WEST NILE VIRUS - USA: REFUGEE ORIGIN? ************************************** A ProMED-mail post <http://www.promedmail.org> Date: Thu 17 Aug 2000 18:38:50 -0700 From: Michael A. Sauri, MD, MPH&TM, FACP, FACPM <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> My first-hand knowledge of infectious diseases and of prior military refugee operations leads me to believe that the previous screening of refugees coming to the United States allowed both an adequate time (multiple incubation periods) to identify most active, communicable diseases before they arrived in the United States, and proper coordination of medical follow-up of those identified as needing medical care after they arrived. However, this was not accomplished for the very rapid "humanitarian" airlift of Bosnian refugees who entered the United States in 1997, the majority being located in the New York metropolitan area, from what I can tell from talking with reservists involved in the operation. Since West Nile virus is endemic in that area of Eastern Europe, it seems epidemiologically the likely event that resulted in the introduction of West Nile Virus into the United States. It would take a study to determine if my theory is correct. I would appreciate the input of other members of ProMED-mail on this important issue concerning the control of emerging diseases. This theory, if confirmed, could identify areas in future refugee airlifts that should be emphasized in order to avoid the entry and spread of exotic diseases in the United States. - -- Michael A. Sauri,MD, MPH&TM, FACP, FACPM Infectious Disease Consultant Washington Metropolitan Area 9715 Medical Center Drive Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20850 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [As posted in ProMED-mail, "the WNV from the recent NY City outbreak has been shown by Ian Lipkin, by CDC workers, and by others to be essentially identical to a recent strain from a goose in Israel" -- so it probably did not come from Bosnia, which on geographical grounds likely has the Romanian strain. However, it is true that careful consideration should be given to endemic diseases in areas from which refugees are found before airlifting them to other countries. - Mod.JW] ..............................jw/es <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'�with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds�is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
