What's new in the world of pandemic and avian flu?

Expert pair airs lessons learned from global flu response

2010-10-07T16:58:00.000-04:00

Lisa Schnirring Staff WriterOct 6, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – Two internationally known health officials yesterday gave their assessment of the global response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, saying good decisions were made based on what was known early in the outbreak but adding that the experience yielded several important lessons, such as the need for more flexible pandemic plans and the need to

Study explores Southern Hemisphere pandemic patterns

2010-10-07T16:57:00.000-04:00

Lisa Schnirring Staff WriterOct 5, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – A review of how the first wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic affected Southern Hemisphere countries found many similarities with Northern Hemisphere countries, though many patients had no underlying risk factors for flu complications and pregnant women didn't seem to have severe outcomes. The authors from Greece and from Tufts University School

WHO pandemic review group concludes third session

2010-10-07T16:55:00.000-04:00

Lisa Schnirring Staff WriterSep 29, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – The external committee tasked with reviewing the World Health Organization's (WHO's) response to the H1N1 pandemic wrapped up its third round of live meetings in Geneva today, hearing from an array of country and organization health representatives, as well as WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, who strongly defended the organization's

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 104

2010-06-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

WHO's Weekly update11 June 2010 -- As of 6 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18156 deaths.WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and Member States and through monitoring of multiple

WHO defends pandemic actions, says rules need tightening

2010-06-15T13:06:00.000-04:00

Jun 10, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – The World Health Organization (WHO) replied at greater length today to recent criticism of the way it used science advisors in pandemic planning, defending its response to the H1N1 flu pandemic but allowing that its policies concerning transparency and relations with the pharmaceutical industry need strengthening. Today's WHO statement largely reiterates points made

Study raises questions about age-group impact of H1N1

2010-06-15T13:05:00.001-04:00

Jun 14, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – A study by French researchers suggests that the H1N1 influenza pandemic may not have differed from seasonal influenza epidemics in its effects on different age-groups quite so much as has been supposed. The general understanding is that H1N1 has disproportionately affected children and young adults, leaving elderly people relatively unscathed. The new study agrees

Studies Needed to Address Public Health Challenges of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: Insights from Modeling

2010-06-08T09:37:00.002-04:00

In light of the 2009 influenza pandemic and potential future pandemics, Maria Van Kerkhove and colleagues anticipate six public health challenges and the data needed to support sound public health decision making in the June edition of PLoS Medicine. Summary points from the group’s paper include the following:As the global epidemiology of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza (H1N1pdm) virus strain

Scientists advising WHO could recommend ending the pandemic alert

2010-06-02T09:06:00.002-04:00

(AFP) – 1 day ago"GENEVA — Scientists advising the World Health Organisation on Tuesday held a meeting to give their latest assessment of swine flu, in a move that could end the pandemic alert, a WHO spokesman said.The UN health agency said the result of the confidential meeting would be announced on Wednesday.Speaking shortly before the teleconference began, WHO spokesman Gregory Haertl said the

FAO: Early and Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza

2010-05-26T14:42:00.000-04:00

20 May 2010 - Influenza A, including avian influenza, is a major public health threat in developed and developing countries. Early, rapid and accurate detection is a key component of strategies to contain, halt or mitigate disease transmission. In the context of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the efficient diagnosis of this and other emerging and transboundary diseases is essential to

S. Korea to share bird flu quarantine knowhow with ASEAN countries

2010-05-26T14:40:00.000-04:00

SEOUL, May 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will share its knowhow on bird flu quarantine with Southeast Asian countries as part of its effort to help contain future outbreaks of the disease, the government said Monday. The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service said 30 quarantine experts from eight Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have been invited to the country

FDA Clears H1N1 Test for General Use

2010-05-26T14:39:00.000-04:00

WASHINGTON -- A test for the pandemic H1N1 influenza has been formally approved for use outside a public health emergency situation, the FDA announced.Until the clearance of Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009), which is used to test for the pandemic virus in patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection, tests for the new virus were available only through an Emergency Use Authorization (

