June 17, 2009
H1N1 FLU PANDEMIC
New H1N1 strain found
SAO PAULO - BRAZILIAN scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, their institute said on Tuesday.
The variant has been called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1 by the Adolfo Lutz Bacteriological Institute, which compared it with samples of the A(H1N1) swine flu from California.
The genetic sequence of the new sub-type of the H1N1 virus was isolated by a virology team lead by one of its researchers, Terezinha Maria de Paiva, the institute said in a statement.
The mutation comprised of alterations in the Hemagglutinin protein which allows the virus to infect new hosts, it said.
It was not yet known whether the new strain was more aggressive than the current A(H1N1) virus which has been declared pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The genetic make-up of the H1N1 virus and its subvariants are important for scientists.
Pharmaceutical companies are working to mass produce a vaccine against the current A(H1N1) flu.
There are fears though that it could mutate into a deadly strain, much in the same way as the 1918 Spanish flu - also an A(H1N1) virus type - did when it killed tens of millions around the planet.
According to the WHO, 36,000 people in 76 countries have been infected with the H1N1 virus, causing 163 deaths.
-- AFP
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label Swine Flu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swine Flu. Show all posts
Monday, July 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
Tamiflu-resistant swine flu patient found in Japan: govt
July 2nd, 2009
- wong chee tat :)
July 2nd, 2009
A genetic mutation of swine flu that is resistant to the anti-viral Tamiflu has been discovered in Japan, the first such case in the country, the health ministry said.
It was the second reported case of Tamiflu resistance linked to swine flu in less than a week.
The latest case was found in a patient who had been given the drug since first being diagnosed with A(H1N1) around two weeks ago, Kyodo news agency reported Thursday, citing the Health, Welfare and Labour Ministry.
The patient -- a woman in Osaka prefecture -- was recovering after having been given Ralenza, an alternative anti-flu medication, the report said.
A spokeswoman for Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Roche, which makes Tamiflu, said the company had been informed of the case and called it "normal."
"It is absolutely normal," she said, adding that "0.4 percent of adults develop resistance" to Tamiflu.
She said the case does not indicate Tamiflu has become less effective against swine flu.
Danish authorities announced earlier this week they had discovered resistance to Tamiflu in a female patient. Ralenza was also used successfully to treat her.
According to the latest World Health Organization figures, Japan has 1,266 reported cases of swine flu, but has so far recorded no fatalities.
(c) 2009 AFP- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Nightclub operators put in place H1N1 precautionary measures
Nightclub operators put in place H1N1 precautionary measures
By Lynda Hong & Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 0006 hrs
SINGAPORE : Several nightspot operators have put in place H1N1 precautionary measures.
Nightclub operator Lifebrandz has put up posters updating patrons on the current H1N1 situation at all 10 of its outlets.
Patrons are also given temperature checks and offered hand sanitisers before entering.
Patrons with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter.
As of Saturday, Lifebrandz has not turned away any patrons.
Several other nightclub operators Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they are carrying out similar measures.
Operators added that they are confident that business will not be affected.
Lifebrandz's CEO, Bernard Lim, said: "We know that this is going to be a long-drawn process - fighting the H1N1 virus.
"So long as everyone is socially responsible and they take care of their own health, maintaining certain level of hygiene, we are quite sure that our patrons will come out and have a good time regardless."
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
By Lynda Hong & Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 0006 hrs
SINGAPORE : Several nightspot operators have put in place H1N1 precautionary measures.
Nightclub operator Lifebrandz has put up posters updating patrons on the current H1N1 situation at all 10 of its outlets.
Patrons are also given temperature checks and offered hand sanitisers before entering.
Patrons with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter.
As of Saturday, Lifebrandz has not turned away any patrons.
Several other nightclub operators Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they are carrying out similar measures.
Operators added that they are confident that business will not be affected.
Lifebrandz's CEO, Bernard Lim, said: "We know that this is going to be a long-drawn process - fighting the H1N1 virus.
"So long as everyone is socially responsible and they take care of their own health, maintaining certain level of hygiene, we are quite sure that our patrons will come out and have a good time regardless."
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
Schools carry out measures to prevent spread of H1N1 flu
Schools carry out measures to prevent spread of H1N1 flu
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1400 hrs
SINGAPORE: Students in Singapore returned to local schools on Monday to find full measures in place to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.
