Outbreak Archives

H1N1 virus pandemic lessons shared by Australia and New Zealand

Lessons learned from H1N1 virus pandemic — A comprehensive study has revealed, for the first time, the impact of swine flu on the health of the general public in Australia and New Zealand. – Australia and New Zealand sharing the lessons learned in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across these two countries on the impact of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The information being shared with countries in the Northern Hemisphere to help them prepare for their upcoming flu season.

H1N1 flu drug Fluvir available in India

Anti-swine flu drug or Influenza A H1N1 flu drug Fluvir — Oseltamivir — now available in retail market in India – Fluvir — the first anti-swine flu Influenza A H1N1 Oseltamivir drug is launched in the retail markets in India. Till date H1N1 virus has claimed 257 lives and affected 8,153 people in the country.

H1N1 flu vaccine could control swine flu pandemic

Study find that vaccination of children and 70 percent of U.S. population could control swine flu pandemic – An aggressive vaccination program that first targets children and ultimately reaches 70 percent of the U.S. population would mitigate pandemic influenza H1N1 that is expected this fall, revealed by researchers.

iPhone locates H1N1 swine flu and infectious diseases

New iPhone app ‘Outbreaks Near Me’ locates H1N1 (swine flu), infectious diseases — App uses HealthMap technology; allows individuals to track, report local outbreak information. – A new iPhone application, created by researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 (swine flu), on the ground in real time.

New learning guidance in case of Flu outbreak, US

Duncan, Sebelius Unveil Recommendations for Schools on How Learning Continues in Case of Flu Outbreak – US Department of Education is suggesting to help education stakeholders start planning and acting now for the impact that seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza could have this fall and winter on schools and the learning process.

MRSA may accompany hospital patients to home

Hospital-acquired MRSA carriage was common at discharge to home health care and was frequently prolonged. Transmission occurred in nearly 20% of household contacts and was associated with older age and participation in health care of the index patient. – Infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) appears relatively common among patients discharged from the hospital into home health care, revealed by researchers. In addition, about one-fifth of infected patients may transmit the organism to other people in their households.

Avian influenza increases Parkinson’s disease risk

St. Jude scientists report flu infection leaves brain more vulnerable later in life — Avian influenza strain primes brain for Parkinson’s disease. – At least one strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus leaves survivors at significantly increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and possibly other neurological problems later in life, according to new research from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

New decisions for tackling H1N1 in India

Shri Azad announces new decisions for tackling H1N1 – Influenza a (H1N1) in India – Indian Minister for Health and Family Welfare reviewed the situation of the Influenza A H1N1 outbreak in the country. The Cabinet Secretary also attended the review meeting.

Update on Influenza a H1N1 in India

Update on Influenza a (H1N1) as on 10th August 2009 – Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 42,103 passengers have been screened on 9.8.2009 of which 34,366 passengers were from affected countries.

US preparing for fall flu season and H1N1 virus

Obama Administration Calls on Nation to Begin Planning and Preparing for Fall Flu Season & the New H1N1 Virus – In US, the Obama Administration sent a strong message to the nation that it is time to start planning and preparing for the fall flu season and the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak.

Swine flu transmission to humans occurred months before outbreak

H1N1: Origins and Evolution of the Current Epidemic — Swine flu transmission to humans occurred several months before outbreak. – A new analysis of the current swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus suggests that transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the existing outbreak.

Influenza pandemic alert raised to phase 6, WHO

World now at the start of 2009 influenza pandemic, says WHO. – On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6.