Spain Swine Flu A/H1N1 , April 26+

[Potemkin]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8019882.stm

There are also six confirmed cases in Canada and one in Spain, where at least 17 other people are being tested for the virus.

[Potemkin]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/5229715/Swine-flu-Spain-confirms-first-case-in-Europe.html

Swine flu: Spain confirms first case in Europe
Spanish authorities have confirmed Europe's first case of swine flu.


By Fiona Govan in Madrid
Last Updated: 12:50PM BST 27 Apr 2009

A 23-year-old man who returned from a trip to Mexico last week was found to have the virus, according to a statement released by Spain's Health Ministry on Monday morning.

The man was put under observation on Saturday after complaining of chest problems, the minister of health, Trinidad Jimenez, told a hastily convened news conference.

The unnamed man, who is in hospital in the southeastern province of Albacete, is said to responding well to treatment and is not in a serious condition.

Another 20 patients are under observation on suspicion of having contracted the virus.

"They are all stable, none of the cases is grave, not even that of the case confirmed (as swine flu)," Ms Jimenez said.

"These are people who have recently been on trips to Mexico," she said, adding that Spain had sufficient doses stored of antiviral medicine.

Meanwhile, the number of people likely to have died from swine flu in Mexico has risen to 103, Jose Cordova, the Mexican health secretary, has said.

Speaking in an interview with Mexican television channel Televisa, Mr Cordova said there have also been a total of 1,614 patients admitted to hospital believed to be suffering from the H1N1 virus. Of these, just over 1,000 have left hospital after successfully fighting the flu aided by anti viral drugs known in Mexico as oseltamivir and zanamivir, he said.

"It is important to note that a 1,000 patients, or about 70 per cent of those interned, have recuperated perfectly well and left the hospital," Mr Cordova said.

The health secretary did not clarify how many of the 103 deaths had been confirmed in laboratory tests to be from the H1N1 virus, a new influenza strain that combines pig, avian and human viruses.

Earlier, he had said that laboratory tests had shown at least 20 people had died from swine flue.

The latest figures show that both the number of deaths and number of people admitted to hospital from what is believed to be swine flu continue to increase by about 25 per cent every day.

Most of the victims have been men and women between 20 and 40.

[Potemkin]

No health privacy in Spain, I guess.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8015995.stm

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-04/46532883.jpg
IN SPAIN: A medical staff member, left, leads two patients who are undergoing tests for the swine flu virus at La Fe hospital in Valencia, Spain. The health ministry Monday confirmed the nation's and Europe's first case of swine flu.

[Mama Alanna]

Does anyone else think that the health care worker doesn't have his mask formed properly over the bridge of his nose?

[Kassy]

Spain reported a case of human-to-human transmission to a person who has not visited Mexico rather contracting it from a partner who had travelled to the Latin American country.

http://english.aljazeera.net//news/europe/2009/05/20095194422295774.html

[Kassy]

Spain confirms 40 swine flu cases

MADRID: The Spanish Health Ministry has raised the number of confirmed cases of swine flu to 40, making Spain the hardest-hit nation in Europe
amid the worldwide outbreak.

The agency says 20 new patients were confirmed to be infected by the virus Sunday, mostly among cases in the southern region of Andalusia. Five other cases were confirmed late Saturday in the northeastern Catalan region.

It says of the 40 confirmed cases, 34 people have already recovered and been sent home.

Another 83 people are still under investigation for the disease. Many Spaniards traditionally enjoy winter breaks in warm Mexican beach resorts and all but two of those infected had visited the former Spanish colony.

Spain trails Mexico, the United States and Canada in numbers of people diagnosed with swine flu.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Spain-confirms-40-swine-flu-cases/articleshow/4479270.cms

[caonacl]

Why don't we just call this current virus the Spanish Flu II?

Spain leads Europe in swine flu cases with 20
By MARGIE MASON – 5 hours ago
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Health experts walked a tightrope Sunday, unsure whether the swine flu epidemic was starting to fizzle out or was just in a lull before another surge, as Spain reported 20 confirmed cases, making it the hardest-hit nation in Europe.

Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said there were 11 cases of people suspected to have died in Mexico from the virus in the previous 24 hours. The alarming news came after the epidemic's toll in Mexico appeared to have been leveling off....
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gzz357patY4-QaJFvo9O95zMM_EQD97UNLN80

[Kassy]

Spain to isolate flights suspected of carrying swine flu

With 57 people now confirmed as infected with the Swine Flu A (H1N1) virus, Spain has announced that flights with suspect cases will be quarantined after landing on Spanish soil. The Development Minister, José Blanco, said on Monday that aircraft captains must inform the authorities of any suspect cases before coming in to land for the plane to be moved to a quarantine hangar upon touching down. The move comes under protocol agreed with the Health Ministry to prevent any spreading of the virus, El Mundo reports.

