 |
|
October 2nd, 2008, 08:53 PM
|
 |
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 19,160
|
|
Respiratory illness - adenovirus 14 -hits remote Alaska island - FluTrackers
Source: http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=9116462
Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
by Angela Blanchard
Thursday, October 1, 2008
ANCHORAGE, Alaska-- The State Health Department and U.S. Centers for Disease Control are investigating an outbreak of a respiratory illness on Prince of Whales Island.
Health department officials are reporting 26 suspected or confirmed cases of the unknown illness in communities like Craig and Klawock.
Officials say seven people have been hospitalized.
Symptoms of the illness include a severe dry cough and a fever above 101 degrees.
The health department says so far the state is not prohibiting travel to and from the island or quarantining anyone but is advising people to practice good respiratory hygiene.
"Basically you can go a long way with just washing your hands meticulously and covering your cough and using tissues and throwing them away," Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Beth Funk said. "Don't leave them lying around, just sort of simple things like that."
The health department is collecting samples and sending them to the CDC, as well as testing samples in an Anchorage lab.
Contact Angela Blanchard at ablanchard@ktuu.com
|
October 3rd, 2008, 12:01 AM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,015
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
From the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce web site:
Quote:
Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce
"Welcome to America's Third Largest Island"
Located in Southern Southeast Alaska . . . .
WILDLIFE --
Sitka black tailed deer and black bear are the primary game animals, and the island supports several packs of wolves. Moose have been spotted on Prince of Wales. While the streams and lakes contain a variety of trout, most people fish the salt water for the five species of salmon, or for halibut, red snapper, and other bottom fish. Eagles are a common sight and waterfowl abound during the nesting season. Several species spend the winter in the area including the trumpeter swan.
|
http://www.princeofwalescoc.org/climate.html
|
October 3rd, 2008, 02:31 AM
|
 |
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
It's the beginning of RSV season here.
See chart at http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/do...sultsGraph.pdf
We had a cooler summer, so cases could arrive a little early.
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 08:36 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaDenise
|
Any confirmation? Some sources are raising more serious issues.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 08:56 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
|
October 3rd, 2008, 02:38 PM
|
|
Resident
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northeast
Posts: 189
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Interesting radio interview done on 9/4/08 npr KCAW-FM (Raven Radio).
http://kcaw.org/modules/local_news/i...p?op=se&page=2
Wrangell doctor reaches four corners of POW by Lisa Phu
WRANGELL, ALASKA (2008-09-04) For almost ten years, Wrangell doctor Dave McCandless has been holding rural clinics in communities on Prince of Wales Island that don't have health providers and don't have easy access to them. It started when Point Baker and Port Protection asked Wrangell to send a visiting doctor. Since then, every six weeks throughout the entire year, Dr. McCandless visits the remote communities of Coffman Cove, Whale Pass, Naukati, Edna Bay, Point Baker, and Port Protection.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 04:23 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by niman
Any confirmation? Some sources are raising more serious issues.
|
I just talked to the state epidemiology dept. in Anchorage (friday noon local time).
There is still no diagnosis. They have sent a team to the island to collect additional specimens. As soon as they have results they will be released to the media.
They have been getting calls from a wide area - including media, rumor-checkers, etc.
When I suggested RSV, she said it is on their list. WHen I suggested bird flu, her response was that the state had been testing birds around the state, so they doubt that is what it is.  However, she agreed that the symptoms are flu-like.
So....we wait.
I nomally listen to our in-state NPR station all day, so the minute I hear anything, I'll post it here.
I hope there's nothing in swans, as pacific-flyway swans flew through here last week. During their southward migration, species will "mix" at busy migratory bottlenecks - the perfect opportunity to trade pathogens. This theory has been proposed by our in-state migratory bird experts - that AI pathogens would most likely be passed from asymptomatic carriers to more sensitive species as they begin their flight south.
We got our first snow this morning, so it will probably convince any remaining migratory birds to leave the more populated areas here in southcentral Alaska. THere are many water bodies within populated areas, so pathogens in birds could impact many people. I have 5 lakes within a one mile radius of my home - very typical.
