H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Flu level on campus, aboriginal groups at risk, vaccine for Cambodia

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Flu on US campuses stays level
Flu-like illness activity held at low levels on US college campuses last week, though regional activity continued in the Southeast, which was consistent with what federal officials observed, the American College Health Association (ACHA) said today. The attack rate was 1.5 cases/10,000 students, up just 0.2 cases/10,000 students from the previous week. The ACHA said it still sees no sign of a third wave and that it's unclear if flu activity will rise when students return from spring break.
http://www.acha.org/ILI_Project/ILI_Surveillance.cfm
Mar 24 ACHA surveillance report

Aboriginal ethnicity cited as risk factor in Canadian kids
A comparison of children treated in nine Canadian pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) with all kids hospitalized in Canada with flu during the first pandemic wave revealed that those with underlying conditions and from aboriginal groups were more likely to have severe illness. The report, published by Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, said ICU patients typically had severe respiratory failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation, but mortality rates didn't exceed those for seasonal flu.
http://journals.lww.com/pccmjournal/Abstract/publishahead/Critical_illness_in_children_with_influenza.99601.aspx
Mar 19 Ped Crit Care Med abstract

Cambodia receives vaccine from WHO
Cambodia's health ministry has received 300,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO), and a vaccination campaign may begin immediately, the  Phnom Penh Post reported today, quoting Dr. Nima Asgari of the WHO. The doses received so far are intended for at-risk populations in four provinces, and more doses are on the way for other provinces, Asgari said. A Mar 18 report by the health ministry said Cambodia has had 566 H1N1 cases with 6 deaths.
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2010032434121/National-news/swine-flu-vaccinations-set-to-begin-amid-global-warnings.html
Mar 24 Phnom Penh Post report

This week's top reads

  1. FDA significantly limits COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

    Critics said today’s announcement is more evidence of the current administration’s willingness to undermine public trust in vaccines.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    FDA building

  2. Woman dies of Creutzfeldt-Jakob almost 50 years after taking prion-contaminated growth hormone

    The patient, who presented with gait imbalance and tremors, wasn't diagnosed until she was in a coma, shortly before she died.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Woman in hospital bed

  3. HHS expected to discontinue COVID vaccine recommendations for some groups

    When CDC advisers widened their recommendation in 2023, most members were swayed by data, including those for long COVID, showing that no group is at low risk for the virus.

    Lisa Schnirring

  4. WHO advisers say current strains OK for COVID vaccine production

    Current vaccine strains show high neutralization against the latest variants, but the LP.8.1 antigen may provide similar or moderately higher cross-reactive antibody response.

    Lisa Schnirring
    senior vaccination

  5. US measles outbreak grows to 1,024 cases

    Texas remains the country's hot spot, with 718 cases. 

    Chris Dall
    Doctor treating child with measles

  6. Moderna pulls licensing submission for combo flu-COVID vaccine

    Moderna's combination vaccine was intended for adults 50 and older. 

    Stephanie Soucheray

  7. Mpox activity escalates in Sierra Leone

    Responding to the surge is a major focus, partly to prevent the spread to other West African countries. 

    Lisa Schnirring
    mpox virus

  8. FDA vaccine advisers recommend sticking with JN.1 strain for next COVID vaccines

    The group weighed considerations about newer variants and raised concerns that a strain recommendation might interface with the FDA's new proposed COVID vaccine framework.

    Lisa Schnirring
    woman vaccinated

  9. Viewpoint: Making key COVID vaccine decisions without input, transparency is a public disservice

    Newly announced rules that limit the use of COVID vaccines suggest that federal officials are opposed to open discussion and transparency.

    Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers
    COVID vaccine vial and syringe

  10. 'A national scandal': US excess deaths rose even after pandemic, far outpacing peer countries

    The United States has been in a "protracted health crisis" for decades, the researchers say.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Grave markers with flowers

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