Saturday, August 21, 2010

Lebanon: Fears in Hasrayel Over Swine Flu after Death of Local, Mayor Denies

Previously posted here

The epidemic had started it after the death of large numbers does not know where to bury it, add to that other signals of the type referred to by the mayor, whom we met in the post, told us he persuaded reporters contacted him not to get into the topic in order to ... Interests of the people, «loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars (eg poultry farmers) not sure Mnchan Shi growth? Xu? And then, the epidemic is over ».


Beirut, 20 Aug 10, 09:00

Fears rose in the town of Hasrayel in the Jbeil district after the owner of a poultry farm reportedly died of swine flu.
Media reports said the man didn't see a doctor until his condition worsened and he died at Maounat hospital.

However, the town's mayor, Nassif Helou, denied to Voice of Lebanon radio station that the man had died of swine flu.

"He had problems in his liver," he said.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization declared the swine flu pandemic officially over. At least 18,449 people have died worldwide since the outbreak began in April 2009.

Lebanon: Health Minister - "No Swine Flu"

[translated out of Lebanon]

Khalifa: No injuries swine flu

The future - Saturday, 21 August 2010 - No. 3747 - Lebanese affairs - Page 9

Assured Health Minister Mohammed Jawad Khalife said in an interview to "Voice of Lebanon" that the case of death in the town of Jbeil Hosrayel no cause for fear because there is no injuries swine flu.

[contact me for link]

The death of a Lebanese citizen because of the complexities After being infected with swine flu

[translated out of Lebanon]

The death of a Lebanese citizen because of the complexities
After being infected with swine flu
بفيروس انفلونزا الخنازير·" onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">He died of a Lebanese citizen from the town of swine flu *

Medical sources said a Lebanese citizen, the owner of a chicken farm, entered the hospital with the virus by a medical report, but, as the people of the town and its officials, negligent injury and treatment was reviewed by doctors, the aggravation of his condition, which made it difficult to be addressed as was the case with some members of his family who have recovered from injury after giving them proper treatment *

One of the doctors treating the flu virus is just a non-hazardous, but this will not be announced for the death of the situation *

He assured Health Minister Mohammed Jawad Khalifa, that the case of death, which occurred in the town of Hosrayel Atdao to fear that there are no injuries, swine flu *

[contact me for link]

Lebanon - More Information on Death

[translated out of Lebanon]
Previously reported here and here

Secrets and ideas

With 1000 chickens died because of feed imported from China, died yesterday at the Lady Rocks aid Mr. Abe Solomon, the owner of a chicken farm in the town after an unknown illness Hosrayel impossible for doctors to know the kind of treatment. In the details may pay attention to that tomorrow Rukiz suffered since 3 weeks a disease is unknown, but it turned out later that one of the poultry companies which were dealing with duration being served chicken but after 3 days killed more than 1000 chickens suspiciously after the fluff head. There have been some information that the company has imported poultry feed from China and this is what the cause of tunnel chicken and wounded the owner knowing that the doctors considered that the death resulting from bird flu and swine flu, but a medical official statement was not issued until now.

[contact me for link]

Honduras Dengue: # of Cases Decreased

Chest attend 24 hours of dengue
To cover all shifts proceeded to the recruitment of pediatricians, general practitioners, licensed nurses and nursing assistants
08/20/1910 - Updated: 20/08/1910 9:28 pm - Jorge L. Ramos

TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS
In order to reduce mortality rates due to the dengue epidemic affecting Honduras, the health authorities decided that from now on is enabled a new opening hours in the Emergency Room of the National Institute Cardiopulmonary (Chest) .

Patients showing symptoms of the disease may go to this medical center, which will remain open 24 hours a day, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Until yesterday, Emergency worked only Monday through Friday, with shifts A and B, ie from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, but with the new measure will also attend the evening is C. Time to say

"The intent is to reduce mortality due to dengue and achieve decongest the hospital school, because that is the center that absorbs more the number of dengue patients," said director Rene Cubas.

In the new shift will remain the attending physician, general practitioner and pediatrician.

Budget

To cover all shifts proceeded to the recruitment of pediatricians, general practitioners, licensed nurses and nursing assistants.

Without specifying numbers, Cubas said the budget for such procurement is already approved with funds from the Presidency of the Republic.

The center will also be equipped with cots to be used as stretchers, allowing the hospitalization of more people.

References

Health centers in the Metropolitan Region may also refer serious cases to the Chest, for which moving ambulances will be available to those affected.

"The new measure has been coordinated with the Hospital General San Felipe, Hospital Escuela, the Minister of Health and the Metropolitan Region," explained Cubas.

Low incidence

Moreover, the health minister, Arturo Bendana, said that in recent days dengue cases nationwide have dropped 25%.

"Throughout Honduras has decreased the number of incidents that we were quite worried," said the official.

At the same time urged people not to be overlooked in terms of prevention. He called on health workers to intensify efforts and continue spraying activities.

School said the hospital is equipped with enough medication to cover not only the demand for dengue, but also for other diseases.

The hospital's medical school have also reacted happy because in the past eight days there has been no death from dengue. The latest official data provided by the Health Ministry recorded 56 deaths nationwide, 44.866 cases of classic dengue and hemorrhagic 1.299.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Vietnam: Dengue fever in the Dong Nai surge

20/08/2010 06:51

From the beginning of the year, Dong Nai province, 4440 cases of dengue fever, including severe cases higher than the same period last year, and there were three deaths.

Particularly, since the first week until now, patients with signs of increased sharply with 200 cases hospitalized, the total number of dengue cases two weeks ago. Currently the province has 500 patients under treatment in hospitals, where most in Trang Bom district, Xuan Loc and Bien Hoa City.

