Category: Diseases


Epidemic Hazard – Colombia, Municipality of Garzon , Garzon : Acute respiratory infection

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May 23, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

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Today Epidemic Hazard Colombia Municipality of Garzon , Garzon Damage level
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Epidemic Hazard in Colombia on Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 02:41 (02:41 AM) UTC.

Description
An epidemic of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in the municipality of Garzon in the center of the Department of Huila has resulted in 2 deaths and another 23 people infected with the dangerous illness. Carlos Daniel Mazabel, departmental secretary for health, warned that pregnant women, people older than 60 years, and cancer patients are the most vulnerable groups. The 2 fatal victims to date are a 61-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man, a community leader from the municipality of Garzon, who, according to the medical diagnosis, died after a complicated fever and respiratory distress syndrome.
Biohazard name: Acute respiratory illness
Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous
Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Acute respiratory infections: a review*

A. Bulla and K. L. Hitze
 
This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) constitute one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Data from 88 countries in five continents, with a total population of nearly 1200 million, showed that deaths due to ARI in 1972 amounted to 666 000. Pneumonia, both viral and bacterial, accounted for 75.5% of the total deaths from ARI. Mortality from ARI represents 6.3% of deaths from all causes. Considerable differences in mortality rates exist both between and within continents. Mortality from ARI is highest in infants and old people. The data suggest that in some areas of the world mortality due to ARI is extremely high.

 

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Biological Hazard – State of Arizona, [Graham County] : Hantavirus

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May 23, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Biological Hazards

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Today Biological Hazard USA State of Arizona, [Graham County] Damage level Details

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Biological Hazard in USA on Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 04:46 (04:46 AM) UTC.

Description
Authorities say a Graham County man has died of complications from the hantavirus, the first reported case of the disease this year. The Graham County Health Department says the 39-year-old man died earlier this month, but no additional information was immediately available Wednesday. The hantavirus is a rare disease that exhibits symptoms similar to the flu including fever, muscle aches and vomiting. Thirty-four cases of the virus have been recorded in Arizona since 2001. Of those, 38% were fatal. Health experts say there’s no specific treatment for the hantavirus and victims should seek medical attention as soon as they notice symptoms. Officials recommend sealing up any openings or crawl spaces around the household that could shelter unwanted rodents and placing traps in areas where rodent droppings have been detected.
Biohazard name: Hantavirus
Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous
Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.
Symptoms: Hantaviruses are negative sense RNA viruses in the Bunyaviridae family. Humans may be infected with hantaviruses through urine, saliva or contact with rodent waste products. Some hantaviruses cause potentially fatal diseases in humans, such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), but others have not been associated with known human disease.
Status: confirmed

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Epidemic Hazard – State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] : U.S. and state health authorities are investigating an unidentified respiratory illness that has killed two of 10 people hospitalized with it in Alabama since last week UPDATE

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Global Disaster Watch — 1 Comment
May 23, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

SAMC Front in SAMC Front Entrance by Southeast Alabama Medical Center

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SAMC Tower

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23.05.2013 Epidemic Hazard USA State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] Damage level
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Epidemic Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 03:30 (03:30 AM) UTC.

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Updated: Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 03:24 UTC
Description
U.S. and state health authorities are investigating an unidentified respiratory illness that has killed two of 10 people hospitalized with it in Alabama since last week. Preliminary tests do not indicate the bird flu, nor a new mutation of any known influenza virus, said Dr. Mary McIntyre, an assistant state health officer at the Alabama Department of Public Health. Two patients did test positive for the H1N1 strain of the flu. Bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) remains a possibility, especially as a secondary infection, McIntyre said on Wednesday. However, one patient tested for MRSA by a physician had negative results. “At this point, it could be anything. We are testing for everything,” McIntyre said. State health officials believe it is unlikely the patients are suffering from the new coronavirus that surfaced in the Middle East last year, because none had traveled, she said.

