14 August 2007
As the present global situation regarding the Avian Influenza type A virus
continues to evolve, the Northern Cape Department of Health's Rapid Response
Team recently underwent a three-day training session in preparation of a
possible pandemic. Outbreaks of influenza in animals, especially when happening
simultaneously with annual outbreaks in humans, increase the chances of a
pandemic through the merging of animal and human influenza virus. During the
last few years, the world has faced several threats with pandemic potential,
making the occurrence of the next pandemic possible.
The 1918/19 influenza pandemic was one of the most deadly pandemics of
communicable diseases to have affected the world. This pandemic was directly
responsible for over 20 million deaths worldwide. In South Africa, the pandemic
killed over 300 000 people, overwhelming the ability of authorities to dispose
of the corpses and resulting in total paralysis of the healthcare system, which
struggled to manage patients. Previous pandemics further include those of 1889,
1957 and 1968. And now, due to the advent of new subtypes of highly pathogenic
bird flu, otherwise known as Avian Influenza, health experts anticipate the
occurrence of major pandemics in the future.
The Northern Cape Department of Health, in collaboration with internal and
external stakeholders, developed an Influenza Implementation and Contingency
Plan, which defines the responsibilities of the national and provincial
authorities in case of influenza pandemic.
In preparation of a pandemic, the National Communicable Disease Control
Directorate is rolling out training to all the provinces and facilitated
training for the Northern Cape's core Rapid Response Team from 24 to 26 July
2007, which is made up of stakeholders from the Departments of Health,
Agriculture and the South African Defence Force, as well as representatives
from the laboratory, the municipality and the private sector. Training will be
cascaded to the districts and training sessions for various stakeholder groups
will be facilitated, whilst education and information sessions will also target
the greater public.
Avian influenza (extra info)
Pandemic influenza differs from seasonal influenza in that it appears in the
human population rarely and unpredictably; the human population lacks any
immunity to it and all age groups including healthy young adults may be at
increased risk for serious complications.
H5N1 Avian Influenza is currently presenting in wild and domestic birds in
more and more countries, with occasional outbreaks among humans resulting in a
very high death rate. Furthermore, scientists believe that a pandemic strain of
influenza is most likely to develop from an Avian Influenza type A virus, such
as the H5N1 strain.
At present, human infection from this virus is being transmitted to humans
and other animals through contact with infected birds or the respiratory
secretions and faeces of infected birds. (Although it is important to note that
the virus cannot be transmitted through the consumption of chicken and eggs if
they are properly cooked).
The initial symptoms of avian influenza are similar to seasonal influenza.
They are generally respiratory and include the sudden and acute onset of cough,
sore throat and runny nose accompanied by a high fever. However, unlike
seasonal influenza, watery diarrhoea can be observed with H5N1 infection.
Abdominal pain and vomiting are also sometimes observed. Shortness of breath
occurs on an average of five days after onset of illness. This usually
progresses into clinical pneumonia and changes in the lungs can be observed by
x-ray. Acute respiratory distress syndrome can also develop. The case fatality
rate is currently very high at about 50% and death has predominantly occurred
among infants and children. The death is due to progressive respiratory
failure.
Thus far, while there is evidence of rare human-to-human transmission,
sustained transmission has not occurred. However, if the virus changes and
obtains the ability to easily spread from person to person, it could be the
beginning of the next worldwide pandemic. In preparation, the public can
empower themselves with knowledge. They can also implement good hygiene
practices in their daily lives by regularly washing their hands thoroughly with
soap and water, ensuring that they cover their mouth when coughing and don't
spray droplets into the air when sneezing, as well as maintaining high levels
of cleanliness in their surrounds and keeping surfaces clean by using
disinfectants.
For more information contact:
Shelley Fielding
Cell: 083 701 7191
Issued by: Department of Health, Northern Cape Provincial Government
14 August 2007