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 04:42 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Prince of Wales Island is at the extreme southern end of SE Alaska - just north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia and west of Ketchikan, AK. see map:
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 05:22 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Migratory bird hunting on POW Island as evidenced by the number of Migratory Bird Hunting registered guides. Five guides specify their guiding locations as POW Island, while some specify all of SE Alaska.
see: http://www.wildlifenews.alaska.gov/h...k/wfguides.pdf
One hunter gives his business address as Craig, AK. Seven guides are allowed to guide in that Management Unit (#2).
I hope we're not seeing an event related to the swans, poultry and soldier in Japan & South Korea last April. (and Kamchatka in June)
See: http://www.recombinomics.com/News/04...pan_Swans.html
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 05:31 PM
|
 |
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South of the North Pole
Posts: 12,055
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Haida of BC, CHarlotte Islands left up-north
Klawock, Alaska
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Klawock is a city in Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska, on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, on Klawock Inlet, across from Klawock Island. The population was 854 at the 2000 census.
It is 90 km (56 mi) from Ketchikan, 11 km (seven mi) from Craig, and 39 km (24 mi) from Hollis.
__________________
LIN YUTANG:
Hope is like a road in the country;
there was never a road,
but when many people walk on it,
the road comes into existence.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 05:39 PM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
UNDIAGNOSED RESPIRATORY ILLNESS - USA: (ALASKA), REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
************************************************** **********************
A ProMED-mail post
< http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
< http://www.isid.org>
Date: Thu 2 Oct 2008
Source: KTUU.com, Alaska [edited]
< http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=9116462>
Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
---------------------------------------------
The Alaska State Health Department and US Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) are investigating an outbreak of a respiratory illness on
Prince of Wales Island.
Health department officials are reporting 26 suspected or confirmed
cases of the unknown illness in communities like Craig and Klawock.
Officials say 7 people have been hospitalized.
Symptoms of the illness include a severe dry cough and a fever above
101 [deg F / 38.3 deg C].
The health department says so far the state is not prohibiting travel
to and from the island or quarantining anyone, but is advising people
to practice good respiratory hygiene. "Basically you can go a long
way [towards preventing spread] with just washing your hands
meticulously and covering your cough, and using tissues and throwing
them away," medical epidemiologist Dr Beth Funk said. "Don't leave
them [used tissues] lying around, just sort of simple things like
that."
The health department is collecting samples and sending them to the
CDC, as well as testing samples in an Anchorage lab.
[Byline: Angela Blanchard]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
< promed@promedmail.org>
& Randolph Kruger
[It is extremely unusual for no provisional diagnosis to be given for
an outbreak in the USA, let alone for fever and cough at this time of
year in Alaska. I wonder why they don't suspect influenza A or some
such seasonal pathogen. How can there be confirmed cases when they
don't know what the cause is? Any further information will be
welcome.
PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND, USA: 2231 sq mi (5,778 sq km), off SE Alaska;
largest island of the Alexander Archipelago. The island is heavily
forested, but has little arable land, no source of freshwater, and no
available areas for ship docking. Many of the islanders left when the
pearl-shell industry, once profitable, declined after the 1950s -- see
< http://www.questia.com/
library/encyclopedia/prince-of-wales-island-united-states.jsp>.
Craig's population has varied following trends in the commercial
fishing industry. As of the census of 2000, the population was 1397.
The population of Klawock was 854 at the 2000 census (Source:
Wikipedia.com). - Mod.JW
The US state of Alaska can be located on HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at
< http://healthmap.org/promed?g=5879092&v=64,-150,3>.
