September 2013 News

Sept. 30

 

hina 
• CDC influenza activity is expected to increase in December from November to reach its peak (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Special labs in Madinah, Mina for MERS tests (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: Scientific Committee - No cases of (Corona) among the pilgrims (translated) (Link)

United States 
• Flu's coming, but which kind? (Link) 
• SC:  Health officials say first SC flu cases reported (Link) 
• TX: Health Calendar: Flu Vaccinations (Link) 
• TX: State health officials urge Texans to get flu vaccine now (Link)

Research 
• Struggle To Explain Bird Flu's Spread To Humans (Link) 
• H9N2 avian influenza infection altered expression pattern of Sphiogosine-1-phosphate Receptor 1 in BALB/c mice (Link) 
• Annual Flu Shot Reduces Elderly Deaths (Link) 
• Are bats carrying the next plague? (Link)

General 
• WHO committee: MERS coronavirus advice includes increased surveillance related to Hajj pilgrims (Link) 
• Diabetes puts you at increased risk of flu-related complications (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: NPM13: CPR Skills & AED Simulator (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia: Special labs in Madinah, Mina for MERS tests (Link)

 

Sept.29

 

China 
• Disease control officials warn flu virus will spread (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Scottish Govt. launches extensive flu vaccination drive (Link)

United States 
• PA: Lawmakers consider bill allowing pharmacists to offer flu shots to children (Link) 
• Six ways to get immunized against flu (Link)

General 
• Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot? (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: NPM13: CPR Skills & AED Simulator (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia: 4 more MERS cases? (updated) (Link)

 

Sept 28

 

Nepal 
• Farmers scramble to keep up with post-bird flu demand (Link)

Netherlands 
• 'Publishing research about disease-carrying virus needs export permit' (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• New fight launched against deadly MERS virus (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Halton health workers wage war on flu (Link)

United States 
• Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year  (Link) 
• OK: Tulsa State Fair and pigs - Health Department takes precautions against swine flu (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: NIAID awards up $945 million for vaccine, other research (Link) 
• Outbreak of Variant Influenza A (H3N2v) Virus in the United States (Link) 
• Routes of influenza transmission (Link) 
• Reverse genetics with a full-length infectious cDNA of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Reports detail changing pattern of MERS-CoV cases (Link) 
• CIDRAP: WHO selects strain for H7N9 vaccine development (Link) 
• WHO raises concern about possible spread of MERS among hajj pilgrims (Link) 
• Flu shot may not be as effective in seniors, but still needed (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: CDC Cites Authorization For MERS Isolation & Quarantine (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: EID Journal: Lack Of MERS Neutralizing Antibodies In Humans In Saudi Eastern Province (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Nature: Mapping The Spread & Risk Of H7N9 In China (Link) 
• Marc Lipsitch: Flu's coming, but which kind? (Link)

Sept 27

 

China 
• H7N9 Bird Flu Evolution Patterns Decoded (Link)

Netherlands 
• CIDRAP: Dutch court affirms limit on publishing H5N1 findings (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MOH: (Health) recording 3 cases of infection with HIV (Corona) New in Riyadh (translated) (Link) 
• Recording 3 new cases of Corona Riyadh (translated) (Link)

United States 
• ProMED: U.S. doctors most apt to get flu shot, nurses least likely (Link) 
• Americans will be getting more fighting power in this season's arms race against the flu (Link)

Research 
• More MERS virus sources found (Link)

General 
• WHO picks strains for 2014 Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine (Link) 
• MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (73): global reviews (Link) 
• Twitter Alerts launched for emergency notifications (Link) 
• WHO Prepares For Hajj, Rings MERS Alarms (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Saudi MOH Announces Three New Cases Of MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Eurosurveillance: A MERS-CoV Review (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: CDC: Infection Control Guidance For Home Care Of MERS-CoV Cases (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: MMWR: Updated MERS-CoV Guidance For The Public, Clinicians & Public Health Workers (Link)

Sept 26

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Vaccination Programmes 2013/14 to start soon (Link)

Costa Rica 
• Costa Rican health officials alarmed at spike in respiratory illnesses (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS Virus Affecting Lives of Saudi Arabia (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): update (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: H3N2v outbreak profile details risks, pig exposures (Link) 
• Officials prepare for 'unpredictable' flu season (Link) 
• Time Magazine: More Children Than Ever Are Getting Flu Shots (Link) 
• CDC: Updated Information on the Epidemiology of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

Research 
• US: New studies of the flu can help control flu outbreaks (Link) 
• For A Price, Volunteers Endure Scientists' Flu Spritzes (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: WHO panel says MERS still not an emergency (Link) 
• World Health Organisation warns Haj countries over Mers virus (Link) 
• MERS not emergency yet, but need to keep on top of cases, says WHO committee (Link) 
• WHO reaffirms current MERS-CoV situation not Public Health Emergency of Int'l Concern (Link) 
• WHO raises concern about possible spread of MERS among hajj pilgrims (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS WHO and KSA Transparency Concerns Increase (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Chinese CDC: Be Alert For H7N9 (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Chinese CDC: Be Alert For H7N9 (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: WHO: Audio of latest MERS press briefing (Link)

Sept 25

 

China 
• Experts - Be alert of H7N9 amid flu seasons (Link)

Nepal 
• CIDRAP: Nepal reports that 350,000 poultry died in recent H5N1 outbreaks (Link) 
• SC summons govt over bird flu (Link)

Netherlands 
• Netherlands: Flu Researcher Ron Fouchier Loses Legal Fight Over H5N1 Studies (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Delegates at Riyadh meeting call for intensive study of MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Wall Street Journal: Saudi Efforts to Stop MERS Virus Faulted;. Experts Still Don't Know How People Are Exposed to Mysterious Disease (Link) 
• Experts declare an all-out war on MERS-coronavirus (Link)

Thailand 
• Border offices go on H5N1 virus alert (Link) 
• CPF denies rumors of bird flu in its farms (Link)

Research 
• Characterization of H7N9 influenza A viruses isolated from humans (Link)

General 
• First vaccine for H7N9 may be too little, too late (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Curious Clade A Comments On MERS (Link) 
• Recombinomics: MERS Migration Into Riyadh KSA (Link) 
• Helen Branswell's blog: Pilgrims. Progress? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: WSJ On Saudi Efforts To Contain MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Knickmeyer/McKay: A major MERS report (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: WHO Statement On Third Meeting Of IHR Emergency Committee On MERS-CoV  (Link) 
• National Geographic, Carl Zimmer: MERS At One: The Deadly Virus Drizzle (Link)

 

Sept. 24

 

China 
• Beijing deployment H7N9 cases found in the prevention and control of influenza patients to monitor all counties (translated) (Link)

India 
• ProMED: Undiagnosed illness, children - India (02): (BR) RFI (Link)

Mexico 
• Two Mexican States Lift Bird Flu Quarantine (Link)

New Zealand 
• Warning for pregnant women with flu-like symptoms (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Report on Conference: Intensive study of MERS suggested (Link)

United States 
• SD: Health officials gear up for 2013-2014 flu season with look at last year's data (Link)

Research 
• Reassurance for Mothers Who Have Influenza Vaccine While Pregnant (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study: Flu vaccine effectiveness may drop within a few months (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Macaque study - MERS-CoV settles deep in lungs (Link) 
• Teenager's Anti-Flu Research Earns Top Honors at Google Science Fair (Link) 
• H1N1 flu: pregnant women can safely take vaccine (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: PNAS: MERS Pneumonia In A Macaque Model (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: BMC Infectious Diseases: Waning Flu Vaccine Protection In the Elderly (Link)

Sept 23

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Eighteen additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (72): Saudi Arabia, phylogeny (Link) 
• 'Corona' not up to the stage to prevent the Hajj (translated) (Link)

Research 
• Breakthrough in the fight against flu: Scientists move a step closer to a universal vaccine to protect against new strains of the disease (Link) 
• Researchers discover a new way that influenza can infect cells (Link) 
• Transmission and Evolution of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia - a descriptive prospective genomic genomic study (Link)

General 
• Survey: Disease Outbreak News (DONs) (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: A memo from the Saudi Minister of Health about MERS (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Algeria - Masking Their Hajj Concerns (Link)

Sept 22

 

Saudi Arabia 
• Kingdom optimistic about virus-free Haj season (Link)

United States 
• DC: Schumer - For the First Time, Chicken Processed in China to be sold in U.S. (Link) 
• Maine: Doctors on alert for alarming MERS virus (Link)

Research 
• Scientists closer to universal flu vaccine after pandemic 'natural experiment' (Link) 
• Study: Deadly Saudi Virus Shows Complex Transmission (Link) 
• New test aims to better detect viral infections (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (54): (USA) 2013-2014 vaccine recommendations (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Molecular epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link)

Sept. 21

 

Cambodia 
• 2-year-old girl becomes 11th person to die of bird flu in Cambodia this year (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu claims 33-year-old Satara woman, toll reaches 46 (Link) 
• Uttar Pradesh: Mystery fever grips Moradabad, over 26,000 sick (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Experts to learn from KSA's experience in mass gathering medicine (Link)

Thailand 
• Rumour on bird flu spread denied (Link)

Research 
• China: Evolution of H7N9 (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (117): China, H7N9 origin and evolution (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: WHO raises concerns about MERS-CoV patterns and pace (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Happy 1st birthday Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: In a nutshell: Why MERS-CoV data from Saudi Arabia is often limited (Link)

Sept 20

 

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (71): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• ProMED: Saudi Arabia: 3 new cases, 2 deaths - MOH; Saudi Arabia: Philippine healthcare worker death (Link)

Research 
• US: Md. Researchers Test Vaccine Ahead Of Potential Bird Flu Pandemic (Link) 
• Study suggests multiple MERS-CoV introductions (Link) 
• US: Volunteers sought to test vaccine against deadly flu (Link) 
• Largest genetic analysis of MERS coronavirus suggests that virus has transmitted from animals to humans more than once (Link) 
• Even As MERS Epidemic Grows, The Source Eludes Scientists (Link) 
• Study suggests multiple MERS-CoV introductions (Link) 
• Killer virus may spread with no symptoms (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Recombination and 45 New MERS Sequences (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: MERS: Why is WHO so quiet about 18 cases? (Link) 
•  Saudi Arabia hosts the 2nd International Conference for Mass Gathering Medicine (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: MERS: Why is WHO so quiet about 18 cases? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: WHO MERS-CoV Summary & Update - Sept 20th (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia hosts the 2nd International Conference for Mass Gathering Medicine (Link) 
• Helen Branswell on Storify (Link)

Sept.19

 

Cambodia 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (115): Cambodia (TA) susp, RFI (Link) 
• Two new bird flu cases confirmed in Cambodia, one dies (Link)

China 
• Two new bird flu cases confirmed in Cambodia, one dies (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• KSA MOH Announces 3 MERS Cases (2 deaths) (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia: Flu-like symptoms and kidney failure; Old woman dies in western city of Medina, while man, 83-year-old, dies in capital, ministry website says (Link) 
• Health of pilgrims monitored 24/7 (Link)

United States 
• NM: First Flu Case Reported in State (Link) 
• WY: Natrona County health official: Delay flu vaccine until October (Link)

Research 
• US: Children's to test bird flu vaccine (Ohio) (Link) 
• CIDRAP: NIH to test H7N9 vaccines with adjuvants (Link) 
• NIH begins testing H7N9 avian influenza vaccine candidate (Link) 
• NIH trialing Sanofi H7N9 vaccine with GSK, Novartis adjuvants (Link) 
• Researchers studying vaccine to prevent potential bird flu pandemic (Link) 
• Eurosurveillance, Volume 18, Issue 38, 19 September 2013 Rapid communications Stability of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) under different environmental conditions (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: WHO revises testing guidance for MERS-CoV (Link) 
• FAO launches 2 H7N9 surveillance efforts in Southeast Asia (Link) 
• CIDRAP: New test may help distinguish viral from bacterial infections (Link) 
• WHO:Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link) 
• MERS Cases Jump By 18, WHO Revises Lab Testing Recommendations (Link) 
• Discovery News: How Far Are We From a Super-Pandemic? All it takes is a few biological tricks for a virus to cause widespread infection (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Extensive Recombination In Human Hafr Al Batin MERS (Link) 
• Recombinomics: Riyadh_1 Recombinant Destroys MERS Molecular Clock (Link) 
• Nature; Declan Butler: Progress stalled on coronavirus; Possible infection with the MERS coronavirus, or a closely related virus, has been detected in camels (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV detections over the past 6-weeks: 38 cases, 13 deaths (Link) 
• WSJ: Q&A With Saudi Arabia's Deputy Health Minister on MERS Ahead of Hajj Season (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: ECDC Update & Assessment - Human Infection By Avian H7N7 In Italy (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: PLoS One: Selective Vaccination Against An Emerging Influenza Pandemic (Link)

 

Sept. 18

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Upper respiratory tract infection outbreak under CHP investigation (Link)

Nepal 
• Nepal poultry farmers attack bird flu cull (Link) 
• Bhaktapur bird flu resurgence fears: Govt says no need to press panic button yet (Link) 
• Open supply of chicken in bird flu hit Bhaktapur (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Report - Filipino nurse in Saudi Arabia died of MERS (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: FDA announces two new public FSMA meetings (Link) 
• NIH prepares by funding new bird flu vaccine studies (Link)

Research 
• Evidence of transmission and risk factors for influenza A virus in household dogs and their owners (Link)

General 
• Bird flu viruses could re-emerge in upcoming flu season - FAO (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Bisha_1 Recombinant Unwinds MERS Molecular Clock (Link)

Sept. 17

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Influenza-like illness outbreak under CHP investigation (Link)

Nepal 
• Terror grips Bhaktapur folk as birds drop dead (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• First Pinay dies from MERS virus (Link)

United States 
• What A Flu Pandemic In The U.S. Would Look Like (Link) 
• CA: California's valley fever hospitalization rate doubled from 2000 to 2011 (Link)

Research 
• Birds appear to lack important anti-inflammatory protein (Link) 
• Study: Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage rate of target groups in selected cities and provinces in China by season (Link) 
• NCBI: Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus among Poultry Workers in Bangladesh, 2009 (Link)

