October News 2013

Oct.31

China 
• Closing of Live Poultry Markets Is Called Effective in Flu Fight (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Government Vaccination Programme 2013/14 to start this Friday (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Additional overseas case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link) 
• Poultry markets in China 'are vast bird flu reservoir' (Link)

Egypt 
• Health Ministry says Egypt free of coronavirus (Link)

India 
• Karnataka: Nine more cholera cases in Holalu; swine flu reported (Link)

Indonesia 
• Poultry Deaths Increased 300% (translated) (Link)

Nigeria 
• ProMED: Lassa fever - Nigeria (12): (EB) nosocomial  (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: The new Corona virus Press Releases Health: the death of infected status (Corona) in the Eastern Province (translated) (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: 'A New Case of Novel Coronavirus Passed away in the Eastern Region' (Link)

Research 
• Study quantifies effectiveness of closing live poultry markets to control spread of bird flu virus (Link) 
• Chinese bats likely source of SARS virus - report Researchers have also said that direct bat-to-human transmission is "plausible" (Link)

General 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (77): Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, WHO (Link) 
• WHO MERS update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: SARS-like viruses found in Chinese bats; closest hit yet to 2003 outbreak virus (Link) 
• Ed Yong: National Geographic - Holy SARS Origins, Batman! (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Instead Of Cursing The Darkness (Link)

Oct.30

China 
• Hong Kong: Additional overseas case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link) 
• ChinaBio(R) LLC Release: China Scientists Report Bird Flu Vaccine is Ready for Human Tests (Link)

Egypt 
• The H7 virus was isolated from Egypt .. It is dangerous and on the standby state (translated) (Link) 
• the death of the case of a suspected virus Corona .. And the emergence of a second case (translated) (Link)

France 
• False alarm over suspected new MERS infection in France (Link)

Oman 
• New MERS case: 68-year-old Omani man first detected MERS coronavirus infection case in the Gulf sultanate (Link) 
• Oman reports first MERS coronavirus case (Link) 
• MERS virus spreads to Oman (Link)

United States 
• MS: Health Department confirms state's first flu cases of season (Link)

Research 
• Elderly and flu shots (Link) 
• Study: Flu shot halves heart attack risk in people with history of heart attacks (Link) 
• US: Microchip can rapidly, comprehensively measure an individual's vaccine response (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: France cites likely MERS case; WHO notes Qatar case (Link) 
• CIDRAP: WHO: H3N2 continues to dominate global flu activity (Link) 
• Influenza can kill healthy children more quickly, study finds (Link) 
• Your Secret Flu-Fighting Weapon (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: New MERS-CoV laboratory test: takes 10-minutes but what can it tell you? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Referral - Dr. Mackay On MERS-CoV Testing (Link)

Oct. 29

China 
• Spike fears spark H7N9 caution (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Swine flu patients still in London hospital (Link)

Egypt 
• Announce the results of analyzes of the first suspected case of injury Corona (translated) (Link)

France 
•  France reports possible MERS virus infection (Link)

Ghana 
• Virus Scare: Hajj Pilgrims undergo rigorous screening (Link)

Oman 
• Oman reports first MERS case (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Woman, 83, dies of MERS in Jubail (Link)

United States 
• ME: First case of influenza reported in Maine (Link) 
• MS: Health Department confirms first flu cases (Link) 
• OR: LaneCo man severely ill from swine flu (Link)

Research 
• Five Chinese institutions jointly develop H7N9 vaccine (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (61): WHO global update (Link) 
• CIDRAP: MERS update: 3 more Saudi cases, 1 in Qatar (Link) 
• The 10-minute Mers test that could save lives (Link) 
• Don't wait until the sneezes start to ward off the office flu (Link) 
• WHO update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

Commentary 
• Razak Chick: The pilgrimage cleanses bar none (Link)

 

Oct. 28

China 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (128): China (ZJ) H7N9, WHO (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (129): China, H7N9 vaccine work (Link)

India 
• Viral fevers, HFMD on the rise (Andhra Pradesh) (Link)

Pakistan 
• MERS Coronavirus can be life-threatening (Link)