Laboratory samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta for evaluation, and the agency is expected to issue a report within 24 hours, she said. Those hospitalized with the illness had symptoms of fever, coughing, pneumonia and shortness of breath, health officials said. The first checked into a hospital last week, and the most recent patients were hospitalized on Wednesday. One person has been released, one is improving and the others are still suffering from their initial symptoms, according to McIntyre. The patients range in age from the 20s to late 80s and all lived in the Dothan, Alabama, area, but they were spread out around the community with no epidemiological link, McIntyre said. “Right now, we are not finding a connection…such as a place of work, a restaurant where they all ate, or a meeting they all attended,” she said. People with similar symptoms are encouraged to stay home and call their physician, health officials said.

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: The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified by Tunisian health officials of two laboratory-confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (nCoV), UPDATE

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May 23, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

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23.05.2013 Epidemic Hazard Tunisia Governorate of Monastir, Monastir Damage level
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Epidemic Hazard in Tunisia on Monday, 20 May, 2013 at 17:38 (05:38 PM) UTC.

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Updated: Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 03:27 UTC
Description
The World Health Organization (WHO) was notified by Tunisian health officials of two laboratory-confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (nCoV), or “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV), according to a WHO update May 22. According to the WHO, the cases include a 34-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman that are siblings. The pair had mild respiratory illness and did not require hospitalization. Retrospective investigation into the cases revealed that the probable case, their father, 66 year old, became ill three days after returning from a visit to Qatar and Saudi Arabia on 3 May 2013. He was admitted to a hospital after developing acute respiratory disease. His condition deteriorated and he died on 10 May 2013. In addition, the Tunisia Health Ministry reports a probable case; however, initial laboratory tests conducted have been negative for nCoV.

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Epidemic Hazard – Saudi Arabia, Eastern Province, Al-hasa : The death toll in Saudi Arabia from the SARS-like virus is now 17 UPDATE

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May 23, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

Novel Coronavirus -  NCoV

 

 

A Saudi family arrives at a hospital in the center of the capital Riyadh, on May 14, 2013. A man who had contracted the coronavirus has died in Saudi Arabia, raising the death toll in the kingdom from the SARS-like virus to 17, the health ministry announced on its website on Wednesday

 

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23.05.2013 Epidemic Hazard Saudi Arabia Eastern Province, Al-hasa Damage level Details

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Epidemic Hazard in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, 02 May, 2013 at 07:12 (07:12 AM) UTC.

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Updated: Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 03:27 UTC
Description
A man who had contracted the coronavirus has died in Saudi Arabia, raising the death toll in the kingdom from the SARS-like virus to 17, the health ministry announced on its website on Wednesday. “A male non-Saudi died on Tuesday in a hospital in the Qassim region where he had been admitted several days ago with acute bronchitis,” the ministry said. The ministry announced on Monday that a patient had died of coronavirus in the Eastern Region where most of the kingdom’s cases have been registered. But no new cases have been recorded in that region for five days, the ministry said. The latest death brings to 17 the number recorded in the kingdom. The ministry said most of those who had died were “elderly people with chronic illnesses”. Last week, the Geneva-based World Health Organisation reported that two Saudi health workers had contracted the deadly coronavirus from patients – the first evidence of transmission in a hospital setting. While the virus has been deadliest in Saudi Arabia, cases have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar, Germany, Britain and France.

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SARS-like virus claims new life in Saudi

By AFP | AFP – 11 hours ago

 

 

 

 

A man who had contracted the coronavirus has died in Saudi Arabia, raising the death toll in the kingdom from the SARS-like virus to 17, the health ministry announced on its website on Wednesday.

 

“A male non-Saudi died on Tuesday in a hospital in the Qassim region where he had been admitted several days ago with acute bronchitis,” the ministry said.

 

The ministry announced on Monday that a patient had died of coronavirus in the Eastern Region where most of the kingdom’s cases have been registered.

 

But no new cases have been recorded in that region for five days, the ministry said.

 

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Epidemic Hazard – Tunisia, Governorate of Monastir, Monastir : NCoV (novel coronavirus) UPDATE

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Global Disaster Watch — 2 Comments
May 22, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

Novel Coronavirus -  NCoV

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22.05.2013 Epidemic Hazard Tunisia Governorate of Monastir, Monastir Damage level
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Epidemic Hazard in Tunisia on Monday, 20 May, 2013 at 17:38 (05:38 PM) UTC.

