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Thread: 87 Published Works on Vaccines and Adverse Health Concerns

For information and reference reading, a point of view with credible links.

Make of it as you will, but at least get the information.

[link to www.uq.edu.au]

my own feelings are this was not the full story , give it time and another story will emerge

[link to pandemicinformationnews.blogspot.co.uk]

[link to fluboard.rhizalabs.com]

[link to www.cdc.gov]

[link to www.fiercevaccines.com]

[link to economictimes.indiatimes.com]

not sure if this is good or bad news ....better the exodus before the hajj begins but are any of these people carrying coronavirus

[link to www.gmanetwork.com]

Well from this article from the Phillipines we are witnessing the formal recognition from one responsible government to the potential impact of MERS-cov .

Obviously at this time there are many Phillipinos returning from Saudi Arabia under their current grace period for expired visas and I also believe that the Phillipines do have a significant Muslim population, many of whom will probably travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and most likely there will be some unfortunate pilgrims who will travel and return only to discover that they develop symptons after their return back home.

These are some of the very unfortunate situations that will probably be inevidable and unavoidable and all we can hope for is that all these amazingly responsible preperations and precauions wont be needed.

But for the present the Phillipino Authorities cannot be praised highly enough for their foresight and pro-active planning, its a true credit to the managers of their nation and many others should be following their admirable example.

Chalets on standby as quarantine housing to prepare for Sars-like virus outbreak.

Published on Jun 10, 2013

The Home Team NS Pasir Ris chalet. The Government will put on standby the Home Team NS (HTNS) Pasir Ris Chalets as possible quarantine housing from June 17 at 1pm.

By Priscilla Goy.

The Government will put on standby the Home Team NS (HTNS) Pasir Ris Chalets as possible quarantine housing from June 17 at 1pm.

This is a "precautionary measure" to prepare for an outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers), a Sars-like virus, said the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Development in a joint statement on Monday.

As of June 7, there have been 55 confirmed cases of the virus worldwide. There are currently no cases of the virus here, and the risk of an outbreak here "remains low", said the statement. But the Government is "stepping up its operational readiness in the event of an imported case" given the globalised travel patterns today, added the statement.

Here is the link to the article above...

[link to www.straitstimes.com]

The article contains a further link to the official Phillipine government site that has further info, but reading their term of use Im not prepared to cross the lines thay set for copying some of their detail thay have rather this is the link which I do recommend readers to follow and read more there.

[link to www.e101.gov.sg]

The following is the final paragraph of a post from Professor Niman on his web site that analizes the various onward transmissions of the known clusters of MERS-cov and makes it very clear that he has very serious concerns of potential outcomes associated with Hajj attendees later this year.

If such a highly qualified professor is making these observations, lets hope that there are a lot of other people who will be in organizational positions with the Hajj are taking very close notice of this grave forwarning.

The detection of onward transmission of mild MERS-CoV in previously healthy contacts in England, France, Tunisia, and Italy and the dramatic CFR differences between these cases and those reported in Saudi Arabia raise serious pandemic concerns, which will be exacerbated by upcoming pilgrimages associated with Ramadan and the Hajj.

Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

This post is also from Professor Niman's excellent web site.

It describes the latest MERS-cov fatality there and the horrifying case fatality rate that MERS-cov actually presents.

If you thought that H5N1 avian influenza was scary at around 60 odd percent, everyone should be absolutely terrified with the MERS-cov case fatality rate, and in particular that it as already a very active menace to humans right now, unlike H5N1.

The professor also continues to emphasize the massive pandemic risks that this years Hajj pilgrims will encounter.

And fell asleep Aldhnin (48 years old), in the isolation room at the King Fahd Hospital in Hofuf (Al Ahsa), weeks ago, during which he tried to resist the virus, and despite the improvement of the health situation in the period of stay in the hospital, but his health finally relapsed. Abraham injured, ill «chronic renal failure» 3 years ago, and began washing stage two years ago, and got a chance kidney transplant 6 months ago, but they were unsuccessful, and he returned to the weekly laundry again.

