Aug 3, 2009
Argentina's novel flu pace slows
Argentina's pandemic H1N1 cases have peaked, and so far the death rate from the disease seems to be less than for seasonal flu, said public health experts quoted in a Jul 31 Associated Press (AP) report. However, one official said the disease has had its greatest impact on young people. With more than a month left of the country's flu season, scientists report that viruses isolated in Argentina are nearly identical to those circulating in North America.
UK sees spurt in reports of reactions to oseltamivir
Britain has seen a spurt in reported negative side effects from oseltamivir (Tamiflu) use since the National Pandemic Flu Service was launched Jul 23, the Daily Mail newspaper reported today. The service allows people to get the drug over the phone without seeing a doctor. The story said 293 reports have come in since early April, of which 143 were in the past week. The reported effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and psychiatric and nervous system problems.
[Aug 3 Daily Mail report]
Solomon Islands reports first novel H1N1 case
The country of the Solomon Islands has reported its first case of novel H1N1 flu, in a member of a multinational assistance team that arrived in the islands from Brisbane, Australia, Jul 30, according to an Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) report. The patient and 12 other team members who traveled with him to Honiara, the capital, are in quarantine. Authorities are urging passengers who were on Pacific Blue flight DJ-169 to contact them.
[Aug 3 ABC News report]
CDC issues call-center resource
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Jul 30 issued a tool to help communities develop and manage call centers as a way of relieving pressure on 911 systems and healthcare systems during the H1N1 flu pandemic. The guidance, developed for the CDC by a Department of Energy facility, acknowledges that each community's needs and capabilities vary. Communities are urged to identify key partners and build on systems that are already in place.
[CDC call center guidance]
Feds launch school-closure monitoring system
The CDC and the US Department of Education have set up a system for monitoring school dismissals related to the novel H1N1 pandemic. The CDC has posted a page for the system on its Web site. School districts have the option of filling out and submitting the report online or printing out a form that can be submitted by e-mail or fax.
[CDC/DOE school dismissal monitoring portal]
