Mystery deaths spark global internet probe

2008.08.28 – South China Morning Post

The undiagnosed illnesses that killed three Hong Kong children and put another in intensive care this month have sparked concerns on a Web forum used by 20,000 international infectious disease specialists.

The Promed-Mail programme run by the International Society for Infectious Diseases has called for more information on the cases.

A posting by an Italian specialist noted that in March the government closed all primary schools and kindergartens after two children died.

It was found that the deaths were due to strains of H1N1 and H3N2 Brisbane flu viruses, which had appeared in different parts of the world.

A commentary on the forum suggested that the illnesses could have been caused by enteroviruses.

“The young age of the patients and the predominance of symptoms of blood poisoning and neurological damage suggest the involvement of one or more enteroviruses,” the commentary said.

But the mystery deepened when Centre for Health Protection controller Thomas Tsang Ho-fai said yesterday tests for enteroviruses had all come back negative in the three children who died.

Tests for flu viruses, parainfluenza, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster virus were also all negative. Further tests were being performed and it may take at least another week for test results to be available, he said.

Dr Tsang also revealed the postmortem findings for the three girls who died. “For the seven-year-old girl who died of encephalitis, the findings suggest inflammation of the brain,” he said.

“In the nine-year-old girl the postmortem findings revealed evidence of viral myocarditis [an infection of the heart], leading to her death.”

But for the three-year-old girl who died of sepsis and encephalopathy, definitive postmortem findings were pending, he said

Dr Tsang said the girl’s white blood cell count was abnormally high, which suggested a bacterial cause. He said tests for viruses, bacteria and fungi were being run.

The three-year-old boy, in the fourth case, is now in stable condition in a general ward, having been transferred from the intensive care unit of Kwong Wah Hospital. His specimens showed negative results for flu and enterovirus.

Schools, meanwhile, have been reminded of a possible surge in enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections from October, as the number of cases this year have reached 79, the highest in a decade. EV71, apart from causing hand, food and mouth disease, can cause severe neurological diseases in children.

Findings in 2006 and last year showed that the incidence of EV71 and hand, foot and mouth peaked from May to July, the centre said. But surveillance also showed that enteroviruses might be active again from October to December. “We therefore will issue letters to institutions to remind them of the preventive measures before school commences,” a centre spokeswoman said.

The previous highest number of EV71 cases in the city was 60, in 1998, the centre said.

The hand, foot and mouth outbreak was first reported in Anhui province in March, making more than 24,000 people ill and killed at least 43. in the mainland. EV71 has been blamed for most cases.

3,952 thoughts on “Mystery deaths spark global internet probe

  1. 70-469 Exam

    fantastic submit, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not
    notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge
    readers’ base already!

  2. credit repair new york auto mall

    It’s important to have your business credit separate from your personal credit, even though
    both should be in good shape if you’re going to secure the funds you need
    at attractive interest rates. One of the challenges that small investors often face is
    the limits on how much they can invest. Open a business bank account to start
    a line of credit for the business and separate it from your personal accounts.

  3. mattress reviews 2015

    Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices
    out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions?
    Bless you!

  4. get more info here

    Well, there are thousands of mortgage companies that will help you
    get the products that you are dreaming about.
    Brokers are on the very same facet of the table as borrowers.
    Make a wish list of all the cool things that your dream home would include, and envision yourself
    living there.

  5. sky it line

    I’m amazed, I hаvе to admit. Rarely Ԁo I come aсross
    a blog tҺаt’s Ьoth educative аոd entertaining,
    aոd withoսt a doubt, ƴou have hit tɦe nail on the head.

    Thе issue iѕ an issue tɦat too few people ɑre speaking intelligently аbout.
    Nߋw i’m vеry happy I fοund thiѕ durіng my search for sߋmething relating tօ this.

  6. muebles

    Amazing issues here. I am very happy to look your article.
    Thanks a lot and I’m taking a look ahead to contact you.

    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  7. Marian

    Hello there, I found your web site by means of Google even as looking for a similar matter, your site came up, it appears
    to be like good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, just was aware of your weblog via Google, and located that it’s truly informative.

    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful for
    those who proceed this in future. Many folks will likely
    be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  8. Best IVF Clinics in USA

    Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your lotopyeer articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think of if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest in its niche. Amazing blog!

  9. Eike batista boats

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring
    on other blogs? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss
    and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would enjoy your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  10. Carl

    Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace
    group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

  11. Match.com

    When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me
    when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a
    comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service?

    Thanks a lot!

  12. promo Film maken

    Again, an impartial review-style format is an excellent idea.
    This is what most businesses find daunting in online marketing’everything seems complicated.
    You should provide a title in your videos, list names from the people
    who come in your videos or who helped you and naturally give
    some information about the items featured in the videos.

  13. prices of anabolic steroids

    AuthenticPharm.com sells real legit anabolic steroids. All their stuff is authentic and of very high quality –
    here you can buy testosterone, anadrol, trenbolone, human growth hormone, cytomel, T3,
    and more without prescription

  14. Crack and Patch

    Hi! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.

    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  15. Aundrea

    Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell
    to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
    and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL
    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  16. Pilar

    Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
    Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much.
    I was seeking this particular information for a long time.
    Thank you and best of luck.