No Pandemic but Endemic - Managing Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Nepal

2010-05-26T14:37:00.000-04:00

Nepal has faced seven avian influenza outbreaks in animals since early-February this year. In the Central, Southern and Eastern Regions, these outbreaks were quickly spotted by field monitors and successfully contained by Rapid Response Teams, thanks to the Avian Influenza Control Project (AICP).The project is helping the Government of Nepal to prepare, prevent and control avian influenza

The 2nd International Forum on Pandemic Influenza

2010-05-20T09:45:00.001-04:00

24-25 July 2010, Qingdao, Chinahttp://www.ifpi2010.com/index_en.asp

Cambodia: Survey finds low practice of prevention measures

2010-05-20T09:24:00.003-04:00

May 2010 CBAIRRP Newsletter--To assess the needs of the newly selected areas in Prey Veng and Svay Rieng, CARE conducted six focus group discussions with villagers in four districts.The FGD found that over 90 percent of the villagers raise chicken in small scale backyard system, mostly for household consumption, with around 10 to 20 percent of households raising ducks as small-scale business

Southeast Asia aims to eradicate H5N1 by 2020

2010-05-12T13:35:00.001-04:00

Maryn McKenna Contributing WriterApr 28, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – A multi-national meeting aimed at freeing Southeast Asia from H5N1 avian flu within 10 years wrapped up deliberations yesterday with a call for cooperation to keep animal diseases from crossing national borders. The First Technical Working Group Meeting on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Roadmap, a project of the Association

WHO panel offers clinical profile of H1N1

2010-05-12T13:33:00.000-04:00

Robert Roos News EditorMay 5, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – A panel of experts assembled by the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a clinical profile of pandemic H1N1 influenza, using data from scores of studies to fill in details of the broad picture that has emerged over the past year. The report, released today by the New England Journal of Medicine, affirms that the disease has taken its

WHO Update - Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 99 (7 May 2010)

2010-05-12T13:31:00.001-04:00

Weekly update7 May 2010 -- As of 2nd May, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18001 deaths.WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and Member States and through monitoring of multiple sources of

WHO panel to review H1N1 pandemic status in coming weeks

2010-05-12T13:25:00.000-04:00

The Emergency Committee is waiting for the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere before making its recommendation, spokesman Gregory Hartl said.That meant the 15-member independent panel would probably meet at the end of May or in early June, after the WHO's governing World Health Assembly next week, he told a briefing."They have to look at the information that exists at that time on the

U.S. official says scientific cooperation with Indonesia to benefit both

2010-05-12T11:27:00.001-04:00

5/11/10 Xinhua--A U.S. senior official promised Indonesian government here on Monday that the further possible science and technology cooperation between the United States and Indonesia would be benefiting to each other.Speaking on the sidelines of his meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the visiting U.S. special envoy for science and technology affairs Bruce Alberts said

H1N1 Lessons Learned Resource

2010-04-29T10:44:00.002-04:00

CIDRAP has issued the first of a series of articles reviewing the world's experience with pandemic H1N1 influenza and what lessons have been learned in the past year.This first issue covers geographic expectations, wave pattern, impacts on populations, as well the stresses of H1N1 on health systems. The resource also talks about clinical components of illness related to H1N1, as well as about

International Group Renews Push to Fight Avian & Pandemic Influenza

2010-04-29T10:30:00.002-04:00

From CIDRAP News By Lisa Schnirring Staff Writer Apr 22, 2010 – An international avian and pandemic flu meeting in Hanoi concluded yesterday, with health ministers and top officials from more than 70 countries agreeing on a set of strategies for responding to future disease threats. The agreement,

Accelerated 2009 H1N1 Infection Rates in Bangladesh

2010-04-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

According to recent reports, Bangladesh has directed health officials across the country to remain on alert after finding that the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has spread rapidly this month. They said the disease had been remaining at lower levels in Bangladesh from January-March of 2010, but this month it has spread hastily, infecting many across the country, posing a fresh threat of a

Vaccine Shortage Threatens 2009 H1N1 Control in Nigeria

2010-04-29T10:09:00.002-04:00

Despite the recent outbreak of the pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus in Ghana, Nigeria is yet to receive stocks of vaccine to prepare for a possible outbreak in the country. Two Nigerians have so far died of the virus and 11 cases have been confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH). A nine-year-old American girl was the first case of HINI in Nigeria, which was reported in November 2009.