Qatar 
• Expat tests positive for MERS virus (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
•  Saudi Arabia reports 52 deaths from new virus; Middle East respiratory syndrome related to SARS (Link) 
• Woman dies of Mers in Saudi Arabia, raises toll to 52 (Link)

United Kingdom 
• 3 Trinis in London hospital with swine flu (Link)

Research 
• The Most Serious Flu Consequences (Link) 
• More than 40 percent of child flu death victims were healthy: Study (Link) 
• Flu can kill even healthy children, study finds (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Egypt Testing Suspected MERS-CoV Case (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Nature: Receptor Binding Of H7N9  (Link)

 

Oct. 27

Australia 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (95): Australia (NS) H7N2, poultry, OIE (Link)

Bahrain 
• Alert over Haj flu cases (Link)

Canada 
• Saskatchewan: Sask. would immunize all against swine flu (Link) 
• New Brunswick: N.B. expands flu shot program (Link) 
• Ontario: Serous Flu Outbreak in Ottawa (Link)

China 
• China bird flu cases 'signal winter epidemic'  (Link)

Indonesia 
• MoH: No Jemaah Taxable Corona Mers (translated) (Link)

Qatar 
• Supreme Council of Health announces heal infected with Corona and recording new cases (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Nearly 1m pilgrims received medical aid this Haj (Link) 
• Haj pilgrim from city dies in Holy Mecca (Link)

Research 
• China: Chinese develop vaccination for H7N9, bird flu (Link)

General 
• National Geographic: American Blackout (Link) 
• CDC: American Blackout (Link) 
• NPR: Solar Storms Could Be Earth's Next Katrina (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Nosocomial MERS Cluster In Jubail KSA (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS case-control study during the Hajj (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV antibodies not found in children in 2010-11 or adults from 2012 (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: GridEx 2013 Preparedness Drill (Link)

Oct.26

China 
• With advent of winter, threat of H7N9 resurfaces (Link) 
• New Wave of H7N9 Bird Flu in China Could Signal Winter Epidemic (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Five additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link) 
• Scientists envision a possible new epidemic wave of bird flu (Link)

Indonesia 
• Lampung: Two Banjarsari Bird Flu Suspects (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH: The new Corona virus Press Releases Health - Registration 3 cases of infection with HIV (Corona) New in the Eastern Region (translated) (Link)

Syria 
• ProMED: Early warning and response system - Syria (Link)

United States 
• CA: LA County Confirms 1st Flu Death of Season 
(Link) 
• FL: The flu season is here and a new feature of a popular website helps you keep track of it  (Link)

Research 
• Meta-analysis links flu vaccination to fewer cardio events (Link) 
• China makes history with H7N9 bird flu vaccine (Link) 
• New China H7N9 strain gives kick to mutant bird flu research (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (60): USA & worldwide 2013 update (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Another H7N9 Zhejiang Case Raises Concerns (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Saudi MOH Announces Three New Cases Of MERS-CoV (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Influenza A(H7N9) vaccine approved by Chinese food and drug administration for use (Link) 
• Tom Paulson: Why global health? Polio in Syria, Texas dengue, West Nile's killer cousin (Link)

Oct.25

Australia 
• New South Wales: Poultry vet agrees free range encourages bird flu (Link) 
• Second Avian Influenza prompts backyard warning from DPI (Link) 
• Finger-pointing begins over bird flu outbreak (Link)

Cambodia 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (124): Cambodia (KT) H5N1, WHO (Link)

China 
• New bird flu cases 'signal potential winter epidemic' (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (126) - China: (ZJ) H7N9 re-emerges (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: Doctor contracts swine flu from patient (Link)

Indonesia 
• Lampung: Two Banjasari People Bird Flu Suspects (translated) (Link)

Pakistan 
• ProMED: Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Pakistan (07): (PB) fatal (Link)

United States 
• DE: Drill sharpens response time for handling flu outbreak (Link)

United States 
• TX: Flu cases could spike in North Texas (Link)

Research 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (127): Netherlands, H7N9 research intention (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Early results in large trial affirm high-dose flu vaccine for seniors (Link)

