What happened to the regular reports that were coming out of Thailand? I can not find any. Is it possible that someone has imposed a news black from there? Or may be a news blackout on specific news about Bird Flu from there? Johnray1

The last news I heard about Thailand was perhaps two weeks ago.....and it was very disturbing.
It was on Havarian Emergency Service - Alert Map . http://visz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert.php?lang=eng                                                                                                                                                             At that time the Red Chickens that signify Avian Flu were literally stacking up.  The information for Thailand listed the destruction level as Catastrophic......that was the EXACT descriiption  used.  When I read the text......it stated that there were approximately 123 people with symptoms of the Avian Flu.  I should have saved it.  What is even more disturbing is that around the same time the World Health Organization removed it's update link for Thailand, and it had been there along with China and Indonesia.

Avian Influenza surveillance in human
As at August 26, 2006.
Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health

---

I. Avian Influenza in human situation 2006

 

Since January 1, 2006 to August 26, 2006, the Bureau of Epidemiology has received reports of influenza or pneumonia cases in Avian Influenza Surveillance Network from the Provincial Health Offices and Disease Prevention and Control Regional Offices. The investigation and analysis were summarized as follows:

• Cumulative number of patients under surveillance are 4,434 cases 71 provinces. Today reports are 33 cases; Ten cases from Loei,  3 each from Sukhothai,  Phitsanulok, and Uthaithani, 2 each from Nonthaburi, Angthong, Nakhonpathom, Prachaubkirikhan, Nakhonsawan, and Phichit, and 1 each from Bangkok metropolis, and Uttharadit.
• Confirmed human case of avian influenza 2006 = 2 cases, with 2 death cases.
  �   The first death case, reported from Phichit province, Tabklo district is 17 years old male. He had onset on July 15, 2006 and died on July 24, 2006.
  �  The second death case, reported from Uthai Thani province, Sawang Arom district is 27 years old male. He had onset on July 24, 2006 and died on August 3, 2006.
• There are 74 suspect cases reported, of which waiting for laboratory result.

Conclusion:

�   In 2005, there are 5 confirmed human cases of avian influenza, with 2 death cases.

�   In 2006, there are 2 confirmed human dead cases of avian influenza.

 

II. Avian Influenza International Situation, www.who.int

WHO report in brief : Since 2004, to 23 August 2006, there had been 241 H5N1 confirmed reported cases, with 141 deaths in 10 countries; Vietnam 93 cases with 42 deaths; 24 cases with 16 deaths in Thailand; 60 cases with 46 deaths in Indonesia; Six confirmed dead cases in Cambodia; 21 cases with 14 deaths in China; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Turkey; Two confirmed dead cases in Iraq; 8 cases with 5 deaths in Azerbaijan; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Egypt; and one confirmed case in Djibouti. (Table 1)

http://thaigcd.ddc.moph.go.th/AI_case_report_060826.html

Found these tonight, posted only links with excerpts, hope this helps.

Vietnam really scares me.  There is no way there is enough infastrure to prevent the spread of the virus or even measure it.  No one there documentsthe death of children due to simple starvation.

Avian Influenza surveillance in human
As at August 27, 2006.
Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health

---

I. Avian Influenza in human situation 2006

 

Since January 1, 2006 to August 27, 2006, the Bureau of Epidemiology has received reports of influenza or pneumonia cases in Avian Influenza Surveillance Network from the Provincial Health Offices and Disease Prevention and Control Regional Offices. The investigation and analysis were summarized as follows:

• Cumulative number of patients under surveillance are 4,447 cases 71 provinces. Today reports are 13 cases; Six cases from Suphanburi, 4 from Amnatcharoen, and 1 each from Kampaengphet and Phichit.
• Confirmed human case of avian influenza 2006 = 2 cases, with 2 death cases.
  �   The first death case, reported from Phichit province, Tabklo district is 17 years old male. He had onset on July 15, 2006 and died on July 24, 2006.
  �  The second death case, reported from Uthai Thani province, Sawang Arom district is 27 years old male. He had onset on July 24, 2006 and died on August 3, 2006.
• There are 74 suspect cases reported, of which waiting for laboratory result.

