First topic message reminder :

Health Ministry: Bulgaria is facing a nationwide H1N1 crisis

Sofia echo Wed, Oct 28 2009

Bulgaria is facing a nationwide H1N1 pandemic that could potentially affect as much as half the population, according to the Health Ministry.

Medical authorities, however, have refrained from dispatching an all-out warning because the "
threshold"
needed for that to happen is 200 people infected in every 10 000 although the situation is slowly but irreversibly deteriorating across Bulgaria.

The worst affected regions in the country are Yambol, Shoumen, Pleven, Lovech, Bourgas and Gabrovo, with big cities like Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna also registering increasing cases of the new influenza, according to Dr Angel Kunchev from the contagious diseases department in the Health Ministry, quoted by Dnevnik daily.

An emergency "
holiday"
was introduced in schools in Tryavna on October 28 with as many as 250 students potentially affected, by either swine flu or its seasonal equivalent.

"
Because the town is small, the community is tight and contacts are intense and frequent, we advise people to abstain from any unnecessary interaction at all cost,"
Kunchev told Dnevnik.

"
Six students are confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 virus in Tryavna, which is enough because in such circumstances, it is the dominant virus that usually affects the others in 90 per cent of the cases, and H1N1 is definitely the dominant one in this case"
.

Meanwhile, in Yambol, the situation was significantly worse in the secondary school of mathematics where 247 "
confirmed and tangibly sick children"
carried on attending classes and interacting with fellow pupils in spite of their condition.

"
We have 247 out of 800 students confirmed sick, and they still came to school. We kept telling people that, should they experience the virus, they should remain at home and avoid contact,"
Kunchev said.

"
We uphold the advice from the World Health Organisation that whenever someone displays symptoms of flu, regardless if its seasonal flu, it should be regarded as swine flu and extreme precautionary measures should be implemented,"
he said.

[size=75:hhj3fbw1]novinite 16 March 2010

Bulgaria Reacts to Romanian Bird Flu Outbreak

Bulgaria's Minister of Agriculture has ordered the National Veterinary Service to monitor an outbreak of avian flu in neighboring Romania.

Minister Miroslav Naydenov has announced that the National Veterinary &
Medical Service (NVMS) will tighten controls at its regional centers, and will take all measures necessary to monitor and limit the spread of the virus.

The veterinarians have also been alerted to the risk of transmission across to Bulgaria by migratory and wild birds.

Romania has confirmed the outbreak in the village of Letea, in the southeastern Tulcea region, where almost 50 dead birds were found on two farms.

Laboratory tests have confirmed that the strain is the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type H5N1.

All birds on the farms will be slaughtered, and a 6-km protective zone will be set up, within a wider, 20-km "
high risk"
zone.

This is the first confirmed case of bird flu in the European Union since March 2009, when the virus was discovered in Germany.


[size=75:hhj3fbw1]AlertNet 16 March 2010

BRUSSELS/BUCHAREST, March 16 (Reuters) - Romania has identified an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm close to Ukraine and enforced a 20 km-wide surveillance zone around it, the European Union's executive said on Tuesday.

The outbreak of the H5N1 virus in the commune of Letea near the Ukrainian border is on a key migratory pathway for wild birds, which could aid its spread.

"
Romania's national laboratory confirmed yesterday that the outbreak concerns the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza,"
the European Commission said in a statement.

"
In order to limit the spread of the virus, the Romanian authorities applied immediately the necessary control measures,"
it added.

While scarce media attention has been paid in the last year to H5N1, there have been outbreaks of the disease in birds and it has killed people in China, Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam.

This is the first case detected in Europe since it was found in a wild duck in Germany a year ago.

Even though H5N1 transmission between people is weak, experts say it is still a risk, especially if it mixes with the now dominant H1N1 swine flu virus. Such a hybrid may then be deadly and more easily transmitted among people.

All birds in the farm have been slaughtered and now a 6 km-wide protection zone must be enforced around it, surrounded by a 20 km-wide "
high risk"
surveillance zone with strict movement controls.