General 
• FAO warns bird flu viruses could re-emerge in upcoming flu season (Link) 
• ProMED: Influenza - (53): WHO global update Summary (Link) 
• FAO Issues Avian Flu Warning (Link) 
• List of publicly available sequences and acknowledgements (Link)

Commentary 
• Maryn McKenna: 'We Will Soon Be in a Post-Antibiotic Era' (Link)

 

Sept.16

 

China 
• China is a land of opportunity for poultry growth (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi Blog: But where awareness? (translated) (Link) 
• Corona" .. Variation in the numbers of injured and dead in the city; Health Affairs: the recovery of two of the injured are detected on contacts  (translated) (Link)

United Kingdom 
• UK Government accepts swine flu vaccine caused narcolepsy in children (Link)

United States 
• No one here but us U.S. chickens, for now (Link) 
• U.S. Pandemic Plan Released (Link) 
• TX: Health Officials Warn about Early Flu Season (Link)

Research 
• Kids with neuro disorders no more likely to get flu vaccine (Link)

General 
• UN News Centre: Bird flu viruses could re-emerge in upcoming flu season, warns UN agency (Link) 
• CNN: Flu shot myths addressed (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: One year later, MERS virus remains largely a mystery (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: The Rubik's cube of influenza A genes spins up a new lineage of H7N7 (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Age and sex morbidity and mortality from avian influenza A(H7N9) virus (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: FAO Warns On Bird Flu (Link)

Sept. 15

 

India 
• Maharashtra: 35-year-old woman from Beed dies of swine flu (Link) 
• Karnataka: Man dies of H1N1 in city hospital (Link)

Italy 
• Avian influenza (90): Italy (ER) poultry, HPAI H7N7, human, public health (Link)

Pakistan 
• Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Pakistan (04): (KP) update (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Consulting: students infected with incoming Koruna (translated) (Link) 
• Specialist:: There amplification of fear of the virus, "Corona" (translated) (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Vague KSA-MoH & WHO Reports Confuse MERS Blogosphere (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Rambaut on the MERS data so far (updated) (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Study - Inactivation Of A/H7N9 By Temperature, UV, pH, and Disinfectants  (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: NPM13 - Your Daily Threat Assessment Briefing  (Link) 
• The Guardian: Mers - will it start the next global pandemic? (Link)

 

Sept.14

 

United States 
• AR: CDC - Two Arkansans infected with H1N1 (H1N1v) (Link) 
• AR: Flu cases popping up in Central Arkansas before flu season arrives (Link) 
• IL: Rockford hospitals say flu is here early (Link)

Research 
• NIH clinical study establishes human model of influenza pathogenesis (Link) 
• The Avian and Mammalian Host Range of Highly Pathogenic Avian H5N1 Influenza (Link) 
• CIDRAP: H7N9 studies flesh out infectivity patterns in humans, pigs (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Risk of MERS persists in Europe, ECDC says (Link)

Commentary 
• Andrew Rambaut:: Rough Analysis of MERS-CoV case data to date (Link)

 

Sept.13

 

Canada 
• Canada's Wild Bird Survey for Avian Influenza Underway (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Patient with respiratory symptoms and travel history under CHP investigation (Link)

Italy 
• Italian Bird-Flu Outbreak Spreads to Three More Farms, EU Says (Link)

Singapore 
• All haj places allocated for Muslim pilgrims from Singapore filled (Link)

Syria 
• Syria's refugee crisis: How the human race is heading for an epic fail ... again (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: Job losses, program cuts still burden local health departments (Link) 
• Sequestration Forces Air Force To Limit Free Flu Shots (Link) 
• SC: Flu outbreak at state prison in Lancaster County (Link)

Research 
• CDC: Half Of Kids With Disabilities Skip Flu Shots (Link) 

• Camels Linked to Spread of Fatal Virus (Link)

Sept 12

 

Bangladesh 
• ProMED: Simian foamy virus - Bangladesh: monkey to human transmission (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

India 
• Madhya Pradesh: 52 test positive for swine flu in Indore in 2013 (Link)

Kuwait 
• Kuwait News Agency: Prince Sultan city denies spread of coronavirus inside hospital (Link)

Liberia 
• ProMED: Lassa fever - Liberia: (BG) fatal cases (Link)

Norway 
• Influenza Virus in Wild Birds in Norway (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Eight new Saudi cases push global MERS total to 130 (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: MOH: (English) 'Four New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh' (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: (Health): recording 4 cases of infection with HIV (Corona) New in Riyadh (translated) (Link) 
• Saudi MOH; English version MOH: 'Four New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh'n: (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• UAE urges elderly, chronic patients to defer Haj over MERS fears (Link)

Research 
• Radiographic findings mirror clinical severity in H7N9 flu (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS Outbreak In Riyadh Military Hospital (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: NPM13: The Gift Of Preparedness (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus cases amongst healthcare workers (Link)

Sept. 11

 

Saudi Arabia

• Deaths and 10 injuries uncertain 'Corona' in a hospital in Riyadh (translated) (Link) 
• MOH: 'Four New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh and Madinah' (Link) 
• Saudi MOH; English version: OH: 'Four New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh' (Link) Arabic version (Link) 
• MERS continues grip in Saudi Arabia (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Scotland: United approach needed to beat health risks (Link) 
• Toddlers to get flu vaccine (Link) 
• Health officials 'very disappointed' that most doctors and nurses declined flu vaccinations last winter (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: CDC head - Global disease threats call for better tools (Link)

Research 
• New Zealand: Researcher reports high flu burden (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (114): China (H7N9) receptor properties (Link) 
• US: Vanderbilt finds existing vaccine would work if bird flu became pandemic (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Spain - Scientists create possible early-stage MERS-CoV vaccine candidate (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Suspect MERS Cluster In Trabzon Turkey ex-Riyadh KSA (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Will a MERS vaccine be made? For humans, no time soon, but animal version maybe (Link)

Sept.10

 

China 
• China's H7N9 infections reach 134 by August (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (89): Italy (ER) poultry, HPAI H7N7, OIE (Link) 
• Third case of human bird flu in Emilia Romagna (Link)

Nepal 
• CIDRAP: Nepal's bird flu outbreaks may rattle entire economy (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Officials report 8 new Saudi MERS cases, 3 fatal (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: (Health) announces (4) cases of infection (Corona) New .. Riyadh and the city (translated) (Link)

Research 
• Novel avian influenza A virus has potential for both virulence and transmissibility in humans (Link) 
• New bird flu 'has unique traits' (Link) 
• New technology to diagnose influenza quickly (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study in macaques shows promise for 2-drug MERS therapy (Link) 
• Scientists engineer strain of MERS coronavirus for use in a vaccine (Link) 
• Strain Of MERS Coronavirus Engineered For Use In A Vaccine (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Batin KSA Camel Contact Raises Surveillance Concerns (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia - A note from a MERS hospital (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV cases continue to climb (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Can MERS-CoV seasonality tell us anything about acquisition of MERS? (Link)

Sept.9

 

India 
• Centre puts States on bird flu alert (Link) 
• Another swine flu death, toll 43 (Maharashtra) (Link)

Italy 
• Early flu bug has 40,000 Italians laid up; Researchers say virus is a weaker preview of what's to come (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (69): Saudi Arabia, Qatar, WHO (Link) 
• First Haj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia (Link)

United States 
• CA: 1st Flu Case Confirmed In Los Angeles County (Link) 
• MT: Helena hospital sued over woman's 2009 swine flu death (Link)

Research 
• Theraclone Sciences Announces Universal Therapeutic Antibody for Influenza A Demonstrates Reductions in Clinical Symptoms Score and Viral Load in a Phase 2a Human Viral Challenge Study (Link)> 
• Antiviral drug cocktail reduces MERS virus in monkeys according to study (Link) 
• Nature: Treatment with interferon-α2b and ribavirin improves outcome in MERS-CoV-infected rhesus macaques (Link)

General 
• Google Flu Trends Map: Explore flu trends around the world (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Nature: Animal Testing Of Drug Combo Shows Potential For Treating MERS  (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Combined interferon and ribavirin therapy an option for early MERS-CoV intervention? (Link) 
• Branswell: Drug combo helps reduce MERS virus in animals - study (Link) 
• Crofsblogs & Virology Down Under: A memo to the Saudi Minister of Health (Link) (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia: Memish says MERS won't turn into an epidemic (Link) 
• NYT: Time to Get the Flu Shots (Link)

 

Sept.8

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation (Link)

Qatar 
• Flu-like symptoms on the rise (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• The new Corona virus Press Releases (Health) announces (3) new HIV infections (Corona) New .. And deaths (translated) (Link) 
• MOH: Corona Media Statements MOH: 'Three New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded and One Case Passed Away' (English version) (Link)

Turkey 
• Saudi Ambassador in Turkey - the death of a Saudi suspected of being infected with Corona .. And medical evacuation for three cases to Riyadh (Link)

United States 
• AL: Rise in flu cases could mean early flu season (Link)

Research 
• ProMED: ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (68): animal reservoir, camel, research (Link) 
• KACST to conduct study on MERS coronavirus  (Link) 
• Scientists find possible human bird flu link (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Flu-like symptoms on the rise in Qatar (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: KSA MOH Announces New MERS Cases For Third Day in A Row (Link)

 

Sept. 7

 

China 
• Chinese scientists publish new findings on deadly H7N9  (Link)

Mexico 
• Influenza H1N1 attacks Yucatan (Link)

Nepal 
• Valley in bird flu grip: Capital livestock office to be on 3-day fowl hunt (Link) 
• Bird flu fear grips Saptari folk (Link)

Qatar 
• Saudi Arabia, Qatar Report More MERS Virus Deaths (Link) 
• Qatar announces second Mers virus death (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (67): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: Health) of two infected (Corona) new Batin and the death of two other city, Riyadh (Link) 
• The death of a citizen in Turkey and a doctor in Medina because of the "Corona" (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia, Qatar Report More MERS Virus Deaths (Link) 
• Two Saudi women die from MERS virus (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update - 7 September, 2013 (Link)

Tunisia 
• Virology Down Under: Tunisian father was MERS-CoV positive (Link)

Turkey 
• The death of a citizen in Turkey and a doctor in Medina because of the "Corona" (Link) 
• Saudi Ambassador in Turkey: the death of a Saudi suspected of being infected with «Corona» .. And medical evacuation for three cases to Riyadh (Link)

United States 
• Major award goes to MSU scientist who researches flu, out-of-control immune systems  (Link)

Research 
• Complex Human Vaccination Strategy Needed in Case of Swine Flu Virus Pandemic (Link) 
• Serological evidence for avian H9N2 influenza virus infections among Romanian agriculture workers (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Think tank sees big risks in flu gain-of-function research (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: More H3N2v Cases In Michigan With H1N1pdm09 PA & MP? (Link) 
• Think tank sees big risks in flu gain-of-function research (Link)

Sept.6

 

Bahrain 
• Flu alert over killer virus (Link)

China 
• Guangdong h7n9 bird flu patient moved to general ward (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: (Health) announces the cases of infection (Corona) new and two deaths .. Several areas (translated) (Link) 
• Two women die of Mers in Saudi Arabia (Link)

Sierra Leone 
•  ProMED: Lassa fever - Sierra Leone: (SO), RFI (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: DHS seeks 24-hour disease notification service The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is asking for bids on a 24/7 service to provide global data on disease outbreaks and other biologic threats (Link)

Research 
• Study reveals more signs of MERS-CoV in camels (Link) 
• MERS Vaccine Candidate Passes First Test (Link) 
• Study: Emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link) 
• Seroepidemiology for MERS coronavirus using microneutralisation and pseudoparticle virus neutralisation assays reveal a high prevalence of antibody in dromedary camels in Egypt, June 2013 (Link) 
• Oxford Journals; Clinical Infectious Diseases: Circulation of Respiratory Viruses Among Pilgrims During the 2012 Hajj Pilgrimage (Link) 
• Scientists still in the dark over deadly flu strain (Link)

General 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update - 6 September, 2013 (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: More MERS molecular masterfulness: Egyptian camels contain lots of anti-MERS-CoV antbodies (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV and deaths rise (Link) 

• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia: Sudanese doctor in Medina said to have died of MERS (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: PLoS Pathogen's Pearls: Emergence Of MERS-CoV (Link)

 

Sept.5

 

Cambodia 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (113): Cambodia (PP) (Link)

France 
• Coronavirus: the second patient northerner still hospitalized in serious condition (translated) (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Two more die of swine flu (Link)

Italy 
• Bird flu disinfestations proceed near Bologna (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Haj pilgrims urged to get early vaccinations  (Link) 
• Hajj Medical Mission: Doctors, paramedics selected in violation of criteria (Link) 
• (Health) announces the cases of infection (Corona) new and two deaths .. Several areas  (Link)

United States 
• GAO: USDA took shortcuts in poultry inspection plan (Link) 
• Time: The Personalized Flu Shot (Link)

Research 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (66): animal reservoir, discussion (Link) 
• New influenza vaccine delivered via microneedle avoids pain and side effects (Link) 
• NYT, Carl Zimmer: A Catalog for all the World's Viruses? (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (65): Saudi Arabia, RFI, Qatar (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: NIOSH: 9/5 Is N95 Day (Link)

Sept. 4

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodia reports 18th human case of bird flu this year (Link)

Italy 
• CIDRAP: Italian man contracts H7N7 avian flu (Link)

Qatar 
• Qatar reports first coronavirus death (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudi Arabia reports recovery of four MERS patients (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: AAP cites no preference for 4-strain vs 3-strain flu vaccines (Link) 
• Flu Shots at the Pharmacy: What You Need to Know (Link)

Research 
• Scientists estimate 320,000 viruses could be waiting to be discovered (Link) 
• Journal ASM.org: Long-Term Protective Immunity from an Influenza Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Administered with a Microneedle Patch (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Flu activity up slightly Down Under, WHO says (Link) 
• ProMED: PRO/EDR> Influenza (51): global update (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Michigan H3N2v With H1N1pdm09 PA & MP (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: New MERS-CoV case, a death, in Qatar (Link) 
• Nature: Avian influenza - Ferret H7N9 flu model questioned (Link)