Article worrying that some local authorities and many people are not interested in throwing away steering wheel, environmental sanitation conditions should the disease spread quickly. Provincial health sector has invited the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City to help research, proposed therapies against dengue effectively, avoid the spread out wide.

Center for Preventive Medicine of Dong Nai provincial people's movement are sprayed, lentils tossed away on a large scale, including a number of key areas. At the same time, organized communication center and the local government proposals the guidance departments, mass prevention and control effectiveness. /.
PV

News: Death of Lebanese Panevloza infected pigs

[This is the same story as in the previous post]

Friday, 20 August 2010 10:39

The death of the infected swine flu in the town of Hosrayel, Jbeil district, after more than three weeks he spent in a coma in intensive care unit. And a doctor confirms the elimination of the news that there was no reason to concern "to consider that this virus has become common flu."
The news was published yesterday an investigation into the subject and the text.

At a time in which it proclaimed the World Health Organization last week, the world passes «to post a pandemic (epidemic)» for swine flu, was «t. A. Q », son of the town Hosrayel and the owner of a chicken farm where irregular, sleeps for three weeks in an isolated room in the intensive care unit of a hospital aid Jbeil, connected to respirators, and artificial Mnoma so as not to hurt his lungs more than two Mtdharrtan ... HIV itself
-snip-
Between 20 and 21 July last, enter the year. A. Q, the owner of a poultry farm in an irregular, «the intensive care unit following the collapse of the severity of the disease unconscious, which is expected to be procured from a doctor bed», as he told us the mayor's mind sweet. Enter the man in what looks like a comma synthetic at the request of his doctor to rest his lungs, the «neglected Halo lot» also brings the people of his village, which is only collected in the account of what happened to the owner of a farm raising chickens, as well as confusion in the source of his illness, declared: H1N1 virus swine flu. Not pigs, not the bird flu? Especially since a large number of birds «the last batch» tunnel before entering the hospital a few days, for reasons mysterious? No one knows. What about the town and its people who have been displaced, some of them waiting to reveal the truth of the virus, which we did not hear anything from him in the media? Not obfuscation, and secrecy and are fertile environment to the rumors? And the seriousness of what happened to public safety?
-snip-
Anyway, we visited in the hospital and the nurse told us that he was infected with H1N1 in addition to H2N3. Then picked up his brother infection. Fajva much. Mean B infection. They said that the majority of swine flu virus ... Laugh with us »ask, did not you think so? Be answered: «Not Cast a chicken farm not add. Blki receptor Shi bird? ». Logical question, though we know that after transmission of the virus to humans, animals no longer a condition for transfer to the people, but has passed from one person to another, so-called epidemic. With the recognition that the quality of data makes it hard to believe that the injury was not related to the environment incubator for the virus, any farm. The latter is a regular in the sense of health conditions, and men on the permanent source of friction with chicken. The epidemic had started it after the death of large numbers does not know where to bury it, add to that other signals of the type referred to by the mayor, whom we met in the post, told us he persuaded reporters contacted him not to get into the topic in order to ... Interests of the people, «loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars (eg poultry farmers) not sure Mnchan Shi growth? Xu? And then, the epidemic is over ».

Lebanon: Mokhtar Hosrayel denied the death of one of the people "bird flu"

Friday, 20 August 2010

(A. J) - denied the town head Hosrayel spend Jbeil Nassif sweet to be one of the sons of the town had died from the swine flu. One of the sons died yesterday Hosrayel vague, what happened to the people of the town concerned and fear that the deceased was caused by the chicken farm.

According to information, the cause of death illness "swine flu", as people feared the spread of infection in the absence of official explanations are asking people of the town to conduct a mandatory examination for their children that there are no other injuries.

The newspaper reported "news" that the Lebanese year. A. Q. Hosrayel in the town of Bint Jbeil district, died in the intensive care unit in a hospital aid Jbeil, which had been introduced to him because of complications after suffering a swine influenza virus.

A t. A. Q. The owner of a chicken farm, infected according to the newspaper with the virus by a medical report issued by laboratories hospital rum in Beirut, but, as the people of the town and its officials, neglected infection has not been revised doctors only when his progress, which made it difficult to be addressed, as happened to some members of his family who have recovered from infection after being given the appropriate treatment (No. 1195).

The doctor just eliminate the virus of avian and non-hazardous, but this will not be an official announcement of the death of the situation.

WHO calls for monitoring of new superbug

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

The World Health Organisation on Friday called on health authorities around the globe to monitor a multi-drug resistant superbug that surfaced in South Asia and spread to Britain.

The WHO said research published in The Lancet medical journal on August 11 identified a new gene that enables some types of bacteria to be highly resistant to almost all antibiotics.
-snip-

Full article click on title

HHS: Countermeasures Review Rollout

HHS
Countermeasures Review Rollout
Excerpt:
Washington, DC
August 19, 2010

Good morning. Thanks for joining us today.

Our greatest responsibility in government is keeping the American people safe. To uphold that responsibility, we have always maintained a powerful military that can guard against conventional threats. But increasingly, the range of dangers we face is widening to include biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological hazards.

Today, we don’t know where our next public health crisis will come from. It could be a dirty bomb set off in a subway car. It could be a naturally-occurring superbug that can resist all treatments. It could be a biological weapon we’ve never seen before, assembled from the building blocks of life by a terrorist in a lab.
-snip-

Guided by this review, we’ve identified five areas where we believe we can act now to make big improvements in our public health defenses.

First, we’re going to strengthen regulatory science at the FDA.

One of the hardest parts about getting a product from the test tube to our national stockpile is making sure it’s safe and effective and meets manufacturing standards. It’s even harder for drugs that target a rare or emerging disease that’s poorly understood.

But for too long, we’ve underinvested in the tools, models, methods and knowledge needed for making these assessments – what’s collectively known as regulatory science. Because of this underinvestment, we’re often testing and producing cutting-edge products using science that’s decades-old.

