Global's H1N1 Update - 1/28/10

The next update will be on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 0830 hrs PST.

The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6

Influenza A (H1N1) Cases and Deaths

*Cases reported by The World Health Organization (WHO) are as of January 17, 2010

National News

According to the Public Health agency of Canada (PHAC), this year to date, influenza indicators are continuing either at baseline or considerably under expected levels for this time of the year. Nationally, the number of medical consultations for influenza-like symptoms slightly increased over previous weeks but was significantly below the expected range for this time of the year. The Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 strain still accounted for 100% of the positive influenza A subtyped specimens. PHAC

International News

The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Vaccine Manufacturers (EVM), a vaccine makers’ trade group, appeared at a public hearing before the Council of Europe titled “The handling of the H1N1 pandemic: more transparency needed?” The WHO’s appearance was prompted by accusations from some European politicians that the H1N1 pandemic threat was overstated to boost the profits of drug manufacturers. Dr. Keiji Fukuda, special advisor on pandemic influenza to the WHO director-general, spoke at the hearing saying that the WHO’s response was well warranted, but that trust and transparency are crucial during a pandemic response. He assured the group that the WHO was doing all it can to improve on those goals. University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy

Health officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus three countries have gathered in Singapore for a 3-day meeting on antiviral drugs and pandemic flu vaccines. The conference is supported by the Australian Agency for International Development, and will update members on drug and vaccine supplies, provide a forum for discussing issues such as access and technology transfer, and discuss how the nations can share resources. ASEAN

Vaccine News

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released an update FAQ on H1N1 vaccines particularly regarding appropriate measures at this late stage of the flu season. The briefing includes “updated information about late season flu vaccination including who is recommended, where to find vaccine, and why it should still be taken seriously.” CDC

The PHAC has released an updated data analysis to the public in their continuing surveillance of the effectiveness and side-effects of the three types of H1N1 vaccine in use in Canada. According to the report, “the surveillance data continues to support the safety of the vaccine,” and, “the reporting rate for serious [life-threatening] adverse events is below the average reporting rate of about 1 case for every 100,000 doses.” PHAC