Conclusion:

�   In 2005, there are 5 confirmed human cases of avian influenza, with 2 death cases.

�   In 2006, there are 2 confirmed human dead cases of avian influenza.

 

II. Avian Influenza International Situation, www.who.int

WHO report in brief : Since 2004, to 23 August 2006, there had been 241 H5N1 confirmed reported cases, with 141 deaths in 10 countries; Vietnam 93 cases with 42 deaths; 24 cases with 16 deaths in Thailand; 60 cases with 46 deaths in Indonesia; Six confirmed dead cases in Cambodia; 21 cases with 14 deaths in China; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Turkey; Two confirmed dead cases in Iraq; 8 cases with 5 deaths in Azerbaijan; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Egypt; and one confirmed case in Djibouti. (Table 1)

http://thaigcd.ddc.moph.go.th/AI_case_report_060827.html

Cruiser wrote: SF   I felt the same way over lack of info about Vietnam, now I am also a bit miffed over Michigan as well.  I am not surprised nor alarmed.  News or no news, anyway you slice it the outcome will be the same.

So true Cruiser!

I am not alarmed either, just a tad frustrated. Maybe it just means that most of our energy should be focused on getting the word out to prepare, prepare, prepare. We know eventually this wall of water will hit us so we should be screaming to get off the beach...to badly abuse a metaphor that really doesn't fit the situation anyway

I found the report on the man from China under Disease Outbreak News....he died....no previous travel....no contact with dead or diseased birds.

Avian influenza � situation in China � update 14 14 August 2006 The Ministry of Health in China has confirmed the country�s 21st case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case occurred in a 62-year-old male farmer from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the north-western part of the country. He developed symptoms on 19 June and died on 12 July. Initial tests on patient specimens produced negative results. As a precautionary measure, tests were repeated during July and August and eventually produced positive results, which were confirmed today by the Ministry of Health. An epidemiological investigation of the case was unable to uncover a history of exposure to dead or diseased birds. The man had no history of travel during the month prior to symptom onset. No recent poultry outbreaks have been reported in the vicinity of the man�s home. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region had not previously reported a human case. Of the 21 cases confirmed to date in China, 14 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza surveillance in human
As at August 28, 2006.
Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health

---

I. Avian Influenza in human situation 2006

 

Since January 1, 2006 to August 28, 2006, the Bureau of Epidemiology has received reports of influenza or pneumonia cases in Avian Influenza Surveillance Network from the Provincial Health Offices and Disease Prevention and Control Regional Offices. The investigation and analysis were summarized as follows:

• Cumulative number of patients under surveillance are 4,479 cases 71 provinces. Today reports are 32 cases; Six cases from Sukho Thai, 5 from Nakhonsawan, 3 each from Suphanburi and Khon Kaen, 2 each from Nonthaburi, Lamphun, Kampaengphet and Sakonnakhon, and 1 each from Bangkok metrpolis, Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Loei and Ranong.
• Confirmed human case of avian influenza 2006 = 2 cases, with 2 death cases.
  �   The first death case, reported from Phichit province, Tabklo district is 17 years old male. He had onset on July 15, 2006 and died on July 24, 2006.
  �  The second death case, reported from Uthai Thani province, Sawang Arom district is 27 years old male. He had onset on July 24, 2006 and died on August 3, 2006.
• There are 67 cases under investigate reported, of which waiting for laboratory result.

Conclusion:

�   In 2005, there are 5 confirmed human cases of avian influenza, with 2 death cases.

�   In 2006, there are 2 confirmed human dead cases of avian influenza.