After a month-long break, teachers and students who had travelled to H1N1-affected countries, or those who were unwell, had been told to stay home.
Over at Outram Secondary School, a screening station at the school gates greeted students as they returned for class.
"I have flu. (Question: If you have the flu, why not stay at home?) A bit only...will recover after that," said a student.
Those who displayed flu-like symptoms were isolated from their classmates and sent home.
Students were also required to hand in their travel declaration forms to their teachers.
All classes were also taught lessons on how to be socially responsible and adopt good hygiene habits based on guidelines set out in the Education Ministry's H1N1 education package.
Posters on social responsibility went up around the school and videos on hygiene habits were shown on television screens throughout the school as well.
Similar H1N1 precautionary measures were carried out at Mee Toh Primary School.
Recess was also staggered over four school periods, instead of the previous two, to reduce the risk of infection.
At Nan Hua Primary School at Jalan Lempeng, students were segregated into three batches for staggered recess breaks.
Principal Lee Hui Feng said: "That means each group has about 200 pupils and we try to ensure that when the children gather, there's a gap in between the classes and we shorten the time that they are assembled together. I think the most important thing is the teacher will monitor their health status closely and we also remind students about their personal hygiene."
Some students took the new measures in their stride and were just glad to be back. "I feel very happy coming back to school because I can see my friends," said one chirpy student.
Measures are also in place to ensure staff do not cross-infect one other.
Choy Wai Yin, principal of Outram Secondary School, said: "We're dividing the staff into different teams and there will be different staff rooms for this period of time so that there is minimal mass staff contact with one another and we will always have a functioning team."
The Education Ministry says one to two per cent of all students in Singapore are serving out a Leave Of Absence (LOA) as a precaution.
Outram Secondary School says out of its 950 students, some 30 of them and one teacher are on LOA.
While over at Mee Toh Primary School, there are 29 students and one teacher on LOA.
Some parents Channel NewsAsia spoke to were skeptical about whether measures such as filling up travel declaration forms would work.
One parent, who dropped off his child at Mee Toh Primary School, said: "Whether they will declare it properly, whether they have been to the affected countries, we're not sure. But I think that it's quite right that we have some sort of precautionary measures."
Speaking at an event on Monday morning, Education Minister Ng Eng Hen addressed concerns about whether more schools may be closed, if the situation gets worse.
He said: "I wouldn't paint a doomsday scenario and say 'what if'. For schools, what it does mean is that when we want to prevent big clusters from forming, we have to close down certain classes, certain schools. And we take it a day at a time, a week at a time and we adjust to the situation."
Dr Ng added that although there is no way to stop this pandemic, the current measures aim to slow down the spread of the virus. And he hopes this will help students lead as normal a school life as possible.
- CNA/yt/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1400 hrs
SINGAPORE: Students in Singapore returned to local schools on Monday to find full measures in place to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.
After a month-long break, teachers and students who had travelled to H1N1-affected countries, or those who were unwell, had been told to stay home.
Over at Outram Secondary School, a screening station at the school gates greeted students as they returned for class.
"I have flu. (Question: If you have the flu, why not stay at home?) A bit only...will recover after that," said a student.
Those who displayed flu-like symptoms were isolated from their classmates and sent home.
Students were also required to hand in their travel declaration forms to their teachers.
All classes were also taught lessons on how to be socially responsible and adopt good hygiene habits based on guidelines set out in the Education Ministry's H1N1 education package.
Posters on social responsibility went up around the school and videos on hygiene habits were shown on television screens throughout the school as well.
Similar H1N1 precautionary measures were carried out at Mee Toh Primary School.
Recess was also staggered over four school periods, instead of the previous two, to reduce the risk of infection.
At Nan Hua Primary School at Jalan Lempeng, students were segregated into three batches for staggered recess breaks.
Principal Lee Hui Feng said: "That means each group has about 200 pupils and we try to ensure that when the children gather, there's a gap in between the classes and we shorten the time that they are assembled together. I think the most important thing is the teacher will monitor their health status closely and we also remind students about their personal hygiene."
Some students took the new measures in their stride and were just glad to be back. "I feel very happy coming back to school because I can see my friends," said one chirpy student.