Aircraft flying to any infected country must also carry on board gloves, gowns and protective masks to be used when attending any passenger on return flights who presents symptoms of the virus. Suspect cases must be attended by just one member of the crew.
Agreement has been reached with the Spanish Red Cross to set up 44 points of information at airports in Spain, staffed by 176 volunteers. It’s understood that leaflets translated into three languages are to be distributed.

Of the cases under investigation for possible infection in Spain, 113 have now been ruled out, leaving 63 under observation. Only 11 of the confirmed cases remain in
hospital.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_21214.shtml

[Kassy]

Spain's swine flu cases rise to 73

AP) — MADRID - Spain has reported 16 more cases of swine flu, raising the country's total to 73.

Tuesday's statement by the Health Ministry says only two of the confirmed victims remain hospitalized.

The ministry says that all but five of the 73 people with the flu had recently been to Mexico, where the global outbreak was first reported.

It says another 56 people in Spain are under observation.

Worldwide, the four countries with the most cases of swine flu are Mexico, the U.S., Canada and Spain.

http://www.silive.com/newsflash/international/index.ssf?/base/international-2/124154856395780.xml&storylist=international

[Kassy]

Another eight Swine Flu cases confirmed in Spain

The number under investigation has reduced to 49

The latest Health Ministry update on the A (H1N1) virus on Wednesday afternoon gives 81 cases as confirmed across the country, eight more than were announced on Tuesday. Only one of the confirmed cases is under treatment in hospital, EFE reports.

Another 49 cases are under study, and those under investigation have reduced by seven on Tuesday’s figures.

Cataluña and Andalucía both have the highest number of confirmed cases, each with 23. They are followed by Valencia with 21. Andalucía also has the most cases under investigation, where 15 people are suspected of being infected.

Speaking on Wednesday before the latest update, Spain’s Health Minister, Trinidad Jiménez, said the situation here is ‘very controlled and very stable’. The Minister said those confirmed as infected have ‘minor symptoms’ and have responded very well to treatment.

The World Health Organisation said ....

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_21256.shtml

[Kassy]

Swine flu jabs in Valencia Region

Valencia Region health authorities are preparing to vaccinate 2.2 million high-risk people against swine flu.

The jabs will be given to elderly people, patients with chronic and cardio-respiratory complaints, pregnant women, health staff and children up to five years old.

This accounts for 40 per cent of the region's population and most will also be vaccinated against seasonal flu as well.

If the swine flu vaccine is ready on time (October 1) the jabs will be given together, otherwise authorities will first give the seasonal jabs.

Regional health councillor Manuel Cervera, said the target population will be vaccinated within two and a half months through the region's 1,300 health centres and 300 private centres.

Cervera pointed out that at the moment the number of suspected swine flu cases in Spain and Valencia is falling sharply but the alert and vigilance system is still operating.

Finally he said that although the World Health Organisation maintains its level 5 pandemic alert, the messages have been calming as the new illness is relatively mild.

http://www.costa-news.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2787&Itemid=1

[Exodia]

Spain quarantines soldiers after new flu outbreak

Fri May 22, 2009 4:47am EDT

MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish army has quarantined dozens of soldiers in a Madrid barracks after 11 fell ill with what doctors suspect is the new flu virus, the health ministry said on Friday. Six of the soldiers were admitted to a specially sealed ward in a military hospital while doctors completed tests on Friday to see whether they had contracted the H1N1 strain of the virus, which has infected more than 11,000 people globally and killed at least 85.

"There are others who are isolated as recommended with all cases under investigation. You have to follow protocol and they have to remain isolated until we can confirm whether it is 'Flu A' or not," said the spokesman. "There are quite a few. Dozens, yes."

Media reports said schoolchildren visited the Hoyo de Manzanares Engineering Academy earlier this week, but the health and defense ministries were unable to confirm this. Medics were interviewing the soldiers to establish if any of them had recently been to Mexico -- the epicenter of the outbreak -- or had been in contact with anybody who had, he said. (Reporting by Ben Harding; editing by Andrew Roche)

http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-SwineFlu/idUSTRE54L1VZ20090522

[Exodia]

some more info:

Spain confirms 11 new cases of swine flu
05/22/2009 | 09:24 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThis

MADRID – Spain has detected 11 cases of swine flu at a military academy outside Madrid, and 57 other people there are under observation, the government said Friday.

