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WHO Pandemic Update # 77

 

 

 

# 4120

 

Actually 3 reports for the price of 1.


The WHO Pandemic update # 77, their weekly virological surveillance update, and a lengthy report from SAGE (Strategic Advisory Group of Experts) on the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.


Follow the  links to read these reports.

 

 

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 77

Weekly update

4 December 2009 -- As of 29 November 2009, worldwide more than 207 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 8768 deaths.

 

As many countries have stopped counting individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the case count is likely to be significantly lower than the actual number of cases that have occurred. WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of data.

(Continue. . .)

 

 

 

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 77

Weekly update (more data on virological surveillance)

4 December 2009 -- Since the beginning of the pandemic in 19 April 2009 to 21 November, a total of 82 countries reported to FluNet. The total number of specimens reportedly positive for influenza viruses by NIC laboratories was 309,204. Of these, 220,641 (71.4%) were pandemic H1N1, 8130 (2.6%) were seasonal A (H1), 23,531 (7.6%) were A (H3), 51,071 (16.5%) were A (Not subtyped) and 5831 (1.9%) were influenza B.

 

For this reporting week (15 November to 21 November 2009); a total of 22 countries reported to FluNet. The total number of specimens reportedly positive for influenza viruses by NIC laboratories was 10,364. Of these, 9643 (93%) were pandemic H1N1, 104 (1%) were seasonal A (H1), 88 (0.8%) were A (H3), 467 (4.5%) were A (Not subtyped), 62 (0.6%) were influenza B. The above numbers represent only the specimens and results reported to FluNet. Some laboratories (NICs), under pressure of the pandemic surge, do not test for seasonal subtypes and accordingly, this data should be interpreted with caution.

 

Detailed virological information for the European Region of WHO is included in the EuroFlu Weekly Electronic Bulletin.

 

From the start of H1N1 pandemic (19 April) till 28th November 2009, cumulatively 150 countries shared a total of 19284 specimens (14879 clinical samples and 4405 virus isolates) with WHO CCs for confirmatory diagnosis and further characterization.

 

A mutation of D222G in the amino acid sequence of the haemagglutinin protein of the pandemic virus is being monitored by GISN. In addition to Norway, the mutation has also been observed in Brazil, China, Chinese Taipei, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, , Ukraine, and USA, in both severe and mild cases.

 

Systematic surveillance conducted by GISN laboratories continues to detect incidents of H1N1 pandemic viruses that show resistance to the antiviral oseltamivir. Antiviral susceptibility testing has been carried out on pandemic H1N1 specimens and isolates from at least 31 countries. 96 cases of oseltamivir resistant pandemic H1N1 have been reported from GISN so far. All of these viruses show the same H275Y mutation, but remain sensitive to zanamivir.

 

 

Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus vaccine – conclusions and recommendations from the October 2009 meeting of the immunization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts

(EXCERPT)

 

The vast majority of influenza viruses identified worldwide are now pandemic (H1N1) 2009. So far, the virus has been antigenically stable and susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir. A limited number of viruses with resistance to oseltamivir have been reported from sporadic cases. SAGE remains aware that evolution of the virus (genetically and antigenically) is unpredictable, especially as the levels of background immunity to this virus build, bringing increased evolutionary pressures on the virus.

 

Mathematical modelling conducted on southern hemisphere data suggests a 20–40% infection attack rate, with a reproductive rate in the range of 1.1–1.5. The generation time and incubation period appear comparable with those of seasonal influenza. Modelling on vaccination strategies indicates that if vaccination occurs after the peak period of transmission (which may be the case in many northern hemisphere countries), immunization of groups at risk for severe outcomes will be more effective in reducing morbidity and mortality than immunization of groups most associated with transmission of infection.

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