Pandemic Phase 5 Alert Announced

100+ U.S. confirmed cases of Swine Flu

Baltimore, MD-4/30/09 - The WHO increased the Pandemic Phase Level to a phase 5 on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. A phase 5 alert means there is sustained transmission among people in at least two countries. The WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

“Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, “All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.”

MSNBC explains what level 5 means for society by stating “The change to a level 5 alert has little meaning for people living in the U.S. This country is already doing almost everything possible to track the spread of the virus, treat the victims and try to develop a vaccine. This is much more of an alert to other countries to start their own preparations for when the virus arrives.” If a Phase 6 would be declared, it would mean a global epidemic of a new and deadly disease.

Those planning to follow through with travel plans should take extreme caution. Vice President Biden stated to reporters that he would not advise his own family to travel by plane or subway as the air circulates through the craft and spreads germs quickly. Non-essential travel should be avoided.

The United States Government has reported 100+ laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death as of the end of the day on April 30, 2009. According to the CDC and USA Today, eleven U.S. states that have confirmed cases of the swine virus which include South Carolina, Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio and Texas.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Maryland is reporting 6 likely cases in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties. Confirmation the illnesses are swine flu have yet to be confirmed by the CDC. All 6 people had links to people who have traveled to Mexico.

According to the WHO, the following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

For more information, call your nearest Passport Health office: 1-888-499-PASS(7277) or check the latest updates at: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/travel-health-alerts.php

Swine Flu Claims its first U.S. Death in Texas

Six of the 64 confirmed swine flu cases in the U.S. have been reported in Texas, according to the CDC.

Baltimore, MD—4/29/09-In an interview with CNN reporters earlier this morning, Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control, confirmed that the 23-month old Texan child who succumbed to Swine Influenza was the first U.S. death related to this outbreak. No other details were given.

Besser continued to say that he “expect[s] we'll see more cases and as we do, we'll learn more about this, and if there needs to be more stringent or less stringent recommendations, we'll be making those.” According to the CDC, about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes annually. Dr. Besser also said this morning that he does not believe the flu strain has become more dangerous.

The World Health Organization said at least 112 cases have been confirmed worldwide as of Wednesday morning. However, Mexican health officials suspect that at least 159 deaths and 2,500 illnesses in Mexico are directly related to the swine flu outbreak.

Yesterday there were confirmed cases in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Israel, Spain and the United Kingdom. Today, Germany and Costa Rica have been added to that list.

Mexican authorities are responding aggressively to the Swine Flu outbreak and have banned all restaurants in Mexico City from serving Patrons, unless it is a carryout order. They have also ordered the closing of theaters, bars, clubs, gyms, convention halls, movie theaters and sport centers until May 6, according to an CNN interview with a top Mexico City government official.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have authorized emergency use of two antiviral drugs that have proven to be effective against this strain of Swine Flu,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, a nationwide provider of travel immunizations, vaccinations and advice for international travelers. “Tamiflu and Relenza can now be distributed by a broader range of health-care workers and the emergency use authorizations loosens age limits for their use,” she continued. Lessans said that travelers should avoid non-essential travel to Mexico, and in particular Mexico City.

Jorge Eduardo Castillo
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
410.727.0556

Swine Flu Spreads

Travelers warned to avoid “non-essential” travel to Mexico City

Baltimore, MD -4/28/09- With 50 Human cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus infections in the U.S., top officials declared a national health emergency Sunday. “Nobody is taking any chances,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the nation’s largest provider of travel medical services and immunizations. “We are warning travelers to postpone their trips to Mexico City and, if they must go we are counseling them on the use of antivirals to prevent and treat this type of Influenza.”

According to the World Health Organization, infections have been confirmed in Mexico and 5 states in the United States. The associated press reports that 12 million doses of flu-fighting medications are being mobilized from a federal stockpile in the event they are needed. The Belfast Telegraph reported early this morning that Scotland has also reported two cases of Swine Influenza; the travelers having just returned from Mexico.

“We have Influenza immunizations and antivirals may be recommended", added Lessans. "But this is not your typical Influenza strain. The Influenza vaccine does not specifically protect against the Swine Flu, but it does help boost an immune response since the Swine Influenza strain is also A (H1N1).”

How to protect yourself: Antivirals Tamiflu (Oseltamiviror) or Relenza (Zanamivir) are used for treatment when exposure is suspected. The antivirals, which are available at some of Passport Health’s nationwide offices, have proven to be effective against the Swine Influenza virus in laboratory tests. “To be effective, the antiviral regiment must be started within 48 hours of exposure,” concluded Lessans.

She went on to offer some basic tips:

• Practice basic good hygiene.


• Wipe common surfaces such as door knobs and phones with chlorine-based products.


• Avoid travel to regions where Swine Flu has been detected.


• Avoid large crowds and leave crowds if you observe someone who is symptomatic.


• If you are symptomatic, stay at home away from large crowds and your workplace.


• Wear a surgical mask whilst in areas where the Swine Flu has been detected and when traveling on airplanes.


• When you cough or sneeze, if you do not have a tissue available, cough into your arm, not your hand. Use of hot soap and water and alcohol sanitizers are proven methods to avoid transmission of the virus.
  

Call your nearest Passport Health office: 1-888-499-PASS(7277) or check the latest updates at: http://www.passporthealthusa.com/travel-health-alerts.php

Jorge Castillo
Jorge.Castillo@passporthealthusa.com
410.727.0556

Swine Flu Outbreak Originating in Mexico

US Government declares Public Health Emergency

First Annual World Meningitis Day Gaining National Support

World Meningitis Day is April 25, 2009

BALTIMORE, MD- 4/20/09- The first annual World Meningitis Day begins April 25, 2009 and is gaining national support. The day is meant to raise awareness and educate Americans about the dangers of contracting the meningococcal disease. “We recognize the dangers of meningitis and the importance of being vaccinated against the disease,” said Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the largest provider of travel medical services and immunizations in the U.S. “Passport Health wants to honor this day and show its support by offering to vaccinate and educate Americans about the disease.”

Travel season is quickly approaching and travelers should be aware that many popular travel destinations are in countries where meningitis is endemic. International travel and migration facilitate the rapid intercontinental spread of meningococcal disease, according to The Journal of Travel Medicine. “The disease is endemic in the meningococcal belt which runs through sub-Saharan Africa,” added Lessans. “This area stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia across the middle of the continent.”

The meningitis vaccine is especially recommended, if not required, for the following people: students attending college/universities, students studying abroad, travelers, camp attendees, humanitarian workers, missionary workers, and volunteer abroad workers.

According to the WHO, there is an estimated total population of 300 million people living along the meningococcal belt. You can find more information related to the meningococcal belt in Passport Health’s “country of the month” blog. In honor of Meningitis Day, the daily blog will focus on meningitis and how it can affect travelers.

Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. According to the CDC, approximately 20% of those infected have long term consequences and between 10%-12% die from the disease each year. The United States has nearly 3,000 cases of the disease every year. The disease is transferred through respiratory secretions and the spread of the disease is facilitated through prolonged contact. Be aware that meningitis can be contracted by people of all ages, not just college-bound students.

For more information about meningitis or Passport Health, visit our website
or call 1-888-499-PASS(7277) to make an appointment.