The comments by Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega raise Spain's total to at least 118.

The Heath Ministry said school children were allowed to visit the academy earlier this week for field trips, even after suspicion of an outbreak had emerged.

But Fernandez de la Vega denied the health or defense ministries had failed to coordinate with each other, or withheld information from the public.

She said the new cases were only confirmed Friday. "We gave out information when we had to give it," the deputy prime minister said.

She said all the confirmed and suspected cases at the academy are mild.

"There is no reason for alarm," she told a news conference after a regularly scheduled Cabinet meeting.

She described 57 people at the base as being under observation, rather than quarantined as the health ministry had said earlier.

The academy houses a military engineering school and is located in Hoyo de Manzanares, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) northwest of Madrid.

A health ministry official said authorities are investigating the source of the outbreak and trying to determine if any soldiers, or anyone they had been in contact with, had been recently to a country badly affected by the outbreak.

Health Minister Trinidad Jimenez said Thursday night that Spain had 107 confirmed cases of the disease.

The new cases announced by Fernandez de la Vega would raise Spain's total to at least 118. Neither she nor the ministry gave an overall figure Friday. - AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/162501/Spain-confirms-11-new-cases-of-swine-flu

[Kassy]

Swine flu hits Spanish soldiers

Eleven new cases of swine flu have been diagnosed at a Spanish military school, bringing the country's total to 126, health authorities have said.

The discovery of the virus at the school, about 20 miles (30km) outside Madrid, prompted a further 57 soldiers to be put under observation.

The latest confirmed cases were said to be mild, with nine people in hospital.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8064667.stm

[Mama Alanna]

The latest confirmed cases were said to be mild, with nine people in hospital.:re: "Mild" flu does not call for hospitalization! "Mild" flu means you're OK with lying on the couch watching daytime TV and going :bleh: and staggering to the bathroom once in a while.

[Exodia]

9 of 11 in the hospital?

[Mama Alanna]

That's what it says, Ex. With "mild" flu.

Now, in balance, I must relate a tale of DH before we married, when somehow he came down with one of the childhood spotty illnesses shortly after basic training. He says that he wasn't that sick, but they put him in the infirmary because there was no other way to keep an eye on him, to make sure that he didn't take a turn for the worse and have no way to communicate that he needed help. (and likely to keep him from spreading it.) Maybe that's what happened here.

[CanadaSue]

I agree with MA. If you excuse them duty & send them to their barracks, they'll skive off to the mess & infect the entire base in no time.

[Exodia]

León soldiers in quarantine over Swine Flu virus

By m.p. - May 25, 2009 - 7:23 PM

All amongst the group of 91 visited the Madrid military academy which was the scene of an outbreak last week

Two soldiers who visited the military academy in Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid, last week are under observation after showing possible symptoms of infection with the A(H1N1) virus. They are amongst a group of 91 from El Ferral military base in León who were at the Madrid academy last week, and who have now been ordered into quarantine by the Defence Ministry.

The Hoyo de Manzanares academy was put into isolation last week after six cases of Swine Flu were confirmed. The latest information from the Health Ministry’s Carlos III Health Institute is 20 confirmed cases amongst soldiers at the Academy. 74 cases remain under observation, and El Mundo reports that the quarantine order will remain in place for another week.

Castilla y León’s first confirmed case of the virus is connected to the Academy and is a 23 year old who was admitted to hospital in Segovia on Friday. A 21 year old office worker in Hoyo de Manzanares confirmed as infected this weekend has since been discharged from hospital in Castilla-La Mancha.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_21526.shtml

[Exodia]

Swine flu cases rise as Spanish academy

5/27/2009, 12:30 p.m. EDT
The Associated Press

(AP) — MADRID - Spain's Health Ministry says the number of swine flu cases detected at a military academy outside Madrid has risen to 25.

The figure on the ministry Web site is up from 18 over the weekend, and raises the country's overall total to 140.

School children on a field trip were allowed to visit the engineering academy last week, despite suspicions of an outbreak, although none of them have fallen ill.

Defense Minister Carme Chacon denied suggestions of negligence.

