Swine flu can affect lungs and gut Jul 3, 2009
The studies were conducted by two separate groups that have been using ferrets to investigate how harmful A(H1N1) influenza virus is, and how easily it is transmitted. One of the studies was led by Terrence Tumpey at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, whose colleagues put droplets of three different swine flu viruses, and one 'seasonal' flu virus, into the noses of ferrets. (India Times, India)
World Health Officials Tackle Flu Challenges Jul 3, 2009
"Like all influenza viruses, H1N1 has the advantage of surprise on its side," she said. . (Click2Houston, TX)
Mexico's woes Jul 3, 2009
"First the economic crisis, and then the influenza. People don't come any more; they are too scared.". Message from narcos. (BBC News -- Business)
Mexico hosts meeting on A/H1N1 flu Jul 3, 2009
CANCUN, Mexico, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Mexico started hosting a two-day international meeting on Influenza A/H1N1 on Thursday, at which the director of the World Health Organization (WHO) gave a speech on information sharing and lessons learned from the deadly outbreak of the new pandemic ... Mexico started hosting a two-day international meeting on Influenza A/H1N1 on Thursday ... Mexico started hosting a two-day international meeting on Influenza A/H1N1 on Thursday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Why British Health Officials Say Swine Flu is Nothing to Party About Jul 3, 2009
A month ago, Britain's Health Secretary Andy Burnham issued a statement urging British citizens not to panic despite a surge in cases of H1N1 influenza virus in the country. Now it seems health officials have the opposite problem, and are urging parents not to hold "swine flu parties" which some people believe will build up children's immunity by infecting them with the virus. (Time.com)
U.S. scientists discover why A/H1N1 flu virus spreads less effectively Jul 3, 2009
Sasisekharan and his laboratory co-workers have been actively investigating influenza viruses ... The researchers also found that the new H1N1 strain spreads inefficiently in ferrets, which accurately mimics human influenza disease including how it spreads or transmits in humans. (Xinhuanet, China)
Area swine flu case reported Jul 3, 2009
com The Northeast Health District has confirmed a case of H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu, in the Athens area ... The Northeast Health District has confirmed a case of H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu, in the Athens area. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Swine 00004000flu cases top 600 in Hawaii Jul 3, 2009
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today 616 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) in Hawaii--151 more cases than it listed last week ... Another adult also was reported hospitalized with the novel influenza on Oahu ... The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today 616 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) in Hawaii--151 more cases than it listed last week. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Better safe than sorry Jul 2, 2009
Then again, those arriving at KLIA might have been a little taken aback at the sight of intensive health screenings at the airport to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1). But the inconvenience to travellers is understandable. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Farmers may be planting the root of all evil Jul 2, 2009
A paper Stock is publishing with his colleague Dr Andrea Migliano demonstrates the link: they looked at pygmy skeletons from the Andaman Islands, whose body size shrank even further when they encountered Western colonialists, who brought with them influenza and syphilis. Tribes who kept their distance from the newcomers grew taller in this period. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Boy, 3, with swine flu dies Jul 2, 2009
He is ninth person with the H1N1 Influenza 09 to die in Australia, with seven of the victims coming from Victoria. Earlier today, a 68-year-old man with cancer died in a Victorian hospital after contracting swine flu. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
CSL 'cheeky' over vaccine hold up hint Jul 2, 2009
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon says swine flu vaccine maker CSL has been "cheeky" in suggesting the government has been hindering the release of the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. "We placed our orders early and we have an arrangement with them (CSL) to fast track any of the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approvals that are needed, but we would not be in a position that we would approve an untested vaccine for release," Ms Roxon said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Swine cases jump to 11 Jul 2, 2009
She said no one has had to be hospitalized because of the swine flu, known officially as novel influenza A (H1N1). The increase in swine flu cases in Erie County was "absolutely no surprise to us," Berringer said. (Erie Times-News, PA)
U.S. may need 600M swine flu vaccine doses Jul 2, 2009
Still, it's too soon to draw any conclusions, said Nancy Cox, director of the CDC's influenza division. More detailed results will be published in the journal Science this week. (CNN)
Londoners Suffer Summer Wave of Winter Bug as Swine Flu Infections Mount Jul 2, 2009
July 2 (Bloomberg) -- Londoners are suffering a summer wave of influenza worse than in the last winter flu season after the caused the rate of illness to quadruple last week ... A special focus on influenza-like illness is being continued into the summer months, the college said ... Rates exceeding 100 represent above-average influenza activity and are exceptional when above 200, it said. (Bloomberg -- UK)
