Eric, this was an important interview for setting the record straight on many things, among them transmission requiring close and prolonged contact (it doesn’t always). The certainty expressed by health agency representatives does little to promote trust if the message will be retracted soon after.
Scientific American this week has a story questioning the origin of the initial crossover being the (outdoor, fenced off) landfill in Ushaia, and even whether the Dutch man who was the 1st to die was the index case, given the possibility of asymptomatic infection. I was dubious of the speed with which these conclusions were drawn. Why not state that these are leading theories that investigators are working to corroborate? Thus far, the only verifiable fact is that the Andes species is capable of infecting humans. I’m waiting to read the results of well-conducted studies before concluding anything more. I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
Hence the statement regarding “shared air.” I’m not sure people are aware that this was not a typical tropical cruise in which people spend much of their time out on.the deck. Rather, it was cold and more time was spent on indoor activities, thus increasing the chance of “sharing air” with an infected person early in their course when they are most contagious. Would you agree?
Mike Osterholm points out in his cidrap statement this week that a cold water cruise ship is all about keeping warm. That could mean lots of air recirculation and sharing between rooms. But most likely there was a lot shared-rebreathing in the same room during lectures from guides.
A few people currently in Omaha are requesting transportation to complete their quarantine at home. Thus far, their requests have been denied. Admittedly, I don't know the risk profiles of each person making the request, but this seems to contradict the conditions originally presented to them. Other than to demonstrate HHS's commitment to protecting the public's health (which I would say is debatable), are the denials justifiable or even beneficial, especially if all are PCR and serology-testing negative?
Thanks very much for doing this interview with Don Milton. A very helpful overview packed with many tidbits that are useful.
Eric, this was an important interview for setting the record straight on many things, among them transmission requiring close and prolonged contact (it doesn’t always). The certainty expressed by health agency representatives does little to promote trust if the message will be retracted soon after.
Scientific American this week has a story questioning the origin of the initial crossover being the (outdoor, fenced off) landfill in Ushaia, and even whether the Dutch man who was the 1st to die was the index case, given the possibility of asymptomatic infection. I was dubious of the speed with which these conclusions were drawn. Why not state that these are leading theories that investigators are working to corroborate? Thus far, the only verifiable fact is that the Andes species is capable of infecting humans. I’m waiting to read the results of well-conducted studies before concluding anything more. I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
We now have a presumptive positive in a person quarantined and now isolated in a hospital in British Columbia.
“Henry said the four Canadians isolating in the Island Health region had no known direct contact with the people who fell ill on the ship.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-update-hantavirus-update-bonnie-henry-may-16-9.7202396
Hence the statement regarding “shared air.” I’m not sure people are aware that this was not a typical tropical cruise in which people spend much of their time out on.the deck. Rather, it was cold and more time was spent on indoor activities, thus increasing the chance of “sharing air” with an infected person early in their course when they are most contagious. Would you agree?
Mike Osterholm points out in his cidrap statement this week that a cold water cruise ship is all about keeping warm. That could mean lots of air recirculation and sharing between rooms. But most likely there was a lot shared-rebreathing in the same room during lectures from guides.
Yes, I had read his comments. Thanks for the clarification.
Agree. But as we discussed asymptomatic transmission is rare with this virus
It important to understand that the passengers did not expose the public. BC seems to have done a fantastic job managing this situation.
A few people currently in Omaha are requesting transportation to complete their quarantine at home. Thus far, their requests have been denied. Admittedly, I don't know the risk profiles of each person making the request, but this seems to contradict the conditions originally presented to them. Other than to demonstrate HHS's commitment to protecting the public's health (which I would say is debatable), are the denials justifiable or even beneficial, especially if all are PCR and serology-testing negative?
I appreciate the concern for health care workers. With Covid it was, of course, not just the physical illness toll but the psychological one as well.