nigerian Coat of Arms imprint. "I have been using this card for a while. My agent procured it for me. It cost N1000 [USD 6.24]. I wasn't given any injection; In Nigeria, we don't do that jare [sic]."
When asked if she would attribute the sale of fake cards to laxity in the manner the Port Health Services officers discharge their duty, the Chief Nursing Officer said: "We had the vaccines, but travellers did not come. Even though it was just N500 [USD 3.12] and we administered the vaccine to them, they would rather buy the expensive fake ones without being vaccinated. However, after the South Africa problem, a lot of people have been coming here to get vaccinated. We also have a 24-hour operational clinic at the airport where people can be vaccinated."
This reporter saw would-be passengers being vaccinated at the MMIA clinic. When a nurse was asked if the yellow fever vaccination cards could be obtained without vaccination or for someone else, she said, "No."
On the implementation of plans by the Federal Government to curb the peddling of the fake cards, the Chief Nursing Officer said: "Directives have been given to the Nigerian Air Force and State Secret Service to arrest those printing and selling the cards. The Federal Government has said it would commission the Central Bank of Nigeria to formulate and print new cards so that they will not be easily copied."
The yellow fever vaccination card, also known as International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, had been used to certify vaccinations against yellow fever, cholera and smallpox for a long time. It could also be used to certify other vaccinations that individual countries may require before entry is permitted.
After the certificate was revised in 2005, only yellow fever vaccination remained mandatory. In 1973, Cholera vaccine was stopped, while WHO declared on 8 May 1980 the eradication of small pox. Immunisation against yellow fever lasts for 10 years.
[Byline: Damilola Owoyele]
Comment from a website reader:
"Thank You For Enlightening Us On This Issue; Though It Will Take A Tout To Patronise A Tout. But Your Explanations Will Only Give These Touts The Insights To Change Their Modus Operandi (Mode Of Operation) A They Will Start Putting All These Fixtures You Mentioned. Trust Nigerians On That!
Another Comment from a website reader:
"It is not only touts that are selling the yellow fever cards without the injection, even the officials i.e. nurses at the government hospitals are guilty of the same offence. I visited the local health centre at Aderemi Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State in 2011 to receive yellow fever injection with the card as I was to travel to South Africa. I was made to pay the official fee, but the nurse told me that they did not have the injection. I protested and she went to call a senior colleague who just reiterated the same statement that I heard earlier. I had no option than to take the card without the injection because I needed to travel to South Africa for an important assignment.
"I got to the Murtala Muhammed international airport where I was to be cleared by the health officials who are recently posted there. I was told by them that the dose written on the card was not correct. I asked them to write it themselves, and they borrowed a black pen from me and they wrote it. The question now is that how do you confirm or crosscheck a document that is not linked to a database? If those guys at the airport was to confirm the authenticity of my card, then they will have to travel to Ile-Ife that night to confirm. Even if they have done that, they would have not being able to confirm because those officials at the health centre at Ile-Ife also were not keeping records. So fellow Nigerians let us face it, we still have a long way to go. May God bless Nigeria, the land of my birth."
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[Human yellow fever cases do occur in Nigeria from time-to-time (see ProMED-mail archives below). There is the risk that an individual viremic with yellow fever (YF) virus could enter a YF virus-free country using a fake immunization document, and if _Aedes_ mosquito vectors were present, an outbreak could be started. Sale of fake immunization cards presents a serious public health problem, and local health authorities are entirely justified in denying entry into the country of individuals attempting to use them. One hopes that the response of the South African health authorities in the above situation sends a clear message that issuance of fake immunization cards will not be tolerated, and the Nigerian government will crack down on those who sell them.
***Administration of YF virus vaccine at the airport immediately before embarking on a flight does not provide the 10 days needed for an adequate immune response. - Mod.TY]
******
[2] Ghana ex Nigeria
Date: Tue 24 Jul 2012
Source: The Guardian [edited]
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.ph ... Itemid=559
A diplomatic row may soon arise between Nigeria and Ghana as the country is said to be denying Nigerians entry over alleged fake yellow fever [immunization] cards.
Some Nigerian travellers to Accra told The Guardian that they were recently subjected to inhuman treatment at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, over yellow fever vaccination.
The Guardian learnt that all the yellow fever cards from Nigeria were presumed fake and international passports of such Nigerians seized with the Ghanaian immigration officials insisting that the affected persons get Ghana's yellow fever cards at the cost of N2000 [USD 12.48] before their documents could be released to them.
According to one of the affected Nigerians, "on 29 Jun 2012, there were 2 last flights by Aero and Arik that landed almost simultaneously at about 6.10 p.m. Nigerian time. Immediately, the health officials mounted an unconventional roadblock on the way to the immigration points. Every vaccination card issued in Nigeria was presumed fake. We were all asked to move to the side after all our international passports have been seized.
"New vaccination cards were issued to us after injecting us with the vaccine and a fee of N2000 charged for that which was paid in Nigerian currency. Charging for this in Naira is curious. A pregnant woman was issued only with a card when she told them she is pregnant but only after parting with N2000," he added.
He said attention was not paid to new international arrivals consisting of whites and blacks on board, stressing that on inquiry, "the health officials claimed ignorance of such arrivals, disclosing that they were only after Nigerians."