2 more Boston residents’ deaths linked to swine flu Jul 2, 2009
Despite the four deaths, surveillance data show that for the first time since the virus hit the state, there is decreasing illness linked to influenza in Boston and across Massachusetts. Still, the level of flu activity is much higher than normal for summertime. (Boston Globe)
Marlborough to hold pneumonia clinic Jul 2, 2009
According to the state Department of Public Health, pneumonia played a lead role in many of the deaths during the influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919 - 7 to 20 percent of flu cases developed pneumonia, and 20 to 36 percent of those died. Natick held its first summer pneumonia clinic last week, and more are planned, said Public Health Nurse Leila Mercer. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Kenya: Govt Lined Up for Cheaper Swine Flu Medicine Jul 2, 2009
According to Roche, the programme should ensure that Tamiflu is available to many developing nations incase the World Health Organization (WHO) declares an influenza pandemic, or for the management of a novel influenza strain defined by the WHO as having significant and current pandemic potential. Under the programme, which will take effect immediately, the firm will then ship the stockpile to countries when an influenza pandemic has been announced, or in the event of a public health emergency... (allAfrica.com)
WHO Says Tamiflu-Resistant H1N1 "Isolated Case" Jul 2, 2009
"We need to monitor the virus (H1N1) continuously," he said, adding that the WHO's global influenza surveillance network linking laboratories in 97 countries would keep monitoring it ... The WHO on June 11 raised its pandemic flu alert to its highest level of 6, signifying that the first influenza pandemic since 1968 was under way [ID:nLC321991 ... "The resistance has not changed the capability of the virus to transmit or cause disease, and the assessment is still that this is a relatively mild... (MEDLINEplus)
Flu season not confined to winter Jul 2, 2009
With a new strain of the influenza virus showing up earlier than usual this year, it is obvious that flu season is off to an early start. The H1N1 strain, more commonly known as "swine flu", began showing up in spring, and is continuing to infect more and more people around the world. (The Dolphin, CT)
UNLOCKED: THE SECRETS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA... Jul 2, 2009
This might help to explain why babies born in winter and spring when influenza is rife, or to women who have had flu during pregnancy, are at slightly increased risk of developing schizophrenia in later life, the scientists said. "Discoveries such as these are crucial for teasing out the biology of the disease and making it possible for us to begin to develop drugs targeting the underlying causes and not just the symptoms of the disease," said Kari Stefansson, the head of deCode Genetics, the... (The Drudge Report)
C'wealth Pharmacists Association meets in Ghana Jul 2, 2009
"It is almost as if our choice of the theme was extremely prophetic or that we had jinxed the whole world into crisis- from the turmoil on the financial markets, through the credit crunch to floods, power outages and swine flu, which was later re-christened and exotically renamed as HINI influenza," he said. Dr Dodoo noted that pharmacists are not only specialists in medicines but have the expertise to contribute their lot in all aspects of society. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
China A/H1N1 flu patient dies "accidentally" Jul 2, 2009
Liang Wannian, vice director of the emergency office under the Health Ministry, warned Monday that China is "very likely" to have its first death from the A/H1N1 influenza in the foreseeable future, as the number of the flu cases rises in the country ... The Chinese mainland confirmed 57 new cases of A/H1N1 influenza from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday, with the total number amounting to 867, the Ministry of Health said. (Xinhuanet, China)
First flu related death in China Jul 2, 2009
BEIJING: A woman in eastern China diagnosed with the influenza A(H1N1) virus has died in the country's first flu-related death, Chinese state media said. The 34-year-old woman was found dead early Wednesday in the bathroom of her ward at the No. 1 People's Hospital in Hangzhou, the capital of coastal Zhejiang province, the official Xinhua News Agency said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine Jul 2, 2009
"Novartis has successfully completed the production of the first batch of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, weeks ahead of expectations," the company said in a statement ... It added that "more than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients.". (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Scientific System Accurately Predicts Spread Of H1N1 Jul 2, 2009
In the late 1970s, an influenza H1N1 appeared in humans ... (June 4, 2009) Scientists around the world are accelerating their efforts to develop a vaccine against the H1N1 influenza virusas rapidly as ... (May 25, 2009) Scientists report an evolutionary analysis of a critical protein produced by the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. (Science Daily)
As Jewish camp season starts, swine flu threat looms Jul 2, 2009
Two months after the outbreak was first identified, the swine flu virus -- a variant of influenza that is fatal in a tiny fraction of cases -- continues to spread. Though seasonal flu outbreaks tend to drop off dramatically when warmer weather hits in May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported higher-than-usual levels of influenza rates through the second week in June. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Fighting TB Might Be A Matter Of 'Flipping A Switch' In Immune Response Jul 2, 2009
