Swine Flu Update, July 2: First Swine Flu-Related Death in Zhenjiang

From Shanghaiist today:

"Just like they warned, China's now reported its first death related to swine flu - though they're not sure if the death was actually caused by the virus. A 34-year-old female patient in Zhenjiang province had been recovering from H1N1 when she was found dead on her toilet yesterday morning. The hospital said her temperature had been normal for a week, she was coughing only occasionally and her other symptoms were disappearing. The death was ruled as accidental, though police are still investigating. The total number of mainland infections is currently at 867."

Swine Flu Update, June 30: Ministry Warns of Possible A/H1N1 Flu Deaths in China

From CriEnglish.com (Xinhau) today:
 

China is "very likely" to have its first death from the A/H1N1 influenza in the foreseeable future, as the number of the flu cases rises in the country, a health ministry official said Monday.

"The number of imported cases of the A/H1N1 flu is expected to continue to increase in the near future, and more local people will be infected by the virus," Liang Wannian, vice director of the emergency office under the Health Ministry, said at a press conference.

As the total number of infected people increases, the chances of medical workers and high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and people with chronic diseases, being infected will rise, making serious cases of the A/H1N1 flu or even fatalities "extremely possible," he said. CONTINUE READING..

China Swine Flu Update, June 12: Hong Kong schools close for 14 days

Shanghaiist posted today:

"Tomorrow all kindergartens, primary schools, and care centers in [Hong Kong] will be closed for 14 days. It was decided after it had been determined that the recent H1N1 flu cases had been transmitted within the local community." CONTINUE READING on Shanghaiist.

China Swine Flu Update, June 12: Travel Quarantine Nightmare--BE PREPARED

James Fallows relays the experience of a traveler who entered Shanghai and then, though uninfected by H1N1, got sucked into a quarantine nightmare.

If you're flying into China from abroad, don't panic and don't expect the worst, but do read this and be prepared (a good time to get a Kindle, maybe? At any rate, bring something that could occupy you for days if possible).


China Swine Flu Update, June 1, Shanghai's Flu Count is at 5

Shanghaiist posted today that there are now five cases of the flu in Shanghai.


China Swine Flu Update, June 1, Macao's First Case of Swine Flu

From Xinhua: The Health Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) said Saturday that there was no " possible" and "confirmed" A/H1N1 flu case reported in the SAR by far.

The SAR government has already set up devices in various border checkpoints taking visitors' temperatures, and required them to fill health declaration forms before entry.

Meanwhile, six persons, whose identities were not disclosed by the authorities, underwent A/H1N1 flu virus tests, and all of them tested negative for the virus, according to the Bureau.

Statistics released on Saturday showed that some 100 child and 36 adult patients were recorded in the SAR's biggest public hospital.

The Bureau also called upon people who traveled back to Macao from other countries to avoid crowded places, and go to see doctors once they develop any fever symptom.

Macao's neighboring regions, such as Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, have respectively reported over 20 confirmed A/H1N1 flu cases by Saturday.

China Swine Flu Update, May 26: Chinese mainland confirms 12th A/H1N1 flu case

 BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Health Ministry confirmed Tuesday a new A/H1N1 influenza case in central Hunan Province, bringing the total confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland to 12.The patient is a 19-year-old male student from Changsha, capital of Hunan.The provincial health department said he had been studying at an unnamed U.S. university. The patient boarded Air China flight CA982 from New York at 4 a.m. (Beijing time) Thursday and arrived in Beijing at 6 p.m. (Beijing time).

China Swine Flu Update, May 25: Shanghai's First Case of Swine Flu

Shanghaiist posted today about Shanghai's first case of swine flu. So China's Mainland is now up to nine cases, so says Reuters, or perhaps that's ten now including Shanghai?


China Swine Flu Update, May 22

Shanghaiist's Elaine Chow has been doing a great job of posting updates on China's swine flu news, here is her lastest post:

Yet another swine flu patient has been found in Beijing, making it the third case to be discovered this week and China's fifth case overall. The latest patient is a 21-year-old Chinese Canadian male who came over from Toronto. He arrived in Beijing on May 16 and sought treatment for a fever on the 19th. It seems like there really is an uptick in H1N1 discoveries recently, which makes us really worry about our plans to head out of the country this summer. It also brings up the question: how many more cases before we stop reporting them individually and start in bulk? Source: Economic Observer Online


China H1N1 Update, May 13

Shanghaiist posted today on an article from China Daily about China's second suspected case of swine flu in Shandong Province.

