Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections exceed 5000 in Japan

[wotan]

Re: Japan confirms 93 swine flu cases

Re: Japan confirms 93 swine flu cases

As posted in http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104712, a lot of these cases are in schools, which no longer appear to be communities.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

The new surge in Japan INFURU infected patients, a total of 96 people

2009年5月18日1時37分​

2009 May 18 1:37

新型の豚インフルエンザの感染者は、兵庫県に続いて大阪府でも相次いで確認されるなど１７～１８日未明に新たに８４人増え、厚生労働省や自治体によると、１８日未明までで累計９６人（成田空港の検疫で見つかった４人を含む）にのぼった。​

The new infection of swine flu, and another series which is followed by Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture, to 17-18 early in the morning increased by 84 people, according to the ministry and local government, until the early morning hours of 18 total 96 (found in the quarantine of Narita Airport, including four people) climbed.

高校生が９割を占め、感染者が確認された学校は１６日の２校から１０校以上に拡大した。​

Occupies 9 percent of high school students, schools have been infected in 16 days from the school expanded to more than 10 schools.

症状は多くが軽く、快方に向かっているという。​

Many symptoms are relieved that a promising way.

大阪府の橋下徹知事は１８日未明、「厚労省と協議した結果、府内全域の中学、高校が１週間の休校となる予定」と発表した。​

Osaka Gov. Toru Hashishita the early morning of July 18, "After consultation with the ministry, the middle school throughout the prefecture, the school will be closed for a week."

期間は１８日から１週間。​

Period of 18 days a week.

日本の感染者数は米国、メキシコ、カナダなどに次ぎ、急激に増えている。​

The number of infections in Japan, the United States, Mexico, next to Canada and are rapidly increasing.

世界保健機関（ＷＨＯ）が、警戒レベルを現在の「フェーズ５」から、世界的大流行（パンデミック）であることを示す「フェーズ６」に引き上げるかどうかの判断をめぐり、日本への注目が高まっている。​

World Health Organization (WHO), the current alert level, "Phase 5" from the global epidemic (pandemic) and it indicates that "Phase 6" over the decision of whether to raise, increasing attention to Japan that.

１６日に確認された兵庫県立神戸高校（神戸市灘区）と同兵庫高校（同長田区）のほかに、新たに確認されたのは私立関西大倉高校・中学（大阪府茨木市）と関西大学（同吹田市）、兵庫県立高砂高校（兵庫県高砂市）、同八鹿（ようか）高校（同養父（やぶ）市）、同豊岡高校（同豊岡市）、同和田山高校（同朝来市）、神戸市立工業高専（神戸市西区）、私立神戸村野工業高校（同長田区）、私立六甲高校（同灘区）など。​

16 high school was in Kobe, Hyogo (Nada Ward, Kobe) Hyogo same high school (in Nagata-ku) in addition to the newly confirmed the Kansai Okura High School, a private middle school (Ibaraki, Osaka) and Kansai University (Suita City's), High School, Takasago, Hyogo (Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture), Youka same (or so) high school (the adoptive father (bush),), the high school Toyooka (Toyooka said), high school Wadayama the (city's Asago ), Industrial College Kobe (Kobe, Nishi-ku), a private high school in Kobe industrial Nomura (Nagata Ward's), Rokko private high school (the Nada district).

関西大倉高校は、感染が確認された生徒のほかにも、インフルエンザのような症状を訴えている生徒が百数十人いるという。​

Kansai Okura High School, other students were infected, a number of 100 students have complained of flu-like symptoms.

感染者は大阪府４３人、兵庫県５３人。​

43 people infected, Osaka, Hyogo 53.

高校生や大学生だけでなく、家族や教員にも感染者が出ている。​

As well as high school and college students, have been infected in the family and teachers.

大阪府八尾市で小学生では初めて６年生の女子が確認された。​

OSAKA elementary school in the first six students were female.

