http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert.php Near realtime international Emergency and Disaster Information hu Disasters Database Copyright (C) RSOE EDIS 2004 havaria@rsoe.hu (RSOE EDIS) zsolt.boszormenyi@rsoe.hu (Zsolt Boszormenyi) http://hisz.rsoe.hu http://hisz.rsoe.hu/rss/rsslogo_01_04.jpg http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25294 12.03.2010 - 09:36:07 - Landslide event happened in Indonesian archipelago / Indonesia. EDIS Number: LS-20100312-25294-IDN
Date / time: 12/03/2010 09:36:07 [UTC]
Event: Landslide
Area: Indonesian archipelago
Country: Indonesia
State/County: Province of West Java
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 7 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A rain-triggered landslide has killed at least seven villagers and left three missing on Indonesia's main Java island, a Red Cross official says. Rudi Syahriar says at least 10 people were buried under tonnes of mud from Thursday's landslide in a village in West Java province. He said on Friday that rescuers had dug up seven bodies.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:37:02 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25293 12.03.2010 - 08:23:53 - Vehicle Accident event happened in Europe / Germany. EDIS Number: VI-20100312-25293-DEU
Date / time: 12/03/2010 08:23:53 [UTC]
Event: Vehicle Accident
Area: Europe
Country: Germany
State/County: State of Bavaria
City: Near Friedberg
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Up to 30 cars were involved in a massive accident on the A8 motorway in Bavaria on Friday morning, as a late snowstorm created dangerous road conditions throughout the southern German state. Police reported that between 20 and 30 vehicles were involved in the pile-up on the motorway near Friedberg. Major delays were expected as authorities shut down both directions of the autobahn for clean-up. Police were unable to give an accurate count of those hurt in the accident, but reported that there were no serious injuries. Meanwhile another 20 vehicles were part of other accidents on a county road between Hunderdorf and Hermannsdorf in the Straubing-Bogen county. Police said driving conditions there were extremely icy and closed the road following three injuries resulting from the accidents. Up to 30 centimetres of snow is expected in many parts of the country over the weekend, the German Weather Service (DWD) reported this week.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:25:20 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25292 12.03.2010 - 08:06:03 - Vehicle Incident event happened in North-America / USA. EDIS Number: VIV-20100312-25292-USA
Date / time: 12/03/2010 08:06:03 [UTC]
Event: Vehicle Incident
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of New York
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

For the second time in about 14 months, a US Airways jet bound for Charlotte on Thursday struck birds shortly after takeoff. This time, the jet was able to land safely at Greater Rochester (N.Y.) International Airport, where it had taken off minutes earlier. No injuries were reported. In Thursday's incident, Flight 1101 struck Canada geese at about 2,000 feet, shortly after the 8:25 a.m. takeoff. Jennifer Hanrahan, a spokeswoman for the airport, said the crew experienced a problem with one of its two engines and returned to an emergency landing at 8:40 a.m. Airport officials said 129 people were aboard, including a crew of five. The flight was canceled, and passengers were rebooked on other flights. Passenger Nicole Dalberth, 20, who was flying to Jamaica with a connecting flight in Charlotte, said the Airbus had taken off and was in the air for a few minutes. "We heard a loud noise, and you could tell everyone heard it, and then we started to smell something," she said. Dalberth said flight attendants told passengers what had happened. She said passengers clapped for the crew when the jet landed.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:08:16 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25291 12.03.2010 - 08:00:29 - Technological Disaster event happened in Asia / Kazakhstan. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: AC-20100312-25291-KAZ
Date / time: 12/03/2010 08:00:29 [UTC]
Event: Technological Disaster
Area: Asia
Country: Kazakhstan
State/County: Almatinskaya Oblast
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Thousands of people have been evacuated in Kazakhstan after two dams burst in the region around Almaty, the Kazakhstan Emergency Ministry said today. A dam burst yesterday at a water reservoir in the Aksuisky district north of Almaty, flooding a village of 3,000 people, who were evacuated to a nearby town, the ministry said in a statement. "There are victims, but their identities and numbers are being checked," the Emergency Ministry said. In a separate incident yesterday , a dam was washed away in the nearby Karatalsky district after heavy snowfall melted, forcing the evacuation of a village of 820 people, most of whom have taken shelter in a school. The flooding has also washed away a bridge on a main highway connecting Almaty with the northern city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, the ministry said. Around 300 rescue workers have been sent to the scene, the ministry said. The country's Prime Minister Karim Masimov was also due.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 12.03.2010 at 09:31:50.
]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:32:26 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25290 12.03.2010 - 04:31:17 - HAZMAT event happened in Europe / Spain. EDIS Number: HZ-20100312-25290-ESP
Date / time: 12/03/2010 04:31:17 [UTC]
Event: HAZMAT
Area: Europe
Country: Spain
State/County: Province of Girona
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 1 persons
Number of Injured: 105 persons
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Around 105 people in the province of Girona have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning through using gas heaters in a poor condition to warm up their homes. One woman has died as a result. Some of the worst snow storms in history have left most of Catalunya without electricity, even certain hotels in the city of Barcelona. In Girona alone, around 220,000 households are without power. And hospital staff have already had to treat over 100 people for carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty gas heaters. The most serious was a 41-year-old woman who died late on Wednesday evening at her home in Ultramort (Girona) as a result of smoke coming from a faulty electrical generator. Her father, 70, was also affected, and is in hospital in a serious condition. Most of those affected are in the counties of Baix Empordà and La Selva, of which six had to be placed in a hyperbaric chamber in Palamós Hospital. The department of health has warned everyone who uses generators or gas heaters to ensure there is plenty of ventilation, and that generators are installed outside the home. Even most of the health centres are now using generators, including those in Tossa de Mar.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:32:19 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25289 12.03.2010 - 04:18:50 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Africa / Zimbabwe. EDIS Number: EH-20100312-25289-ZWE
Date / time: 12/03/2010 04:18:50 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Africa
Country: Zimbabwe
State/County: Mashonaland East
City: Epworth
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A deadly strain of tuberculosis has reportedly hit Epworth, amid a rapidly worsening health crisis and critical shortages of food across the country. One case of the deadly multi-drug resistant TB strain has been confirmed in the high density area of Epworth and two more people in the same area are suspected to be infected. Zakaria Mwatia, from Epworth Clinic, confirmed the cases to local press, explain how the disease attacks those with already weakened immune systems. Drug resistant TB is believed to have an 80% mortality rate and has been created by TB sufferers not finishing their course of medication. In a country where a steady supply for both TB and HIV medication is often not available, many people's health is already compromised. With no system in place to ensure that people are taking their medication properly, many are simply electing to stop their drug courses because of food shortages. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued an urgent warning about impending widespread hunger, paying particular concern to people living with HIV. The group has renewed its plea for funds explaining how hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans are in need or urgent food assistance. According to the most recent figures, a conservative estimate of 2.17 million Zimbabweans are currently in need of food aid and this number is set to rise on the back of an expected failed 2010 harvest. "In some parts of the country, the food situation is as bad as many of our volunteers and staff have ever seen it," said the group's Matthew Cochrane. Cochrane continued that the Red Cross is particularly concerned about the impact of the existing and looming food crises on people living with or affected by HIV. He explained that so many Zimbabweans living with HIV have stopped taking their anti-retroviral medication, "because the drugs are too toxic without food." "Once people do this, their situation deteriorates incredibly quickly and they become susceptible to other serious illnesses," Cochrane explained. He said that although the situation is obviously critical, the international donor community has been slow to help aid groups, because of the existence of the unity government. He explained that donors seemed to be under the impression that everything in Zimbabwe was now OK, when it was clearly not. He pointed out that despite the coalition, most of the population has not felt any benefit. "People don't have access to money to buy what food is available, and most people don't have jobs," Cochrane explained. "Our message is that the world can't just forget about these people."

