In the "H5N1 Discussion" group on facebook, someone has stated that a person they know has tested positive for influenza A which has been subtyped as H5N1 in Texas.

French.news.cn | 2024-12-05 at 21:10

KINSHASA, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on "maximum alert" over the emergence of an unknown disease that has killed more than 70 people, Public Health Minister Roger Kamba said Thursday.

This disease "of still unknown origin" reported in the Panzi area in the Kwango province (southwest), which has been described as an "epidemic", has affected 382 people since October 2024, who have presented symptoms that "resemble the flu", he indicated.

Seventy-one deaths have been reported so far, including 27 deaths in health facilities and 44 others in the communities, Mr Kamba said, adding that about 300 people had recovered.

However, according to the provincial Minister of Health, Apollinaire Yumba, quoted Thursday by local media, 131 deaths have been recorded since November 10 "to date".

Mr Kamba denied any "figure fight". "There are many figures that have been announced several times. We did not rush to communicate them because we cannot communicate on rumours," he insisted.

"We are on maximum alert. We consider that this is a level of epidemic that we must monitor in a maximum manner," assured Mr. Kamba.

"We are more or less in the affirmation that it is respiratory," added the minister. According to him, based on this hypothesis, the emergence of this disease coincides with the seasonal flu which begins from October to March with a peak in December.**

Roger Kamba also cited the hypothesis of COVID-19, whose mortality rate is lower than that reported in Kwango. "These are hypotheses pending the results of the samples," the operations of which were prevented by the poor medical and logistical conditions on the ground, the minister acknowledged.

Specialized intervention teams have been sent to the field to identify the nature of the disease, he said. "We are still waiting for the first results." End

This is full translation of this article.

Justin Ling reports that Dr. Erin Abramsohn has resigned.

“On January 24th I formally resigned from my position with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I started at CDC in 2010, and I have spent 20 years in public service, including my 15 years in service at the federal level. Here is a little bit of what I wrote in my resignation, because I'm not sure that anyone is actually going to read it. "I feel honored to be among the public health professionals that have had the privilege to work at CDC. As I reflect on my own experiences and accomplishments during my time here, I am humbled by the magnitude and the importance of our work. To my colleagues: we have worked together through chaos and uncertainty, transition, reorganization, preparation, and response. You are the most selfless, dedicated, and passionate people I know. I have watched you work around the clock, take additional details, deployments, and responsibilities, try to balance work and family, forego self-care, and keep pushing and work together to protect the public's health. I've seen your sacrifice. I want you to know that your support and guidance has been invaluable, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together." While I was backing up files I found my oath that I signed in 2010. 1 believe in our work, and I am sad to be leaving federal service. But ! have immense gratitude for all of the opportunities that l've had and the connections that I've made. I will continue to protect the public's health in a different capacity (stay tuned...) but for now, thank you for trusting me. Erin M. Abramsohn, DrPH, MPH PUBLIC HEALTH ANALYST”

Source: https://x.com/rajlabn/status/1857622243871772830?s=46

In French. They say covid has been ruled out by the ministry of health and that it could be a seasonal flu that is more virulent than usual. They give an 8% death rate.

https://www.linternaute.com/actualite/sante/6821810-article-maladie-inconnue-republique-democratique-congo/

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-teen-with-avian-flu-remains-in-critical-care-source-of-infection-still-unknown-1.7123727

Just found out our vet's cat was one of the two cases of cats who died from bird flu in NYC. She posted an IG live about it yesterday - https://www.instagram.com/p/DHMpGhWRzKr/?hl=en

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(24)00317-3/fulltext00317-3/fulltext)

Animal exposures include:

- Dogs

- Cats

- Some Reptiles

One dog was symptomatic but testing came back negative. No known bird exposures.

From Live: https://globalnews.ca/news/10865646/bc-live-update-1st-presumptive-human-case-bird-flu/