So we’re going to give our world-class FDA scientists the resources they need to create clear regulatory pathways, analyze promising new discoveries faster, and help identify and solve scientific problems as they occur. And we’re also going to reach out to product developers early in the process so they know what to expect.

The second area we’ll focus on is developing flexible manufacturing. Right now, too many of our countermeasure factories are filled with big equipment that’s designed to produce one product over and over again. That works well for seasonal flu vaccine. But it leaves us vulnerable when the countermeasure we need most may be one we don’t use regularly or haven’t invented yet.

That’s why in the next few weeks, we’ll announce a solicitation for new Centers of Innovation for Advanced Development and Manufacturing – facilities that will work to develop new flexible manufacturing platforms while giving us a dependable domestic source of surge capacity for flu vaccine so we won’t have to rely on foreign producers as we did during the H1N1 crisis.

And these Centers will also serve as a resource where small biotech companies with big ideas can get the regulatory and manufacturing knowledge they need to bring their products to market.

The third area we’re moving on is nurturing discoveries in their earliest stages. Today, it’s common for a scientist to make a discovery without realizing it could be turned into a useful countermeasure. Or they may see its potential, but not know what to do next.

That’s why we’re going to use a wide array of NIH resources to identify and nurture these promising discoveries, including creating new “Sherpa” teams to guide them through the development process.

As we conducted this review, we looked at the full range of public health threats. But after dealing with H1N1 – and with H5N1, the avian flu, looming – we naturally put a special focus on our flu response.

That’s why our fourth priority is upgrading the way we manufacture flu vaccine – from modernizing potency and sterility testing to speeding up the production of vaccine seed strains. These are the same steps recommended in a new report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology that you’ll hear about in a few moments, and they’ll ensure we’re better prepared for flu seasons to come.

Finally, the fifth area we’ll explore is a strategic investment fund for new countermeasure technologies. Right now, there’s little incentive for private companies to produce medical countermeasures for rare conditions like the Ebola virus or exposure to non-medical radiation. Yet in the event of an Ebola outbreak or a nuclear explosion, these countermeasures would be critical.

A strategic investor could support those companies with ideas that have little hope of making huge profits but big potential to improve our public health preparedness.

As this review went on, we also looked beyond our labs and factories at what we could do differently right here in Washington.

We found that our contracting processes were often too rigid, for example. We realized we needed to do a better job talking to the private sector throughout the product development process rather than just when we want to license a product. And we saw that we needed better coordination, not just within our department, but across government.

We incorporated some of these lessons into our response to the H1N1 pandemic last year, and we’re going to keep working to make sure we’re doing our part to strengthen our response.

There is an old saying in sports that victories are won on the practice field when no one’s watching. In the same way, how successfully we respond to tomorrow’s public health crisis when the spotlight is on will be determined by how hard we work behind the scenes today to build a 21st-century countermeasures enterprise that can respond quickly and effectively to any threat.

That’s why in the coming years, we will direct nearly $2 billion in preparedness funds to these five key areas.

And although our official countermeasure review concludes today, our work to strengthen our public health preparedness will never end. We know that our enemies are constantly probing for weaknesses. Every year, new threats emerge and old ones evolve to become resistant to our medicines.

That’s why we will continue to look for ways to build – not just a stronger countermeasures enterprise with a solid base of discovery, a clear regulatory pathway, and agile manufacturing – but also a stronger public health response all the way from disease surveillance to administering countermeasures to people in our cities and towns.

Today, we’re taking a big step toward building a safer America. Tomorrow, the next step begins.

U.S. to bolster defense against infectious threats

A review released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could lead to major changes in the way the United States prepares for public health emergencies, such as pandemics and acts of bioterrorism. Meanwhile, a new study by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has suggested a range of measures — both short and long term — that the United States can adopt to better prepare for the next influenza pandemic.

Martin Enserink writes that the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise Review, released yesterday at a press conference by HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius, concludes that despite the massive investments in biodefense after 9/11 and the 2001 anthrax attacks, the United States is still way too slow when it comes to responding to emerging health threats. To change that, the plan proposes a series of measures to help academic scientists whose research promises to help fend off infectious threats, and more support for companies seeking to bring new drugs and vaccines to the market.

The review says that the federal government should become a “strategic partner” for scientists and business with good ideas to safeguard the nation. Among the proposals are one or more Centers of Innovation for Advanced Development and Manufacturing — perhaps founded in collaboration with the Pentagon — which would provide assistance to companies and government agencies trying to clear the hurdles on the path to new products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be better equipped to analyze the potential of new discoveries and smooth the regulatory pathway to bring them to fruition.

Meanwhile, PCAST analyzed the lessons of the H1N1 flu pandemic, which officially ended last week. Although vaccine companies did eventually produce an effective vaccine against the new virus, it took half a year for the first doses to become available and 38 weeks before the United States had enough vaccine to cover half its population. Had the virus been more lethal, those delays would have resulted in huge loss of life.

Enserink writes that in its report (pdf), PCAST recommends a series of measures that could shorten the critical time between the emergence of a new flu virus and the day the first vaccines are released. Among the recommendations: Surveillance for newly emerging flu strains should be boosted, so-called seed strains for pandemic vaccines should be developed faster, by preparing virus “backbones” in advance, and the cumbersome and often inaccurate potency tests for new vaccines need to be improved.

All of that could be done in the next few years, the panel says, but in the long run, investments are needed to do away with the outdated manufacturing process, in which the vaccine virus is grown in chicken eggs. The panel also says the elusive hunt for a so-called universal flu vaccine — which would protect against all strains — should be intensified.

West Nile Virus Found In Va. Beach

The city's Department of Public Health says a sentinel chicken also tested positive for the virus.

