# 2985
We continue to see an (almost daily) parade of suspect bird flu cases reported in the local media. Most of these cases, undoubtedly, will turn out to be something other than bird flu, as there are a great many pathogens that can mimic bird flu, particularly early in an illness.
Some, however, are probably genuine H5N1 infections. Telling which are which continues to be a challenge.
The Indonesian Health Ministry (Depkes) remains silent on the number of human infections in 2009. Representatives of Komnas, the Indonesian National Bird Commission, have spoken of at least 6 fatalities (see Coping With Case Counts) this year.
The real number is anyone’s guess.
We often get news reports, like the one from February stating that 3 paramedics were in critical condition and in isolation (see Indonesia: Health Care Workers Quarantined) after treating a bird flu patient (who died) . . . but never get any follow up.
We’ve no idea of their fate, or if they ever tested positive for the virus.
The list of suspected-but-never-heard-of-again cases out of Indonesia is a long and frustrating one.
Undaunted, newshounds continue to find, translate, and post news reports as they appear. Some of these we will find out about, perhaps days, weeks, or months from now.
The Bird Flu Information Corner – a joint endeavor between Kobe University, Japan and Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Indonesia – continues to be one of our best sources of information out of Indonesia.
Today Ida at the BFIC has several updates, including a negative test result and a new suspect case.
First, a toddler from West Sumatra in isolation, awaiting tests.
Padang, West Sumatera ::: 1,8-year-old suspect under treatment
April 7, 2009Padang, West Sumatera ::: 1,8-year-old suspect under treatment
Padang, West Sumatera – Fitria Oktaviani (F), 1,8-year-old toddler is treated at internal medicine isolation unit, M. Jamil public hospital, Padang. Patient is resident of Timpa I Pinang Makmur Kecamatan Sawalunto Sijunjung, Kabupaten Dharmasraya.
Fitria is treated at M. Djamil hospital since Sunday (5/4) around 5 pm after developed high fever, coughing and breathing problem. “She has been sick for one week. We have brough her to public health center but there was no improvement”, said Ngatiman, 35, Fitri’s father. Public health center suggested Fitri to be treated at M. Djamil hospital.
“She’s recovering. She can play with her mother at the isolation unit. We’re still waiting test result from Jakarta”, said Ngatiman.
Although she recovers, Fitri is still equipped by oxygen tank and infusion set. Her mother, Marasiah, should wear special clothes to visit her daughter at the isolation unit.
Source: Indonesia local newspaper, Padang Kini
In another story, two suspect patients apparently left Hasan Sadikin hospital against medical advice. The hospital won’t attempt to return them since they `tested negative’.
Exactly what type of `negative test’ was involved wasn’t stated.
Bandung, West Java ::: Patients tested negative according to hospital
April 7, 2009Bandung, West Java ::: Patients tested negative according to hospital
Bandung, West Java – Two bird flu suspected patient treated at Hasan Sadikin hospital (RSHS) decided to return home without hospital admission on Monday (6/4). This is mentioned by Cissy Kartasasmita, director of RSHS Bandung. Faisal, one of the patient took his son Agus and left the hospital around lunch hour when officers and paramedics were resting. “We won’t seek for them. The laboratory have stated negative to the patients. If they had been tested positive, we would have run after them”, said CIssy.
And the beat goes on . . .