"We were held for hours that day. To confirm extortion of money from Nigerians, why should they collect money from a pregnant woman who was not jabbed with an injection? Why should we be paying in Naira and why should every yellow fever card issued in Nigeria be presumed fake? Do the health officials of foreign countries have the powers to seize the passports of travellers/visitors to their countries?" he queried.
A diplomat, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, said the Federal Government was already studying the ugly situation, not only in Ghana but around the world, just as he said that the Nigerian authority had made it known that it would provide protection for her law-abiding citizens around the globe.
According to the source, "the Federal Government has reached out to its Ghanaian counterpart and [they] are discussing ways to end the alleged hostilities."
[Byline: Wole Shadare]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The Nigerians were neither turned back nor denied entry -- they were forcibly vaccinated and charged 4 times what they would have paid for it in Nigeria. But the reporter did not point that out, nor that protection does not kick in for 10 days and the incubation period of YF is only 3-6 days. - Mod.JW]
[This is a good example of the loss of confidence by national health authorities resulting from the earlier fraudulent sale of fake YF vaccination cards. Now, all Nigerian YF vaccination cards are likely to be suspect. - Mod.TY
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map can be accessed at: http://healthmap.org/r/1qGF.]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35201
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Gelbfieber in Nigeria
YELLOW FEVER - AFRICA (06), NIGERIA, FAKE CARDS, CORRECTION
***********************************************************
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 25 Jul 2012
From: Tayo Babalobi [edited]
[The previous ProMED-mail post (archive no. 20120724.1213759) stated,
"A visit by The Nation to the Port Health Services at MMIA ascertained the persistence of the fake cards. The Chief Nursing Officer, who did not acquiesce to the publication of her name in print, said, "The fake yellow fever cards, which had been seized by the port authority from passengers, still bear 1969 as the year of inception of issuance. Whereas it has been reviewed; now the new original ones bear 2005."]
Tayo Babalobi responded with the following information:
Classifying Yellow Fever Cards bearing 1969 (as the year of inception of issuance) as 'fake yellow fever cards' is misinformation.
I had my 1st yellow fever vaccination (Stamaril Pasteur Lot 1565) on 16 Jan 2002 on an INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (1969) Yellow (Fever) Card stamped at the Immunization Centre, Jaja clinic, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria; and re-vaccinated (with STAMARIL PASTEUR LOT G5188) on the same INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (1969) Yellow (Fever) card at the same Immunization Centre on 16 Jun 2011.
Between 2002 and now, I have been to South Africa in 2005, twice in 2009 and in 2010; to Ghana in 2011 (and other African countries up till 2011, Europe (2011) and USA (2012); and neither at any of the visa issuing embassies nor at the port of departure or entry to these countries and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Lagos, has my 1969 Yellow (Fever) Card ever been refused or classified as fake.
--
Tayo Babalobi
[The previous ProMED-mail report clearly indicated that fake yellow fever immunization cards were being sold in Nigeria. It is unfortunate, that a Nigerian health official's blanket statement about the legitimacy of all immunization cards dated 1969 inaccurately casts suspicion on legitimate cards bearing that date such as the one possessed by Tayo Babalobi. ProMED thanks Tayo for clarifying the situation. - Mod. TY]
***********************************************************
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 25 Jul 2012
From: Tayo Babalobi [edited]
[The previous ProMED-mail post (archive no. 20120724.1213759) stated,
"A visit by The Nation to the Port Health Services at MMIA ascertained the persistence of the fake cards. The Chief Nursing Officer, who did not acquiesce to the publication of her name in print, said, "The fake yellow fever cards, which had been seized by the port authority from passengers, still bear 1969 as the year of inception of issuance. Whereas it has been reviewed; now the new original ones bear 2005."]
Tayo Babalobi responded with the following information:
Classifying Yellow Fever Cards bearing 1969 (as the year of inception of issuance) as 'fake yellow fever cards' is misinformation.
I had my 1st yellow fever vaccination (Stamaril Pasteur Lot 1565) on 16 Jan 2002 on an INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (1969) Yellow (Fever) Card stamped at the Immunization Centre, Jaja clinic, University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria; and re-vaccinated (with STAMARIL PASTEUR LOT G5188) on the same INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (1969) Yellow (Fever) card at the same Immunization Centre on 16 Jun 2011.
Between 2002 and now, I have been to South Africa in 2005, twice in 2009 and in 2010; to Ghana in 2011 (and other African countries up till 2011, Europe (2011) and USA (2012); and neither at any of the visa issuing embassies nor at the port of departure or entry to these countries and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Lagos, has my 1969 Yellow (Fever) Card ever been refused or classified as fake.