The department warned residents to protect themselves by wearing long, loose and light-colored clothing, using a repellant that includes DEET and turning over or removing containers where rainwater collects.

Four human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the city since 2003.

Most people bitten by an infected mosquito don't get sick. Those who do usually suffer mild, flulike symptoms. People older than 50 are at a greater risk of serious illness.

Blue ear epidemic spread to 24 provinces and cities

8:52 AM, 20/08/2010

Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said that three more local Kien Giang, Ben Tre and Can Tho city appears blue ear epidemic.
In Can Tho, services arising in pig farms of Red Flag Agricultural Company (Thanh Phu District Red Flag), to 108 infected pigs. In Ben Tre, blue ear pig occur on the two households in Minh Duc Commune, Mo Cay District 118 South to the infected pigs. The entire infected pigs were culled. Thus, the country has 24 provinces have blue ear epidemic.

The district has also announced the blue ear epidemic in An Binh ward, and publish high-risk areas in the An Hoa Ward, Vinh Hiep, Vinh Loi Vinh Lac, Rach Soi, Rach Gia city. Kien Giang province People's Committee to direct Rach stamping services to mobilize forces, resolutely not to spread. /.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

FDA Study

The assessment of molecular diagnostic assays as alternative reference methods for premarket evaluation of rapid molecular diagnostic devices for the detection of H5N1 influenza virus, using a small animal model
Solicitation Number: RFQ-1071390
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Office: Food and Drug Administration
Location: Office of Acquisitions and Grants Services

:
RFQ-1071390
:
Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
:
Added: Aug 18, 2010 7:23 pm
Project Title:

The assessment of molecular diagnostic assays as alternative reference methods for premarket evaluation of rapid molecular diagnostic devices for the detection of H5N1 influenza virus, using a small animal model


This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12.6 and Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a written solicitation will not be issued. This combined synopsis/solicitation; NAICS code 541380, Testing Laboratories identified as RFQ #1071390, is to notify contractors that the government intends to issue a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order in accordance with FAR Part 13.106 for the following scope of work (SOW), under the simplified acquisition procedures. The Government reserves the right to award a contract without discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial offer(s) is/are providing the Best Value and discussions are not necessary. Prospective offerors are responsible for downloading the solicitation and any amendments. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the FedBizOpps website for the release of any amendments to this solicitation.


A. Background & Objective


The office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety (OIVD) at the Center for Device Evaluation and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates diagnostic devices for Influenza and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) regulates the in vitro diagnostic devices used for blood donor screening. Rapid diagnosis and accurate detection of influenza is critical for appropriate patient management in the setting of acute respiratory illness and the potential use in the blood donor setting is emerging. Rapid molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of influenza are more sensitive and robust than conventional virus isolation methods and are increasingly replacing these conventional methods in the diagnosis of influenza in clinical practice.

This poses a regulatory challenge to FDA as currently, in order to assess the sensitivity and specificity of investigational influenza devices, it is required that manufacturers compare their devices' performance to virus culture. This study will help assess the use of alternative molecular diagnostic methods as more rapid and accurate reference methods for the premarket evaluation of H5N1 in- vitro diagnostic devices and the potential transmission of H5N1 by blood transfusion from asymptomatic donors.

Unlike other influenza viruses H5N1 exhibits a wide range of pathologic features which suggest that the modes of transmission of this virus may be different. These studies will determine the longevity of presence of infectious H5N1 virus in nasal samples and in blood after primary infection using virus isolation and RT-PCR methods and determine the ability to use sensitive nucleic acid detection methods as a reference method for detection of H5N1 in respiratory specimens. The transfusion of blood from asymptomatic ferrets to naive ferrets will address the knowledge gap in transfusion safety of this virus.


B. Scope of Work


At this time we are seeking a contractor to perform a longitudinal challenge study, by infecting ferrets via a respiratory route and collecting serial nasal wash samples and peripheral blood samples, from H5N1 infected ferrets. Samples are to be collected 12 hours post-infection and then daily until day 10, and at days 15 and 30. All samples must be transported fresh to the FDA to perform be tested for the presence of: (1) influenza virus particles by a conventional virus isolation method (culture); (2) influenza RNA by RT-PCR; (3) Peripheral blood samples from the animal model will also be used to assess the pathogenesis and serological response to help confirm the diagnosis.


The contractor is also expected to collect blood from animals which are PCR positive for H5N1 and negative for virus isolation by culture. This blood will be transfused into naïve ferrets, and the animals will be followed up collecting serial samples for assessment of the presence of Influenza infection following the same protocol described above, to determine potential transmission via this route.


C. Tasks:


The Contractor shall:


1. Infect ferrets with H5N1 virus in their BSL3 facility.


2. Follow up the animals closely collecting respiratory, blood and other tissue samples (as applicable) periodically following the pre-defined protocol and recording any symptoms.


3. Transfuse blood from infected ferrets into naïve ferrets in their BSl3 facility, collecting samples and observing symptoms as per the pre-defined protocol.


4. Record symptoms, collect, and send samples and observational data to the FDA as it becomes available at pre-defined milestones.


Period of Performance:


The contract performance period shall not exceed 2 years.


Animal infection and sample collection: 8 months
Detection of Influenza virus in blood and other samples: 8 months
Transfusion and transmission and detection of Influenza virus: 8 months



Technical Evaluation Factors


The offerors shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of the objectives stated in the Scope of Work and offer a logical program for its achievement. All submitted proposals shall not exceed 10 pages. The contractor will be evaluated based on the following criteria.


1. Possess a facility and appropriate Licensing from the DHHS and all the necessary bio-safety clearance for performing studies with BSL3 agents (particularly Influenza strains) using ferrets. In combination with well documented technical expertise and recent records of experience in performing Influenza virus (H5N1) challenge and viral shedding studies using ferrets as animal model in BSL3 facility. (50%)


2. Having the appropriate infrastructure for collection and transport of samples, and prior experience in performing research for the FDA or other agencies within HHS (40%).