General 
• WHO: Responding to emerging infectious disease threats (Link)

Commentary 
• Australia: Second avian influenza outbreak confirmed in NSW (Interview) (Link)

Oct. 24

Australia 
• New South Wales: Another bird flu outbreak near Young (Link)

China 
• China reports 2nd H7N9 bird flu case in Oct. (Link) 
• New flu case spurs fears of end to lull (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang verified by NHFPC (Link) 
• WHO H7N9 update: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus 10/24/2013 (Link)

Nepal 
• Kathmandu: West Ktm poultry farmers denounce compensation (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Man, 54, dies of MERS in Jubail (Link) 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

United Arab Emirates 
• Haj pilgrims returning to UAE not be monitored for Mers (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Flu jabs cut sick days by 59 per cent for South West Communications Group (Link)

United States 
• OR: Local girl contracts flu, mysteriously goes into cardiac arrest (Link) 
• TX: Texas leads the nation in flu cases (Link)

Research 
• H5N1 Bird Flu Genes Show Nature Can Pick Worrisome Traits (Link) 
• Scientists creating top secret mutant bird flu (Link) 
• Food additive may prevent spread of deadly new avian flu (Link) 
• New Flu Virus Found in Peruvian Bats - H18N11 (Link) 
• Study: More opportunities found for respiratory infections to spread among staff in emergency departments (Link) 
• Study: High-dose flu shot better protects seniors Shots, Needles, Drugs, Flu-10920 (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Another H7N9 Zhejiang Case Raises Concerns (Link)

 

Oct.23

Cambodia 
• Girl becomes year's 21st bird flu case (Link) 
• Cambodia Reports 21st Bird Flu Case in 2013 (Link) 
• Kompong Thom Girl Is Year's 21st Bird Flu Case (Link)

China 
• Zhejiang Province: New H7N9 case - China reports new human H7N9 bird flu case (Link) 
• Zhejiang Province: China reports second H7N9 bird flu case in October (Link)

Jamaica 
• Case of flu not yet sub-typed (Link)

South Korea 
• CIDRAP: South Korea, US to set up bioweapon monitoring of North Korea (Link)

Sri Lanka 
• SL's MERS alert on KSA-bound flights (Link)

United States 
• NM: Investigation continues as to cause of pneumonia outbreak (Link) 
• Flu Season Off to Slow Start (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Study: More focus on uncertainties would improve disease modeling (Link) 
• ProMED: Influenza (59): cross-protective response (Link) 
• Study Claims Recrudescent Wave of Influenza in Kashmir (India) (Link) 
• Flu vaccine may also reduce risk of heart attack by 50% among people who had heart attack (Link) 
• New China H7N9 strain gives kick to mutant bird flu research (Link) 
• US: Veterinary Scientists Track the Origin of a Deadly Emerging Pig Virus in the United States (Link) 
• ProMED: PRO/AH/EDR> Influenza (59): cross-protective response (Link)

General 
• WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) summary and literature update - as of 20 September 2013 (Link) 
• How Will Physicians Respond to the Next Influenza Pandemic? (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Hong Kong Statement On Today's Zhejiang H7N9 Case (Link) 
• Helen Branswell:  Researchers Keep Mum on Botulism Discove Publishing all the scientific details, they say, might show terrorists how to create a bioweaponry (Link) 
• Laurie Garrett: Making the New Revolutions in Biology Safe (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Laurie Garrett On Biosecurity Reforms (Link)

 

Oct. 22

Cambodia 
• Cambodia reports 21st bird flu case in 2013 (Link)

Canada 
• Know these five flu shot myths before you think about turning it down (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Two more MERS cases reported in Saudi Arabia (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan-produced flu vaccines make first foray into China (Link)

United States 
• FL: Prescription For Health: Be prepared as flu season begins (Link) 
• H (Link) 
• H (Link)

Research 
• Flu Virus Disarms Immune System's First Responders (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study: Flu vaccine plus immune suppressor may offer broader protection (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Anaphylaxis elevated after H1N1 vaccination, Quebec study says (Canada) (Link) 
• Scientists highlights novel way to develop universal influenza vaccine that can protect against multiple flu strains (Link) 
• H (Link)