The above translation describes the 26th MERS-CoV death in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This death increases the case fatality rate (CFR) for the confirmed cases in KSA to 65% (see map). However, only seven of the confirmed cases that are alive have been discharged. The other seven remain hospitalized and most are in critical condition. The case fatality rate for the confirmed cases with outcomes is 78%.

Break...

The high case fatality rate for the cases in KSA raises concerns that the number of mild cases is orders of magnitude higher than the fatal cases, and the upcoming Ramadan and Hajj events will lead to infections of pilgrims, followed by dramatic spread worldwide.


Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

Last Edited by arkay on 06/12/2013 01:41 AM

With reference to my last two posts.

I really dont wish to be seen as being in any way anti muslim for all the attention that this years Hajj is attracting in association with the MERS-cov outbreak.

It is terribly saddening a much more than just outright frustrating that these two issues are so closely intertwined and it would be very easy to draw the conclusion that there is some form of discrimination going on.

This is simply NOT the case and I for one genuinely wish that the two were so distanced that they couldnt be considered together in any way.

Regrettably though, life can be cruel and it doesent recognise social or religous differences that we humans place value and respect on.

This situation is gravely and most unfortunately linked, no matter how unpleasant that relationship disturbs us, its an outright fact and one that as responsible humans with dissregard to any and all differences, we have a massive and very heavy load to carry with this situation rapidly approaching.

We either, as a planet of reasonable and rational humans must set aside all our prejudices and differences here and act with complete conviction.

The only other choice is to turn our backs on the problem that we all know in our hearts to be there and to ignore it and accept the horrifying outcomes as a result of our failure to accept responsibility and live ( die!) from the consequences of our collective failure.

Regrettably this is one of those times where there is only black or white.

There are no other choices, it is a rare situation for us to be faced, and tested with.

It genuinely is a turning point for all of humanity.

How mature have we become as a race?

arkay

Readers will be very aware of my overt criticism along with similar commentary from far more qualified people than this writer, in regard to the way that the Saudi Authorities have dealt with the MERS-cov outbreak in their area of responsibility.

So, in the interest of balance I am including some other commentary that clearly is in conflict with the above mentioned views.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: Joint Kingdom of Saudi Arabia/WHO mission
-------------------------------------------------------------​-------
Between [4 and 9 Jun 2013], a joint mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) met in Riyadh to assess the situation due to a new coronavirus in the Kingdom. This virus has recently been named the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It is a new, emerging virus that is distantly related to the virus that caused SARS.

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The joint mission reviewed the response in KSA, and concluded that the country has done an excellent job in investigating and controlling the outbreaks. Once the 1st cases were identified in 2012, several steps were taken, including the following:
- Measures, including infection control measures, were introduced to stop hospital outbreaks;
- surveillance for MERS-CoV cases was significantly increased;
- awareness campaigns to alert and educate the public were started;
- cases of MERS-CoV were reported to WHO; (incomplete reporting, with well established knowledge of censoring...MY commentary...arkay)
- epidemiological investigations were initiated to identify the sources of infection, risk factors, and routes of transmission; and
- international experts were invited to help.

At this point, the right prevention and control measures have been applied, and the KSA Government is to be congratulated for urgently taking crucial actions.

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If cases of MERS-CoV are found, they should be reported to WHO under the terms of the International Health Regulations (2005).

Have the Saudi Authorities observed "The International Health Regulations (2005)"?

I know for certain that I am not alone in doubting the Saudi Authorities strict compliance to those regulations.

Link here...

[link to www.promedmail.org]

in the left menu under the heading...

11 Jun 2013 MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (24): Saudi Arabia

The next WHO update will be interesting [link to www.who.int]

French medical services are currently waiting on samples of two more people that are currently suspected of being MERS-cov positive.

Again these two cases have travelled to the Arabian Peninsular, probably by commercial passenger aircraft.

Two people hospitalized at the University Hospital of Tours, could be achieved by the coronavirus.

