Mysterious illness kills 4 in Texas
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Topic: Mysterious illness kills 4 in Texas
Posted By: Kyle
Subject: Mysterious illness kills 4 in Texas
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 10:29am
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Mystery illness kills 4 patients in Montgomery County HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A mystery illness is going around in Montgomery County, and health officials are trying to figure out what it is, and why four people have died. Authorities say that in the 2013 influenza season there have been 1,920 cases of influezna-like illnesses within Montgomery County. Montgomery County Public Health District was alerted to eight severe cases at an area facility. Of the eight cases reported, four patients have died. Currently officials say no diagnosis has been made. Those affected are experiencing flu-like symptoms but have tested negative for common flu strains. The patients are at an unnamed area hospital waiting for further lab test results to determine the nature of the illness. The patients have ranged in age from 40 to 60, but officials have not confirmed the time period of the illnesses. Health experts remind residents to use common preventative measures to control the spread of infection, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding school and public places if you have a fever. Christi Myers will have more on this story this afternoon on ABC13 Eyewitness News. Find Christi on Facebook at ABC13-Christi Myers or on Twitter at @ChristiMyers13 http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/health&id=9363452 - Source |
Replies:
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 10:51am
Mystery illness claims 4 lives in Montgomery County
By Carol Christian |
December 17, 2013
| Updated: December 17, 2013 10:50am Four of eight patients admitted recently to Montgomery County hospitals have died of a mysterious flu-like illness, officials said. The patients, ranging in age from 41 to 68, were admitted to the hospital with flu symptoms, but tests for influenza were negative, said http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=neighborhood%2Fspring%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Jennifer+Nichols-Contella - Jennifer Nichols-Contella , spokeswoman for the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=neighborhood%2Fspring%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Montgomery+County+Public+Health+District - Montgomery County Public Health District . "We're monitoring the situation and waiting on further lab results," Nichols-Contella said Tuesday. No details were available Tuesday on the dates of the deaths or hospitalizations, she said. Although the Montgomery County patients did not test positive for influenza, this is the heart of the U.S. flu season, which typically peaks in January or February, according to the federal http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=neighborhood%2Fspring%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Centers+for+Disease+Control+and+Prevention - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . During the week ending Dec. 7, four states - Texas, Louisiana,
Alabama and Mississippi - reported high levels of influenza-like
illness, the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=neighborhood%2Fspring%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=CDC - CDC
reported. The levels of activity are based upon the percentage of
outpatient doctor visits that are due to influenza-like illness,
according to the CDC website. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 10:52am
| My father passed away Friday. He was 68 years old with no preexisting conditions and no history of drug or alcohol abuse. He had been out cutting down trees in the front yard and thought he had a hernia and pulled muscle in his back. He had diarrhea and flu like symptoms. He was put into a medical coma and given 100% oxygen through life supportb but only showed 80% oxygen blood saturation. He was put on dialysis and he progressively got worse. His daily chest exrays showed his lungs were improving. His doctor was baffled. |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 10:56am
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Lillie - I'm so sorry. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 10:58am
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He was the 68 year old who was in Conroe Regional Medical Center until he passed away Friday, December 13, 2013. He was hospitalized from Thursday till the following week when he passed away on Friday. I believe people need to be aware of this illness and take precautions. Wash your hands, where a face make in doctors offices and hospitals and if you don't have a sink near you use antibacterial hand sanitizer. |
Posted By: rymich14
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 11:13am
| Lillie, is there alot of people with this illness? Have they tested for things like MERS coronavirus, or any other agents? Is there any connection between any of those 8 cases that you know of, and or any travel to the middle east and or china? |
Posted By: coyote
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 11:18am
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<snipped> Texas -- Officials with the Montgomery County Health Department are on a mission to find out more about a mystery flu-like illness. So far, half of the people who have come down with it have died. According to the health department, all of the patients have had flu-like and/or pneumonia like symptoms. However, all of them have tested negative for the flu. [link to www.khou.com] ----- ------------- Long time lurker since day one to Member. |
Posted By: coyote
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 11:26am
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The mystery illness in TX is not new: Mystery illness linked to 2 deaths; doctors stumped May 11, 2013 [link to www.houstonchronicle.com] ------------- Long time lurker since day one to Member. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 11:42am
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Not good. Flu like symptoms, but tested neg for all flu strains? Should probably test for MERS to rule out all possibilities. Interesting... |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 12:05pm
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The first H7N9 patient in Hong Kong tested negative twice until they took deep lung samples. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 12:08pm
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I edited my last post, but I also suggested that h7 might not yield a positive for influenza A. Whatever it is, seems to be transmitting rather efficiently. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Dutch Josh
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 12:20pm
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Henry Niman does not rule out H1N1pdm09. A pandemic is not over just like that. Terrible news if things come that close. ------------- We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 1:52pm
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It's not h1n1. Would have been detected ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 2:40pm
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I agree with Albert - it's highly unlikely they would have had problems confirming H1N1. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Diligent
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 3:22pm
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This is off topic.
At this time keeping an eye on radiation sickness may be prudent.
I'm just not sure.
