by Oui
Thu Mar 26th, 2020 at 08:54:33 AM EST
Concerns the COVID-19 Pandemic originating in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
Western nations not heeding the early warning warnings and data from China and the WHO.
'This beast is moving very fast.' Will the new coronavirus be contained--or go pandemic? | ScienceMag - Feb. 5, 2020 |
The repatriation of 565 Japanese citizens from Wuhan, China, in late January offered scientists an unexpected opportunity to learn a bit more about the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) raging in that city. To avoid domestic spread of the virus, Japanese officials screened every passenger for disease symptoms and tested them for the virus after they landed. Eight tested positive, but four of those had no symptoms at all, says epidemiologist Hiroshi Nishiura of Hokkaido University, Sapporo--which is a bright red flag for epidemiologists who are trying to figure out what the fast-moving epidemic has in store for humanity. If many infections go unnoticed, as the Japanese finding suggests, that vastly complicates efforts to contain the outbreak.
What did politicians in Europe know and why didn't react to the warnings?
More below the fold ...
Callous infodemic to use the term "herd immunity" in this proces of a very contagious, deadly outbreak of the coronavirus, is a murderous political concept. PM Mark Rutte was convinced this was the goal on the evening he gave his Address to the Nation on Monday March 16.
Looking at past history and knowledge gained in the 21st century.
Optimal H1N1 vaccination strategies based on self-interest versus group interest | Springer - Feb. 25, 2011 |
Abstract
Background
Influenza vaccination is vital for reducing H1N1 infection-mediated morbidity and mortality. To reduce transmission and achieve herd immunity during the initial 2009-2010 pandemic season, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that initial priority for H1N1 vaccines be given to individuals under age 25, as these individuals are more likely to spread influenza than older adults. However, due to significant delay in vaccine delivery for the H1N1 influenza pandemic, a large fraction of population was exposed to the H1N1 virus and thereby obtained immunity prior to the wide availability of vaccines. This exposure affects the spread of the disease and needs to be considered when prioritizing vaccine distribution.
[...]
Background
In response to the rapid spread of a pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza A, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert to its highest phase on June 11, 2009 [1]. The H1N1 pandemic was the first influenza pandemic in over 40 years. Although most H1N1 cases in individuals were mild and the case fatality rate was lower than that of previous influenza pandemics, severe cases frequently occurred in previously healthy, young adults [2].
Vaccines hold considerable promise for reducing the spread of H1N1 influenza A. However, the H1N1 vaccine was not readily available until late October, 2009 [3]. This delayed the US vaccination program until after a large proportion of the population had already been exposed to H1N1.
There is evidence that a substantial proportion of the elderly was protected by cross-immunity from prior infection, resulting in the lowest infection rate in this age group [4]. The 2009 H1N1 influenza disproportionately affected younger patients [5, 6].
Major discreoancy in thought by politicians and virologists with some knowledge of pandemics (WHO) is the fact that a coronavirus outbreak is NOT a flu epidemic. This was well known and researched in de SARS and MERS epidemic.
For politicians like Trump with his Republican clan, Boris Johnson with his rightwing advisor Dominic Cummings and VVD leader Mark Rutte to have repeated for many weeks, if not over a month, the country was facing an ordinary flu with the "unfortunate" liss if life of the elderly. Much scientific evidence was lacking for this crucial choice.
Today, both China and Russia are taking advantage of the poor performance and results in the European Union, United Kingdom and the United States (USAID).
I am now watching an alert from Louisiana the CoV-2 virus is mainly infecting middle-age and youger group of the population.
Searching the Internet, I came across this CDC study of HCoV infection in Louisiana in 2017!
Severe Respiratory Illness Outbreak Associated with Human Coronavirus NL63 in a Long-Term Care Facility
Abstract
We describe an outbreak of severe respiratory illness associated with human coronavirus NL63 in a long-term care facility in Louisiana in November 2017. Six of 20 case-patients were hospitalized with pneumonia, and 3 of 20 died. Clinicians should consider human coronavirus NL63 for patients in similar settings with respiratory disease.
Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU1 are frequently associated with upper respiratory tract infection but can also cause lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Transmission of these viruses primarily occurs through respiratory droplets and indirect contact with secretions from infected persons. Signs and symptoms of illness often include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and fever. LRTI occurs less frequently, but young children, older adults, and persons who are immunosuppressed appear to be at higher risk for these types of infections.
Policies, principles and pragmatism: old age psychiatrists' attitudes and practice regarding influenza immunisation for long stay patients
Much to contemplate, but I am certain of my hypothesis: the Leadership Has Failed the People.
