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About
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Vol. III, No. 11 ~ EINet News Briefs ~ August 24, 2000
The EINet listserv was created to foster discussion, networking, and collaboration in the area of emerging infectious diseases (EID's) among academicians, scientists, and policy makers in the Asia–Pacific region. We strongly encourage you to share their perspectives and experiences, as your participation directly contributes to the richness of the "electronic discussions" that occur. To respond to the listserv, use the reply function. In this edition:
Below is a bi–weekly summary of Asia–Pacific EID issues based on postings to the ProMED Electronic Network and other sources. ProMED is the prototype for a communications system that monitors emerging infectious diseases globally, an initiative of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), and co–sponsored by WHO. ASIA ENTEROVIRUS 71 FATALITY EV71 is associated with severe forms of hand foot and
mouth disease. Infection usually causes mild symptoms; however, death
can also result. Last year, 22 cases were confirmed. VIETNAM––SUCCESS AGAINST POLIO HEALTH MINISTERS MEET ON HEALTHCARE FOR POOR OCEANIA NEW ZEALAND––FOODBORNE ILLNESSES Infectious intestinal diseases cost the economy an estimated
$216 million annually. Campylobacter, which is found in a wide range
of poultry and meats, accounts for 63% of all foodborne illnesses reported.
AMERICAS
USA (WISCONSIN)––E.COLI OUTBREAK This is the largest E.Coli outbreak ever recorded in Milwaukee.
USA(TEXAS)––INFLUENZA OUTBREAK This is the season's first outbreak. Influenza is traditionally
a winter illness that can begin as early as October and last until spring.
Recently, the CDC announced that the season's vaccine will be delivered
late, and that the shot will not be available until November. Approximately
20,000 fatal cases are reported annually in the U.S. USA (CALIFORNIA)––ARENAVIRUS LINKED TO DEATHS Human transmission of disease occurs through the inhalation
of dust contaminated with urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.
The virus has almost never before infected humans in North America;
variations of the virus have been seen among overseas travelers and
laboratory workers accidentally exposed during research. The public
has been advised to avoid contact with wild rodents or any wild animals,
to properly dispose of trash, to avoid camping near rodent droppings,
burrows, nests, and to avoid treating dust when cleaning rodent–infested
areas by first wetting the areas with bleach. OTHER RUSSIA (ST.PETERSBURG)––INFECTIOUS DISEASE RATES Conversely, the Health Commission has reported the largest rise of HIV
cases in 5 years, and a 90% tuberculosis (TB) rate in the city's population.
The increase of these diseases has been attributed to the influx of refugees
from zones in the former Soviet Central Asian republics and soldiers returning
from 'hot spots' in the former republics. Other contributing factors include
unsanitary conditions, declining social standards, and the absence of
a vaccination program. TYPHUS MAY FIGHT HIV Plasma was obtained from scrub typhus patients not infected with HIV and transferred to HIV patients; subsequently, HIV viral load decreased substantially. Scientists believe that this discovery will contribute to the development of an inexpensive HIV–AIDS treatment. Currently, over 30 million people are infected with HIV or full–blown
AIDS; the majority of these cases cannot afford the expensive combination
drug "cocktail" treatments that are readily available in more industrialized
countries. At least 1 million people are infected in Thailand; however,
less than 10% of these cases can afford the modern drug cocktail treatments.
TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES HELPS REDUCE HIV TRANSMISSION
Investigators referred to previous literature reports to indicate a relative
risk of 3 for increased HIV transmission among co–infected persons compared
to those who were not infected with a STD. Literature–based transmission
probabilities were used to calculate the number of cases that would be
prevented among HIV infected patients with STD treatment; the estimates
revealed a 10㪾% decline of potential HIV transmission.
MALAYSIA––NIPAH VIRUS Last year, the virus––which crossed over to pigs and then to humans––caused
over 100 fatalities. Antibodies against Nipah have also been found in
other species of fruit bats. The virus has also been known to infect dogs,
cats, and horses. The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recently added Nipah Virus to the same class of viruses as Ebola and AIDS.
JAPAN––CONTAMINATED MILK Snow Brand Milk Products intends to reinspect all powdered skim milk
products at factories nationwide. NEW ZEALAND––MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE LINKED TO CROWDED HOMES According
to a 3–year study looking at risk factors of meningococcal disease, household
crowding has contributed significantly to the nation's decade long epidemic.
Researchers indicated a 50% increased risk of disease among children living
in overcrowded conditions. In response to this finding, the government
has agreed to help improve living conditions by increasing the stock of
state houses and introducing income–related rents.
The current national average of disease is 14.8 cases per 100,000 people. GAVI members include the Bill and Melinda Gates Children's Vaccine Program,
International Federation of Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association
(IFPMA), public health and research institutions, national governments,
Rockefeller Foundation, UNICEF, World Bank, and World Health Organization.
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© 1998, The University of Washington |
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