From Shanghaiist:

A man, surnamed Lv, had flown from Canada to Beijing before taking a train to Jinan, Shandong's capital on May 8. Three days later, he checked himself into the Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, complaining of fever, sore throat and a headache. Tests showed he was "suspected positive" of the A/H1N1 virus, though the virus specimens need to be sent to a main office for further testing.

China H1N1 Update, May 11th

Shanghaiist posted today about Mainland China's first suspected case of H1N1. The man "tested mildly positive for H1N1 and is now quarantined in a Chengdu contagious disease control hospital. Those in direct contact with him during the diagnosis have also been placed under observation." Not sure what "mildly positive" means, but at any rate, they are taking the case very seriously. And obviously, China is not in the clear, so be careful.

Editor's Note: Influenza A (H1N1) Update below is from ParkwayHealth May 4th, 2009:

On 25 April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) assessed a formal public health emergency of international concern with regards to the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico. Governments and health agencies around the world have also expressed concern over the outbreak and are monitoring the situation. ParkwayHealth will maintain close ties with the Chinese Ministry of Health and provide updates on our website.

What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

The current virus Influenza A (H1N1) is caused by one of several influenza viruses. It is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs, according to the WHO. It is not yet known how easily the virus can spread between people, though human-to-human transmission has already occurred. The  current WHO global alert level is now phase 5* (out of 6).

In China there are no confirmed cases only suspected ones in China as of 4 May 2009.

*Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.

How is Influenza A (H1N1) spread?

Influenza A (H1N1) is spread in the same way as seasonal flu, from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. It is possible to become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching the mouth or nose. Those infected with the virus can spread it to others one day before symptoms develop and a week or more after becoming sick. Young children may be contagious for longer periods.

What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) in humans?

Symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) in humans are similar to that of the regular flu, including fever (usually over 38.5 degrees C or 101 degrees F), runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, aching body, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting. Severe illnesses including pneumonia and respiratory failure have been reported as  being caused by Influenza A (H1N1) in people. The virus may heighten the severity of underlying chronic medical conditions, according to the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).

Is it safe to eat pork meat and pork products?

Yes, Influenza A (H1N1) has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork, according to the  WHO.

How can I prevent getting infected?

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay away from crowded areas.

Stay home if you are sick as this will prevent the spread of the flu to others.

Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing.

Wash your hands frequently to protect yourself and others from the germs.

Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Your hands may have touched surfaces that have respiratory droplets on them and germs can be spread this way.

Clean surfaces of work areas frequently with an alcohol wipe.

Ensure you are well rested, eat well balanced meals, and drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to keep physically active and manage your stress.

What to do if you get sick?

·Stay home from school or work.

·Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest.

·Avoid alcohol and tobacco products.

·Consider over the counter medications to help relieve symptoms of the flu.

·Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. Do not give cough and cold medicines to children without checking with your child’s doctor first.

·Cold compresses placed on the head, axilla and groin areas may help decrease fever.

·Deep breathing and coughing will help to mobilize secretions in the lungs and respiratory tract.

·Replace fluids lost by diarrhea and vomiting. Oral rehydration fluids are available or diluted juice at room temperature are good options.

·Serious illnesses from the flu are more likely to occur in people who are over 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and in children.

·The use of Tamiflu or Relenza for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the Influenza A (H1N1) is recommended by the CDC.

Taking antiviral drugs such as pills, liquids or inhalers within two days of experiencing symptoms can provide relief and may prevent serious complications.

·Be aware of the emergency warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Emergency warning signs

In children:

·Fast breathing and difficulty in breathing

·Skin around ribs retracts with breathing

·Nostrils flare when breathing

·Bluish skin color

·Unable to drink enough fluids

·Children urinating less often than usual

·Not waking up or not interacting

·Child does not want to be held and continues to be irritable

·Flu like symptoms improve but return with a worse cough and fever

·Fever with a rash

In adults:

·Difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath

·Chest pain or pressure

·Abdominal pain or pressure

·Sudden dizziness

·Confusion

·Severe or persistent vomiting

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms seek
medical attention immediately.

If you require an ambulance Dial 120.

Photo by Rebekah Pothaar.