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:21:11 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25288 11.03.2010 - 19:20:44 - HAZMAT event happened in North-America / USA. EDIS Number: HZ-20100311-25288-USA
Date / time: 11/03/2010 19:20:44 [UTC]
Event: HAZMAT
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of Illinois
City: Chicago
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: 12 persons
Damage level: Minor

Description:

At least a dozen people were evaluated Thursday morning after complaining of becoming ill at a medical facility in the Near South Side Pilsen neighborhood. A Level 1 HazMat was called at the Alivio Medical Center at 2355 S. Western Ave. about 10 a.m. after someone called and reported several people getting sick, Fire Media Affairs Dir. Larry Langford said. "We put our meters all over the center and we got zero [gas] readings," he said. People still complained of feeling sick and moved themselves to another portion of the center, at 966 W. 23rd St., where they were being evaluated by paramedics, Langford said. "We're looking at about a dozen people but have gotten several refusals for medical treatment," he said. "We had some of them remove their clothing and get into gowns just to be safe, but we really have found zero gas readings." The HazMat was secured about 11:45 a.m. Alivio Medical Center is a bilingual organization providing health care to the Latino community for the uninsured and "underinsured," according to its Web site.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:22:21 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25287 11.03.2010 - 17:21:28 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in North-America / USA. EDIS Number: EH-20100311-25287-USA
Date / time: 11/03/2010 17:21:28 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of California
City: Red Buff
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A Red Bluff toddler became ill in late February with a confirmed case of meningitis, according to a press release issued Wednesday by Tehama County Public Health. The meningitis type was confirmed as type B, which is not related to the type C meningitis contracted by two Tehama County children in January. The toddler was hospitalized and is recovering at home. All of the close contacts of the toddler have been identified and treated by Tehama County Health Services Agency, Public Health staff who are continuing to follow through on the disease investigation, Public Health Director Sydnei Wilby said. So far no one else has contracted type B. No vaccine is available and no plans for a quarantine are pending, she said. Public Health is working closely with the Tehama County Health Officer Dr. Richard Wickenheiser, who said the meningitis vaccine being administered to school children is not effective against this variety of the disease.

The only way to prevent the spread of this type of meningitis is through careful and frequent hand washing and not sharing food, drink, glasses, water bottles, lip balm, cigarettes, etc., Wickenheiser said. Parents should be alert for the symptoms of meningitis in their children and seek medical attention if they suspect the disease, the release said. Most people who have meningitis complain of stiff neck, fever and headache. These symptoms can develop over the course of several hours or St. Elizabeth Hospital Sports Medicine Program take as long as one to two days. There can also be a rash that does not go away with pressure. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort in looking at bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Newborns and infants may not have a stiff neck, but may appear slow or inactive, irritable or simply stop acting normally. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:23:46 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25286 11.03.2010 - 17:03:39 - Earthquake event happened in South-America / Chile. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EQ-20100311-25286-CHL
Date / time: 11/03/2010 17:03:39 [UTC]
Event: Earthquake
Area: South-America
Country: Chile
State/County: Libertador General Bernardo OʼHiggins
City: Santa Cruz
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A powerful 7.2 magnitude aftershock and four smaller ones rocked central Chile Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning minutes before Sebastian Pinera was sworn in as the new president. The quake, which struck 137 kilometers (85 miles) south of Valparaiso, was the strongest to hit Chile since a massive 8.8 magnitude quake and tsunami February 27 that killed at least 497 people. Chile's national emergency office issued a tsunami alert for coastal areas after the five aftershocks rattled the country on its inauguration day. Two aftershocks came before the big one, and two, measuring 6.9 and the other 6.0, followed, the US Geological Servey said. The biggest aftershock, measured at 7.2 by the US Geological Survey, set off scenes of panic among dignitaries gathered for Pinera's inauguration, including seven Latin American heads of state. Pinera went ahead and took the oath of office at the seat of the Chilean Congress in Valparaiso, and the parliament was evacuated after local officials issued a tsunami alert. The 7.2 aftershock was picked up by sensors as far away as Hong Kong. The Haiwaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, however, said there was no threat of a "destructive widespread tsunami."