 

II. Avian Influenza International Situation, www.who.int

WHO report in brief : Since 2004, to 23 August 2006, there had been 241 H5N1 confirmed reported cases, with 141 deaths in 10 countries; Vietnam 93 cases with 42 deaths; 24 cases with 16 deaths in Thailand; 60 cases with 46 deaths in Indonesia; Six confirmed dead cases in Cambodia; 21 cases with 14 deaths in China; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Turkey; Two confirmed dead cases in Iraq; 8 cases with 5 deaths in Azerbaijan; 14 cases with 6 deaths in Egypt; and one confirmed case in Djibouti. (Table 1)

http://thaigcd.ddc.moph.go.th/AI_case_report_060828.html

EFoodSafety.com Says One-Third Of Thailand Declared Disaster Zone - Quick Facts

Monday, August 28, 2006; Posted: 01:21 PM
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/BREAKING%20NEWS/352810/

Meanwhile, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Prat Boonyawongwirot said on Wednesday that in the 24 hours from Tuesday morning, some 79 patients with flu-like symptoms were hospitalized in 22 provinces, quarantined and monitored for possible bird flu, awaiting laboratory tests to indicate whether they carried the deadly virus or not.

Source: Xinhua 31/08/06

Foreign leaders praise Thailand at 6th ASEM Conference

At the 6th ASEM Conference, world leaders have praised Thailand for the measures in dealing with avian influenza and AIDS. As for the support for Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai to be the next United Nations Secretary-General, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said there is still hope. The 6th conference between country members of Asia and Europe is being held in Finland. The 1st day of the meeting commenced yesterday, and Prime Minister Thaksin said this would be a good opportunity to meet with leaders from foreign countries. He said a number of issues have been discussed, and he has asked for world leaders to support Dr. Surakiart to become the next UN Secretary-General. He said the chances are 50/50. According to the Prime Minister, the main topics of discussion include terrorism, threats on national security, as well as bird flu and AIDS epidemic. He said the World Health Organization has also given positive praises to Thailand on these matters. He said many meeting members are also interested in discussing these topics. Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin also talked about the bilateral cooperation between Thailand and other countries. He said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had a talk with him on automotive and tourism industries. Meanwhile, Estonian premier Andrus Ansip discussed IT and tourism cooperation with the Thai Prime Minister as well. Both countries� foreign affairs ministries will sign two agreements on the cooperation of culture and education in the near future.

Avian Influenza surveillance in human
As at October 15, 2006.
Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health

---

I. Avian Influenza in human situation 2006

 

Since January 1, 2006 to October 15, 2006, the Bureau of Epidemiology has received reports of influenza or pneumonia cases in Avian Influenza Surveillance Network from the Provincial Health Offices and Disease Prevention and Control Regional Offices. The investigation and analysis were summarized as follows:

• Cumulative number of patients under surveillance are 5,258 cases 72 provinces. Today reports are 17 cases; Eight cases from Sukhothai, 6 from Supanburi, 2 from Kampaengphet, and 1 from Nakhonsawan.
• Confirmed human case of avian influenza 2006 = 3 cases, with 3 death cases.
  �  The first death case, reported from Phichit province, Tabklo district is 17 years old male. He had onset on July 15, 2006 and died on July 24, 2006.
  �  The second death case, reported from Uthai Thani province, Sawang Arom district is 27 years old male. He had onset on July 24, 2006 and died on August 3, 2006.
  �  The third death case, reported from Nong Bua Lampoo province, Non Sung district is 59 years old male. He had onset on July 14, 2006 and died on August 10, 2006.
• There are 6 cases under investigate reported, of which waiting for laboratory result.

Conclusion:

�   In 2005, there are 5 confirmed human cases of avian influenza, with 2 death cases.

�   In 2006, there are 3 confirmed human dead cases of avian influenza.

 

Half million said to be sick from floods

Patients suffering from flood-related diseases in the aftermath of one of Thailand's worst floodings has in the past two months led over 560,000 persons to seek medical care.