US Global Funds for Avian & Pandemic Influenza Reach $1.5 Billion

2010-04-29T10:06:00.001-04:00

From CIDRAP News - April 20, 2010Lat week, the US delegation to the International Ministerial Conference on Animal and Pandemic Influenza (IMCAPI) meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, noted the country has spent more than $1.5 billion to combat global avian and pandemic influenza. This figure represents $627 million invested since the previous 2008 IMCAPI conference held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt,

Humanitarian Pandemic Preparedness (H2P): Red Cross Annual Report

2010-04-16T15:23:00.002-04:00

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting National Societies with financial and technical support, to prepare for, and respond to, an outbreak of pandemic influenza in their countries.Essential to the program's success is ongoing collaboration and coordination with multiple implementing partners, including NGOs (including CARE), UN agencies, local

Renal Complications Common with Pandemic Flu

2010-04-16T15:14:00.002-04:00

According to an article published in Renal & Urology News, acute kidney injury (AKI), acute renal failure (ARF), and the need for dialysis are common complications in critically ill patients with 2009 H1N1, and are associated with an increased death risk, according to Canadian researchers. Manish M. Sood, MD, and colleagues at the University of Manitoba in Winnepeg, prospectively studied 50

Egypt: Confirmed H5N1 Infection in Donkeys

2010-04-16T15:00:00.002-04:00

A new study investigating H5N1 in mammalian hosts has confirmed that the virus was found in donkeys in Egypt. Nasal swabs were collected from donkeys suffering from respiratory distress. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the virus clustered within the lineage of H5N1 from Egypt, closely related to 2009 isolates. It harbored few genetic changes compared to the closely related viruses from avian

Bangladesh: Confirmed H5N1 Outbreaks in Poultry, Narayangonj and Mymensingh

2010-04-16T14:42:00.002-04:00

Following active surveillance, outbreaks of H5N1 were observed:On 7 April 2010 in Mymensingh District, Dhaka division,where 4 out of 123 backyard poultry died. The rest of the poultry were culled.On 11 April 2010, when three outbreaks occurred at threebackyard poultry in Araihazar Upazila. Narayangonj District, Dhaka division and 3,136 out of 10,700 died. The rest of the chickens were culled. The

New UN study urges sustained momentum to tackle human, animal influenza threats

2010-04-15T15:34:00.002-04:00

14 April 2010 While there has been substantial global progress towards pandemic preparedness in recent years, it is vital to maintain that momentum to respond effectively to existing and possible future threats, according to a new study by the United Nations and the World Bank.“Continued global vigilance for infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics is of critical importance for health security

Outbreak Study: Satellite Tracking Reveals How Wild Birds May Spread Avian Flu

2010-04-14T10:34:00.000-04:00

For the first time, migratory birds marked with satellite transmitters were tracked during an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (H5N1) in Asia, providing evidence that wild birds may be partly responsible for the spread of the virus to new areas.In the study, scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center and the University of Tokyo attached satellite transmitters to 92

WHO Global Influenza Update: Distribution, Spread and Resistance

2010-04-12T10:58:00.002-04:00

Though pandemic flu activity stayed stable in most parts of the world, Chile is reporting new detections of the pandemic virus in at least three regions in advance of the start of its flu season, with other hot spots occurring in Bangladesh and parts of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported today. Localized pandemic flu transmission is persisting in Tanzania and

FAO: Egypt one of five countries where H5N1 still persists

2010-04-09T17:35:00.002-04:00

Via H5N1 (Crofsblogs) and Daily News Egypt Excerpt:"Egypt is listed as one of five countries where the H5N1 virus, or avian influenza, still persists, said a statement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).The H5N1 virus has been combated in 135 countries while an outbreak remains a threat in Egypt, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam.'Unfortunately, H5N1 may