Measures are also in place to ensure staff do not cross-infect one other.
Choy Wai Yin, principal of Outram Secondary School, said: "We're dividing the staff into different teams and there will be different staff rooms for this period of time so that there is minimal mass staff contact with one another and we will always have a functioning team."
The Education Ministry says one to two per cent of all students in Singapore are serving out a Leave Of Absence (LOA) as a precaution.
Outram Secondary School says out of its 950 students, some 30 of them and one teacher are on LOA.
While over at Mee Toh Primary School, there are 29 students and one teacher on LOA.
Some parents Channel NewsAsia spoke to were skeptical about whether measures such as filling up travel declaration forms would work.
One parent, who dropped off his child at Mee Toh Primary School, said: "Whether they will declare it properly, whether they have been to the affected countries, we're not sure. But I think that it's quite right that we have some sort of precautionary measures."
Speaking at an event on Monday morning, Education Minister Ng Eng Hen addressed concerns about whether more schools may be closed, if the situation gets worse.
He said: "I wouldn't paint a doomsday scenario and say 'what if'. For schools, what it does mean is that when we want to prevent big clusters from forming, we have to close down certain classes, certain schools. And we take it a day at a time, a week at a time and we adjust to the situation."
Dr Ng added that although there is no way to stop this pandemic, the current measures aim to slow down the spread of the virus. And he hopes this will help students lead as normal a school life as possible.
- CNA/yt/ir
- wong chee tat :)
500 students at RI Boarding School on leave of absence
500 students at RI Boarding School on leave of absence
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1944 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 500-odd students and 20 teachers at Raffles Institution Boarding School are on Leave of Absence.
This is because a majority of the boarders are foreigners who have been to H1N1-affected countries during the recent school holidays.
Raffles Institution Boarding School has two H1N1 cases, who did not enter the school premises.
They showed symptoms upon arrival in Singapore.
The entire RI campus, with a student population of 4,500, is now segregated into three sections - Junior College, Secondary and Boarding School.
RI said tests and classes were carried out in these segregated groups on Monday to minimise interaction.
All students were also asked to leave immediately after school ended.
Junior college students who are boarders on Leave Of Absence sat for their Common Tests at the boarding school.
RI said it is doing everything it can to ensure the well-being of students by maintaining social distancing and grouping wherever possible.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1944 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 500-odd students and 20 teachers at Raffles Institution Boarding School are on Leave of Absence.
This is because a majority of the boarders are foreigners who have been to H1N1-affected countries during the recent school holidays.
Raffles Institution Boarding School has two H1N1 cases, who did not enter the school premises.
They showed symptoms upon arrival in Singapore.
The entire RI campus, with a student population of 4,500, is now segregated into three sections - Junior College, Secondary and Boarding School.
RI said tests and classes were carried out in these segregated groups on Monday to minimise interaction.
All students were also asked to leave immediately after school ended.
Junior college students who are boarders on Leave Of Absence sat for their Common Tests at the boarding school.
RI said it is doing everything it can to ensure the well-being of students by maintaining social distancing and grouping wherever possible.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629
30 new H1N1 cases raise total in Singapore to 629
Posted: 29 June 2009 2151 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 30 new cases of H1N1 flu, bringing the total to 629 so far.
According to the Health Ministry, 246 patients have fully recovered while the rest are in stable condition.
Together with 105 cases pending investigation on Sunday, 71 have been investigated - comprising 58 local cases and 13 imported ones.
A new cluster has surfaced, comprising three Raffles Institution Boarding School students who have just returned from affected countries.
The greatest number of new cases registered on Monday, however, came from the Republic Polytechnic. It has 17 new cases, bringing the total in the cluster to 66.
There were eight new cases at Clementi Camp, which now has 53 cases.
Maju Camp has three new ones, bringing the total there to 22.
At the Police Coast Guard's Brani Base, one new case brings the total there to five.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore confirms two clusters of H1N1 local transmission
Singapore confirms two clusters of H1N1 local transmission
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 0111 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has confirmed another 23 cases of the H1N1 flu, bringing the total so far to 126.
Of the 23 new cases, eight are local cases from two clusters of local transmission.