"
British tests to confirm the disease are under way at the reference laboratory in Britain,"
Marian Zlotea, head of Romania's national sanitary-veterinary authority, told Reuters.

"
We are talking about a very small peasant farm, situated in a very isolated area ... and two hens. Probably the strain has been brought by migratory birds,"
Zlotea added.

Romania's geography increases the risk of the virus spreading. It lies on the Via Pontica migratory route, which wild birds use to fly north from Africa to Scandinavia and Siberia in the spring.

Romania was the first country in Europe to detect the H5N1 virus in September 2005 and a year later it contained the disease. By then it had spread from Asia across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Last month, a Vietnamese poultry worker died from bird flu, the country's first fatality from the virus this year. Vietnam has confirmed 114 human H5N1 infections since 2003, 58 of them fatal. (Editing by Dale Hudson and Anthony Barker)

[size=55:2d1hx76x]novinite

Dead Bird Found near Bulgaria's Varna Positive for Avian Flu

Bulgaria's Agriculture Ministry announced Thursday that the tests of a dead bird found near the Black Sea city of Varna came out positive for avian flu, H5N1.

The tests have been conducted by the Lab of the National Veterinary Services.

There are no known other cases of avian flu in the region nevertheless the authorities have ordered preventive measures.

In the beginning of the week the Varna regional lab also tested the bird found dead in the St. Konstantin and Elena resort near Varna. The test showed positive results for the H5N1 virus.

The European Commission has been notified.

The internet site of the National Veterinary Services [url=http:
//www.
nvms.
government.
bg:2d1hx76x][You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] has published phone numbers for citizens to alert about suspicions of avian flu.

[size=55:30a3t4vo]novinite

Bulgaria Silistra Bans Bird Markets over Avian Flu Alert

The egional veterinary office in Bulgaria's Danube city of Silistra has banned all bird exhibits and open markets over the threat of avian flu.

The restrictions come on the heels of a Thursday announcement that tests have shown a dead bird, found in the St. Konstantin and Elena resort near the Black Sea city of Varna, has tested positive for avian flu (H5N1 virus).

On Thursday, a dead river gull has been found in a yard in Silistra and sent to the Lab at the National Veterinary Institute in Sofia. Results are expected in two other cases of dead birds a pheasant and a pigeon found in Silistra and the nearby town of Tutrakan.

The measures also come as a result of the announced avian flu outbreak in neighbouring Romania.

[size=55:3ngcu76t]novinite

One Swine Flu Death Case Registered in Bulgaria

One person died from swine flu (AH1N1) in Bulgaria 2-3 weeks ago, the national consultant in epidemiology, Mira Kozhuharova, has announced.

According to Kozhuharova, three people have been registered with swine flu so far and one of them has died. The two other infected are in good condition.

She pointed out that the cases have been confirmed laboratory, but she refused to name the city, in which the person has died.

“Bulgaria is so small and we travel so often that it does not matter the city where the dead came from. The fact that the virus has been proved means that it circulates among the Bulgarian society, as everywhere else in the Northern Hemisphere,” Kozhuharova said.

In her words, there are no reasons for announcing epidemics in Bulgaria and further measures will be taken as soon as this happens. However, she noted that the virus is circulating throughout most of the European countries.

Kozhuharova also warned about two other viruses, Brisbane and Perth, which were expected to hit Bulgaria at the end of the year and the beginning of 2011.

“There are death cases in every flu epidemics. However, we are not talking about a plague, but rather for a regular human influenza, which carried the same risks as other types of flu,” the consultant said.

She has explained that there are enough vaccines in the pharmacies, which cover the three subtypes of the flu. They cost between BGN 12-15.

Several people died at the end of last year during the swine flu epidemics in Bulgaria. However, the victims worldwide were thousands.

The past few years have seen some really nasty flu viruses and let's hope that medical authorities throughout the world get to grips with it. It is worrying for the very young and also retired folk.

Your right about that itchyfeet but don't you think that sometimes the authorities either act too late or they don't act at all, I do worry that its a bit like the billy goat and one day when they mean what they say no one will listen

[size=55:ygixxpeg]novinite

Flu epidemic expected in Bulgaria in January - official

Bulgaria will be hit by a flu epidemic in January 2011, according to Professor Bogdan Petrounov, director of the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, as reported by Focus news agency on January 4 2011.

