Thursday, October 3, 2013

#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia MOH Update October 1, 2013

October 1, 2013
In the framework of the epidemiological investigation and ongoing follow-up carried out by the Ministry of Health for HIV (Corona) that causes respiratory syndrome Middle East MERS-CoV. Ministry announces the registration of three cases of HIV infection in Riyadh.

First of a citizen at the age of 79 years is suffering from several chronic diseases, and Mkhalt of confirmed cases, and receives the necessary attention, and the second for citizenship at the age of 14 years, mixing with a confirmed case, too, and experiencing symptoms of a simple and health status is stable. The third is a citizen at the age of 45 years, Mkhalt to a confirmed case, suffering from chronic diseases, and receiving intensive care treatment. We ask God for their speedy recovery.

http://www.moh.gov.sa/CoronaNew/PressReleases/Pages/mediastatement-2013-10-01-001.aspx

Monday, September 30, 2013

Chinese CDC Issues Autumn Flu Warning

September 30, 2013

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) on Sunday warned of the likelihood that flu may spread from November.

The spread of the flu virus will peak in December and January, it forecast, adding that human migration and gathering in the upcoming week-long National Day holiday can also cause a spread of the virus.

The China CDC advised that precautions be taken, especially by schools, kindergartens, senior care homes, pregnant women, the elderly, infants and patients with chronic diseases.

The health watchdog suggested people lead a healthy lifestyle, enhance immunity and ensure ventilation in order to prevent flu and other respiratory diseases.
Vaccination is the most effective method to guard against flu, it added, suggesting pregnant women, seniors, babies, sufferers of chronic diseases and medical staff be vaccinated so as to enhance immunity.

Meanwhile, there have been no reports of human infection by H7N9 bird flu in the last two months, according to the CDC.

H7N9 cases in China reached 134 by the end of August, with the latest reported patient in south China's Guangdong Province, and the number of deaths to the virus stands at 45, it said, adding that infections have been recorded in 12 provinces and municipalities.

The CDC said it would be prepared for the virus' possible spreading in autumn and winter.
 
http://en.ce.cn/National/Local/201309/30/t20130930_1570892.shtml 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

WHO recommendation on influenza A(H7N9) vaccine virus

September 26, 2013
Since 31 March 2013, public health authorities in China have reported a total of 135 human cases of novel avian influenza A(H7N9) infection, including 44 deaths1. To date, there has been no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
Because the A(H7N9) virus seems to transmit from animals to humans more readily than the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses, and little or no immunity against the novel virus A(H7N9) exists in the human population, WHO is actively working with its Member States and partners on effective responses and preparedness. As part of these efforts, candidate vaccine viruses2 are being developed and made available by the WHO GISRS.

To date, the HA sequences of 123 A(H7N9) viruses (54 viruses from 44 human cases and 69 avian/environmental viruses ) have been deposited in genetic sequence databases. Genetic analysis of the HA genes indicated limited heterogeneity among these viruses (see Figure). Antigenic analyses of 45 viruses from humans, animals and environment with post-infection ferret antisera indicated that the provisionally recommended vaccine virus, A/Anhui/1/2013- like virus3, elicits antibodies that react well with all viruses tested (see Table).

Based on genetic and antigenic analysis, it is recommended that:
- An A/Anhui/1/2013-like* virus be used for the development of influenza A(H7N9) vaccines for pandemic preparedness purposes.
* A/Shanghai/2/2013 is an A/Anhui/1/2013-like virus.

Status updates on the development and availability of influenza A(H7N9) candidate vaccine viruses4, as well as biosafety requirements5 on handling the A(H7N9) candidate vaccine viruses, are available on the WHO website.
The A(H7N9) viruses, including candidate vaccine viruses, are considered PIP Biological Materials and are being shared under the PIP Framework.6
For more information, please contact gisrs-whohq@who.int.

Continued:  http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/201309_h7n9_recommendation.pdf