The first is the Riverlife Church, which saw five students fall ill after attending its services on June 13 and 14.
One of them, a student at Chung Cheng High School (Main) was reported on Friday.
Four are new cases, including the student's younger brother. Another two are also students at Chung Cheng High School.
A second cluster was found at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which saw three students fall ill.
One of them was reported on Friday, while the other two had their infection confirmed on Saturday.
The two new cases are a 24-year-old Columbian woman and a 22-year-old American woman.
All three are foreign exchange students who had met up on June 13. They were with a group of other NUS schoolmates on an educational trip to Thailand from June 5 to 8.
There are also two new cases that have no confirmed links with previous patients.
One of them is the father of a boy who is a close contact of an earlier case.
The Ministry of Health is investigating if both infections are related.
The remaining 15 are all imported cases, including a 14-year-old Asian Youth Games participant from the Philippines.
He has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre, while his team-mates and two coaches are quarantined at the Aloha Resort at Loyang.
Singapore's total number of confirmed H1N1 cases now stands at 126, with 94 still in hospital. They are in stable condition.
Contact tracing is underway for all the cases.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 0111 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore has confirmed another 23 cases of the H1N1 flu, bringing the total so far to 126.
Of the 23 new cases, eight are local cases from two clusters of local transmission.
The first is the Riverlife Church, which saw five students fall ill after attending its services on June 13 and 14.
One of them, a student at Chung Cheng High School (Main) was reported on Friday.
Four are new cases, including the student's younger brother. Another two are also students at Chung Cheng High School.
A second cluster was found at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which saw three students fall ill.
One of them was reported on Friday, while the other two had their infection confirmed on Saturday.
The two new cases are a 24-year-old Columbian woman and a 22-year-old American woman.
All three are foreign exchange students who had met up on June 13. They were with a group of other NUS schoolmates on an educational trip to Thailand from June 5 to 8.
There are also two new cases that have no confirmed links with previous patients.
One of them is the father of a boy who is a close contact of an earlier case.
The Ministry of Health is investigating if both infections are related.
The remaining 15 are all imported cases, including a 14-year-old Asian Youth Games participant from the Philippines.
He has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre, while his team-mates and two coaches are quarantined at the Aloha Resort at Loyang.
Singapore's total number of confirmed H1N1 cases now stands at 126, with 94 still in hospital. They are in stable condition.
Contact tracing is underway for all the cases.
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore confirms another 16 new H1N1 cases
Singapore confirms another 16 new H1N1 cases
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 0040 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed another 16 new cases of H1N1.
Seven are local and nine has travel history, bringing the total number of H1N1 cases in Singapore to 142.
A third cluster of locally-infected cases has also been identified at popular nightclub Butter Factory at One Fullerton.
The new case is a 19-year-old Singaporean female student. She visited the club on June 17 when three previously reported cases were also there.
The Health Ministry has advised all those who had visited Butter Factory on June 17 to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.
The other new cases include two additional ones from the Riverlife Church cluster.
One is a 20-year-old Singaporean female student who attended a church function on June 13, while the other is a 12-year-old Singaporean boy who is a cousin to an earlier case in the cluster.
There were also three new cases with no travel history and no known contact with confirmed cases.
One is a 22-year-old Singaporean female student who participated in a church camp at Prince George's Park from June 15 to 18.
Another is a 21-year-old National Serviceman based at Clementi Police Station.
There was also another local case, a 22-year-old Malaysian man, who is a colleague of a previously confirmed case.
The nine imported cases include three Singaporeans, two Permanent Residents and four foreigners (a Filippino, a Malaysian, an Australian and an Indonesian. They had travelled to Australia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Indonesia.
Contact tracing is underway. - CNA/de
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
'Stay away' order
'Stay away' order
Schools take precautions ahead of the new term
By Leow Si Wan
SCHOOLS have been contacting students who travelled to flu-affected countries during the June break to remind them not to attend holiday classes and activities within a week of returning home.
At least one, Ping Yi Secondary School, has even cancelled non-essential activities, such as camps. It will also have its security guard check at the school entrance if students have been to any of the listed countries.
A check with 17 primary and secondary schools and junior colleges found them busy telephoning, e-mailing or sending text messages to staff and students who have been to countries with sustained community transmissions, such as Thailand, Canada and the United States.