Public health authorities have sprayed disinfectant in attempts to rid large areas of mosquitoes and flies in the flood-hit provinces, although by definition, it is a task which can not be won, but rather reduces the population of possible disease-carrying insects.

Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot, Permanent Secretary for Public Health said that the flood situation is still critical in four provinces--Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, and Ayutthaya. Medical teams from nearby provinces were dispatched to visit residents in areas affected by flooding.

The number of patients treated in the past two months totaled 565,956, of which 60 per cent had athlete's foot and rash. However, no highly contagious diseases have been detected, he said.

The provinces have distributed drinking water to flood victims to prevent digestive system disorders.

In Ang Thong, there have been 53,865 patients since last month. Of these, 40 per cent had athlete's foot and rash.

More than 40 Department of Disease Control teams have been at work spraying disinfectant in resident and market areas, as mosquitoes and flies can carry dengue fever and diarrhea-inducing diseases respectively.

Mosquito repellant has also been distributed to flood victims. (TNA)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=113838

No contagious diseases from 1/2 a million people is incredible .Not to mention the health ministry"s proposal .

Bird flu likely to re-emerge in cold, wet

Fowls in weak state, cooler days coming

By Kultida SamabuddhI & Apiradee Treerutkuarkul

A re-emergence of the avian influenza outbreak is likely as the country is entering the cold season while fowls are in poor health due to widespread floods, Livestock Development Department chief Yukol Limlamthong has warned. ''The poultry population is in a weak condition as a result of the flood disaster, which could make them contract the virus easily,'' said Dr Yukol.

The department's bird flu prevention units have started to spray disinfectant in poultry farms across the country, focusing on flood-hit provinces, he added.

The agency normally stepped up bird flu prevention operations around year-end because the deadly virus is found to spread well in cold weather.

However, this year's operation has to be more stringent than previous years due to the weak condition of the fowls.

Nirundorn Aungtragoolsuk, chief of the department's animal disease control bureau, said authorities working on bird flu prevention were preparing to seek cabinet approval to revive the National Committee on Avian Influenza, dissolved in the aftermath of the coup d'etat.

The committee is in charge of drafting and supervising the national policy on bird flu outbreak control and prevention.

Comprising experts and officials from various agencies, it was chaired by the ousted deputy prime minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

A virologist yesterday urged agencies to again consider poultry vaccination following the Public Health Ministry's proposal to use the method to combat bird flu.

Use of bird flu vaccine in fowls is currently banned.

Prasert Auewarakul, a virologist at Siriraj Hospital's faculty of medicine, said strict safety procedures were needed if the government decided to carry out vaccinations.

''The government should follow safety procedures when conducting the vaccine programme,'' he said. It should also consider the vaccine use guidelines developed by the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

The Livestock Development Department opposes vaccinating poultry against the avian flu virus, saying vaccination would make it more difficult to control bird flu outbreaks because vaccinated and infected fowls could not be kept apart easily.

However, Disease Control Department chief Thawat Sundarajarn, who backs lifting the ban, said the programme would be effective in combating bird flu.

In the first stage, it would be limited to only rare fowl species, birds raised for their plumage and backyard chickens. Vaccinated fowl would be contained.

 

Livestock Department orders disinfectant spraying at poultry farms across the country

The Director-General of the Livestock Development Department orders disinfectant sprayed at poultry farms across the country on Monday, November 13, to prevent bird flu from spreading during winter. Residents in the flooded areas are warned not to bring their poultry inside their house as they might be infected. Yukol Limlaemthong (�ؤ� ���������ͧ), Director-General of the Livestock Development Department, said that on Monday, November 13, livestock provincial officials nationwide are going to spray disinfectants at poultry farms to kill bird flu disease left in the nature. As for the inundated areas, the officials will go there immediately after the water has declined. At the same time, the department is closely monitoring removals of poultry to make sure that all precautions are observed to prevent bird flu spread. It is also distributing animal feed to flood stricken farmers. Regarding the hygiene of the residents, they are warned not to use flood water for consumption to prevent disorder of digestive system. Veterinary mobile units are dispatched to the areas to take care of farm animals and injected them with penicillin. Mr Yukol added that farmers and residents should not neglect the possible return of bird flu although there has been no report on the outbreak for more than 90 days. The disease might be hiding in the nature. He also warned those who have been affected by flood for months not to bring poultry inside their residence. If it is unavoidable, the animals should be confined in a cage to avoid direct contact.