She told Parliament Wednesday that officials at the academy had not confirmed at that point that soldiers with flu-like symptoms actually had the new strain of swine flu.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/health/index.ssf?/base/international-4/1243443936284210.xml&storylist=health

[Kassy]

Spain reports two serious cases of Swine Flu

The most serious case is that of a pregnant 19 year old in Madrid

There are two reportedly serious cases of the A(H1N1) flu virus in Spain.

One of them, a 32 year old man who had previous complications is now reported to be responding to treatment in Tarragona, but in the second case of a 19 year old pregnant woman, she remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid.

She is 28 weeks pregnant and the doctors are on standby to carry out an emergency caesarean section if necessary. She is reported to be on assisted breathing after her flu developed into pneumonia. Doctors say there is no risk to the foetus.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22054.shtml

[Kassy]

Three serious cases follow Swine Flu death in Spain

It follows the death of the 20 year old Moroccan woman in Madrid on Tuesday

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the Spanish Minister for Health, Trinidad Jiménez, said that she wanted to send a message of calm to the population.

It came following the death of the first person in Spain with the A(H1N1) virus, although the Minister said that the 20 year old Moroccan woman, Dalila, died from a respiratory illness, and was also a sufferer from asthma. A caesarean section was performed on Monday to bring her son into world at 28 weeks.

The Minister insisted that all the correct measures were taken, and noted that the normal flu was causing more deaths currently than the Swine virus.

There are now three serious cases of the virus across the country. An eight year old boy who suffers from Angelman syndrome, and a 35 woman in Madrid, and the 32 year old man who remains admitted to hospital in Tarragona.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22096.shtml

[Kassy]

U.S. patient from Rota naval base seriously ill with Swine Flu symptoms
larger | smaller
By m.p. - Jul 5, 2009 - 1:19 PM

Six students in Tarragona are the latest confirmed cases and are believed to have become infected on a trip to Mallorca

An American citizen from the U.S. base in Rota, Cádiz, has been admitted to Intensive Care with symptoms of the A(H1N1) virus. He is reported to be suffering respiratory complications and is in a serious condition, although stable.

The un-named patient had recently returned from a trip to the United States and showed the first symptoms of the virus last Tuesday, following which he received anti-viral treatment from doctors at the base in Rota. It’s understood however that he was transferred to the Puerto del Mar Hospital in Cádiz on Friday night when his condition worsened. The results of testing for the virus have yet to be confirmed.

The Cádiz health authority say the patient has no connection with 15 hospital staff – one at the Puerto del Mar and 14 at the hospital in Puerto Real – recently diagnosed with the virus, who are all recovering at home. El Mundo reports that the patients who came into contact with the nurses all tested negative for A(H1N1), but have received anti-viral treatment as a precautionary measure.

There’s meanwhile been a new Swine Flu outbreak in Tarragona – six students from Amposta who had recently returned from a school trip to Mallorca. Their symptoms are minor, and they are reported to be recovering at home. Another 21 students who were with them on the trip are under observation, two of whom are suspected of also having the virus.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22165.shtml

[Kassy]

Spain reports second death from A/H1N1 flu

MADRID, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Spain reported on Thursday the second death in the country from A/H1N1 flu -- a 41-year-old man who died in the Intensive Care Unit at the Doctor Negrin Academic Hospital from Great Canary.

Hospital sources said the patient died from complications caused by the virus infection. The country's first death was reported on June 30 -- a Moroccan young woman who died after having a cesarean section.

The Health Board from the Canary autonomous government told the press on Thursday that the latest victim was hospitalized on July 5 in the regional capital La Palmas, and that he had a previous chronic disease.

Europe has so far confirmed 10,800 cases of A/H1N1 flu infections, including five deaths, three in Britain and two in Spain.

According to the latest report of the Spanish Health Ministry, Spain has confirmed a total of 969 cases of A/H1N1 flu.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/10/content_11683560.htm

[Kassy]

Swine Flu cases pass 1,000 in Spain

By m.p. - Jul 12, 2009


Two people have died and nine patients are in a very serious condition
Swine Flu cases pass 1,000 in Spain


The latest data from the Health Ministry shows that, as of Friday 10th July, Spain has 1,034 confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) virus, and two people have now died after being taken ill. The second death was a 41 year old man who died on Thursday afternoon after being admitted to Intensive Care in the Doctor Negrín Hospital on Gran Canaria. He died after complications set in following his admittance on 5th July, and is understood to have had underlying health problems.

The first person to die in Spain was a 20 year old Moroccan woman in Madrid. Surgeons managed to save the life of her unborn baby with a Caesarian section, who it was later confirmed was born free of the virus.