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 3 on 2010-03-11 at 18:05:50.
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-11 at 17:31:49.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-11 at 17:20:12.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:07:13 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25284 11.03.2010 - 09:59:42 - Fire event happened in Europe / United Kingdom. EDIS Number: FR-20100311-25284-GBR
Date / time: 11/03/2010 09:59:42 [UTC]
Event: Fire
Area: Europe
Country: United Kingdom
State/County: England
City: London
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A hundred firefighters and 25 fire engines were at the scene of an early-morning fire over four floors of a building in East London, a London Fire Brigade spokesman said Thursday. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Firemen at the scene said no one was inside. The spokesman said the fire brigade was called at 4:30 a.m. to the building on Tabernacle Street, near London's trendy Shoreditch neighborhood. The fire began in the popular Sosho bar and restaurant, a fireman at the scene said. It then spread to the other floors, the adjacent building, and the courtyard behind the building, where the fire was still burning some four hours later, the fireman said. The top floors of the buildings were hollowed out by the fire. A four-block radius around the fire was cordoned off and buses in the area were being diverted, Transport for London said. White and gray smoke was visible from blocks away.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:31 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25283 11.03.2010 - 09:55:32 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Europe / United Kingdom. EDIS Number: EH-20100311-25283-GBR
Date / time: 11/03/2010 09:55:32 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Europe
Country: United Kingdom
State/County: Scotland
City: Dumfries
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Another two heroin addicts from Dumfries are being treated in hospital for anthrax. A man and woman, both in their thirties, are the latest victims of an outbreak that has so far killed 10 drug users in Scotland. The man was admitted to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary on February 28 and the woman admitted on March 5. The region’s first anthrax victim, a 44-year-old Dumfries man, has been receiving treatment in hospital for almost a month. Hugh Robertson, of the region’s Integrated Drugs Service, said similarities to the 26 other confirmed cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent, is the likely source. He said: “The 44-year-old male victim and the 31-year-old female victim are known to the Integrated Drugs Service. At some point in the past they have been in treatment for their drug use.” Anthrax, which is a bacterial disease affecting animals and, in rare cases, humans, is generally fatal. Mr Robertson says it may claim more victims. “Obviously I hope it does not affect anybody else from Dumfries and Galloway or the rest of the country but you never know. “This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in Dumfries since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009 and it wouldn’t surprise me if more cases were identified.” Several heroin users have already contacted the drugs service which helps addicts kick the habit. “We usually deal with around three to four referrals a week. However we are now experiencing around ten a week which has been brought on by the latest anthrax scare,” Mr Robertson said. He is urging all heroin users to be extremely alert to the risks and seek urgent medical advice if they experience signs of infection such as redness or swelling at or near an injection site. “Other symptoms include a high temperature, chills or a severe headache,” he warned. “Early antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving. This is a very serious infection for drug users and prompt treatment is crucial.” Mr Robertson said it was extremely rare for anthrax to be spread from person to person and urged heroin users to play it safe by not injecting the drug.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:56:45 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25277 11.03.2010 - 04:08:42 - Tornado event happened in North-America / USA. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: TO-20100311-25277-USA
Date / time: 11/03/2010 04:08:42 [UTC]
Event: Tornado
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of Arkansas
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 1 persons
Number of Injured: 3 persons
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Authorities say at least one tornado has left property damage in parts of Arkansas, but there have been no reports of injuries. From Benton County to the Little Rock area, tornado warnings popped up throughout Wednesday evening. The worst damage is reported in central Arkansas. It's believed a twister dropped out of the sky, causing damage on the ground in Pulaski and Saline counties. More than a dozen homes were reported damaged in the area of Highway 5 and Highway 298. In southwest Arkansas, there are reports of minor damage from a tornado to one building, snapped trees and downed power lines in Hempstead County near Ozan on Wednesday.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 3 on 2010-03-11 at 17:49:46.
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-11 at 08:47:31.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-11 at 04:45:20.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:49:57 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25273 10.03.2010 - 17:50:31 - Non-categorized event event happened in Europe / United Kingdom. EDIS Number: UEV-20100310-25273-GBR
Date / time: 10/03/2010 17:50:31 [UTC]
Event: Non-categorized event
Area: Europe
Country: United Kingdom
State/County: England
City: Coxley
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The birds were spotted falling from the sky and on to the driveway of a house in Coxley, Somerset, on Sunday March 7. RSPCA animal welfare officer Alison Sparkes was alerted to the unusual incident by the police and went to help. She said: "It was a remarkable sight and I've never seen anything like it before. "Onlookers said they heard a whooshing sound and then the birds just hit the ground. They had fallen on to the ground in quite a small area, about 12 feet in diameter. "They appeared to be in good condition other than injuries that they appear to have suffered when they hit they ground. "Our best guess is that this happened because the starlings were trying to escape a predator such as a sparrow hawk and ended up crash landing." She discovered that most of the birds had suffered broken beaks, broken legs and wings and abdominal injuries, but were otherwise in good bodily condition. All but five of the birds were dead and the survivors had to be put to sleep by veterinary staff at the RSPCA's West Hatch Wildlife Centre, Taunton, Somerset, because of their severe injuries. There is no evidence that the birds had been poisoned or were ill before they crashed into the ground.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:16 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25268 10.03.2010 - 13:14:47 - Snow Storm event happened in Europe / Italy. EDIS Number: SS-20100310-25268-ITA
Date / time: 10/03/2010 13:14:47 [UTC]
Event: Snow Storm
Area: Europe
Country: Italy
State/County: Norther and middle areas
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The snow storms that have hit areas across Europe are the worst recorded in 25 years. The arctic weather also extended to Italy, where a rare snowfall hit central and northern regions, covering the tourist hotspots of Pisa, Siena and Assisi and brought traffic chaos to areas north of Rome.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:11 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25267 10.03.2010 - 13:11:23 - Snow Storm event happened in Europe / France. EDIS Number: SS-20100310-25267-FRA
Date / time: 10/03/2010 13:11:23 [UTC]
Event: Snow Storm
Area: Europe
Country: France
State/County: Languedoc-Roussillon
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The snow storms that have hit areas across Europe are the worst recorded in 25 years. On the Spanish border with France thousands of lorries were left stranded in sub zero temperatures after 40 roads were blocked by snow over a metre (3ft) deep. In the Aude region of southern France, firefighters and rescue workers brought hot drinks and food to 1,800 passengers stuck on trains, and 550 pensioners and school children on bus tours to Spain.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:07 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25263 10.03.2010 - 07:06:31 - Landslide event happened in Asia / China. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: LS-20100310-25263-CHN
Date / time: 10/03/2010 07:06:31 [UTC]
Event: Landslide
Area: Asia
Country: China
State/County: Province of Shaanxi
City: Zizhou
Number of Deads: 23 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Three people were killed and 20 others reported missing when the side of a mountain in north China came tumbling down early today, burying more than 10 homes. Rescuers have dug out about 20 survivors of the landslide in Shaanxi province, which took place shortly after midnight, and were continuing to search for the missing. It was not immediately clear what triggered the landslide.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 2 on 12.03.2010 at 04:17:44.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-11 at 04:04:01.
]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:18:21 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25262 10.03.2010 - 06:34:43 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Pacific ocean - west / Philippines. EDIS Number: EH-20100310-25262-PHL
Date / time: 10/03/2010 06:34:43 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Pacific ocean - west
Country: Philippines
State/County: Province of Quezon
City: Quezon City
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The Quezon City Health Department on Wednesday said it is monitoring 9 "high-risk" barangays for possible measles outbreak. City health officials said the 9 barangays are: Apolonio Samson, Commonwealth Avenue, Payatas, Payatas A, Krus na Ligas, Pansol, Manresa and North Fairview. A March 3 surveillance report said there were 11 confirmed measles cases and 82 suspected measles cases in the 9 barangays. Officials said they will heighten anti-measles vaccination drives in the affected villages.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:38 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25260 10.03.2010 - 04:21:46 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Africa / South Africa. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EH-20100310-25260-ZAF
Date / time: 10/03/2010 04:21:46 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Africa
Country: South Africa
State/County: MultiStates
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 1 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