--
Tayo Babalobi
[The previous ProMED-mail report clearly indicated that fake yellow fever immunization cards were being sold in Nigeria. It is unfortunate, that a Nigerian health official's blanket statement about the legitimacy of all immunization cards dated 1969 inaccurately casts suspicion on legitimate cards bearing that date such as the one possessed by Tayo Babalobi. ProMED thanks Tayo for clarifying the situation. - Mod. TY]
-
Birgitt
- Moderator
- Beiträge: 35201
- Registriert: Di 2. Aug 2005, 22:52
- Wohnort: NRW / Südl. Rheinland
- Kontaktdaten:
Cholera in Sierra Leone und Nigeria
CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2012 (34): AFRICA
************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
******
[1] Cholera - Sierra Leone
Date: Wed 25 Jul 2012
Source: IRIN [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207250357.html
On 18 Jul 2012, the 1st reported case in Freetown came from Marbella, a slum area near the center of town where a high volume of people constantly visit and trade in the busy 24-hour market. The Ministry of Health says they are seeing 40 new cases a day in this area. In Freetown and the surrounding Western Area, 410 cases and 9 deaths have been reported. The fatality rate is at 2 percent.
"The fatality rate is very high," Sierra Leone's Minister of Health, Zainab Bangura, told a press conference on Mon 23 Jul 2012. "It is pretty serious. At the moment, our strategy is to contain it [the disease] and to clean the environment." Bangura said emergency measures were being put in place.
Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu, Director of the WHO in Sierra Leone, told IRIN this is the biggest outbreak since 2007. "For a population of 6 million, 4000 cases are significant; this is big."
Since January 2012, Sierra Leone has seen 4249 cases of cholera, and 76 people have died from the waterborne disease. Wondimagegnehu said the epidemic has not yet reached its peak. Critics say the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone was slow to respond to the outbreak, and prevention efforts in the country are weak.
The government has set up 3 emergency centres in hot spots around the city to handle new cases, and all government clinics are providing free treatment for cholera.
But in Marbella, a high-density area that is not accessible by road and is packed with traders and dwellings, many residents do not have access to toilets and live close to each other.
"The situation in Marbella, with lack of sanitation and hygiene, lack of safe drinking water, and the [poor] management of food in the market area, all these are risk factors for [the outbreak] to escalate," Wondimagegnehu said.
--
Communicated by;
ProMED-mail from HealthMap Alerts
<promed@promedmail.org>
[The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the country is available at http://healthmap.org/r/1KlT.]
******
[2] Cholera - Nigeria (Plateau State)
Date: Wed 25 Jul 2012
Source: ChannelsTV [edited]
http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/07/ ... d-hits-47/
There are fears of a possible cholera outbreak within the areas affected by floods in Jos, Plateau state. A medical official of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria in the state, Tawa Abdulrahama, on Tue 24 Jul 2012 disclosed that no fewer than 65 persons in various camps were being treated for dysentery and diarrhea. "There are already high cases of cholera among victims of the flood," she said.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Mallam Idi Waziri, who led a delegation to assess the level of damage done by the flood, said the government would support the victims.
--
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[1] Cholera - Sierra Leone
Date: Wed 25 Jul 2012
Source: IRIN [edited]
http://allafrica.com/stories/201207250357.html
On 18 Jul 2012, the 1st reported case in Freetown came from Marbella, a slum area near the center of town where a high volume of people constantly visit and trade in the busy 24-hour market. The Ministry of Health says they are seeing 40 new cases a day in this area. In Freetown and the surrounding Western Area, 410 cases and 9 deaths have been reported. The fatality rate is at 2 percent.
"The fatality rate is very high," Sierra Leone's Minister of Health, Zainab Bangura, told a press conference on Mon 23 Jul 2012. "It is pretty serious. At the moment, our strategy is to contain it [the disease] and to clean the environment." Bangura said emergency measures were being put in place.
Dr Alemu Wondimagegnehu, Director of the WHO in Sierra Leone, told IRIN this is the biggest outbreak since 2007. "For a population of 6 million, 4000 cases are significant; this is big."
Since January 2012, Sierra Leone has seen 4249 cases of cholera, and 76 people have died from the waterborne disease. Wondimagegnehu said the epidemic has not yet reached its peak. Critics say the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone was slow to respond to the outbreak, and prevention efforts in the country are weak.
The government has set up 3 emergency centres in hot spots around the city to handle new cases, and all government clinics are providing free treatment for cholera.
But in Marbella, a high-density area that is not accessible by road and is packed with traders and dwellings, many residents do not have access to toilets and live close to each other.
"The situation in Marbella, with lack of sanitation and hygiene, lack of safe drinking water, and the [poor] management of food in the market area, all these are risk factors for [the outbreak] to escalate," Wondimagegnehu said.
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[2] Cholera - Nigeria (Plateau State)
Date: Wed 25 Jul 2012
Source: ChannelsTV [edited]
http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/07/ ... d-hits-47/
There are fears of a possible cholera outbreak within the areas affected by floods in Jos, Plateau state. A medical official of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria in the state, Tawa Abdulrahama, on Tue 24 Jul 2012 disclosed that no fewer than 65 persons in various camps were being treated for dysentery and diarrhea. "There are already high cases of cholera among victims of the flood," she said.
The Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Mallam Idi Waziri, who led a delegation to assess the level of damage done by the flood, said the government would support the victims.