(May 14, 2009) Researchers have developed a mathematical model to predict immune responses to infection with influenza A viruses, including novel viruses such as the emergent 2009 influenza A (H1N1). This model. (Science Daily)
County has first case of swine flu Jul 2, 2009
After suffering flu-like symptoms, the girl was tested in Gillette for influenza. Her sample came back positive, and then went as a precaution to the state department of health in Cheyenne for further testing. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Australia urges calm after child flu death Jul 2, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Victoria state's deputy chief health officer Rosemary Lester has urged parents to monitor their children and Brumby said they should implement basic hygiene measures. "We are coming into flu season in the southern states and it's getting colder and wetter and families should take the precautions that we've been stressing, and that is basic hygiene and washing hands, cover your face when you cough and use tissues," he said. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd... (Channelnewsasia.com)
A/H1N1 flu death number in Canada reaches 30 Jul 1, 2009
The PHAC website says between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians die of seasonal influenza and its complications annually, depending on the severity of the season. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Invest in vaccines to avert pandemic Jul 1, 2009
Influenza is one of the fastest-mutating organisms in existence, which makes it unpredictable, and a virus newly infecting the human population is likely to be even more unpredictable as it adapts to a new environment ... (In a normal influenza season about 10 percent of the population gets sick ... There are many unknowns: Because influenza mutates so rapidly, a new vaccine has to be made each year just for seasonal flu. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
University continues to monitor student Swine Flu cases Jul 1, 2009
The two students who tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus -- swine flu -- earlier this summer are now recovering, said Penn State Spokeswoman Jill Shockey ... He said he is "quite surprised at some of the cases that have been turning up because typically the summer has fewer reported cases of influenza than the fall. Students with flu-like symptoms are advised to contact University Health Services [UHS] immediately to schedule an appointment, said UHS Clinical Director Dr. Evan... (Daily Collegian, PA)
Uganda: Swine Flu Suspect Intercepted At Entebbe Airport Jul 1, 2009
On Monday, Kenya confirmed it's the first case of the deadly swine flu influenza causing fear across the region. Over 70,000 cases of swine flu have been reported world wide, with over 300 deaths. (allAfrica.com)
Younger People Appear More at Risk from New Swine Flu Jul 1, 2009
"The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic was a defining event in the history of public health," co-author Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a prepared statement ... They note that although the test was effective in finding the first cases of the strain in the United States, their test and others like it must be constantly updated to keep up with changes in this and other influenza strains. (MEDLINEplus)
Tripler patient's June 19 death first in Hawaii related to swine flu Jul 1, 2009
H1N1, or novel influenza A, is commonly known as the swine flu ... Nationwide, there have been 27,717 confirmed novel influenza A cases and 127 deaths as of June 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ... The state's first reported hospitalization of an adult with novel H1N1 influenza was confirmed on June 27. (Honolulu Advertiser)
First swine flu fatality in Spain Jul 1, 2009
Page last updated at 09:57 GMT, Tuesday, 30 June 2009 10:57 UK. More than 700 people have been infected with swine flu in Spain. (BBC News -- Health)
WHO paper: TB vaccine could kill babies with HIV Jul 1, 2009
Inovio Biomedical, National Microbiology Laboratory, and University of Pennsylvania to Evaluate Candidate DNA Vaccines against Swine Influenza A (H1N1). Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced today it has established a new collaboration with the National Microbiology Laboratory of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the University of Pennsylvania to further evaluate Inovio DNA vaccine candidates against swine... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
First H1N1 death in Travis County Jul 1, 2009
The first death related to the H1N1 influenza A virus was reported in Travis County on Monday. The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department said that the person who died was a 49 year-old male from Pflugerville. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Thailand reports fourth flu death Jul 1, 2009
BANGKOK, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A 45-year-old Thai male patient who died early Wednesday, has become the country's fourth Influenza A/H1N1 death, local media reported ... Thailand's Public Health Ministry on Saturday reported the country's first two Influenza A/H1N1 fatality ... As of Wednesday morning, Thailand has some 1474 Influenza A /H1N1 case, among whom 1448 have recovered and 22, are being treated in hospitals, Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said. (Xinhuanet, China)
* DOH reports first group infection of swine flu in Taiwan Jul 1, 2009
The confirmation of these cases brought the total number of recorded influenza A (H1N1) infections in Taiwan to 68, the Central Epidemics Command Center (CECC) said. The seven latest victims X four boys and three girls X were between the ages of 10 and 20 years old, CECC spokesman Shih Wen-yi (I) said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