There were seven confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Free State and Northern Cape and one death reported, the deputy minister of health said on Monday. "A 45-year-old patient who was admitted to a mine hospital on the 26 February 2010 with a provisional diagnosis of Congo fever, died a day later and confirmation of RVF was made on the 4th of March," said Molefi Sefularo in a statement. "The six others, who had mild disease, continue to be under observation and treatment." Sefularo, who was on an inspection tour of the Pelonomi hospital in the Free State to inspect the level of readiness of health facilities for the FIFA World Cup, said the disease posed no threat to the event. "I would like to place it on record that this occurrence does not constitute a crisis. The outbreak is being contained," he said. RVF was a communicable virus, endemic in South Africa and other African countries. In animals, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes outbreaks of abortion and deaths of young sheep, cattle and goats. It was transmitted to humans through contact with infected livestock through direct or indirect contact with blood or organs of infected animals; the handling of animal tissue during slaughtering or butchering of animals or assisting with animal births; conducting veterinary services or through being cut by infected knives or needles among other things. Sefularo said 15 farms had reported laboratory confirmed animal cases with extensive livestock deaths. The affected farms were primarily clustered around the Lejweleputswa District in the Bultfontein area. He said no human-to-human transmission had occurred. Symptoms of the virus were mild fever, headaches and muscle pain. Sefularo appealed to farming communities in the Free State and Northern Cape to avoid high risk husbandry procedures and slaughtering practices by using gloves and protective clothing and to avoid the consumption of fresh blood, raw milk or animal tissue.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-10 at 04:29:47.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:34 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25259 10.03.2010 - 04:18:18 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Africa / Zimbabwe. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EH-20100310-25259-ZWE
Date / time: 10/03/2010 04:18:18 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Africa
Country: Zimbabwe
State/County: Mashonaland East
City: Harare
Number of Deads: 5 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Five people, who died from what was initially believed to be malaria in Mabvuku, actually succumbed to typhoid fever, Harare City Council’s health department has said. City health services director Dr Stanley Mungofa said they had moved into the area where 40 other people have been infected. "Some people might be carrying the bacteria, but do not show any signs of the water-borne disease so examinations will assist to detect carriers and potential cases early," he said. Typhoid symptoms usually develop one to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Dr Mungofa said as of Monday, 30 people were being treated at the Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospi-tals. He said they had positively identified the bacteria in five patients and were certain that they were dealing with an outbreak, though they were confident it could be contained. Dr Mungofa said council would also improve the supply of water to the suburb through deployment of bowsers and increased health awareness campaigns. "Our health promoters are moving door-to-door emphasising sanitation and hygiene and seeing if there are any other new cases," he said. Dr Mungofa urged people to stick to basic standards of hygiene such as washing hands before handling meals and after using the toilet. He said people should also eat food while it is still hot and should not hesitate to seek medical attention once they observe any slight symptoms of typhoid. Typhoid is transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the waste of an infected person. It is characterised by a slowly progressive fever as high as 40°C, profuse sweating and non-bloody diarrhoea. Less commonly a rash of flat, rose-coloured spots may appear. Untreated typhoid fever manifests itself through a headache, coughing, nosebleeds and abdominal pain. Typhoid can only spread in environments where human waste or urine comes into contact with food or drinking water. Flying insects feeding on human excreta may occasionally transfer the bacteria through poor hygiene habits and public sanitation conditions.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 2 on 12.03.2010 at 04:14:49.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-11 at 17:33:09.
]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:15:37 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25258 10.03.2010 - 04:12:35 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in North-America / USA. EDIS Number: EH-20100310-25258-USA
Date / time: 10/03/2010 04:12:35 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: USA
State/County: State of Florida
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Scattered outbreaks of norovirus are taking place in South Florida and around the state, health officials say. Norovirus, also called "stomach flu,'' causes nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramping. Symptoms may also include a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness, according to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control. The illness often begins suddenly. "For people with normal immune systems this is a self-limiting disease. In a day or two, it leaves,'' says Dr. Vincent Conte, chief epidemiologist for the Miami-Dade Health Department. Miami-Dade reports two or three clusters of 10 to 25 cases each, mostly in assisted living facilities. Broward reports five or six clusters of a dozen or so cases each, also in assisted living facilities. Clusters have also been reported in schools around Florida, but not in South Florida. Throughout Florida, 61 clusters have been reported this year, compared with 47 clusters during the same two months of 2009. Norovirus is not related to the regular flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, according to the CDC.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:55 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25256 10.03.2010 - 04:07:40 - Snow Storm event happened in Asia / China. EDIS Number: SS-20100310-25256-CHN
Date / time: 10/03/2010 04:07:40 [UTC]
Event: Snow Storm
Area: Asia
Country: China
State/County: Province of Gansu
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Rescuers have found most herdsmen trapped in the snowstorm which began in northwest China's Gansu Province Saturday. A total of 254 herdsmen were trapped in the snowstorm in Yumen city, under the jurisdiction of Jiuquan city. As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, 250 of them have been found, said the General Office of Gansu Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. A total of 131 people from Subei Mongol Autonomous County, Jiuquan city, were trapped and 128 of them have either been found by rescuers or by fellow herdsmen. Rescuers were still out searching for the seven missing herdsmen, it said. Statistics of Jiuquan Municipal Government show that the snowstorm has affected 191,000 people, trapped 350,000 sheep, killed 29,000 head of livestock and caused a direct economic loss of 76.52 million yuan (11.2 million U.S. dollars).

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:50:19 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25252 09.03.2010 - 10:53:07 - Hailstorm event happened in Asia / China. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: HS-20100309-25252-CHN
Date / time: 09/03/2010 10:53:07 [UTC]
Event: Hailstorm
Area: Asia
Country: China
State/County: Province of Fujian
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 2 persons
Number of Injured: 51 persons
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Hail and heavy rains in the north of east China's Fujian Province from Friday to Monday affected more than 300,000 people and more than 15,000 hectares of crops, local government sources said Tuesday. The extreme weather has killed two people and injured 51. One town with a history of 1,000 years reported damage to its ancient structures. According to local government sources, the hail and heavy rain affected 227,100 people and 12,000 hectares of farmland in Nanping city, with 99,300 buildings damaged and 54 destroyed. Direct economic losses were estimated at 340 million yuan (49.85 million U.S. dollars). In Sanming city, 74,700 people and 3,118 hectares of crops suffered, 93 buildings were destroyed and 43,900 damaged, involving 197 million yuan in direct economic losses. Shaowu, a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Nanping, was one of the worst affected. Nie Zhicheng, a duck farmer at Chayuan village in Shaowu, said Tuesday that large hail stones Friday killed more than 1,000 of his ducks and caused losses of 30,000 to 40,000 yuan. Hail stones also left holes in the 3,000 square meters of roofs at a soybean processing plant of Hongye Food Co., Ltd., in Heping Town of Shaowu, causing at least 1 million yuan in direct economic losses.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-10 at 04:06:10.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:51:04 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25251 09.03.2010 - 10:22:43 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Africa / Rwanda. EDIS Number: EH-20100309-25251-RWA
Date / time: 09/03/2010 10:22:43 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Africa
Country: Rwanda
State/County: Northern Province
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