3. Experienced in record keeping and ability to communicate feasibly via phone, FAX, E-mail, and in person. Technical expertise in maintaining and working with electronic records. (10%)



The Government is more concerned with obtaining performance capability superiority rather than lowest overall cost. However, the Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall cost to the Government to achieve only slightly superior performance. Overall cost to the Government may become the ultimate determining factor for award of a contract as quotations become more equal based on the other factors.


CCR: Vendors must be registered in the Central Contractor Register (CCR) prior to the award of a contract. You may register by going to www.ccr.gov. You will need your Duns & Bradstreet number and banking information.


QUESTIONS DEADLINE: All questions are to be submitted via email to: Christopher.Cunningham@fda.hhs.gov no later than 12:00 pm EST Tuesday August 24, 2010.


QUOTATIONS DUE: All quotations are due, via email to: Christopher.Cunningham@fda.hhs.gov , no later than 12:00 pm, EST Tuesday August 31, 2010.


ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE: The anticipated award date is on or about September 2, 2010; however, all dates in this announcement are subject to change.


PROVISIONS and CLAUSES: The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items applies to this solicitation. The following agenda has been attached to this provision: None. Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items. The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions, Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. The following agenda has been attached to the clause: None. The clause at FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statues or Executive Orders, Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. The following FAR clauses cited are applicable: FAR 52.222-26, FAR 52.222-35, FAR 52.222-36, and FAR 52.232-33. Clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and apply to this acquisition.


Responses to this notice must be sent via email to Christopher.Cunningham@fda.hhs.gov No phone calls will be accepted.

:
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 2129
Rockville, Maryland 20857-0001
:
Christopher E. Cunningham,
Contract Specialist
Phone: 301-827-7185
Fax: 301-827-7106
:
Doreen Williams ,
Team Lead
Phone: 301 827-3366
Fax: 301 827-7106

U.S. and FAO continue joint battle against infectious disease threats

17 August 2010, Rome - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is renewing its support of FAO's efforts to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and other emerging infectious diseases, the UN agency announced today. USAID's commitment totals US$26.3 million for the period running from October 2011 to September 2012.

The funds will support continuing FAO technical assistance to strengthen HPAI surveillance and outbreak response capacities in priority countries and regions where the disease still persists and continues to kill people, impact poultry production, and undermine the food security of millions of poor farmers. Priority countries include Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam.

The funding will also be used to strengthen animal health laboratory capacities as well as animal surveillance and response capacities in ‘hot-spot' regions in order to combat other emerging disease threats, in addition to HPAI.

An effective partnership

"This new funding marks the continuation of an FAO-USAID partnership which has been at the forefront in the battle to prevent and control HPAI and other transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses," said Juan Lubroth, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer. "The partnership began in 2005, at the outset of the HPAI emergency and has continued over the past five years through the commitment by USAID of US$132.5 million, benefiting more than 90 countries worldwide, more than 60 of which were ultimately affected by HPAI."

This joint effort helped to restrict HPAI to a small number of countries, where the virus is entrenched in some ecosystems, and to additional countries in Asia experiencing intermittent outbreaks.

The two organizations achieved this by assisting national veterinary services to develop preparedness and contingency plans, improve surveillance systems, acquire laboratory resources and disease diagnosis capacity, develop response capabilities, promote biosecurity along the value chain, and support public-private cooperation.

This enhanced capacity of veterinary services worldwide serves as the foundation for the preparedness and prevention of other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, as well.

Early identification and response key

Early identification and prevention of dangerous pathogens circulating in animals is key to limiting threats posed to human lives, livestock, food and income security of urban consumers and rural communities as well as to minimizing trade impacts.

This is why USAID this year launched its Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) program in order to aggressively pre-empt or control diseases that could spark future pandemics. The EPT Program comprises four tracks: Predict, Respond, Identify and Prevent. FAO is receiving funds under the Identify track, which aims to develop laboratory networks and strengthen diagnostic capacities in geographic hotspots to counter emergent diseases. This work will be carried out in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Getting to the root of the problem

"The challenge now before us is to build emergency response platforms that can also trace and address infectious disease events at the level of root causes or drivers," said Lubroth. "This includes identifying the drivers of disease emergence, assessing disease impacts, and utilizing insights and experience from past disease events to better prepare for, prevent and swiftly respond to potential pandemics."

Animal disease prevention and control are integral components of the broader development agenda and contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

LIMA WAITING TO SEND RESULTS OF SURVEY OF RODENTS WITH FEVER

Municipality deratting prevented from making Datum
August 18, 2010

According to the regional manager of Health, in the course of this week will know the results of the analysis of rodents. This will identify risk areas and coordinate joint actions with the Municipality.

LIBERTY TRUJILLO.Maniatados.

While warning of bubonic plague is maintained in La Libertad, the municipality is precluded from rat extermination campaigns in the district of Trujillo until Executing Environmental Health Directorate (Desa) does not disclose the results of the analysis was made on rodents on Tuesday.

"For the past month have been suspended this work, except in places that the Ministry of Health considers high risk," said the manager of Health of the Provincial Municipality of Trujillo, Arroyo Walter Ulloa.

ACTION.

Despite the handicap, the official said mayor are now taking measures to prevent the Hermelinda market, which maintains that it has talked with the merchants on the proper way to store their products.

Milestone EARS. For its part, the regional manager of Health, Victor Peralta Chavez confirmed a month ago do not campaign, mod version of Arroyo. But he said the municipality should be responsible for potentially dangerous areas such as markets and slaughterhouses

Vinh Long: No blue ear pig burial ground

(18/08/2010 09:24)

So far blue ear pig occurred in 27 communes of 6 districts and cities include: Long Lake, Binh Minh, Binh Tan, Mang Thit, Tra Vinh Long City and children infected with 2469, including 666 human destruction.