The Ministry of Health does not confirm but said an investigation is underway.

According to France Bleu Touraine , two patients suspected of being infected with coronavirus were hospitalized at the University Hospital of Tours (Bretonneau).

The two stayed in Saudi Arabia.

If this information was verified, these patients would be the third and fourth people affected by this virus on French soil.

Caution on the side of the ministry. "No new cases of coronavirus has been confirmed so far in France," said Tuesday the Ministry of Health, who said an investigation was under way for a patient to Tours.

"The results are expected in tomorrow," said the ministry.

Link here...

[link to news.google.com]

[link to epidemic.bio.ed.ac.uk]


mers

[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]

[link to hygimia69.blogspot.co.uk]

Its not often that we are able to have access to serious commentary on the effectiveness, or rather more the opposite, of Influenza vaccines.

But this commentary from a Harvard researcher in such a highly respected publication as the British Medical Journal, and who has association with the CDC, should turn more than a few heads on the realities of this topic.


InfluenzaInfluenza: marketing vaccine by marketing diseaseBMJ 2013; 346 doi: [link to dx.doi.org] (Published 16 May 2013)
Cite this as: BMJ 2013;346:f3037

Promotion of influenza vaccines is one of the most visible and aggressive public health policies today. Twenty years ago, in 1990, 32 million doses of influenza vaccine were available in the United States. Today around 135 million doses of influenza vaccine annually enter the US market, with vaccinations administered in drug stores, supermarkets—even some drive-throughs. This enormous growth has not been fueled by popular demand but instead by a public health campaign that delivers a straightforward, who-in-their-right-mind-could-possibly-disagree message: influenza is a serious disease, we are all at risk of complications from influenza, the flu shot is virtually risk free, and vaccination saves lives. Through this lens, the lack of influenza vaccine availability for all 315 million US citizens seems to border on the unethical. Yet across the country, mandatory influenza vaccination policies have cropped up, particularly in healthcare facilities,1 precisely because not everyone wants the vaccination, and compulsion appears the only way to achieve high vaccination rates.2 Closer examination of influenza vaccine policies shows that although proponents employ the rhetoric of science, the studies underlying the policy are often of low quality, and do not substantiate officials’ claims. The vaccine might be less beneficial and less safe than has been claimed, and the threat of influenza appears overstated.

Link here...

[link to www.bmj.com]

Last Edited by arkay on 06/16/2013 12:11 AM

More deaths from MERS-cov in Saudi Arabia have again been reported.

The final paragraph is of major importance and gives an indication of potential exposure periods that will be associated with this years massive pilgrimage.

Its almost a certainty that this MERS-cov is headed for international pandemic status.

Its obvious that there are NO authorities anywhere who have the guts to attempt to limit the spread of this coronavirus, and with just 3 weeks remaining before religous formalities commence the World Health Organization is again sitting on its hands, not even offering any change to their warnings to travellers, etc.

How very sad.

How irresponsible, all those pilgrims walking into a ticking time bomb with their very lives at risk and no-one cares even enough to at least warn them.

This is a tragedy of unparalleled scale that we are witnessing unfold, and it could have been prevented.

MERS-CoV KSA Western Spread Raises Ramadan Concerns
Recombinomics Commentary 12:15
June 15, 2013

The first case is a Saudi citizen in Taif governorate, aged 65 who is suffering from chronic diseases, and still at ICU receiving the proper treatment. The Second one is a Saudi female citizen in Taif governorate, aged 68 who is suffering from chronic diseases as well, and still at ICU receiving the proper treatment. However, the third case is a resident, aged 46 in Wadi Al-Dawaser, who passed away today

The above comments from the KSA-MOH website on MERS-CoV describe three newly confirmed cases, which are in addition to the three cases described in the latest WHO update which describes cases in eastern KSA (see map). Recent hospital outbreaks have accounted for the vast majority of recent cases in the east and four full sequences from cases in Al Hufu (Al Hasa 1/2013, Al Hasa 2/2013, Al Hasa 3/2013, Al Hasa 4/2013) have been virtually identical to each other confirmed human to human transmission in the hospital which was similar to SARS-CoV spread in 2003.