One month after the situation had stabilized; new cases of the influenza A, H1N1 commonly known as Swine flu have been confirmed in Burera district, Northern Province. This was revealed yesterday, by Dr. Justin Wane, the Head of the Swine flu response team in the Ministry of Health. According to Wane, at the beginning of February, the infection rate went down completely with only one or two cases reported in a week. However, with the seasonal flu at hand, infections were projected to increase. "We received reports that cases of swine flu in Burera were on the increase. Samples were taken for testing and at the beginning of last week, there were six laboratory confirmed cases in this district," he said. "We are still conducting more tests so we are yet to have an updated report. There number of seasonal flu cases at the moment is also high and one problem we are facing is that most people are confusing these common flu infections to the influenza A H1N1." Wane advised that it is important for the public to remain very vigilant as regards prevention. "There are over 10,000 doses of Tamiflu to treat those who are infected as we continue to monitor the situation therefore, there is no cause for alarm," he added. Medical officials add that major prevention measures include covering of noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, washing hands regularly and accessing quick medical consultation for suspected cases. The internal outbreak of the influenza A, H1N1 was first reported on October 7 last year, and since then, close to 400 cases have been treated and fully recovered. Through TRAC Plus, the National Reference Laboratory and other institutions, the Ministry continues to work on improving the emergency preparedness capacity and surveillance. Globally, swine flu was first confirmed in Mexico early last year before it spread to the rest of the world.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:53:02 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25250 09.03.2010 - 09:31:31 - Cold Wave event happened in Asia / India. EDIS Number: CW-20100309-25250-IND
Date / time: 09/03/2010 09:31:31 [UTC]
Event: Cold Wave
Area: Asia
Country: India
State/County: State of Uttar Pradesh
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The temperature is likely to dip in Uttar Pradesh the next few days, with a cold wave making a comeback in the state, the weatherman said Tuesday. The state experienced an unusually warm weather in recent days. Both the day and night temperatures were 4-5 degrees above normal. But the wind pattern changed Monday. 'Because of that, cold winds have gripped the state. Moreover, western disturbances in the Himalayan region have led to rain and snowfall,' state Met director J.P. Gupta said.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:53:00 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25244 09.03.2010 - 04:00:16 - Snow Storm event happened in Europe / Spain. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: SS-20100309-25244-ESP
Date / time: 09/03/2010 04:00:16 [UTC]
Event: Snow Storm
Area: Europe
Country: Spain
State/County: Unknow
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Schools were closed, roads were blocked and power was knocked out on Monday as normally balmy Barcelona and the surrounding region of northeastern Spain was hit by its heaviest snowfall in 25 years. Snowfalls of up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) were forecast for the worst affected areas of the region of Catalonia, prompting the regional government to cancel classes for over 142,000 students at 476 public schools. Schools will remain closed on Tuesday. Power was lost in homes throughout the region, with energy company Fecsa-Endesa reporting 200,000 clients without electricity, mostly in the province of Girona. Emergency services workers helped evacuate some 500 passengers who became trapped on trains travelling between Barcelona and Portbou, on the French border, which became stuck due to the lack of power, said regional interior minister Joan Boada. Thousands of commuters were left scrambling for an alternative way to get home after the blizzard forced the suspension of bus services in Barcelona and the closure of five suburban train lines in the Mediterranean port city. Barcelona city hall ordered the metro system to stay open all night to help people move around the city. Traffic on over 60 roads in Catalonia was either prohibited or restricted. Spain's border with France at La Jonquera was closed because of the snow, leaving some 4,000 trucks stranded, public television TVE reported. While Barcelona's El Prat airport was operating normally, 21 flights out of the airport in nearby Girona were cancelled and nine others were diverted to other cities due to the snow and strong winds, airport officials said.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 4 on 2010-03-10 at 17:22:54.
Situation Update No. 3 on 2010-03-10 at 04:33:01.
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-10 at 04:10:13.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-09 at 04:27:55.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:23:18 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25238 08.03.2010 - 04:11:16 - Earthquake event happened in Asia / Turkey. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EQ-20100308-25238-TUR
Date / time: 08/03/2010 04:11:16 [UTC]
Event: Earthquake
Area: Asia
Country: Turkey
State/County: Province of Elazig
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 51 persons
Number of Injured: 74 persons
Damage level: Minor

Description:

A strong earthquake of 6 magnitude killed five people in the eastern Turkish village of Okcular in Elazig province early Monday, the provincial governor said. Turkey's Kandilli earthquake observatory said the quake measured 6.0 magnitude and had its epicentre at Basyurt-Karakocan and struck at 4:32 am local time.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 9 on 2010-03-09 at 04:26:09.
Situation Update No. 8 on 2010-03-08 at 19:46:23.
Situation Update No. 7 on 2010-03-08 at 14:23:56.
Situation Update No. 6 on 2010-03-08 at 10:08:47.
Situation Update No. 5 on 2010-03-08 at 08:38:24.
Situation Update No. 4 on 2010-03-08 at 06:54:09.
Situation Update No. 3 on 2010-03-08 at 06:09:13.
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-08 at 04:31:50.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-08 at 04:30:42.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:51:00 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25232 07.03.2010 - 17:03:49 - Biological Hazard event happened in Asia / Vietnam. EDIS Number: BH-20100307-25232-VNM
Date / time: 07/03/2010 17:03:49 [UTC]
Event: Biological Hazard
Area: Asia
Country: Vietnam
State/County: Province of Thua Thien-Hue
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Persistent hot weather and high humidity of over 89 percent in the central region has helped rice leaf folders, brown backed rice plant hoppers, brown spot and other diseases to thrive, damaging thousands of hectares of paddies. Over the last 10 days in Thua Thien-Hue Province, rice farms reported leaf folders had invaded crops with a density of 2-5 worms a square meter. Rice blast disease attacked 3-5 percent of rice in the province; the figure was up to 15 percent in some districts including Phong Dien, Quang Dien and Phu Vang.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:53 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25227 07.03.2010 - 04:51:35 - Flood event happened in Europe / Spain. EDIS Number: FL-20100307-25227-ESP
Date / time: 07/03/2010 04:51:35 [UTC]
Event: Flood
Area: Europe
Country: Spain
State/County: MultiProvinces
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Dozens of people had to be rescued yesterday by police and firefighters after rivers burst their banks in the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga following the latest episode of torrential rain. In Cádiz, over 250 call-outs were recorded, mainly rescuing people from their homes in the Chiclana de la Frontera area. Here, rainfall exceeded 90 litres per square metre per hour, about twice as much rain as in the average gota fría on the Mediterranean coast. In some parts of Cádiz, rainfall exceeded 200 litres per square metre per hour, treble the average for the time of year and around five times the intensity of a typical gota fría. Between noon and 14.00hrs yesterday, firefighters rescued at least 25 people when their houses were on the brink of flooding. The rivers Guadalobón and El Padrón, in Estepona, also burst their banks, as did the river Manilva in the town of the same name. Various homes in these two towns were evacuated when they began to flood. Guardia Civil officers have cordoned off 42 roads in Andalucía due to flooding, rivers due to overflow, or rockfalls and landslides. In Cádiz, the A-48 and the N-340, in Chiclana de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera respectively, have been blocked. The state meteorological agency, AEMET, says all over Andalucía its weather stations have recorded 'historic' levels of rainfall this month.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:42 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25224 06.03.2010 - 17:57:00 - Epidemic event happened in Africa / Burkina Faso. EDIS Number: EP-20100306-25224-BFA
Date / time: 06/03/2010 17:57:00 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic
Area: Africa
Country: Burkina Faso
State/County: Unknow
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Health officials in the west African country of Burkina Faso are worried about an increase in deaths from meningitis which has killed about 250 people so far this year, up from 203 in the same period last year. Meningitis, which inflames the lining of the brain and can be transmitted by mosquitoes, tends to strike countries in the Sahel region during the dry season, which typically runs from November to June. The Sahel stretches 2,400 miles across 11 countries and lies between the Sahara desert in the North and the Sudanian savannas in the south. "We are worried about the expansion of this epidemic," Health Ministry official Sylvestre Tiendrebeogo said, without giving a possible reason for the rise. Cases usually peak in Burkina Faso, Chad, northern Nigeria and Niger around April. Tiendrebeogo said nearly 1,600 cases of the disease had been recorded in Burkina Faso so far this year, compared to 1,281 in the same period last year. He said the government was trying to stem the outbreak with a vaccination program.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:29 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25221 06.03.2010 - 07:32:04 - Biological Hazard event happened in Asia / Burma. EDIS Number: BH-20100306-25221-MMR
Date / time: 06/03/2010 07:32:04 [UTC]
Event: Biological Hazard
Area: Asia
Country: Burma
State/County: Sagaing Division
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

