According to a Chinese news article, a malaria outbreak currently underway in Mopti, Mali has claimed 28 lives since the first death occurred in early July. Mopti, a significant tourist region in the West African country, is completely surrounded by rivers and hence dubbed the “Venice of Mali.” The report claimed that during this rainy season, villagers have been directly drinking from the flooded rivers, thus “causing malaria to spread quickly in the area.” However, malaria is transmitted through bites from mosquitoes infected with the Plasmodium parasite and not from drinking contaminated water. Healthmap is therefore dubious of the accuracy of this report and suspect the reporter might have confused malaria with cholera. French news reports from earlier this month describe a cholera outbreak in Mopti and Timbuktu. Nevertheless, Mali does have a high burden of malaria. According to the 2010 WHO malaria report, Mali had 2,331 malarial deaths and 1,633,423 suspected cases in 2009 (the last year reported). Healthmap will continue to monitor for any clarification updates.
Showing posts with label malaria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label malaria. Show all posts
28 July, 2011
08 July, 2011
Updates on H1N1, C. difficile, Hepatitis C, Malaria, and West Nile Virus
H1N1 returns to India
With the return of monsoon season, beginning late May or early June, H1N1 influenza has returned to India. In the southwestern state of Kerala, 17 cases were confirmed this week in the Pathanamthitta and Alapphuzha districts. The Alapphuza district alone has seen 25 cases since the start of the monsoon season. Across Kerala, dozens are under quarantine, both at home and in hospitals, in efforts to stem the spread of the disease.
Elsewhere in India, in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, officials confirmed the state’s first death from H1N1. As a precaution, extensive screening efforts are being made in the Jhalawar district, the home of the victim.
C. difficile Outbreak Continues in Ontario
The C. difficile outbreak in the Niagara region of Ontario continues to escalate. Since the first outbreak was declared in May at St. Catharines, outbreaks occurred at 3 more area hospitals, for a total of 66 cases and 16 deaths. The affected hospitals include Greater Niagara General Hospital, Welland Hospital, and Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Center. Residents and politicians questioned how the Niagara Health System (NHS) handled the situation and criticized that the public was not alerted earlier. Many protested outside Niagara General Hospital.
Meanwhile, over 100 miles/170 kilometers away from the Niagara region, a 5th site in Ontario has reported an outbreak of C. difficile. Guelph General Hospital reported 11 cases over the past 2 months, a dramatic increase from the usual 1-2 cases per month. However, as 2 weeks have passed without a new case, the Guelph outbreak is likely waning and may be declared over within a few weeks.
Hepatitis C cases Increase Across Wisconsin
There are six counties in northern and central Wisconsin that are investigating why the number of Hepatitis C cases in the population under 30 has significantly increased in the last few years.
Currently, the CDC is collaborating with health officials from Wood, Lincoln, Oneida, Portage, Langlade and Marathon counties to try to identify the issue. Reports from 2004 to 2008 indicate that the six-county region had an average of 12.2 cases per year. However, in 2009 and 2010 this same region averaged 27 cases per year (a 120% increase!)
Hepatitis C is a viral disease the causes to inflammation of the liver. Symptoms can vary considerably and tend to be insignificant for those recently infected with the virus. Some people get jaundice, upper right abdominal pain, swelling, dark urine, fatigue, fever or itching. There are many ways to contract Hepatitis C including sexual contact with someone who is already infected, using contaminated needles, and receiving a tattoo from contaminated needles and receiving blood or organs from someone who is infected.
Unlike other strains of Hepatitis like A and B, there is no vaccine to protect people from being infected with Hepatitis C and its effects can be serious and even fatal. The reason some health officials believe that the cases in this northern region of Wisconsin are increasing is that more and more people are using injection drugs. The public health departments are trying to increase awareness and encouraging people to protect themselves and seek medical attention if they believe they have been infected.
Malaria in Pune
Along with an increase in H1N1, monsoon season in India brings malaria. There have been 73 cases of malaria identified in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Public health officials are taking a firm stance; indicating that "strong action" will be taken should mosquito larva be found in private residences. Meanwhile, industrial and commercial areas are being fumigated in an effort to reduce the prevalence of malaria carrying mosquitoes.
Central Pennsylvania Watches out for West Nile
Dauphin, Franklin, York, Lancaster, Cumberland and Lebanon counties in central Pennsylvania have been looking out for West Nile virus cases as the number of mosquitoes in the area has unusually increased.
As of July 6, there have been four cases in Dauphin and Cumberland counties as well as other confirmed cases in the other counties. Health officials are trying to set mosquito traps in the area and warn and educate the public to protect themselves as the hot and dry summer season continues.
With the return of monsoon season, beginning late May or early June, H1N1 influenza has returned to India. In the southwestern state of Kerala, 17 cases were confirmed this week in the Pathanamthitta and Alapphuzha districts. The Alapphuza district alone has seen 25 cases since the start of the monsoon season. Across Kerala, dozens are under quarantine, both at home and in hospitals, in efforts to stem the spread of the disease.
Elsewhere in India, in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, officials confirmed the state’s first death from H1N1. As a precaution, extensive screening efforts are being made in the Jhalawar district, the home of the victim.
C. difficile Outbreak Continues in Ontario
The C. difficile outbreak in the Niagara region of Ontario continues to escalate. Since the first outbreak was declared in May at St. Catharines, outbreaks occurred at 3 more area hospitals, for a total of 66 cases and 16 deaths. The affected hospitals include Greater Niagara General Hospital, Welland Hospital, and Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Center. Residents and politicians questioned how the Niagara Health System (NHS) handled the situation and criticized that the public was not alerted earlier. Many protested outside Niagara General Hospital.