No adverse effects to influenza antiviral medications in pregnancy: Maternal and neonatal outcomes after antepartum treatment of influenza antiviral m

2010-04-09T17:33:00.002-04:00

Via CIDRAP News:Researchers from the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center report that neither oseltamivir nor amantadine/rimantadine caused any adverse events in pregnant women treated at the medical center during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. The 104 women given amantadine or rimantadine and the 135 women given oseltamivir had the same rates of preterm birth, premature rupture of

FAO says Avian Influenza Pandemic Still Evident in Nigeria

2010-04-08T09:50:00.001-04:00

The Avian influenza (AI) pandemic is not yet over in Nigeria says the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Chief Technical Adviser of the Emergency Centre for Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) of FAO Dr. Tesfia Tseggai said this in Abuja during the launching of products from FAO-media fellowship project. He said despite successes recorded in bringing the disease under control, AI

H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak in Tien Phong commune, Yen Hung district, VIetnam

2010-04-08T09:45:00.003-04:00

Quang Ninh province has officially confirmed a new outbreak of H5N1 in Tien Phong commune, Yen Hung district. Information released on April 7 by the Chairman of the Yen Hung district People’s Committee, called for urgent measures to prevent the spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (AI). On March 19, Quang Ninh province also declared bird flu recurrence in Dong Mai commune, Yen Hung district.

Possible H1N1 Outbreak in Ghana

2010-04-08T09:42:00.001-04:00

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Health Service, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health have warned of a threat of possible outbreak of 2009 H1N1 in Ghana.A statement signed by the NADMO Coordinator, Kofi Portuphy, said the threat was heightened by the recent sporadic outbreaks of the disease in a number of schools in some regions leading to their

Entry Screening to Delay Local Transmission of 2009 H1N1

2010-04-01T10:54:00.002-04:00

After the WHO issued the global alert for 2009 H1N1, many national health agencies began to screen travelers on entry in airports, ports and border crossings to try to delay local transmission.The authors of this study reviewed entry screening policies adopted by different nations and ascertained dates of official report of the first laboratory-confirmed imported H1N1 case and the first

WHO sets up external panel to review pandemic response

2010-03-31T14:55:00.001-04:00

From CIDRAP News Mar 29, 2010 by Lisa Schnirring - Staff WriterThe World Health Organization (WHO) today said it is in the final stages of putting together an independent committee to review its preparation for and response to the H1N1 pandemic, a group of about 29 experts that will meet for the first time in the middle of April.Keiji Fukuda, MD, special advisor on pandemic influenza to the WHO

Study on Years of Life Lost to Pandemic Influenza

2010-03-26T17:04:00.002-04:00

A new study argues that because the H1N1 influenza pandemic has cut many young lives short, its real public health impact has been substantially greater than is generally perceived. In the study, a team of government and academic researchers came up with new estimates of deaths in the pandemic. By combining those with data on the age distribution of deaths, they estimated the number of "

Business Experts Share Lessons Learned on Pandemic Influenza

2010-03-26T16:56:00.002-04:00

From CIDRAP News Mar 24, 2010 by Lisa Schnirring - Staff Writer With pandemic flu activity declining over the past few months, businesses have a chance to retool some of their response plans, while many grapple with issues such as protective equipment shelf life and how to protect employees when pandemic or seasonal flu returns,

WHO Says H5N1 Threat Persists

2010-03-26T16:51:00.001-04:00

From CIDRAP News Mar 25, 2010 by Lisa Schnirring Newly confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, along with several outbreaks in poultry, are a reminder that the virus still poses a global threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) said yesterday. So far this year the WHO has received 21 reports of human cases,

Findings, Gaps, and Future Direction for Research in Nonpharmaceutical Interventions for Pandemic Influenza

2010-03-26T16:30:00.003-04:00

During March 4–6, 2009, principal investigators from eleven CDC funded studies met to share results, identify research gaps, and define future research needs to identify, improve, and evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate the spread of pandemic influenza within communities and across international borders. At the conference, the researchers

