H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Reopening isolation wards, nurses' low desire for vaccine

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Jun 21, 2010

Indian state reopens H1N1 isolation wards
Citing the reemergence of pandemic flu and other viral diseases with the rainy season, Hyderabad, India, health officials announced they would reopen H1N1 isolation wards in all 28 hospitals in the state, according to The Hindu. Health Secretary P. V. Ramesh said the government was on top of the situation and urged people to seek medical attention for persistent or severe flu symptoms.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/21/stories/2010062161340600.htm
Jun 21 The Hindu report

Hong Kong nurses show low desire for vaccine
A survey conducted before the fall wave of pandemic flu found that only 13% of Hong Kong nurses planned to get the H1N1 vaccine, with another 41% undecided and 45% rejecting the idea. By comparison, 38% said they would get the seasonal flu vaccine. The survey of 812 nurses, conducted last July and August, found the nature of the nurses' practice and their frequency of patient contact did not play a role in their decision. Two thirds of nurses reported frequent direct patient contact.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2010.05.015
Jun 20 Am J Infect Control abstract

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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