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Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 5:05pm
My initial thought was that MERS would piggy back off h1n1. The small cluster is a little confusing as h7 and MERS spread at the same rate. Knowing symptoms would help, although pneumonia and organ failure are the same with both. h7 would most likely result in lung lesions. As niman would say, symptoms would be useful.  ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 6:11pm
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The X-rays taken of my father daily showed that his lungs were clearing up but his vital signs and oxygen levels were progressively getting worse. That would rule out lung legions because they are detected through X-rays. I do know my father had not been out of the country in years when he and my mother went to Cancun. He retired 3 years ago so he and my mother went to Church and the store. |
Posted By: Kyle
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 6:37pm
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CONROE, Texas – The investigation into a mysterious illness in Montgomery County is expanding as other hospitals and doctors report similar cases. The new case files are being reviewed for similarity to the eight at Conroe Regional Medical Center that prompted a Montgomery County Health Department investigation. Four of those eight patients died and two are still fighting for their lives. "We don’t currently have a diagnosis for what has caused those illnesses," Montgomery County Medical Director Dr. Mark Escott said. State and regional health departments have already been notified and are also looking for reports of new cases. "Other health departments will need to be looking for cases like this to make sure that we haven’t missed cases," Dr. Escot said. Technically, the illness is classified as an influenza-like illness or ILI. There have been nearly 2,000 ILI cases in Montgomery County this year, but these eight are different. "Eight serious cases at a local hospital that developed with influenza-like symptoms that developed serious complications, including death for four of those eight patients," said Montgomery County Medical Director Dr. Mark Escott. At least some of those patients, all between the ages of 41 and 65, developed pneumonia. They all tested negative for standard strains of the flu, and that is part of the problem. "The big worry about a situation like this is, ‘Could this be a novel flu of some sort?’" Escott explained. "It could certainly be lots of other viruses or other diseases but that is the big concern." Wayne and Judith Law recently lost their daughter to a similar illness. Fifty-year-old Gayla Marcantel died last week at a hospital in North Harris County. "It is just devastating. You see your child lying there, swelling because of all the fluids and they can’t do anything," Judith Law said. Marcantel was perfectly healthy until she came down with flu-like symptoms about three weeks ago and ended up in ICU. "They were seemingly doing everything that they could do. It was just a continual thing of trying something new," Judith Law said. The Laws stayed by their daughter’s side and watched helplessly as she continued to go downhill. Eventually, her body couldn’t fight anymore and her organs failed. "We lost her," Judith said through tears. "You have no answers. You rely on what the doctors are telling you, but you still have questions and they really have no answers." Viewers have contacted us about similar cases in other areas, but experts are just beginning to look at additional cases. The health department in Montgomery County is urging everyone to do their part to prevent any illness from spreading: wash hands frequently; cover your cough but don’t cough into your hands; stay home if you’re sick; and get to the doctor within the first 48 hours of illness. http://www.khou.com/news/local/Still-no-answers-for-mysterious-illness-that-has-killed-4-people-in-Conroe--236287281.html - Source |
Posted By: rymich14
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 6:40pm
Did he have any kind of expansive tests, if I would you I would ask them to run a complete screen on him during a autopsy or whatever for H7N9, MERS etc. |
Lillie wrote:Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 7:18pm
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I'm not sure about the lung lesions and was only a guess, assuming that h7n9 might act similar to h5n1. China does not release information regarding h7n9 symptoms, treatment, etc.... no information whatsoever. That's one reason why I don't speak too highly of Chan and the WHO when they praise China for their transparency. Almost odd when I see that. Anyway, It's only a guessing game with what Chinese officials know with regard to symptoms and treatment. Organ failure is something common with both. I'm also sorry for your loss Lillie. |
Posted By: Loribearme
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 7:29pm
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I know a lot of people that have come down with flu like symptoms. Anyone consider the passing of Comet Ison playing a part in this? History shows some major pandemics at the same time as comets passing...something about every 333 years? |
Posted By: Loribearme
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 7:30pm
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=77DPK4zFX_M - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=77DPK4zFX_M |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 7:39pm
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Interesting Loribeaeme. Good find. Kidney failure is obviously a symptom of MERS, although I'm not saying that it is. The current survivors being "very sick" is also not the best of signs. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 9:14pm
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Health authorities have tested for common strains of the flu using the rapid test. If this is H7N9 (which is consistent with both flu-like symptoms and multiple organ failure) the rapid test would not pick it up. |
Posted By: Kyle
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 9:40pm
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This is becoming quite alarming. There are reports of new cases apparently? It also seems a bit odd that they have no time table for other results. I assumed CDC issued tests to all state health centers for H7N9 and MERS-CoV for testing patients. They also haven't said if any of these patients have had any sort of travel either out of the country themselves, or if they've been in contact with someone who has been out of the country recently. Also if you read the comments on the news article page, you see several people in the Houston area also reporting of flu-like illnesses. One poster claims her son had died in a nearby town of the same thing. It could be normal influenza but I've never heard of anything like this. "Doctors are awaiting test results that could explain what the illness is, but there is no time-table as to when those results could be in. Montgomery County Health officials told KHOU they are now looking at cases from other hospitals that could be connected to the mystery illness. The new case files are being reviewed for similarity to the eight cases at Conroe Regional Medical Center that prompted the County Health Department investigation. The state and regional health departments have already been notified and are also looking for reports of new cases." http://www.khou.com/news/health/Mother-says-mystery-illness-transformed-son-into-dying-patient-in-days-236319091.html - http://www.khou.com/news/health/Mother-says-mystery-illness-transformed-son-into-dying-patient-in-days-236319091.html |
Posted By: KiwiMum
Date Posted: December 17 2013 at 11:09pm
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Lillie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Kyle, I suspect they are going to want to be 100% certain before they announce it is something nasty like MERS. Any sort of announcement declaring a pandemic will result in social chaos and panic so they will need to be absolutely sure they are right, hence the lack of a time table for results. Personally if I was running it, I'd test and test again and then once more just to be certain. It might be a good time to stock up if you haven't already. ------------- Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 5:20am
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may god comfort you and your family lilly, so sorry your father suffured so. the only thing incouraging about this awful illness is it has not stricken any children yet. you are brave and to be commended for speaking out to try and help others in your grief. did your dad have coughing and congestion and any fever in the first stages of his illness? thanks and praying for you and your family. [COLOR=white][/COLOR] |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 5:51am
It looks like it started around Thanksgiving, which would make sense with all the travel - if it's a novel strain or one circulating in another country that we're already aware of. Whatever it is, it seems to kill rather quickly. Sounds like h7n9 or something similar, but who knows. The victim in the following article got sick on his job. Authorities should monitor others in the work place. Mother says mystery illness transformed son into dying patient in daysby Drew Karedes / KHOU.com Posted on December 18, 2013 at 6:59 AM Updated today at 7:00 AM
CONROE, Texas – The mother of the youngest of eight confirmed cases of a http://www.kens5.com/home/Health-officials-Mystery-flu-like-illness-claims-four-lives-in-Texas-236218811.html - mystery illness in Montgomery County is sharing her son’s story. Dathany Reed, 41, wasn’t feeling well on Thanksgiving. He called out sick from his job at the Golden Corral and went to see doctors at Conroe Regional Medical Center. Odessa Reed says doctors sent her son home with several prescriptions. She said her son was admitted to the hospital’s emergency room the next day and ended up on life support. “It doesn’t make sense,” said Odessa Reed. “How can you talk to a person one day, and they say, I’m not feeling good, and the next day, that person is on life support.” Dathany’s 41st birthday came and went on November 30 while his kidneys and other organs deteriorated. Family members said goodbye to the father of three on December 5. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face in my whole life,” cried Odessa Reed. “My son was kind. He was sweet.” Doctors say all of the patients have had flu-like and/or pneumonia-like symptoms but have tested negative for standard strains of the flu. “[I hope they] get a better handle on this before it affects more lives, more families, more people,” explained Odessa Reed. “I want the truth.” Doctors are awaiting test results that could explain what the illness is, but there is no time-table as to when those results could be in. Montgomery County Health officials said they are now looking at cases from other hospitals that could be connected to the mystery illness. The new case files are being reviewed for similarity to the eight cases at Conroe Regional Medical Center that prompted the County Health Department investigation. The state and regional health departments have already been notified and are also looking for reports of new cases. Related:http://www.kens5.com/news/Mother-says-mystery-illness-transformed-son-into-dying-patient-in-days-236360341.html ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 7:12am
It's probably safe to rule out influenza A & B, except for possibly a more difficult one to detect, but doesn't seem like a common seasonal strain at this point. All of the infected are male, which is also a little similar to the initial MERS outbreak that tilted heavily to primarily infecting males in the beginning. Odd little bug/situation. Looks like test results are due today, so it's probably prudent for people to stay tuned. Four Montgomery County men dead, four hospitalized with mysterious illness MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Health officials are trying to figure out what killed four Montgomery County men and hospitalized four others. Within the last three weeks, doctors said eight men have come down with a mysterious and dangerous flu-like illness. "They
eventually tested negative for influenza A and B (most common), but
then went on to develop severe complications," Montgomery County
Hospital District Medical Director Dr. Mark Escott said. "Part of the
ongoing investigation is to sort out what exactly is happening with
these patients." The state health department has asked for specimens, but right now
those specimens are being tested by an independent lab. Results are
expected as early as Wednesday. Surrounding health departments like
Harris County have also been notified. For now, officials are asking people to get immediate treatment for flu-like symptoms but not to worry. "The
important thing is for the public not to be alarmed," Dr. Escott said.
