Aug 26, 2009
CDC reports 2 more antiviral-resistant H1N1 cases
Two more oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant cases of novel H1N1 flu have been identified in the United States, bringing the US total to four, Dr. Scott Epperson of the CDC reported today during a teleconference sponsored by the National Influenza Vaccine Summit. "These two new cases as well as the first two reported 2 weeks ago were associated with treatment or prophylaxis with Tamiflu," Epperson said. The two latest cases were included in the CDC's weekly surveillance update issued Aug 21.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/?date=082609
CDC's most recent weekly flu surveillance report
Pandemic H1N1 picks up pace at schools, colleges
Officials at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh have confirmed novel H1N1 in 24 students, many of whom are being treated in isolation units, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported today. Penn State has also confirmed several cases. Meanwhile, schools near Lee County, Alabama, including the cities of Opelika and Auburn, are reporting hundreds of students sick with flu-like illnesses, and dozens of illnesses have been reported in Los Alamos, NM, schools, according to other reports.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09238/993217-455.stm
Aug 26 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story
Novel flu suspected in another Australian pig herd
Another pig herd in Australia has been quarantined because of a suspected novel H1N1 flu outbreak, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported. Veterinarians took samples from the pigs after several in a shed of 450 showed flu-like symptoms. The farm is located west of Brisbane in Queensland. Initial results were positive for influenza A, and further tests are under way to confirm the pandemic H1N1 virus. An outbreak was reported in Victoria last week and New South Wales in July.
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25979887-29277,00.html
Aug 25 AAP story
Australia's H1N1 epidemic still going strong
Australia's H1N1 flu epidemic has not yet passed its peak, Health Minister Nicola Roxon said today, according to the AAP. Roxon said there have been signs of a decline in cases in some areas, but cases are still increasing in others. The country has had 138 deaths from the virus, and about 80% of people tested for flu-like illness have had it. Australia currently has 440 people hospitalized with the illness, including 100 in intensive care units, the story said.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/aussie-swine-flu-outbreak-yet-to-peak-20090826-ez6h.html
Aug 26 AAP story
Angola reports first novel flu cases
Angola's health ministry yesterday reported the country's first four pandemic H1N1 cases, Angola Press reported. The patients include two Brazilians and two Angolans from the same family, both of whom traveled internationally. All of the patients are in isolation and are reportedly in stable condition.
http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/en_us/noticias/saude/2009/7/35/Four-cases-H1N1-flu-recorded,36f4ccec-b985-43a3-aab8-beb581a666dd.html
Aug 25 Angola Press story
EU puts chronically ill, pregnant women, health workers first for vaccine
The European Union's (EU's) health authorities yesterday recommended that people ages 6 months and older who have chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and healthcare workers be first in line for novel H1N1 flu vaccine. The EU statement said it will be up to member states to develop their own vaccination strategies. Unlike the US priority group list, the EU list does not include the general population of children aged 6 months through 4 years.
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_threats/com/Influenza/docs/HSC_EWRS_statement_en.pdf
Aug 25 EU statement
FDA issues emergency authorization for H1N1 test in military
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a novel H1N1 flu diagnostic test in US troops overseas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the test, called the CDC swH1N1 Influenza Real-Time RT-PCR. FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said the test will permit faster diagnosis of H1N1 in troops so that treatment can start sooner.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm180153.htm
Aug 25 FDA statement