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Updated: Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 03:09 UTC
Description
A 66-year-old Tunisian man has died from the new coronavirus following a visit to Saudi Arabia and two of his adult children were infected with it, the Tunisian Health Ministry reported. His sons were treated and have since recovered but the rest of the family remains under medical observation, the ministry said in a statement Monday. The World Health Organization confirmed the cases of the children, but said one of them was a daughter who was with her father for part of the trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. There was no immediate way to reconcile the differing reports. The cases are the first for Tunisia and indicate that the virus is slowly trickling out of Saudi Arabia, where more than 30 coronavirus cases have been reported. There have been at least 20 deaths worldwide out of 40 cases. “These Tunisia cases haven’t changed our risk assessment, but they do show the virus is still infecting people,” said Gregory Hartl, a spokesman for WHO in Geneva. The Tunisian fatality, a diabetic, had been complaining of breathing problems since his return from the trip and died in a hospital in the coastal Tunisian city of Monastir. Many previous coronavirus patients have had underlying medical problems, which WHO said might have made them more susceptible to getting infected. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but the agency has issued guidelines for how doctors might treat patients, like providing oxygen therapy and avoiding strong steroids.

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Epidemic Hazard in Tunisia on Monday, 20 May, 2013 at 17:38 (05:38 PM) UTC.

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Updated: Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 07:16 UTC
Description
A 66 year-old Tunisian man has died from the coronavirus, following a visit to Saudi Arabia, according to a Health Ministry statement. The man’s two children were also diagnosed with the virus but have since undergone treatment and recovered. It’s the first case of the SARS-like virus in Tunisia and shows how the virus is slowly spreading throughout the Middle East, where 30 cases have been reported, AP reported. In this latest outbreak, 9 people have died in Saudi Arabia alone. The diabetic Tunisian man had suffered health complaints since he returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia and died of acute respiratory distress at hospital in Monastir. The coronavirus outbreak has caused 20 deaths globally.

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Tunisian man dies of new coronavirus

Coronavirus
The World Health Organisation says it is closely monitoring the virus

A man has died of the novel coronavirus (NCoV) in Tunisia, in what is believed to be the first such case in Africa.

Tunisia’s health ministry said the 66-year-old had visited Saudi Arabia, which is badly affected by the virus.

About 20 deaths and 41 cases have been reported worldwide since 2012, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.

NCoV is from the same family of viruses as the one that caused the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) outbreak in 2003, killing about 770 people.

However, NCoV and Sars are distinct from each other, the WHO says.

“These Tunisia cases haven’t changed our risk assessment, but they do show the virus is still spreading”

Gregory Hartl WHO spokesman

It appears likely that the virus can be passed between people in close contact, it adds.

 

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Epidemic Hazard – State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] : Unidentified respiratory illness (fatal) UPDATE

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Global Disaster Watch — 1 Comment
May 22, 2013

Earth Watch Report -  Epidemic Hazards

SAMC Front in SAMC Front Entrance by Southeast Alabama Medical Center

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Today Epidemic Hazard USA State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] Damage level
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Epidemic Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 03:30 (03:30 AM) UTC.

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Updated: Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 13:10 UTC
Description
A mysterious illness has killed two people and caused five more to be hospitalized in Alabama, and the respiratory infection has baffled public health officials in the state. The mysterious illness that has killed two in Alabama began to emerge late last week, and some of the seven total sickened also presented with the flu when treated. A fever, cough, and shortness of breath affected those infected by the mysterious illness, and samples from all seven patients are currently being tested by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control Respiratory Laboratory, with results expected later this week. Alabama Department of Public Health Spokeswoman Mary McIntyre said public health officials are hoping that publicizing the outbreak would make Alabama residents aware of the mysterious illness that has killed two: “We’re only aware of the Southeast, but we don’t know – we haven’t received reports from anywhere else – That’s why we’re trying to get the information out.” WFSA reports that public health officials have discovered little to connect the infected individuals with one another, and add that none had recently traveled: “So far none of those affected by the mystery illness appear to be connected to each other and there’s no indication that any had recently traveled outside the country – The ADPH and CDC are recommending that hospitals take respiratory precautions, such as breathing masks, when treating patients with respiratory symptoms.” The station reports that all those infected with the mysterious illness lived in the”eight-county service area including Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.” Hospitals have been advised to implement cautionary measures including masks and increased infection control as the outbreak is investigated.

