First Type-A (H1N1) Flu Death In Thailand

[george]

First type-A (H1N1) flu death in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- A 40-year-old woman in Bangkok has become the country's first fatality linked to the type-A (H1N1) influenza virus, a high-level health officer said Friday.

"The Health Ministry's academic team is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death and will release the results to the public," said Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi.

-- The Nation 2009-06-27

[TAWP]

Just had two odd days of 'flu-like sickness' that came without warning, fairly high fever (and that established itself at it's level in under 2h's) only to 36h later have it drop down with the snap of the fingers...like someone flipped an off-switch on the 'attack'.

Not saying that it was the Mexican Flu (was under 39 degrees so never went to hospital), but it was odd indeed...and if people are hit in that speed from 'fine' to 'bad fever, pain, dizziness' as I was...well, wow.

[Carib]

Come on George, I know it is slow, but how many of these swine flu topics do you want to have running on this board. This is making me sick, not the flu

[Jingthing]

If you get a flu, and flu, and you become very dizzy, you should see a doctor. Most people experiencing a mild or moderate flu can treat themselves with bed rest and fever reducers, and self isolation. BTW, H1N1 is NOT the Mexican flu, later reports are it actually comes from ASIA. Any flu that infects massive numbers of people will kill some of them; the current H1N1 virus is still mild for most people.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Jingthing

[baht&sold]

Poor Scott and some others may be having kittens over this...

Still others will trot out more tin-foil hat theories (more or less saying 'We're all gonna die!!!')

However, (A)H1N1 remains a mild flu to date for most, with fewer fatalities than regular seasonal flu.

If some wish to get their knickers in a twist over future unknowns, best head to a bunker- for life.

As for me, headed to the pool, it's a nice day here in Bkk (barring another red sunset;)

Edit to add: Condolences to the family and friends of the very unfortunate lady.

Edited June 27, 2009 by baht&sold

[george]

Update:

Type-A (H1N1) death toll rises to 2

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai announced Saturday that the type-A (H1N1) influenza has killed two Thai patients so far.

The first victim was a 40-year-old woman and the second a 42-year-old man.

-- The Nation 2009-06-27

[SICA]

If you get a flu, and flu, and you become very dizzy, you should see a doctor. Most people experiencing a mild or moderate flu can treat themselves with bed rest and fever reducers, and self isolation. BTW, H1N1 is NOT the Mexican flu, later reports are it actually comes from ASIA. Any flu that infects massive numbers of people will kill some of them; the current H1N1 virus is still mild for most people.

Sitting here reading an article about Swine Flu, written by Dr Michael Morton of the BKK Hospital Medical Centre, i felt inclined to reply.

The Type A/H1N1 Pandemic Virus is known worldwide as 'Swine Flu' and almost all 'flu' viruses originate in China, so i guess they are all Asian. I quote "Nearly all the new flu symptoms originate in China, but this particular one, known as the 'Burrito-Bug' seems to have evolved (not originated) in Mexico".

Just thought i would share that. Any vaccines anyone?

[jackdanielsesq]

Aha - a good Burrito - now that is tough to find !! Homesick Homeboys??

Seriously - the UN WHO said it had legs - they might indeed be correct - Lordy, we might well have had a full-blown crisis by now,

had we, globally, not done our due diligence. SARS did teach us something. Containment. Great job all.

BR>Jack

[Jingthing]

"Nearly all the new flu symptoms originate in China, but this particular one, known as the 'Burrito-Bug' seems to have evolved (not originated) in Mexico

Don't be so sure.

There is no evidence that this new virus, which combines Eurasian and North American genes, has ever circulated in North American pigs, while there is tantalizing evidence that a closely related “sister virus” has circulated in Asia.

American breeding pigs, possibly carrying North American swine flu, are frequently exported to Asia, where the flu could have combined with Asian strains. But because of disease quarantines that make it hard to import Asian pigs, experts said, it is unlikely that a pig brought the new strain back West.

