H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Review of WHO response, cross-protective immunity

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Jun 29, 2010

WHO meeting on H1N1 response convenes tomorrow
The special committee assigned to review the World Health Organization's pandemic response will convene its second face-to-face meeting tomorrow. Plenary sessions tomorrow and the morning of Jul 1 will include updates from the review committee, input from states' representatives, and interviews with stakeholders. The committee will also hold private sessions and may develop recommendations. A wrap-up plenary session Jul 2 will focus on discussing and adopting the meeting report.
http://www.who.int/ihr/review_committee_note_20100621/en/index.html
Most recent committee update

Study shows cross-protective immunity between 2009, 1918 viruses
A study shows that immune-inducing compounds (peptides) derived from the current pandemic H1N1 influenza virus are more representative of 1918 pandemic flu than more recent seasonal flu strains. Researchers studied 12 peptide variants that emerged since 1918 and found no pre-existing immunity at the cellular level to the 2009 virus. However, infection with pandemic 2009 flu elicited a response specific to the 2009 and 1918 variants. They said the findings hold potential in vaccine development.
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/06/21/1007270107.short?rss
Jun 28 Proc Natl Acad Sci 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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