Of the new cases reported in recent days, one is a 52 year old woman under treatment in the Hospital La Fe in Valencia who is one of nine people who are seriously ill with the virus. The patient, was admitted with respiratory problems on Thursday night and was moved to Intensive Care on Friday with viral pneumonia in both her lungs. She was confirmed as having the virus on Saturday. The woman is reported to have a previous condition of high blood pressure.

More Spanish cases were reported in Belgium this weekend, where three Spanish children are amongst a number of confirmed cases at a summer camp in Lieja, in the east of Belgium. EFE reports two of the Spanish students were already carrying the virus when they arrived in the country.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22291.shtml

[Kassy]

'Mistake kills flu baby' in Spain

A baby born prematurely to the first woman in Spain to die of swine flu has also died after a glaring medical error, a hospital director has said.

The baby boy was born by Caesarean section on 29 June just hours before his mother, Dalila Mimouni, died.

Doctors said the baby, Rayan, did not have swine flu and he seemed to be doing well despite being premature.

But he has now died after an elementary feeding error by a member of staff, said the hospital's managing director.

Antonio Barba told a news conference that on Sunday night the child was fed intravenously instead of through a gastric tube.

The mistake was detected about an hour later, and doctors battled through the night to try to save the child by cleaning his blood.

But Rayan died just after midday on Monday, said Mr Barba, managing director of the Gregorio Maranon hospital in Madrid.

Mr Barba said the error was "very grave negligence and there is no excuse for it.

"The hospital assumes all responsibility, both human and financial, although we know there is no making up for something like this," he said.

Mr Barba said the nurse who made the error was working on the unit for the first time and her supervisor was temporarily absent.

Legal action

Dalila Mimouni, Rayan's 20-year-old Moroccan mother, died of respiratory illness caused by swine flu on 30 June.

She died just hours after Rayan was delivered by emergency Caesarean section two months before his due date.

The case had gripped the Spanish media.

Mimouni's bereaved husband had already announced his intention to take legal action against two hospitals, including Gregorio Maranon, after his wife's complaints of feeling unwell were repeatedly dismissed before she was finally diagnosed, reports El Pais newspaper.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8148715.stm

[flourbug]

tragic.

[CanadaSue]

Tragic doesn't begin to cover it. I can't imagine the level of sheer idiocy & incompetence required to make this basic an error. And as a former RN, believe you me - this was so basic as to be unfathomable.

[Kassy]

Eighth Swine Flu death in Spain

The 35 year old woman had an underlying health condition and was admitted to hospital on Sunday

A 35 year old woman who died from acute respiratory problems this Tuesday has become Spain’s eighth victim of the A(H1N1) virus and the first to have succumbed to the new flu in Cataluña.

The un-named patient died shortly after 1pm at the Josep Trueta Hospital in Girona, where she was transferred on Sunday after being seen by doctors at the hospital in Blanes.

She lived in Lloret de Mar and is understood to have had a serious underlying health problem. The Generalitat’s department of health is now studying the role the virus could have played in the progression of the medical condition which caused the patient’s death.

El Mundo meanwhile reports a third serious case in the region, a 31 year old man with no previous health problems, who has been in Intensive Care at the hospital in Sant Pau since 28th July. His condition is serious, but stable. The two other cases are in the Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona and the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona.

Two other serious cases under ICU treatment in Barcelona and Tarragona have recently been moved out of Intensive Care.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22636.shtml

[Kassy]

Spain now also has a hotline & website for flu screening:

Friday, 07 August 2009
Swine flu hotline

News Staff Reporter
REGIONAL health officials have announced that a free 24-hour telephone service has been set up for anyone who thinks they may be suffering from swine flu .

Those who think they may have symptoms can call the hotline number on 900 100 355 to get a diagnosis. The hotline can deal with up to 500 calls per hour.

In addition, people can go online to www.san.gva.es where they can answer a simple questionnaire which will tell them if they have swine flu symptoms or not.

Health councillor, Manuel Cervera, said the website provides information on how to prevent, treat and act against the virus.

He warned that the number of cases are expected to rise in the autumn.

Sr Cervera also added that the programme for issuing the anti-viral drug Tamiflu would begin as soon as the vaccination programme against normal flu has been completed.

http://www.costa-news.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3464&Itemid=1

[Kassy]

First child victim of Swine Flu virus in Spain

Aug 18, 2009


The 11 year old boy is the third death on the Canary Islands and the 12th in Spain

An 11 year old boy has become the first child victim of the A(H1N1) virus in Spain, and the country’s twelfth death from the new flu. He died on Monday evening at the Hospital Materno Infantil on Gran Canaria and is understood to have had a serious underlying health condition. The boy was admitted to hospital on 7th August and transferred to Intensive Care on Thursday last week, where he died at 7.45 on Monday evening.