“The most likely scenario is that it came over in the mammalian species that moves most freely around the world,” said Dr. Amy L. Vincent, a swine flu specialist at the Agriculture Department’s laboratory in Ames, Iowa, referring, of course, to people.

The first person to carry the flu to North America from Asia, assuming that is what happened, has never been found and never will be, because people stop carrying the virus when they get better.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/health/24flu.html

Edited June 27, 2009 by Jingthing

[neverdie]

Come on George, I know it is slow, but how many of these swine flu topics do you want to have running on this board. This is making me sick, not the flu

Sorry you don't think this is newsworthy, others might, so ive got a good idea, don't read any of the flu topics.....not that hard, is it?

Perhaps you might like to go and read on of the dozen or so financial crisis threads and get over yourself

[Briggsy]

It is worth noting 1.5% of the adult population in Thailand is walking around with HIV. With that many people with suppressed immune systems, there are bound to be some deaths.

[TAWP]

Jingthing>> What on earth is your point? Defending North American pigs? Afraid they will be rounded up and torched?

The flu coming here clearly is the Mexican Flu, as it has been labeled.

[Scott]

My condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

I wonder what underlying medical problems existed that caused the deaths.

[Scott]

Not planning on having kittens, but this flu does affect my place of work. The school was closed. We have 3 teachers out of work for flu like symptoms. They were instructed by the Public Health Ministry that they cannot return to work for 7 days. I have two going on a visa run to get their non-immigrant B visa and they also can't return for 7 days--doesn't matter if they are sick or not.

If the school is closed for any length of time (not planned at this time), does that mean the holiday in October will be shorter? We have people who have booked flights out of the country.

It would be nice to know what the gov't strategy is. Do they wish to contain it? Let it run it's course? Should schools be closed or left opened and why? If closed, for how long? Etc. etc.

I was assisting with some students who weren't well. I didn't wear a mask. I did try to limit my exposure directly to them, and I did wash my hands--not particularly scared of getting the flu myself. When I've had the flu in the past, I don't usually get particularly sick.

[jackdanielsesq]

US passes 1,000,000 case mark -

BR>Jack

US health officials estimate that at least one million Americans have been infected with swine flu since the H1N1 virus emerged nearly three months ago. The number is far higher than cases actually reported to the authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said many cases were mild, although 127 people had died. The CDC based its figures on surveys, rather than laboratory evidence, but the numbers suggest the death rate from swine flu is lower than thought. "We're saying that there have been at least a million cases of the new H1N1 virus so far this year in the United States," said Anne Schuchat of the CDC.

"Reported cases are really just the tip of the iceberg."

The CDC has based its estimate on mathematical modelling, based on surveys by health officials. If the figures are correct, it is reassuring news, because it indicates that the fatality rate from swine flu is even lower than thought, says BBC medical correspondent Fergus Walsh.

However, Dr Schuchat warned that swine flu might exhibit higher infection rates than seasonal flu and could return in a more virulent form in the autumn.

Argentina election

According to the CDC, there have been 27,717 confirmed or probable cases; some 3,000 people have needed hospital treatment and there have been 127 deaths.

[baht&sold]

Thanks for the update Scott. A very reasoned and even post on a 'hot button' issue which remains a concern with lesser or greater degrees to most.

Not certain what more the Govt may do, or really can do. Certainly pushing the public health Ministry to provide more info regarding preventative measures is welcome and wise (as they seem to be doing). Also, personally thought it was wise to centralise info collection from all the various clinics etc (order now been rescinded btw).

As things were a couple weeks back, there was a BREAKING NEWS alert in the Thai media every hour screaming: 'Yet ANOTHER swine flu case!!!' As there'll likely be hundreds and possibly thousands of new cases, it's just not wise to make this the focus in a media sweepstakes whilst scaring the bejeezuz out of an already bewildered and overwhelmed populace...

