Week of Jul 12, 2004

AUSTRALIA

Mycobacterium Ulcerans near Melbourne, Australia An outbreak of mycobacterium ulcerans infection has been reported in the town of Point Lonsdale, a coastal resort approximately a one-hour drive south of central Melbourne on the Bellarine Penisula. In the last two months six infections have been diagnosed in visitors and residents. An additional two cases that are not linked to Point Lonsdale have been reported to the Victorian Department of Human Services during 2004. Mycobacterium ulcerans causes chronic, progressive skin ulcers on exposed body parts such as arms or legs. The method of human transmission is not known, but possible modes include mosquitoes, sand flies, tabanid (March flies), aerosol contact, or direct contact with contaminated soil or vegetation. Source: · Promed Mail, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:7128755064383494923::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ ID:1000,26024 · Herald Sun, Jul 14, 2004, http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10139000%255E1702,00.html · Fox Sports, Jul 15, 2004, http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,10139256-2,00.html

BANGLADESH

Dengue Patients Surpass 400 in Dhaka, Bangladesh The number of dengue patients rose to 427 in Dhaka since the beginning of the monsoon season last month. Patients are undergoing treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Suhrawardy Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and various private clinics. According to doctors working at hospitals and private clinics, most dengue patients in the city are coming from the Dhanmondi, Magbazar, Siddeshwari and Eskaton areas. Dhaka is located in the center of Bangladesh. Unofficial sources estimate the number of dengue-infected patients in the capital to be 600. Last year dengue seized 486 people and killed 10. Source: · Daily Star, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/07/15/d40715011818.htm · Xinhuanet, Jul 13, 2004, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/13/content_1595883.htm · Promed Mail, Jul 16, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:5496396524795300895::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ ID:1000,26039 · News From Bangladesh, Jul 13, 2004, http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2004-07- 13&hidType=LOC&hidRecord=0000000000000000014287 · News From Bangladesh, Jul 09, 2004, http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2004-07- 10&hidType=NAT&hidRecord=0000000000000000013907

Polluted Water at University Infects over 500 Students in Bangladesh Over 500 students living in dormitories of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology contracted water-borne diseases, mostly typhoid and diarrhea, in the last seven days. The university is located in Dhaka in the center of the Bangladesh. Students claimed they became sick after drinking polluted water supplied by the university. University authorities claim that the students may also have gotten sick from eating at cheap restaurants near the campus. The chief medical officer of the university medical complex reported that typhoid had been found in only 25 students, but other sources in the medical complex reported that 150 were found to be CRP positive, an indicator of typhoid infection. University authorities did some cleaning of water tanks. Source: · Daily Star, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/07/15/d4071501077.htm

Diarrhea Kills One Person and 25 Others Infected in Bandarban, Bangladesh One death attributed to diarrhea has been confirmed in the village Ramri Mro, Bandarban that is located in southeastern Bangladesh. The water-borne disease has attacked 25 others and local sources report that two have been hospitalized. It has been reported that people were drinking polluted water from ponds and canals, because of a scarcity of drinking water. All but 19 families have left Ramri Mro and taken shelter in nearby villages and the forest. Medical teams are working in the affected area since Monday afternoon. The Local Union Parishad is trying to get families who fled to return to the village. Source: · Daily Star, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/07/15/d40715070367.htm

Polio Suspected in Two Children in Bangladesh Two indigenous children, ages three and eight, were admitted to the Bandarban General Hospital on 4 and 6 July 2004 and are being treated for suspected cases of polio. Stool samples have been sent to the central laboratory of the Department of Health in Mohakhali (Dhaka). Confirmation of the diagnosis is awaiting these test results.The children are from Kamichhara Para and Mrangkhaymukh (Naikhiyang upazila, Bandarban District). Local people’s representatives claim that the health department’s polio vaccination program does not cover the remote area of Bandarban. A search is underway to find other infected children in the different areas of the district. Source: · News From Bangladesh, Jul 09, 2004, http://www.bangladesh-web.com/view.php?hidDate=2004-07- 10&hidType=LOC&hidRecord=0000000000000000013917