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Princeton University reports fourth case of bacterial meningitis since March (Video)

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May 22, 2013

 

This disease is an inflammation in the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord, and is considered a medical emergency. http://www.WatchMojo.com speaks with a doctor at the Montreal Children's Hospital to learn more about meningitis.
 

A yet unnamed 20-year-old Princeton University student has been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis Monday when traveling to his home state, according to the Princeton University Office of Communications May 20.

 

He is currently being treated for the infection. This make the fourth case of the serious bacterial infection reported in students since March.

Princeton reports three other cases of meningitis associated with the University since March were caused by meningococcal bacteria known as type B, which has no effective vaccine but can be treated with common antibiotics.

Health officials are conducting tests to determine the type of bacteria in the most recent case.

Patient receiving a meningitis vaccine
Patient receiving a meningitis vaccine
Photo credit:
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
 
 

In the United States, almost all cases of meningococcal meningitis are caused by serogroups B, C and Y.

Currently, there are two vaccines in the United States ,meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune®), and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra® and Menveo®), that protect against Neisseria meningitidis.

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Epidemic Hazard – State of Illinois, Chicago : A case of the disease that causes meningitis has been reported in Chicago

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May 22, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

 

 

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Today Epidemic Hazard USA State of Illinois, Chicago Damage level Details

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Epidemic Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 03:06 (03:06 AM) UTC.

Description
A case of the disease that causes meningitis has been reported in Chicago among a man who sex with men (MSM), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said May 20. The case of meningococcal disease is similar to those reported among gay and bisexual men in Los Angeles and New York this year, said Brian Richardson, CDPH spokesperson. “This is the only case we have seen reported in Chicago this year,” Richardson noted. Richardson said that the man, whose case was reported to CDPH May 12, has fully recovered.
Biohazard name: Meningitis
Biohazard level: 3/4 Hight
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses that can cause severe to fatal disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatments exist, such as anthrax, West Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, SARS virus, variola virus (smallpox), tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, yellow fever, and malaria. Among parasites Plasmodium falciparum, which causes Malaria, and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes trypanosomiasis, also come under this level.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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MSM Menongoccocal disease case reported in Chicago


 by Kate Sosin, Windy City Times
2013-05-20

A case of the disease that causes meningitis has been reported in Chicago among a man who sex with men (MSM), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said May 20.

The case of meningococcal disease is similar to those reported among gay and bisexual men in Los Angeles and New York this year, said Brian Richardson, CDPH spokesperson.

“This is the only case we have seen reported in Chicago this year,” Richardson noted.

Richardson said that the man, whose case was reported to CDPH May 12, has fully recovered.

CDPH identified the man’s close contacts to determine who will need preventative antibiotics, said Richardson.

“We have no reason to believe that there is an outbreak,” he stressed. ” Currently, we do not believe that there is an increased risk among MSM in Chicago. That said, we’re continuing to follow this closely.”

Last year, Chicago saw seven cases of the disease. None of them were among MSMs. The May 12 case marks the first this year.

U.S. public health officials have been on alert since last September when New York City saw four cases of meningococcal disease among MSMs. In April, Brett Shaad, a gay man in Los Angeles, died after contracting the disease. Cases on both coasts have sparked fears of an outbreak among gay and bisexual men across the country.

But Richardson said that Chicago has not identified any other cases, and that there is no evidence of increased risk.

The diseases has hit gay Chicagoans in the past. In 2003, the city saw an outbreak among gay and bisexual men, and three men died. More than 14,000 were vaccinated during that time.

In 2008, teenagers on the city’s West Side also began contracting the disease, and vaccinations were done there, said Richardson.