Studies compare 1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza viruses - potential vaccine design implications

2010-03-25T14:02:00.005-04:00

We would like to reference the following article by Maryn McKenna, Contributing Writer for CIRAP News [Excerpts]:Study shows 1918 and 2009 pandemic viruses share key feature"Mar 24, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – Structural similarities between the pandemic flu viruses of 1918 and 2009 may explain older adults' apparent immunity to the newer virus, two scientific teams report today in two journals. Their

H5N1 Avian Flu Outbreak in Nepal

2010-03-22T11:40:00.002-04:00

Last week, the government of Nepal declared an emergency in Jhyalbas area in Nawalparasi district after a laboratory in the UK confirmed that samples from poultry that Nepal had sent for testing had been confirmed to be infected with H5N1 Avian Influenza (AI).The District Livestock Office (DLO) said that they were planning to cull all birds, chickens, ducks and equipment used in the poultry

Influenza B virus circulation increases

2010-03-13T11:28:00.001-05:00

Lisa Schnirring – Staff Writer, CIDRAP News reports:‘Mar 12, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – Though pandemic flu is circulating at low levels in many parts of the world, Thailand and some West African nations are reporting increased activity, and the virus is being edged out by influenza B in China and other Asian regions, with signs of westward spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) said

New H5N1 Antiviral and Vaccine

2010-03-01T11:31:00.002-05:00

Researchers testing a new neuraminidase inhibitor for prevention and treatment of H5N1 influenza infection reported promising findings in a mouse study today, suggesting that the new antiviral may be effective even against oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant strains. The international study group, headed by Dr Yoshihiro Kawaoka, is based at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and their findings

Early Oseltamivir Therapy May Reduce Viral Shedding in 2009 H1N1 Virus Infection

2010-02-26T12:03:00.006-05:00

The Health Department of South Africa is seeking to immunise at least 3 million people against 2009 H1N1 flu before winter sets in, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said yesterday. South Africa currently has 1.3 million doses of vaccine and because South Africa is classified as

Physician Perceptions on 2009 H1N1 Differ by Country

2010-01-29T11:21:00.003-05:00

From WebWire.com -- Sunday, January 24, 2010Global market intelligence firm Synovate has released data from a study examining the physician’s view of the recent Swine Flu pandemic. The survey, which interviewed physicians from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, China, Taiwan and India about their views of the subject, revealed the following findings: 90% of doctors in the US feel that

WHO Statement to the Council of Europe on Pandemic 2009 H1N1

2010-01-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

On January 26th, Dr Keiji Fukuda - Special Adviser on Pandemic Influenza to the Director-General- released a statement to the Council of Europe on behalf of WHO. Topics addressed included:a) The role of WHO in improving global and national preparedness through the capacity strengthening of laboratories, epidemiological investigations, clinical care and communications, as well as the building of

Nigeria to Receive 2009 H1N1 Vaccine

2010-01-22T14:06:00.002-05:00

January 21 2009-- Nigerian Minister of Health, Babatunde Osotimehin, said negotiations between government and the World Health Organization on securing shipments of 2009 H1N1 vaccine had reached advanced stage.This news comes after the death of a 38-year-old woman in Lagos from the virus and reports that eight others subsequently tested positive. The Minister noted that before now, Nigeria was

New Zealand: Decline in Hand Sanitizer Use

2010-01-22T13:25:00.003-05:00

A recent study published in the European journal, Eurosurveillance, reveals that a follow-up conducted in December 2009 on hand sanitizer use at a New Zealand hospital declined from 18% in August 2009 to 8.2% in December. As expected, with a decrease in flu activity, there has been a reduction in individuals' perceived threat from the pandemic. But with future waves of the pandemic expected to

H5N1 case in Egypt, bird outbreak in India & Bangladesh, debate in Indonesia

2010-01-21T10:18:00.004-05:00

January 19, 2009--From CIDRAP News Egypt reports human H5N1 case, more bird infectionsEgypt has identified its 91st human case of H5N1 avian influenza, according to a Jan 13 report by Strengthening Avian Influenza Detection and Response (SAIDR), an Egypt-based project funded by the US Agency for International Development. The Egyptian health ministry said the case involves a 20-year-old