'We have been SMS-ing these people and putting up notices on the school website to remind them not to come to school within seven days,' said a principal from a junior college.
Schools said they were carrying out a directive from the Education Ministry for students and staff who have travelled to affected countries to stay away from school for a week upon their return and to visit a doctor if they are unwell.
Last week, two students who did not know they were infected went back to school for remedial and holiday activities before being diagnosed.
Students' well-being is most important and a seven-day hiatus will prevent community spread, said a secondary school principal. Schools are pulling out all stops to make sure the directive is followed.
Ping Yi Secondary's principal, Madam Shanti Devi Thambusamy, added that the school has a mass SMS system which can be activated to contact parents and students when there is a need to share new information.
Nan Hua Primary School is also making plans for when school reopens.
The school principal, Mrs Lee Hui Feng, said that the school will not have assemblies for a week 'to minimise contact in large groups' and classrooms will be disinfected.
Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
siwan@sph.com.sg
Additional reporting by Cheryl Ong & Corrie Tan
- wong chee tat :)
Schools take precautions ahead of the new term
By Leow Si Wan
SCHOOLS have been contacting students who travelled to flu-affected countries during the June break to remind them not to attend holiday classes and activities within a week of returning home.
At least one, Ping Yi Secondary School, has even cancelled non-essential activities, such as camps. It will also have its security guard check at the school entrance if students have been to any of the listed countries.
A check with 17 primary and secondary schools and junior colleges found them busy telephoning, e-mailing or sending text messages to staff and students who have been to countries with sustained community transmissions, such as Thailand, Canada and the United States.
'We have been SMS-ing these people and putting up notices on the school website to remind them not to come to school within seven days,' said a principal from a junior college.
Schools said they were carrying out a directive from the Education Ministry for students and staff who have travelled to affected countries to stay away from school for a week upon their return and to visit a doctor if they are unwell.
Last week, two students who did not know they were infected went back to school for remedial and holiday activities before being diagnosed.
Students' well-being is most important and a seven-day hiatus will prevent community spread, said a secondary school principal. Schools are pulling out all stops to make sure the directive is followed.
Ping Yi Secondary's principal, Madam Shanti Devi Thambusamy, added that the school has a mass SMS system which can be activated to contact parents and students when there is a need to share new information.
Nan Hua Primary School is also making plans for when school reopens.
The school principal, Mrs Lee Hui Feng, said that the school will not have assemblies for a week 'to minimise contact in large groups' and classrooms will be disinfected.
Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
siwan@sph.com.sg
Additional reporting by Cheryl Ong & Corrie Tan
- wong chee tat :)
Public hospitals gearing up for possible H1N1 surge
Public hospitals gearing up for possible H1N1 surge
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 June 2009 2144 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public hospitals in Singapore are gearing up to take in H1N1 patients.
Currently, H1N1 cases are only seen at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Communicable Disease Centre and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's paediatric unit.
But if Singapore moves from the containment to mitigation stage, once there is sustained community transmission, it is very likely that restructured hospitals will have to be roped in to manage H1N1 cases.
The National University Hospital (NUH) told Channel NewsAsia that it has been preparing for a possible surge since the first alert from the Health Ministry about two months ago.
Its spokesperson said measures it has prepared to take include postponing non-urgent elective surgeries to create surge capacity, equipping and converting some beds to create more isolation rooms, expanding a fever facility at the Accident and Emergency department and deploying more staff.
More staff will be deployed to A&E to cope with the increased workload once the fever facility is expanded, for example, to perform nasal swabs and provide explanations to patients and their families.
Posters and materials to educate and remind staff, patients and visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and Personal Protection Equipment will also be put up.
Over at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), staff are also prepared to manage and treat H1N1 patients.
SGH said its response preparedness was ramped up and put in place since the initial stages of the global outbreak.
The hospital has also set aside adequate isolation and intensive care facilities to manage the increase in H1N1 cases, especially in light of potential community spread.
- CNA/i
- wong chee tat :)
By Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 June 2009 2144 hrs
SINGAPORE: Public hospitals in Singapore are gearing up to take in H1N1 patients.
Currently, H1N1 cases are only seen at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Communicable Disease Centre and the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's paediatric unit.
