Archive for Week of May 18, 2009Note: All links accessed and active on day of Biosecurity News in Brief publication.
May 18 | May 19 | May 20 | May 21 | May 22
May 22, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza
Spread of Swine Flu Puts Japan in Crisis Mode (NY Times) It all began at a high school volleyball tournament here on May 2 — or so residents of this Japanese port city suspect. Soon, volleyball players who took part in the event were coming down with swine flu, early cases in a wider outbreak that has made Japan the worst-hit country outside North America in the global epidemic.
 The Next Steps for Swine Flu: Predictions, Protection and Prevention (NY Times) Federal health officials will probably recommend that most Americans get three flu shots this fall: one regular flu shot and two doses of any vaccine made against the new swine flu strain. Having had annual flu shots for the last several years gives “little or no immune benefit” against the new virus, the officials said on Thursday as they released more details of blood tests briefly described on Wednesday.
Mexico City Ends Swine Flu Alert, No Cases in Week (AP/Google News) Mexico City lowered its swine flu alert level from yellow to green on Thursday, and the mayor said "we can relax" now that there have been no new infections for a week. Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said the change means the risk of contagion is low, the situation is under control and the images of countless people wearing blue surgical masks in cars, sidewalks, restaurants and theaters can be consigned to history.
Swine Flu Detection in Japan Delayed by Screening, Doctor Says (Bloomberg) Swine flu patients in Japan may have been diagnosed earlier if doctors had been looking closer for suspected cases in the community, not just in travelers arriving from overseas, according to virologist Hitoshi Oshitani.
Summary Report of a High-Level Consultation: New Influenza A (H1N1) (WHO) In view of the threat posed by the current outbreak of new influenza A (H1N1), the Director-General of the World Health Organization convened a High-Level Consultation for all Member States at the start of the Sixty-second World Health Assembly.
UK's Attempts to Stop Swine Flu Called Flawed (AP/Yahoo! News) Flu experts are looking very closely at Britain — and some have decided that the U.K.'s swine flu-fighting tactics are seriously off the mark and may be hiding a much larger outbreak.
Tests Show More Swine Flu Immunity in Older Folks (AP/Yahoo! News) New test results show what scientists have suspected — people in their 60's and older have signs of greater immunity to the new swine flu virus.
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sesame Workshop, and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Protect Families from H1N1 Virus and Stay Healthy (HHS) 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.
HHS Takes Additional Steps Toward Development of Vaccine for the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) (HHS) 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.
Also in the News
Preventative Treatment Against Malaria May Be Less Effective in Malnourished Children (Science Daily) The effectiveness of an intermittent preventative treatment against malaria in infants across Africa may be inhibited by high incidences of malnutrition say researchers from Charite University Medicine, Berlin, Germany; the University of Tuebingen, Germany; the University of Munich, Germany; and the Northern Region Malaria Project, Tamale, Ghana.
Sustaining Progress in the Life Sciences: Strategies for Managing Dual Use Research of Concern (NSABB) Acknowledging the importance of international efforts to advance the life sciences for the benefit of human health, animal health, and agriculture and the simultaneous need for global efforts to mitigate the possibility that the knowledge generated through life sciences research might be put to nefarious use, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), has hosted a series of International Roundtables on the subject of managing dual use research.
WHO Releases World Health Statistics Report (WHO) World Health Statistics 2009 contains WHO’s annual compilation of data from its 193 Member States, and includes a summary of progress towards the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and targets. This edition also contains a new section on reported cases of selected infectious diseases.
Powering America’s Defense: Energy and the Risks to National Security (CNA) Powering America’s Defense: Energy and the Risks to National Security is a report by CNA's Military Advisory Board (MAB) that explores the impact of America's energy choices on our national security policies. This report follows the MAB's groundbreaking 2007 report National Security and the Threat of Climate Change, which found that "climate change, national security, and energy dependence are a related set of global challenges."
May 21, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza
Swine Flu Outbreak Reveals Military Plans, Gaps (AP) The rapid spread of swine flu from Mexico surprised Pentagon officials, who had been focused on a possible Asian-borne pandemic in a response plan that would give the military a last-resort role in helping to impose quarantines and border restrictions.
