West Nile Virus :: Number of West Nile Cases Increases
Eleven more cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) this week, bringing the total cases reported this year to 38.
Flu
Health :: Global cooperation vital as new diseases emerge at unprecedented rate, says UN
With new diseases emerging at an unprecedented rate in an increasingly interconnected world, often with the ability to cross borders rapidly, global public health security depends on international cooperation and surveillance more than at any previous time in history, the United Nations health agency warned in its annual report today.
Bacteria :: Nasty bacteria need sunlight to do their worst
Certain types of bacteria have sunlight-sensing molecules similar to those found in plants, according to a new study. Surprisingly, at least one species?responsible for causing the flu-like disorder Brucellosis?needs light to maximize its virulence.
Bird Flu :: Second bird flu victim confirmed from Bali, Indonesia
Test results from the Health Research and Development Center of the Ministry of Health and the Eijkman Insitute in Jakarta have confirmed that AS, a 28-year old female from Banjar Batu Gaing, Baraban, Kediri, Tabanan District in Bali is the most recent confirmed H5N1 case in Indonesia.
Bird Flu :: WHO bird flu H5N1 management guidance reinforces Tamiflu as first line treatment
The World Health Organization has reinforced that Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is the primary recommended antiviral of choice in managing patients infected with H5N1 in updated guidance published on the WHO website today. Experts believe that a human influenza pandemic is imminent and could be triggered by the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, which, as of Aug. 16 2007, has infected 321 humans, causing 194 deaths worldwide.
Influenza :: Influenza survey uncovers key differences between bird flu and human flu
Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have found key features that distinguish influenza viruses found in birds from those that infect humans.
Infection :: Computers help chemists fight emerging infections
Computer analysis of existing drugs may be key to fighting new infectious agents and antibiotic-resistant pathogens like deadly tuberculosis strains and staph “superbugs.” Researchers in Canada say the use of such “emergency discovery” technology could save time, money and lives during a sudden outbreak or a bioterrorism attack. The study will be presented in August at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Boston.
Flu :: UK Government announces advanced supply contracts for pandemic flu vaccine
Advanced supply contracts to provide the vaccine for a possible flu pandemic were today awarded by the Department of Health to pharmaceutical company GSK and Baxter Healthcare.
Bird Flu :: Indonesia reports a new case of H5N1 avian influenza
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 17-year-old female from Tangerang District, in Banten Province developed symptoms on 9 August , was hospitalized on 13 August and died in hospital on 14 August.
West Nile Virus :: Number of West Nile Cases Jump
Eleven more cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) this week, bringing the total cases reported this year to 27.