"This may be a coincidence that these eight sick patients happen to be
at one hospital and while we investigate, they need to practice normal
infection control procedures." http://www.click2houston.com/news/four-montgomery-county-men-dead-four-hospitalized-with-mysterious-illness/-/1735978/23533172/-/1fy6eb/-/index.html ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 8:02am
| Just check Houston Chronicle. Did not see an update this morning. Maybe more coming later. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 8:51am
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Lillie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Did you visit with your father during is illness and have you noticed any change in your or your families heath as of now. He died and was risen on the third day |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 9:34am
Now I'm starting to wonder if Lillie is doing okay at this point.  Good question regarding if other family members are showing symptoms. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: roni3470
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 10:36am
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This is really scary if they have had this many days and can't find the results. Do you guys remember approx 6 months ago about some other unexplained deaths in Texas? Its so weird. I wonder how much we can count on true disclosure! Keep us updated all! ------------- NOW is the Season to Know that Everything you Do is Sacred |
Posted By: KiwiMum
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 10:53am
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There seems to be no mention of monitoring family members or work colleagues. if this thing is contagious then there have probably been a large number of people in close contact already. ------------- Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts. |
Posted By: Kyle
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 3:23pm
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This is an official update from Montgomery County Public Health: 12/18/2013 UPDATE: INFLUENZA LIKE ILLNESS ARISES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY As of Wednesday afternoon, there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 virus. Of the eight reported cases, four patients have deceased. Of the remaining four cases in an area hospital, one case has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Two of the patients tested negative for all flu viruses. Montgomery County Public Health District is awaiting test results for the remaining patient. The 2013 Influenza vaccine does protect against the H1N1 virus. At this time no known deaths received the vaccine. Based on CDC data, the H1N1 virus is nationally on the rise. It can reasonably be expected that the occurrence of more H1N1 cases will be reported. Public Health Officials will continue to monitor the situation diligently and will provide more information as it is received. The Montgomery County Public Health District is grateful for Conroe Regional Hospital’s astute physicians who recognized the unusual nature of the illness and began the appropriate testing to reach a diagnosis. Montgomery County Public Health District has been in discussion with the Texas Department of State Health Services along with the CDC to coordinate investigation efforts. Despite ongoing investigations, it cannot be emphasized enough that common infection control practices should be followed to prevent the spread of infection. As with common flu strains, some people are more likely to develop flu complications than others. Please reference the CDC’s website, http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fdisease%2Fhigh_risk.htm&h=HAQGFWnsv&s=1 - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm , which further explains the high risk population, including children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 65, and people with certain medical conditions. It is also recommended that you receive your flu shot. Montgomery County Public Health Clinic is offering the vaccination by appointment, while supplies last. Call (936) 523-5020 to set up an appointment. For any other questions or concerns, please contact the Public Health hotline at (936) 523-5050. The line will be staffed Monday thru Friday from 8AM-5PM, it is for non-media inquiries only. https://www.facebook.com/mctxpublichealth - https://www.facebook.com/mctxpublichealth
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Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 4:16pm
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So they reached a diagnosis of seasonal flu in one patient, and now it's case closed?
------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 4:26pm
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Wow. Lot of grammatical errors on that pr. If only one has tested positive for h1n1, wonder what the others have/ had. They may hype h1n1 with their great writing, or lack thereof, but the fact still remains that only one tested pos for h1. What about the others? Was the h1 a coinfection? MERS ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 10:53pm
| My son 37 died yesterday just like your Father. After 5 days on life support they said was Swine flu.and ARDS. He was well one day and back hurt. Thought he had the flu. Tested negative 2 times at dr. Office. That was on a Thur. By Monday was on life support. He had improving xrays then kidne failure set in. Died yesterday. He was a big strong guy too. Never sick. I feel your pain. |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 18 2013 at 11:55pm
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I'm so sorry for your loss, jeri. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: rickster58
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 12:43am
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Could it be Pneumonic plague ? Pneumonic plague occurs when Y. pestis infects the lungs. This type of plague can spread from person to person through the air. Transmission can take place if someone breathes in aerosolized bacteria, which could happen in a bioterrorist attack. Pneumonic plague is also spread by breathing in Y. pestis suspended in respiratory droplets from a person (or animal) with pneumonic plague. Becoming infected in this way usually requires direct and close contact with the ill person or animal. Pneumonic plague may also occur if a person with bubonic or septicemic plague is untreated and the bacteria spread to the lungs. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/plague/factsheet.asp Symptoms The most apparent symptom of pneumonic plague is coughing, often with hemoptysis (coughing up blood). With pneumonic plague, the first signs of illness are fever, headache, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and sometimes bloody or watery sputum.[2] The pneumonia progresses for two to four days and may cause respiratory failure and shock. Patients will die without early treatment, some within 36 hours. Initial pneumonic plague symptoms can often include: Fever Weakness Headache Nausea Rapidly developing pneumonia with: Shortness of breath Chest pain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumonic_plague |
Posted By: CStackDrPH
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 12:56am
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My deepest sympathies with those who have lost a loved one... Montgomery Co. Health Department Director gives a brief interview: http://www.khou.com/video/featured-videos/INTERVIEW-Montgomery-County-Health-Director-on-mystery-illness-H1N1--236465431.html - http://www.khou.com/video/featured-videos/INTERVIEW-Montgomery-County-Health-Director-on-mystery-illness-H1N1--236465431.html
I suspect L. pneumophila (Legionnaire's Disease) infection subsequent to a respiratory virus, perhaps H1N1 or some other strain (A or B) of flu going around. Legionnaire's is very hard to detect and grow; when we studied tissue samples of pneumonia patients from years ago, we found all sorts of it. It wasn't really identified until the Legionnaire's Outbreak of 1976. Let's wait and see how this progresses, I'm guessing that there will be a not-so-mysterious reason for these mortalities, and probably not a new strain of influenza. Be safe, everyone.