We professionals and authorities are actively anti-epidemic. PPC has approved the support price of pigs destroyed by blue ear (28.000d/kg little support for pigs weighing less than 15kg and 20.000d/kg slightly for pigs weighing 15 kg or more). However local difficulty encountered on land as dumping dead pigs.

Veterinary Vietnam admitted since then the level of the epidemic spread beyond the control of local authorities.

Các hố tiêu huỷ lợn bệnh.

Vietnam- 23 provinces with PRRS

From 9 am 21-8, online exchange of blue ear pig prevention
Thursday, 08.19.2010, 04:24 (GMT +7)
About 2 weeks, blue ear pig has spread with lightning speed in the southern provinces - the date of 18-8, has 23 provinces and cities across the country appear disease. In the world "life peer services," but the city must secure the same herd and herd livestock industry.

For readers better understand the prevention and control policies, control measures, quarantine, monitoring the situation of transport, slaughtering, pork consumption in the province brought the city to city and pig sty stage production how, will be held SGGP newspaper online exchange on SGGP Online Newspaper (www.sggp.org.vn) 21-8 in the morning, with the participation of leaders of HCMC Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Center for Health City Room, City Department of Animal Health, The Saigon Agriculture Company (SAGRI) and Company Limited VISSAN.

Fresh outbreaks of blue ear disease

Fresh outbreaks of blue ear disease at the Co Do Agriculture Company in Mekong Delta City of Can Tho’s Co Do District have so far infected 108 pigs, the Department of Animal Health reported on August 16, bringing the number of affected provinces in Vietnam to 22. The disease has spread widely in central and southern Vietnam.

The southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau has seen two further outbreaks in districts Xuyen Moc and Dat Do while the central province of Nghe An has reported a fresh outbreaks in district Dien Chau. Nghe An has so far killed 7,379 pigs with the disease.

The southern province of Tay Ninh has reported new outbreaks in the districts of Go Dau, Tan Bien, Tan Chau, Ben Cau, D
Vets take dead pigs to bury in the central province of Quang Nam
uong Minh Chau and Hoa Thanh that have infected a total of 12,911 pigs.

Vietnam: Summary of Current Situation

Diseases in children increased abnormal
18/08/2010
TP - dengue fever, pneumonia, fever, hand foot and mouth virus is abnormal increase in the South East region, causing many children's hospital overload.
HCMC Pasteur Institute, said not only SXH raging epidemic in the city but also spread to the southwest province that the provincial and hospital on serious overload.
Dr. Le Thi Bich Lien, deputy director of a Children's Hospital, doctors were concerned when not in "top service", but hand-foot-mouth disease in children was high. Even Rubella disease also tends to increase again.
http://tinyurl.com/25o67om


Viral Fever
Adult admission increased viral fever
Associated Press - 15 hours ago 18 views

TT - The day Tropical Disease Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City received 10 adult patients with viral fever to hospital treatment, more than doubled compared with the time of delivery season.
On 17-8, doctor Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, deputy director of HCM City Tropical Disease Hospital, said most patients hospitalized with fever virus in the state of high fever (39-40 degrees), pain body aches, headache ... Ten hospitalized patients per day in viral fever can be severe, but some patients have fever virus in the form of mild to visit private clinics or self-purchased drugs may be much larger.

http://tinyurl.com/2dv9hms

H1N1
In just over a week, 2 Children's Hospital has received two cases of patients infected with H1N1 flu. We both are being treated at the Department of Infection, disease progression is not dangerous to life.

On 6 / 8 2 Children's Hospital and received treatment for cases of child NQV (14 months old, live in District 2). Baby V. have manifested a high fever on family should be moved to follow the treatment here.
V. little doubt H1N1 influenza infection should doctors conducted tests. On 12 / 8 V. The results show little were positive for the virus.
On 14 / 8, the hospital again to receive more cases of a baby 30 months old (living in Bien Hoa city, Dong Nai). Many patients have expressed high fever, cough a lot before about a week hospitalization. After admission or more baby sea and there is pneumonia.
After conducting tests, the results showed that patients were positive for influenza virus H1N1.
http://tinyurl.com/2d9e9gr

PPRS
On 08/13/2010 at st. Ho Chi Minh, the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) has organized the conference "Implementation of urgent measures to prevent PRRS in the southern provinces." As of early August 2010, only the southern provinces had infected 120,069 pigs in which the death and destruction is at 35,027 children.
http://tinyurl.com/24e854l

Streptococcus
An evolution from blue ear pig disease, doctor Nguyen Van Vinh Chau -deputy director of HCM City Tropical Disease Hospital - said that from June to now has received hospital treatment and for 14 cases admitted to hospital suffering meningitis caused by Streptococcus latex pigs caused. Most of these patients are pigs, pig meat, or eat pork or pork blood pudding was not cooked.
http://tinyurl.com/26y5oh3

Monday, August 16, 2010

Honduras: Four more suspected dengue deaths

Previously reported here:
Total Deaths 2010: 56. Contracted hemorrhagic type: 1,099
13 of the 56 deaths occurred last week:

In epidemiological week 31, Health confirmed 13 new deaths. In the capital there are 14 patients in serious condition because of the deadly disease


08/16/1910
Tegucigalpa , ,

Honduras Honduras

A civil engineer became the last person to die from dengue, in the last hours in the Hospital Escuela.

Gustavo Funez, 25, was admitted to the main medical center in the early hours of Sunday and died nine hours later.
-snip-
A report from the forensic medicine department of the hospital during the weekend, four people died of dengue, including two girls and two adults.