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Ramadan begins in three weeks and the influx of pilgrims into the western region of KSA has raised serious concerns about subsequent export of MERS-CoV by departing pilgrims in August.

Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

Here we can see a clearer picture of the more recent cases of MERS-cov in Saudi Arabia, clearly showing H2H transmission alone and also connecting this H2H transmission to well back to an earlier period that WHO were insisting, that there was a lack of H2H transmission.

This evidence is gained only through genetic sequencing of the samples that have become available, many more of which could have been of immense assistance had the Saudi Health Authorities been far more co-operative than they have been, in spite of official public back slapping and attempted face saving on this matter.

The facts have been a universe apart form the realities as far as transparency and co-operation have been concerned with this entire senario, and soon those foolishly missguided Sauda Authorities and the spineless pandering persons at the World Health Organization will realize the deady results from their follies.

So will the rest of the world!

MERS-CoV Nosocomial Spread In Al Hofuf KSA
Recombinomics Commentary 15:45
June 15, 2013

25 confirmed case, 14 confirmed deaths
18 males, 7 females; Ages 14-94 years, median 58
Initial cases associated with one hospital but now also:
- Family contacts
- Health care workers
- Cases with no link to hospital

The above comments on the KSA Al Hasa outbreak (see map) are from slide 34 of the June 13 COCA conference call on MERS-CoV: Information and Guidance for Clinicians. The June 14 WHO update cites two more cases and another death including more cases from Al Hasa. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (KSA-MoH) has released four full sequences (Al Hasa 1/2013, Al Hasa 2/2013, Al Hasa 3/2013, Al Hasa 4/2013) from cases linked to the above cluster, which were from collections between April 21 and May 9. All four sequences were virtually identical (one or no difference with a consensus sequence larger than 30,000 BP) signaling clonal expansion within the hospital (nosocomial outbreak). This spread within the hospital over an extended time frame has similarities with the SARS-CoV hospital outbreaks in 2003. Moreover, the sequence similarities with Engalnd2/2013 signal human evolution and discounts the role of any animal reservoir in outbreaks in 2013.

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The recent cases in eastern, central, and western KSA signal widespread infections, which spread may be accelerated by pilgrims arriving in Mecca and Medina while performing Umrah in association with Ramadan, which begins on July 9.

Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

More commentary here on the general recent state of MERS-cov activity in Saudi Arabia.

Of note are the comments on the capabilities of the Saudi Health Ministry's capability to conduct rapid sequencing again highlight how they have been censoring and concealing such immensly important information from the rest of the world in spite of their international duties.

MERS-CoV KSA Clonal Expansion Raises Concerns
Recombinomics Commentary 22:45
June 15, 2013

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health (KSA-MoH) in association with the Welcome Trust have released four full MERS-CoV sequences (Al Hasa 1/2013, Al Hasa 2/2013, Al Hasa 3/2013, Al Hasa 4/2013) which increases the number of full sequences from 5 to 9 and the number of 2013 full sequences from 2 to 6. They are commended for the release of these important sequences. However, the number of unique sequences in each category only increased by one, because all four sequences from Al Hasa are virtually identical.

The sequences clearly represent clonal expansion in the hospital and linked contacts (see map) and the close relationship to England2/2013 strongly supports evolution of MERS-CoV in humans.

Break...

The four full Illumina sequences indicate the KSA-MoH has the expertise to quickly generate full sequences for the recent cases. Release of a full set of sequences from these cases would be useful.

Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

Here is commentary on the current number of cases of MERS-cov in Saudi Arabia, indicating that the case fatality rate has now climbed to an alarming 81% there, other countries are lower though.

MERS-CoV Taif Death Increases KSA Death Total To 29
Recombinomics Commentary 01:00
June 16, 2013

Died today in a hospital of King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital in Taif Saudi elderly at the age of 65 years after being infected with the "Corona", the deceased was suffering from chronic diseases.