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Histoplasmose in Südafrika
HISTOPLASMOSIS - SOUTH AFRICA: (GAUTENG)
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Date: Thu 26 Jul 2012
Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa [edited] http://www.nicd.ac.za/?page=communique&id=56
A 28-year-old man from Pretoria developed an influenza-like illness with abrupt onset on 25 May 2012. His symptoms included backache, fever and rigors. He was admitted to a private hospital in Pretoria 5 days later with progressively worsening dyspnoea, a non-productive cough, and pleuritic chest pain.
Together with 8 other persons, the index patient had gone on an expedition to the Sterkfontein cave complex on 11 May 2012 (exactly 2 weeks prior to the onset of his symptoms). The expedition group had accessed "Bat Cave" through the cavern roof via a fixed ladder.
They had crawled into areas of the cave that were not often explored and noticed fine, soft dirt on the cave floor that was easily aerosolised.
The group wore hard hats but no masks and stayed underground for approximately 5 hours. Four other members of the group also developed an acute influenza-like illness approximately 2 weeks after the expedition; one other person was admitted to the same private hospital with a diagnosis of acute community-acquired pneumonia.
The 2 hospitalised patients were treated empirically for an acute community-acquired pneumonia, and the attending clinician elected to add intravenous liposomal amphotericin B once histoplasmosis was deemed a possible diagnosis.
The 3 other patients were treated with oral itraconazole as outpatients. Urine specimens from the hospitalised patients were submitted to the NICD-NHLS for _Histoplasma capsulatum_ antigen testing; however, the investigational assays were negative for both patients. Sputum samples from both patients have not yielded growth of _H. capsulatum_. Despite the absence of laboratory-confirmation of _H. capsulatum_ in this cluster of cases, acute pulmonary histoplasmosis remains the most likely diagnosis given the common exposure history and compatible clinical features.
The 1st outbreak of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) in South Africa was described in the former Transvaal Province in 1953 among 3 cave-explorers; this was followed by the description of 2 more outbreaks.
Cases were also described among miners who had entered old, disused mine shafts in the then Transvaal Province in the 1960s.
Two outbreaks were described in the former Cape Province in 1963 (Cango caves) and 1979 (De Hoop caves), and another outbreak was described more recently in the 1990s. _H. capsulatum_ was also isolated from environmental samples and from white-tailed rats that had been exposed to aerosols from cave soil samples in the former Transvaal Province.
Several laboratory tests are currently available for the diagnosis of APH. Culture of _H. capsulatum_ from a sputum sample would definitively establish the diagnosis of APH but is only positive among 10-15 percent of immunocompetent patients. The organism may be detected in Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears in up to 40 percent of patients with APH. A complement fixation test can also establish the diagnosis of APH retrospectively by detecting a 4-fold increase in antibody titres between acute and convalescent sera; however, this test is not available in South Africa. The precipitin assay to detect H and M bands is also not currently available. However, an investigational assay that detects polysaccharide antigen in urine has recently been introduced by the Mycology Reference Laboratory at NICD-NHLS (+27 11 555 0325); this test is still being validated and requires submission of a urine specimen that has been refrigerated after collection. The sensitivity of a well-validated urine antigen assay for diagnosis of APH is reported to be 20 percent.
The vast majority of patients with APH develop a mild, self-limiting illness; however, patients who have been exposed to a large fungal inoculum or are immunosuppressed may develop an acute symptomatic illness that may become progressively worse. Mild-to-moderate APH does not usually require treatment, but oral itraconazole for 6-12 weeks may be indicated for patients who have symptoms for over one month. Patients with moderately-severe or severe APH may require amphotericin B for 1-2 weeks followed by oral itraconazole for a total of 12 weeks (Wheat LJ, et al. Clin Infect Dis 2007).
Prevention:
Cave-explorers should be made aware of the risk of APH before entering caves where cases have occurred previously or where the risk is unknown. The use of N95 particulate respirators may also be considered to minimise exposure, especially among persons at risk for disseminated disease.
Source: Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections and Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, NICD-NHLS.
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[Clinically diagnosed infection with the fungus _Histoplasma capsulatum_ is a rare infection in immunocompetent people, and cases may easily be missed because of the mild and transient symptoms. _Histoplasma capsulatum_ is found worldwide in soil and especially soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. A very arid atmosphere in the cave may have contributed to the fungi being found in the dust in the air.
More information on histoplasmosis can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/histoplasmosis/. - Mod.EP
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map can be accessed at: http://healthmap.org/r/1EPe.]
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Date: Thu 26 Jul 2012
Source: National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa [edited] http://www.nicd.ac.za/?page=communique&id=56
A 28-year-old man from Pretoria developed an influenza-like illness with abrupt onset on 25 May 2012. His symptoms included backache, fever and rigors. He was admitted to a private hospital in Pretoria 5 days later with progressively worsening dyspnoea, a non-productive cough, and pleuritic chest pain.
Together with 8 other persons, the index patient had gone on an expedition to the Sterkfontein cave complex on 11 May 2012 (exactly 2 weeks prior to the onset of his symptoms). The expedition group had accessed "Bat Cave" through the cavern roof via a fixed ladder.
They had crawled into areas of the cave that were not often explored and noticed fine, soft dirt on the cave floor that was easily aerosolised.