------------- CRS, DrPH |
Posted By: Satori
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 2:20am
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H1N1pdm09 Confirmed As The Mystery Fatal Disease In Texas http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12181305/H1N1_Mystery_TX_Conf.html "H1N1pdm09 Confirmed As The Mystery Fatal Disease In Texas |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 3:07am
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niman may have lost it. One patient tested positive for h1n1 and for some reason he has spun that into all are h1n1pdm09 positive, even though all the rest tested neg for h1n1pdm09. 3 of the survivors tested neg for the flu (including h1n1pdm9), and the 4 deceased weren't tested. How niman is coming up with this is somewhat baffling. I agree Chuck that Legionnaire's could not be ruled out. |
Posted By: Medclinician2013
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 6:01am
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It would appear to me this is Swine Flu and it will now spread across the United States. The only difference is this strain is much more lethal. The last CDC report of Flu in the U.S. was December 7th. It has been twelve days and still no report. With the new outbreaks of this, it is likely it will soon no longer be a mystery illness. It will be Swine Flu. imho ------------- Medclinician - not if but when - original |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 4:19pm
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Niman seems to have been somewhat on mark with the h1n1 pandemic strain. In addition to a possible mutation taking place or a variant at play. So he's gotten lucky a couple times over the past decade. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Kyle
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 4:41pm
Health officials say 6 deaths linked to H1N1HOUSTON – Health officials say there have been six confirmed deaths from H1N1 in the Houston area recently, KVUE's sister station KHOU confirmed Thursday afternoon. http://www.kvue.com/news/Health-officials-say-6-deaths-linked-to-H1N1-236622341.html - http://www.kvue.com/news/Health-officials-say-6-deaths-linked-to-H1N1-236622341.html Health Officials Warn Of Aggressive FluLacey Sanders of the Bell County Public Health District said this week alone 146 confirmed cases of flu have been reported and of those 60 involve the H1N1 virus. Nine people have been hospitalized since last week and health officials are investigating the death of an adult in Holland that may be related to the illness, she said. In McLennan County the numbers are higher. The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District reported 29 cases three weeks ago, 113 more cases two weeks ago and 344 cases last week. Kelly Craine with the McLennan County Public Health District said the same spike is being reported around the state and the country, but said health officials haven’t seen a comparable increase in H1N1 cases since 2009. Both Craine and Sanders said this year the illness is more aggressive and is spreading more quickly. Craine said it's still not too late to get a flu shot. Health officials say in particular that pregnant women, the elderly, and children should be vaccinated. In 2009, the last time H1N1 was a major problem, some pregnant women across the country checked into hospitals to have their babies, but never left because they passed away after contracting the illness which can cause major complications, Craine said. Sanders said the flu shot requires about two weeks for the body to build immunity against the illness and the flu mist requires about a week. http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Local-Health-Officials-Warn-Of-Aggressive-Flu-236636521.html?ref=521 - http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Local-Health-Officials-Warn-Of-Aggressive-Flu-236636521.html?ref=521 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 7:16pm
| Looks like those who got H1N1 the last go round may have gotten lucky as this time around it looks to be more virulent. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 7:30pm
Could be Lopper. It does seem quite a bit more virulent. 6 dead, 14 critically ill in Houston. Well, let's just say I wouldn't want to live in Houston right now.  ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 8:30pm
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Craine said it's still not too late to get a flu shot. OK, I am confused did someone say that H1N1 is NOT in this years flu vaccine? Why bother with a flu shot if H1N1 is NOT in the shot? |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 9:35pm
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FluMom - the 2013/2014 flu vaccine protects against one strain each of H3N2 and H1N1, and at least one influenza B strain (two in the case of the quadrivalent vaccine) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/general.htm - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/general.htm ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: CStackDrPH
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 10:26pm
FluMom, please get this year's vaccine for yourself and your family. It's always a roll of the dice if they selected the exact strain, but usually the folks who grow the stuff do a really good job. It's likely that the circulating H1N1 has picked up some "nasty bits" of RNA in the wild while circulating around the globe since April 2009, I'll see if I can find any papers on this. It was a nasty, fierce pandemic strain with much higher mortality than first estimated as we all know. ------------- CRS, DrPH |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 11:22pm
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New to this.. I've been deep on H7N9. Wow H1N1 has really come out with a bang. Does it have the hallmarks of pandemic? Is it confirmed Human to human?? ( i know swine is very similar receptors) Has anyone calculated out R? (seems there are a lot asymptomatic) could there be a host species involved? These are all important with predicting a pandemic. I see we have had some family and friends on the site do they have anymore input as to infection source or if others are getting sick. What happened to lilly? I hope she's okay PS: H7N9 is also just about to explode in China!!! Lucky its not Human to Human so its still isolated, but they will suffer a massive toll.