BHUTAN

Tests Confirm Dengue Outbreak in Bhutan An outbreak of dengue fever in Phuentsholing town in southwestern Bhutan has been confirmed by laboratory tests. As of 14 July 2004, 1393 cases of dengue have been reported in the Phuentsholing hospital. No deaths have been attributed to the disease. Only a few cases required hospitalization. Others responded to symptomatic treatment. The central medical and public health team from Thimphu is assisting the Phuentsholing hospital to manage the outbreak. Health authorities are campaigning for local awareness and mosquito control measures. Surveillance for the outbreaks has been increased. Source: · Kuensel Online, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.kuenselonline.com/article.php?sid=4287 · Promed Mail, Jul 16, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:5496396524795300895::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ ID:1000,26039

INDIA

Suspected Japanese Encephalitis Kills 3 People in India Eight persons with suspected cases of Japanese encephalitis (also known as viral encephalitis) have been admitted to the Shija Hospital and Research Institute Langol in Manipur. Manipur is located in eastern India. Three people didn’t respond to medication and have died. The remaining five patients are in serious condition. Blood samples have been taken and sent to Kolkata NIC for confirmation of the diagnosis. During the rainy season, the area is highly susceptible to outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Source: · The Sangai Express, Jul 11, 2004, http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1.11.110704.jul04 · Promed Mail, Jul 11, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:12740389138696598654::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL _ID:1010,25963

16 People Killed by Diarrhea in Uttar Pradesh, India Seven people died of diarrhea in the Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, bringing the total to 16 for the past week. Uttar Pradesh is located in northern India. Five people died in Trilokpur village, two others in Wahidanagar. Many others, some in serious condition, have been admitted to different hospitals. Teams of doctors have been dispatched to the affected areas to control the disease. Free medicine has been distributed. People have been informed about precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Earlier last week, several people died in different villages of the district. Source: · Hindustan Times, Jul 12, 2004, http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_881449,000900010004.htm

Unknown Virus Kills 15 Children in Gujarat, India Twenty-three children have been affected by a mysterious virus, 15 of which have already died of the disease. Four new cases were reported in the last 12 hours (11 July 2004). The children have been admitted to SSG Hospital and CHC in Halol. The recently admitted cases suggest that the virus is prevalent in the Chhotaudepur, Kwant, Pawi Jetpur and Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara district; Gogamba, Halol and Godhra taluka of neighboring Panchmahal district; and Alirajpur taluka of Madhya Pradesh. There is no indication of the nature of the illness. Activities by the National Institue of Virology team in the area suggest a mosquito-borne virus to be involved. Gujarat is located in the western part of India. Source: · Promed Mail, Jul 12, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:12740389138696598654::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL _ID:1010,25979 · Ahmedabad Newsline, Jul 12, 2004, http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=91090 LAOS

Dengue Infects 1,200 and Kills Three People in Laos Since the start of the dengue season last week, 1,200 people have been infected and three people died. The dengue season in Laos runs from July to September. Last year, 53 people died from the disease and 17,630 were infected. Residents have been urged to clean or overturn water containers and destroy mosquito-breeding places, usually areas with stagnant water. The Ministry of Public Health has advised doctors and nurses in outlying districts to send dengue victims to hospitals in the capital Vientiane, located in western Laos, because they have better equipment. Source: · Vientiane Times, Jun 12, 2004, http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/Contents/2004-133/Thousands.htm

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

HIV/AIDS Widespread in the Papua New Guinean Army AIDS is threatening to destroy the Papua New Guinea army. Each month, one to two soldiers in the country’s army die due to AIDS. One percent of all soldiers have already been tested positive for the HIV virus. It is predicted that up to a third of the Papua New Guinean army may be infected with HIV. Soldiers can stay in the army until their condition worsens. Source: · Pacific Islands Report, Jul 09, 2004, http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2004/July/07-09-11.htm · Radio International, Jul 08, 2004, http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=10921

PHILIPPINES

Rising Number of Gastroenteritis and Cholera in Pangasinan, The number of acute gastroenteritis cases in Pangasinan (Northern part of the Philippines) continues to rise. A total of 2,055 cases have been reported with 21 deaths attributed to the disease. Twenty-five towns and two cities were affected as of 6 July 2004. San Carlos City is most affected with 654 patients. Records show 487 cases in Malasiqui, 198 in Bayambang, 140 in Calasiao, 115 in Basista. Eighty-one of the 2,055 patients afflicted with gastroenteritis were also infected by a cholera-type bacterium. The Department of Health intensified its campaign against cholera that includes giving out free chlorine granulates and monitoring water sources. The World Health Organization has committed to help the Pangasinan government’s campaign against gastroenteritis and cholera. Source: · Sun Star, Jul 17, 2004, http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2004/07/17/health.department.moves.against.cholera.html · Inquirer, Jul 16, 2004, http://www.inq7.net/reg/2004/jul/17/reg_3-1.htm · Manila Bulletin, Jul 12, 2004, http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2004071313932.html