U.S. Swine Flu Deaths Hit Double-Digits (AP/Yahoo! News) Swine flu forced Christina Huitron to make a choice no mother should ever have to make. On Wednesday she told doctors to take her 21-year-old son off life support, making Marcos Sanchez the nation's 10th fatality associated with the newly discovered virus that continues to spread across the globe.
Influenza A(H1N1) - Update 35 (WHO) As of 06:00 GMT, 21 May 2009, 41 countries have officially reported 11 034 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 85 deaths.
Recommendations of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccines (WHO) In its discussions, the group benefited from the input of more than 40 stakeholders through a virtual conference. Current epidemiological information suggests that the influenza A (H1N1) virus transmissibility potential is at least comparable to that of seasonal influenza viruses, with ability to sustain community spread. There is therefore no reason to expect that ongoing spread of the virus will stop.
Also in the News
Progressive Vaccinia in a Military Smallpox Vaccinee --- United States, 2009 (MMWR) Progressive vaccinia (PV), previously known as vaccinia necrosum, vaccinia gangrenosum, or disseminated vaccinia, is a rare, often fatal adverse event after vaccination with smallpox vaccine, which is made from live vaccinia virus.
NIH Announces New Program to Develop Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (NIH News) The National Institutes of Health is launching the first integrated, drug development pipeline to produce new treatments for rare and neglected diseases. The $24 million program jumpstarts a trans-NIH initiative called the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program, or TRND.
Availability of Medical Countermeasures for Bioterrorism Events: U.S. Legal and Regulatory Options (Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics) Plans for mass distribution of medical countermeasures raise challenging problems, including legal and regulatory issues. Many in the distribution chain have expressed concerns over the potential for liability when countermeasures are distributed in accordance with large-scale response plans.
Flu Shot Not Effective in Preventing Flu-Related Hospitalizations in Asthmatic Children (American Thoracic Society) The inactivated flu vaccine does not appear to be effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially the ones with asthma.
Pandemics: Avoiding the Mistakes of 1918 (Nature) In the next influenza pandemic, be it now or in the future, be the virus mild or virulent, the single most important weapon against the disease will be a vaccine. The second most important will be communication.
Human Genome Sciences Submits Biologics License Application to FDA for ABthrax™ (Human Genome Services) Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) today announced that it has submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its human monoclonal antibody drug ABthrax™ (raxibacumab) for the treatment of inhalation anthrax.
The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa: An Evaluation of Outcomes (Annals) Background: Since 2003, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been the most ambitious initiative to address the global HIV epidemic. However, the effect of PEPFAR on HIV-related outcomes is unknown. Objective: To assess the effect of PEPFAR on HIV-related deaths, the number of people living with HIV, and HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Design: Comparison of trends before and after the initiation of PEPFAR's activities.
May 20, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza
Swine Flu Cases Pass 10,000 Mark (Press Association) Swine flu cases worldwide have soared past 10,000 as health chiefs continued discussions in Geneva on how best to fight the disease.
Bloomberg Navigates the Politics of a Health Scare (The New York Times) With up to eight cases of swine flu at Rikers Island, the head of a labor union on Tuesday was demanding that part of the jail be shut down for the safety of its workers there. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, speaking at a news conference, was having none of it.
Swine Flu Spreads in Japan, Despite Quarantine Inspections (Washington Post) To stop swine flu before it could sneak off airplanes arriving from North America, Japan dispatched masked health inspectors with fever-sensing guns to walk among passengers. But the flu has taken hold in this island nation anyway, with rapidly increasing numbers of confirmed cases in its western region.
FluView Surveillance Report: 2008-2009 Influenza Season, Week 18 Ending May 9, 2009 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) During week 18 (May 3 - 9, 2009), influenza activity remained at approximately the same level as last week in the United States, indicating that there are higher levels of influenza-like illness than is normal for this time of year.
Many Companies Preparing on Global Scale for A(H1N1) 'Swine Flu' Pandemic, According to Global Survey by Councils of the Conference Board (Medical News TODAY) Many global companies have activated a pandemic response plan to the threat of an A(H1N1) "swine flu" pandemic, according to a survey released by The Conference Board. The survey of 121 members of 44 Councils of The Conference Board was taken during the week of May 4. Councils are small, intimate, cross-industry networking peer groups that bring together executives in a specific function to share information and best practices.