* Denmark finds evidence of resistance to Tamiflu Jul 1, 2009
Scientists have established the first case of the new H1N1 influenza strain showing resistance to Tamiflu, the main antiviral flu drug, Danish officials and the manufacturer said on Monday ... Common seasonal flu can -resist Tamiflu and Reddy said a case of resistance in influenza A(H1N1) X also know as swine flu X was not unexpected ... The WHO declared an influenza pandemic earlier this month and advised governments to prepare for a long-term battle against an unstoppable new flu virus. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
More new A/H1N1 flu cases reported in Asia-Pacific region Jul 1, 2009
Singapore on Tuesday confirmed 72 new cases of Influenza A/H1N1,bringing the total number of such cases to 701 in the city state. According to a statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Health on Tuesday night, so far, most cases of Influenza A/H1N1 in the country are mild ... On Tuesday, New Zealand's Ministry of Health said the number of confirmed cases of Influenza A/H1N1 rose to 653 on Tuesday, up 64 from 589 on Monday. (Xinhuanet, China)
From Columbine To Dawson: Psychological Impact Of Mass Shootings Jul 1, 2009
Biochemists have developed a new tool that can identify a strain of influenza in hours, instead of the usual days or weeks, potentially speeding up. . (Science Daily)
Not enough done to control flu outbreak Jul 1, 2009
I REFER to Do your bit to curb flu (The Star June 27) and numerous reports on the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, and wish to share my experience travelling to one of the most affected countries - Hong Kong, recently. Upon boarding the flight from LCCT, I saw a lot of travellers play their part to help mitigate the outbreak, by wearing face masks and applying the hand sanitiser often. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Hawaii death linked to H1N1 Jul 1, 2009
An adult over 60 is Hawaii s first death related to the H1N1 Influenza Type A, or swine flu ... These two new severe cases of novel H1N1 are a sad reminder of the seriousness of influenza, particularly for those at-risk for complications, said Dr. Sarah Park, chief of the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division, in a statement ... Unfortunately, we knew this would happen eventually, as we have flu-related deaths and hospitalizations every year from regular seasonal influenza. (Pacific Business News, HI)
A(H1N1): Dont play down its seriousness, says Liow Jul 1, 2009
A(H1N1): Dont play down its seriousness, says Liow (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Fort Gordon confirms fourth case of H1N1 flu Jul 1, 2009
Fort Gordon reported its fourth confirmed case of the novel influenza A H1N1, but officials said Tuesday that none of the patients is linked. An infection from the new virus was confirmed Monday in a 21-year-old relative of a person stationed at the post. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Novavax stock soars on license deal with European company Jul 1, 2009
We continue to discuss opportunities with other pharmaceutical companies and governments to implement this compelling influenza vaccine technology around the globe, said Rahul Singhvi, Novavax president and CEO.. Under the proposed deal, Rovi will work with Spanish government officials, including the Spanish Ministry of Health, in a 60 million euro, or $84. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Will two flus mix in Indonesia? Experts worry Jun 30, 2009
JAKARTA, June 29 (Reuters) - Indonesia's first cases of the new H1N1 flu have raised concerns that if the virus spreads it could combine with the entrenched and deadly H5N1 avian influenza to create a more lethal strain of flu ... Influenza viruses not only mutate quickly and unpredictably, but they can swap genes, especially if a person or animal becomes infected with two strains at once ... "I am worried if the viruses encounter each other in the field," C.A. Nidom, the head of the Avian... (AlertNet)
Flu Dynasty: Influenza Virus In 1918 And Today Jun 30, 2009
ScienceDaily (June 30, 2009) The influenza virus that wreaked worldwide havoc in 1918-1919 founded a viral dynasty that persists to this day, according to scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health ... D., and David M. Morens, M.D., argue that we have lived in an influenza pandemic era since 1918, and they describe how the novel 2009 H1N1 virus now circling the globe is yet another manifestation of this enduring... (Science Daily)
Sixteen More Swine Flu Cases Confirmed In Central Texas Jun 30, 2009
People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food ... If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them(CDC). (KWTX.com, TX)
Many Adults With Asthma Are Skipping Flu Shots Jun 30, 2009
But it is known that typical influenza by itself is associated with a higher rate of complications -- including bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia -- among those with medical conditions such as asthma. In the study, Dr. Peng-jun Lu, a senior service fellow at the center, together with Euler and others looked at data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, in place since 1984, which collects information from telephone surveys. (MEDLINEplus)
ASU scientist: Study of first wave of swine flu requires revised public health strategies Jun 30, 2009
There is no way to know how the newest strain of the H1N1 influenza virus will behave in the future ... Chowell-Puente is co-author of a new study of the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic strain circulating around the world ... The study's findings reveal an age shift in the proportion of cases toward a younger population when compared with historical patterns of seasonal influenza in Mexico. (EurekAlert!)