But if Singapore moves from the containment to mitigation stage, once there is sustained community transmission, it is very likely that restructured hospitals will have to be roped in to manage H1N1 cases.
The National University Hospital (NUH) told Channel NewsAsia that it has been preparing for a possible surge since the first alert from the Health Ministry about two months ago.
Its spokesperson said measures it has prepared to take include postponing non-urgent elective surgeries to create surge capacity, equipping and converting some beds to create more isolation rooms, expanding a fever facility at the Accident and Emergency department and deploying more staff.
More staff will be deployed to A&E to cope with the increased workload once the fever facility is expanded, for example, to perform nasal swabs and provide explanations to patients and their families.
Posters and materials to educate and remind staff, patients and visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and Personal Protection Equipment will also be put up.
Over at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), staff are also prepared to manage and treat H1N1 patients.
SGH said its response preparedness was ramped up and put in place since the initial stages of the global outbreak.
The hospital has also set aside adequate isolation and intensive care facilities to manage the increase in H1N1 cases, especially in light of potential community spread.
- CNA/i
- wong chee tat :)
Friday, June 12, 2009
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Swine Flu Update: WHO Declares Pandemic In Response To Ongoing Global Spread Of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
ScienceDaily (June 12, 2009) — On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, which causes swine flu. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.
WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. It’s uncertain at this time how serious or severe this novel H1N1 pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will develop serious complications or die from novel H1N1 infection. Experience with this virus so far is limited and influenza is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 virus.
In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.
Background
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The first novel H1N1 patient in the United States was confirmed by laboratory testing at CDC on April 15, 2009. The second patient was confirmed on April 17, 2009. It was quickly determined that the virus was spreading from person-to-person. On April 22, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to better coordinate the public health response. On April 26, 2009, the United States Government declared a public health emergency and has been actively and aggressively implementing the nation’s pandemic response plan.
Since the outbreak was first detected, an increasing number of U.S. states have reported cases of novel H1N1 influenza with associated hospitalizations and deaths. By June 3, 2009, all 50 states in the United States and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were reporting cases of novel H1N1 infection. While nationwide U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the country at this time, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity.
CDC is continuing to watch the situation carefully, to support the public health response and to gather information about this virus and its characteristics. The Southern Hemisphere is just beginning its influenza season and the experience there may provide valuable clues about what may occur in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter.
CDC Response
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.
CDC is issuing updated interim guidance in response to the rapidly evolving situation (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm).
Clinician Guidance
CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patients with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm), in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm). Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat people hospitalized with influenza illness, and to treat people at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes and other metabolic diseases, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immune systems, and persons with neurologic or neuromuscular disease.
Public Guidance
CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with novel H1N1 (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm). CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm) and the use of facemasks and respirators to reduce novel influenza A (H1n1) transmission (see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm). Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing and people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.
Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus.
Vaccine
Vaccines are a very important part of a response to pandemic influenza and the U.S. Government is aggressively taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working closely with manufacturers. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for production of a vaccine, if necessary. Making vaccine is a long multi-step process requiring several months to complete.
Stockpile Deployment
CDC has deployed 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States and U.S. territories. This included antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to novel H1N1 virus.
Surveillance
Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. While our influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall influenza activity is decreasing in the United States, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense influenza-like activity. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.
Shared Responsibility
Individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families.
* Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available.
* Everyone should take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
o Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
o If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
o Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Singapore confirms first case of swine flu
Singapore confirms first case of swine flu
SINGAPORE (AFP) – A 22-year-old Singaporean woman who returned from New York has tested positive for swine flu, in the city-state's first confirmed case, the Ministry of Health said.
"Singapore has confirmed its first case of influenza A(H1N1)," the ministry said in a statement.
It said the patient was being treated at a communicable disease centre and was in a stable condition.
The woman was in New York from May 14-24, returning on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday, during which she developed a cough.
The ministry said all her "close contacts" will be quarantined and provided with antiviral medication.
-Many thanks to all who share the news!
- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090527/wl_asia_afp/singaporehealthflu_20090527032810
- wong chee tat :)
SINGAPORE (AFP) – A 22-year-old Singaporean woman who returned from New York has tested positive for swine flu, in the city-state's first confirmed case, the Ministry of Health said.