Howard Brown Health Center has vaccinations on hand, the organization said in a recent statement. That vaccination is $150 for uninsured patients. The agency has been informed of the reported case, said Richardson.

But health officials say because there is no increased risk among MSM currently, CDHP is sticking to its usual suggestion that youth ages 11-18 receive the vaccination.

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Epidemic Hazard – State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] : Two people have died and five others have been hospitalized in a mysterious cluster of respiratory illnesses in southeast Alabama

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Global Disaster Watch — 1 Comment
May 22, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Epidemic Hazards

SAMC Front in SAMC Front Entrance by Southeast Alabama Medical Center

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Today Epidemic Hazard USA State of Alabama, Dothan [Southeast Alabama Medical Center] Damage level Details

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Epidemic Hazard in USA on Wednesday, 22 May, 2013 at 03:30 (03:30 AM) UTC.

Description
Two people have died and five others have been hospitalized in a mysterious cluster of respiratory illnesses in southeast Alabama, state health officials said. The victims, all adults, had symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath, but the cause of the illnesses is unknown, said Dr. Mary McIntyre, the acting state epidemiologist for the Alabama Department of Public Health. The hospital is using respiratory precautions, which include requiring staff to wear special N95 masks that reduce the chance of infection. State health officials have collected and analyzed samples of specimens from all patients. So far, one sample has tested positive for H1N1 influenza A, but it’s not clear that that is behind the unusual illnesses. There’s no evidence of other kinds of flu, including the H7N9 strain that has caused illness and death in China, McIntyre said. Laboratory samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but testing results are not yet available, officials said. There’s no evidence that any of the victims had a connection or traveled outside the country, which would have put them at risk for unusual pathogens, including a deadly new coronavirus recently christened MERS or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. “At this point it’s too early to tell,” McIntyre told NBC News. “That’s why we called it a respiratory illness of unknown origin.” State and federal health officials will continue to investigate the illnesses.
Biohazard name: Unidentified respiratory illness (fatal)
Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous
Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.
Symptoms: fever, cough and shortness of breath
Status: suspected

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Two dead and five hospitalized after mystery respiratory illness hits south Alabama

  • All seven victims were admitted to hospital with symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath
  • There is no evidence that any of the victims had a connection or traveled outside the country

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press Reporter

PUBLISHED: 22:26 EST, 21 May 2013 | UPDATED: 22:30 EST, 21 May 2013

Two people have died and five others have been hospitalized by a mysterious respiratory illness in southeast Alabama, state health officials said on Tuesday.

All seven adults had been admitted to hospitals with symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath in recent weeks, said Alabama Department of Public Health spokeswoman Mary McIntyre.

McIntyre said it’s unclear what’s causing the illness but some of the seven patients also had the flu.

Authorities are urging hospital staff to wear masks when caring for patients who appear to be suffering from respiratory illnesses

Authorities are urging hospital staff to wear masks when caring for patients who appear to be suffering from respiratory illnesses

So far, one sample has tested positive for H1N1 influenza A, but it’s not clear that that is behind the unusual illnesses.

There’s no evidence of other kinds of flu, including the H7N9 strain that has caused illness and death in China, McIntyre said.

‘At this point it’s too early to tell,’ McIntyre told NBC News. ‘That’s why we called it a respiratory illness of unknown origin.’

There’s no evidence that any of the victims had a connection or traveled outside the country, which would have put them at risk for unusual pathogens, including a deadly new coronavirus recently christened MERS or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

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Mysterious respiratory illness strikes 7, kills 2 in Alabama

By Associated Press

Seven people were admitted to Alabama hospitals with an unknown respiratory illness, and two of the patients have died.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A mysterious respiratory illness has left five people hospitalized and two dead in southeast Alabama, state health officials said Tuesday.

Seven people have been admitted to hospitals with a fever, cough and shortness of breath in recent weeks, Alabama Department of Public Health spokeswoman Mary McIntyre said in a statement.

Two of the seven have died. The Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control Respiratory Laboratory are analyzing lab tests from all seven patients. McIntyre says officials hope to have preliminary results on the samples back by Wednesday or Thursday morning.

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