Ministry warns of possible A/H1N1 flu deaths in China Jun 30, 2009
BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- China is "very likely" to have its first death from the A/H1N1 influenza in the foreseeable future, as the number of the flu cases rises in the country, a health ministry official said here Monday ... According to Liang, a collective occurrence of the disease or a regional outbreak of the influenza was "inevitable at this point." ... He also said China would stock more than 13 million A/H1N1 influenza vaccines by the end of September this year as its national... (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine flu 'shows drug resistance' Jun 30, 2009
Roche Holding AG confirmed a patient with H1N1 influenza in Denmark showed resistance to the antiviral drug. David Reddy, company executive, said it was not unexpected given that common seasonal flu could do the same. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
County confirms 5 cases of swine flu Jun 30, 2009
Billson believes there are no other influenza viruses circulating other than H1-N1, and that anyone with flu-like illness could reasonably have the illness. Civil Dialogue. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
GSK deal to provide China with flu vaccines Jun 30, 2009
"The alliance will develop and manufacture influenza vaccines for China, Hong Kong and Macau," GSK said in a statement on Tuesday. "This will include vaccines for seasonal, pre-pandemic and pandemic influenza. It is expected that these vaccines will become available over the next few years," added the British company. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Novartis produces first batch of swine flu vaccine Jun 30, 2009
"Novartis has successfully completed the production of the first batch of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, weeks ahead of expectations," the company said in a statement ... It added that "more than 30 governments have made requests to Novartis to supply them with influenza A(H1N1) vaccine ingredients.". (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Boston reports 2d death due to swine flu Jun 30, 2009
His test results came back yesterday, indicating that he was positive for H1N1 influenza, the scientific term for swine flu. According to the Boston Public Health Commission, the man had several health conditions that placed him at high risk for the flu. (Boston Globe)
Oahu woman confirmed as Hawaii's first swine flu fatality Jun 30, 2009
The H1N1 influenza infection, or swine flu, likely contributed to underlying medical conditions that caused the death, health officials said in a news release ... These two new severe cases of novel H1N1 are a sad reminder of the seriousness of influenza, particularly for those at risk for complications, said Dr. Sarah Park, chief of the department s Disease Outbreak Control Division ... The situation on Molokai shows how influenza can affect basic central services and cripple limited resources,... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
First Clark County Resident Dies of H1N1 Jun 30, 2009
"It is with sadness that we report another death related to the novel H1N1 virus. Unfortunately, it is not unexpected that we would see patients with severe illness and additional deaths related to this influenza strain," said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer. There was another death on June 12 but that involved a 70-year-old woman from New York who was visiting Las Vegas. (KLAS-TV)
As Jewish camp season starts, swine flu threat looms Jun 30, 2009
Two months after the outbreak was first identified, the swine flu virus -- a variant of influenza that is fatal in a tiny fraction of cases -- continues to spread. Though seasonal flu outbreaks tend to drop off dramatically when warmer weather hits in May, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported higher-than-usual levels of influenza rates through the second week in June. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Possible Swine Flu Cases Jun 30, 2009
Four students who visited the Center have tested positive for "Influenza A". Most "Influenza A" cases are cased by the H1N1 Virus, better known as swine flu. (WTVR.com, VA)
New H1N1 Flu Not Going Away Jun 30, 2009
The new H1N1 influenza virus that has triggered a global pandemic is infecting people in the United States well beyond the normal period for influenza season, Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told reporters in a telephone briefing ... "We are estimating about a million people in the U.S. or more have gotten this virus at a time of year when people really aren't continuing to get the seasonal influenza viruses," Schuchat said. (MEDLINEplus)