Prince of Wales Island is one of the islands of the Alexander
Archipelago, just west of the northern half of the Canadian province
of British Columbia. It can be seen at
< http://healthmap.org/promed?g=5844324&v=55.666,-132.083,8>. - CopyEd.MJ]
[see also:
2006
----
Undiagnosed illness - USA (IA): RFI 20061208.3470
2002
----
Undiagnosed illness, hotel - USA (New Jersey) (02) 20020214.3560
2001
----
Undiagnosed illness - USA (Wyoming) 20010603.1091
2000
---
Undiagnosed illness - USA (California) 20000914.1575]
........................................jw/mj/jw
|
October 3rd, 2008, 05:45 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
ProMed may say there's no areas for ship docking, but there is in nearby Ketchikan - a major stop for the many cruise ships going through SE Alaska. The last ships leave Whittier/Seward about September 20th - then proceed south. Those cruise ship passengers and crew (from many foreign countries) typically bring out-of-season flu here in summer. People from Craig & Klawock could easily have been employees of the tourism industry - although I"d expect any of their illnesses to also infect Ketchikan.
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 05:51 PM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South of the North Pole
Posts: 12,055
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
History
Originally, Craig's townsite was a temporary fishing camp, used for gathering herring eggs. [9]
Craig was named after Craig Miller (alternate spelling: Millar) who established a fish saltery on nearby Fish Egg Island in 1907[9] with the assistance of the local Haida natives who moved onto Prince of Wales Island from Haida Gwaii ( British Columbia's Queen Charlotte Islands) starting in the 1700s. [3][10]
Craig Miller constructed a cold storage plant and packing company at the present site of Craig, [3] and in 1922 was instrumental in the incorporation of the city (originally as an Alaska second-class [8] city within the Alaska Territory, pre-statehood).
__________________
LIN YUTANG:
Hope is like a road in the country;
there was never a road,
but when many people walk on it,
the road comes into existence.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 06:00 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Per ProMed:
Quote:
How can there be confirmed cases when they
don't know what the cause is?
|
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 06:27 PM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
|
October 3rd, 2008, 06:32 PM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: South of the North Pole
Posts: 12,055
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Commentary
Respiratory Illness On Prince of Wales Island Alaska
Recombinomics Commentary 23:17
October 3, 2008
The State Health Department and U.S. Centers for Disease Control are investigating an outbreak of a respiratory illness on Prince of Whales Island.
Health department officials are reporting 26 suspected or confirmed cases of the unknown illness in communities like Craig and Klawock.
Officials say seven people have been hospitalized.
Symptoms of the illness include a severe dry cough and a fever above 101 degrees.
The above comments describe an outbreak of respiratory disease on Prince of Wales Island. The involvement of the CDC as well as the location of the island in southeastern Alaska under a major migratory bird route is cause for concern.
Earlier this year there were major outbreaks of H5N1 in South Korea, northern Japan, and southeastern Russia. All outbreaks involved a reassorted Fujian strain of H5N1 (HA is clade 2.3.2 and the other seven genes were clade 2.3.4). The dead whooper swan signaled spread to the north over the summer, including regions of Alaska. Birds in Alaska are now migrating south, increasing concerns regarding respiratory disease in regions frequented by waterfowl, such as Prince of Wales Island.
The lack of a diagnosis remains a cause for concern. More information on these patients and testing, including influenza A, would be useful.
Media Links
Recombinomics Presentations
Recombinomics Publications
Recombinomics Paper at Nature Precedings
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/10...PoW_Alert.html
__________________
LIN YUTANG:
Hope is like a road in the country;
there was never a road,
but when many people walk on it,
the road comes into existence.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 10:09 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Stories about martians in Alaska wouldn't surprise me. We've been getting the most insane MSM stories about our state ever since our governor was tapped for a national race. Either MSM reporters are incredibly ignorant or there is intentional biased reporting.
Unless we hear verifiable stories about transportation closures, communication blackouts, etc., I won't be convinced of any BF cases.
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
Last edited by sharon sanders; October 4th, 2008 at 08:27 AM.
Reason: format
|
October 3rd, 2008, 10:13 PM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaDenise
Stories about martians in Alaska wouldn't surprise me. We've been getting the most insane MSM stories about our state ever since our governor was tapped for a national race. Either MSM reporters are incredibly ignorant or there is intentional biased reporting.
Unless we hear verifiable stories about transportation closures, communication blackouts, etc., I won't be convinced of any BF cases.