The sources pointed out that there are other cases infected with Corona Hospital, another Saudi woman at the age of 68 years and is currently lying in intensive care and are subject to medical follow-up

The above translation provides an update for the two recently confirmed MERS-CoV cases in Taif (see map). One case (65F) has died, increasing the death toll in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to 29.

Although there are currently 46 confirmed cases, only 7 have recovered, while 10 remain hospitalized on life support. The case fatality rate (CFR) for cases with outcomes is now at 81%.

Break...

The above two cases in Taif are near Mecca and raise serious concerns about the influx of pilgrims into western KSA while performing Umrah during Ramadan, which begins July 9. Milder cases may not be detected and may spread MERS-CoV worldwide via commercial airline as was noted for exported cases in England, France, Tunisia, and Italy as well as SARS-CoV in 2003.

Link here...

[link to www.recombinomics.com]

There hasnt been too much news on H5N1 avian influenza in recent times and it is true to say that our main focus here has been the developing situation with the MERS-cov, however this story of illegal smuggling that detected a positive case of H5N1 in a bird being smuggled in Austria and on its way to the Czech Republic, from Indonesia is outright disgusting for all manner of obvious reasons.

Date: Thu 13 Jun 2013
Source: Federal Ministry of Health, Austria, press release [In German, machine trans., edited]
[link to DON'T_USE_THIS.com]


During routine baggage checks in the Vienna-Schwechat airport, the Austrian Customs discovered, on 6 Jun 2013, a consignment of smuggled birds (of different species of parrots and birds of paradise). The 60 birds were packed, in tubes, into 2 travel bags. The destination was the Czech Republic. The birds were brought immediately to the quarantine station of the Schonbrunn Zoo [Vienna]. A total of 39 of them were already dead. All dead birds were delivered to AGES (The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety) to determine the cause of death and carry out further investigation into possible animal diseases. The 1st intermediate results indicated the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in one dead bird. This was immediately communicated to all concerned (border-control customs, Schonbrunn Zoo, official veterinarian of the City of Vienna and provincial health directorates).

Link here...

[link to www.promedmail.org]

In the top left menu under the heading...

15 Jun 2013 Avian influenza (69): Austria ex Indonesia

[link to www.gulf-times.com]

a little to late i fear

The following release from the CDC yesterday is to be highly commended.

Unfortunately, I fear that it might be far too little and far too late.

The question that vexes is just how much effort is now being expended to ensure that this message at least has a high profile amongst intending pilgrims?

******
[2] Guidance for pilgrimage to Middle East
Date: 16 Jun 2013
Source: The Global Dispatch [edited]
[link to www.theglobaldispatch.com]


With the upcoming Muslim pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah approaching fast and the infectious disease and injury risks that are associated with such mass gatherings, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers recommendations and advice to protect yourself during these religious events.

The larger of the 2 events, the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which draws some 3 million pilgrims annually, including more than 11 000 Americans, will likely take place the 3rd week of October [13-18 Oct 2013].

In addition, there is the Umrah pilgrimage, which can occur at any time of the year, with typical peak times being the days before, during and after the Hajj and during the last 10 days of Ramadan [beginning 9 Jul 2013].

There are numerous infectious diseases that are linked to mass crowds like those seen in these pilgrimages; however, this year [2013], the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has attracted the most attention recently.

With latest reports of 46 laboratory confirmed cases and 28 deaths, Saudi Arabia dwarfs all other countries in cases of MERS-CoV.

CDC says pilgrims can help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by washing their hands often; not touching their mouth, nose, or eyes; and avoiding contact with sick people. They should pay attention to their health when traveling in the Arabian Peninsula and seek medical care if they develop a fever and cough or shortness of breath within 14 days after returning from their trip.

Despite the MERS numbers being reported out of the kingdom, CDC does not recommend changing travel plans for Hajj or Umrah because of MERS.