He is the third patient to have died from the Swine Flu virus on the Canary Islands, and the regional government’s health department have confirmed to Canarias 7 newspaper that there are seven currently patients in Intensive Care Units on the islands confirmed as having the virus. Health councillor, Mercedes Roldós, said six of them have an underlying health condition. The seventh patient, a young woman, does not.

She said there are no plans to delay the start of the school year on the islands, as Spain’s Health Minister, Trinidad Jiménez, has also said for the country as a whole. The Minister has not, however, ruled out closing schools should the situation worsen and gave the average infection rate in Spain as 33 cases for every 100,000 people, much lower she said than in the UK, France or in Belgium.

She announced on Monday that normal flu vaccinations are to be brought forward this year to September.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_22754.shtml

[Kassy]

Swine flu arrives to Almeria

First three Swine Flue fatalities in Andalucia in one weekend

TWO people have been admitted to an Almeria hospital infected by the deadly Swine Flu virus. Over the past week it seems the dreaded Swine Flu has arrived in Andalucia, which was one of the regions of Spain with the least cases reported, and until recently, the only one that had not registered any fatalities.

Three women died in Andalucia of Swine Flu over the past weekend. The deaths occurred in the provinces of Sevilla, Granada and Cadiz, and all three victims are said to have been suffering from other pre-existing conditions. The total number of Swine Flu deaths in Spain is now 16, after another person died in Madrid on Monday August 24. There are also confirmed cases in the provinces of Almeria, Huelva, Jaen, and Malaga.

The Junta de Andalucia’s Health Minister, Maria Jesus Montero, has announced that the season flu vaccinations will be brought forward a week with the objective of freeing up valuable hospital resources in anticipation for the expected increase in cases of Swine Flu towards the end of September. She has also appealed for calm following the reports of the three fatalities over the weekend.

Montero confirmed that infection rates in Andalucia (23.7 cases per 100,000 people) remain below the national rate (32 cases per 100,000 people). Nevertheless she has not ruled out additional measures should they be required, like increases in staffing levels or suspension of staff holidays.

So far the United Kingdom, with 61 dead, is the only European country that exceeds Spain’s Swine Flu death toll.

On August 25 the Spanish government’s main opposition party, the PP, demanded that swine flu vaccinations be administered to the majority of the Spanish population and not just 40 per cent as it had planned.

http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2009082562693/news/costa-de-almeria/swine-flu-arrives-to-almeria.html

[CanadaSue]

About half of people admitted to ICU [intensive care units] in hospitals for severe complications of influenza A [i.e. pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 virus] had no risk factor or disease, according to a study conducted in 21 Spanish hospitals. The study, presented on the website of the medical journal Critical Care [see below] is the largest ever conducted in Europe on influenza cases requiring intensive care. Their findings contradict one of the messages on influenza A released by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health, which have repeatedly reported that patients with influenza A cases had previous health problems.

The findings contain important messages for both the general population and for health authorities and medical intensivists. For the general population, there is an appeal to healthy people without risk factors to avoid falling prey to overconfidence in regard to influenza A. Although the vast majority of those affected will overcome the flu without complications, a small percentage will have pneumonia and should be hospitalized.

"The natural symptoms of the disease are usually 3 or 4 days of fever,
generally over 38 C with a steady improvement in the following days. But a minority of patients, around the 4th or 5th day, get worse," reports Jordi Rello, head of the intensive care unit of Tarragona Joan XXIII Hospital and coordinator of the study. Therefore, if a sufferer experiences breathing difficulties after contracting the flu, they should seek medical attention urgently, but the main point of the study is that no risk factors or diseases have made them particularly vulnerable.

Looking to health authorities, the study indicates that efforts to contain influenza A should not be limited to prevent disease and to address mild cases in primary care but also to meet serious cases in ICUs. It is estimated that only 0.2 percent of patients suffer serious complications, according to a calculation based on the experience of Britain. This means that for every million affected, 2000 suffer complications, a figure that may overwhelm the capacity of the ICU departments.

Although the virus primarily affects the lungs, 75 percent of patients
arriving at the ICU in a few days develop multi-organ syndromes. "I had never seen this type of pneumonia in the 25 years I've been practising," says Rello.