The group wore hard hats but no masks and stayed underground for approximately 5 hours. Four other members of the group also developed an acute influenza-like illness approximately 2 weeks after the expedition; one other person was admitted to the same private hospital with a diagnosis of acute community-acquired pneumonia.
The 2 hospitalised patients were treated empirically for an acute community-acquired pneumonia, and the attending clinician elected to add intravenous liposomal amphotericin B once histoplasmosis was deemed a possible diagnosis.
The 3 other patients were treated with oral itraconazole as outpatients. Urine specimens from the hospitalised patients were submitted to the NICD-NHLS for _Histoplasma capsulatum_ antigen testing; however, the investigational assays were negative for both patients. Sputum samples from both patients have not yielded growth of _H. capsulatum_. Despite the absence of laboratory-confirmation of _H. capsulatum_ in this cluster of cases, acute pulmonary histoplasmosis remains the most likely diagnosis given the common exposure history and compatible clinical features.
The 1st outbreak of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (APH) in South Africa was described in the former Transvaal Province in 1953 among 3 cave-explorers; this was followed by the description of 2 more outbreaks.
Cases were also described among miners who had entered old, disused mine shafts in the then Transvaal Province in the 1960s.
Two outbreaks were described in the former Cape Province in 1963 (Cango caves) and 1979 (De Hoop caves), and another outbreak was described more recently in the 1990s. _H. capsulatum_ was also isolated from environmental samples and from white-tailed rats that had been exposed to aerosols from cave soil samples in the former Transvaal Province.
Several laboratory tests are currently available for the diagnosis of APH. Culture of _H. capsulatum_ from a sputum sample would definitively establish the diagnosis of APH but is only positive among 10-15 percent of immunocompetent patients. The organism may be detected in Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears in up to 40 percent of patients with APH. A complement fixation test can also establish the diagnosis of APH retrospectively by detecting a 4-fold increase in antibody titres between acute and convalescent sera; however, this test is not available in South Africa. The precipitin assay to detect H and M bands is also not currently available. However, an investigational assay that detects polysaccharide antigen in urine has recently been introduced by the Mycology Reference Laboratory at NICD-NHLS (+27 11 555 0325); this test is still being validated and requires submission of a urine specimen that has been refrigerated after collection. The sensitivity of a well-validated urine antigen assay for diagnosis of APH is reported to be 20 percent.
The vast majority of patients with APH develop a mild, self-limiting illness; however, patients who have been exposed to a large fungal inoculum or are immunosuppressed may develop an acute symptomatic illness that may become progressively worse. Mild-to-moderate APH does not usually require treatment, but oral itraconazole for 6-12 weeks may be indicated for patients who have symptoms for over one month. Patients with moderately-severe or severe APH may require amphotericin B for 1-2 weeks followed by oral itraconazole for a total of 12 weeks (Wheat LJ, et al. Clin Infect Dis 2007).
Prevention:
Cave-explorers should be made aware of the risk of APH before entering caves where cases have occurred previously or where the risk is unknown. The use of N95 particulate respirators may also be considered to minimise exposure, especially among persons at risk for disseminated disease.
Source: Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections and Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, NICD-NHLS.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
[Clinically diagnosed infection with the fungus _Histoplasma capsulatum_ is a rare infection in immunocompetent people, and cases may easily be missed because of the mild and transient symptoms. _Histoplasma capsulatum_ is found worldwide in soil and especially soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. A very arid atmosphere in the cave may have contributed to the fungi being found in the dust in the air.
More information on histoplasmosis can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/histoplasmosis/. - Mod.EP
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map can be accessed at: http://healthmap.org/r/1EPe.]
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Cholera in Mali
Mali - Darminfektionen
27.07.2012
Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit. Seit Anfang Juli gibt es einen Cholera-Ausbruch in Gao (N). 6 Kinder sind gestorben, 56 weitere erkrankt. Es wird befürchtet, dass die politische Krise im Norden Malis sowie die einsetzende Regenzeit zum starken Ansteigen der Fallzahlen führen könnten. UNICEF versorgt große Teile der Bevölkerung daher mit Hilfsmitteln zur Wasserdesinfektion. Sowohl 2009 als auch 2010 wurden je drei Polio-Fälle gemeldet. 2011 gab es 7 Erkrankungen. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio) weiterhin beachten. / Quelle: crm
Gruß
Birgitt
27.07.2012
Risiko für Durchfallerkrankungen landesweit. Seit Anfang Juli gibt es einen Cholera-Ausbruch in Gao (N). 6 Kinder sind gestorben, 56 weitere erkrankt. Es wird befürchtet, dass die politische Krise im Norden Malis sowie die einsetzende Regenzeit zum starken Ansteigen der Fallzahlen führen könnten. UNICEF versorgt große Teile der Bevölkerung daher mit Hilfsmitteln zur Wasserdesinfektion. Sowohl 2009 als auch 2010 wurden je drei Polio-Fälle gemeldet. 2011 gab es 7 Erkrankungen. Hygiene und Impfschutz (Polio) weiterhin beachten. / Quelle: crm
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Typhus und Cholera in Simbabwe
Quelle: IRINIRIN hat geschrieben:
ZIMBABWE: Typhoid and cholera return
27.07.2012 - IRIN
HARARE - More than 100 people in the Zimbabwean capital Harare and Chitungwiza, a dormitory town 35km southeast of the city, have contracted typhoid this month, and the dilapidated water and sanitation systems are again being blamed for another round of water-borne diseases.