To date, health authorities have confirmed 56 deaths caused by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The death toll this year represents a fatality rate of 3.2% according to the reports of Health.
-snip-

"SuperBug" Gene Is Major Public Concern - 2 articles

Aug. 16, 2010, 6:01 a.m. EDT
Dr. Brad Spellberg, UCLA Medical Center Infectious Disease Specialist, Says "SuperBug" Gene Is Major Public Concern

TAMPA, FL, Aug 16, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- A dangerous new "superbug" gene that has become increasingly common in Southern Asia, and has recently been found in patients in Britain who received medical care in India and Pakistan, is causing concern among U.S. experts.

Labeled New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase, better known as NDM-1, the "superbug" has the potential of spreading around the world, and scientists say there are almost no drugs in the pipeline to treat it.
-snip-
Dr. Spellberg serves as a key member of the Advisory Board of Zimek Technologies, the nation's leader in infection control and biohazard remediation technology.
-snip-
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dr-brad-spellberg-ucla-medical-center-infectious-disease-specialist-says-superbug-gene-is-major-public-concern-2010-08-16


James Lee Witt Named Senior Advisor at Zimek Technologies, Industry Leader in Infection Control and Biohazard Remediation

Press Release
Aug. 16, 2010, 6:30 a.m. EDT

TAMPA, FL, Aug 16, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Zimek Technologies is pleased to announce today the addition of James Lee Witt, Chief Executive Officer of Witt Associates, as Senior Advisor at Zimek, the industry leader in infection control and biohazard remediation systems. Witt was Cabinet-level Director of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) during the Clinton Administration.

As a Senior Advisor to Zimek Technologies, Witt will work closely with Advisory Board members including former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones Jr.; Dr. Brad Spellberg, infectious disease specialist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center; Dr. Peder Bo Nielsen, consultant in Microbiology with the United Kingdom's North West London NHS Trust; and Dr. Lindsey Shaw, Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of South Florida.
-snip-
Zimek Technologies, based in Tampa, Florida, has been developing and marketing its patented automatic Micro-Mist(R) decontamination technologies for more than five years. Zimek's industry-leading technologies are used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, fire and EMS departments, healthcare facilities, public health agencies, transit systems, correctional facilities, and local law enforcement agencies across America.
-snip-
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/james-lee-witt-named-senior-advisor-at-zimek-technologies-industry

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Rabies virus now confirmed in Bali's cattle and pig stocks

Bali University officials have confirmed that rabies virus is now present
in the island's cattle and swine populations. Bali's continuing battle with
rabies entered a new and concerning phase with the news that evidence of
the deadly virus has been found in the cattle and swine populations of the
island.
Radar Bali [news agency] quotes an unnamed source who confirmed
that scientific studies conducted at Bali's Udayana University reveal that
the rabies virus has been found in a sample of cows and pigs present on the
island.

This report was further confirmed by the head of the veterinarian
biomedical and molecular laboratory of the University, Professor I Gusti
Ngurah Mahardika, who said rabies had "certainly" spread to Bali's cattle
and pig population. Speaking on the phone with Radar Bali, Professor
Mahardika said, "Yes, laboratory tests show victims of rabies among cattle
and pigs."

Locations in which rabies have been confirmed in these farm animals are in
the regencies of Tabanan and Badung.
While reluctant to give specific areas
for the outbreaks, Mahardika did confirm cattle infections in Tabanan and
in the Bukit Jimbaran area of the island.

Professor Mahardika said the cases of cattle and pig infection were tied to
bites from rabies-infected dogs.
The pigs and cows bitten by the dogs
eventually displayed rabies symptoms and died. When asked of the risk of
infection from cows and pigs to humans, Mahardika discounted such risks as
being minimal. He did warn, however, of the chance of infection to meat
handlers with open cuts that come in contact with the [secretions] of
infected pigs and cows
.

He called for better public education on how rabies is spread in order to
address the ineffective way in which rabies has been dealt with in Bali to
date.


[Rabies in cattle and swine generally takes the form of dumb (as opposed to
furious) rabies. Animals with this form of rabies may be depressed or
unusually docile. The animal will often have paralysis, generally of the
face, throat and neck, causing abnormal facial expressions, drooling, and
inability to swallow. Paralysis may affect the body, first affecting the
hind legs. The paralysis progresses rapidly to the whole body with
subsequent coma and death. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include
confusion, depression, sleepiness, agitation, or paralysis of the face,
throat, and neck. Death generally results from progressive paralysis
Consequently the risk of transmission of rabies virus infection from cattle
and swine to humans is lesser than that from dogs, cats, and monkeys (see
http://www.oie.int/eng/ressources/RABIES-EN.pdf).

Nonetheless the
detection of rabies infection of cattle and swine in the island of Bali is
an unwelcome development and a consequence to the inadequate response of
the authorities to the introduction of a single rabid dog into the
previously rabies-free island in 2008.

hattip Dutchy

Type 4 Dengue Back in Brazil After 28 Years

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazilian public health authorities confirmed that three inhabitants of the Amazon state of Roraima have been infected by type 4 dengue, which is transmitted by a virus that has not been found in the country for 28 years.

The health secretary of Roraima state said that tests done in the Evandro Chagas Institute state laboratory have confirmed the presence of the virus in three of the four patients suspected of having caught it.

The Health Ministry had already alerted regional health departments nationwide on Wednesday about the need to take stronger measures against the illness, since a large part of the population has no immunological defense against this virus and therefore the possibility of an epidemic cannot be discarded.

The virus that carries type 4 dengue has been found for several years in 10 countries of the hemisphere, but Brazil has had no cases since 1982, with the result that most of the population has not developed defenses against the illness.

Besides threatening a population without immunological defenses, the contagion of the virus carrying type 4 dengue in people that have already suffered types 1, 2 or 3 could bring on hemorrhagic dengue, the most dangerous form of the disease.