Meanwhile, over 100 miles/170 kilometers away from the Niagara region, a 5th site in Ontario has reported an outbreak of C. difficile. Guelph General Hospital reported 11 cases over the past 2 months, a dramatic increase from the usual 1-2 cases per month. However, as 2 weeks have passed without a new case, the Guelph outbreak is likely waning and may be declared over within a few weeks.
Hepatitis C cases Increase Across Wisconsin
There are six counties in northern and central Wisconsin that are investigating why the number of Hepatitis C cases in the population under 30 has significantly increased in the last few years.
Currently, the CDC is collaborating with health officials from Wood, Lincoln, Oneida, Portage, Langlade and Marathon counties to try to identify the issue. Reports from 2004 to 2008 indicate that the six-county region had an average of 12.2 cases per year. However, in 2009 and 2010 this same region averaged 27 cases per year (a 120% increase!)
Hepatitis C is a viral disease the causes to inflammation of the liver. Symptoms can vary considerably and tend to be insignificant for those recently infected with the virus. Some people get jaundice, upper right abdominal pain, swelling, dark urine, fatigue, fever or itching. There are many ways to contract Hepatitis C including sexual contact with someone who is already infected, using contaminated needles, and receiving a tattoo from contaminated needles and receiving blood or organs from someone who is infected.
Unlike other strains of Hepatitis like A and B, there is no vaccine to protect people from being infected with Hepatitis C and its effects can be serious and even fatal. The reason some health officials believe that the cases in this northern region of Wisconsin are increasing is that more and more people are using injection drugs. The public health departments are trying to increase awareness and encouraging people to protect themselves and seek medical attention if they believe they have been infected.
Malaria in Pune
Along with an increase in H1N1, monsoon season in India brings malaria. There have been 73 cases of malaria identified in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. Public health officials are taking a firm stance; indicating that "strong action" will be taken should mosquito larva be found in private residences. Meanwhile, industrial and commercial areas are being fumigated in an effort to reduce the prevalence of malaria carrying mosquitoes.
Central Pennsylvania Watches out for West Nile
Dauphin, Franklin, York, Lancaster, Cumberland and Lebanon counties in central Pennsylvania have been looking out for West Nile virus cases as the number of mosquitoes in the area has unusually increased.
As of July 6, there have been four cases in Dauphin and Cumberland counties as well as other confirmed cases in the other counties. Health officials are trying to set mosquito traps in the area and warn and educate the public to protect themselves as the hot and dry summer season continues.
25 April, 2011
World Malaria Day
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| http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/worldmalariaday/ |
25 April 2011: World Malaria Day
Today is the fourth annual World Malaria Day. On this date in 2000, leaders from 44 malaria-affected African countries signed the Abuja Declaration pledging to cut their malaria deaths in half by 2010. Although much more effort will be required, many countries show substantial progress. The WHO-commissioned World malaria report 2010 notes insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying have been very helpful in protecting people from malaria. [For a brief summary of the report click here.]
The report notes several accomplishments. Eleven African countries reduced by half confirmed malaria cases or malaria admissions and deaths over the past decade. In addition, 32 of the 56 malaria-endemic countries outside Africa reduced their cases by half. Morocco and Turkmenistan eliminated malaria in 2009. Also in 2009, the WHO European Region reported no cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria for the first time.
Despite the good news, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, warns:
Indeed, malaria continues to be in the headlines (see more at http://healthmap.org/malaria):
Today is the fourth annual World Malaria Day. On this date in 2000, leaders from 44 malaria-affected African countries signed the Abuja Declaration pledging to cut their malaria deaths in half by 2010. Although much more effort will be required, many countries show substantial progress. The WHO-commissioned World malaria report 2010 notes insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying have been very helpful in protecting people from malaria. [For a brief summary of the report click here.]
The report notes several accomplishments. Eleven African countries reduced by half confirmed malaria cases or malaria admissions and deaths over the past decade. In addition, 32 of the 56 malaria-endemic countries outside Africa reduced their cases by half. Morocco and Turkmenistan eliminated malaria in 2009. Also in 2009, the WHO European Region reported no cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria for the first time.
Despite the good news, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, warns:
“Progress, on every front, at every level, is fragile. Malaria is an extremely complex disease that has been causing deaths and social disruption since the beginning of recorded human history. This is a disease that can take full advantage of any lapse in investment, vigilance, or control.”
Indeed, malaria continues to be in the headlines (see more at http://healthmap.org/malaria):
- A travel ban was put into place on March 28th between Queensland and Papua New Guinea through the Torres Strait due to a malaria outbreak.
- The United Kingdom has issues a warning to travelers that they need to remember to take their anti-malarials while on holiday. The UK has seen a 30% jump in cases in the past two years, and when asked, 85% of them reported not taking the medications.
- Due to unrest in the past several years, the Yala Province of Thailand has seen an increase in malaria cases from 30 per year to 3000 per year. In January - March 2011 2320 cases had been confirmed.
- 11 people have died and 909 cases have been confirmed in Goromonzi West, Zimbabwe. Malaria is the biggest killer of children under 5 in Zimbabwe.
- Following March flooding in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 4 cases of malaria have been confirmed
- China reports 11 deaths from malaria in 3 months
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