.
|
The original story on this outbreak is from the local (Alaskan) media.
|
October 3rd, 2008, 10:26 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by niman
The original story on this outbreak is from the local (Alaskan) media.
|
I'm not doubting the original story - just saying that I wouldn't be surprised by stories about Martians.
Information about diagnosis may not be forthcoming simply because they're a small town and oblivious to the far-reaching interest.
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
|
October 3rd, 2008, 11:39 PM
|
|
Editor, Senior Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,703
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
We could add initial pulmonary TB infections to list of possibilities. Symptoms can be fever and dry cough.
Latest report on TB in Alaska at http://www.epi.alaska.gov/pubs/webtb/TBReport2007.pdf
.
__________________
"The next major advancement in the health of American people will be determined by what the individual is willing to do for himself"-- John Knowles, Former President of the Rockefeller Foundation
Last edited by AlaskaDenise; October 4th, 2008 at 02:34 AM.
Reason: add report link
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:05 AM
|
 |
Editor-in-Chief & President
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,778
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlaskaDenise
.....
Unless we hear verifiable stories about transportation closures, communication blackouts, etc., I won't be convinced of any BF cases.
.
|
Yesterday I called the ferry service that serves the island and was told that the ferry is operating currently and would be operating today (Saturday).
Also, I called the state epidemiologist's office and was told that:
No tests back yet,
No diagnosis,
No deaths,
A couple of patients are very ill,
Some only coughing and sent home,
All adults,
No quarantine in the hospital,
No hemorrhagic features.
And I called a local pharmacy where an employee told me that there was no quarantine on the island but that there was an upper respiratory illness in a few adults.
There is no communication blackout. I was able to easily contact these offices.
__________________
"May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on."
"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, lies your calling."
Aristotle
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
Mohandas Gandhi
Be the light that is within.
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:13 AM
|
 |
Membro del Comitato Consultivo, Editore e Direttore del Forum Italiano di FluTrackers
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PADUA
Posts: 12,355
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
What's the actual reason for these level of alarm at FT?
__________________
GIMI69 (IRONOREHOPPER)
--
People come and go, but the creative force of great historical events, as well as important ideas and actions remain. (Aleksandr Romanovic Lurija, 1976)
--
A TIME'S MEMORY (Blog)
ATTRAVERSO QUESTI GIORNI (Blog)
tracciatore_traccia@libero.it
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:14 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by Florida1
Yesterday I called the ferry service that serves the island and was told that the ferry is operating currently and would be operating today (Saturday).
Also, I called the state epidemiologist's office and was told that:
No tests back yet,
No diagnosis,
No deaths,
A couple of patients are very ill,
Some only coughing and sent home,
All adults,
No quarantine in the hospital,
No hemorrhagic features.
And I called a local pharmacy where an employee told me that there was no quarantine on the island but that there was an upper respiratory illness in a few adults.
There is no communication blackout. I was able to easily contact these offices.
|
I would expect the communication blackout to be in the form of delaying or withholding the diagnosis on the "confirmed" cases.
A quarantine of the whole island would be reported by all major wire services in a heart beat (unless all phone and internet access were cut and I have firts hand knowledge that thepnones are working and internet access is normal).
I think the definition of a "communication blackout" needs a reality check.
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:23 AM
|
|
Editor-in-Chief & President
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,778
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironorehopper
What's the actual reason for these level of alarm at FT?
|
There is no level of alarm. I call many people on a daily basis. Yesterday a question was raised about this news report so I made a few phone calls. I daily exchange emails and phone calls with people from all over the world.
__________________
"May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on."
"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, lies your calling."
Aristotle
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
Mohandas Gandhi
Be the light that is within.
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:28 AM
|
|
Membro del Comitato Consultivo, Editore e Direttore del Forum Italiano di FluTrackers
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PADUA
Posts: 12,355
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
I modestly cast some doubts that an outbreak of avian influenza in humans is happening in this area of Alaska.
It may be the case, perhaps.
But what are the facts that are addressing this supposition?
The only fact that this Alaskan's island is on the path of migratory birds alone cannot be enough to draw a picture different from an usual outbreak of influenza-like illness sustained by common pathogens in cold weather region.