 

Sept. 3

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu claims two more lives (Link)

Indonesia 
•  Former Health Ministry Director Sentenced to 5 Years in Bird Flu Graft Case (Link)

Italy 
• Italian poultry worker tests positive for avian flu (Link) 
• Poultry worker contracts H7N7 avian influenza (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza H7N7, human (112) - Italy: (ER), conjunctivitis - News report of possible second human case (Link)

Japan 
• Japan to begin producing vaccine for H7N9 bird flu (Link)

Mexico 
• Mexico Reports Two More H7N3 Bird Flu Outbreaks (Link)

Research 
• New research identifies a possible finite number of viruses (Link) 
• AI Could Help Predict Which Flu Virus Will Cause the Next Deadly Human Outbreak (Link) 
• Trade, Wild Birds Causes Bird Flu Infections in Domestic Ducks (Link) 
• Standard Vaccines Can Offer Protection against H5N1 Pandemic Avian Flu (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (51): global update (Link)

Sept. 2

 

Japan 
• Gov't eyes vaccine for H7N9 bird flu before virus mutates  (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu affected poultry farmers meet IEC Chairman Regmi (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Victims brother " Corona " : Health announced Chweehma without our knowledge of the disease (translated) (Link) 
• Virus scare leads to drop in haj pilgrims (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Wales: Nasal spray flu vaccine for all children rolled out in Wales (Link)

United States 
• Finding the best flu vaccine for the most protection (Link) 
• Doctors say back-to-school plans should include flu shots (Link)

Research 
• Canadian study identifies new high-risk flu groups (Link) 
• Understanding the Flu: Host and Environmental Factors Associated With Susceptibility to Influenza Virus-Induced Disease (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Questions raised about MERS-CoV bat report (Link)

General 
• EuroFlu Bulletin week 34: Low levels of influenza activity in the WHO European Region (Link) 
• Are You Ready for Flu Season? (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: New MERS-CoV positives - is there a brevity competition going on...a shortage of electrons perhaps? (Link) 
• WSJ: Saudi's MERS Concerns Grow as Hajj Season Approaches (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Japan Gives Order To Develop H7N9 Vaccine (Link)

Sept. 1

 

 

Costa Rica 
• Swine flu deaths in Costa Rica total 12 victims (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Unexplained deaths - Italy: (RM) hospital staff, RFI (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu in Kavre (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (64): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
•  Health Announces healing two to Mkhaltin for people living with HIV (Corona) in Batin and Riyadh (translated) (Link) 
• The Ministry Announce Full Recovery of Two Coronavirus Patients (Link)

Thailand 
• Border offices go on H5N1 virus alert (Link)

Commentary 
• crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia - Two more recovered MERS patients (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Is there a better smoking bat or camel? (Link)

August News 2013

August 31

 

Myanmar 
• Chinese chicken eggs raise fears of bird flu (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu fear in Pokhara (Link) 
• Bird flu response team assaulted in Lalitpur (Link)

Peru 
• Peru struggles to contain H1N1 outbreak (Link)

South Africa 
• Avian influenza (87): South Africa (GT) captive birds LPAI H7, OIE (Link)

United States 
• AL: Flu already appearing among Valley kids (Link) 
• MI: ProMED: Influenza (49): USA (MI) A(H3N2)v, county fair (Link)

Vietnam 
• Genetic Analysis of an H5N2 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from a Chicken in a Live Bird Market in Northern Vietnam in 2012  (Link)

Research 
• Vaccination may make flu worse if exposed to a second strain (Link)

August 30

 

China 
• How H7N9 spread hard to know: CDC (Link) 
• Chinese lawmakers urge bigger role of TCM (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Eight additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH  (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Two additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH  (Link)

Italy 
• Weekly Overview: Update on High-Path Bird Flu in Italy (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudis report 2 silent MERS infections; WHO notes Qatar cases (Link) 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (63): Saudi Arabia, new cases, WHO (Link) 
• WHO MERS update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• UAE: Emirati, 82, dies in Abu Dhabi after contracting Mers virus (Link) 
• Case of 82-year-old Emirati is first Mers-related death confirmed in UAE (Link)

United States 
• MI: Nearly 40 pigs, one child sickened with flu by Berrien County Fair's end, state veterinarian says (Link) 
• MI: ACCESS warns locals about deadly MERS virus, spreading across Middle East (Link)

Research 
• Science Magazine: Link to MERS Virus Underscores Bats' Puzzling Threat (Link) 
• The origin of MERS; Watching the detectives: The search for the source of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome continues (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: H3N2v In Michigan With H1N1pdm09 PA & MP? (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Red flag raised over new universal flu vaccine (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Bats are the host to a lot of viruses but do we know much about that?  (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: A crack in the wall of MERS-CoV case information: new MERS cases, a key, a family cluster with 2 news cases from 1 [AMENDED] (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: New WHO update on MERS cases (Link)

August 29

 

China 
• Scientists want stricter control of bird markets (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: On a lonely island (Link)

Italy 
• Another bird flu outbreak reported in Italy (Link) 
• Italy moves to control poultry farm avian flu outbreak (Link) 
• Healthy turkeys culled in bird flu probe (Link)

Nepal 
• Vets spared 50‚000 birds‚ say poulterers (Link)

Qatar 
• WHO update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Bird flu scare sparks Nepal travel warning (Link) 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (62): Saudi Arabia, new cases, global (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Saudi Arabia cites 2 MERS cases; WHO confirms 8 earlier ones (Link)

Thailand 
• Thailand Keeping Close Watch On Emerging Infectious Diseases (Link)

United States 
• MI: Officials - Swine flu confirmed in Michigan child (Link) 
• NY: New York State Requires all Healthcare Personnel to Receive Flu Shot Vaccination (Link)

Research 
• Study raises red flag for universal flu vaccine (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Novel coronaviruses found in Mexican, Brazilian bats (Link)

General 
• Is MERS another SARS? (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV case numbers: WHO knows??? (Link)

August 28

 

Italy 
• Italy Takes Steps to Control Bird Flu After Outbreaks, EU Says (Link)

Nepal 
• Odour coming from site where infected birds are dumped (Link)

Qatar 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (60): Qatar, new case, RFI (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Registration of cases of HIV (Corona) Medina and deaths drilled sub (translated) (Link) 
•  Saudi MOH: Corona Media Statements MOH: A New Coronavirus Case Detected in Madina, and a Coronavirus-related Death Recorded in Hafar al-Batin (Link) 
• Saudi man dies of coronavirus Mers (Link) 
• Corona kill a citizen digging subcontractors and sneak to a resident of Medina (translated) (Link) 
• Who Update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

United States 
• FEMA: National Preparedness Month 2013 Toolkit  (Link)

Research 
• Flu 'doubles risk of a heart attack' (Link) 
• Obesity increases risk of death from flu three-fold, new study shows (Link) 
• NYT: Some Scientists Cast Doubt on Finding of Origins of a Virus (Link) 
• Flu vaccine backfires in pigs (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Qatari MERS-CoV Ramadan Links Raise Concerns (Link) 
• Recombinomics: Qatari MERS-CoV Ramadan Cluster Raises Concerns (Link) 
• Nepal: Editorial - Sinking trust (Link) 
• Recombinomics: Bisha Bat Match Raises MERS-CoV Concerns (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Dr Ziad Memish discusses MERS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: An entire H7N9 genome from a clinical specimen in one shot (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: KSA: A Travel Warning With A Pinch Of Irony (Link)

August 27

 

Italy 
• Over 200,000 hens to be slaughtered to stem bird flu spread (Link)

Nepal 
• Authorities deny Chitwan bird flu death claims (Link) 
• Bird flu in one more Kavre farm (Link) 
• Bird flu suspected after two women die in Chitwan (Link)

Qatar 
• Qatar reports new coronavirus case (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Report says Qatar has another MERS case (Link) 
• SCH reports fourth case of coronavirus (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Age bar fazes elderly pilgrims (Link)

Research 
• European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Journal: MERS CoV isolated in a bat  (Link)

General 
• The Lancet:: The emergence of influenza A H7N9 in human beings 16 years after influenza A H5N1: a tale of two cities (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Another Qatari MERS-CoV Case Raises Ramadan Concerns  (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Healthcare workers may stay on the job when ill and can be shedding viral RNA (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Referral: Mackay On Respiratory Viruses In Health Care Workers (Link)

August 26

 

China 
• Hong Kong: Patient with respiratory symptoms and travel history under CHP investigation (Link)

Egypt 
• Airport quarantine: There are no instructions to take precautionary measures against the "Corona" (Link)

India 
• Two more from Pune succumb to swine flu; toll 38 (Link)

Nepal 
• Tanahun bird flu alert (Link) 
• Bird flu outbreak forces authorities to cull over 1.2 million fowls (Link) 
• Bird flu wary public throng Teku hospital (Link) 
• Bird flu suspected in two deaths‚ no test conducted (Link) 
• Bird flu has not spread to human, says govt  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (58): Saudi Arabia, new cases and deaths, global, correction (Link) 
• Ministry issues health regulations for pilgrims (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia's MERS death toll passes 40 (Link) 
• Memish Video available August 30, 2013: The Hajj and MERS-CoV: Saudi Strategies to Reduce Transmission Risk (Link)

Thailand 
• Border offices go on H5N1 virus alert (Link)

Research 
• Sanofi trial shows Fluzone high-dose flu vaccine efficacy (Link)

General 
• Video: TWiV 247: Today's weather in virology  (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Prof Lipkin: There is no more sequence coming from that bat sample (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Editor's rant: Why testing the few may not benefit the many (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: ECDC: Monitoring current threats, week 34 (Link)

August 25

 

Indonesia 
• 700 Chickens in Three Bengkulu Villages Killed by Bird Flu (Link)

Mauritius 
• H1N1 flu: Mauritians express concern about H1N1 flu (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu in Sindhupalchowk also (Link)

Qatar 
• Mers virus patient 'stable' (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV-positive Qatari man probably returned from umrah with illness (Blog)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi dies of MERS in Riyadh (Link) 
• Saudi man dies of MERS virus: ministry (Link)

Thailand 
• Border provinces on alert for H5N1 from Cambodia (Link)

United States 
• MN: Official watch for swine flu at Minn. State Fair (Link)

Research 
• New bird flu virus could jump to mammals (Link)

 

August 24

 

Bangladesh 
• CIDRAP: H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh show mammalian mutations (Link)

China 
• Multiple Bird Flu Threats Lurk (Link)

Ecuador 
• Ecuador's H1N1 flu death toll rises to 23 (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu, dengue continue to take toll (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (85): Italy (BO) poultry, HPAI H7N7, 2nd outbreak (Link) 
• Bird-flu outbreak near Ferrara (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu-hit poultry farmers clash with police in Bhaktapur demanding proper compensation (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Global MERS count tops 100 with latest from Saudi Arabia (Link)

Research 
• Study: Exploring the international arena of global public health surveillance (Link) 
• SARS coronavirus cure on the cards? (Link)

General 
• Video: Insights from the Front Lines of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Outbreak, with Drs. Ziad Memish and Tom Inglesby August 21, 2013 (Link) 
• Meet Ian Lipkin, Microbe Hunter and Hollywood Consultant (Link)

Commentary 
• Daily Kos: Abbreviated Pundit Round-up: 'God help us if we get a worldwide pandemic' (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Avian Flu Diary: You Say You Want An Evolution? (Link)

 

August 23

 

Cambodia 
• Avian influenza, human (110): Cambodia (KN) H5N1, new case (Link) 
• WHO: Seventeenth case of avian influenza H5N1 in Cambodia in 2013 (Link)

China 
• New bird flu strain found in China (Link) 
• Hong Kong: CHP investigates influenza-like illness outbreak (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history under CHP investigation (MERS-CoV) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• 3 new MERS cases (translated) (Link) 
• ProMed: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (58): Saudi Arabia, new cases and deaths, global (Link)

United States 
• MN: State Fair watching closely for signs of swine flu (Link) 
• CIDRAP: CDC funding helps states boost disease detection (Link)

Research 
• Nature: The genesis and source of the H7N9 influenza viruses causing human infections in China (Link) 
• The Lancet: Global implementation of WHO's multimodal strategy for improvement of hand hygiene: a quasi-experimental study (Link) 
• WHO hand hygiene strategy feasible and sustainable for health-care settings around the world (Link) 
• Time: Should You Be Chicken About The New Chicken Flu? (Link) 
• Flu vaccine could 'halve' chance of heart attack for people at cardiac risk (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Saudis cite 2 more MERS cases; Italian cluster profiled (Link) 
• The Lancet: Assessing the pandemic potential of MERS-CoV (Link)

Commentary 
• Hong Kong: Vigilance the best defence against bird flu (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: KSA MOH Reports Additional MERS-CoV Cases (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Maths says MERS-CoV still doesn't have pandemic potential (Link)

 

August 22

 

Cambodia

• Cambodia reports 17th human case of bird flu this year (Link)

India 
• 3 more cases of suspected swine flu (Link)

Italy 
• Bird flu detected on Italian farm (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Highly pathogenic H7N7 identified in Italian poultry outbreaks (Link) 
• Investigation of an imported case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Florence, Italy, May to June 2013 (Link) 
• Timeline of three cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection, Italy, 24 May-6 June 2013 (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: Two New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: The MOH: Two New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded and another Case Passed Away in Riyadh (Link)

Research 
• China bird flu analysis finds more virus threats lurking (Link) 
• Ducks Identified as Carriers of 'Bird Flu' ,Not the Chickens (Link) 
• Influenza researchers use genetic sequencing to trace source and evolution of avian H7N9 virus (Link) 
• Flu jab may cut heart attack risk by 50 pc in middle aged people (Link) 
• Mers: Deadly coronavirus found in tomb bat (Link) 
• Mystery Virus That's Killed 47 Is Tied to Bats in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• International Journal of Infectious Diseases: A family cluster of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infections related to a likely unrecognized asymptomatic or mild case  (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Bisha Bat Signals Multiple Species / Human MERS Introductions (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Two news MERS-CoV cases and the death of an existing case, all from Riyadh (Link)