Six Cases of Dengue in Candaba, Philippines Six confirmed cases and four other suspected cases of dengue fever have been reported in Candaba, a town in the northern Philippines. The victims were taken to different hospitals in the City of San Fernando and San Miguel in . Some of the victims were children. Different townships as well as public and private schools have requested the municipal health office to perform fumigation operations. People have been advised to apply mosquito repellant and to use other preventive measures such as fumigation and katol (mosquito coil repellant). They have also been advised to monitor symptoms of dengue, such as fever within two to seven days with a positive or tourniquet test. Source: · Sun Star, Jul 15, 2004, http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2004/07/15/news/dengue.hits.candaba.html

Forty People Infected with Dengue in Ilocos Norte, Philippines At least 40 people have been infected with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Ilocos Norte (northern Philippines) since the start of the rainy season. No deaths have been attributed to the disease. Dengue is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito that breeds quickly on clear stagnant water. The government allocated money for the purchase of fogging machines. The machines will be distributed in the 22 towns and the one city of Laoag that comprise Ilocos Norte. Residents have been encouraged to clean up their surroundings to eliminate mosquito-breeding grounds. A government campaign has informed residents about preventive measures and symptoms of dengue. Source: · Manila Times, Jul 17, 2004, http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2004/jul/17/yehey/prov/20040717pro3.html

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Afflicts 70 People in Cebu, Philippines An epidemiologist of the Department of Health has confirmed the gastroenteritis outbreak in Dumanjug. At least 70 residents in two townships of Dumanjug, Cebu Island, were taken to the municipal health center with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Most of the patients were elementary pupils. No fatalities have been reported. Cases have been reported in the township Bulak and in the coastal township of Cambuwang. Cebu is located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Source: · Manila Bulletin, Jun 12, 2004, http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2004071313934.html

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea Reports an Increase in the Number of Hepatitis A Virus Infection The number of patients who contracted a hepatitis A virus infection in June 2004 was 76, the highest monthly figure since January 2001 for South Korea. Forty-five cases reported were from the South Chungchong Province in the western part of South Korea. A survey conducted showed a total of 63 people have contracted hepatitis A in Kongju, South Chungchong Province. Eighty percent of the patients who contracted hepatitis A last month had been to the same restaurant. A possible source of the infection is the underground water supply of the restaurant. The number of people infected with hepatitis A was 105 in year 2001, 319 in 2002, and 311 in 2003. Source: · Korea Times, Jul 13, 2004, http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200407/kt2004071317291911980.htm · Promed Mail, Jul 13, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:11771269089395684458::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL _ID:1000,26003

VIETNAM

New Encephalitis Virus Identified by Scientists in Vietnam A new arbovirus named Nam Dinh has been identified by the Central Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute in Vietnam. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes acute encephalitis in children. The virus is described to be as dangerous as Japanese encephalitis. The arbovirus appeared in the Bac Giang Province this year. Bac Giang lies in the northeastern part of Vietnam. A Study Group of the International Committee for Taxonomy of Viruses has not yet confirmed the virus. The Central Pediatrics Hospital in the northeastern province has received 240 encephalitis patients since early May. Forty percent were infected with Japanese encephalitis. Thirty-one patients have died. Source: · Viet Nam News, Jul 08, 2004, http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/2004-07/07/Stories/14.htm · Promed Mail, Jul 09, 2004, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:12740389138696598654::NO::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL _ID:1010,25948 · Promed Mail, Aug 06, 2003, http://www.promedmail.org/pls/askus/f?p=2400:1001:12740389138696598654::::F2400_P1001_BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_ARCHIVE_NU MBER,F2400_P1001_USE_ARCHIVE:1001,20030806.1936,Y …………………………………………………………………………………… The -Pacific Disease Outbreak/Surveillance News is meant for informational purposes only. As such, the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (COEDMHA) does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and of any statements or opinions based thereon. COEDMHA’s Pacific Disaster Management Information Network (PDMIN) team surveys, compiles and disseminates news reports from various publicly available newswires, websites, and health information networks including but not limited to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and ProMed. Some information is presented in its original version. The information contained herein does not necessarily represent the views of the COEDMHA.