MERS is not the only infectious disease concern when attending the Hajj or Umrah. Polio, meningococcal meningitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, foodborne illnesses, and the routine vaccine-preventable diseases are all known issues with these mass gatherings.

Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. Proof of polio vaccine is not required for American pilgrims; however, CDC recommends a booster.

US health officials recommend pilgrims be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including the flu shot.

Ensuring good food preparation (cooked food and drinks from sealed containers only) is highly recommended, as is avoiding animals.

To prevent bodily injuries from tragedies like stampedes associated with mass gatherings, try to avoid the most densely congested areas and try to attend events during non-peak hours. In fact, the Saudi government have urged domestic and foreign pilgrims to postpone their Hajj plans for this year [2013] if possible due to ongoing expansion work at Makkah's Grand Mosque, in an unprecedented move aimed at preventing congestion and stampedes and ensuring safety of pilgrims, according to a Eurasia Review report [16 Jun 2016].

Lastly, CDC warns of the dangers of heat-related injuries associated with the scorching heat in Mecca. "Temperatures in Mecca can easily exceed 100 F [37.8 C] in the summer and early fall. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are leading causes of illness in people undertaking Hajj or Umrah during these months," according to CDC.

Pilgrims should drink plenty of water (bottled), wear sunscreen, rest, and seek shade as much as possible. Pilgrims who are fasting for Ramadan and cannot drink water during daylight hours should be sure to rehydrate after dusk.

Link here...

[link to www.promedmail.org]

In the left menu under the heading...

16 Jun 2013 MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (28): Saudi Arabia, WHO

Though it is highly likely that any pilgrims intending travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Unrah will be fully aware of the Saudi geography, this post gives an indication for where the latest cases have been in geographic terms, that might at least offer some helpful knowledge to those still collecting their travel information.

[This update is related to the 3 newly reported cases of MERS-CoV infection identified in ProMED-mail post MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (27): Saudi Arabia, RFI 20130614.1773220. Additional information is on the severity of the illness in the 2 cases from Taif Governorate, although the report on the MOH website did mention both cases were being treated in the ICU, suggestive of serious illness.

It does appear that severe illness seems to be associated with pre-existing disease, albeit the nature of these pre-existing diseases has not been fully described. It would be interesting to see the results of the epidemiologic investigations into these cases.

As mentioned in the earlier ProMED-mail post, Al-Taif is a city about 62 miles (100 km) to the southeast of Mecca in Mecca province. Wadi ad-Dawasir is a town in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, in the Dawasir valley. Both locations can be found on the map at [link to www.atozmapsdata.com] (with slightly different spellings). - Mod.MPP]

Link here...

[link to www.promedmail.org]

In the left menu under the heading...

16 Jun 2013 MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (28): Saudi Arabia, WHO

At this point in time and with the background that authorities are not attempting to slow the flow of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, I do wish to offer my best wishes to all those that choose to attend their religous duties this year.

I hope that the experience will be of special spiritual significance to those who follow their ancient religous traditions and that they are positively affected by this intense celebration.

I would also hope and wish that not one attendee has any type of negative impact from their acts of devotion.

That would be a tragedy of unthinkable proportions, so for those that do read this and are attending please be vigilant and ever thoughtful for your welfare and that of your brothers and sisters.

This year in particular, please ensure that you carry sufficient antiseptic solutions and disposable hand and surface wipes and please use them gererously, especially when touching surfaces that have common use.

Appropriate face masks for high public concentration events would be highly recommended.

Please, while highly difficult, attempt to maintain a good personal space around you.

Avoid being anywhere where someone appears to be coughing and sneezing or generally unwell and if you can try to encourage them to seek immediate medical assistance and isolation from others.

If you do need to cough or sneeze then it is of utmost importance to NOT cover your face with your hands, rather sneeze into a disposable tissue, dispose of it immediately and wash you hands.

Never use a handkerchief.

If you dont have tissues available then cough or sneeze into the crook of your bent elbow facing away from other people.

And finally let me again wish you all a rewarding experience that will be spititually beneficial and physically harmess.

arkay.