Hello, this is a sampling of the content that is goi to be on the new blindpolitics list that I am thinking about starting. If you believe there is room for such a list and discussions, plase let me know. Thanks Nimer J ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Travis <baconlard@xxxxxxxxx> Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:14:52 -0500 Subject: Influenza Update Newsletter: August 1, 2009 To: baconlard@xxxxxxxxx *From The Emergency Operations Center* *August 1, 2009* * ------------------------------ * Fast Facts Novel influenza A (H1N1) is showing antiviral resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). CDC and its partners around the world continue to conduct surveillance to track novel influenza A (H1N1) for change in epidemiology, virulence, antigenic pattern, and drug resistance. Novel influenza A (H1N1) occurred very late in the flu season. Novel H1N1 affected young people disproportionately; few cases among the elderly. Novel H1N1 has caused widespread illness, some severe or fatal. Novel H1N1, in conjunction with regular seasonal influenza viruses, poses the potential to cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths during the U.S. influenza season. By June 19, 2009, all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported novel H1N1 infection. Novel influenza A (H1N1) is capable of causing severe disease and death especially among people with underlying heath problems that are associated with high risk of influenza complications. Illness associated with novel influenza A (H1N1) will continue through the summer in the United States; a surge in the fall is expected. Topline Points to Share - The rapid increase in confirmed cases is attributable to catch-up laboratory work being conducted by the CDC and state laboratories. - CDC will *verbally* report the total number of “probable” cases of infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus nationwide. (CDC will not be reporting probable cases at the state level.) Topline Points to Share - CDC is aggressively working to reduce illnesses and deaths and to minimize social disruptions associated with the novel influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. - Although CDC has scaled back operations in the EOC, volunteers are still needed. Please visit http://eocportal.cdc.gov/cdcresponderspool_detail.asp for more information. - The number of cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) continues to rise. As of July 31, 2009, in the United States and its territories there have been 43,771 cases and 302 deaths. For the latest numbers visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm If you are asked.... "Are we in an influenza pandemic?" *Answer:* Yes, On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization<http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html>raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 <http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/>. This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. The virus is continuing to spread in the United States and there have been more than 50 outbreaks in summer camps. Additionally, reports from the Southern Hemisphere, which is currently in flu season, indicate there is substantial disease especially in Argentina, Chile and Australia. There is also evidence that H1N1 is co-circulating with seasonal flu strains in some areas of the Southern Hemisphere. DHHS hosts H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit On July 9, 2009 the Department of Health and Human Services hosted the "H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit" in Washington, DC. The primary invitees to the summit were representatives from state governments. The purpose of the summit was to identify opportunities to improve the readiness of state governments to respond to H1N1 influenza in the fall. The all-day event included break-out sessions such as: "School Preparedness," "Risk Communication," and "Vaccine and Antiviral Use and Distribution". Representatives from several federal and state agencies were represented at the summit. Both Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden also spoke at the summit. CDC moderators/presenters included: Richard Besser, Jay Butler, Marty Cetron, Lisa Koonin, Stephen Redd, Barbara Reynolds, and Anne Schuchat. The summit is one of several events in the DHHS campaign to prepare, prevent, and control an H1N1 influenza outbreak. State and Local Planning for a 2009 Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Program CDC has developed planning scenarios to target high-priority populations for vaccination in order to reduce the health and societal impact of the novel H1N1 influenza virus. Planning scenarios can facilitate readiness to implement specific plans within states and large cities, improving the chances that vaccine will reach target populations when recommendations are made, and that distribution, delivery, and communication efforts regarding vaccination will overcome local challenges and maximize capacities. These planning scenarios are based on the following assumptions at the time vaccine becomes available and distribution begins: 1. Severity of illness is unchanged from what has already been observed 2. Risk groups affected by this virus do not change significantly 3. Vaccine testing suggests safe and efficacious product 4. Adequate supplies of vaccine can be produced 5. No major antigenic changes are evident that would signal the lack of likely efficacy of the vaccines being produced To learn more go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/statelocal/planning.htm Update on Avian Influenza A (H5N1) June 2009 The cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1): 436 cases and 262 deaths *Animal Situation Update* - On June 26, Vietnam reported a new outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 virus infection among chickens, ducks and muscovy ducks on four household farms in Yen Hung district of Quang Ninh Province. Of 1,830 birds, 650 were infected, including 504 deaths. All remaining birds were destroyed. Control measures include: movement control, disinfection, and modified stamping out. - On June 24, Russia reported that 58 wild birds found dead on June 9 at a lake in Ovursky district in the Siberian Tuva Republic were confirmed to have avian influenza H5N1 virus infection. No additional control measures were planned. - On June 17, Bangladesh reported 1 new outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 virus infection in commercial poultry in Coxes Bazar district of Chittagong division during May 9-10, 2009. A total of 180 cases and 180 deaths were reported in 2,000 birds. All remaining birds have been destroyed. Control measures that have been applied include stamping out, movement control inside the country, and disinfection of infected premises. *Human Situation Update* - On June 1, Egypt reported a new case of human infection with avian influenza in a 14-month-old girl from Dkhalia Governorate. The girl had a history of close contact with dead and sick poultry, and she is hospitalized and on antiviral treatment with oseltamivir. On June 2, Egypt reported another new case of human infection with avian influenza in a 4-year-old girl from Kefr El Sheikh Governorate. The girl was hospitalized, treated with antiviral medication, and is currently in stable condition. Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Cases by Age Go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1/ for CDC′s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for H1N1 flu vaccination. [image: teen and young adults disproportionately affected Few cases amoung eldery] *Update your CDC Profile** *As CDC prepares for the 2009-2010 influenza season it is important that all employees update/maintain their CDC profile. To update your profile go to: http://people.cdc.gov/ *Upcoming Events** *State and Local Influenza Planning webcast August 4, 2009 3:00 p.m. EDT DHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano are scheduled presenters. *CDC Ready Set Go: From The Emergency Operations Center Update 2009 Influenza Feedback* Information in this newsletter is time sensitive and evolving. Feedback, questions, or suggestions are welcome. 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