Sebelius Addresses World Health Assembly Plenary Session (HHS Press Release) This morning, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressed the World Health Assembly Plenary Session.
Swine Flu Vaccine Appeal to Firms (BBC) The World Health Organization has urged pharmaceutical companies to reserve part of their swine flu vaccines for poor countries. The UN body is asking firms to donate at least 10% of production or to offer reduced prices for poor countries, which may lose out if demand soars.
Also in the News
HIV's Spread Around Europe Mapped (BBC) Scientists who have mapped HIV's spread across Europe say holidaymakers infected abroad are largely to blame. By analysing samples from 17 European countries, the international team tracked the movement of the virus around the continent.
Senate Confirms Obama's Pick for FDA Chief (Associated Press) The Senate on Monday confirmed President Barack Obama's pick to oversee food and drug safety, two areas that are vital to consumers and widely seen as in critical need of improvement. Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert, will be sworn in as the 21st commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and only the second woman to hold the post in 100 years of agency history.
EU Commission Chief Says China Will Join in Seeking Global Climate Change Pact This Year (Associated Press/Los Angeles Times) EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso says China will join in seeking a global climate change pact this year to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Barroso says both Europe and China also saw "mutual interest to address imbalances" in China's massive trade surplus with the 27-nation bloc.
Pakistan Denies Nuclear Expansion (BBC) Pakistan has denied that it is expanding its nuclear arsenal after the US said that it has unearthed new evidence that it has done so. The denial was issued by Pakistan's information minister a week after US Adm Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the disclosure.
May 19, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza
Influenza A (H1N1) – Update 33 (WHO) As of 06:00 GMT, 19 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.
World Health Assembly Opens amid Concerns About Flu Pandemic (WHO) The 62nd World Health Assembly opened [May 18th] in Geneva, as officials from 193 member countries began their annual review of the activities of the WHO and set new priorities for the future.
U.S. Health Officials Troubled by New Flu Pattern (Reuters) The new influenza strain circulating around most of the United States is putting a worrying number of young adults and children into the hospital and hitting more schools than usual, U.S. health officials said on Monday.
Swine Flu’s Spread in Japan May Raise Pandemic Alert (Bloomberg.com) Dozens of swine flu cases in Japan may prompt the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic, a former WHO adviser said, spurring demand for vaccines to fight the contagion.
Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update (CDC) Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well.
Hospitalized Patients with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection --- California, April--May, 2009 (MMWR) Since April 15 and 17, 2009, when the first two cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection were identified from two southern California counties, novel influenza A (H1N1) cases have been documented throughout the world, with most cases occurring in the United States and Mexico (1--3). In the United States, early reports of illnesses associated with novel influenza A (H1N1) infection indicated the disease might be similar in severity to seasonal influenza, with the majority of patients not requiring hospitalization and only rare deaths reported, generally in persons with underlying medical conditions (2,3).
WHO: Swine Flu Vaccine Proving Tougher to Produce (NPR) The World Health Organization says drug makers won't be able to start manufacturing a swine flu vaccine until mid-July at the earliest, months later than previous predictions. Vaccine experts are reporting that swine flu virus is not growing very fast in laboratories, making it difficult for scientists to get the key ingredient they need for a vaccine.
Potential Benefit During an Influenza Pandemic of H5N1/H1N1 Cross-Potection Establishment Derived from Monoclonal Antibody Techniques Applied on B Cells (ECDC) This human and animal (mice) based laboratory study was carried out to explore the possibilities of broad spectrum treatment or protection for antigenically diverse influenza virus subtypes, like H1, H2, H5, H6, H8 and H9—all of which are considered to have the potential to cause Influenza pandemics in humans.
Widespread Oseltamivir Resistance in South African Influenza A(H1N1) Viruses (ECDC) This peer-review article documents the previous reports through WHO of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses in South Africa The authors examined influenza A(H1N1) isolates from throat or nasopharyngeal swabs of symptomatic patients in an out-patient setting within 48-72 hours of onset of symptoms.