As for your school situation, with children susceptible more than others and being in close proximity, one can certainly see cause for heightened concern both for the students and staff. But it sounds like your school is taking prudent measures and unless a deadly virulent mutation should 'ever' break out, not certain much more can be done or should be at this time.

For example, outright closing schools like some did a couple weeks back simply swelled the midday population at Siam shopping mall, with pals holding hands, tweaking noses, sharing food etc as normal. Better to keep them in school (unless they show signs of flu of course) and start each day off with the daily flu updates from the Health Ministry, followed by Q&A regarding proper hygiene and prevention.

Meanwhile, 'teach your children well' (as CSN&Y used to say;) and hope your Oct break goes as planned.

Cheers.

Edit: just re-read your post and realised your school is closed, my error. Is this because of the 3 teachers off for 7 days thus a staffing issue? Or, could the school actually operate with current staff?

Edited June 27, 2009 by baht&sold

[Scott]

No, the school was closed because of student illnesses--a lot of students were sick with flu-like symptoms and I am presumably a lot were absent due to hysteria over catching it.

We will have to function with people gone--and can. It's inconvenient, but quite possible.

We are fortunate to have some very well trained administration, with backgrounds in the health field, so they took the situation seriously. I don't know if they wanted to close the school, but parents were getting frightened and concerned. I support it being closed because it's always better to err on the side of caution, especially where children are concerned.

Now, in trying not to hijack this thread or take it too far off-topic. I am wondering if these deaths had underlying health issues that contributed to it and what they might have been.

That can help make sure that people who are at greater risk, can be monitored closely. For example we have some students with asthma (one rather severe and several mild), we have students who are diabetic etc. Some students may have lesser problems or problems we don't know about it.

[Scott]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1472...wo-thai-victims

The BKK Post is reporting on the deaths. It seems the gov't has been concealing information. This doesn't help their credibility.

[baht&sold]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1472...wo-thai-victims

The BKK Post is reporting on the deaths. It seems the gov't has been concealing information. This doesn't help their credibility.

In the midst of the 'breaking news' hysteria every 5 mins regarding new cases last week, I noted it was likely there will be a few deaths (odds are) but in that climate of pure fear bred by a Thai media bent on ratings sweepstakes, it probably wouldn't be wise to put that out to a pouncing press until nerves were calmer. Not surprised they held off reporting the first death for a few days, it would have sparked mass hysteria (may still). Hopefully now that more background on the flu is out there, the public is ready and more rationally prepared.

Just be glad Dr Thaksin isn't running the show - recall with the far more deadly home-grown bird flu, his reaction was weeks and weeks of denial, followed by cover-ups and then half-baked PR exercises when caught out.

[mommysboy]

Just had two odd days of 'flu-like sickness' that came without warning, fairly high fever (and that established itself at it's level in under 2h's) only to 36h later have it drop down with the snap of the fingers...like someone flipped an off-switch on the 'attack'.

Not saying that it was the Mexican Flu (was under 39 degrees so never went to hospital), but it was odd indeed...and if people are hit in that speed from 'fine' to 'bad fever, pain, dizziness' as I was...well, wow.

glad you got over your common cold!

[Vang2x]

First type-A (H1N1) flu death in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- A 40-year-old woman in Bangkok has become the country's first fatality linked to the type-A (H1N1) influenza virus, a high-level health officer said Friday.

"The Health Ministry's academic team is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death and will release the results to the public," said Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nopamornbodi.

-- The Nation 2009-06-27

----------------------------------------

Just sharing an update, fyi.

New flu strain claims first two Thai victims

Published: 27/06/2009 at 07:20 PM Authorities confirmed on Saturday that a woman and a man have died in the past week from A(H1N1) flu, the country's first victims - while Australia (photo) recorded its fifth flu fatality.

A 40-year-old Thai woman died June 20 at a Bangkok hospital, while a 42-year-old Thai man died Saturday at a hospital in Chon Buri province, Public Health Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Paichai Warachit said. It appeared that she meant Pattaya, which is in Chon Buri.

