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Published Date: 2012-01-27 16:59:22
Subject: PRO/EDR> Influenza (04): Japan (SA), nosocomial
Archive Number: 20120127.1024071

INFLUENZA (04): JAPAN (SAITAMA), NOSOCOMIAL
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Date: Fri 27 Jan 2011
Source: Japan Today [edited]
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/1-dead-2-critical-following-flu-outbreak-in-saitama-hospital


One dead, 2 critical following flu outbreak in Saitama hospital
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One person has died and 2 are in a critical condition after 39 people were infected by a flu outbreak in a Saitama hospital, officials said on Thu 26 Jan 2012. According to an Ageo Central General Hospital spokesperson, both patients and staff have been affected by the nosocomial infection. In total, 20 patients and 19 staff members are believed to have contracted the virus, TV Asahi reported. 31 of those stricken have tested positive for influenza type A virus [infection].

The deceased is believed to have been a woman in her 80s. The hospital says the woman contracted the virus on the afternoon of 20 Jan 2012, following which her fever rose to 38 degrees. Doctors say the woman passed away within hours of showing the 1st signs of the virus [infection]. One man in his 80s and another in his 50s are still critical, according to TV Asahi. The hospital has planned an inspection of its facilities and is urging local residents to take precautions against the virus.

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ProMED-mail from from HealthMap alerts
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[This outbreak emphasises the need for enhanced infection control procedures in general hospitals treating influenza patients, and in particular a requirement for all medical and general staff in hospitals to have received the current seasonal influenza vaccine.

The location of Saitama can be found in the HealthMap interactive map of Japan at: http://healthmap.org/r/1HAF. - Mod.CP]

See Also

Influenza (03): WHO update 20120120.1016834
Influenza (02): WHO update 20120106.1001987
Influenza: USA (OH) institutional children with neuro conditions 20120105.1001023]
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