More bird flu H5N1 cases have been found in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing division with some chickens suspected of dying of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm in Yinmapin township of the division early this week, an official daily reported Saturday. The unusual death of chickens were proved to have been caused by highly pathogenic avian Influenza (HPAI) after laboratory tests conducted in Yangon and Mandalay, said the New Light of Myanmar. The findings have been further reported to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Animal Health Organization (OIE), the report said. According to the report, the authorities have culled chickens and destroyed eggs bred in the farm as its control measures. It was the third bird flu H5N1 case since the disease re-struck Myanmar in February, nearly two years after the country was free from the disease. According to the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department ( LBVD), in the first case taking place in Mayangong township, unusual deaths of some chickens were found in a farm where 2,500 chickens were bred and the suspected deaths were proved to have been caused by the HPAI after experiment. In the second case in Mingaladon township, two domestically- bred chickens died of virulent avian influenza in a poultry farm and were later confirmed with carrying the virus after laboratory test. The authorities took control measures by culling hundreds of similar chickens, some ducks and eggs, banning sale of chickens and eggs in six bazaars, 7 kilometers around the poultry farm where bird flu recurred, to prevent the spread of the disease. People have also been being urged to step up bio-security measures, change of livestock breeding system, avoidance of illegal import, transport and trading of chickens and its products, and prompt report of suspected bird flu case.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:46 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25216 06.03.2010 - 04:27:39 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Middle-America / Panama. EDIS Number: EH-20100306-25216-PAN
Date / time: 06/03/2010 04:27:39 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Middle-America
Country: Panama
State/County: MultiProvinces
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The Minister of Health, Franklin Vargara, reported 7 "hantavirus" cases in Herrera province and one in the province of Cocle. He also cnfirmed a case in a youth in Panama Oeste [Panama province] with symptoms of the virus [infection] who visited Herrera province. Vergara visited mills in Herrera province and warned that they must take precautions, such as the use of masks. The recommendation in the mills responds to the fact that these are the areas most propitious for rodents to hide, thus transmitting the virus to the workers. The "hantavirus"[infection causes] a pulmonary syndrome with 50 percent of the cases resulting in fatalities. The disease [virus] is transmitted through rodent bites [rarely - Mod.TY], [exposure to] urine or exudates, especially rural rats, which, for whatever reason migrate into populated areas.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:25 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25215 06.03.2010 - 04:18:44 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in North-America / Canada. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EH-20100306-25215-CAN
Date / time: 06/03/2010 04:18:44 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: North-America
Country: Canada
State/County: Province of Canada
City: Calgary
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Alberta Health Services has confirmed a case of meningococcal disease in a student at St. Mary’s High School. The student is now recovering in hospital. Letters have been sent home to parents advising them of the case and urging them not to panic. Alberta Health Services says the risk of spreading the infection is very low. "There is no risk to the student or staff population at this point but we still wanted to let parents know what was transpiring so they weren't hearing any misinformation at the school", says Janet Corsten from the Calgary Catholic School Division. Ten other students who came into close contact with the infected student have received antibiotics as a preventative measure. Meningococcal disease is an infection of the spinal fluid or blood. Symptoms include severe headache, vomitting, neck stiffness, fever, rash and confusion. Those suffering from it often require hospitalization, and it can be fatal. The disease is spread through the sharing of saliva, which can happen through direct contact with infected individuals, or indirect contact such as sharing a water bottle or lip-chap. Officials recommend all Calgarians take precautions, since very few are actually immune to the disease. Even those who took part in the 2001 vaccination campaign, which was prompted by an outbreak of the disease, may no longer have immunity to the disease.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-07 at 03:55:16.
]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:21 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25214 06.03.2010 - 04:15:52 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Pacific ocean - west / Philippines. EDIS Number: EH-20100306-25214-PHL
Date / time: 06/03/2010 04:15:52 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Pacific ocean - west
Country: Philippines
State/County: Province of Iloilo
City: San Joaquin
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Aside from Sara town, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office is also keeping a close watch on the municipality of San Joaquin. This, after several residents showed symptoms associated with Hepatitis A. Dr. Ma. Socorro Quiñon of the Provincial Health Office said that they are presently following this up, along with those of Sara residents. “They first had low to moderate grade fever, anorexia and abdominal pain and after several days, they developed jaundice,” she said. Just like in Sara,. Quiñon noted that lack of potable supply on the affected area. On most instances, she claimed that comfort rooms were also near the residents’ water supply. As such, contamination is most likely. But aside from Hepatitis A, the Provincial Health Office is also wary of other water-borne diseases like typhoid fever and diarrhea. “We are expecting it (outbreak of diarrhea). Mainit pirm. ang tawo gusto sang ice water or ice. So, hapos gid maglapta sang water-borne diseases,” she noted. Over the weekend, personnel from the Provincial Health Office visited Brgy. Zerrudo, Sara after a supposed a possible Hepatitis A outbreak. Based on the clinical findings, Quiñon say Hepatitis A outbreak is indeed possible. Out of 32 suspected cases who are suffering from jaundice, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, 22 were taken of their blood samples. The samples were forwarded to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila for confirmation.

The result will be known in a week or two weeks time. Since Hepatitis A could be easily transmitted, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office advocated that residents should ensure that they have a safe water source. “They should wash their hands thoroughly when doing food handling and after using the comfort room. And those who are suspected to be suffering from Hepatitis A should stay avoid handling food,” Quiñon advised. Oysters, clams, and shellfishes should also be cooked for at least 1 minute and 30 seconds. “For those who are fond of buying ice or ice water, they should ensure that the water source is safe,” she added. According to an online report, Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It goes away on its own in almost all cases. Hepatitis A does not lead to long-term liver problems. The disease is caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is found in the stool of an infected person. It is spread when a person eats food or drinks water that has come in contact with infected stool. Sometimes a group of people who eat at the same restaurant can get hepatitis A. This can happen when an employee with hepatitis A doesn’t wash his or her hands well after using the bathroom and then prepares food. Some things can raise your risk of getting hepatitis A, such as eating raw oysters or undercooked clams. The common symptoms are feeling very tired, feeling sick to your stomach, not feeling hungry, losing weight without trying, pain on the right side of the belly, under the rib cage (where your liver is), fever, and sore muscles. Older people with hepatitis A may get yellow skin (jaundice), along with dark urine and clay-colored stools.