Paichai said her office was only told late Friday about the woman's death. It was unclear where the two contracted the virus, and the ministry refused to identify them.

"It is confirmed that the two patients died because of the H1N1 virus and also because they had pneumonia." Dr Paichai said.

She said she did not know why news of the initial victim had been withheld. The Public Health Ministry refused to say why it had covered up the news of the first victim.

Authorities had announced all week that that the only Thai suffering from a serious case of the flu had recovered. That statement now appears to be inoperative.

The government, including Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has repeatedly denied that it has censored news of the flu outbreak. But the public health ministry admitted that it withheld initial news of the flu so that the public would not panic. Officials have repeatedly underplayed and withheld news of the disease.

The Public Health Ministry said more than 1,200 people have contracted swine flu as of Saturday, including seven Navy cadets. Most have recovered, though 16 remain in the hospital.

None was in critical condition - at least according to ministry officials.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said on Saturday that the public should not panic. It was not clear why he felt there was a chance of panic.

"Authorities are taking all measures to contain the virus," which first hit the country six weeks ago, the minister claimed.

The Philippines, meanwhile, announced its first death, but also said it would end its programme of quarantining people arriving from overseas with suspected flu symptoms.

Health officials said the novel flu virus is "generally mild and self-limiting," comparable to seasonal flu, and the quarantine was not affecting the spread of the disease.

The first H1N1 related death in the Philippines was a 49-year-old woman with a pre-existing chronic heart disease who was found to have the virus during a post-mortem testing.

In Australia, a 26-year-old woman who also had a serious pre-existing medical condition died late Friday after spending several days in Royal Perth Hospital's intensive care unit, Western Australia chief health officer Tarun Weeramanthri said. Her identity and details of her medical condition were not released.

As of Friday, 3,519 people in Australia had been diagnosed with the virus. (With reports compiled from news agencies.)

source: bangkokpost

[Thunder26]

The swine flu is everywhere in Thailand right now, especially in crowded areas as Bangkok and its suburbs. Just only in my school, dozens were confirmed with swine flu. What does it mean being confirmed? It means a swab or blood test was taken! Most of the people with swine flu have mild symptoms, some of them don't have symptoms at all and even if they have or had swine flu are not recorded in the statistics. What I see, this flu is not more dangerous than any seasonal flu. For those who worry, just chill out...

Edited June 27, 2009 by Thunder26

[Jingthing]

The flu coming here clearly is the Mexican Flu, as it has been labeled.

It is a view commonly held and quite possibly FALSE.

[fsuthai]

Thanks for the update Scott. A very reasoned and even post on a 'hot button' issue which remains a concern with lesser or greater degrees to most.

Not certain what more the Govt may do, or really can do. Certainly pushing the public health Ministry to provide more info regarding preventative measures is welcome and wise (as they seem to be doing). Also, personally thought it was wise to centralise info collection from all the various clinics etc (order now been rescinded btw).

As things were a couple weeks back, there was a BREAKING NEWS alert in the Thai media every hour screaming: 'Yet ANOTHER swine flu case!!!' As there'll likely be hundreds and possibly thousands of new cases, it's just not wise to make this the focus in a media sweepstakes whilst scaring the bejeezuz out of an already bewildered and overwhelmed populace...

As for your school situation, with children susceptible more than others and being in close proximity, one can certainly see cause for heightened concern both for the students and staff. But it sounds like your school is taking prudent measures and unless a deadly virulent mutation should 'ever' break out, not certain much more can be done or should be at this time.

For example, outright closing schools like some did a couple weeks back simply swelled the midday population at Siam shopping mall, with pals holding hands, tweaking noses, sharing food etc as normal. Better to keep them in school (unless they show signs of flu of course) and start each day off with the daily flu updates from the Health Ministry, followed by Q&A regarding proper hygiene and prevention.

Meanwhile, 'teach your children well' (as CSN&Y used to say;) and hope your Oct break goes as planned.

Cheers.