周囲には、これまでに感染が確認された人が通う高校の関係者はいないとされ、別の感染経路が考えられる。​

Is surrounded by high school officials who attend the infection was confirmed so far are not to be another route of infection.

厚労省と関係自治体は、感染者の周囲の「濃厚接触者」に関する調査を進めている。​

Ministry and local governments, around the infected "concentrated contacts" on the investigation.

濃厚接触者には自宅待機を要請し、健康状態や渡航歴を確認している。​

The rich are asked to contact a furlough, to make sure that health and travel history.

感染者が神戸市以外でも出たことについて、厚労省の担当者は会見で「（大阪と神戸は）疫学的なリンク（関係性）があるかも知れないし、独立した事象かも知れない。疫学調査の結論調査を見て判断すべきだ」と話し、政府の新型インフルの国内対策を「第２段階」から「第３段階（感染拡大期）」に移すには時期尚早との認識を示した。​

But other than that Kobe was the infection, officials said the ministry "(Kobe and Osaka) and epidemiological link (relationship) may have a separate event may be. Epidemiology investigation should be considered after the conclusion of the investigation, "he said, the government's new anti-domestic INFURU" Phase 2 "from the" third phase (phase spread), "The move indicates that the premature .

新型インフルは毒性は低いが、感染力は強いとされる。​

The new INFURU toxicity is low, and infectious are strong.

今後、兵庫県や大阪府で患者が増え、関連の病院の病床が不足する可能性がある。​

The increasing number of patients in Osaka and Hyogo Prefecture, may be related to lack of hospital beds.

厚労省の担当者は、医療態勢については国と地元自治体が協議し、地域ごとに弾力的に対応する方針を明らかにした。​

Ministry officials, medical preparations and consultations for the central and local governments announced a plan to respond flexibly to each region.

また、現在は都道府県の検査で新型インフル陽性となった場合、国立感染症研究所で最終確認しているが、厚労省は神戸市、兵庫県、大阪府、大阪市の検査結果について信頼性が確かめられたとして、同研究所での確認を不要とした。​

Also, if the current and new tests positive INFURU State, has been confirmed by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, ministry, Kobe, Hyogo, Osaka, Osaka reliable test results as is confirmed, and no confirmation of the lab. :tiphat:http://tinyurl.com/pzhtkr

 

[Treyfish]

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in Some of the 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in Some of the 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

More than 90 domestic new flu infections confirmed
OSAKA, May 18 KYODO
The number of cases of domestic new flu infections in Japan hit 92 on Sunday after a total of 84 high school and college students as well as teachers and others in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures were confirmed to have been infected with the new strain of influenza A.
The confirmations followed the discovery Saturday of Japan's first eight domestic infections of new flu in Hyogo, which adjoins Osaka. A World Health Organization expert said community-level transmission may have begun in Japan, which could lead the WHO to raise its new flu pandemic alert to the highest level of 6 from the current 5.
:tiphat:http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=439191

 

[Treyfish]

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in Some of the 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

Re: As Japan Confirms Community Spread in Some of the 93 Swine Flu Cases - Pandemic Level 6?

