Newsletter
Reviewed by Dr L Webber FEBRUARY 2006
AVIAN INFLUENZA -UP TO 28 FEBRUARY 2006
Spread to Western Europe:
The H5N1 highly pathogenic bird ‘flu strain is continuing its global onslaught and has recently spread to
the following bird populations and regions, namely:
· To a large turkey farm in Eastern France;
· Has returned to the Cambodian region where dead ducks have been found;
· Three more birds have died in Hong Kong;
· Has swept through Austria, Aberbaijan, Denmark, Hungary, India, Italy Greece,
Slovenia;
· Another dead duck has just been reported in a lake just outside Geneva, Switzerland;
· Has spread to three German provinces;
· Has been found in Iran and Iraq;
· Was recently reported in Nigeria;
· And on the TV news this morning (28 February 2006), has now been reported in Niger.
This deadly virus is highly contagious amongst poultry
and can spread through an entire flock within hours. It
remains difficult for humans to catch this bird 'flu strain
but has killed to date more than 90 people worldwide. Experts do however say it is safe to eat cooked poultry
meat. The virus has spread from Asia to Africa and experts fear poultry in more regions around the world
could soon be infected.
A transmission electron micrograph, taken at a magnification of 150 000x, reveals the ultrastructural
details of an avian influenza A (H5N1) virion, a type of bird flu virus.
LANCET DESK TOP PUBLISHING JHB +27 11 358-0798
What is happening in South Africa?
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has provided guidelines entitled Screening
Procedure for Suspected Cases of Imported Avian Influenza (H5N1) in
South Africa. These state clearly that the suspected cases
must meet their criteria and a Outbreak hotline is available at
082 883 9920 24 hours a day. Certain organizations have started to put together a
strategy approach for their employees and clients. Infection Control Departments at certain hospitals have
also organized protocols for the management of such suspected cases.
Testing for H5N1:
The NICD serves as a WHO reference laboratory for outbreak and surveillance purposes. Lancet Laboratories
will be working in close collaboration with the NICD. An H5 PCR test is also available and the specimen of
choice must a DRY THROAT SWAB. This must be the specimen as it will minimize laboratory staff contact
with the potentially contagious specimen. Request for respiratory viruses will still follow the route
of direct detection and culture in the Virology Department. Specimens can be a throat or nasal swab,
respiratory fluids and possible tissue. The nasopharyngeal aspirate is the gold standard specimen
for culture and detection. The viral respiratory panel tests
for adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza A and B viruses and parainfluenza viruses
types1, 2 and 3.
A PCR for human influenza virus is now available specific for H5N1 at the PCR Department. The specimen
of choice is the dry throat swab. .
Contact details:
For advice regarding the viruses please contact:
Dr Lynne Webber - (011) 358- 0800.
For PCR advice please contact:
Dr Tsilimigras - (011) 358- 0745.
For the Virology Department please contact:
Ms Toni Taubin - (011) 358- 0881.
FEBRUARY UPDATE FEB 2006.CDR |