August 21

 

 

Cambodia 
• CIDRAP: H5N1 in Cambodian backyard chickens (Link)

India 
• Rajasthan: Avian flu alert in state after Centre's warning (Link) 
• Madhya Pradesh: Journalist succumbs to H1N1 virus; death toll rises to 9 (Link) 
• Gujarat: Mystery fever mimicking dengue confounds doctors (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (84): Italy (FE) poultry, HPAI H7N7 (Link)

Nepal 
• 90‚000 fowls culled in Bhaktapur (Link)

Qatar 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (56): Qatar, new case, RFI (Link) 
• CIDRAP: MERS-CoV case reported in Qatar (Link)

Thailand 
• Anti-flu vaccination behind schedule (Link)

Research 
• Researchers create kit to diagnose new strains of flu in just five minutes (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Scientists cite parallels, differences in emergence of H7N9 and H5N1 (Link)

August 20

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodian boy dies from bird flu: WHO (Link)

China 
• H7N9 flu harder to control and spreads faster than other strains (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Pune swine flu update - PMC issues guidelines to schools to deal with flu-like symptoms (Link) 
• Karnataka: H1N1 virus may be breeding in city (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (55): Saudi Arabia, new cases (Link)

South Korea 
• Ag Ministry Launches Special Inspections for Avian Influenza (Link)

United States 
• New York: Flu shot or mask for health care workers (Link)

Vietnam 
• Vietnam calls for war against bird flu as outbreaks hit Asia (Link)

General 
• BBC Video: The Story of SARS, Part Two (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV: 2 new severe disease cases in Riyadh (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Understanding phylogeny....how virus sequence relate to each other through time (Link)

August 19

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodian boy dies from bird flu, WHO says (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: New swine flu strain causes concern in Hong Kong (Link) 
• Shanghai: Experts warn of rise in H7N9 (Link)

India 
• Nagaland: Awareness campaign on control and prevention of swine fever and bird flu (Link)

South Korea 
• Korean worker in Saudi Arabia tests negative for MERS (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudia Arabia announces new MERS cases (translated) (Link)

Research 
• Researchers study dynamics of workers at poultry farms and markets to track bird flu (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: Race to create a usable H7N9 vaccine begins (Link)

 

August 18

 

India 
• Bird flu alert: Delhi-NCR on watch after major outbreak in Chhattisgarh, Bihar (Link) 
• Quarantined Navi Mumbai man tests negative for MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Pune sees 21 swine flu cases and four deaths in August (Link)

Kenya 
• Kenya: 80 Pigs Die in Mai Mahiu Flu Outbreak (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu in 4 Lalitpur farms (Link) 
• Anti-bird flu campaign intensified (Link)

United Kingdom 
• 'Everyone who needs flu jab will get one' (Link)

Research 
• Can a usable H7N9 vaccine be made? Pending research should offer clues soon (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (46): WHO global update (Link)

Commentary 
• Mike Coston - Avian Flu Diary: The Cytokine Storm Revisited (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: MERS-coronavirus effects on Haj season in Riyadh meet discussion (Link)

August 17

China 
• CIDRAP: Study finds overlap of H7N9, H5N1 hot spots (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: 36-year-old dies of swine flu (Link)

Indonesia 
• Anticipation Corona, Pilgrim Special Watched (translated) (Link) 
• Poultry Sudden Death, Minahasa Overcome Bird Flu Virus (translated) (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (83): Italy (FE) poultry, HPAI , H7, OIE (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu emergency declared in Nepal's capital (Link) 
• Nepal extends bird flu emergency zone to more parts of capital (Link)

United States 
• FDA approves additional quadrivalent influenza vaccine (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Survey: 46% of adults likely to get flu shot (Link)

Research 
• New study shows why the flu is so virulent (Link) 
• Study shows cytokine storm in fatal 2009 H1N1 cases (Link) 
• Environmental Predictors of Seasonal Influenza Epidemics across Temperate and Tropical Climates (Link)

August 16

 

China 
• New swine flu virus found by University of Hong Kong researchers (Link) 
• Health chief moves to ease fears on H7N9 spreading (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (83): Italy (FE) poultry, HPAI , H7, OIE (Link)

Nepal 
• Nepal to cull 500,000 chickens near Kathmandu to combat major bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• Property worth Rs 80 million destroyed due to bird flu in Kavre (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (54): feline reservoir susp, RFI (Link)

United States 
• USDA trip moves U.S. closer to accepting Chinese chicken (Link) 
• New vaccine options available to help protect against influenza (Link)

Research 
• New antiviral may help in flu fight (Link) 
• Universal flu vaccine may be a step closer  (Link)

General 
• Webcast: Insights from the Front Lines of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Outbreak Dr. Ziad Memish (Link) 
• Navigate: Home Latest, World A Better Way to Fight the Flu A Better Way to Fight the Flu (Link)

 

August 15

 

Australia 
• Flu cases swamp Canberra emergency departments (Link)

China 
• H7N9 bird flu kills 45 on Chinese mainland (Link)

India 
• 40-year-old man Mumbai's first suspected Gulf virus case (Link)

Mexico 
• CIDRAP: H7N3 hits another Mexican farm (Link)

Nepal 
• Nepal declares bird flu emergency in capital (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
•  Corona (MERS-CoV) Cats in the Eastern Region (translated) (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: CDC tweaks MERS guidance; WHO notes fewer exported cases (Link)

Research 
• Researchers identify opportunity to stop bird flu dead in its tracks (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Fatal H7N9 cases characterized by bacterial infection, alveolar damage (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Serology study finds H5N1 transmission low, despite close contact (Link) 
• Scientists provide insight into emergence of inter-species transmittable viruses (Link) 
• How a virus spreads from animals to humans  (Link) 
• NYBC's Laboratory of Viral Immunology Acknowledged for Leadership in Developing a Vaccine Against MERS (Link)

 

August 14

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodia reports two more human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, brings total in country to 16 in 2013 (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Two Cambodian children hospitalized with H5N1 (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Measures needed to contain bird flu threat, warn experts (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu scare continues to haunt Aurangabad police (Link) 
• Andhra Pradesh: Two new viruses from Saudi and China threaten Hyderabadis now (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Korean suspected of MERS infection dies in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Local doctors ignore cell phone's risk in spread of infection (Link)

South Korea 
• Corona 19 people returning patients suspected swine contacts ... Isolated (translated) (Link)

Research 
• Top risk factors identified for children with influenza (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Asymptomatic H5N1 detected in Vietnam (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Blood samples hint at silent H7N9 in poultry workers (Link) 
• H7N9 bird flu may be spread through human faeces, research suggests (Link)

General 
• No Mers from pasteurised camel products: Experts (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Prof Ziad A Memish: principle author of MERS-CoV data (Link)

 

August 13

 

China 
• Woman with H7N9 bird flu dies in Beijing, bringing fatalities to 45 (Link) 
• Measures needed to contain bird flu threat, warn experts (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu patients show symptoms similar to 2009 cases, find experts (Link) 
• Maharashtra: Misal seeks a 200 bed-ward for swine flu patients at Aundh district hospital (Link)

Nepal 
• 'Jabs for avian influenza banned' (Link) 
• Bird flu spreads to Kavre‚ fowls culled in three poultry farms (Link) 
• Fear of bird flu spreads in Hetauda (Link)

South Korea 
• One Korean suspect killed in Saudi coronavirus infection (Link)

Commentary 
• Nepal: Editorial - Cruel revelation (Link)

 

August 12

Australia 
• Flu season has only just begun (Link)

China 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (104): China (GD) H7N9, poultry worker (Link) 
• New Human H7N9 Case Sparks Concerns Of Continued Infections (Link) 
• Avian flu victim dies in Beijing hospital (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: 3 H1N1 deaths in Pune in 24 hours (Link)

Indonesia 
• Govt to screen passengers from China (Link)

Nepal 
• No bird flu emergency in Bhaktapur‚ says govt (Link)

Oman 
• Oman tests over 200 suspected MERS cases, no spread of deadly virus detected (Link)

Research 
• US: Oversight process established for avian flu research (Link) 
• New findings in the transmission of viruses (Link)

General 
• Stories from the forgotten heroes of Sars (Link)

Commentary 
• Nepal: Letters - No vaccine imported (Link)

 

August 11

 

China 
• China CDC confirms 135th human case of H7N9 bird flu in Guangdong woman, Hong Kong officials concerned (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Bird flu won't halt imports (Link)

India 
• 61% of H1N1 victims in Maharashtra young and fit (Link)

Nepal 
• Bhaktapur dist declared bird flu emergency zone (Link)

United States 
• NJ: Holy Name Medical Center seeks help in testing new flu drug (Link)

Research 
• Camels Tapped as Possible MERS Source (Link)

General 
• Evidence insufficient to identify source of respiratory syndrome in Middle East - UN (Link)

Commentary 
• Nepal: Editorial - Sheer disregard (Link)

August 10

 

China 
• Chinese woman hospitalized with suspected H7N9 infection (Link) 
• China reports new suspected H7N9 human infection  (Link) 
• Suspected bird flu in Guangdong puts Hong Kong on alert (Link) 
• Guangdong confirms human H7N9 infection case (Link)

India 
• Chhattisgarh: India tackles bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• Maharashtra: Doctors warn of a possible rise of swine flu cases in city (Link)

Nepal 
• Central Zoo on high alert after bird flu outbreak in Valley (Link) 
• 'US vaccine may be behind bird flu' (Link)

United States 
• 2013-14 influenza vaccines are on the way (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: H7N9 study finds limited aerosol transmission in ferrets (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study says H7N9 may have lurked in live-poultry markets (Link)

 

August 9

 

ndia 
• Swine flu claims 61-year-old man (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: New edition of 'Yellow Book' released by CDC (Link)

Research 
• Scientists want to make a deadly new superflu even deadlier (Link) 
• Flu vaccine not tied to pregnancy complications (Link) 
• Camels May Transmit New Middle Eastern Virus  (Link)

August 8

 

China 
• China maintains H7N9 assessment despite suggested human-to-human transmission (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Schools take measures to keep swine flu at bay (Link) 
• H5N1 outbreak: Union Health Ministry team goes to Chhattisgarh (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu confirmed in 8 more farms in Bhaktapur (Link)

United States 
• AR: UAMS Flu Cases up to 33 (Link) 
• AR: H3N2 flu outbreak reported at Arkansas cancer facility (Link)

Research 
• Scientists Make Mutant Forms Of H7N9 Bird Flu To Assess Risk (Link) 
• Roundup: Researchers React to Controversial H7N9 Research Proposal (Link) 
• US: Georgia researchers study new flu virus (Link) 
• Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus neutralising serum antibodies in dromedary camels: a comparative serological study (Link)

General 
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infections in Health Care Workers (Link) 
• Heightened Concern After First Reported Case Of Human To Human H7N9 Bird Flu Transmission (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Blood study suggests camels could be MERS-CoV carriers  (Link) 
• Branswell: Scientists find MERS-like antibodies in camels; first clue to possible source (Link)

August 7

 

Nepal 
• Focus on Valley as flu spreads elsewhere (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Tracking the viruses that cause the 'Hajj cough' (Link)

United States 
• AR: UPDATE - UAMS working to contain flu in patients (Link)

Vietnam 
• Bird flu reoccurs in quails in Tien Giang Province (Link)

Research 
• Evidence found in China that new bird flu strain can spread between humans (Link) 
• Lethal strain of avian flu that has killed 43 'transmitted between humans for first time' (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (102): China, susp. human-to-human infection (Link) 
• Father Most Likely Gave Avian Flu to Daughter (Link) 
• Nature: Lack of small animal model hinders MERS coronavirus research (Link) 
• BMJ: Human to human transmission of H7N9 (Link)

General 
• Facts about flu: H1N1, H5N1, H7N9? What does it all mean? (Link) 
• WHO asks countries to raise coronavirus awareness (Link) 

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Tracking MERS-CoV through time: a spikey problem (Link) 
• Popular Science: How Biological Patents Promote Research And Save Lives Patenting viruses doesn't restrict research--it gives an incentive to do more research (Link)

 

August 6

 

China 
• Is China really ready for the next influenza outbreak? (Link) 
• First probable person to person transmission of new bird flu virus in China (Link)

India 
• Bird flu detected in Chhattisgarh (Link)

Nepal 
• Six more Valley farms in flu grip (Link) 
• Bird flu confirmed in Lalitpur too (Link) 
• Poultrymen hiding bird flu infected fowls? (Link) 
• Bird flu virus not found in humans (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi patient caught MERs-CoV virus from unknown source in hospital (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan reports first ever occurrence of H5N3 bird flu on duck farm (Link)

General 
• Nepal and India allege Siberian migratory birds are 'causing bird flu outbreaks' (Link) 
• ProMED: Influenza (45): WHO global update (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Poultry outbreaks of H5N1 spread in Nepal, India (Link) 
• NOW @ NEJM: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome  (Link) 
• Can a New Tool Help Contain the Deadly MERS Virus? (Link)

August 5

 

India 
• ProMED: Influenza (44): India (H1N1) increased incidence (Link) 
• Baramati resident dies of swine flu; toll up to 30 (Link)

Nepal 
• Govt's laxity led to bird flu outbreak: Experts (Link) 
• Bird Flu Alert in Nepal (Link) 
• Regmi concerned about bird flu control efforts (Link) 
• Growing threat (H5N1, H5N7, H1N9) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• No MERS/Cov cases in Saudi Arabia - health Min. (Link) 
• Coronavirus: six false alarms Reunion (translated) (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan reports first occurrence of H5N3 bird flu (Link)

United States 
• What to expect this flu season - Ask the Pediatrician (Link)

General 
• US: CDC - MERS FAQ and chart of cases and deaths (Link)

August 4

 

Canada 
• Summary of Assessment of Public Health Risk to Canada Associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link)

India 
• Chhattisgarh sounds alert on bird flu (Link) 
• Maharashtra: 34-year-old Baramati resident dies of swine flu (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu found in six more Bhaktapur poultry farms (Link) 
• Govt not doing enough to contain bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• 50‚000 bird flu infected fowls culled in Bhaktapur (Link) 
• Fish consumption rises three-fold (Link)