In other regions of norther hemisphere wild birds have started their migration. An increasing acute respiratory illness activity is currently ongoing even in Italy - where some rare wild birds were spotted some days ago (Ibis).
I need more informations for feel something strange in this case.
__________________
GIMI69 (IRONOREHOPPER)
--
People come and go, but the creative force of great historical events, as well as important ideas and actions remain. (Aleksandr Romanovic Lurija, 1976)
--
A TIME'S MEMORY (Blog)
ATTRAVERSO QUESTI GIORNI (Blog)
tracciatore_traccia@libero.it
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:29 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironorehopper
What's the actual reason for these level of alarm at FT?
|
I think the delayed diagnosis is causing some concern by some. The original media report was dated Oct 1 and it described "confirmed" and "suspect" cases (and the involvement of the CDC). However, the reports from health regulatory agencies or the hospital indicates there is no diagnosis, which really makes little sense, because a diagnosis is required for a "confirmation" of a disease.
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:32 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironorehopper
I modestly cast some doubts that an outbreak of avian influenza in humans is happening in this area of Alaska.
It may be the case, perhaps.
But what are the facts that are addressing this supposition?
The only fact that this Alaskan's island is on the path of migratory birds alone cannot be enough to draw a picture different from an usual outbreak of influenza-like illness sustained by common pathogens in cold weather region.
In other regions of norther hemisphere wild birds have started their migration. An increasing acute respiratory illness activity is currently ongoing even in Italy - where some rare wild birds were spotted some days ago (Ibis).
I need more informations for feel something strange in this case.
|
The actual diagnosis remains open, but the failure to disclose a diagnosis while patients are being classified as "confirmed" or "suspect" is not common for a common pathogen.
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:35 AM
|
|
Membro del Comitato Consultivo, Editore e Direttore del Forum Italiano di FluTrackers
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PADUA
Posts: 12,355
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Confirmed cases of something... But something likes that kind of ailment?
Avian influenza?
There is the need of more clear picture for this thread.
Non-FT members' readers start to don't understand nothing.
__________________
GIMI69 (IRONOREHOPPER)
--
People come and go, but the creative force of great historical events, as well as important ideas and actions remain. (Aleksandr Romanovic Lurija, 1976)
--
A TIME'S MEMORY (Blog)
ATTRAVERSO QUESTI GIORNI (Blog)
tracciatore_traccia@libero.it
|
October 4th, 2008, 05:42 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironorehopper
Confirmed cases of something... But something likes that kind of ailment?
Avian influenza?
There is the need of more clear picture for this thread.
Non-FT members' readers start to don't understand nothing.
|
Yes, ProMED issued an RFI. I have e-mailed the reporter on the story twice, with no reply. I also have a contact on Prince of Wales Island, and am waiting for an update.
|
October 4th, 2008, 07:22 AM
|
|
Retired
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 20,294
|
|
Re: Respiratory illness hits remote Alaska island
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironorehopper
Confirmed cases of something... But something likes that kind of ailment?
Avian influenza?
There is the need of more clear picture for this thread.
Non-FT members' readers start to don't understand nothing.
|
Speaking of clarification, I think it is worth a review what a communication blackout for a confirmed bird flu case would look like.
Some seem to think that calling the hospital or public health in the area and being told that there was no diagnosis on patients that have been characrerized as "confirmed" cases in a media report is an indication that there is no news blackout, but I think exactly the opposite is indicated.
The original story mentioned the word quarantine, which some interpreted as a quarantine of the entire island. Although the physical implementation would be relatively easy for an island, keeping an imposed quarantine out of the news would be virtually impossible if phone and internet communication were intact.
Those who were visiting the island for a day trip would be upset when they tried to return and were told they were under quarantine. This would also apply to many who were leaving the island for business or pleasure and would create considerable alarm. This alarm would be heightened by a lack of media coverage, and those impacted would try to get information from or give information to contacts not on the island, including media. A quarantine would be known to all (on or off the island) in minutes.