Also in the News
BSE Case Confirmed in Alberta (CFIA) The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an 80-month-old dairy cow from Alberta. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
EU Launches Anti-Bio Weapons Programme (EU Business) EU defence ministers on Monday launched a 100-million-euro (135-million-dollar) project to counter the threat against biological weapons.
FEMA Seeks Comments on Radiological Threat Guidance (HSToday) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has called for public comments on two documents providing guidance on preparations for radiological threats, the agency announced in the Federal Register Monday. The documents, available online for comments at www.regulations.gov, include the “Criteria for Preparation and Evaluation of Radiological Emergency Response Plans” (also known as “Supplement 4”) and the FEMA “Radiological Emergency Preparedness Response Manual” (REPP Manual).
Russia and U.S. Begin Nuclear Talks (BBC) Russia and the US are holding the first of three days of talks in Moscow on a new treaty aimed at reducing their stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
May 18, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza
Influenza A (H1N1) (WHO) As of 06:00 GMT, 18 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 8829 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 74 deaths.
New York Principal's Death Linked to Flu Virus, Hospital Says (CNNhealth.com) An assistant principal of a New York middle school who was hospitalized with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, died Sunday from flu complications, hospital and state officials said. It's the sixth death in the United States that health authorities have linked to the virus.
Schools Close as Spike in Swine Flu Cases Hits Japan (Time/CNN) In a sudden surge that took Asian health officials by surprise, the Japanese health ministry confirmed on Monday at least 125 new cases of the A(H1N1) virus — or swine flu — in the country's western prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo. Officials have shut down around 1,000 schools since many of the infected were high-school students.
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (CDC) Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well.
CDC Travel Health Warning for Novel H1N1 Flu in Mexico Removed (CDC) CDC’s Travel Health Warning recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.
Swine Flu: Government Signs Up for 90 Million Doses of Vaccine (Times Online) Ministers have signed agreements to secure up to 90 million doses of swine flu vaccine despite the fact that a pandemic has not yet been declared, it was announced today. The deals with pharmaceutical companies GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Baxter will secure “early supplies” of a vaccine for the newly identified H1N1 strain.
Also in the News
South Americans Hit by Dengue Fever Epidemic (The Miami Herald) While the world continues to be on alert for a potential swine flu pandemic, South Americans have been suffering for months from one of the worst viral epidemics on record. Hundreds of thousands of people have been sickened by dengue fever this year; more than 70 have died. ''This is the largest epidemic in many years,'' said Dr. Eddy Martinez, the director of epidemiology for Bolivia's Ministry of Health in the capital city of La Paz.
Napolitano: FEMA to Stay in DHS (HSToday) The Federal Emergency Management Agency will remain part of the Homeland Security Department, Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday. “It is my position, it is the position of the administration, that FEMA should remain in the Department of Homeland Security,” Napolitano told the House Homeland Security Committee.
Clinical Features of Human Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Vietnam: 2004–2006 (CID) Conclusion. In cases of infection with Influenza A (H5N1), the presence of both neutropenia and raised serum transaminase levels predicts a poor outcome. Oseltamivir treatment shows benefit, but treatment with corticosteroids is associated with an increased risk of death.
U.S. Department of Energy Review Shows Strengthened Security Posture at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL News Release) A recent review of security at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Independent Oversight confirmed a strengthened security posture at the Laboratory. The annual review conducted by the oversight organization within DOE’s Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS), focused on physical security, the Lab’s protective force, classified matter protection, control and program management.
Global: Disaster Risk Increasing, Exacerbated by Climate Change – Report (IRIN) The risk of disasters occurring worldwide is increasing due to the expansion of slums, the increasing vulnerability of rural livelihoods to weather changes and deteriorating ecosystems, a new UN report says.
National Science Foundation Releases Comprehensive Report on Global Impacts of Climate Change (NSF News Release) The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a report on global climate change, entitled "Solving the Puzzle: Researching the Impacts of Climate Change around the World," that describes how, over nearly 60 years, NSF-funded researchers have found signs of a changing climate in nearly every corner of the globe, from the icy expanses of Earth's polar regions to its equatorial ecosystems.
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