Commentary 
• Nepal: Editorial - Price of callousness (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV: Family cluster, untested case, delayed reporting, missing data  (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Study - Possible Transmission From Asymptomatic MERS-CoV Case (Link)

 

August 3

 

India 
• Delhi: Spike in swine flu cases worries Delhi doctors (Link)

Nepal 
• Stinking ordour from bird flu affected farms displace locals (Link)

Netherlands 
• Bird flu detected on Dutch poultry farm (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Individual pilgrim at 'very low' risk of contracting Coronavirus (Link)

United States 
• IL: Illinois confirms first case of H3N2v 'swine flu', brings total to 15 cases in three states (Link) 
• IL: Swine Flu Case Raises Fair Concerns (Link) 
• IN: Indiana Fair officials use caution with pigs (and humans) in Swine Barn (Link) 
• OH: Swine Flu Reported in Jackson County (Link)

Research 
• Pilot program shows poultry markets a new way to do business (Link)

August 2

India 
• Bird flu alert in Chattisgarh (Link)

Mauritius 
• Mauritius airport on high alert after discovery of H1N1 flu case (Link)

Nepal 
• Nepal bans poultry sales in capital after spread of bird flu virus in chickens  (Link) 
• Govt bans sales of chickens in Valley after bird flu scare (Link) 
• Culling of bird flu infected chickens continues in Bhatakpur (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudi Arabia announces three new MERS cases (Link) 
• ProMed: Saudi Arabia, 3 new cases - MOH (Link)

United States 
• State Health Department Confirms H3N2v Influenza Case in Boone County (Illnois) (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: H1N1pdm09 PA In Ohio ex-Virginia H3N2v Case (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: ECDC: Influenza Virus Characterization - July 2013 (Link)

August 1

 

Nepal 
• Govt asks authorities to enforce chicken import ban (Link) 
• Bird flu hits three more Bhaktapur farms (Link) 
• Illegally imported fowls destroyed (Link) 
• Authorities in Chitwan advise caution amid bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• Nepal bans chicken sales after bird flu outbreak (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: Register 3 cases of HIV infection in the areas of Riyadh and Asir (translated) (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: 'Three Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Riyadh and Asir' (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia confirms more MERS cases (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Publicity drive to support flu vaccination scrapped, GPC told (Link) 
• It's time to start thinking about getting a flu shot (Link)

United States 
• IN: Swine flu reported in county (Link)

Research 
• Assessing the Value of Retrospective Studies: Real-World Data, Real-World Applications (Link) 
• When Fleeing Zombies (Or Flu), Cooperation Saves Lives (Link)

General 
• WHO offers questionnaire for investigating MERS cases (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 1 August 2013  (Link)

Commentary 
• Nepal: Editorial - Regularity of scares (Link) 
• NEJM Editorial: Person-to-Person Spread of the MERS Coronavirus - An Evolving Picture (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Patients with diabetes or chronic renal failure at high risk for MERS (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Reporting on the MERS-CoV event... behind the scenes timeline (Link)

July 2013 News

July 31

 

 

Ecuador 
• Ecuador reports 137 H1N1 cases, 11 deaths (Link)

India 
• Haryana: 169 swine flu cases so far, up from 6 last year (Link) 
• Maharashtra: Sharp rise in H1N1 infection rate in July (Link)

Nepal 
• Avian influenza in three more poultry farms (Link) 
• Avian flu situation 'getting out of hand' (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Mers: Call for unified guidelines (Link)

United States 
• USDA says China stopping imports of Arkansas fowl (Link)

Research 
• International Partnership To Fight Deadly Viruses (Link) 
• NATURE: Towards a better understanding of the novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus in China (Link) 
• MERS-CoV spatial, temporal and epidemiological information (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: Crofsblogs: The early history of MERS (Link)

 

July 30

 

 

China 
• New H7N9 case impacts poultry recovery in China (Link)

India 
• Maximum swine flu cases from capital (Link) 
• 34-year-old succumbs to swine flu (Link) 
• Delhi tops in H1N1 cases, maximum deaths in Gujarat (Link)

Nepal 
• Kavre sounds bird flu alert (Link) 
• Live chickens being transported to Bhairahawa from bird flu detected poultry farm seized (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• WHO: Confirmation of 2 MERS cases from last week (Link)

United States 
• ProMED: Influenza (43): USA (IN, OH) A(H3N2)v  (Link)

Research 
• Novavax Publishes Positive Preclinical Efficacy Data Against Influenza A(H7N9) (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under blog: MERS-CoV case and death confirmed by WHO....from 4-days ago? (Link)

July 29

 

 

Nepal 
• Nepali capital records 12 bird flu cases in 13 days (Link) 
• Bird flu confirmed in Kaski (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Scotland: Child flu vaccine campaign launched (Link)

United States 
• Florida: Mystery illness at prison (Link) 
• Indiana and Ohio report new H3N2v human 'swine flu' cases, brings total to 14 for 2013 (Link) 
• Hawaii: Kupuna in hospital after flu outbreak (Link) 
• New flu vaccine offers extra protection, but it's not for everyone (Link)

Research 
• Influenza A(H7N9) virus infects cells from the upper and lower respiratory tract (Link) 
• Risk for pilgrims travelling to Saudi contracting MERS infection low: WHO (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Illinois Swine H3N2v Matches Grant County (Link)

July 28

 

 

Nepal 
• Bird flu virus spread unabated (Link) 
• Around 10,000 bird flu infected chickens die, culled in Bhaktapur (Link) 
• Bird flu detected in Pokhara (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (49): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• Saudi man dies of MERS virus: ministry (Link) 
• MERS kills 83-year-old (Link) 
• Chronically ill pilgrims should be careful (translated) (Link)

United States 
• MD: Fair officials take precautions against swine flu (Link)

Research 
• Saudi Arabia: Respiratory viruses spread quickly during 2012 hajj pilgrimage (Link) 
• Nature: MERS in Mecca? (Link)

 

July 27

 

 

India 
• Maharashtra: Satara man succumbs to H1N1 (Link)

Nepal 
• Chickens being culled after bird flu (H5N1) detected in Bhaktapur (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi man dies of MERS virus: Ministry (Link)

South Africa 
• CIDRAP: H7N7 detected in 3,400 South African ostriches (Link)

United States 
• MedImmune's FluMist® Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal), Four-Strain, Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine, Ships for 2013-2014 Influenza Season (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Indiana, Ohio report new H3N2v cases (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Study outlines how MERS and SARS are alike, differ (Link) 
• New Light Shed On Cause of Pandemic Influenza (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Virginia H3N2v Case Raises Concerns (Link)

 

July 26

 

 

Argentina 
• Argentina's H1N1 flu death toll rises to 43 (Link)

India 
• Fearing MERS (Link) 
• Uttar Pradesh: Kanpur - Mystery fever claims 10 lives in 10 days (Link)

Nepal 
• Capital sees three bird flu outbreaks (Link)

Peru 
• Classes in Ica suspended indefinitely over AH1N1 flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: WHO issues MERS travel advice; new case reported (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Visiting a hospital treating a Mers patient? You must take these extra precautions With total number of identified cases of the Mers-CoV at five, hospitals take extra measures (Link)

United States 
• Sanofi starts shipping flu vaccines (Link)

Research 
• Asymmetrical glycans synthesized in lab (Link) 
• CIDRAP: H7N9 study in human airway tissues adds to pandemic concerns (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Biggest Middle East Respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) case study to date (Link) 
• Deadly MERS Virus Not Expected To Reach Epidemic Scale, Say Researchers  (Link) 
• MERS Virus Less Infectious Than SARS: Study But Middle East respiratory virus has high death rates among people with chronic illnesses (Link) 
• MERS makes people sicker faster than SARS, but appears to spread less easily: Lancet study (Link) 
• Study: MERS may not become the next SARS pandemic (Link) 
• Fullest clinical report of Saudi MERS cases to date points to important differences with SARS (Link)

General 
• Download An update on MERS-CoV (audio) (Link) 
• Science Friday audio: MERS (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: South African Bat Beta2c Distinct From Human MERS-CoV (Link)

July 25

 

 

Australia 
• Aust science prepares for pandemic (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: (Health): injury and the death of another citizen in Asir (translated) (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Health workers in UAE pick up deadly MERS coronavirus bug (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: CDC testing Saudi samples (Link) 
• CDC: Healthcare Provider Preparedness Checklist for MERS-CoV (Link) 
• CDC:Healthcare Facility Preparedness Checklist (Link) 
• IN: Avoiding Swine Flu at County Fairs (Link)

Research 
• New Light Shed On Cause of Pandemic Influenza (Link) 
• CIDRAP: New bat virus called closest known relative of MERS-CoV (Link) 
• New Study Of H7N9 vs H5N1 pandemic threat (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Poll finds majorities in 22 nations concerned over MERS (Link) 
• Risk from MERS virus "very low" for haj pilgrims, WHO says (Link) 
• SARS, MERS ...? Preparing for the next coronavirus pandemic (Link) 
• WHO: World - travel advice on MERS-CoV for pilgrimages (Link)

 

July 24

 

 

Argentina 
• Death toll from H1N1 in Argentina reaches 38 (Link)

China 
• H7N9 Avian Flu Outbreak Eases; Could Return In The Fall With Human-to-Human Spread Possible (Link)

New Zealand 
• Govt's free flu immunisation offer to end (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Muslims Told To Stay Away From Mecca Because Of Virus (Link) 
• No corona virus in umrah visitors, says Saudi Health Minister (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Doctors treating Emirati at Abu Dhabi hospital also infected with Mers virus (Link)

United Kingdom 
• A&E units would not cope with a flu outbreak this winter, MPs warn (Link)

United States 
• OH: Ohio State Fair officials look to minimize swine flu threat (Link)

General 
• Virology Down Under has a new home (Link) 
• Support high for travel screening to stem MERS spread (Link) 
• ECDC states risk of further MERS-CoV infections remains (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: Analysis of airline travel shows international vulnerability to MERS (Link)

July 23

 

 

China 
• Bird flu continues to take its toll in China  (Link)

India 
• MERS-CoV - Should Indians be worried? (Link) 
• Similar flu symptoms may baffle doctors (Link) 
• Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital gears up for MERS (Link)

Malaysia 
• Follow Saudi guidelines to avoid MERS virus, haj pilgrims told (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Awareness drive at Haji Camps against Coronavirus (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: No MERS cases among Umrah pilgrims  (Link)

Research 
• The coronavirus in the Middle East: will Hajj pilgrims bring it home? (Link)

General 
• Need for global cooperation in control of MERS-CoV (Link) 
• CIDRAP: OIE downplays camels as possible MERS-CoV source (Link) 
• MERS Virus Still Not International Emergency  (Link)

 

July 22

 

 

China 
• Virus findings 'not strong enough' to affect strategy (Link) 
• Hebei woman latest case of H7N9 (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history under CHP investigation (Link)

Costa Rica 
• Up to 9 deaths this year from Influenza A in Costa Rica this Year (Link)

India 
• India especially Mumbai at high risk of MERS coronavirus epidemic (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• WHO reports 89th and 90th MERS coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Thoughts and (many) questions on the 4 MERS-CoV UAE cases (Link) 
•  Ramadan-bug? the holy month, not MERS, has adverse effect on UAE tourism (Link) 
• Two more MERS virus cases in Saudi (Link)

Research 
• Israel: How to bolster "natural killer" cells againt flu (Link)

General 
• Mass pilgrim gatherings could encourage MERS coronavirus to spread faster (Link) 
• OIE World Organization for Animal Health  Update: Questions and Answers MERS coronavirus (CoV) (Link)

Commentary 
• Laurie Garrett video: Staying Safe in a Biology Revolution (Link)

 

July 21

 

 

China 
• New H7N9 patient in critial condition in Beijing (Link) 
• Chinese woman diagnosed with H7N9 bird flu, first case since May (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: H7N9 found in live poultry markets (Link)

Indonesia 
• Ducks Sudden Death in Ranchi Positive Bird Flu  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Coronavirus endangered pilgrims to Mecca (translated) (Link) 
• 2 new MERS cases (Link)

Taiwan 
• Crofsblogs: Taiwan announces "yellow" travel advisory over Hebei H7N9 (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• UAE, Saudi Arabia report 6 new MERS cases (Link)

United States 
• FDA Grants Emergency Approval for Test to Detect MERS (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: WHO reports increasing flu activity in South America, southern Africa (Link)

Commentary 
• Greg Laden's Blog - ScienceBlogs: MERS-CoV, The Haj, and the remote chance of a killer global pandemic (Link)

 

July 20

 

 

Argentina 
• H1N1 flu death toll rises to 36 in Argentina (Link)

China 
• New case of H7N9 bird flu confirmed in China: Xinhua (Link)

India 
• No Travel Curb Needed Due To SARS-like Disease: WHO (Link)

United States 
• Bizarre History of Cape May -- Spanish flu victims were 'piled in the street' in 1918 Cape May (Link)

Research 
• Researchers describe potential for MERS coronavirus to spread internationally (Link) 
• Ferret Study Shows H7N9 Could Transmit Between Humans (Link) 
• Researchers come up with alternative approach to universal flu vaccine (Link) 
• Impact of emerging antiviral drug resistance on influenza containment and spread: influence of subclinical infection and strategic use of a stockpile containing one or two drugs (Abstract) (Link) 
• PA: CDC advises fair attendees to be aware of new strain of swine flu (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (46): Saudi Arabia, UAE, WHO (Link)

 

July 19

 

 

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu toll in Nagpur hospitals reaches 18 this year (Link)

Peru 
• Peru Reports Eight Deaths from AH1N1 Flu Virus (Link)

Sweden 
• Swedish experts warn of new global bird flu virus (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: Estimate of healthcare worker flu vaccination sees steady level (Link)

Research 
• China's Bird Flu Might Someday Spread More Easily (Link) 
• Airborne H7N9 (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Mild UAE HCW MERS Cluster Raises Pandemic Concerns (Link)

 

July 18

 

 

