Outbreak

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.

New accurate diagnostic test for swine H1N1 influenza

New accurate diagnostic test for swine H1N1 influenza using RT-PCR technology – A new, easy-to-perform method for detecting both seasonal influenza A virus and the emerging H1N1 swine-derived influenza A virus in human clinical samples offers a fast, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic test that runs on standard laboratory equipment.

Canada funding H1N1 flu virus research to protect Canadians

Government of Canada announces funding for research to further protect Canadians from the H1N1 flu virus – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, is pleased to announce another measure to address the H1N1 flu virus. The Government of Canada will fund a national influenza research network focused on pandemic vaccine evaluation.

10 early lessons learned from H1N1 outbreak

New Report Finds 10 Early Lessons Learned from the H1N1 Outbreak – A new report – The Pandemic Flu: Lessons from the Frontlines – reviews 10 early lessons learned from the response to the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak, 10 ongoing core vulnerabilities in U.S. pandemic flu preparedness.