Pandemics

May 26, 2009 -- By sequencing the genomes of more than 50 samples of the new A(H1N1) influenza virus, researchers have found that it is distantly related to its nearest relatives, indicating that its genes have been circulating undetected for an extended period. The findings suggest that in the future pig populations will need to be closely monitored for emerging influenza viruses.

Completed by an international team of investigators from the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico, the research was made available for immediate release 22 May 2009, following acceptance by Science. Journal editors provided free public access to the findings, in light of public health concerns regarding the A(H1N1) virus.    » read more »

Initial U.S. order for bulk vaccine valued at $190 million

Swiftwater, Pa. and Lyon, France – May 25, 2009 - Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today it has received the first of what is expected to be a series of orders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to commence production of a vaccine to help protect against the new influenza A(H1N1) virus.    » read more »

22 May 2009 -- GSK announced today that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has placed initial orders for A (H1N1) influenza vaccine antigen and the company’s proprietary adjuvant system, AS03, to support its pandemic influenza preparation efforts.

GSK manufactures both a traditional vaccine antigen, which will be made from the recently isolated A (H1N1) influenza strain, as well as an adjuvant system. An adjuvant system can be added to the antigen at time of administration.

GSK expects to fill the US adjuvant order within the next few months. The first doses of the vaccine antigen are expected to be available four to six months after the company receives the H1N1 seed strain, subject to regulatory approval. The new vaccine will be tested in clinical trials.    » read more »

New PSA Campaign Unveiled at the HHS/Department of Education Childcare Center

May 22, 2009 -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is joining the Ad Council and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, to launch a national public service advertising campaign designed to encourage American families and children to take steps to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus and continue to practice healthy habits.    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the department will take important steps necessary to prepare for potential commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for the novel Influenza A ( H1N1). The Secretary is directing approximately $1 billion in existing funds that will be used for clinical studies that will take place over the summer and for commercial-scale production of two potential vaccine ingredients for the pre-pandemic influenza stockpile.    » read more »

25 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 25 May 2009, 46 countries have officially reported 12 515 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 91 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table:

Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- “The State Department of Health (DOH) and State Education Department have finalized a voluntary statewide system for monitoring illness and absenteeism in schools that will enhance monitoring that has been underway since the start of the outbreak. This additional monitoring is designed to identify situations that may warrant additional State level attention. It will supplement the data school districts already collect regarding absenteeism and support consistent and informed application of best practices on a statewide basis.    » read more »

The First In Albany And Greene Counties

May 21, 2009 -- “This morning, I was informed by the State Department of Health that testing at its Wadsworth Laboratories confirmed two new cases of H1N1 (swine flu) in Albany and Greene counties. These are the first confirmed H1N1 cases in each of those counties.

“These additional cases are cause for concern, but they should not be cause for panic or alarm. Our Health Department is using all of its resources and working diligently with its local and national partners to ensure the public remains healthy and safe as we confront this crisis.    » read more »

19 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 19 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.

The breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is given in the following table and map.

Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)    » read more »

May 17, 2009 -- “It is with great sadness tonight that we learn that New York has lost one of its residents to an illness related to H1N1. Speaking for all New Yorkers, our condolences and prayers go to Mitchell Wiener’s family, friends, co-workers and students. I know he will be missed at the Intermediate School 238 in Hollis.

“The New York State Department of Health (DOH) remains on heightened alert to respond to the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak. DOH continues to work closely with local public health departments that are carefully monitoring the situation, particularly with respect to absenteeism in schools.    » read more »

17 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 17 May 2009, 39 countries have officially reported 8480 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 2895 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 66 deaths. The United States has reported 4714 laboratory confirmed human cases, including four deaths. Canada has reported 496 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported nine laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.    » read more »

May 15, 2009 -- “This evening I was informed by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that New York City has made a decision to close an additional three schools due to high absenteeism and reports of influenza-like illnesses. The three schools are:

o JHS 74Q - Nathanial Hawthorne School, 1021 students in Bayside: 26 students with documented flu-like symptoms.
o P.S. 107Q - Thomas A. Dooley, 891 students in Flushing: Flu-like symptoms were documented as being persistently high this week and 49 students were documented with flu-like symptoms.
o I.S. 318K - Eugenio Maria De Hostos, 1517 students in Williamsburg: 53 students were documented with flu-like symptoms this week.    » read more »

May 15, 2009 -- “Health experts have said all along it was inevitable that swine flu would eventually show up in Mississippi, and they were right as three cases have been confirmed in south Mississippi. But, this is no time to panic; instead, it is a time to be cautious and mindful of good health practices with which you and your families are already familiar.

“The state Department of Health is on top of the situation in Mississippi and will continue to monitor and issue guidance as necessary. I encourage all Mississippians to stay alert for additional information.”

Source: Mississippi Governor

PHOENIX (May 14, 2009) – Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed today that a woman in her late 40’s with underlying lung disease died last week from complications of Novel H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu). This is the first death in Arizona associated with the new flu strain and the fourth in the nation.

“Unfortunately, we knew this was coming. Flu is serious, especially for those with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Health. “However, I need to emphasize that this death does not change our course of action here in Maricopa County.”    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- “Today, I joined New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to announce that the New York City Health Department has recommended closing three schools in Queens after documenting unusually high levels of influenza-like illness. The schools will close tomorrow and remain closed for at least five school days.

“We will continue to work closely with New York City officials to monitor the situation at these three schools and schools across the State to ensure that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect our children and families. I continue to urge residents across New York to remain alert, but not alarmed.”

The three schools that closed in Queens include:    » read more »