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:03:50 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25198 04.03.2010 - 09:21:35 - Epidemic event happened in Africa / Nigeria. EDIS Number: EP-20100304-25198-NGA
Date / time: 04/03/2010 09:21:35 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic
Area: Africa
Country: Nigeria
State/County: State of Bauchi
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 22 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

No fewer than 22 children died in an outbreak of Cerebra Spinal Meningitis, CSM, in the last two months in Bauchi State, a government official said Tuesday in Bauchi. Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, PHCDA, Dr. Musa Dambam, who disclosed this said about 138 cases of the disease were recorded in 15 of the 20 Local Government Areas of the state between January and February. “We have recorded 138 cases, with 22 dead in 15 Local Government Areas of the state. However, when we segregated the data, while none of the LGAs has reached epidemic level, two wards in Bauchi and Ningi LGAs had reached epidemic level. “We have carried out laboratory tests on the suspected cases and the results confirmed four cases of sero-type A and two cases of W135 of the disease,” he said. Dambam said the Agency had intensified surveillance and conducted contact immunisation in the affected areas, to curtail the disease. He said the Agency had supplied 105,000 doses of CSM vaccines to the state, adding that a mass immunisation exercise would be conducted in the two endemic areas. Dambam said the Agency had embarked on a massive awareness campaign to sensitise communities on the symptoms and how to protect themselves from contracting the disease. “We have alerted health institutions in the state on the disease and urged health workers to report any suspected case to the Agency,” he said.

]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:33:32 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25194 04.03.2010 - 04:08:57 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Middle-America / Mexico. EDIS Number: EH-20100304-25194-MEX
Date / time: 04/03/2010 04:08:57 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Middle-America
Country: Mexico
State/County: The Federal District
City: Mexico City
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova told Mexican journalists that the case was the first confirmed mutation of the swine flu virus, though there were 423 other suspected cases. Mexican officials said Wednesday they have confirmed the first mutation of the A(H1N1) flu virus in a girl who survived the infection. He said the girl was treated two months ago at a hospital in Mexico City for a respiratory illness and then returned with a case of severe pneumonia, from which she recovered. Cordova called on anybody with risk factors that could make them more susceptible to the virus to be vaccinated against it, warning that "these viruses can mutate at any time" with serious consequences. Officials say 1,088 people have died in Mexico from the virus commonly referred to as the swine flu since the pandemic first emerged in the country in April 2009. Nearly 16,000 people have died worldwide from the strain after it spread into 212 countries and territories. The World Health Organisation said last month it was too early to declare that the peak of the global flu pandemic had passed as infections were still rising in regions such as western Africa.

]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:33:14 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25189 03.03.2010 - 17:35:10 - Flood event happened in Africa / Mozambique. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: FL-20100303-25189-MOZ
Date / time: 03/03/2010 17:35:10 [UTC]
Event: Flood
Area: Africa
Country: Mozambique
State/County: Province of Sofala
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 2 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Flooding along the Zambezi River has forced more than 900 people to flee from their homes in the central Mozambican province of Sofala, independent media reported Wednesday. The region has been hit since last week by heavy rains that flooded the Zambezi and its tributaries, forcing more than 200 families from their homes, said independent newspaper O Pais. "The government is working at this moment to evacuate people who are in low-lying areas," government spokesman Henrique Banze told O Pais. Banze added that Mozambican authorities needed to work with their counterparts in neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi to limit the release of water from upstream dams along the Zambezi and its tributaries. Mozambique is a frequent victim of flooding during its rainy season. Deadly floods in 2000 and 2007 forced tens of thousands from their homes.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 5 on 2010-03-11 at 13:01:46.
Situation Update No. 4 on 2010-03-11 at 04:21:40.
Situation Update No. 3 on 2010-03-10 at 11:19:11.
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-08 at 19:45:20.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-04 at 04:21:10.
]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:02:36 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25186 03.03.2010 - 17:04:31 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Asia / China. EDIS Number: EH-20100303-25186-CHN
Date / time: 03/03/2010 17:04:31 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Asia
Country: China
State/County: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
City: Hong Kong
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection affecting 19 residents, aged 73 to 100, and 2 staff at a Sha Tin home for the elderly. The 21 affected women developed symptoms between 15 Feb and 1 Mar 2010. All are stable. One of the residents was admitted to hospital and tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus. Respiratory syncytial virus is spread by direct contact with infectious secretions and can be easily transmitted among individuals in institutional settings. The incubation period can be 1 to 10 days but is usually 5 to 7 days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, runny nose, cough, headache, and decreased appetite.

]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:32:15 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25185 03.03.2010 - 17:01:43 - Epidemic event happened in Pacific ocean - west / Philippines. EDIS Number: EP-20100303-25185-PHL
Date / time: 03/03/2010 17:01:43 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic
Area: Pacific ocean - west
Country: Philippines
State/County: Province of Benguet
City: Baguio City
Number of Deads: 1 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The city health services office here declared a measles outbreak in Barangay Kayang Hilltop after it recorded a spike in the incidence of the disease during the past few weeks. All 21 measles cases in the city were recorded in Kayang Hilltop with a seven-month infant as the latest fatality. The local health department alerted the different district health centers to conduct a massive information and education campaign in their respective areas of jurisdiction in order to convince mothers of children aged 6 months to 12 years old to avail of the massive anti-measles vaccination in the city. The city health office is also coordinating with the Department of Education to facilitate the vaccination of children in the different private and public schools to prevent the disease from spreading.

]]> Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:32:09 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25181 03.03.2010 - 13:05:19 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Africa / Nigeria. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EH-20100303-25181-NGA
Date / time: 03/03/2010 13:05:19 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Africa
Country: Nigeria
State/County: State of Jigawa
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 19 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

About 13 persons were killed by Cerebro Spinal Meningitis in Jigawa State between January and March 1 this year, just as shortage of vaccines has marred vaccination in affected areas. Speaking with newsmen yesterday in Dutse, the state Commissioner for Health Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Nashabaru said 17 local governments were affected including Dutse, the state capital. Dr. Nashabaru added that Gumel, Kafin-Hausa, Babura, Yankwashi and Dutse were the most affected. He pointed out that Gumel topped the list with six deaths. The commissioner added that 89 cases were reported to hospitals from January till date, adding that the state Ministry of Health had forwarded a request for more vaccines to the Federal Ministry of Health. He noted that the state had only 7, 300 doses when the outbreak began, saying the Federal Government assisted with 300, 000 doses last week. "Of course, we have faced shortage of vaccines. We have on ground only 10 per cent of our requirement. The state needs at least three million doses," he said. Dr. Nashabaru stated further that even though the situation was under control, the state was proposing a special preparation to face the disease.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-04 at 09:24:45.
]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:25:11 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25177 03.03.2010 - 04:09:25 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Asia / Vietnam. EDIS Number: EH-20100303-25177-VNM
Date / time: 03/03/2010 04:09:25 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Asia
Country: Vietnam
State/County: Province of Tuyen Quang
City: Saigon Giai Phong
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Vietnam's health ministry yesterday announced that a 17-year-girl has been hospitalized with an H5N1 avian influenza infection, the country's third case so far this year, according to a media report. The woman is from Tuyen Quang province in northern Vietnam, Saigon Giai Phong, a communist party newspaper based in Ho Chi Minh City, reported today. She got sick on Feb 19 and was hospitalized on Feb 24, where she began receiving oseltamivir (Tamiflu). An investigation into the source of her infection revealed that chickens at the girl's home had died suddenly and that she had culled the whole flock. If the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the girl's infection, as well as the Feb 23 death of a 38-year-old woman and the recently reported infection of a 3-year-old girl, she will be listed Vietnam's 115th case, of which 58 have been fatal, including the recent death. The recent steady rise in human cases follows increased reports of H5N1 outbreaks in Vietnamese poultry over the past few months. The most recent outbreak hit birds at two locations in Khanh Hoa province, Voice of Vietnam news reported today. The virus has also recently struck birds in Ca Mau, Dien Bien, Soc Trang, and Nam Dinh provinces. Hoang Van Nam, the veterinary department's acting director, told Voice of Vietnam that other locations, especially the Mekong Delta, were at high risk of disease spread. Authorities have attributed the increase in outbreaks to inadequate cross-border control of bird transport and slaughter, especially in light of the Tet holiday, which increases the demand for poultry products.