According to Petrounov, there is currently an increase in recorded flu cases in the country. It is too early, however, to talk of an epidemic. In order for such to be declared by the medical authorities, the cases of infection must reach the benchmark of 200 for 10 000 people. At the moment they are at about 70 people for every 10 000.

Bulgaria will be attacked by the now familiar and notorious Swine Flu or H1N1 virus, which will be accompanied by another virus, the so called Perth virus, identified for the first time in Perth, Australia.

The Bulgarian Academy of Science head of microbiology, Angel Galabov, has said that the virus is "
lighter"
than Swine Flu, and will circulate in the country for the second consecutive year. The Perth H3N2 virus is expected to peak at the end of 2010.

The flu in Bulgaria is expected to peak in January because people’s immune system is lower and their 'traditional' food diet is altered, Petrounov told Focus.

"
Swine Flu will be the most active strain this season. Like last year, it will be most dangerous for younger people, because they react more wildly to the infection. Additionally, it will also be very risky for the elderly – people aged 65-75,"
Petrounov said.

think they just want to sell vaccines and thus create artificial threats, just ignore them, but not blindly, use your common sense and protect yourself, get medical insurance, avoid risk behavior and drink quality whiskey, it always helps.

[size=55:j0ym510m]novinite

S. Korea battles bird flu, foot-and-mouth

South Korea confirmed three new cases of bird flu on Sunday as the outbreak that began last month further hits farmers who are also battling the nation's worst-ever outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, AFP reports.
The agriculture ministry confirmed three new cases of the highly contagious virus at duck farms in the south western county of Yeongam, bringing the total number of cases to seven since December 31.
At least 396,000 chickens, ducks and other birds have been or will be culled, the agriculture ministry said on its website, as the fresh cases were reported after a week-long pause.
Health authorities have placed quarantine zones around nearby areas to carry out emergency disinfection on people and vehicles, especially those transporting animal feed.
South Korea has been hit by avian influenza three times, with the last outbreak in April 2008.
The renewed bird flu scare came as farmers and health authorities struggle to curtail the country's worst-ever outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which shows few signs of abating.
Seoul on Sunday confirmed two new cases of the disease at a pig farm in the south eastern county of Bongwha and a cattle farm at the mid western county of Cheongwon.
A total of 108 cases have been confirmed since the first outbreak on November 29, leading to the record slaughter of at least 948,000 cattle and pigs in 40 cities and counties.

From Novinite

Swine Flu Claims First Victim in Romania

Swine flu has claimed one dead in Romania and one in Bulgaria.
Swine flu claimed its first victim in Romania for this year, the local authorities have announced.

A 60-year-old man died Sunday night in the hospital in the city of Iasi, about 320 km north-east of Bucharest.

The man had recently returned from Egypt and he started developing the symptoms shortly after that.

At present, there are two confirmed cases of people infected with the A(H1N1) virus in Romania. Last year, 122 people died from the virus in the country.

One person died from swine flu in Bulgaria in December 2010.

[size=55:2ad1whzb]novinite

Flu epidemic declared in district of Sofia



Sofia. A flu epidemic will be declared in the district of Sofia, Bulgarian Ministry of Healthcare announced.
The sick rate in the region exceeds 300 in 10,000 people. On Wednesday the flu epidemic could be declared in the south western municipalities of Petrich and Blagoevgrad.
People from any age group, but most frequently children and youths, have fallen ill. The flu is taking a light and fairly serious course.

From Novinite

Flu Epidemic Threatens 3 Bulgarian Cities

Flu epidemic was declared in Sofia.
Bulgaria's Health Ministry has declared flu epidemic in the region of Sofia, as of Tuesday, and in the cities of Blagoevgrad and Petrich, as of Wednesday.

The number of sick people in the Sofia region has exceeded 300 per 10,000. People from all age groups have been infected, the biggest number being in kids and teenagers. The disease has been found to occur in a mild and moderate form.