According to health officials cited in the local media, 83 cases of typhoid have been confirmed in Chitungwiza and a further 28 in Harare, of which 25 were linked to a supermarket in the Avenues area of the city centre. [ http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95297/ZI ... or-thought ]
Portia Manangazira, the chief disease control officer in the Health Ministry, told IRIN that in June 22 cases of suspected cholera, 10 of which were confirmed, were reported in Chiredzi - a town in Masvingo Province close to neighbouring South Africa - and one confirmed case of cholera was reported in Manicaland Province, which borders Mozambique.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely to make sure the cholera does not spread. The health sector is on high alert," she said.
A year-long outbreak of cholera in 2008 killed more than 4,000 people and infected about 100,000 others and since then there have been regular outbreaks of waterborne diseases in both urban and rural areas. [ http://www.irinnews.org/Report/94237/ZI ... r-shortage ] In January 2012 about 900 Harare residents were diagnosed with typhoid, but no fatalities were recorded. [ http://www.irinnews.org/Report/94758/ZI ... lks-Harare ]
Harare's daily water requirement is estimated at about 1,200 million litres, but the city only has the capacity to provide on average about 620 million litres daily, forcing residents to find alternative sources.
Shallow wells
Elizabeth Tembo, from the Harare township of Mabvuku where three people contracted typhoid, told IRIN: "Water supplies in this part of the city have been unreliable for many years and this has forced us to dig shallow wells. Unfortunately, those areas are also used by residents to relieve themselves because toilets do not have running water," she said. In the past decade or so, sanitation coverage in the city has fallen from 95 percent to about 60 percent, according to health officials.
However, there are also health concerns related to reservoirs supplying the city and other nearby urban areas. Harare's town clerk, Tendai Mahachi, announced recently that a sanitation plant in Norton, a satellite town 40km west of the capital, had discharged 10 million litres of raw sewage into Lake Manyame, while industrial effluent and raw sewage had been discharged into Lake Chivero.
Donors have been supplying water treatment chemicals to urban and rural municipalities, but this support was scheduled to end in March 2012. [ http://www.irinnews.org/Report/93119/ZI ... ater-safer ]
The government announced recently it would spend US$60 million rehabilitating and upgrading water and sanitation systems nationally, including in Harare, and part of that money would also be used for road repairs in areas affected by water-borne diseases.
Precious Shumba, director of Harare Residents Trust, an NGO campaigning for better municipal service delivery, told IRIN: "That figure of US$60 million might just cover part of what is needed to overhaul the Harare city water and sewerage reticulation system. We have reached a stage where we need to urge central government to prioritize the rehabilitation or complete replacement of all outdated systems in order to ensure that residents throughout the country have uninterrupted quality water."
He said failure to comprehensively address Zimbabwe's water and sanitation needs would ensure the cycle of "easily avoidable" water-borne diseases continued.
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Ebola-Fieber in Uganda - Kibaale und Kampala
Ebola-Ausbruch in Uganda
Hoi zämä
Soeben ist im Radio die Meldung dass es nun auch in Kampala Ebola-Fälle gibt, gesendet worden!!!
Schriftlicher Bericht siehe hier (klick mich!)
Hoi zämä
Soeben ist im Radio die Meldung dass es nun auch in Kampala Ebola-Fälle gibt, gesendet worden!!!
Schriftlicher Bericht siehe hier (klick mich!)
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Cholera in Somalia
CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2012 (35): AFRICA
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Cholera - Somalia (southern)
Date: Thu 26 Jul 2012
Source: Sabahi Online [edited]
http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/ ... feature-01
A cholera epidemic is spreading in southern Somalia, causing an alarming number of children and elderly to travel to Mogadishu for treatment, Banadir Maternity and Children's Hospital (BMCH) officials say. BMCH has been receiving hundreds of cases of cholera from Mogadishu, Kismayo, and towns in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions in southern Somalia.
The Somali Ministry of Health says the rainy season in Mogadishu and the southern areas has exacerbated the spread of the disease.
Duniya Khalif, a nurse at BMCH, told Sabahi that children and elderly people are affected most acutely from the effects of the disease. "People come here for free treatment, which is offered by the state-run Banadir Hospital in collaboration with humanitarian organisations from Kuwait, Germany, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey," Khalif said. "We are currently seeking solutions to stop the spread of this disease and trying to prevent its recurrence in the capital so we can eradicate it. We will conduct health-awareness campaigns for citizens through the local media and leaflets that we will soon publish."
The Sudan office of the Kuwait Patients Helping Fund Society has been running the diarrhea section at BMCH for the past year. It said there has been a sharp increase in the number of fatal cases of cholera. Sudanese pediatrician Ibrahim Osman Mohamed said 2000 patients suffering from diarrhoea and malnutrition have been admitted to BMCH in the past 3 months. He said the hospital treated 1057 such cases in June 2011.
