Jun 9, 2009
Global H1N1 cases rise to 26,563
The World Health Organization's (WHO's) count of novel H1N1 influenza cases reached 26,563 today, an increase of 1,275 since yesterday, Dr. Keiji Fukuda reported at a news briefing from Geneva. The death toll increased by 1, to 140, while the number of affected countries stayed the same at 73. Fukuda is the WHO's assistant director-general for health security and the environment.
[Canwest News Service story]
Australia's count tops 1,200; officials to discuss alert level
Australia's tally of confirmed novel flu cases climbed to 1,211 today, as the health ministry called for calm after sports officials cancelled a major swim meet and quarantined professional rugby players, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Health officials are meeting in Sydney tomorrow to review Australia's current alert level and discuss quarantine issues, other news outlets reported.
[Jun 9 Sydney Morning Herald story]
Scotland eyes vaccinating all kids
As the number of confirmed novel H1N1 cases in Scotland soared to 232 today, officials discussed the idea of vaccinating all of the country's children, the Daily Record newspaper reported. Though no final decisions on vaccine prioritization have been made, a government spokesperson said children and healthcare workers will likely be in the top tier and that the goal is to vaccinate all Scottish citizens by the middle of 2010.
[Jun 9 Daily Record story]
Egypt expands quarantine of American students
Egyptian officials extended their quarantine of 234 students at an American University dormitory in Cairo until Jun 15 today after five more residents tested positive for the novel H1N1 virus, Reuters reported. The country first quarantined the site after two American students got sick with the novel flu. Egyptian officials said the newly confirmed cases include four students and a staff member who have been hospitalized but are not showing symptoms.
[Jun 9 Reuters story]