China 
• H7N9 patient gives birth to healthy baby (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Increase in respiratory viral infections cautioned (Link)

New Zealand 
• Influenza impact down on last year (Link)

Nicaragua 
• Nicaragua Steps up Biosecurity to Prevent Bird Flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (44): Saudi Arabia, new cases (Link)

Singapore 
• Singapore prepared for bird flu, says animal health body (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• 4 new MERS cases reported (Link)

United States 
• OH: No immediate threat with new strain of swine flu (Link) 
• WV: Health Officials - Swine Flu Is A Big Concern In The Summer (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Study - Flu vaccines moderately protective against hospitalization (Link) 
• China: Risk of Human-to-Human Spread of Deadly New Bird Flu Virus Higher Than Previously Thought (Link)

 

July 17

 

 

Canada 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (99): Canada ex China, H7, NOT (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: Government gears up to handle swine flu (Link) 
• Govt asks states to keep vigil on coronavirus threat (Link) 
• Advisory on SARS-like virus (Link)

Singapore 
• AVA tests readiness to deal with bird flu outbreak (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• CIDRAP: WHO to assess UAE MERS case, reconvene panel (Link)

Research 
• Present treatments could make H7N9 flu an epidemic (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study outlines H7N9 antiviral resistance, testing problems (Link)

General 
• Coronavirus is not global emergency: WHO committee (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Asir Mild MERS Cluster Raises Pandemic Concerns (Link)

July 16

 

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodia bird flu outbreak continues with 14th case (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: 30-year-old dies of swine flu (Link)

Taiwan 
• Adimmune Corporation completes Phase III trials on H7N9 influenza vaccine (Link)

United States 
• PA: CDC issues warning about swine flu at ag fairs (Link)

Research 
• Findings Offer Alternative Approach to Creating a Universal Influenza Vaccine (Link) 
• H7N9 influenza strain resistant to antivirals, but tests fail to identify resistance (Link) 
• China's Bird Flu's Drug Resistance Worries Experts (Link)

Commentary 
• Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey: New killer syndrome - Emergency committee convened (Link)

 

July 15

 

 

Chile 
• Chile controls entry to religious celebration due to flu outbreak (Link)

China 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (96): China: (SH) role of immune response (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi Arabia warns pilgrims to wear masks to stop spread of virus (Link)

South Africa 
•  H1N1 influenza in South Africa infected hundreds of people (translated) (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Mers coronavirus likely to spread as UAE-Saudi travel increases (Link)

United States 
• Mayo Clinic Expert Explains New Vaccine Options for Next Influenza Season (Link)

Research 
• Scientists warn of new bird flu (Link)

July 14

 

 

Iran 
• Iran launches first production line for influenza vaccine (Link)

Nepal 
• Govt sends samples of H5N1 virus to London lab to identify strain (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Coronavirus endangered pilgrims to Mecca (translated) (Link) 
• URGENT - suspicion three new infections the Coruna (translated) (Link) 
• Warning: Saudi Arabia prepares pilgrims for possible Coronavirus outbreak (Link) 
• Coronavirus fertile ground for rumors (Link)

South Africa 
• Swine flu scare as disease hits KZN (Link)

Sri Lanka 
• Influenza reports denied (Link)

Turkey 
• Turkey denies cases of coronavirus (Link)

 

July 13

 

 

Australia 
• New South Wales: Worst of Hunter flu season yet to come (Link)

Cambodia 
• CIDRAP: Cambodian boy has H5N1 avian flu (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• CIDRAP: UAE reports its first local MERS case (Link)

United States 
• AK: ProMED: Avian influenza (79): USA (AK) potential migration hotspot, comment (Link) 
• IN: Swine flu not just for pigs; simple precautions can keep you healthy (Link)

General 
• Agreement to Fight Bird Flu Signed in Africa (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Grant County Indiana Fair H3N2v Cases Acquired N145K (Link)

July 12

 

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodia reports 14th case of human H5N1 avian influenza (Link)

China 
• CIDRAP: Kids' mild H7N9 cases show striking contrast to adults' cases (Link) 
• Timely estimates of influenza A H7N9 infection severity (Link)

India 
• DHR plans to set up Centre on Influenza to face emerging challenges (Link)

Malaysia 
• Ismail Sabri: China's Shandong province now H7N9 free, chicken part imports to resume (Link)

United States 
• Scientists evaluate past outbreaks and pandemic potential of H7 subtype influenza viruses (Link) 
• CIDRAP: News Scan for Jul 11, 2013 (Link)

Research 
• Comparative epidemiology of human infections with avian influenza A H7N9 and H5N1 viruses in China: a population-based study of laboratory-confirmed cases (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (42): UAE, WHO global update (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Cambodia reports 14th human case of bird flu this year (Link) 
• Recombinomics: MERS Confirmed In Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (Link)

 

July 11

 

 

Chile 
• Chile confirms 33 deaths from H1N1 (Link)

China 
• China H7N9 bird flu toll up to 43: govt (Link) 
• Govt pumps more funds into H7N9-hit poultry sector (Link)

India 
• Bengal: Bird flu alert in Siliguri (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (41): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link)

United States 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (78): USA (AK) potential migration hotspot (Link)

Research 
• Scientists: H7N9 Avian Flu Has Pandemic Potential (Link) 
• New bird flu virus 'could spark pandemic' (Link) 
• CIDRAP: New studies on H7N9 raise pandemic concerns (Link)

Commentary 
• Influenza Vaccines (MP3 download) (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Today's topics (Link)

 

July 10

 

 

China 
• Crofsblogs: China confirms 132 H7N9 cases, 43 deaths (updated) (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: China study shows pigs naturally infected with H5N1 (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (40): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• KSA MOH: 'A New Confirmed Case of the Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Asir .. One Case Recovered in Hafr Al-Batin' (Link)

United States 
• Federal funds for disaster preparedness decline (Link)

Research 
• China: Study - H7N9 bird flu transmits from person to person (Link) 
• ECDC: Not enough known about new cyclovirus to assess risk (Link) 
• Nature: Molecular basis of binding between novel human coronavirus MERS-CoV and its receptor CD26 (Link) 
• A Pedigree of Death: MERS Virus Family Tree (Link)

General 
• WHO sees changing pattern in recent MERS cases (Link) 
• WHO: MERS-CoV summary and literature update - as of 09 July 2013 (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link) 
• Emergency MERS talks begin amid worries of wider outbreak (Link) 
• MERS coronavirus status discussed by WHO panel 9 affected countries making presentations to assess outbreak (Link) 
• H7N9 Avian Influenza A Virus and the Perpetual Challenge of Potential Human Pandemicity (Link) 
• Video: SARS and MERS - CoV (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: WHO Acknowledges Possible MERS Sustained Transmission (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS news abounds (Link) 
• Time: From AIDS to SARS to MERS, Emerging Infectious Diseases Remain a Dire Threat (Link)

 

July 9

 

 

Chile 
• Death toll climbs as swine-flu outbreak threatens Chilean festival (Link)

Mexico 
• Stay on 144 cases of influenza in Jalisco   (translated) (Link)

New Zealand 
• No travel restrictions but Kiwis need to take care (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• KSA MOH: Health: confirmed case of registration for the new Corona virus Asir region .. And healing the case digging subcontractors (translated) (Link)

Research 
• H7N9 influenza: History of similar viruses gives cause for concern, researchers report (Link) 
• Flu activity is COPD misfortune teller (Link)

General 
• WHO to decide whether MERS is global health emergency (Link) 
• Travel hit by new bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• Cidrap: More MERS cases reported; WHO names emergency panel (Link) 
• Hajj Virus Threat Spurs WHO's Chan to Call Emergency Meeting (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: WHO Forms MERS Emergency Committee (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS news abounds (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Canadian named to committee to advise WHO on MERS (Link)

 

July 8

 

 

Canada 
• Alberta: Flu vaccination rates worry health officials (Link)

India 
• Undiagnosed febrile illness - India (TN): RFI  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• WHO update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

United States 
• IN: Swine flu surfaces again (Link) 
• MERS-CoV vigilance rises in US (Link)

Research 
• 80 years ago today: MRC researchers discover viral cause of flu (Link)

General 
• WHO Emergency Committee To Meet (plus coverage of Fukuda's recent press conference) (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: Progress to understand MERS coronavirus frustratingly slow (Link)

July 7

 

 

Chile 
• H1N1 influenza virus outbreak in north Chile; government considering decreeing 'health alert' (Link)

India 
• Madhya Pradesh: Swine flu haunts Indore again, one more case reported (Link)

Pakistan 
• Ouch! Does this year's flu shot hurt more (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• KSA MOH: 'Three Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded and Two Cases Passed Away' (Link)

United States 
• OH: Fairs try to reduce spread of swine flu (Link)

General 
• Scary Name, Scary Disease (Link)

Commentary 
• Ian M. Mackay, PhD - Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV cases at 80 (Link)

 

July 6

 

 

China 
• China reports H7N9-H3N2 coinfection, more deaths (Link)

Finland 
• Finland braces itself for coronavirus (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH press release: 3 cases similar to heal and the death of two more new Corona virus (translated) (Link)

South Africa 
• NICD calms swine flu fears (Link)

Taiwan 
• H7N9 influenza vaccine to hit market soon: Taiwan vaccine provider (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: CDC advisory focuses H3N2v surveillance, case definitions (Link) 
• IN: Swine Flu cautions urged at fair (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Study - Live intranasal vaccine may stop H3N2 from spreading in pigs (Link) 
• Different Types of Door-Opening Motions as Contributing Factors to Containment Failures in Hospital Isolation Rooms (Link)

General 
• WHO Convenes Emergency Committee on MERS Virus (Link)

 

July 5

 

 

Chile 
• H1N1 flu outbreak in northern Chile kills 11 (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: 84 in state die of H1N1 in 6 months (Link)

Indonesia 
• Suspected Bird Flu, Thousands of Sudden Death Chickens (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

Research 
• New Approaches to Understanding Infection May Uncover Novel Therapies Against Influenza (Link) 
• Interhuman transmissibility of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: estimation of pandemic risk (Link)

General 
• Serious Cross-border Threats to Health (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: How much is MERS-CoV a "SARS-like" virus? (Link) 
• WHO creates emergency committee to address MERS virus threat (Link) 
• WHO guidelines for investigation of cases of human infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS - CoV) (July 2013)  (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: 2013 H3N2v Cases Spread To Hancock County Fair Indiana (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Study says MERS doesn't yet have pandemic potential, but future of virus unknown (Link)

July 4

 

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodia reports 13th H5N1 bird flu case of 2013 in six-year-old child (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong Closely Monitoring Avian Flu Cases (Link) 
• WHO: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus - update (Link)

Indonsia 
• Timor Leste still awaiting bird-flu certification for chicken imports (Link) 
• Thousands of poultry killed by bird flu, says authority (Link)

Nepal 
• Bird flu found in two Valley poultry farms (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Middle East virus claims third life as fears of pandemic spread (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Qatari MERS patient dies; WHO offers case-control study guide (Link) 
• Man dies from new coronavirus in UK (Link)

United States 
• Indiana Swine Influenza Cases Increase to 12 (Link) 
• US: NIAID Scientists Describe How Immune System Overreaction Contributes to Influenza Deaths (Link) 
• CDC: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS); chart on cases and fatalities by country (Link)

Research 
• China: H7N9 Bird Flu Transmits From Person to Person, Study Finds (Link) 
• China: Why H7N9 bird flu cases arose so quickly (Link) 
• China: H7N9 flu peril lies in deep lung infiltration, study reports (Link)

July 3

 

 

Cambodia 
• Cambodian girl dies from bird flu (Link) 
• WHO regional office reports 2 new H5N1 cases (Link)

China 
• Shanghai: City poultry markets to be regulated for bird flu (Link)

Indonesia 
• Development of bird flu facilities should continue: Minister (Link)

New Zealand 
• Wellington: Last chance for free flu immunisation (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudi Arabia says 2 more MERS patients have died (Link) 
• Saudi records two new deaths from MERS (Link)

United States 
• Emergency Management:: Are We Prepared for MERS or Another Pandemic? (Link) 
• IN: Indiana swine flu cases increase to 12 (Link)

Research 
• NYT: Study Finds No Vaccine Link to Guillain-Barré (Link)

General 
• New mask 'effective against flu, corona virus' (Link) 
• WHO: Revised interim case definition for reporting to WHO - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: U.S. man treated in Edmonton hospital may not have had H7 flu; test 'inconclusive' (Link)

July 2

 

 

Cambodia 
• 6-year-old girl becomes ninth Cambodian to die of bird flu this year, as virus remains threat  (Link)

China 
• H7N9 is most adapted bird flu for human-to-human transmission, say experts (Link)

Nepal 
• Kathmandu: Bird flu in Valley (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi Arabia MOH: "Three Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recovered and Two Cases Passed Away" (Link)

United States 
• Legislation to make four-strain flu vaccine available passes House (Link) 
• US moves to limit contagion if Middle East coronavirus Mers arrives via haj (Link)

Research 
• New study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza (Link) 
• New imagining (sic) analysis defines H7N9 flu progression (Link) 
• Prime-Boost Interval Matters: A Randomized Phase 1 Study to Identify the Minimum Interval Necessary to Observe the H5 DNA Influenza Vaccine Priming Effect (Link)

General 
• Solving a Viral Mystery [MERS] (Link) 
• Infectious disease research gets a boost from websites, blogs, and social media (Link) 
• Coronavirus recombination: it could happen overnight, but it usually doesn't (Link)

July 1

 

 

China 
• ProMED - Avian influenza, human (91): China, H7N9, adverse outcome & antiviral resistance (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Fever patient with travel history under CHP investigation (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Update on number of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) notified (Link)

Czech Republic 
• Czech scientists discover fast way of diagnosing flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims Warned Over Mers-CoV as Saudi Arabia Imposes 15-Day Visa Limit (Link)

United Kingdom 
• AHVLA Becomes International Reference Lab for Swine Flu (Link)

Vietnam 
• Vietnam reports 11th swine flu death (Link)

Research 
• New antiviral may help in flu fight (Link)