Severe measures have been introduced in schools, in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The ministry has announced that if 25% of the students are absent, a flu break could be declared until the end of the epidemic.

So far, the absent students in nine schools in the Sofia region are more than 25%. However, the percentage in Blagoevgrad and Petrich is about 18-22% and no flu break is expected.

From Novinite


Southwestern Bulgaria and Sofia declare flu epidemic

Regions in southwest Bulgaria have declared a flu epidemic because of the drastic rise in cases of people suffering from respiratory problems, Dnevnik daily reported on January 18 2011.

The city of Blagoevgrad, and the town of Petrich near the Koulata-Promachon border crossing point with Greece, have both declared a flu epidemic. This will come into effect on January 19 2011.

Those most affected by the strain are children aged 5-14, followed by youngsters aged 15-29. Pupils who are not attending school at the moment on account of illness currently account for 18-22 per cent of the total number, depending on the institution. Schools have taken necessary "
preemptive and preventative measures"
, but will not shut doors because of the epidemic, regardless.

The report does not mention the H1N1 strain, otherwise known as swine flu in this particular case, although cases of swine flu are not excluded. It is believed that the main culprit in Blagoevgrad and Petrich is the seasonal winter flu, which, according to medical officials, was expected to peak in Bulgaria in the second half of January.

Hospitals and clinics in the affected areas will not stage consultations, immunisations or visits until further notice.

A flu epidemic will also be declared in the general Sofia district, the Health Ministry said. The sick rate in the region exceeds 300 in every 10 000 people. So far, nine schools within the capital have reported an infection rate of 25 per cent or more, Focus news agency reported.

Warnings of the strain's onslaught had been given earlier by medical officials. "
Bulgaria will be hit by a flu epidemic in January 2011"
, professor Bogdan Petrounov, director of the national centre of infectious and parasitic diseases, had said.

The "
cocktail"
of strains expected to be effective this winter, are the common seasonal flu, the now notorious swine flu, and a new strain, the so called Perth virus, identified for the first time in Perth, Australia.

From Novinite

Bulgaria's Health Ministry Declares Flu Epidemics in 6 Regions

Flu epidemics was declared in six Bulgarian regions.
Bulgaria's Health Ministry has already declared flu epidemics in six regions in Bulgaria – Sofia, Blagoevgrad, Petrich, Dupnitsa, Rila and Kocherinovo.

The number of sick people in the Sofia region has exceeded 300 per 10,000. People from all age groups have been infected, the biggest number being in kids and teenagers. The disease has been found to occur in a mild and moderate form.

Severe measures will be introduced in schools and kindergartens in the infected regions, in order to prevent the spread of the disease. The ministry has announced that if 25% of the students are absent, a flu break could be declared until the end of the epidemic.

So far, the absent students in nine schools in the Sofia region are more than 25%. However, the percentage in Blagoevgrad and Petrich is about 18-22% and no flu break is expected. Six schools in the regions of Dupnitsa and Kocherino will be in flu break between January 20-26.

The most affected people by this year's flu are kids and young people. The epidemics is expected to continue for at least two weeks, the ministry has announced.

From Novinite

Flu outbreak spreads to five Bulgarian municipalities

The flu outbreak is spreading across Bulgaria as five municipalities have declared epidemics, news agency Focus said on January 19 2011.

Sofia municipality was the first to declare an emergency on January 18, followed by Blagoevgrad, and Petrich earlier on January 19.

Subsequently, Dupnitsa, Rila and Kocherinovo said that the level of respiratory infections in their respective regions escalated and reached epidemic proportions.

Because of the large number of sick pupils who were absent from classes in six schools, Dupnitsa and Kocherinovo have declared a "
flu vacation"
from January 20-26.

In the remaining municipalities, schools will be closed if more than 25 per cent of the students report ill. The flu is usually accompanied by high fever, and according to medical authorities, those affected should seek professional assistance and not attempt any home treatment. As was the case last season, doctors say that the most effective preventative measures against the flu are meticulous attention to personal hygiene

Medical authorities say that people should be washing their hands frequently with soap and water, shield mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a hand and avoiding contact with unwashed hands.