http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=194643

;

To jab or not to jab

Bird Flu-Infected Dog Suggests Human Risk From Pets, Study Says

By Jason Gale

Nov. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Bird flu infected organs of a dog in Thailand before killing the animal, highlighting the potential for pets to contract the lethal virus and potentially spread it to humans, researchers in the country said.

The dog probably picked up the H5N1 avian influenza strain from infected duck carcasses in the central Thai province of Suphanburi two years ago, the researchers said in a study published in this month's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. Five days after feeding on the carcasses, the dog developed high fever, panting and lethargy, and died a day later.

The virus was found in the dog's lung, liver, kidney and urine, providing more evidence of the ability of H5N1 to cross the species to infect mammals, the study said. Disease trackers are monitoring for signs the virus is changing into a form more dangerous to people after it killed at least 74 people this year, as many as reported in the previous two years combined.

``Despite the low probability of H5N1 infection in domestic animals, the possibility of humans acquiring H5N1 infection from direct contact with infected cats and dogs warrants concern and highlights the need for monitoring domestic animals during H5N1 outbreaks in the future,'' said the authors, including Thaweesak Songserm from Kasetsart University and Alongkorn Amonsin from Chulalongkorn University.

Emerging Infectious Diseases is published monthly on the Internet by the National Center for Infectious Diseases in Atlanta.

The H5N1 virus is known to have infected 256 people in 10 countries in the past three years, killing 152 of them, the World Health Organization said on Oct. 31. Last year, 42 fatalities were confirmed, after 32 in 2004 and four in 2003. Millions could die if H5N1 becomes easily transmissible between people, sparking a lethal pandemic.

Human Cases

Thailand recorded its first outbreak of H5N1 in poultry in January 2004, with human infections reported the following month. The last of the country's 25 human cases was reported in August. Seventeen Thais are known to have died of the disease.

Felines, including domestic cats, are at risk of infection from H5N1 if they prey on birds, studies published in March by researchers at two Thai universities and a government research center showed. A 2005 study showed H5N1 was probably transmitted between tigers in Thailand and German officials in March confirmed an infection in a stone marten, a type of weasel.

Tests on the infected dog in Thailand showed it had a variant of H5N1 consistent with the strain circulating in the country at that time. Virus particles collected from the dog showed no sign of adaptation, the study in Emerging Infectious Diseases said.

The study is the first report of H5N1-related systemic disease in a domestic dog infected during the second wave of outbreaks in Thailand that occurred during October 2004, the authors said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jason Gale in Tokyo at j.gale@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 1, 2006 22:02 EST

Not long after the news media departs from the BF infected village than they go back to feeding their dogs and pigs the renderings of the the dead animals mashed up with bone meal and grain.  Nothing goes to waste over there and (sorry to pop your bubble) so it goes over here.

 good post Candles...

Dr Scott Dowell, who has spent the last four years helping fight infectious diseases in Thailand, told 200 clinicians and scientists on Monday that surveys in Thai villages, which had human outbreaks, show �a possibility that the virus is food-borne.� � dpa  

 

..................................................................................................................

 

 

Do we want to mess with this virus?

 

 

 

3) Cook all poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  This kills foodbourne germs that may be present, such as AI virus.

 

 

http://www.doi.gov/issues/AI_Scenario1QAs_usda_general.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and if this is food-borne, isn't that better? Then the virus is staying from bird to human and not h2h, or...NO?

Thanks Anharra, so are you implying that the virus will move even faster to our fear ( H2H )?