General 
• The legacy of Andrew Wakefield continues (Link)

Commentary 
• Scientific American: The ethics of opting out of vaccination (Link) 
• Killian Crawford - Crofsblogs: Dr. Racaniello on filterable camels and other mysteries of MERS (Link)

 

June News 2013

June 30

Saudi Arabia 
• Hajj in focus as coronavirus strikes hard in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Islamic face coverings might be saving women from respiratory disease (Link)

United States 
• IN: Swine Flu at County Fairs Is Back (Link) 
• War on MERS: Deadly virus prompts global battle plans (Link) 
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Be ready to answer travelers questions about novel viruses (Link)

Vietnam 
• Vietnam reports 11th swine flu death (Link)

General 
• WHO: New specimen recommendations and longer period of observation in updated MERS-CoV guidelines (Link)

June 29

China 
• Shanghai: Food Tougher rules for live poultry trade (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Muslim hajj pilgrimage in focus amid MERS virus fears (Link)

United States 
• CDC: Vaccination prevented millions of flu cases in U.S. (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Study - GBS risk much higher with flu than with flu vaccine (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: What do we know about transmission from asymptomatic flu infections? (Link) 
• Flu Shot Effective Regardless Of Circulating Flu Strain (Link) 
• Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): challenges in identifying its source and controlling its spread (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (36): updated surveillance recommendations, WHO (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Essen Sequence Matches England1 (Link) 
• Laurie Garrett: The Middle East Plague Goes Global (Link)

 

June 28

Canada 
• CIDRAP: Canada investigates H7 findings in American air passenger (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Plane diverts to Edmonton with ill patient; tests show man had H7 flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ECDC: Ongoing outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link)

United States 
• AK: Potential Hot Spot for Avian Flu Transmission Identified in Western Alaska (Link) 
• IN: Health officials on watch for swine flu at fairs (Link)

Vietnam 
• Man with H1N1 flu in critical condition (Link)

Research 
• Association between adverse clinical outcome in human disease caused by novel influenza A H7N9 virus and sustained viral shedding and emergence of antiviral resistance (Link) 
• Flu Increases Likelihood Of Bacterial Pneumonia 100-Fold (Link)

General 
• Viral Pandemics: The Worst Case Scenario & Tips For Prevention (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Indiana H3N2v Outbreak Raises Concerns (Link) 
• Recombinomics: All Confirmed Hospitalized Al Hasa MERS-CoV Dialysis Cases Died (Link) 
• Recombinomics: Sequence From Taiwan H6N1 Case Has G228S (Link) 
• Killian Crawford - crofsblogs: Cholera, MERS, and silence (Link)

Canada 
• Plane diverts to Edmonton with sick patient; tests show man had H7 flu (Link)

China 
• H7N9 Flu Kills 16th Victim in Shanghai (Link) 
• Latest Bird Flu Strain Kills More than a Third (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Sick camel linked to MERS virus death in UAE has recovered Thursday (Link) 
• Hospital Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link) 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (35): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link)

Research 
• Alarm bells over MERS coronavirus (Link) 
• Efficacy of Parainfluenza virus 5 mutants expressing HA from H5N1 influenza A virus in mice (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Analysis: Flu may boost bacterial pneumonia 100-fold (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (38): WHO global update (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: H3N2v Confirmed In 4 Attendees of Indiana Grant County Fair (United States) (Link)

June 26

China 
• CIDRAP: H7N9 cases found by routine surveillance trended younger, milder (Link) 
• Shanghai Reports One H7N9 Death (Link)

New Zealand 
• Waikato GPs brace for flu onslaught (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: WHO notes latest MERS-CoV cases, raises global count to 77 cases (Link) 
• WHO June 26, 2013 update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link) 
• As Virus Spreads, Saudi Arabia Restricts Pilgrimage Numbers (Link)

United States 
• AR: Three countries halt poultry imports from Arkansas over bird flu (Link) 
• IN: 4 contract Swine Flu from Grant Co. fair (Link)

Research 
• New research finds flu shot effective regardless of circulating flu strain (Link) 
• Senior Spit Has Anti-Flu Secret (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (37): WHO global update (Link)

June 25

China 
• Bird flu strain has died down but experts say it is likely to return (Link) 
• Latest bird flu strain 'kills more than a third (Link)

Egypt 
• H5N1 prevalence may surpass 10% in Egyptian backyard, market poultry (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudis, WHO report 8 asymptomatic MERS cases (Link)

Thailand 
• Health precautions against new virus (Link)

Research 
• Evidence that Tamiflu reduces deaths in pandemic flu (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: Global flu activity stays low, H1N1 still leads in detections (Link) 
• ProMED: Circovirus - Viet Nam, Malawi: human, cerebrospinal fluid (Link) 
• Free Webinar: MERS-CoV: Infection Prevention and Control (Link)

 

June 24

China 
• Scientists warn against complacency on deadly H7N9 bird flu  (Link) 
• H7N9 bird flu kills about 1/3 hospitalised patients: study (Link) 
• China's bird flu ended with summer weather, but may return in fall (Link) 
• Report: New Bird Flu Deadlier Than Swine Flu (Link)

Indonesia 
•  Infants 2 Years in Bekasi Positive for Bird Flu Killed (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• 7 New MERS-CoV Cases Reported (Link and link) 
• MOH Announces Recovery of Contacts of Novel Coronavirus Cases and One Case Passed Away in the Eastern Region (Link) 
• Saudi declares new death from MERS virus (Link) 
• MERS-CoV Claims Another Life In Saudi Arabia (Link)

Thailand 
• Experts toil over H7N9 defence plan (Link)

Research 
• Detection of mild to moderate influenza A/H7N9 infection by China's national sentinel surveillance system for influenza-like illness: case series 
• WHO concerned about MERS spread during Ramadan pilgrimage; Red tape hinders research (Link)

General 
• Killer coronavirus: Experts link deadly Mers disease to UAE and Qatar (Link) 
• WHO update; June 23: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link) 
• Deadly Piglet Virus Spreads to Nearly 200 U.S. Farm Sites (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: 8 MERS PCR Confirmations In Asymptomatic HCWs & Children (Link) 
• Virology Down Under; "Weak positives" in asymptomatic cases-questions (Link)

June 23

 

China 
• Hong Kong: CHP received notification of a human case of avian influenza A(H6N1) from Taiwan (Press Release) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (33): Saudi Arabia, WHO, MOH, reporting challenges (Link) 
• MERS virus kills another Saudi (Link) 
• Al-Sudais calls on Muslims to adhere to reduction of pilgrims' numbers (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Mers coronavirus that killed an Emirati man has origins in both the UAE and Qatar (Link)

United States 
• OH: Ohio health officials urge good fair hygiene (Link)

Research 
• New Mers-Coronavirus continues to smoulder (Link)

General 
• Public Health Officials Agree Priority Actions to Detect and Control MERS-CoV (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS PCR Confirmed In Asymptomatic HCWs In Taif KSA (Link)

 

June 22

Saudi Arabia 
• New death from SARS-like coronavirus MERS as health experts meet (Link) 
• MOH: "Two New Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recorded and One Case Passed Away" (Link) 
• Saudi ministry slammed over MERS handling (Link) 
• Coronavirus Strikes Health Workers in Saudi City Near Mecca (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 22 June 2013 (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan reports first human case of H6N1 bird flu to world health body (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (86): Taiwan, H6N1 (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: CDC - US-supported flu vaccination programs growing in Laos, Nicaragua (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: H7N9 gene analysis suggests multiple reassortments (Link) 
• 1222 Neuraminidase Mutations Further Reduce Oseltimivir Susceptibility (Link) 
• MERS virus in Saudi poses hospital threat: study (Link)

General 
• Outbreak In Saudi Arabia Echoes SARS Epidemic 10 Years Ago (Link) 
• Purdah? I Hardly Know Ya!: Social Influences On Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Link) 
• New Mideast Virus Raises Fears For Hajj (Link) 
• Coronavirus Cases Should Be Flagged in 1 Day, WHO Officials Say (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: A little more about the new MERS case (Link)

June 21

Malaysia 
• Cases of flu, cough and cold on the rise (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudis say 4 people beat MERS, but another 4 died (Link) 
• SARS-like virus has high mortality rate in Saudi Arabia, specialists say (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan confirms world's first human infection of H6N1 (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: ACIP recommends flu vaccine option for those with egg allergies (Link) 
• CDC prepares for potential outbreak of deadly MERS virus (Link) 
• AR: Mild strain of bird flu contained on Arkansas poultry farm (Link)

Research 
• MERS virus proves easily transmissible in care settings (Link)

General 
• Clinician's Biosecurity News: New Information on MERS Highlights Need for Infection Control and Broad Case Definition (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS SARS-CoV-like KSA Surveillance Concerns (Link) 
• Colin Macilwain Nature: World View Sharing information is preferable to patenting (Link)

June 20

Canada 
• Public Health Agency of Canada: Interim Guidance - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (Link)

China 
• Anhui Hospital multiplayer isolation of unknown etiology non-avian flu (translated) (Link)

Indonesia 
• A Toddler Killed in Bekasi, Suspected Bird Flu (translated) (Link) 
• Toddler in Bekasi Died of Bird Flu (translated) (Link)

Israel 
• Health Officials: Arab 'Traffic' Puts Israel At Risk for MERS; Israeli health officials said they were keeping a close eye on the spread of a new virus in the Middle East (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Panic over MERS virus fades in Saudi (Link) 
• NYT: Investigation Follows Trail of a Virus in Hospitals: The MERS virus (Link) 
• KSA MOH: Health announces Healing 4 cases infected with new Koruna [MERS] (translated) (Link) 
• KSA MOH: "Four Cases of Novel Coronavirus Recovered" 20 June 2013 (Link)

United States 
• CDC: Flu Shots Averted Millions of Cases (Link) 
• AR: Avian flu confirmed in Scott County bird (Link)

Venezuela 
• Venezuela reports more H1N1 cases (Link)

Research 
• New Details About H7N9 Influenza Infections That Suddenly Appeared in China (Link) 
• New MERS virus more deadly than SARS (Link) 
• Sequencing the MERS coronavirus outbreak in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Researchers Seek Treatment For New MERS Coronavirus (Link) 
• MERS-CoV Easily Spreads In Hospitals (Link)

General 
• Report paints worrisome picture of MERS spread in hospitals Canada AM: MERS 'more deadly' than SARS (Link) 
• WHO: Health officials meet to discuss urgent measures for control of novel coronavirus infection (MERS-CoV) (Link) 
• WHO: MERS-CoV summary and literature update - as of 20 June 2013 (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Mild and Asymptomatic MERS-CoV Cases Confirmed (Link) 
• Recombinomics: MERS SARS-CoV-like Outbreaks In Al Hasa Hospitals (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Saudi MERS outbreak showed SARS-like features, including possible superspreader (Link)

June 19

China 
• The Elusive H7N9 Virus: Chinese Researchers Predict Future Pandemic (Link) 
• H7N9 epidemic slowing Shanghai decision conditional resume live animal  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• No MERS case in Jeddah' (Link) 
• "The Hajj will not be canceled this season due to coronavirus" (translated) (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia: 2-year-old girl is indeed in hospital with MERS (Link)

United States 
• AR: Arkansas officials confirm avian flu in Scott Co. (H7N7) (Link)

Vietnam 
• ProMED: Circovirus - Viet Nam: acute CNS infection (Link) 
• H7N9 a thousand negative samples (Link)

Research 
• First complete viral load profile of a MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Is low pathogenic avian influenza virus virulent for wild waterbirds? (Link) 
• Evolution of a reassortant North American gull influenza virus lineage: drift, shift and stability (Link) 
• Deadly new coronavirus a "serious risk" in hospitals: Saudi study (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - WHO (02): risk of international spread (translated) (Link) 
• Deadly Virus May Have Emerged a Year Earlier, Study Says (Link) 
• New MERS virus spreads easily, deadlier than SARS (Link) 
• EU agency expresses concern over lack of information on Sars-like virus (Link)

 

June 18

China 
• Beijing on alert for Middle East virus (Link)

France 
• New Eurosuveillance Update on French MERS cases (Link)

Jordan 
• CIDRAP:  MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (31): Jordan, retro. case ID, WHO, RFI (Link)

Nigeria 
• Saudi - Postpone Hajj 2013 If You Can (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS cases, deaths climb; study examines viral loads (Link) 
• MERS Coronavirus Spreading Like Wildfire, New 10-Minute Test Diagnoses Cases (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update; June 17 (Link)

South Africa 
• Bird-flu outbreak spreads to five more Oudtshoorn ostrich farms (H7N7) (Link)

Thailand 
• New Bird Flu: Thailand, Laos join forces to fend it off (Link)

Tunisia 
• Woman suspected of MERS hospitalized in Djerba (Link)

United States 
• Ohio: Flu sent more to hospitals than ever (Link) 
• House to Consider Tax on New Flu Vaccines (Link)

Vietnam 
• 2 more die of swine flu in Vietnam (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Eight More MERS-CoV Confirmed Cases In Jordan ICU (Link)

 

June 17

India 
• Delhi has highest swine flu cases, Gujarat records maximum deaths (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: Eastern Mediterranean (28): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• About 7 injuries "Corona" in a hospital in Taif (translated) (Link) 
• Four More MERS-CoV Deaths, Saudi Arabia Announces Today (Link) 
• MERS death toll grows as Saudi Arabia reports more cases (Link) 
• MERS coronavirus kills 4 more in Saudi (Link) 
• 32 fatalities from MERS infections in the Saudi kingdom (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: "Three New Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus Recorded and Four Cases Passed Away" (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia Advises Pilgrims to Defer Hajj To Next Year, Cites Delayed Expansion Works at Grand Mosque, Fears Over MERS Coronavirus (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 17 June 2013 (Link)

Research 
• Difference Identified Between MERS-CoV And SARS (Link)

General 
• Novel 'Ten Minute' MERS-Coronavirus diagnostics test to be featured at Abu Dhabi Medical Congress and Exhibition (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Geographic Spread Raises Ramandan Concerns (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Earliest known MERS outbreak, in Jordan, infected at least 10 people (Link)

June 16

 