"Singapore has confirmed its first case of influenza A(H1N1)," the ministry said in a statement.
It said the patient was being treated at a communicable disease centre and was in a stable condition.
The woman was in New York from May 14-24, returning on a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday, during which she developed a cough.
The ministry said all her "close contacts" will be quarantined and provided with antiviral medication.
-Many thanks to all who share the news!
- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090527/wl_asia_afp/singaporehealthflu_20090527032810
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, May 18, 2009
WHO assembly opens amid flu pandemic fears
WHO assembly opens amid flu pandemic fears
GENEVA - The World Health Organisation's annual assembly opened here Monday, with the spectre of a global flu pandemic hanging over the gathering following a sharp spike in Influenza A (H1N1) infections in Japan.
"We are all under pressure to make urgent and far reaching decisions in an atmosphere of considerable scientific uncertainty," WHO Director General Margaret Chan told the 193 member states in a special debate on the new A(H1N1) virus.
However, Chan, who would have the power to declare a pandemic after consulting a panel of scientists, said more information was needed on the virus that emerged in Mexico and the United States a few weeks ago.
"We have lived for five long years under the threat of pandemic caused by the lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus. This has left our world very prepared but also very scared," said Chan.
"We need to warn the public whenever necessary but reassure them whenever possible. This is a difficult balancing act," she explained.
Since the A(H1N1) flu outbreak was signalled by Mexico last month, the WHO has raised the global flu alert to level five, one step short of a pandemic.
More than 8,800 people have been infected by the new virus after it spread to 39 other countries with travellers, according to the WHO.
But the UN health agency was keeping a close watch on the growing number of cases in Japan, where more than 2,000 schools were closed Monday in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.
Some 135 people have been infected according to Japanese authorities, who only days ago had detected just four cases in travellers from the United States.
WHO officials have warned that sustained transmission in a community outside the Americas, without a direct link to travellers, would be reason enough to declare a pandemic, alert level six, marking the global spread of the virus.
However, they have also emphasised that a pandemic denotes geographical spread of the virus, not the severity of its symptoms.
Over the weekend, a renowned European virologist urged watchdogs to keep up their guard, even if the new strain of H1N1 virus had turned out to be less worrisome than thought a few weeks ago.
"The current H1N1 threat is serious," Dutch professor Albert Osterhaus said on the sidelines of a congress in Helsinki.
Member states decided to shorten the assembly to five days instead of 10 so that officials can focus on national preparations against flu.
Discussions on faltering WHO-led attempts to eradicate polio and curb malaria, or health care in poor countries, have been pushed down the agenda, while debates on advancing tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, or rules on human organ transplants could be postponed for a year.
Mexico's Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova symbolically handed over to Chan the scientific details of the A(H1N1) virus that will allow development of a vaccine, just before the assembly began.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was set to meet pharmaceutical companies here on Tuesday to discuss production of a pandemic flu vaccine, which could take up to six months to develop.
The WHO is still considering whether to take the risk of halting seasonal flu vaccine output in order to free up production capacity for large scale pandemic vaccine production.
Influenza and pandemic preparations have been a regular topic at the meeting in recent years after H5N1 bird flu took hold in humans.
At a meeting in Geneva ahead of the assembly, governments failed to conclude deal on the sharing of virus research material and vaccines in case of a global pandemic, after years of wrangling.
Some Asian nations hit by bird flu want guarantees that populations of poor countries will have access to commercially-produced vaccines made from the samples they supply.
- AFP/ir
- wong chee tat :)
GENEVA - The World Health Organisation's annual assembly opened here Monday, with the spectre of a global flu pandemic hanging over the gathering following a sharp spike in Influenza A (H1N1) infections in Japan.
"We are all under pressure to make urgent and far reaching decisions in an atmosphere of considerable scientific uncertainty," WHO Director General Margaret Chan told the 193 member states in a special debate on the new A(H1N1) virus.
However, Chan, who would have the power to declare a pandemic after consulting a panel of scientists, said more information was needed on the virus that emerged in Mexico and the United States a few weeks ago.
"We have lived for five long years under the threat of pandemic caused by the lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus. This has left our world very prepared but also very scared," said Chan.