Swine flu hits Japanese students
By Lindsay Whipp in Tokyo
Published: May 17 2009 16:03 | Last updated: May 17 2009 16:03
Officials struggled yesterday to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak of swine flu among students in western Japan that over the weekend vaulted the country into the ranks of countries most affected by the virus.
By last evening, officials had confirmed at least 40 new cases among students and teachers who had not left the country recently, on top of four cases confirmed the previous weekend among a school group returning from Canada. While there have been far larger numbers of cases in North America, elsewhere only the UK and Spain have reported more cases.
The new cases were reported from the cities of Osaka and Kobe and neighbouring communities. A number of those infected were members of the same volleyball club.
Kobe officials have shut about 300 schools for seven days in an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading. Schools have been asked to postpone planned trips while some care centres for the elderly and disabled have been temporarily shut. Festival events planned for the past weekend and this week have also been cancelled. Osaka took similar steps.
Authorities were investigating how the virus had spread. The government had been quick to implement stringent measures to try to prevent the flu from entering the country after the initial outbreak in Mexico last month. Japan temporarily suspended visa waivers for Mexicans entering the country. Health officials instituted on-board health checks on flights landing from North America.
Takeo Kawamura, chief cabinet secretary, said on Saturday people could be reassured as the country had stockpiles of the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza to treat about 38m people.
Mr Kawamura said that the confirmation of domestically contracted cases meant the spread of swine flu “had entered a new stage” in Japan.
“From now, our biggest challenge is to prevent the further spreading of the virus and to do what we can to stop the virus becoming more severe for those suffering,” he said.
As of Sunday, there were 8,480 reported cases of the flu globally in 39 countries, with 72 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation. Japan’s recent outbreak tally puts it seventh globally in terms of the number of confirmed cases.
China over the weekend reported its third confirmed case of swine flu, involving a student returning from the US. Hong Kong separately yesterday also reported its third confirmed case, also involving a student returning from the US :tiphat:http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/00bc0718-42d4-11de-b793-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&nclick_check=1

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Japan: 21 high school students confirmed with A(H1N1) in two different schools

Re: Japan: 21 high school students confirmed with A(H1N1) in two different schools

Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan
Monday 18th May, 10:43 AM JST
Source: http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/aso-calls-for-calm-response-as-new-flu-infections-reach-129-in-japan

TOKYO ?
The number of cases of new flu infections in Japan reached 129 as 33 more infections were confirmed. Prime Minister Taro Aso called for calm Monday amid the rapid spread of a new influenza in Japan.

Aso said the Japanese government has no plans to ask citizens to refrain from holding meetings or scale down corporate activity. He made the remarks at a meeting of the government task force on the H1N1 influenza epidemic.

? 2009 Kyodo News. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission.

 

[Thornton]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/world/asia/18flu.html

W.H.O. May Raise Alert Level as Swine Flu Cases Leap in Japan
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
Published: May 17, 2009
The number of swine flu cases in Japan soared over the weekend, raising the likelihood that the World Health Organization will soon have to raise its pandemic alert level to 6, the highest level.
...
Before the outbreak began last month, Japan used about 60 percent of the world?s Tamiflu stock.

[ie of the amount used at that time]

Recall that Japan also had the highest report rate for abnormal behaviors (including suicide) in young people with influenza.
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=47086

Vigilance for an increase in these reports is warranted.
JT

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Mild symptom patients to stay home
11:47am May 18, 2009
Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20090518-OYT1T00472.htm?from=main2

Kobe city decided to send H1N1 patients with mild symptoms back home without isolating them in its designated hospitals for infectious diseases. This is a preparatory measure for the next ?pandemic stage? where priority shall be given to hospitalizaion of patients with severe symptoms. Doctors will judge whether patients need hospitalization.

While only 54 beds for the contagious disease treatment were available in three hospitals in the city, the city already had 49 H1N1-confirmed patients as of 10AM today.

Osaka prefecture had already made a similar decision.

____________________________
SN1987A

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Osaka governor asks health minister to relax measures against swine flu
Source: http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20090518p2a00m0na007000c.html

Osaka Gov. Toru Hashimoto called Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe to request that guidelines to relax measures against swine flu be issued, citing the possibility that current steps could bring city functions to a halt, Hashimoto revealed at a press conference on Sunday.

"The measures we have taken have assumed a high virulence akin to avian flu, but the swine flu virus appears to be less virulent," Hashimoto said. "At some point, we must shift our line of action to something appropriate for seasonal influenza."

According to the Japanese government's pandemic flu action plan, in the second phase, or "early stage of domestic outbreak," patients must be hospitalized at designated medical facilities. Osaka, however, has approved patients to recuperate at home, depending on their condition -- the first prefecture to take such measures, according to prefectural officials.