WHO 2009 H1N1 Influenza Situation Update

2010-01-21T09:37:00.002-05:00

Dr Keiji Fukuda, Special Adviser to the WHO Director-General on Pandemic Influenza delivered a virtual press conference on January 14, 2010. Dr. Fukuda expressed that the most intense pandemic activity continues to be concentrated in North Africa, Southern Asia and in parts of Eastern and Southeast Europe. Though activity has been declining in other parts of the world, it has not returned to

CDC Estimates 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Coverage in the U.S. at 20.3%

2010-01-21T09:07:00.006-05:00

Many western countries, including the U.S. have reported a surplus of H1N1 vaccines due to low demand. During December 2009 and January 2010, the CDC analyzed results from the National 2009 H1N1 Flu Survey (NHFS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to estimate 2009 H1N1 vaccination coverage to date for the 2009-2010 influenza season.The results indicated that, as of

Drop in Demand of H1N1 Vaccine for Developing Countries

2010-01-14T13:05:00.002-05:00

With H1N1 pandemic influenza activity waning in many countries, developing countries in line to receive donated H1N1 vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO) may not want as much as the agency has been aiming to provide. WHO hoped to provide enough for 10% of the population of countries that wanted the vaccine, but the agency's Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny said that with the pandemic waning,

Update: WHO 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Deployment

2010-01-11T11:30:00.002-05:00

As of December 2009, WHO had received pledges of nearly 190 million doses of vaccine, 75 million syringes and US$70 million for vaccine deployment to developing countries.WHO and partners are assisting 95 countries to receive and use vaccines, with an immediate focus on a first group of 35 countries. Before countries receive donated vaccines, they complete three steps: 1) make a request to

Environmental disruption set to trigger new pandemics, scientists warn

2010-01-05T08:58:00.003-05:00

The following article was referenced on the Avian Flu Diary, and is directly relevant to much of CARE's current work and future vision in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Excerpts are presented below, but the entire article is worth reading. The article goes on to highlight key zoonotic diseases such as HIV(AIDS), hantaviral diseases, H5N1/H1N1 influenzas, rabies, malaria, and West

WHO - Comparing deaths from pandemic and seasonal influenza

2009-12-23T15:53:00.001-05:00

22 DECEMBER 2009 GENEVA -- Efforts to assess the severity of the H1N1 influenza pandemic sometimes compare numbers of confirmed deaths with those estimated for seasonal influenza, either nationally or worldwide. Such comparisons are not reliable for several reasons and can be misleading.Numbers of deaths for seasonal influenza are estimates. They use statistical models designed to calculate

New antiviral compound (still undergoing trials) said to be more effective than Tamiflu

2009-12-22T09:46:00.006-05:00

A study in the Dec. 21 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that a new compound may be more potent and safer for treating H5N1 influenza than the antiviral oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu). The new compound, called T-705, is effective in mice even up to 3 days after infection. This means T-705 may be effective in people who have already entered a disease state.

Egypt reports 90th confirmed case of H5N1

2009-12-22T09:40:00.002-05:00

WHO:21 December 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) on 19 December 2009.The case is a 21 year old female from the El Tanta District of Gharbia Governorate. She developed symptoms of fever and cough on 15 December 2009.She was admitted to Tanta Fever Hospital where she received oseltamivir treatment on the same day.

WHO confirms human H5N1 case in Cambodia

2009-12-18T16:53:00.001-05:00

18 December 2009 -- The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.The 57-year-old male, from Ponhea Kreak District, Kampong Cham Province, developed symptoms on 11 December. The case was admitted to Kampong Cham Provincial Hospital on 16 December, where he received treatment. He is in a stable condition. The presence

Molecule Linked to Severe H1N1

2009-12-18T14:32:00.004-05:00

Below is an article from the Globe and Mail by Carly Weeks (referenced from Crawford Kilian at Crofsblog):Published on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 5:56PM EST One of the scariest aspects of the H1N1 pandemic is the apparent randomness of the virus: While most people who contract it recover from symptoms after several days, pockets of people are hit with extremely severe, and sometimes deadly, illness.