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Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 19 2013 at 11:28pm
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Chuck - it's scary how much nasty RNA is out there now. There are altogether too many flu strains circulating for us to keep dodging a major pandemic bullet for long. An extremely efficient H2H strain of H1N1 is out there at the same time as a fledgling virus like H7N9, and let's not forget the grandaddy of them all, H5N1, which is experiencing a resurgence in Cambodia. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 5:14am
In 2009 it started fairly close the same area as it is now, but of course a little more south in Mexico. All and all, not too far apart geographically. in 2009 it reached California and New York within just a few days of the outbreak via air travel, and of course there's a lot of travel going out of Houston, especially with holiday travel right now. Lots of people getting together for the holidays. If it is transmitting efficiently, you would think we would see cases once again in CA and NY in the next day or two, but with probably a more severe outcome. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 6:45am
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According this article we are in fact dealing with an h1n1 variant, http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/h1n1-making-its-way-through-texas-15093.shtml - http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/h1n1-making-its-way-through-texas-15093.shtml ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: coyote
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 7:07am
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Here's the article: H1N1 Making Its Way Through Texas Updated: Thursday, December 19 2013, 06:24 PM CST Flu is serious stuff. The Centers for Disease Control says it kills an average of 26-thousand Americans every year. Here in Texas the number of flu cases typically peaks in January or February. But it looks like we're off to an early start. Dr. Matt Robinson, an infectious disease doctor with St. David's South Austin Medical Center says the the most severe cases that we're seeing right now are a variant of the H1N1 flu we saw in 2009 which has a tendency to cause he terms, "very severe disease." Dr. robinson adds, "It's actually the one we're seeing the most severe disease in right now. It's widespread here in Texas and a few other states particularly in the Southeast. But it has the potential to cause very serious disease in otherwise relatively young and relatively healthy people." So what can we do to stay healthy? Health experts recommend you get a flu shot if you haven't received one this year. Colleen Christian, a health educator with St. Johns Neighborhood Clinic says, "It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to work in your body. So that's going to give you some good protection through the height of the flu season which we normally see in January and into the month of February." And Dr. Robinson says there's another reason to get the shot this year in particular. He says the vaccine does contain this strain that's circulating so it's a good match this year. He also notes that none of the patients he's seen recently who were suffering from the flu had been immumized. By Fred Cantu Read More at: http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/h1n1-making-its-way-through-texas-15093.shtml ------------- Long time lurker since day one to Member. |
Posted By: arirish
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 7:15am
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These are just a few headlines on Goggle News tody! Austin doctors see spike in flu cases MyFox Austin-11 hours ago Young Pasco County mother dies from swine flu MyFox Tampa Bay-Dec 18, 2013 H1N1 cases confirmed in Alberta Medicine Hat News-Dec 11, 2013 H1N1 among flu strains in London area: health unit CTV News-Dec 18, 2013 First seasonal flu death reported in Weld County 9NEWS.com-Dec 4, 2013 Weld County is in Colorado. ------------- Buy more ammo! |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 7:37am
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Since we're most likely dealing with a swine flu variant, of which we may have no immunity, keep a close eye on how it spreads. If it continues, we will consider going to defcon 5 over the coming days. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: coyote
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 7:41am
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Yes, this may not be good at all..Albert,am I correct at stating this? Seems like a high death rate at the start.. ------------- Long time lurker since day one to Member. |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 7:49am
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Hi Coyote, it does seem quite a bit higher. A lot higher than what we saw in 2009. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Kyle
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 8:08am
| I haven't gotten a vaccine this year. I have a medical condition and I'm afraid it might get me sick. Should I reconsider getting the vaccine? |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 8:14am
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I would say yes Kyle, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Consult your physician first if need be, but whatever the case, at the moment the general public has no idea what's happening so now is a good time to sneak it in if you decide to do so. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 8:27am
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So far there seems to be one genuine cluster. This is very confusing there seems to be thousands of H1N1 reports, but something different about the most recent cases, its more virulent. Also they aren't being picked up with the normal tests. This is very cloudy. I haven't experienced this with other viruses. It really makes it difficult to understand what is going on. The way we will know for sure, is this pops up in other remote locations and kills in clusters. Not quite time to hit the panic button also. There was a similar outbreak a few months back. |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 8:52am
Flu-like activity increasing in Houston and TexasBy Lora Hines | December 19, 2013 | Updated: December 20, 2013 1:04am
In Harris County, hospital emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms are at a five-year high. http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Christine+Mann - Christine Mann , spokeswoman for the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Texas+Department+of+State+Health+Services - Texas Department of State Health Services , said Thursday her agency is aware of suspected flu cases that Montgomery County public health officials are investigating. She said the county is sending specimens to the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Centers+for+Disease+Control+and+Prevention - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for more extensive testing and confirmation. "We'll wait and see what they find," Mann said, adding that the H1N1 virus, formerly known as swine flu, is the predominant strain this season, which started in September and typically runs until spring. On Thursday, Montgomery County officials confirmed their second case of H1N1 virus. The unidentified patient is being treated at an area hospital, spokeswoman http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Jennifer+Nichols-Contella - Jennifer Nichols-Contella said in a written statement. Tests are to be performed on six other cases, including the deaths of four people who suffered flu-like symptoms. "The http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Montgomery+County+Public+Health+District - Montgomery County Public Health District is coordinating with regional and state resources to manage the case investigations," Nichols-Contella said. Meanwhile, Mann stressed that the state is in the middle of flu season. So it's typical, she noted, for hospitals and doctors this time of year to see many cases. "We don't even think we're at the peak," she said. "It's not unexpected." Mann said there's no way to know how many people have died because flu cases are not required to be reported unless they involve children. No children have died so far this flu season in Texas. Deaths every year The Centers for Disease Control estimates between 3,300 and 49,000 people nationwide die every year as a result of the flu. Mann said state officials estimate Texans would make up between 8 percent and 10 percent of that total. "We do expect there to be deaths every year from the flu," she said. "How many? We don't know." Her agency's most recent flu data shows that an increasing number of people are going to hospitals and doctors with flu-like symptoms. Of the nearly 1,700 specimens tested, about 320 were positive for flu. Almost all the positive specimens were confirmed as H1N1. Houston and Harris County officials and doctors agreed the area is in the middle of an intense flu season, with more than 200 cases confirmed at one Houston hospital, and more expected to be reported. http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Rita+Obey - Rita Obey , spokeswoman for http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Harris+County+Public+Health+and+Environmental+Services - Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services , said the hospitals in her agency's jurisdiction are reporting many flu cases, but nothing out of the ordinary. "We're in the heart of flu season," she said. "There is nothing unusual about this." Increase in ER visits The most recent data for Houston and Harris County shows high flu activity, with the number of positive tests performed by Houston's Bureau of Laboratory Services increasing. Of the 33 tests performed last week, 14 were positive for flu. Almost all were confirmed as influenza A, of which H1N1 is a subtype. So far, the bureau has tested 264 specimens. Of the 89 positive results, the H1N1 virus accounted for 78 cases. Visits this month to hospital emergency rooms for flu-like symptoms also were the highest reported in at least five years, according to the data. Since Dec. 1, the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Houston+Methodist+Hospital+System - Houston Methodist Hospital System has confirmed 225 flu cases, with about 90 percent of them found to be the H1N1 virus, said infectious disease specialist Dr. http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Richard+Harris - Richard Harris . At least one patient, who also suffered other medical problems, died, Harris said. He wouldn't reveal more details, citing patient confidentiality. "We're in the middle of an epidemic here in Houston," Harris said. "This is the tip of the iceberg." He said this season's vaccine is 60 percent effective in preventing the flu. "You might still get the flu, but it will be a much more mild case," Harris said. "It's not too late to get vaccinated." Not an epidemic Dr. http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Luis+Ostrosky - Luis Ostrosky , an infectious disease specialist at http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Memorial+Hermann+Hospital - Memorial Hermann Hospital , said he also is seeing more flu cases, but wouldn't describe the situation as an epidemic. Twenty patients have been hospitalized with the flu since the beginning of the month. Ostrosky, who also is a professor at the http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=UT+Health+Science+Center - UT Health Science Center , wouldn't say whether anyone has died. Ostrosky said he thinks more people might be coming down with the flu this year because they didn't get vaccinated against it. He said the past couple of flu seasons were relatively mild and suspects many people probably became complacent about protecting themselves. http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Jenn+Blackmer+Jacome - Jenn Blackmer Jacome , spokeswoman at http://www.chron.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=news%2Fhealth&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=Texas+Childrens+Hospital - Texas Children's Hospital , said many patients were being treated for flu-like symptoms. Six flu cases have been confirmed, she said. http://www.chron.com/news/health/article/Flu-like-activity-increasing-in-Houston-and-Texas-5080273.php - http://www.chron.com/news/health/article/Flu-like-activity-increasing-in-Houston-and-Texas-5080273.php ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: coyote
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 9:34am
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Texas Seeing Some of Highest Levels of Flu Activity in Country December 20, 2013 http://www.click2houston.com/l... Houston, Texas: Health officials in Montgomery County report that a ninth patient has come forward with flu-like symptoms similar to eight other cases reported earlier this week. Of those nine, tests have confirmed two were infected with H1N1, the predominant flu strain being seen statewide. According to the Centers for Disease Control's latest surveillance, Texas is seeing some of the highest levels of flu activity in the country. H1N1 is the most common strain. Dr. Herbert L. DuPont with the University of Texas School of Public Health said its severity among young people makes H1N1 unique. "All ages should get immunizations; not just the high risk population, not just the old people, but young, healthy people that typically don't think about the flu being a problem with them," said Dr. DuPont. (snip) "If you want to stay healthy, do two things, stay more than six feet away from people coughing and consider your hands contaminated when you touch things," said DuPont. DuPont said this year's flu vaccine does protect against H1N1. (more) ------------- Long time lurker since day one to Member. |
Posted By: KiwiMum
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 10:13am
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I wonder if this is the same flu strain we had here in NZ 3 months ago? The doctors office told me we either had H1N1 or H3N2, both of which were showing up in a late rush (it was spring here). What I can tell you is that friends of ours who had received the flu shot still got it really badly, and that it spread through our school very easily. I saw a friend at the supermarket yesterday whose three children have just come down with it in the last week, so it's still going around here even though we are in high summer and it's lovely and hot here. ------------- Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts. |
Posted By: KiwiMum
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 10:16am
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You guys with specialist medical knowledge, would it be possible for me to be tested to see what flu I had back in Oct? How would they do that? I'd really like to know which flu we all had, particularly if there's a pandemic coming. Do I take it that if someone has already had H1N1 and recovered, that they are then immune from further strains? ------------- Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts. |
Posted By: arirish
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 10:20am
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This is from Washington State Edited First Flu Death in Thurston County Reported Posted: Friday, December 20, 2013 9:08 am | Updated: 9:29 am, Fri Dec 20, 2013. By the Nisqually Valley News | 0 comments Thurston County health officials report a Thurston County man in his 50s is the first death in the county related to influenza. The man died from complications from the flu. “It appears this person was otherwise healthy and didn’t have any of the typical risk factors, such as respiratory or heart problems," said Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Rachel Wood in a news release. "So his death is a tragic reminder that the flu is serious business and can even be deadly." “We’re encouraging unvaccinated people of all ages to talk to their doctor about getting a flu vaccine,” Dr. Wood said. “Getting vaccinated helps you, but it also helps prevent the spread of the flu virus in the community. If you think you won’t catch the flu, think again. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.” ------------- Buy more ammo! |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 5:30pm
| Well I haven't heard of any large numbers of people with the flu in Thurston County and I reside in it. I can say my girlfriend who resides in a neighboring county has the flu as I have been taking care of her for the last couple days, her symptoms are quite ordinary with just a moderate fever. I had the H1N1 flu strain in 2009 so I should be good to go if that is indeed what she has. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 6:15pm
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I have had this years flu shot just wondering if it will do any good for this H1N1 variant. We had had a ton of noro virus bunches of kids throwing up everywhere. Just glad we have Christmas vacation! |
Posted By: CStackDrPH
Date Posted: December 20 2013 at 10:57pm
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A good buddy of mine in CDC confirmed that the Montgomery County mortalities are H1N1, nothing exotic. We worked on Legionnaire's Disease together back in the stone age. Legionella can be hard to confirm, but he had some choice words for the very rapid viral assays that hospitals depend upon. When you're dead, it doesn't matter much.
------------- CRS, DrPH |
Posted By: jdljr1
Date Posted: December 21 2013 at 1:51am
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I am monitoring the issue of possible vaccine breakthrough as I see from another thread Albert is considering raising our DEFCON level within a few weeks, as I see the two issues as related. I am seeing limited reports of vaccinated people getting very sick, but no evidence of full breakthrough as yet-remember the flu shot is a weak 60% vaccine even when it works. I would definitely get it and you can enhance your odds of being part of that 60% greatly with such things as aerobic exercise within hours of the shot, also ginseng, garlic preparations. These strategies have been shown to greatly increase antibody response. My flu injection, is going to work.
Especially as Tamiflu breakthrough with strains in the Southern US IS DOCUMENTED, all new cases should be being put on Relenza, not Tamiflu.
