To avoid any misunderstanding FAO, WHO and OIE would like to reissue their joint statement originally issued on 30 April. – In the ongoing spread of influenza A(H1N1), concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and the safety of pork and pork products have been raised.
Influenza A(H1N1) – update 18 – 23 countries have officially reported 1893 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. – As of 16:00 GMT, 6 May 2009, 23 countries have officially reported 1893 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
US Secretary Sebelius Highlights Two New Reports on Health Care Quality, Says Improving Quality is Key Component of Health Reform. – At a speech before the AFSCME Nurses Conference Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed two new HHS reports on the quality of health care in America and challenged hospitals to work to reduce health care associated infections.
Update on influenza A (HINI) by Press Information Bureau, India. – World Health Organization has reported 1516 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 infection with 30 deaths from twenty two countries. There are 403 laboratory confirmed human cases in USA with one death.
Humans, not climate, driving increased dengue risk in Australia – Drought-proofing Australia’s urban regions by installing large domestic water tanks may enable the dengue mosquito Aedes aegypti to regain its foothold across the country and expand its range of possible infections, according to a new study published May 5 in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Social distancing interventions are important measure guaranteed to be available against a novel strain of influenza in the early phases of a pandemic. – A disease spread simulation has emphasized that flu interventions must be imposed quickly, if they are to be effective. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health have shown that staying at home, closing schools and isolating infected people within the home should reduce infection, but only if they are used in combination, activated without delay and maintained for a relatively long period.
18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, says World Health Organization, Switzerland. – As of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, says World Health Organization, Switzerland.
Influenza A(H1N1) – update 8.1 = World Health Organization reported 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. – The situation continues to evolve. As of 23:30 GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
Low vitamin D or Vitamin D deficiency may cause problems for acutely ill patients in ICU. – A group of endocrinologists in Sydney have observed that very sick patients tend to have very low levels of Vitamin D. The sicker they are, the lower the levels.
Post-surgical and other complications in patients who have obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, declined 21 percent. – A new study by the Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that the average rate of post-surgical and other complications in patients who have obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, declined 21 percent between 2002 and 2006.
Update on Swine Flu Situation as on 30th April 2009 – World Health Organization has reported human cases of Swine Influenza A [H1N1] caused by a re-assorted Swine flu virus. As on 29th April, 2009 nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection with 8 deaths.
World Health Organization raised Swine Influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. – Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO’s Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5.
