# 3131
While the A/H1N1 virus has captured most of our attention these past couple of weeks, the H5N1 bird flu virus continues to be a major problem in many places around the world.
The threat of a bird flu pandemic is not diminished by the emergence of this `swine flu’ strain.
Indonesia hasn’t officially reported any cases of human H5N1 infection this year, but news reports paint a far different picture.
The official policy of the Indonesian government is to withhold timely release of information on their avian influenza problems.
It is, they say, bad for business. Particularly tourism.
Luckily the press, and blogs like The Bird Flu Information Corner – a joint endeavor between Kobe University in Japan and the Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Indonesia – are keeping their eyes on the bird flu situation.
Today they have a report on more suspect cases of human infection appearing in Porongo, Indonesia. The map below shows the approximate location of the villages affected.
Ponorogo, East Java ::: More bird flu suspects found
May 5, 2009
Ponorogo – Bird flu outbreak in Ponorogo is continuing. Last week three residents of Dusun Ploso Rejo, Desa Kemiri, Kecamatan Jenangan, stated as bird flu suspect patients. Now Dusun Tumpuk – the next village – stated as bird flu endemic area. Dozens of people are reported to have high fever after several chickens found suddenly died this week.
Some of the victims are treated intensively at Hardjono hospital, Ponorogo. One of the patients, Bibit (65) is reported decreasing body condition. “She was treated at local public health center, but her condition was worsening”, said Saitun, patien’s relative.
Initial examination showed that victim had H5N1-like infection, such as high fever over 38℃ or also known as ILI (influenza-like-illness). This suggestion is made because symptoms also accompanied with history of died chicken around the neighborhood.
“Currently, three patients are showing symptoms. They’re now treated at special unit”, said Wiwik, Widiastuti, Head of Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) Health Service Ponorogo.
Further test to dead chicken samples around the area showed positive H5N1 infection. “From the chicken sample test, we indicate patients as bird flu suspect”, added Wiwik.
Control measures have been taken by officials assisted by locals, such as disinfection, burning and buried dead chickens, and keeping chickens in cage.
This isn’t the only recent report out of Indonesia. Others recently posted on The Bird Flu Information Corner include:
Pekan Baru, Riau ::: A girl dies of lung infection.
May 5, 2009Cianjur, West Java ::: Dozens of chickens died. Two children hospitalized.
May 5, 2009
There are a great many other pathogens endemic in that region of the world that could produce `bird flu’ like symptoms. Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria . . . even seasonal flu, could be to blame here.
The positive tests for H5N1 in chickens in the area, however, arouse suspicion.
Given the reluctance of the Indonesian government to share information regarding human infections with the H5N1 virus, it may be some time before we learn if any of these suspect cases actually have the avian flu virus.
Thanks to the BFIC, we have a not-so-gentle reminder that we can’t risk taking our eyes off the sparrow, and the chicken, and the duck that might be carrying the H5N1 virus.