A known mutation called D225G makes H1N1 more lethal. If this mutation is becoming universal now, again, a big problem leading us towards possible DEFCON 5 to come. Best, John L. ------------- John L |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 21 2013 at 5:02am
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D2256 produces roughly double the viral load of the normal H1N1, which is why its more virulent. This gene mutation is thought to be similar to the mutation which happened to the 1918 spanish flu read this study... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20660098 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20660098 Keep your eyes open guys this could get very ugly very fast.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 21 2013 at 6:59am
| D225G typo :) |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 21 2013 at 10:59pm
| So in Layman's terms, if we see significant cases involving the lower respiratory track we can assume D225G mutation is presenting and we can expect some very bad times. Is that right? You really get my attention when you mention 1918. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 3:23am
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Yeah in lay terms they tested H1N1 with mutant D255G on mice and found it to be more deadly. Its the same receptor as in the "Spanish Flu". Try a Google search D255G and Spanish flu. There's plenty of information. There was a similar mutation in the Ukraine http://www.examiner.com/article/d225g-swine-flu-mutation-same-receptor-as-1918-spanish-flu-pandemic-found-ukraine-virus - http://www.examiner.com/article/d225g-swine-flu-mutation-same-receptor-as-1918-spanish-flu-pandemic-found-ukraine-virus Its a scary development but the virus has to spread to be a problem. Its the wait and see game. If more cluster develop in remote locations then we should get concerned. The benefit we have over the old "Spanish Flu" times. Is vaccines, A level of community immunity and modern medicine. Etc etc. Hopefully it doesn't spread
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 6:29am
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Austin Texas confirms first H1N1 death; another suspected American-Statesman Staff One person is dead in Travis County from H1N1 flu, and a second death is suspected of H1N1, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department announced today. That is the same strain that killed nine here in 2009, when the swine flu was classified as a pandemic. In Montgomery County, the deaths of four people from a flu-like illness are being investigated at Conroe Regional Medical Center. None of them had a flu shot, health officials said. Five others having a similar flu-like illness in Montgomery County are still living, and two of those were confirmed to have H1N1 flu, said Jennifer Nichols-Contella, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Public Health District. Investigations into all of those cases are continuing. Officials are encouraging anyone six months and older to get a flu shot. The H1N1 strain is “a good match with this year’s vaccine,” said Dr. Phil Huang, medical director of the Austin/Travis County health department. The health department is monitoring five other flu patients on life support in local hospitals, Huang said. Officials may never learn what killed the second person suspected of H1N1 because testing could not be done, Huang said. Both of those patients died Thursday in local hospitals, he said. He declined to give ages or other details because of patient confidentiality but said the two who died were under 65. Younger people also were more likely to die in 2009 from the H1N1 strain, unlike regular flu, which tends to kill the elderly. This story has been edited to correct an error in an earlier version regarding what type of flu was a pandemic in 2009. He died and was Risen on the Third Day |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 6:38am
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HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have a health alert regarding flu season. Harris County authorities confirm three men have died from H1N1. And now the Texas Department of Health has issued a state-wide alert. It's usually the very young or the elderly who are at risk. But the recent victims are all males, ages 45, 50 and 53 years old. Two of them had underlying health conditions, including obesity and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Houston is in Harris County and Conroe is in Montgomery County so it looks these are different victims. He died and was risen on the third day |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 7:48am
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We have been discussing the similarities between H1N1 (D226G) and the Spanish Flu. Your comment that healthy adults are dying parallels the Spanish Flu, which was well known for this phenomenon . Its because of a reaction called a cytokine storm where your bodies immune system overreacts and attacks its self. Spanish flu was also H1N1 |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 8:26am
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What we have in our favor is herd immunity to H1N1. When it struck in 1918 nobody had antibodies because it was a completely novel virus in humans. It'll never hit us as hard as it did back then, but it could certainly start another minor pandemic. Or worse still, it could reassort with a virus like H7N9 or H5N1 and impart efficient H2H transmission and spark a major pandemic. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Dutch Josh
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 8:37am
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We have to see how H1N1 developes. A mix with MERS is "not welcome". Sequences and more data are needed. D225G and H274Y are bad news. Also reports of people who died while vaccinated is bad news. It is to early to say how things will go. ------------- We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein |
Posted By: Johnray1
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 11:27am
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To Anyone,how many people have died,this year, from H1N1 or it's mutation? Johnray1 |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 11:47am
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Josh - if you mean H1N1 reassorting with MERS, they're different viruses and that shouldn't happen in theory. Reassorting with another flu virus and producing a novel strain is a bigger concern. H7N9, H5N1, H5N2, H6N1 and H10N8 all need the genetic material that allows H1N1 to spread efficiently, and simply coinfecting the same host could do that instantly. If you mean catching H1N1 and MERS at the same time, it would depend on which one was less prevalent as to the odds of that happening. If one was widespread and the other wasn't, the odds of being infected with both at the same time would be lessened. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: KiwiMum
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 9:09pm
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So absolutely anyone could be a human petrie dish! The trouble is that the more they spread the higher the chance of that happening. ------------- Those who got it wrong, for whatever reason, may feel defensive and retrench into a position that doesn’t accord with the facts. |
Posted By: Dutch Josh
Date Posted: December 22 2013 at 11:40pm
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jacksdad, what I mean is H1N1 with co-infections, a "mega-mix". Some of those other virusses/bacteria would not form a danger in itself but in combination with H1N1 could find "new feedinggrounds". I wonder if H1N1 is doing anything with animals. If pets, birds etc. can spread H1N1 (or another dissease in combination with H1N1) it makes a bigger problem. I follow H.Niman on his sites for more specific information. Google Flu Trends also gives some indication on developments. With over a million people crossing the Atlantic daily it will only be a matter of days before a widespread virus from one side of the ocean reaches the other side. We are all in the same boat ! Welcoming 2014 on Times Square, Trafalgar Square or other mass gatherings might not be the best idea. Social distancing proberbly sounds wiser. If vaccination does not cover the H1N1-2013 virus it is a big problem ! ------------- We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 7:21am
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Hi Dutch, where's the reference to people dying when already vaccinated? I couldn't find it I've actually heard the opposite. (willing to be proven wrong) H1N1 vaccines is said to be effective against the latest variant. I suggest anyone close to the outbreak to seriously consider getting vaccinated as a precaution.