  17. Brittany

    Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested
    to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a
    youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  18. http://augmentationmammairenaturelle.org

    Because they do not change shape, they need to be ‘breast shaped’, and therefore have a risk of rotation in the
    pocket, which would cause a change in the shape of the breast.
    Take both medications as prescribed and you’ll be fine.
    This change it at a psychological level- she
    feels much more confident.

  19. witryna firmowa

    Together with lotopyeer the whole thing which appears to be building within this particular subject material, a significant percentage of points of view are generally somewhat stimulating. Nevertheless, I am sorry, because I do not subscribe to your entire plan, all be it stimulating none the less. It would seem to me that your opinions are not entirely rationalized and in reality you are generally yourself not even wholly convinced of your assertion. In any case I did enjoy reading it.

  20. ragiro Ervaringen

    Kiezels zijspoor is prachtig vormgegeven van ceder- en krijgt uw woning een kijkje van raffinement.
    De aannemer moet beschikken over een bewezen staat van dienst wat contracten in aard en omvang dat u overweegt.
    In de meeste gevallen zal hij contact opnemen met de contractant licentie in dat
    veld hem helpen uw project. Mensen die gebruik maken van de kredietlijnen meestal alleen doen als zij van plan zijn te betalen de lien uit binnen een paar jaar.

    Meubelindustrie is afhankelijk van de zeer grote ervaring maakt gebruik van een aantal beter
    materiaal dat donor snel scheurt de weerstand meer dan 100% in de waarheid van aangepast
    meubilair. Besparing: het verlaten van de verwarmer op gedurende twee uur elke ochtend kost ongeveer 5 dollar.

    Vinyl Wat kraam je kiest, het blijft de schoonheid van vele jaren. Keuken en badkamer metamorfoses kan erg duur zelfs voor de doe het zelf soort huiseigenaar,
    opnieuw budget, budget, budget. Met vele delen van het land nog steeds onderdrukt onroerend goed
    markten, vele huizen en andere gebouwen verkopen op een historisch
    lage prijzen. Gebruik verder goedkope rente u kunt kiezen voor de online
    mode. Het omvat niet de drukte en het lawaai
    van de stad, en de remote stilzetten van dorpen. Frisco,Dallas en andere steden in Texashad veel
    ruimte in de ‘goede oude’ dagen; en de meeste mensen toegewezen liberalamount ruimte voor garages.

    Dit soort schakelaar vlottende stand werkt goed in combinatie kelder carter systemen. Na het werk bij u
    thuis vindt u het brandschoon en alles op zijn juiste plaats, zij zal u ontspannen veel.
    Dit vaak mensen over de perfecte methode ter verbetering van de interieur home decoraties.
    Hoewel het niet uitvoerbaar is om een lijst van alle
    beroepsopleidingen cursussen online beschikbaar, enkele nuttige cursussen kunnen worden genoemd:
    . Misschien wel het grootste voordeel zal
    zijn dat als gevolg van de sterke concurrentie in deze markt u zeer waarschijnlijk om wat biedt
    voor zeer lage prijzen. Ze zal altijd bieden u goede oplossingen voor
    badkamer en keuken ontwerp, evenals prachtige afwerking.

    Experimenten met nieuwe methoden van lood steeds vereist concentratie en controle.
    Om niet te verliezen, is het bovendien een goed idee voor het opbergen van uw
    gereedschap gereedschap houder, of in een kast of een extra betrouwbare locatie.

    Al deze zaken zijn gemakkelijk vermeden worden door het gebruik van deze eenvoudige testers om te controleren op eventuele problemen. Studies hebben aangetoond dat
    als een persoon iets gebeurt met deze molen werkzaamheden installatie, vervolgens zijn home producten zeker behouden voor langere periode en het is niet nodig deze te repareren na elke paar maanden.
    Of bent u geneigd de tuin zelf of een professional bent, u zult zeker genieten van de
    vele geneugten en positieve aspecten die dit type buitenruimte.
    Het behoud van een groene home duurzaamheid kan moeilijk zijn als u woont in een land waar het klimaat is hele jaar door warm.

  21. free music downloads

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly
    donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and
    adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to brand new updates and will
    talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  22. Bettina

    I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the
    layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a
    great blog like this one nowadays.

  23. Rodzaje nadruków na CD

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit yet again since
    I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way
    to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  24. Ulysses

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your
    blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
    pleasant for me to come here and visit more often.
    Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!

  25. Randell

    Attractive component to content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually
    loved account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your augment and even I achievement you get admission to constantly rapidly.

  26. minecraft games

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks,
    However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS.
    I don’t know why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having identical RSS problems?
    Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  27. minecraft for free

    Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I
    can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking
    about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any points or suggestions? Appreciate it

  28. prawo jazdy

    Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve keep in mind your stuff previous
    to and you’re simply extremely great. I really like what you’ve received right here, really
    like what you are stating and the way in which wherein you
    say it. You make it entertaining and you continue to care for
    to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you.

    This is actually a great site.

  29. minecraft games

    Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the internet the easiest thing to take
    note of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other
    people consider issues that they plainly
    don’t understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole
    thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal.

    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

Comments are closed.