Osaka has ordered the closure of kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools in eight cities including Ibaraki and Toyonaka, where students confirmed to have swine flu reside or where their schools are located. The prefecture has also requested the closure of facilities such as non-residential centers for senior citizens and movie theaters, as well as the cancellation of events that involve large numbers of people. These measures are expected to stay in effect until May 23.

(Mainichi Japan) May 18, 2009




____________________________
SN1987A

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Failed to Discover Group Infection of Novel Flu
Source: http://www.jiji.com/jc/v2?id=20090501newtype-influ_06

Group outbreaks of influenza among students in some highschools in Kansai region had been noticed for a while before the novel flu was found among students one after another. However, no one suspected novel flu because the students had no history of overseas travels. Consequaently, the novel flu wasn?t discovered until after it was considerably spread.
?Many students were absent from school and classes were closed. But it was considered as an outbreak of seasonal influenza.? a government official said. A number of seasonal flu cases are still found now that the flu season is completely over. Usually, only a rapid test is performed in the clinic to determine whether the virus is A type or B type.
Last week in a private high school in Kobe, all the classes of a grade were closed as 7 students were absent and others had fever and flu-like symptoms.

-snip-

Off-season flu outbreaks were noted at an influenza conference session of Kobe medical association. However, suspected cases of overseas travelers were given priority for PCR tests and the specimen of the high school student who were found infected with A(H1N1) as the first inland patient was tested only three days from the request for testing.
************************************************
Note: According to ML flu report, 400 volunteer doctors reported 282 flu cases in the week of May 11. All were considered as seasonal flu cases. However it may include some A(H1N1) cases.


SN1987A

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

........In Japan, schools and kindergartens were shuttered across the western prefecture region, media said. Students were asked to stay at home, but local governments advised businesses to operate as usual.

The news boosted shares of drugmaker Chugai Pharmaceutical due to hopes for strong sales of the Tamiflu anti-viral drug. Shares of firms that make medical masks also jumped, though the Nikkei stock average tumbled nearly 3 percent.

.... Japan's government said on Monday it had decided not to raise its domestic alert level to phase three, which would mean limiting preventive use of drugs, among other measures.

"Risks posed by the new flu are hard to predict as it's unknown how far it will spread," John Lipsky, International Monetary Fund first deputy managing director, told reporters in Tokyo.

"It could have a notable effect on Japan. In the case of Mexico, officials there say their outbreak reduced gross domestic product by 0.5 percent," he said......

http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE54F1WL20090518

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Japan closes 2,000 schools as swine flu spreads
AFP

Japan closes 2,000 schools as swine flu spreads AFP ? People wearing facemasks arrive at a railway station on way to their offices in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, ?
by Shingo Ito Shingo Ito

KOBE, Japan (AFP) ? Japan has confirmed 129 swine flu cases and shuttered more than 2,000 schools and kindergartens in a bid to slow the spread of the virus that may already have infected hundreds.

The number of (A)H1N1 cases has risen rapidly in the urban areas of Kobe and Osaka since the first confirmed domestic infection -- a 17-year-old Kobe high school student who had not been abroad -- was reported on Saturday.

Authorities said the real number of infections could already be in the hundreds with the virus spreading fast in the densely populated island nation.

The Japanese outbreak increases the chance the World Health Organization may raise its pandemic alert level to six -- the top level which would indicate sustained community transmission in a second region outside the Americas.

Experts in Japan now believe the virus spread quickly between the two urban areas after high schools from Kobe and Osaka met for a volleyball tournament, with some players and coaches feeling feverish after the games.

"We have to contain this in the region, but it is becoming very difficult," said Toshizo Ido, governor of Hyogo Prefecture, which includes Kobe.

After a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Taro Aso urged the public to stay calm, stressing that most people recover quickly from the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

"Caution is needed because there are cases of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes whose condition is serious," Aso said.