]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:46:21 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25053 24.02.2010 - 06:20:09 - Biological Hazard event happened in Asia / Bhutan. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: BH-20100224-25053-BTN
Date / time: 24/02/2010 06:20:09 [UTC]
Event: Biological Hazard
Area: Asia
Country: Bhutan
State/County: Chhukha District
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forest would like to inform the public an HSN1 Birdflu (Avian Flu) outbreak has been declared in Rinchending (Kharbandi), Phuentsholing under Chukha Dzongkhag by the National Incident Common Centre on 23rd February 2010. The source of the infection is believed to be from the Pasakha area. However, the Ministry has asked the public not be alarmed because the incidence is fully under control and the required control measures are already in place. The Ministry will be providing regular updates to the general public on the new outbreak of HPA1 through various media. As such, the general public has been asked to kindly extend full support and cooperation the implementation of HPA1 control activities.


Event updates:
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-10 at 04:01:42.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-03 at 04:07:54.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:01:52 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=25036 22.02.2010 - 19:40:13 - Epidemic Hazard event happened in Pacific ocean - east / Fiji. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EH-20100222-25036-FJI
Date / time: 22/02/2010 19:40:13 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic Hazard
Area: Pacific ocean - east
Country: Fiji
State/County: Unknow
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: None or unknow
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Fortyfour cases of typhoid have been confirmed in the country and the Ministry of Health has dispatched teams to affected areas to control the spread of the disease. According to the ministry, the re-emergence of the water-borne disease is caused by improper disposal of sewerage and the problem is being looked at as a national crisis. "Any outbreak is an emergency, to us it helps when an outbreak happens, diverting our resources to intervene when an outbreak happens. So that one becomes priority number one, all other issues become secondary, because we hope to intervene and interrupt transmission by purging our resources. So much is at stake so at national level this is an emergency," said Dr Joe Koroivueta, deputy secretary public health. So far there have been 32 cases of typhoid reported in the Central Eastern division, five in the West (all of them in Namuimada, Ra) and seven in the North. Dr Koroivueta said as a preventative measure to to control the spread of the disease, people in the infected areas were warned not to hold social gatherings and functions. "Even after such warnings were given, a particular locality went ahead and had a gunu sede, the disease is spread through contact as it is through water" he said. Divisional Medical Officer Central, Dr Frances Bingwor, said Fiji is quite a mobile place with people travelling daily so it is necessary that all precautions are taken to ensure that the spread of the disease is stopped. "We have to take heed of the problem so a general awareness has to be created on the proper disposal of waste. "The key thing to do is to emphasise to the members of the public how they can keep themselves safe from the disease," said Dr Bingwor. "In a 2008 crisis between January and September, 258 cases were reported and a multi-stakeholder approach with donor agencies was taken, This number was brought down to seven." She said typhoid could not be cured at home and medical intervention was necessary. "If you suspect that you have the disease, that is, running stomach and high fever all care must be taken to consult medical help."

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-06 at 04:14:28.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-02 at 12:38:56.
]]> Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:15:01 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=24770 02.02.2010 - 14:54:30 - Epidemic event happened in Africa / Nigeria. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EP-20100202-24770-NGA
Date / time: 02/02/2010 14:54:30 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic
Area: Africa
Country: Nigeria
State/County: State of Bayelsa
City: Unknow
Number of Deads: 25 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Despite claims by the Bayelsa State Government that it has curtailed the recent outbreak of measles in Oweikurogha, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) from spreading to neighbouring communities, the death toll of those affected had risen to 25. The initial outbreak of the epidemic last week reportedly resulted in the loss of eighteen lives, including children and teenagers, according to close sources in the predominantly river side community, who added that people are already fleeing to neighbouring areas. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azipabu Godbless Eruani while speaking to news men during a briefing at his office on Thursday confirmed the incident, but could not give the exact casualty figure. He said the Doctors Without Boarders have moved in to help rescue the situation from escalating. Eruani explained that in order to check the epidemic from spreading, his ministry has sent Vitamin A and other relief materials to boost the immune system of the villagers, just as he expressed dismay that some villagers refuse to bring out their children to be immunised when some health workers visited the area. "As we speak the situation is under control, the Doctors without Borders have also visited the community, but we have a set back. Some people do not want to bring out their children to be immunised when our health workers went there to stop the problem from spreading," he added.

The health boss however pointed out that government would mobilize staff to carry out an aggressive enlightenment campaign in the area and other parts of the state to ensure that people of the state understand the importance of immunization. Describing the measles outbreak as an international problem, the Commissioner noted that more health workers have been deployed to neighbouring communities so that the scourge does not spread to neighbouring areas and called on people of the state not to panic, as the situation is under control. "When this government came on board, a major focus was to improve health care, which underscores why the Chief Timipre Sylva-led administration is building new primary health centres and renovating existing ones so as to bring them to standard," Dr. Eruani said. Daily Champion learnt that the situation is made worse as the only government health centre in the community has been overstretched by the influx of patients there, while the belief of the people has precluded parents from bringing out their children, hence the increase in death; as they belief in supernatural healing. Close sources in Oweikurogha community said if the health centre there is upgraded into a full fletched hospital with doctors and nurses, such scourge would be readily controlled, while feared that more people could contract the dieses, hence some people sought refuge in nearby communities.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-10 at 04:04:35.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:05:55 +0100 http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/woalert_read.php?lang=eng&cid=24632 20.01.2010 - 16:01:46 - Epidemic event happened in Africa / Zimbabwe. [Event details updated!] EDIS Number: EP-20100120-24632-ZWE
Date / time: 20/01/2010 16:01:46 [UTC]
Event: Epidemic
Area: Africa
Country: Zimbabwe
State/County: Murwira area
City: Bikita
Number of Deads: 110 persons
Number of Injured: None or unknow
Damage level: Minor

Description:

Ten infants have died of measles in the past five days, health authorities here told Radio VOP on Wednesday. Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Robert Mudyiradima said the 10 included mostly children from the Apostolic Sect religion who are against immunization. “A suspected Measles outbreak has killed 10 people in the Murwira area in Bikita, about ten kilometers out of Nyika growth point. They are believed to belong to an Apostolic Sect,” Dr Mudyiradima said. He said The Ministry of Health deployed a team of assessors Tuesday to try and contain the disease. The disease is suspected to have spread to children following a religious gathering by the apostolic sect members’ days before. The measles outbreak comes hard on the heels of another one in Manicaland last December which claimed the lives of 22 infants.

Event updates:
Situation Update No. 2 on 2010-03-10 at 04:17:06.
Situation Update No. 1 on 2010-03-02 at 06:34:25.
]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:17:37 +0100