Notable among the countries where the virus is present are Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, all bordering on Brazil’s Amazon region. The Amazon state of Roraima shares a border with Venezuela.

-snip-

Honduras: Hemorragic Dengue - 13 Deaths Last Week

Reported earlier here

Total Deaths 2010: 56. Contracted hemorrhagic type: 1,099
13 of the 56 deaths occurred last week:

In epidemiological week 31, Health confirmed 13 new deaths. In the capital there are 14 patients in serious condition because of the deadly disease

Honduras: Hemorrahic dengue deaths more than quadruple last years

Total Deaths 2010: 56. Contracted hemorrhagic type: 1,099
Total Deaths 2009: 12 Contracted hemorrhagic type: 438

8/14/2010

TEGUCIGALPA – Deaths from hemorrhagic dengue in Honduras increased to 56 after one more victim was confirmed, the Health Ministry said Saturday.

The latest victim was in addition to the 12 fatalities reported Friday and recorded in the hospital of the Honduran Social Security Institute in Tegucigalpa, an official of the National Dengue Certification Commission of the Health Ministry told reporters.

There were 13 fatalities recorded last week, but not until this week did the commission certify that hemorrhagic dengue was the cause of death.

The number of people taken ill with non-lethal classic dengue so far this year remains at 39,613, while some 1,099 people have been infected with hemorrhagic dengue, of whom 56 have died, according to public health records.

The greatest incidence of patients with dengue is in Tegucigalpa and the surrounding area, while the northern region is the second most affected by the epidemic.

Public health authorities have indicated a slight trend toward fewer cases of dengue, though the number of deaths from the hemorrhagic type continues to rise.

President Porfirio Lobo’s government launched in July a national campaign, in which he involved public and private institutions, to stop dengue from spreading, but many of the affected sectors complain because of what they consider an ineffective public health crusade.

Public health authorities believe that the constant rains are another adverse factor in the campaign against dengue, which in 2009 caused the deaths of 12 people infected with the hemorrhagic form of the disease.

According to public health records for 2009, some 438 people contracted hemorrhagic dengue, while the classic type affected close to 13,000.

Commonground Commentary: Egypt's Poultry Problem

Egypt has ongoing problems with bird flu.

And confirms that there rate deficit in production of between 20 and 25% especially as the conditions of heat and past led to major losses, although the summer reduces the incidence of the virus, but the heat with affected poultry and spends many of them as a result of this shortage...
http://tinyurl.com/2ufv327


Now, Ramadam is here. They cut of electricity to all shops selling live poultry in Cairo:

Cairo decided to cut off all the facilities for stores that sell live birds in the month of Ramadan
http://pandemicinformationnews.blogspot.com/2010/08/egypt-cairo-cuts-off-all-facilities.html


But, there is a shortage of poultry during Ramadam. So they will import:

The study showed that in the first week of Ramadan, Egyptians eat a loaf of around 2.7 billion and 10 thousand tons of fuel and 40 million chickens,…

Shafei solution, saying we have a temporary solution markets is a shortage in the supply of poultry must be opened for imports to fill the current gap to be done to stop this import or reduce the quantities with the increase of the local product we have an important industry investments of about ‮ ‬ 25 million pounds and employs labor-intensive can be opened for import being of poultry, chicks and for frozen if we import to cover part of the deficit and for the current crisis and the month of Ramadan, says the Federation's deputy We have signed a protocol with the General Company for Food Industries to supply ‮ ‬ 1200 ‮ ‬ tons poultry frozen from local companies at ‮ ‬ 15 ‭. ‬ 70 ‮ ‬ pounds per kilogram to put in the pools during the holy month of Ramadan as a contribution of companies to solve the problem…
http://tinyurl.com/2ufv327


There seems to be a problem with the previous vaccine:

It was also noted that major companies and most poultry production in order the application of biosecurity suffered injuries severe enough to stop production altogether with high mortality rates and very heavy losses.

I also affirm the continuing mutation of the virus with the availability of scientific reasons to mutate, especially the extensive use of vaccines inactive and silent infection of the birds vaccinated and contrary actually quite for investigation announced it is already clear that the bird flu virus is endemic which call for comprehensive changes to disease resistance thought.....

http://tinyurl.com/2ufv327


So, Egypt will be producing a new vaccine, and a mapping program:

The Union of Poultry Producers has warned of bird flu mutates, ‮ ‬ announced the start of the experience of a new vaccine will be imported during the month after testing...
http://pandemicinformationnews.blogspot.com/2010/08/egypt-bf-virus-mutates-new-vaccine.html

Thousands dead, millions homeless. Now Pakistan faces cholera and riots

By Omar Waraich in Shikarpur
Sunday, 15 August 2010

Excerpt:

Two days ago, the president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, said that the floods may have destroyed crops worth around $1bn. About a quarter of Pakistan's economy is derived from agriculture, and nearly half of its workforce are employed by the agricultural sector. The damage is on top of the cost of 1,600 lives, two million people driven from their homes, and the lives of 20 million – fully 12 per cent of the entire population – disrupted across the country. Six million still need food, shelter and water, and yesterday the first dread case of cholera – a water-borne disease that can be devastating in the wake of floods – was confirmed.

The warm water is dangerous because it has the potency to carry water-borne ailments. In the relief centres dotted around Shikarpur, doctors report widespread outbreaks of scabies and diarrhoea.

On the narrow road that winds from Shikarpur to Mr Soomro's village of Rahimabad, traffic slowly flows in the other direction. Rickshaws, tractors, trucks and cars are piled high with people and possessions. Layers of beds are piled high amid fans, bundles of clothing and women cradling weary children. These are the last few to leave. Others have already found makeshift shelters. Many are scattered along the roadside. For shade from the blazing sun they prop half a wagon against a bed. The rest languish near railway stations or in government buildings.