"At the moment, however, many people are recovering smoothly after receiving appropriate treatment early," Aso said, adding that the government had no immediate plans to restrict people's movements and activities.

In Kobe, many office workers, shop staff and public transport officials were wearing masks on the first working day since the outbreak hit the city. Public health announcements were broadcast via train station loudspeakers.

Hotel manager Kotaro Takeda said: "We have received more than 120 cancellations, mostly because of the influenza. We are concerned that groundless rumours may affect our business further."

At Kobe High School, where the first domestic infection was confirmed, all classrooms and schoolyards were empty, while teachers in staff rooms phoned students one by one to check whether they have flu symptoms.

The principal, Yukihiro Amano, told reporters: "We have done whatever we could, but the situation is beyond our expectations."

A housewife living nearby, 31-year-old Yoshiko Fujii, told AFP: "Now that the influenza is spreading so fast, I guess I have to be ready to be infected."

But other residents cautioned against an over-reacting to the virus.

"I see the outbreak positively as the virus appears less dangerous than originally thought," said Kozue Yamagata, a magazine editor. "It's a good opportunity to learn how to act before we may face a more serious one."

No cases have yet been reported in greater Tokyo, which with almost 36 million people is the world's most populous urban area.

Japan's first confirmed cases of swine flu were four people who tested positive after they flew in from the United States earlier this month. They were immediately quarantined along with about 50 fellow passengers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090518/wl_asia_afp/healthflujapan

 

[tropical]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

#30: ...


Interpretations of WHO level 6

and

"... schools ... no longer appear to be communities"


Can we got from the WHO an frankly gestation of the awareness:

"schools/Universities are not only close communities, they are places of mixings, later mix with students residents at private homes instead of at the campuses only -
- so they must be classed as sustained wider community infections, not close communities only.

 

[tropical]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

#29:
"Osaka Gov. Toru Hashimoto called Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe to request that guidelines to relax measures against swine flu be issued, citing the possibility that current steps could bring city functions to a halt, Hashimoto revealed at a press conference on Sunday."


That's was the same USA error, to relax measures because of economics/or functions fallouts.

The real halting would start widely if the measures are relaxed, because than it will be loosed the only way to more slow it.

It is neccessary make emergency working shifts only, and close for a few weeks all the unneccessary, and leave only the strict to get water, and other strictly neccesary population needs.

Mexico must already make such needed closures, but did it when already the virus was wide spreaded.
So it is better do the restrictions early, and than relaxed after the first month (basic monthly payings assured for paying bills, etc).

 

[tropical]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

#32:
"Experts in Japan now believe the virus spread quickly between the two urban areas after high schools from Kobe and Osaka met for a volleyball tournament, with some players and coaches feeling feverish after the games.

"We have to contain this in the region, but it is becoming very difficult," said Toshizo Ido, governor of Hyogo Prefecture, which includes Kobe.

After a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Taro Aso urged the public to stay calm, stressing that most people recover quickly from the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

"Caution is needed because there are cases of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes whose condition is serious," Aso said.

"At the moment, however, many people are recovering smoothly after receiving appropriate treatment early," Aso said, adding that the government had no immediate plans to restrict people's movements and activities.

In Kobe, many office workers, shop staff and public transport officials were wearing masks on the first working day since the outbreak hit the city. Public health announcements were broadcast via train station loudspeakers."

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

There is no wide-spread infection
Source: http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc_30&k=2009051800706
16:40 May 18, 2009

?All confirmed cases are school-related. Wide-spread infections are not confirmed as of now.? WHO?s Thompson spokesperson stated Monday.
WHO had a telephone conference Monday morning with WHO?s Western Pacific Regional office to exchange information about the outbreak situation in Japan.
According to the spokesperson, 125 cases in Japan were confirmed during the conference.