"We need to warn the public whenever necessary but reassure them whenever possible. This is a difficult balancing act," she explained.
Since the A(H1N1) flu outbreak was signalled by Mexico last month, the WHO has raised the global flu alert to level five, one step short of a pandemic.
More than 8,800 people have been infected by the new virus after it spread to 39 other countries with travellers, according to the WHO.
But the UN health agency was keeping a close watch on the growing number of cases in Japan, where more than 2,000 schools were closed Monday in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.
Some 135 people have been infected according to Japanese authorities, who only days ago had detected just four cases in travellers from the United States.
WHO officials have warned that sustained transmission in a community outside the Americas, without a direct link to travellers, would be reason enough to declare a pandemic, alert level six, marking the global spread of the virus.
However, they have also emphasised that a pandemic denotes geographical spread of the virus, not the severity of its symptoms.
Over the weekend, a renowned European virologist urged watchdogs to keep up their guard, even if the new strain of H1N1 virus had turned out to be less worrisome than thought a few weeks ago.
"The current H1N1 threat is serious," Dutch professor Albert Osterhaus said on the sidelines of a congress in Helsinki.
Member states decided to shorten the assembly to five days instead of 10 so that officials can focus on national preparations against flu.
Discussions on faltering WHO-led attempts to eradicate polio and curb malaria, or health care in poor countries, have been pushed down the agenda, while debates on advancing tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, or rules on human organ transplants could be postponed for a year.
Mexico's Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova symbolically handed over to Chan the scientific details of the A(H1N1) virus that will allow development of a vaccine, just before the assembly began.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was set to meet pharmaceutical companies here on Tuesday to discuss production of a pandemic flu vaccine, which could take up to six months to develop.
The WHO is still considering whether to take the risk of halting seasonal flu vaccine output in order to free up production capacity for large scale pandemic vaccine production.
Influenza and pandemic preparations have been a regular topic at the meeting in recent years after H5N1 bird flu took hold in humans.
At a meeting in Geneva ahead of the assembly, governments failed to conclude deal on the sharing of virus research material and vaccines in case of a global pandemic, after years of wrangling.
Some Asian nations hit by bird flu want guarantees that populations of poor countries will have access to commercially-produced vaccines made from the samples they supply.
- AFP/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Swine Flu Genes Dissimilar To Past Pandemics
Swine Flu Genes Dissimilar To Past Pandemics
ScienceDaily (May 7, 2009) — Some genetic markers of influenza infection severity have been identified from past outbreaks. Researchers have failed to find most of these markers, described in the open access journal BMC Microbiology, in samples of the current swine-flu strain.
Jonathan Allen and Tom Slezak from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, America, published their analysis identifying 34 conserved amino acid markers from past pandemic flu strains two weeks ago. They have since studied sequences from the new virus and found that only about half of their 34 markers are present.
Slezak said, "This lack of similarity does not necessarily mean that the current H1N1 virus is not going to be a major problem, but it does suggest that it lacks many of the attributes that have made previous outbreaks deadly".
The researchers stress that, although their work appears to suggest that the current virus may not be as dangerous as feared, more studies are required before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Journal reference:
1. Allen et al. Conserved amino acid markers from past influenza pandemic strains. BMC Microbiology, 2009; 9 (1): 77 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-77
- wong chee tat :)
ScienceDaily (May 7, 2009) — Some genetic markers of influenza infection severity have been identified from past outbreaks. Researchers have failed to find most of these markers, described in the open access journal BMC Microbiology, in samples of the current swine-flu strain.
Jonathan Allen and Tom Slezak from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, America, published their analysis identifying 34 conserved amino acid markers from past pandemic flu strains two weeks ago. They have since studied sequences from the new virus and found that only about half of their 34 markers are present.
Slezak said, "This lack of similarity does not necessarily mean that the current H1N1 virus is not going to be a major problem, but it does suggest that it lacks many of the attributes that have made previous outbreaks deadly".
The researchers stress that, although their work appears to suggest that the current virus may not be as dangerous as feared, more studies are required before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Journal reference:
1. Allen et al. Conserved amino acid markers from past influenza pandemic strains. BMC Microbiology, 2009; 9 (1): 77 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-77
- wong chee tat :)
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