Mohamed said many people die from cholera because they do not receive treatment in the early stages of the disease. "We received 12 [bodies] that reached us too late due to lack of transportation and security issues since there is a curfew in Mogadishu that bans vehicles on the streets an hour after sunset," he told Sabahi. "24 children and several elderly women died in the past 3 weeks because the disease had reached a late stage, and they were totally dehydrated and lost all minerals and fluids in their bodies, resulting in kidney failure."
Mohamed says he sees 57 patients daily, including children under 5 years old who suffer from severe diarrhea. He said health conditions are likely to worsen over the next several weeks unless the international community intervenes in Kismayo and other southern towns, where residents rely on the Juba and Shabelle rivers for drinking water and there are no water treatment and desalination plants to remove contaminants.
The WHO says the number of cholera cases registered among internally displaced persons in Mogadishu is worrying due to food and water shortages. "Cholera cases have doubled and tripled since 2011, which is why we can say there is a cholera epidemic," said WHO staff member Michael Yao, adding that 4272 cases of severe diarrhea have been registered so far in 2012 at the Banadir Hospital, most of which are children under 5, resulting in 181 deaths.
"The movement of people has increased the danger of spreading the disease to more areas," Yao said.
[Byline: Adnan Hussein]
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Cholera - Somalia (southern)
Date: Thu 26 Jul 2012
Source: Sabahi Online [edited]
http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/ ... feature-01
A cholera epidemic is spreading in southern Somalia, causing an alarming number of children and elderly to travel to Mogadishu for treatment, Banadir Maternity and Children's Hospital (BMCH) officials say. BMCH has been receiving hundreds of cases of cholera from Mogadishu, Kismayo, and towns in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions in southern Somalia.
The Somali Ministry of Health says the rainy season in Mogadishu and the southern areas has exacerbated the spread of the disease.
Duniya Khalif, a nurse at BMCH, told Sabahi that children and elderly people are affected most acutely from the effects of the disease. "People come here for free treatment, which is offered by the state-run Banadir Hospital in collaboration with humanitarian organisations from Kuwait, Germany, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey," Khalif said. "We are currently seeking solutions to stop the spread of this disease and trying to prevent its recurrence in the capital so we can eradicate it. We will conduct health-awareness campaigns for citizens through the local media and leaflets that we will soon publish."
The Sudan office of the Kuwait Patients Helping Fund Society has been running the diarrhea section at BMCH for the past year. It said there has been a sharp increase in the number of fatal cases of cholera. Sudanese pediatrician Ibrahim Osman Mohamed said 2000 patients suffering from diarrhoea and malnutrition have been admitted to BMCH in the past 3 months. He said the hospital treated 1057 such cases in June 2011.
Mohamed said many people die from cholera because they do not receive treatment in the early stages of the disease. "We received 12 [bodies] that reached us too late due to lack of transportation and security issues since there is a curfew in Mogadishu that bans vehicles on the streets an hour after sunset," he told Sabahi. "24 children and several elderly women died in the past 3 weeks because the disease had reached a late stage, and they were totally dehydrated and lost all minerals and fluids in their bodies, resulting in kidney failure."
Mohamed says he sees 57 patients daily, including children under 5 years old who suffer from severe diarrhea. He said health conditions are likely to worsen over the next several weeks unless the international community intervenes in Kismayo and other southern towns, where residents rely on the Juba and Shabelle rivers for drinking water and there are no water treatment and desalination plants to remove contaminants.
The WHO says the number of cholera cases registered among internally displaced persons in Mogadishu is worrying due to food and water shortages. "Cholera cases have doubled and tripled since 2011, which is why we can say there is a cholera epidemic," said WHO staff member Michael Yao, adding that 4272 cases of severe diarrhea have been registered so far in 2012 at the Banadir Hospital, most of which are children under 5, resulting in 181 deaths.
"The movement of people has increased the danger of spreading the disease to more areas," Yao said.
[Byline: Adnan Hussein]
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Tollwut in Südafrika - Kwazulu Natal
RABIES - SOUTH AFRICA (08): (KWAZULU-NATAL), CANINE, HUMAN SUSPECTED
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Date: Mon 30 Jul 2012
Source: East Coast Radio [edited]
http://tinyurl.com/c2h8lnu
Doctors stumped by child 'rabies' case
--------------------------------------
After more than 2 months in the hospital, doctors still haven't been able to confirm the diagnosis of a 4-year-old boy who was admitted after showing rabies symptoms. The boy -- who is from Engonyameni near Umlazi -- is in a critical but stable condition in the hospital. He's believed to have been bitten by a rabid dog in April [2012].
Tests conducted on the boy have come back negative for the deadly virus. However, officials say they can't rule it out as that was also the case with Underberg farmer Graeme Anderson [see ProMED-mail archived reports below). He's one of 3 people in the province who have died of rabies this year.
The KZN Agriculture Department's Jeffrey Zikhali says doctors have carried out further tests and will continue to monitor the boy. "We can call this boy a fighter," he said. "[Doctors] have pulled out all the stops and are trying to find answers but at this stage no answer has successfully been given that explains how he is still alive. "He's being fed through a gastro tube, and he is getting oxygen."