Development of infections is also reported in UK. If wide-spread of infections are confirmed in Japan or Europe, WHO will seriously consider raising the alert level to the highest, i.e. ?Phase 6.? according to a WHO official.


__________________________
SN1987A

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Tokyo stock market plunged 226 yen to close at 9,038 yen.


This is regarded as partly due to spread of A(H1N1) in Japan and its influence over private spendings.

On the other hand, share prices of Chugai Pharmaceutical (Tamiflu) and manufacturers of masks and PPE increased.

_____________________
SN1987A

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

School closures in Osaka and Hyogo affect 1.2 million - Excerpt
Source: http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0518/OSK200905180072.html
13:35 May 18, 2009/05/18

Following the Health Ministry’s request to all the junior high schools and senior high schools in Osaka and Hyogo to close schools, 2384 public schools (primarys, junior highs and senior highs) in Osaka and Hyogo will be closed for 7 days, affecting about 1.6 million students and pupils, or 1.2 million if including private schools in the area.
-snip-
________________________
SN1987A

 

[FrenchieGirl]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

I don't have a reliable source for this article

quote
??^|#@[]{k844jh?1736%&?*(/&%"/?`n!?`??+?*"%&(?)
unquote

There is no wide-spread infection
Source: http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=soc_30&k=2009051800706
16:40 May 18, 2009

?All confirmed cases are school-related. Wide-spread infections are not confirmed as of now.? WHO?s Thompson spokesperson stated Monday.
WHO had a telephone conference Monday morning with WHO?s Western Pacific Regional office to exchange information about the outbreak situation in Japan.
According to the spokesperson, 125 cases in Japan were confirmed during the conference.

Development of infections is also reported in UK. If wide-spread of infections are confirmed in Japan or Europe, WHO will seriously consider raising the alert level to the highest, i.e. ?Phase 6.? according to a WHO official.


__________________________
SN1987A

 

[SuperNova1987A]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Mildly ill patients may stay home-Health minitrer
17:45 May 18, 2009/05/18
Source: http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0518/TKY200905180257.html

Health minister, Yoichi Masuzoe, held a press conference at 5pm today and announced that the ministry would consider relaxing the present flu measures which were originally planned against deadly bird flu. The government?s action plan and guidelines may also be reviewed. In order to secure hospitalization of severely ill patients, ?we will consider shifting the guideline of medical treatment for suspected and mildly ill patients.? the minister stated.

?Generally speaking, the present novel flu is not different from the seasonal flu.? Masuzoe quoted specialist?s opinion (*). ?Osaka and Hyogo prefectures are closing its junior and senior high schools for 7 days, considering the disease?s incubation period. The government will consider shifting counter-measures during the period.? Masuzoe added.

Masuzoe also stated: ?We will start the development of vaccine for the second wave of novel flu and will do every measures and utmost efforts to protect the life and health of Japanese people.?

(*) Expert advisory commission

_______________________
SN1987A

 

[tropical]

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

Re: Aso calls for calm response as new flu infections reach 129 in Japan

School closures in Osaka and Hyogo affect 1.2 million - Excerpt
Source: http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0518/OSK200905180072.html
13:35 May 18, 2009/05/18

Following the Health Ministry’s request to all the junior high schools and senior high schools in Osaka and Hyogo to close schools, 2384 public schools (primarys, junior highs and senior highs) in Osaka and Hyogo will be closed for 7 days, affecting about 1.6 million students and pupils, or 1.2 million if including private schools in the area.
-snip-
________________________
SN1987A

Well done.


When parents makes chields, there must be perfectly clear that until they reach out the teen age (and a little further), they must be prepared that they could be various time lenght at their homes continuously.

So, knowing the actual danger for them, their's family, and the society, staying at home for 7 days (pitty and a possible failure as in USA, that it isn't at least for 2 weeks) is a very small thing compared to the possible initial preservation from this pandemic wave.

Especialy if it tends to stagnate its initial fast spreading after a while.