The study results confirm that obesity and pregnancy are risk factors for serious complications. The average age of patients in ICU for influenza A is 40 years, of which about 25 percent die.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Mary Marshall

[The title and abstract of the article in the journal Critical Care
referred to in the above report are the following:

"Title: Intensive care adult patients with severe respiratory failure caused by Influenza A (H1N1)v in Spain By: Jordi Rello, Alejandro Rodriguez, Pedro Ibanez, Lorenzo Socias, Javier Cebrian, Asuncion Marques, Jose Guerrero, Sergio Ruiz-Santana, Enrique Marquez, Frutos del Nogal-Saez, Francisco Alvarez- Lerma, Sergio Martinez, Miquel Ferrer, Manuel Avellanas, Rosa Granada, Enrique Maravi-Poma, Patricia Albert, Rafael Sierra, Loreto Vidaur, Patricia Ortiz, Isidro Prieto del Portillo, Beatriz Galvan, Cristobal Leon-Gil and The H1N1 SEMICYUC working group.

Reference: Critical Care 2009, 13:R148doi:10.1186/cc8044
<http://ccforum.com/content/13/5/R148/abstract>.

Abstract:

Introduction

Patients with influenza A (H1N1)v [pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 virus] infection have developed rapidly progressive lower respiratory tract disease resulting in respiratory failure. We describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of the 1st 32 persons reported to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to influenza A (H1N1)v infection in Spain.

Methods

We used medical chart reviews to collect data on ICU adult patients
reported in a standardized form. Influenza A (H1N1)v infection was confirmed in specimens using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT PCR) assay.

Results

Illness onset of the 32 patients occurred between 23 Jun and 31 Jul 2009. The median age was 36 years (IQR=31-52). Ten (31.2 percent) were obese, 2 (6.3 percent) pregnant and 16 (50 percent) had pre-existing medical complications. 29 (90.6 percent) had primary viral pneumonitis, 2 (6.3 percent) exacerbation of structural respiratory disease and one (3.1 percent) secondary bacterial pneumonia. 24 patients (75.0 percent) developed multiorgan dysfunction, 7 (21.9 percent) received renal replacement techniques and 24 (75.0 percent) required mechanical ventilation. Six patients died within 28 days, with 2 additional late deaths. Oseltamivir administration delay ranged from 2 to 8 days after illness onset, 31.2 percent received high-dose (300mg/day), and treatment duration ranged from 5 to 10 days (mean 8.0 + 3.3).

Conclusions

Over a 5-week period, influenza A (H1N1)v infection led to ICU admission in 32 adult patients, with frequently observed severe hypoxemia and a relatively high case-fatality rate. Clinicians should be aware of pulmonary complications of influenza A (H1N1)v infection, particularly in pregnant and young obese but previously healthy persons."

It is not clear why experience should differ in this respect in Spain in comparison with comparable countries such as the UK and elsewhere.
Comment would be welcomed. - Mod.CP]


http://promedmail.oracle.com/pls/otn/f?p=2400:1001:4422440571253525::NO::F2400_P1001_BA CK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,79228

[Kassy]

Up to half of prison staff could be off with swine flu this winter

SWINE flu could lead to around 30 per cent of staff in prisons off sick this winter, studies have revealed. And in the already overcrowded Fontcalent jail in Alicante, the prison governing board believes this could rise to up to half of the workforce.

The prison workers’ union CSI-F in Alicante complains that this will result in total chaos in the city’s jail. Representatives say no extra provisions have been made to deal with this issue if it arises. The problem will be particularly exacerbated by the fact that 25 trainee prison wardens who have completed their course are due to leave in the next few months, and no others will be taken on at Fontcalent until next year.

Initially, prison staff were included on the list of high-risk workers who would be entitled to a voluntary AH1N1 virus vaccination, but within days of this measure being approved, they were excluded from the criteria. And with jails across Spain facing a possible 30 per cent cut in their workforce due to swine flu over the winter, it is likely that the workforces in other industries will be affected by up to a similar percentage.

http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2009091864165/news/costa-blanca/up-to-half-of-prison-staff-could-be-off-with-swine-flu-this-winter.html

[Kassy]

Schools to pay

Swine flu hygiene measures to come from budget

25-9

SCHOOLS in the Valencia Region have been told by education chief Alejandro Font de Mora that they must pay for all of the items they use as part of their anti-swine flu hygiene measures.