Edit: just re-read your post and realised your school is closed, my error. Is this because of the 3 teachers off for 7 days thus a staffing issue? Or, could the school actually operate with current staff?

================================

Hello 'baht&sold':

Not many here are going to have any clue as to who/what "CSN&Y" refers to...but I certainly did, and enjoyed the spark of remembrance of my favorite musical group of all time. Suite Judy Blueeyes (sp?) is my favorite rock piece.

Historically the children and we 'older' ones are the most susceptible to dying from a bout with the flu virus but this H1N1 seems to be killing mostly middle aged ones. (Probably a special concoction from one of the CIA's black ops labs...but that might just be my personal paranoia.) I don't think the authorities can be TOO cautious when it comes to protecting the school kids! We old farts can protect ourselves or just gracefully accept nature's natural recycling.

Anyhow, thanks for the memories...

[animatic]

Come on George, I know it is slow, but how many of these swine flu topics do you want to have running on this board. This is making me sick, not the flu

Sorry you don't think this is newsworthy, others might, so ive got a good idea, don't read any of the flu topics.....not that hard, is it?

Perhaps you might like to go and read on of the dozen or so financial crisis threads and get over yourself

Ditto.

I would rather be fully informed of something that is not as bad as it could be,

then un-informed about something that is worse than I suspect.

Uninformed is blindly hoping things will go ok.

[bkkc1976]

Just had two odd days of 'flu-like sickness' that came without warning, fairly high fever (and that established itself at it's level in under 2h's) only to 36h later have it drop down with the snap of the fingers...like someone flipped an off-switch on the 'attack'.

Not saying that it was the Mexican Flu (was under 39 degrees so never went to hospital), but it was odd indeed...and if people are hit in that speed from 'fine' to 'bad fever, pain, dizziness' as I was...well, wow.

Sounds like dengue fever to me...i had the same but i never got it checked by a doctor.but i stay near the old airport and when i walk with my dog in the morning i get attacked by black/white striped mosquitos and these one bringing you dengue....but if you had the dengue now than you not get it again i was told.

[Jingthing]

Sounds like dengue fever to me..

Not to me:

Source: MAYO CLINIC

Signs and symptoms of dengue fever usually begin four to seven days after you've been bitten by a mosquito carrying a dengue virus. These signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the form of the disease. More severe forms of the disease usually begin the same way as the mild form (dengue fever), then become worse after several days.

Dengue fever signs and symptoms typically include:

* High fever, up to 105 F

* A rash over most of your body, which may subside after a couple of days and then reappear

* Severe headache, backache or both

* Pain behind your eyes

* Severe joint and muscle pain

* Nausea and vomiting

Dengue fever rarely causes death, and symptoms usually get better after five to seven days

Edited June 28, 2009 by Jingthing

[animatic]

Sounds like dengue fever to me..

Not to me:

Source: MAYO CLINIC

Signs and symptoms of dengue fever usually begin four to seven days after you've been bitten by a mosquito carrying a dengue virus. These signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the form of the disease. More severe forms of the disease usually begin the same way as the mild form (dengue fever), then become worse after several days.

Dengue fever signs and symptoms typically include:

* High fever, up to 105 F

* A rash over most of your body, which may subside after a couple of days and then reappear

* Severe headache, backache or both

* Pain behind your eyes

* Severe joint and muscle pain

* Nausea and vomiting

Dengue fever rarely causes death, and symptoms usually get better after five to seven days

I had Dengue in April, and a friend has it now.

He says my description was spot on.

In fact I diagnosed mine correctly well before the doctor got it right,

and he had a sheepish look coming back with the test results.

I had the last Swine Flue in USA back when, 1968 I think, or the 70's one,

and have had North American and European strains of flue.

Dengue has little similarities except the sense you have creatures

or maybe corkscrews running through your muscles with dengue and a few flue strains.

FGlues don't give you "Bone Break Day"

where you think your muscles will contract enough to snap long bones.

Different animal entirely.