WHO to Begin Sending H1N1 Vaccine to Developing Countries

2009-12-17T10:30:00.003-05:00

Article from the Associated Press, December 17, 2009The World Health Organization plans to start shipping 2009 H1N1 vaccine to Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Mongolia in the next few weeks, flu chief Keiji Fukuda said Thursday.Another 32 developing countries are in line to get the vaccine soon. The U.N. health agency has prioritized sending the shots to northern hemisphere countries first, which are

Thailand Confirms First Case of Human-to-Pig 2009 H1N1 Influenza

2009-12-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

Today, Thailand confirmed its first case of a pig infected with H1N1 contracted from humans, senior officials said. Below are some excerpts from an AsiaOne article describing the incident. Agriculture minister Thira Wongsamut said that one of 80 pigs in a sample group tested for the virus at Kasertsart University farm in the central province of Sara Buri had contracted 2009 H1N1 influenza.The

Germany and Spain Seek to Cut H1N1 Vaccine Orders

2009-12-17T10:00:00.003-05:00

As reported earlier, the German Ministry of Health has been faced with a situation in which the country has excess vaccine for 2009 H1N1 due to weak demand within the country. Now, in addition to Germany, Spain has expressed a desire to return unused vaccine to the pharmaceutical companies according to a report on the specialist news service APM Health Europe. A health ministry official in

Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Pediatric Vaccine

2009-12-16T10:02:00.002-05:00

As part of its quality assurance program, Sanofi Pasteur, performs routine, ongoing stability testing of its 2009 H1N1 vaccine after the vaccine has been shipped to providers. Stability testing measures the strength/potency of a vaccine over time. It is performed because sometimes the strength of a vaccine can go down over time. On December 7, Sanofi Pasteur notified CDC and FDA that the potency

Prolonged Shedding of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus

2009-12-15T17:04:00.002-05:00

A recent study published in the journal, Eurosurveillance, discusses two case reports from France, in which two patients exhibited prolonged shedding of the virus 14 and 28 days after the onset of symptoms. The patients did not have immunodepression and were treated with neuraminidase inhibitors. This prolonged shedding was not associated with the emergence of the resistance mutation H275Y in

2009-12-10T14:00:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, December 9th, The New England Journal of Medicine published an article on a community cluster of oseltamivir-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza in Vietnam. The article summarizes community level transmission of the resistant virus among students riding a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.Excerpts from the NEJM article - LQ Mai et al.:“Oseltamivir-resistant infection with the 2009

CDC: Updated Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment 2009 H1N1

2009-12-09T17:34:00.004-05:00

The CDC has posted updated recommendations on their website for clinical treatment of 2009 H1N1. Below are some highlights from the document. Who to treat Prompt empiric treatment is recommended for persons with suspected or confirmed influenza and: Illness requiring hospitalizationProgressive, severe, or complicated illness, regardless of

Germany to Sell H1N1 Vaccines Abroad Due to Weak Demand

2009-12-08T09:12:00.004-05:00

The German Ministry of Health has confirmed that the country plans to sell more than two million H1N1 vaccinations abroad due to weak domestic demand. Only about five percent of the German public has been vaccinated, according to Health Minister Philip Roesler. He said he was checking with other countries to see if they needed any of the medicines and that Ukraine had already signaled interest.

