Information on Avian Bird Flu for Iran February 2006 And Update for February 2007
February 2006:
Existing national emergency response plan:
This plan is not nationally active as of yet, as the government does not see an acute outbreak happening in the near future, though it has been put in to place in some high risk areas. The focal point of this plan is in Tehran and, it is controlled by the Ministry of Health, the Iranian Veterinarian’s Association, and the FAO.
Treatment options for employees who became sick.
They must report to designated government hospitals.
Which diagnostics aids are available?
The capabilities for carrying out serological and microbiological examination and x-ray examinations must be taken into account. The virology section of the college for hygienic studies of the Tehran Medical University has the testing kits for avian bird flu and is responsible for all testing results.
The quality of medical treatment in the area:
Many of the high risk areas are in rural parts of the country. These areas are not considered to have good hygienic hospitals, and their capabilities are extremely limited. Iran has a local health system set up all over Iran where each province has local health centers in the village areas, so that most of the population should have access to a doctor and a basic health clinic which is also used to monitor the population.
Available health personnel.
If an outbreak, or suspected outbreak of avian bird flu should occur which is reported by the local health center, the ministry of health has put together a mobile team to go to the affected area as the first line of defense in dealing with this problem. Also certain hospitals in these high risk areas have been designated to treat these patients.
Labs with equipment and analysis capabilities.
All specimens are transferred to Tehran University in a specific solution which has been given to designated facilities.
Potential for medical evacuation.
SOS International has been contacted whether they consider it appropriate to transfer the patient with active avian flu. They stated certain criteria need to be taken into consideration.
- Risk of contamination should be zero. The most contagious stage of the disease is in the first week. After this time, if patient shows improvement, with all parties’ agreement, if it is believed that it is safe to transfer the patient, this maybe done.
- If country of destination refuses to accept patients.
Quantity and quality of available intensive treatment.
In both cases this is considered to be limited.
The hygienic and isolation standards if such an outbreak should occur, is considered to be substandard.
In a small outbreak there is enough capability for treatment, though in general the average ICU unit in Iran is again substandard.
National plans for preventing a pandemic
- Banning of imported poultry especially within Iran from affected areas.
- Strict measures are in place at high risk borders which include, the spraying of vehicles, and possible isolation of immigrants, culling of birds, and the giving of the general flu vaccination for locals in high risk areas.
- Vaccination of poultry in commercial breeding centers against the bird flu which when given is considered to be 100% affective.
- The United Nation’s Food and Agricultural organization (FAO) is monitoring the situation and assisting Iran.
- The Department of Iran’s Veterinarian Organization is very active in the diagnostic and treatment of this disease and has been commended by the community that is working with it.
- The regular flu vaccination of all people involved in the commercial breeding of poultry.
Availability of antiviral medications.
Tamiflu is only available from the Ministry of Health and it is in limited quantity. They are in the process of ordering more of this drug.
Country/neighboring country with ongoing H5N1 infection.
Turkey, which is considered to be under control at this time.
Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan are in question.
No reported case among poultry or humans in Iran at this time.
It must be noted that there is a close relationship between the Kurds of Turkey, Iraq, and Iran which is hard to monitor or control.
Eating chicken in Iran that is bought from a reliable source and which is cooked properly is considered to be safe.
Source of information:
Imam Khomeyni Hospital
Dr. Mohraz MD infectious disease control specialist
Dr. R. Hakim Elahi MD
Pita J. Dawes Bagherzadeh RN BSN PHN
MedCare
February 2007 :
In regards to the Avian Bird Flu, the present situation in Iran shows no change .The only significant change is the new diagnostic method for identifying the virus. This method which is called RT PCR, allows doctor to detect the virus in patients samples at the early stage, as well as accurately. The health department of Tehran University has now been equipped to do so.
Source of information:
Imam Khomeyni Hospital
Dr. Mohraz MD infectious disease control specialist
Dr. P.Mirsadeghi M.D
Pita J. Dawes Bagherzadeh RN BSN PHN
MedCare