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Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 8:11am
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That's what I figured, Josh. Many deaths from severe flu strains aren't necessarily caused by the virus itself, but by secondary infections - bacterial pneumonia is a big concern in patients with infections deep in the lungs as opposed to the upper airway. BTW - as doom laden as some of the posts on AFT get at times, Recombinomics has been known to predict some pretty extreme things that never panned out. ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Dutch Josh
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 8:38am
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cobber: Jade4now wrote: Hello Dr Niman, I know you are busy, but just wanted to know, if you had the H1N1 flu in 2009, would you therefore be immune this time around (excluding that mutation (starts with a D) that associates with severe cases? Thanks The latest sequences have not been released yet, but the dramatic increase in H1N1 suggests it has evolved far enough away from the 2009 version to re-infect those infected in 2009. It causes more than 95% of influenza cases in the US, and that number goes up each week, suggesting it is infecting those infected in 2009 (as well as some who were vaccinated this year - with a vaccine that uses the 2009 sequence). _________________ http://www.twitter.com/hniman - www.twitter.com/hniman jacksdad, I did read something (somewere) about co-infections and H1N1 in recent cases. If I find a link I post it. Also about H1N1 in Mexico with lots of similarities. (there is so much information on the net !) ------------- We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. ~Albert Einstein |
Posted By: Johnray1
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 11:20am
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jacksdad, I subscribe to a yahoo service that notifies me when different topics are on the internet."Yahoo Alerts for Avian Flu" is what I am notified of. 50 researchers in Europe just called for a meeting to discuss the people who are experimenting with ways to make dangerous viruses more deadly. I think that we have all believed this has been going on for sometime. But some one must have gotten scarred and asked publicly for the meeting. I suspect that all countries and large corps. are all doing this. Johnray1 |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 2:00pm
Johnray1 - "12 Monkeys" springs to mind after reading your post...  ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 2:17pm
Scary thought, isn't it? Every pandemic strain starts with one host. Don't forget that pigs are also an ideal mixing vessel for flu viruses, and even poultry can kick start a pandemic strain. To a virus, we're just receptors on cells - people are pigs are chickens. The hemagglutinin surface protein on a flu virus (the H in it's name) binds to a specific receptor on a cell like a lock and key, opening the door for the genetic material necessary to turn the infected cell into a virus factory, and the virus doesn't care what species the host is or where the receptors are as long as it gains access to them and successfully reproduces. Influenza used to be a disease of waterfowl - ducks were it's primordial host. It existed as a harmless intestinal virus and was spread in the feces of migrating birds, but when the Chinese brought ducks into rice paddy fields in an early attempt at domestication about four thousand years ago, the virus found receptors that matched it's hemagglutinin protein in the human airway and influenza evolved from an intestinal virus to a respiratory disease. Big jump and we were responsible. With really aggressive flu strains, any cell in a susceptible host can be targeted provided it has compatible receptors. Researchers investigating deadly outbreaks in poultry coined the term "flubola" after seeing influenza viruses binding to receptors in internal organs and initiating cytokine storms that literally liquified chickens from the inside. They were described as turning to "bloody jello". In 1918 (and more recently with H5N1) doctors documented the lungs of victims as been so badly damaged that they resembled "melted redcurrant jelly", and Spanish Flu would often cause people to bleed from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum as it bound to any and all available receptors and caused the immune system to initiate a bodywide cytokine storm, often killing the host in the process. To a virus, we're just receptors on cells that can be hijacked to help it reproduce, and it doesn't differentiate between humans, chickens or pigs. Any one of them could give a virus the helping hand it needs to become the next pandemic candidate, just as H5N1 and H7N9 have been shown to be reassortments of wild avian viruses, and H1N1 had avian and swine components. China currently has half a billion pigs and almost five billion chickens being raised in less than ideal conditions and surrounded on all sides by wildlife infected with a multitude of influenza viruses, and nobody is making any attempt to keep them separated  ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 2:18pm
 ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Pixie
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 3:03pm
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http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/12/21/Texas-reports-high-level-of-influenza-with-six-dead - h http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/12/21/Texas-reports-high-level-of-influenza-with-six-dead - ttp://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/12/21/Texas-reports-high-level-of-influenza-with-six-dead 6+9 flu deaths ? HOME / HEALTH NEWS / TEXAS REPORTS HIGH LEVEL OF INFLUENZA WITH SIX DEAD Texas reports high level of influenza with six dead Dec. 21, 2013 at 2:04 AM | 0 comm ATLANTA, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- For the week ending Dec. 14, U.S. influenza increased nationwide, but Texas was hard hit with more than a dozen critically ill and six dead, officials say. The influenza strain H1N1 -- the same strain that caused the 2009 pandemic -- killed six people and left 14 critically ill in the Greater Houston area, KHOU-TV in Houston reported. The Harris County Health Department said at least three people died from the H1N1 flu virus -- all middle-age men, two with underlying health issues, including cardiovascular disease and obesity. ============================================================= H1N1 is also suspected in at least nine other deaths in eight regional hospitals, health officials say ============================================================== Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/12/21/Texas-reports-high-level-of-influenza-with-six-dead/UPI-35631387609497/#ixzz2oLFVp0Nm |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 3:14pm
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Sadly, I wonder how many of the 14 critically 10 days ago have died. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 5:03pm
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I will add this, once we confirm it's an h1n1 variant, and a somewhat mutant strain slightly different from the 2009 pandemic h1n1, we go to defcon 5. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: jacksdad
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 5:19pm
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Good call, A. While I still don't believe we're looking at a virus that could spark a major pandemic (ie severe enough to cause widespread and prolonged societal disruption), it is worrying to see reports of complications and death in younger victims. We could be in for a very rough flu season. It seems like H1N1 isn't done with us yet  ------------- "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep" "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 6:18pm
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Albert i agree. If it is H1N1 D255G and consistently being reported, defcon 5 is a good move. The more i read about this variant the more concerning it is. Apparently the D255G receptor has low reactor characteristic which means those that are vaccinated and have had wild H1N1 may have the effect of clearing a path for this virus. (recombinomics 2010) http://www.recombinomics.comews/02211001/H1N1_Germany_G158E. - http://www.recombinomics.com/News/02211001/H1N1_Germany_G158E.html |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 6:38pm
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They're calling it Captain Trips. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: Albert
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 6:49pm
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On a more serious note, we're not hearing a lot about mild symptoms like we did in 2009. Also wondering if we're dealing with seasonal h1n1 along with a variant from pandemic h1n1, the one that produces the false negatives. Fully cloaked. ------------- https://www.facebook.com/Avianflutalk |
Posted By: CStackDrPH
Date Posted: December 23 2013 at 8:02pm
http://www.nature.com/news/scientists-call-for-urgent-talks-on-mutant-flu-research-in-europe-1.14429 - http://www.nature.com/news/scientists-call-for-urgent-talks-on-mutant-flu-research-in-europe-1.14429 Crazy Dutch bastards! We also have a crew up at Univ of WI doing similar "gain of function" research. Talk about playing with fire! We cannot forget that the "Amerithrax" anthrax attack was carried out by Dr. Bruce Ivins, a civilian US Army bioweapons researcher who had a bizarre fixation on a university sorority. He smuggled the bugs out of a super-secure facility and created much havoc after 9/11 attacks. Just because we CAN do something, scientifically, doesn't mean that we should. Peace, Chuck
------------- CRS, DrPH |