[Byline: Tamlyn Canham]
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<promed@promedmail.org>
[An earlier East Coast Radio report on 29 Jun 2012 stated that it was believed that the child was bitten in April in Engonyameni near Umlazi, south of Durban. Tests conducted on the remains of the 2 animals thought to have bitten him tested positive for rabies. Doctor Grant Lindsay -- who treated Underberg canoeist Graeme Anderson who recently lost his battle against rabies -- said it's a difficult disease for health professionals to monitor. "It's a very difficult disease to diagnose with laboratory testing and there are many other laboratory tests that you can do -- some of which are not even done in South Africa -- to rule out other diseases." (http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/ ... 4--in-coma).
A map showing the locations of the provinces of South Africa is available at http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/m ... s_map2.htm. - Mod.CP]
********************************************************************
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: Mon 30 Jul 2012
Source: East Coast Radio [edited]
http://tinyurl.com/c2h8lnu
Doctors stumped by child 'rabies' case
--------------------------------------
After more than 2 months in the hospital, doctors still haven't been able to confirm the diagnosis of a 4-year-old boy who was admitted after showing rabies symptoms. The boy -- who is from Engonyameni near Umlazi -- is in a critical but stable condition in the hospital. He's believed to have been bitten by a rabid dog in April [2012].
Tests conducted on the boy have come back negative for the deadly virus. However, officials say they can't rule it out as that was also the case with Underberg farmer Graeme Anderson [see ProMED-mail archived reports below). He's one of 3 people in the province who have died of rabies this year.
The KZN Agriculture Department's Jeffrey Zikhali says doctors have carried out further tests and will continue to monitor the boy. "We can call this boy a fighter," he said. "[Doctors] have pulled out all the stops and are trying to find answers but at this stage no answer has successfully been given that explains how he is still alive. "He's being fed through a gastro tube, and he is getting oxygen."
[Byline: Tamlyn Canham]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[An earlier East Coast Radio report on 29 Jun 2012 stated that it was believed that the child was bitten in April in Engonyameni near Umlazi, south of Durban. Tests conducted on the remains of the 2 animals thought to have bitten him tested positive for rabies. Doctor Grant Lindsay -- who treated Underberg canoeist Graeme Anderson who recently lost his battle against rabies -- said it's a difficult disease for health professionals to monitor. "It's a very difficult disease to diagnose with laboratory testing and there are many other laboratory tests that you can do -- some of which are not even done in South Africa -- to rule out other diseases." (http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/ ... 4--in-coma).
A map showing the locations of the provinces of South Africa is available at http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/m ... s_map2.htm. - Mod.CP]
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Birgitt
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Chikungunya in Frankreich ex Kongo DRC
CHIKUNGUNYA(09): FRANCE ex AFRICA (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO)
****************************************************************
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 1 Aug 2012
From: Violaine Gauthier [edited]
Since the beginning of July 2012, 2 chikungunya cases imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been diagnosed by the French Reference Laboratory, IRBA Marseille.
The 1st case is resident in Kinshasa, DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo]. She presented onset of symptoms (fever, headache, joint pains) on 1 Jun [2012], travelled to France on 3 Jul [2012] and attended an outpatient department on 10 Jul [2012] in Laveran military teaching hospital in Marseille (South of France) with persisting arthralgia. ELISA tests were unambiguously positive for both IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya
--
Violaine Gauthier
[ProMED thanks Violaine Gauthier for providing this firsthand information. These types of reports are especially valuable, as ProMED seldom receives reports of chikungunya virus infections acquired in Africa, although there was an outbreak in neighboring Republic of the Congo last year (2011), across the river from Kinshasa (see ProMED-mail archive no. 20110702.2017). The infection was acquired before 1 Jun 2012 and the patient traveled to France on 3 Jul 2012, well after the viremic period, so there was no probability of ongoing transmission in France, even though _Aedes albopictus_, a vector mosquito competent for chikungunya virus transmission, is present in southern France.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map showing the location of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2-10. - Mod.TY]
****************************************************************
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 1 Aug 2012
From: Violaine Gauthier [edited]
Since the beginning of July 2012, 2 chikungunya cases imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been diagnosed by the French Reference Laboratory, IRBA Marseille.
The 1st case is resident in Kinshasa, DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo]. She presented onset of symptoms (fever, headache, joint pains) on 1 Jun [2012], travelled to France on 3 Jul [2012] and attended an outpatient department on 10 Jul [2012] in Laveran military teaching hospital in Marseille (South of France) with persisting arthralgia. ELISA tests were unambiguously positive for both IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya
--
Violaine Gauthier
[ProMED thanks Violaine Gauthier for providing this firsthand information. These types of reports are especially valuable, as ProMED seldom receives reports of chikungunya virus infections acquired in Africa, although there was an outbreak in neighboring Republic of the Congo last year (2011), across the river from Kinshasa (see ProMED-mail archive no. 20110702.2017). The infection was acquired before 1 Jun 2012 and the patient traveled to France on 3 Jul 2012, well after the viremic period, so there was no probability of ongoing transmission in France, even though _Aedes albopictus_, a vector mosquito competent for chikungunya virus transmission, is present in southern France.
A HealthMap/ProMED-mail map showing the location of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be accessed at http://healthmap.org/r/2-10. - Mod.TY]
