Colombia: Bogotá Health Department Statement On (As Yet) Unidentified Respiratory Outbreak

[Michael Coston]

Colombia: Bogotá Health Department Statement On (As Yet) Unidentified Respiratory Outbreak

#17,896

We see`Mystery' disease outbreaks reported fairly often around the globe - often from remote regions with limited medical resources - and while initially mysterious, most turn out to caused by something relatively common (e.g., Malaria, Dengue, Influenza, Measles, alcohol poisoning, etc.).

Of course, every once in awhile, something new - or at least unexpected - is the cause.​

Overnight Colombia's Capital city Bogotá is reporting on an outbreak of SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Disease) at a military academy which has claimed at least one life, and has put two in the ICU, and leaving more than 100 people ill.

While they state this outbreak is `. . potentially due to influenza', for now the exact cause remains unidentified. What is apparent from the response is they are taking this outbreak seriously.​

First the translated statement from the Bogotá Health Department, after which I'll have a postscript.

Health Sec. monitors outbreak of severe acute respiratory infection
District Health Secretariat Gerson Bermont, Secretary of Health of Bogota
READ BEFORE SHARING:
PUBLISHED: 5 FEB 2024
Published by: María Alejandra Niño Ortiz


The District Health Secretariat designated a Public Health surveillance team to visit the General José María Córdova Military Cadet School, and investigate a possible respiratory outbreak and mortality due to unusual SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection).

At the moment, the preliminary findings are the following:​

• An SARI outbreak was established, potentially due to influenza, with 290 exposed people, of which 101 are symptomatic, 98 are in isolation and 3 are hospitalized (two of them in the ICU).
• A clinical autopsy will be performed on the 18-year-old who died on February 3, at the Central Military Hospital.
• Multidisciplinary teams were available to actively search for cases and isolate other possible respiratory symptoms.
• Field epidemiological investigation continues awaiting new results.
• The Ministry of Health regrets the death of the 18-year-old young man, a student at the General José María Córdova Military Cadet School, and recommends that all families in the academic community, in the event of any respiratory symptoms, immediately inform the directors of the Military School or call 123.

Check out this postfrom the Secretary of Health, Gersón Bermont, where he provides more details about this respiratory outbreak:​

The fact that they haven't at least identified `Influenza A or B' as the culprit (which can generally be done using a Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test) after several days - even if the subtype remains unclear - is a bit unusual.

Other possible causes include a wide array of non-influenza respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, and NPEVs (non-polio enteroviruses). Bacterial infections (e.g. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella, etc.) are also possible.​

Hopefully we'll get clarification in the hours ahead.

Stay tuned.
​
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/02/colombia-bogota-health-department.html

 

[Michael Coston]

Colombia: Updated Health Dept Communique On SARI Outbreak







#17,897

We've an update (h/t Pathfinder on FluTrackers) from the Bogota Health Department on the outbreak of SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) I blogged on earlier today at a military academy in Colombia's capital city (see Colombia: Bogotá Health Department Statement On (As Yet) Unidentified Respiratory Outbreak).

In this update they are now stating the outbreak is `. . . potentially associated with circulating Influenza AH3N2 virus', which is a common seasonal strain of influenza.​

Their unusually robust response - no doubt prompted by the unexpected death of an 18 year-old cadet this week - is not something we generally see for seasonal flu.

If this is, as suggested - seasonal H3N2 - I would expect a sample to be sent to the CDC and/or WHO for a closer look.​

The translated communique follows:

MAYOR OF BOGOTÁ DC. HEALTH SECRETARY
PRESS RELEASE
013
BOGOTA
Communiqué to the public
Update Bogotá D. C., February 6, 2024.

Once the first visit was concluded last night, within the framework of the field epidemiological investigation carried out in coordination with the Health Directorate of the National Army to the José María Córdova Military Cadet School, the District Health Secretariat is allowed to update citizens with the preliminary information presented yesterday:

• The first day of the epidemiological investigation concluded, in which a tour was made that allowed us to investigate each of the cases presented, the presence of symptoms, their clinical evolution and the measures adopted;

We can communicate the main conclusions recorded in the joint minutes last night:​

1. An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection -SARI was established, potentially associated with circulating Influenza AH3N2 virus.
2. 268 exposed cases and 103 symptomatic cases were identified. Of those, 99 are in stable clinical condition located in an observation area, of which 11 have already recovered.
3. Of the cases presented, 2 are in general hospitalization, 1 case is in the intermediate ICU and 1 case died.
4. Immediate and specific control measures were established, indicating quarantine from 02/05/2024 to 02/14/2024 for exposed cases, as long as no new cases are identified.

• The District Health Secretariat, within the framework of its powers and in accordance with the protocols issued by the National Institute of Health, will continue to carry out public health surveillance actions.

• As we continue to evaluate this situation and new information we will present updated reports and figures when necessary.

• The presence of these cases should not be an alarming situation for the population. general. However, taking into account that this virus is currently circulating in Colombia, It is important to remember the importance of maintaining well-ventilated spaces, using the masks when presented and get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 according to the indications.

District Health Secretariat
Cra, 32 #12-81​

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https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/02/colombia-updated-health-dept-communique.html