H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Containment steps, activity in India & Latin America, approved test

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Jun 22, 2010

WHO plans to review containment measures
Measures to contain pandemic H1N1 flu failed to work last year and may need to be revised for future pandemics, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said, according to a Healthcare Republic news story. Dr. Sylvie Briand, head of the WHO's global influenza program questioned whether it is possible to contain influenza at its source and said, "Rapid containment was not feasible this time," adding that "at least we must slow transmission."
http://www.healthcarerepublic.com/news/rss/1011253/suggests-revising-swine-flu-containment-measures
Jun 22 Healthcare Republic article

India reports increased H1N1 activity
Monsoon rains have increased pandemic H1N1 flu activity in India, with 13 deaths and 233 flu cases reported in the past week, according to the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). Kerala has been hit the hardest, with 9 deaths last week and 14 the week before, but the situation is becoming "grave" in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh states. "We are prepared to handle the threat with adequate doses of Tamiflu and vaccines available," a health ministry official said.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rains-fuel-swine-flu-13-dead-in-a-week/125051-17.html
Jun 22 IANS story

Latin American nations experience some flu
An update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported widespread influenza activity in Jamaica, while Cuba, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, and Chile reported regional flu activity. Bolivia reported a trend of increased acute respiratory disease for the first time, while Colombia reported 2 consecutive weeks and Venezuela 3 consecutive weeks of increased acute respiratory disease.

FDA approves CDC H1N1 test
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved a test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to diagnose pandemic flu, according to a CDC news release. The test, called the "CDC Influenza 2009 A (H1N1)pdm Real-Time RT-PCR Panel (IVD)," can provide results within 4 hours and has 96% sensitivity and specificity. It replaces one that was developed at the start of the pandemic in April 2009.
http://cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100622.htm
Jun 22 CDC news release

This week's top reads

  1. Studies detail high rates of long COVID among healthcare, dental workers

    The most common symptom reported by healthcare workers was fatigue.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    health worker in mask

  2. Top virologists urge world leaders to act on rising avian flu threat

    Global Virus Network scientists highlight the need for robust surveillance, enhanced biosecurity, and readiness for potential human-to-human viral transmission.

    Mary Van Beusekom

  3. CIDRAP launches Vaccine Integrity Project to help safeguard US vaccine use

    The steering committee will make recommendations on how non-governmental groups can help ensure that vaccine use is evidence-based.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    MMR vaccine vial on table

  4. Long COVID has unique symptoms, persistence not seen in flu, pneumonia, research suggests

    With increasing time since diagnosis, only the severe infections continued to cause symptoms. 

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Older man wiping brow

  5. US measles cases climb higher, approach 900

    Thirty states have cases, and 83% of infections are part of outbreaks, the largest centered  in West Texas.

    Lisa Schnirring
    young boy with measles

  6. USDA withdraws proposal to reduce Salmonella in poultry

    The Biden-era rule would have prevented the sale of raw chicken or turkey with certain levels or strains of Salmonella.

    Chris Dall
    Raw poultry in processing plant

  7. Tick-borne meat allergy may be related to urbanization in mid-Atlantic US

    The study identified open-space development and low population density as risk factors for Alpha-gal syndrome. 

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Lone star tick

  8. Measles cases in Europe, the Americas skyrocket

    Almost 90% of the European cases were reported in Romania.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    measles vax

  9. 'On the precipice of disaster': Measles may be endemic in 25 years if vaccine uptake stays low, model predicts

    A 10% decline in vaccine uptake could lead to 11.1 million cases of the highly contagious illness in that timeframe.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Measles virus

  10. Poll finds false measles claims gaining attention amid US outbreaks

    Though confidence in the vaccine remains high, KFF found that misinformation is sowing more doubts.

    Lisa Schnirring
    woman scrolling on phone

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