This means already cash-strapped schools will have to fork out for antiseptic soaps and wipes as well as tissues so students can regularly wash their hands during the school day to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus.

Experts say the cost to most schools will be around 20 per cent of the budget they receive each year from the education authority.

Sr Font de Mora's announcement comes just weeks after he said that material needed to fight the spread of swine flu would be distributed to schools soon but since then, all that had been issued is an informative guide that schools have to download from the internet.

In what is being seen as a complete turnaround by the education authorities, regional education secretary, Concha Gómez, sent out a letter telling all schools in the public sector that the purchase of materials for hygiene purposes must be made using existing funds and that the material must conform to that recommended by the health authorities.

Public schools across the region have reacted with surprise at the decision.

They say the school term started on September 8 and they have been waiting for the necessary materials to arrive only to be told almost two weeks later that they have to buy it themselves.

For many, finding the cash to fund anti-swine flu measures will be difficult but headteachers have said they will do all they can to keep pupils safe and provide them with the resources they need.

It has been estimated it will cost infant and primary schools around 1,000 euros a quarter to provide the materials.

http://www.costa-news.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3794&Itemid=1

[Kassy]

Swine Flu claims its third victim in Málaga

The Health Minister has confirmed the first vaccines have now arrived in Spain

A woman who had been in the Intensive Care unit of Málaga City’s Hospital Clínico for the past month died on Tuesday morning after falling victim to the H1N1 virus, the third person to have succumbed to the new flu in the province.

She is understood to have been 46 years and, unlike the first two victims, did not suffer an underlying health condition.

The Swine Flu virus was confirmed after she was admitted to the hospital on 13th September, and the provincial health department have told the EFE news agency that she failed to respond to treatment.

The latest information on the current situation from Spain’s Health Ministry puts the number of victims in the country, as of Thursday, 1st October, as 42.

The Health Minister, Trinidad Jiménez, meanwhile announced this Wednesday that the first vaccines for the A flu have now arrived in Spain and are expected to be administered from the first fortnight of November.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_23374.shtml

[Kassy]

Spain's 120th swine flu victim

A 37-YEAR-OLD man from Valencia has died in La Fe Hospital, becoming the 120th victim of swine flu in Spain, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Politics. He was admitted to hospital on November 16, already suffering from a serious cold. His situation gradually worsened and he died of a cardiogenic shock. However, he was obese, a smoker and suffered from a prior heart disease, putting him a greater risk from the virus.

http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2009112568125/news/costa-blanca/spains-120th-swine-flu-victim.html

[Kassy]

Criminal investigation in Valencia into death of two children from Swine Flu virus

The Patients' Ombudsman believes the doctors who sent them home without testing for the virus could be guilty of negligence

The prosecution service in Valencia has ordered a criminal investigation for possible medical negligence over the deaths of two young children in Carlet, Valencia province, and Torrevieja, Alicante. It follows a complaint from the Patients’ Ombudsman alleging that both youngsters died from the H1N1 virus after they were taken to their local health centres with high temperatures and difficulties in breathing.

Europa Press reports that the boys, aged 6 and 8, were both sent home after being seen by doctors without any testing for the virus having taken place. The Ombudsman’s complaint notes that these are not only cases in Spain where proper health protocols have not been followed.

The regional health department opened its own investigation into the two cases earlier this month.

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24141.shtml

[Kassy]

Swine flu being seen less and less in Malaga province

MALAGA - ACCORDING to the Provincial Health Delegation, swine flu has not left the province, but it is being seen less and less. In the first week of January, there were only 65 cases per 100,000 inhabitant, a long way off the 325 cases registered in November. Health Care professionals have said that they can’t let their guard down, in case there is a sudden rise in cases, but at the moment they feel confident that it has backed off for now.

The drop in cases coincided, surprisingly enough, with the period of cold and rains, but it seems that vaccination has helped and even those at most risk have not suffered.

In England, a new statistical bulletin from the Chief Medical Officer, published on January 21, showed that swine flu cases are down, but deaths and serious illness remain a concern. Over the Christmas and New Year period, new cases of swine flu in England fell to their lowest level since the early stages of the disease in the United Kingdom.

However, patients continue to be hospitalised and admitted to critical care facilities, although these numbers are falling off. Deaths attributable to swine flu are still also occurring. The swine flu vaccination programme slowed over the holiday period, but all groups prioritised to have the vaccine are continuing to take it up.

http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2010012771803/news/costa-del-sol/swine-flu-being-seen-less-and-less-in-malaga-province.html