H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Global activity, lung damage, antibodies in blood

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Jul 16, 2010

Global cases continue at low levels
In its weekly update, the WHO reported today that global pandemic flu activity remains low, with the most active areas in parts of South Asia, West Africa, and Central America. Flu activity remains low in the temperate Southern Hemisphere during the first half of winter, except in South Africa, which has had increased detections of primarily seasonal flu (type B and A/H3N2). Pandemic flu activity in Asia remains low to sporadic, except in parts of India, Malaysia, and Singapore.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2010_07_16/en/index.html
Jul 16 WHO update

Pathology study finds alveolar damage, bacterial co-infection
A pathology study of 100 fatal H1N1 cases from last spring found the most prominent damage to tissue was diffuse alveolar lung damage, particularly to alveolar lining cells. Also, more than 25% of patients had bacterial co-infections. Viral pneumoniaand localization of viral antigen to damaged alveoli were also prominent. The authors conclude, "Underlying medicalconditions and bacterial co-infections contributed to the fataloutcome of this infection."
http://ajp.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/abstract/amjpathol;177/1/166
July Am J Pathol abstract

One fifth of Pittsburgh patients had H1N1 antibodies
Researchers studied blood samples from Pittsburgh-area hospitals and clinics for 846 patients, roughly 100 samples for each decade of age (eg, 0 to 9) and found that seroprevalence for pandemic H1N1 flu averaged 21%. However, seroprevalence varied by age-group, with those age 10 to 19 years having the highest (45%), and patients age 70 to 79 the lowest (5%). This compares with a baseline seroprevalence of 6% among 18- to 24-year-olds for seasonal H1N1 influenza in 2008.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0011601?rss
Jul 14 PLos ONE study

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. '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
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  3. Moderna pulls licensing submission for combo flu-COVID vaccine

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

    Stephanie Soucheray

  4. 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

  5. WHO adds NB.1.8.1 as SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring

    Experts say illnesses don't seem more severe and more studies are needed to further assess the risk of antibody escape.

    Lisa Schnirring

  6. WHO warns of rising COVID activity in 3 global regions

    The increase in activity is seen in the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

    Stephanie Soucheray

  7. 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

  8. Iowa, Nebraska announce first measles cases

    Iowa's patient is an unvaccinated adult, and Nebraska's is a vaccinated child who had not traveled outside the state.

    Lisa Schnirring
    measles torso

  9. FDA approves formula for fall COVID vaccines

    The agency told vaccine makers that COVID-19 vaccines used in the US starting in fall 2025 should be based on JN.1 lineage strains, preferably the LP.8.1 strain.

    Chris Dall

  10. Family likely infected with histoplasmosis in bat-colonized cave

    They reported seeing bats and coming into contact with bat droppings while crawling through tight spaces during the 2-hour tour.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Bats in cave

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