October 12, 2009
Statement by BPHWT regarding on FLU out-break in Papun District,
Karen state, Burma
During September, 2009, influenza like illness (ILI) occurred in 8 villages in Papun District,
Karen State, Burma. Over 300 people have been sick within a weak; the presenting symptoms
were cough, high fever, body aches and pain, sore throat, running nose, headache, chest pain and diarrhea. As of the 5th October, over 500 cases have been recorded. The population of the
affected area is about 2,000, and covers 8 villages.
As of October 12th, the cases in the 8 villages have recovered, however another 3 villages about 10 miles away have been affected. The outbreak in the 3 villages started around October 5th
and includes about 150 cases and one 7 year old child has died.
The Back Pack Health Worker Team, Papun District Karen Health and Welfare Departments
mobile health clinics and Pha Hite Clinic have organized a task force to respond effectively
and immediately to this situation. As we were concerned about novel influenza A H1N1 and
avian influenza H5N1, influenza test kits provided by a local Thai hospital were sent to the affected area and 5 sample swabs were collected on the 24th September and sent to the Thai local hospital on the 25th September. On September 29th, we received the test results of the 5
specimens and all showed that the causative agents were seasonal human influenza viruses.
Since the beginning of this alarming situation, BPHWT has implemented Health education
campaign, case investigation and disease surveillance and provided curative medical services.
Although the influenza like illnesses in the villages were due to seasonal influenza viruses, the
disease incidence showed unusual seasonal peak. One of the possibilities is remote isolated
villages may still lack of immunity against seasonal flu virus and hidden in crowded area in
jungle. In order to prevent further possible disease outbreak, BPHWT needs continuous
support from non government organizations and public health agencies for effective
implementation of cross border health strategies to respond potential disease outbreaks to other
areas.
Contact information; Mahn Mahn
; 0879438750