Caring for Someone Sick at Home

2009-12-08T08:36:00.003-05:00

The CDC has released updated guidance on home-based care for sick individuals. Though many hospitals and clinics may be much busier than normal due to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the good news is that most people with flu will be able to be cared for at home and will feel better in about a week.The recommendations address:how to make and manage a sick roomhow to check for and prevent fluid loss in

Egypt: Possible Nationwide School Closures

2009-12-07T08:45:00.003-05:00

By Reem LeilaNo one seems to know how severe the swine flu epidemic will be, leaving the Egyptian government scrambling to respond. Thousands of parents have been left clueless as the number of infections and fatalities increases and the Ministry of Health has announced it may close schools nationwide if cases of pneumonia and H1N1 continue to rise. The return of 73,000 Egyptian pilgrims from

WHO AFRO Organizes Workshop on Vaccine Deployment to Member States

2009-12-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Two five-day inter-country workshops on pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine deployment organized by WHO for its Member States in the African Region were held in November in Abuja, Nigeria. Both workshops aim at: Strengthening the capacity of countries to deploy the new H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine and other ancillary supplies, Improving the

WHO Use of Advisory Bodies in Responding to the Influenza Pandemic

2009-12-03T15:47:00.002-05:00

WHO issued a statement today acknowledging rising concerns that ties with the pharmaceutical industry among experts on the Organization’s advisory bodies may influence policy decisions, especially those relating to the influenza pandemic. WHO says that these criticisms are understandable but unfounded.The agency has stated that there are many safeguards in place within the Organization to manage

Oseltamivir Resistance in Immunocompromised Hospital Patients

2009-12-03T15:27:00.002-05:00

According to the latest WHO briefing, there have been two recent clusters of patients infected with oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 viruses reported to the agency. The first cluster occurred in Wales, UK in October 2009, and the second in North Carolina, USA in mid October to November. Both clusters occurred in a single ward in a hospital in each area, and both involved patients whose immune systems

CDC - Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Schools

2009-12-03T15:05:00.002-05:00

The CDC has come up with an Influenza communications toolkit for schools to provide basic information and communication resources to help school administrators implement recommendations from CDC’s Guidance on 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza during the 2009-2010 school year.The toolkit includes:Fact sheets for schools and teachers on possible action steps to prevent spread of the flu.Fact sheets

U.S. finds pandemic H1N1 virus in turkey flock

2009-12-02T16:32:00.000-05:00

By Charles AbbottThe pandemic H1N1 flu virus was confirmed in a flock of breeder turkeys in Virginia -- the first U.S. case involving turkeys, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Monday. The virus also has been found in hogs, three house cats, pet ferrets and a cheetah in California. USDA said infections of turkeys have been reported in Canada and Chile. "This is the first

CDC Addresses Reports of Changes in the 2009 H1N1 Virus

2009-12-02T15:51:00.002-05:00

As of November 24, 2009, there have been occasional reports of small changes in the genes of some virus samples collected from some people infected with 2009 H1N1 in several countries, most recently in Norway.The public health implications of these changes are currently being studied by CDC and WHO scientists, but preliminary results at this time imply that, these changes appear to occur

AED Connections - Field Studies Inform Efforts to Prevent Avian Flu

2009-11-30T18:56:00.002-05:00

The Academy for Educational Development (AED) released an edition of AED Connections with a featured article on avian influenza:Field Studies Inform Efforts to Prevent Avian FluBy Tula MichaelidesHeadlines such as “The Bird Flu: The Race to Prevent a Global Epidemic” and “The Next Killer Flu. Can we stop it?” abounded in late 2005. That’s when AED started reaching out to rural backyard poultry

H1N1 Vaccine Trial in HIV Positive Individuals

2009-11-23T16:51:00.003-05:00

Researchers at the University of Florida Center for HIV/AIDS Research are currently conducting a national clinical trial on the 2009 H1N1 vaccine in HIV positive individuals. People with HIV are included in the list of high risk groups that are more vulnerable to complications from the flu due to their immunocompromised state. The researchers aim to find out whether a higher-than-usual dose of

Mutated influenza A(H1N1) 2009 detected in Norway

2009-11-20T15:06:00.003-05:00

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported today that it detected an unusual mutation in three individuals; two of whom were the first fatal cases of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in the country, and one of whom has severe illness.The Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported on these detections, as did WHO (also see links to reports below). The Norwegian public health agency subsequently

H1N1 and the 2009 Hajj

2009-11-20T14:54:00.003-05:00