Clearly there has been no such quarantine, but a news blackout would be most effective if applied to the origin, which are the agencies claiming there has been no diagnosis. A "no diagnosis" would not create alarm and would buy time to confirm and more fully assess the situation and future actions.
Examples of this type of control with regard to human bird flu cases are not new. One of the best examples is the cluster in Pakistan, which now appears to involve at least 5 brothers, including 2 who died. Although the cluster represents the longest lab confirmed H5N1 transmisson chain reported to date, the asymptomatic case was just reported as confirmed this week, almost a year after the start of the outbreak, and WHO has yet to add the case, even though it meets their case definition. Similarly, the story broke in December, 2007, even though the index case was infected in October. No news leaked out until two brothers were dead and the H2H nature of the cluster was obvious.
Thus, news blackouts are controled at the source and not via a shutdown of communications to an entire island (in the United States no less).
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
Disclaimer:
The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. Moderators on this forum make every effort to review the material posted on this site however, it is not realistically possible for our staff to manually review each post.
The content of posts on this site, including but not limited to links to other web sites, are the expressed opinion of the original authors or posters and are not endorsed by, or representative of the opinions of, the owners or administration of this website. The posts on this website are the opinion of the specific author or poster and should not be construed as statements of advice or factual information.
Not all posts on this website are intended as truthful or factual assertion by their authors. NO posts on this website should be considered factual information on face value alone. Users are encouraged to USE DISCERNMENT and do their own follow up research while reading and posting on this website. FluTrackers.com Inc. reserves the right to make changes to, corrections and/or remove entirely at any time posts made on this website without notice. In addition, FluTrackers.com Inc. disclaims any and all liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of a post on this website.
This site is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. You should not assume that this site is error-free or that it will be suitable for the particular purpose which you have in mind when using it. In no event shall FluTrackers.com Inc. be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether or not advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this site or other documents which are referenced by or linked to this site.
Finally, FluTrackers.com Inc. reserves the right to delete, correct, or make changes to any post on this website without notice at any time for any reason.
Fair Use Notice:
This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Users may make such material available in an effort to advance awareness and understanding of issues relating to public health, civil rights, economics, individual rights, international affairs, liberty, science & technology, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C.Section 107, the material on this site is distributed to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
In accordance with industry accepted best practices we ask that users limit their copy / paste of copyrighted material to the relevant portions of the article you wish to discuss and no more than 50% of the source material, provide a link back to the original article and provide your original comments / criticism in your post with the article. Please remember you are responsible for what you post on the internet and you could be sued by the original copyright holder if you do not honor these rules.
If you are a legal copyright holder or a designated agent for such and you believe a post on this website falls outside the boundaries of "Fair Use" and legitimately infringes on yours or your clients copyright
we may be contacted concerning copyright matters at:
FluTrackers.com Inc.
c/o Sharon Sanders
1676 Hibiscus Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Phone: 407-406-3037
E-Mail: flutrackers@earthlink.net
In accordance with section 512 of the U.S. Copyright Act our contact information has been registered with the United States Copyright Office. "Safe Harbor" noticing procedures as outlined in the DMCA apply to this website concerning all 3rd party posts published herein.
If notice is given of an alleged copyright violation we will act expeditiously to remove or disable access to the material(s) in question.
All 3rd party material posted on this website is the copyright of the respective owners / authors. FluTrackers.com Inc. makes no claim of copyright on such material.
For more information please visit:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml
Please be aware any communications sent complaining about a post on this website may be posted publicly at the discretion of the administration.
FluTrackers Does Not Provide Any Medical Advice:
FluTrackers, Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster.
The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website.
By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
By using and/or accessing this site, either passively or actively, you are agreeing to all of the above conditions. Also, by using and/or accessing this site, either passively or actively, you agree to conduct all business and legal affairs related to this website in the jurisdiction of Flutrackers.com Inc. which is registered in Central Florida, USA.
These Disclaimers are subject to change at anytime.
Email the Webmaster with questions or comments about this site at flutrackers@earthlink.net
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:58 PM.
|