Austria 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (69): Austria ex Indonesia (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Update on a Cluster of Influenza A Cases in Siu Lam Hospital (Link)

Vietnam 
• Vietnam metro reports 3rd swine flu death in a week (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Nosocomial Spread In Al Hofuf KSA (Link) 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV KSA Clonal Expansion Raises Concerns (Link)

 

June 15

China 
• CIDRAP: H7N9-H3N2 coinfection reported in Chinese teen (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Viral pneumonia sickens 21 health workers at Chinese hospital (Link) 
• Hong Kong: A Cluster of Influenza A Case in Siu Lam Hospital (Link)

Mexico 
• Avian flu in Mexico fuels record gain in U.S. wholesale egg prices  (Link)

Qatar 
• SCH launches awareness drive about coronavirus  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS CoV now in Mecca Province (Link) 
• CIDRAP: More MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 15 June 2013 (Link) 
• One more Saudi death reported from Mers virus (Link) 
• MERS Toll Rises; Men More at Risk (Link)

United Kingdom 
• GPs to vaccinate two- and three-year olds against flu this year  (Link)

United States 
• Early, severe flu season caused big rise in child deaths: CDC (Link)

Venezuela 
• Venezuelan docs warn on swine flu, call for transparency; government says no sign of outbreak (Link)

General 
• The all too obvious way to control the flu in the workplace  (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV KSA Western Spread Raises Ramadan Concerns (Link)

 

June 14

China 
• China Health Care Workers sick with "unknown" respiratory illness (Link) 
• 21 HCW in China with viral pneumonia (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (26): Saudi Arabia, cases, death, WHO (Link) 
• WHO says MERS virus death toll hits 33 (Link) 
• WHO says MERS virus death toll hits 33 (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: "Two New Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus Recorded in Taif .. One Case Passed Away in Wadi Al-Dawaser" (Link)

United States 
• Early, Severe Flu Season Caused Big Rise in Child Deaths: CDC (Link) 
• MERS-CoV vigilance rises in US (Link)

Venezuela 
• Venezuelan docs warn on swine flu, call for transparency; government says no sign of outbreak (Link)

General 
• WHO Updates Guidance For Pandemic Flu Risk Management (Link) 
• Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution of Viral Pathogens (Link)

 

June 13

Bolivia 
• ProMED: Influenza (34): Bolivia (LP) RFI (Link)

China 
• No H7N9 in Chinese health workers (Link)

France 
• France says suspected cases of MERS virus false alarms (Link)

Mexico 
• CIDRAP: Mexico reports 8 more H7N3 outbreaks, culls 800,000 birds (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudis report three more MERS-CoV cases, one fatal (Link) 
• Hajj and Umrah, 2013 (Link) 
• Coronavirus claims life of an expat in Hafr Al-Batin (Link)

United States 
• CDC: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV): Information and Guidance for Clinicians (Link) 
• Flu Season Doctor Visits Reached Record at Early Peak (Link)

Uruguay 
• ProMED: Undiagnosed deaths - Uruguay: (Montevideo) ex Chinese ships, RFI (Link)

Research 
• US: School closures best combat flu outbreaks (Link)

General 
• South America sees respiratory infection rise  (Link) 
• View From Europe: Caution, Not Panic, Over Spread of Middle East Virus (Link) 
• Surprised by MERS? The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link) 
• Update: Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - Worldwide, 2012-2013 (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV UAE/KSA Seqs Signal Human Transmission Evolution (Link)

 

June 12

Argentina 
• Death toll from A/H1N1 climbs to 12 in Argentina (Link)

Austria 
• Smuggled birds put down after one found with bird-flu (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Woman negative for coronavirus (Link)

Dominican Republic 
• Haiti-RD-flu H1N1: PAHO comes to the aid of the Dominican Republic (translated)(Link)

France 
• (2 new cases) France reports new suspected cases of MERS virus (Link) 
• Two cases of suspected coronavirus at the University Hospital of Tours (translated) (Link) 
• France says suspected cases of MERS virus false alarms (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (24): Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Discovery by Saudi Arabia could help combat Mers virus (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: "Three New Cases of Coronavirus Recorded in Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Region and One Case Passed Away in Hafr Al-Batin" (Link) 
• UN warns pilgrims to Mecca to protect themselves against deadly coronavirus (Link)

United States 
• Federal officials weigh H7N9 vaccine options (Link)

Venezuela 
• The influenza virus is on the rise in Venezuela (translated) (Link)

Research 
• US: Biota Initiates Phase 2 Trial Of Laninamivir Octanoate For The Treatment Of Influenza In Adults (Link) 
• Canada: Medicago Receives Authorization from Health Canada and Commences Phase II Clinical Trial for an H5N1 Vaccine (Link) 
• A Single Amino Acid Change Switches Avian Influenza H5N1 and H7N9 Viruses to Human Receptors (Link)

General 
• Pandemic Influenza Viruses - Hoping for the Road Not Taken (Link) 
• Search for MERS virus source needs global teamwork (Link) 
• Swine Flu: More than 200 dead in Latin America (translated) (Link)

June 11

General 
• MERS coronavirus has potential to cause pandemic (Link) 
• Caribbean Flu Scare was Accidentally Made in China (Link) 
• CIDRAP: WHO proposes new pandemic flu alert levels (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: 26th MERS-CoV Fatality In KSA Raises Concerns (Link)

 

June 10

Argentina 
• Influenza 'A' strain hits Argentina: 7 dead in Buenos Aires province, one in Cordoba (Link)

Bolivia 
• Bolivia Reports First H3N2 Flu Deaths (Link) 
• Locations reported 52 cases of influenza AH3N2 in La Paz y fear more cases (translated) (Link)

China 
• Number of China H7N9 patients dwindles (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: Joint Kingdom of Saudi Arabia/WHO mission (Link)

Singapore 
• Chalets on standby as quarantine housing to prepare for Sars-like virus outbreak (Link)

United States 
• US FDA Authorizes Sanofi to Put New Anti-Flu Vaccine on Market (Link) 
• CDC: Reserve H7N9 testing for severely ill patients (Link)

Research 
• Surveillance And Vaccine Strategies Suggested By Studies Showing How Bird Flu Viruses Could Adapt To Humans (Link)

General 
• WHO simplifies pandemic alert system after criticism (Link) 
• MERS coronavirus has potential to cause pandemic - WHO (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: WHO mission says there is no evidence MERS is spreading widely in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• Mild MERS-CoV Onward Transmission Raises Concerns (Link)

 

June 9

China 
• China confirms 131 bird flu cases, 39 deaths (Link)

Dominican Republic 
• Dominican official denies bird flu reports (Link)

India 
• Kerala: H1N1 fever - DHS cautions public (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi Arabia: Middle East coronavirus - No reward for man behind discovery (Link)

Research 
• Researchers warn: New 'bird flu' strains close to becoming pandemics (Link) 
• Flu Cases And Deaths Among Children Could Be Reduced By School-Located Vaccination (Link) 
• The duck genome provides new insight into fighting bird flu  (Link)

General 
• Bird Flu: One Mutation Away From a Potential Pandemic (Link) 
• Does flu spread in tiny airborne droplets? How flu spreads matters for adopting precautions (Link) 
• Ferreting Out Flu (Link)

 

June 8

Australia 
• Call for residents to get flu shots as region faces hike in cases (Link)

Canada 
• Canadian health community monitoring deadly SARS-like virus from Mideast (Link)

Egypt 
• WHO reports Egyptian H5N1 death (Link)

Italy 
• MERS 'Index' Case Released From Hospital (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS-CoV claims new Saudi victim (Link) 
• (#1) WHO raises MERS virus toll to 31 (Link) 
• (#2) WHO raises MERS virus toll to 31 (Link) 
• (#3) WHO raises MERS virus death toll to 31 (Link)

United States 
• 8 months and US CDC still waiting on their MERS-CoV samples from the KSA (Link)

Research 
• Does flu spread in tiny airborne droplets? (Link) 
• Researchers Study Bird Flu's Risk for a Pandemic (Link)

General 
• CDC: Update - Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - Worldwide, 2012-2013 (Link)

Commentary 
•  Helen Branswell: Saudi Silence on Deadly MERS Virus Outbreak Frustrates World Health Experts (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: Saudi paperwork demands delay work to research to find MERS source: CDC (Link)

 

June 7

Cambodia 
• CIDRAP: Study tallies obstacles to treating H5N1 patients in Cambodia (Link)

Haiti 
• Haiti bans Dominican meats, other goods due to flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS kills Saudi woman, 81 (Link)

United States 
• MERS Virus May Never Become Big Threat in U.S. (Link)

Venezuela 
• Bird flu virus infects 724 people in Venezuela (H1N1 swine flu) (Link)

Research 
• Bird flu viruses - mutations to watch out for (Link) 
• Studies showing how bird flu viruses could adapt to humans offer surveillance and vaccine strategies (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Chickens shed H7N9 virus in quantity; Medicago tests H7 vaccine (Link) 
• $18 million to study deadly secrets of flu, Ebola, West Nile viruses (Link) 
• Influenza Virus Mutations Could Result In Pandemic Flu (Link)

General 
• Pandemic Influenza Viruses - Hoping for the Road Not Taken (Link) 
• WHO MERS update, June 7: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link) 
• Who Owns MERS? The Intellectual Property Controversy Surrounding the Latest Pandemic (Link)

June 6

Italy 
• The new Sars, you need to know (translated) (Link) 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (18): Italy, contact screening, RFI (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Suspected bird flu case in T&T (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: WHO, Saudi reports raise MERS-CoV count (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: "A New Case of Novel Coronavirus Recorded in Al-Ahsa Governorate" (Link) 
• MERS virus kills another Saudi (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia Moves to Control MERS-CoV Before Mecca Hajj Pilgrimage Season (Link) 
• MERS coronavirus case reported in 14-year-old Saudi girl (Link) 
• H (Link) 
• H (Link)

United States 
• WI: County fairs take precautions to prevent swine influenza (Link) 
• US declares potential emergency over new Middle East virus (Link) 
• SC: DHEC - Original TB carrier detained, confined (Link)

Research 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (21): receptor identification (Link)

General 
• The New England Journal of Medicine: Pandemic Influenza Viruses - Hoping for the Road Not Taken (Link) 
• H (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: Chicken, quail catch and shed high volumes of new H7N9 flu, study shows (Link)

 

June 5

Italy 
• Possible pandemic: the MERS could be the new SARS? (translated) (Link) 
• FLORENCE New Sars, Meyer resigned from the little girl of eighteen months (translated)(Link) 
• H (Link)

New Zealand 
• Ministry continues to monitor overseas viruses (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi girl, 14, latest confirmed case of MERS (Link) 
• New Sars: Lorenzin, situation under control, 60 negative tests (translated) (Link) 
• Coronavirus: three cases remain (translated) (Link) 
• A vial of coronavirus intercepted at the airport (translated) (Link)

Syria 
• CIDRAP: WHO voices concern over infectious diseases in Syria, exiles (Link)

United States 
• Administration declares Mideast flu a public health emergency (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Asymptomatic Health Care Workers In Italy (Link) 
• Helen Branswell: WHO expert team, including Canadian, in Saudi investigating MERS outbreak (Link)

 

June 4

China 
• CIDRAP: Shanghai man is 38th H7N9 fatality (Link)

Dominican Republic 
• Dominican Republic confirms 5 swine flu deaths in 2013 (Link)

United States 
• KY: Northern Kentucky had highest number of flu cases ever during 2012-2013 season (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: MERS-CoV: 2 more cases in Italy, 1 in Saudi Arabia (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Asymptomatic Cluster In Florence Italy (Link)

June 3

Bahrain 
• Coronavirus reports are dismissed (Link) 
• Bahrain denies coronavirus case report (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Update on number of suspected human cases of avian influenza A(H7) notified (Link)

Italy 
• WHO: MERS-CoV update - 2 more cases reported in Italy, total in Europe rises to 11 (Link) 
• New MERS-CoV Cases In Italy Further Heighten Global Concern (Link) 
• Deadly MERS-CoV virus spreads to Italy (Link) 
• Samples sent to ISS for confirmation : New Sars, a dozen of the positive without symptoms (translated) (Link) 
• New Sars, a dozen positive the test results. Without symptoms (Link) 
• 10 test positive for SARS-like virus in Italy: report (Link) 
• New Sars, a dozen patients positive controls but without symptoms (translated) (Link)

Netherlands 
• Dutch Authorities to Cull Poultry after Avian Influenza Outbreak (Link)

Research 
• Unique U.S.-Chinese Lab to Head Off H7N9 Outbreak and Future Threats (Link)

General 
• MERS Coronavirus Cases, Fatalities Mount (Link)

June 2

Italy 
• Coronavirus: three cases reported in Italy (translated) (Link)

Vietnam 
• Vietnam warns of Corona Virus (Link)

June 1

Australia 
• Winter expected to bring difficult flu season (Link)

China 
• H7N9 outbreak may be over, but pall of suspicion hangs over Shanghai (Link) 
• China records 38th H7N9 bird flu death (Link)

Italy 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Italy ex Jordan confirmed case (translated) (Link) 
• the first case in Tuscany: the patient is better (Link) 
• Italy's 1st MERS case travelled to Jordan (Link) 
• MERS Coronavirus: Tracking the Outbreak (Link) 
• Italy confirms 3 SARS like virus cases (Link)

Netherlands 
• Dutch authorities to cull poultry after [H7]navian influenza outbreak (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Transparency urged in coronavirus cases (Link)

United States 
• Worry Grows Over 'Superspreaders' (Link)

General 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-update (Link) 
• Please Pay Attention to the MERS Warnings (Link) 
• Reality Check: MERS Virus Truly a Global Threat? (Link) 
• Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal: Enhanced surveillance and investigation of coronavirus: what is required? (Link)

Commentary 
• Saudi Arabia: Editorial - No need for virus panic (Link) 
• Crawford Kilian: How the Online World Is Fighting the Next Pandemic (Link) 
• Laurie Garrett: MERS virus linked to Middle East; Tracking a deadly virus (Link) 
• Recombinomics: MERS-CoV Cluster In Italy ex-Jordan (Link)