http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/T346458.htm
01 Aug 2005 06:44:22 GMT
HK orders clean up as swine flu spreads in China
By Tan Ee Lyn
HONG KONG, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Alarmed by an outbreak of swine flu in mainland China that has killed 34 people, Hong Kong's government set up tough new measures on Monday to try to protect the southern territory from the disease.
Over 180 people have been infected with Streptococcus suis, a form of swine flu, in China's southwestern Sichuan province since June.
The Hong Kong government ordered pig farms in the city to strictly observe hygiene standards and to dispose of pig carcasses properly in designated areas. Those caught flouting the rules would be fined HK$25,000 (US$3,200) and jailed for up to six months.
"They have to disinfect the carcasses and wrap them properly using double-layer plastic bags," said a government spokeswoman.
Officials were also discussing whether to classify swine flu a "notifiable infectious disease", which would require all local doctors to report such cases to the government.
While China has suspended exports of Sichuan pork to Hong Kong, the outbreak has unnerved the territory after authorities said last week that two local men had contracted the bacterial infection.
Neither man had travelled outside of Hong Kong immediately prior to their falling ill and health authorities are still investigating how they contracted the disease. One has been discharged and the other is still in hospital.
"One of them is a renovation worker, who would probably have minor cuts on his hands, the other goes to the market and cooks regularly, so he might have had contact with raw, infected pork," said a government spokesman.
Though endemic in swine, human infections of Streptococcus suis are rare.
The bacteria finds its way into humans via open wounds and minor cracks under fingernails. But it is susceptible to heat of over 100 C (212 F), and thoroughly cooked pork is safe to eat.
Chinese authorities say all those taken ill in Sichuan had slaughtered, handled or ate infected pigs, and stressed that there had not been any human-to-human transmission of the bacteria.
However, China's death toll of some 20 percent so far is particularly worrying as previous mortality rates are not known to have gone over 10 percent.
Many who died in Sichuan died within 24 hours of showing symptoms and many bled under their skin, signs which were not typical of Streptococcus suis infections.
"The situation is extraordinary. The pattern hasn't followed previous outbreaks, there are many human infections and deaths," said infectious disease expert Lo Wing-lok.
"Could there be other factors involved? Has the organism changed? Has it mutated to become more contagious and virulent? Is there co-infection of any other virus or bacteria? These are the questions on our minds."
I noticed the same thing you did. This is NOT swine flu, and I wish reporters would get that phrase out of their little freakin minds.
And thanks for making that distinction, and posting the "swine flu" stuff on this thread.
Frankly, I think it's Avian Flu, period.
Good night, all. God bless us, each and every one.
http://www.peacehall.com/news/gb/english/2005/08/200508020220.shtml
Aug. 02, 2005
By August 1st, the official death toll has increased to 36, according to XinHua News. It says 30 in serious situation, 18 cured, there are 198 infected. The short message is the only official news relevant to the exploding mysterious disease in Sichuan.
The disease has spread to nine cities in Sichuan. A few days ago, Mr. Gao Qiang, Minister of Public Health, said to journalists "I guaranttee that the disease in under control if you trust my personality". Mr. Gao used simliar words during SARS, he said "I can responsibly say the disease is under control". Mr. Gao was vice-minister of Public Health in 2003.
The official date of first case of Sichuan disease ( "Streptococcosis Suis" ) is June 24, the government has been criticized for delaying release the information to public by a month. The Sichuan government fired a few directors of ZiYang Hospital where the disease was first found, blaming them did not report to upper level government until July 11. The governemnt did not explain why it continued to delay releasing the information to public until July 25. (boxun.com)
The tight restriction to journalists and the few words of news release on the incident may explain why it is hard for the world to trust the official numbers.
At the same time, WHO said that Sichuan disease may not be "single type of bacteria", it may be another type of virus or bacteria, it may also related to a number of factors such as pollution.
From begining, some people in China blame the disease to food to feed pigs. The feed used is strange, it will make pig fully grown in three months, normally it takes 9-10 months to fully grow. Pollution is also frequently mentioned as the source of the disease among public, the river and underground water is polluted very badly, the river kills almost all lives in the water. If any of above is the source, it will be very sensitive: 1) Pig feed is the interest of business people who are backed up by officials; 2) Pollution is a taboo too as it may frighten investors away, or the factories may face to be closed. (boxun.com)