Tuesday, August 11, 2009
HELTH NEWS
Town hall meetings: Health care debate must stay on track
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
HELTH NEWS
Town hall meetings: Health care debate must stay on track
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
HELTH NEWS
Town hall meetings: Health care debate must stay on track
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter deserves much credit for holding a town hall meeting Tuesday on health care reform.
This and other meetings, which are being held by members of Congress nationwide, have garnered much attention in the last week.
Unfortunately, the spotlight has been on the shouting and shoving that has occurred as much as the national debate on whether our country should fundamentally shift its thinking on health care coverage.
Specter's meeting in Lebanon County was tame compared with what some of his colleagues in the Senate have faced -- elected officials have been unable to speak above the booing and yelling, others have needed police to intervene.
There were a few people who showed their anger in Lebanon, including one man who shouted at Specter, was then pushed by another audience member and finally left. Specter attempted to end the fracas and did allow the man to speak his mind -- against the senator -- before he left.
In all, Specter listened to 30 people, many of them with serious questions about the health care proposal before Congress, and many who disagree with the senator's support of it.
The town hall meeting is part of a long-standing tradition in our country where people with various viewpoints can get together in a room and agree to disagree on a given topic.
But what has happened lately is not. Given the high stakes involved with this debate, millions of dollars are being spent on trying to either derail or pass the health care legislation.
While we hear about the TV and radio advertising and lobbying members of Congress, a new tactic is advocacy campaigning.
It works like this: special interest groups make certain "real" people who share the view they support show up with talking points in hand and fire off questions/concerns at elected officials.
Not everyone speaking out at these town hall meetings is connected to a lobbying effort, and if they are they might passionately believe what they say, but it is getting harder to distinguish who is genuinely concerned and who is not.
The danger with this is that it is harder for members of Congress to know what are concerns of their constituents and what are lobbyist-run protests on issues.
Given that and the overall nasty tone of some of these events, there are members of Congress who are not holding town hall meetings.
The specter of opponents of health care reform hanging a legislator in effigy -- as happened in Maryland -- is daunting. But because people need and want answers, lawmakers must find a way to make sure the debate stays on track as Specter did yesterday.
At the center of all this are those who have real questions about health care reform. As we repeatedly hear, the plan is encompassed in a complicated 1,000-plus-page document that includes much legalese and references to other arduous laws.
People legitamately want to know what the plan means for senior citizens; how the government can afford to pay for health care insurance for every American; how it will vary from what is already in place; and how decisions on care will be made.
These questions are all good reasons for holding town hall meetings and good reasons for those in the audience to hold their tempers and put aside their politics to allow everyone to try and get answers.
U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. has held various forums statewide on health care reform and has been answering questions at these events, but we would suggest he also consider a town hall meeting format.
Through all of its recent flaws it can provide an important opportunity to dispel misconceptions and answer legitimate concerns.
But we also believe he and others deserve to be allowed to have a civil discourse on the issue.
NEWS
Swine flu risk
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
NEWS
Swine flu risk
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
NEWS
Swine flu risk
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
The health ministry’s confirmation of the country’s first swine flu case is cause for concern.
The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in at least 168 countries and has claimed some 800 lives worldwide. The World Health Organisation warns that the number of cases will rise significantly, predicting that two billion — or one in three — people would be infected over the next two years.
The rising figures have caused fears that the gathering of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj this year will become a flashpoint for the spread of the virus. After some Muslim countries proposed a suspension of the annual pilgrimage, an estimated $7bn industry, Arab health ministers decided to bar individuals under 12 and over 65, and those with chronic illnesses. Precautionary measures such as laboratory scanners and health quarantine wards are also being put in place. Nevertheless, some countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iran have issued warnings against performing Haj this year.
No such warning has been issued in Pakistan, and indeed WHO does not recommend travel restrictions noting their limited benefit — the virus is already present in most countries. Yet it is essential that the health authorities implement measures to detect possible carriers and prepare for a possible outbreak. Hospitals and health service providers must be put on standby, while the rapid identification of cases and the provision of proper medical treatment must be ensured. An awareness campaign regarding swine flu and its symptoms needs to be set in motion.
Intending pilgrims should be made aware of the risk and informed that those who are sick should cancel their plans this year. Returning travellers found to be ill should be exhorted to seek proper medical attention. Furthermore, airlines carrying pilgrims must ensure properly ventilated cabins and provide masks and hand-sanitisers for the protection of the crew and passengers.
HELTH NEWS
Qld Health sorry for Hendra test delays
Queensland Health authorities have apologised for their handling of an outbreak of the deadly Hendra virus at a horse stud east of Rockhampton.
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
HELTH NEWS
Qld Health sorry for Hendra test delays
Queensland Health authorities have apologised for their handling of an outbreak of the deadly Hendra virus at a horse stud east of Rockhampton.
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
HELTH NEWS
Qld Health sorry for Hendra test delays
Queensland Health authorities have apologised for their handling of an outbreak of the deadly Hendra virus at a horse stud east of Rockhampton.
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
The owner of the property and two of its managers have criticised Queensland Health for being too slow to test them for the virus after a horse died at their stud on Saturday.
Another of the stud's horses is now believed to have died from the virus a fortnight ago, although it was not tested.
This morning health authorities tested three people from the Cawarral stud who had had direct contact with the infected horse.
Queensland Health originally said the stud owner and two managers had to go to their local GPs for that, but it backed down.
Queensland Health's deputy director-general, Andrew Wilson, says the situation could have been managed better.
"Clearly, in relation to the family who are on the actual property where it is, we may not have responded as well as we could have to them and I'd like to apologise to them," he said.
"They're obviously in a situation dealing with a disease which can have serious consequences where there's obviously a lot of concern associated with that.
"We could've handled things better in terms of dealing with them and trying to provide advice with them."
Quarantine
The Department of Primary Industries has quarantined the property and its neighbour to try and stop the spread of the virus.
Now 11 horses on eight more properties have also been quarantined; seven in Queensland and one in New South Wales.
All up, Queensland Health says 34 people could have been exposed to it and 13 will be tested for it.
The Hendra virus has a five to 15 day incubation period in humans.
Australia's first case of the Hendra virus was recorded in 1994. Since then, 42 horses and six people have been infected with the virus.
Infectious disease expert Professor John Mackenzie says there is often a grim prognosis.
"Mortality rate in people is probably somewhere around about 50 per cent. We've only had six human cases to date and three of those did die, so in that sense, it's 50 per cent," he said.
"In terms of animals, it's probably slightly higher, but in that kind of range."
The Hendra virus is transmitted by fruit bats to horses, which can then infect people.
There has never been a known case of human-to-human transmission and even transmission between horses is rare; but the Department of Primary Industries is not taking any chances.
Biosecurity Queensland's chief vet Rick Symons says all horses that had any contact with the infected property have been quarantined.
"There are some horses that have moved off the property. We've contacted, or are in the process of contacting those owners to make sure that those horses are quarantined," he said.
"The other horses on the properties where the horses off the infected property have gone are not under quarantine, so there's free movement of those horses on and off the property.
"But of course we're asking owners to make sure that they monitor the horses and check that they're healthy."
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