General 
• WebMD launches web-based flu-tracking map (Link) 
• H (Link) 
• H (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under - Ian Mackay: Hajj pilgrims return around the world...is lab testing happening? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Cambodia Reports 21st H5N1 Case Of 2013 (Link)

 

Oct. 21

Canada 
• Flu shot season begins Monday across Albert (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: Six test positive for swine flu; 1 in ICU (Link)

Pakistan 
• Hajis start returning, but on delayed flights  (Link)

Research 
• Whitehead Institute scientists discover insidious nature of influenza virus (Link) 
•  Researchers find bird flu can be detected using smell (Link) 
• How to build a better flu vaccine for the elderly (Link)

General 
• Flu season threat greater for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who are taking immunosuppressive drugs (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: Australia - Returning Hajj pilgrims urged to be alert for signs of MERS (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Bahrain - "Preventive measures" under way against MERS (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: ECDC - Joint Scientific Opinion On Likelihood Of H3N2v Spreading To Europe (Link)

 

Oct. 20

China 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (123): China (ZJ) H7N9, WHO (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Screeners at airport check for Mers symptoms in travellers coming home from Saudi Arabia (Link)

Republic of Congo 
• ProMED: Ebola virus disease - Congo DR (03): (OR) susp. RFI (Link)

Republic of Madagascar 
• ProMED: Plague - Madagascar: prison, urban risk, alert (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH; new case: Discover infected Pfyrus situation Corona's New in the Eastern Region (translated) (Link)

Research 
• Exclusive: Jab to end super-flu: 'Holy grail' vaccine will give lifetime protection (Link) 
• Origin and molecular characterization of the human-infecting H6N1 influenza virus in Taiwan (Link) 
• Stop touching your face to avoid flu (Link) 
• Super-vaccine could eliminate need for annual flu jabs within five years after successful trials (Link) 
• Flu virus wipes out immune system's first responders to establish infection (Link) 
• Journal of Clinical Virology: Age-specific and sex-specific morbidity and mortality from avian influenza A(H7N9) (Link)

Commentary 
• Q&A: Richard Webby of the WHO on the new deadly flu strain (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV cases begin to tick over again after the Hajj....but isn't unrelated. Right? (Link) 
• VDU: Latest MERS-CoV cases (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Hong Kong: SFH Outlines Measures Against H7N9 (Link)

 

Oct. 19

Australia 
• Highly pathogenic bird flu hits Australia (Link)

Nigeria 
• ProMED: Lassa Fever - Nigeria (11): (EI): Abakaliki, nosocomial, alert (Link)

Qatar 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (76): Qatar, new case, RFI (Link) 
• CIDRAP: WHO says Qatari MERS patient had contact with camels (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• 1.4m pilgrims leave S Arabia after Haj (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: The new Corona virus Press Releases The discovery of the case of the new Corona virus in the Riyadh region (Link) 
• WHO update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link) 
• 2nd MERS case announced in 2 days (Link)

United States 
• CDC: Flu activity low in U.S., elevated in Southeast (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Work resumes at federal public health agencies (Link)

Research 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (123): H7N9, H5N1, age and sex-specific morbidity (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: An Abbreviated FluView (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: A summary of Influenza A(H7N9) virus findings in birds and humans (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: Random Analytics: October 19 MERS infographic update (Link)

Oct. 18

Australia 
• New South Wales: Eggs to go in bird flu outbreak (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (94): Australia (NS) H7N2, poultry (Link) 
• New South Wales: $4M to replace 400,000 hens affected by bird flu (Link)

China 
• Bird Flu's Return in China Seen Sped by New Year Chicken (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Additional overseas case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link) 
• Hong Kong: Disease expert warns of bird flu outbreak as winter approaches (Link) 
• Hong Kong suspends poultry and egg imports from NSW (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: Three swine flu cases reported (Link) 
• Maharashtra: Two swine flu patients critical in GMCH (Link) 
• Tamil Nadu: Ten cases of swine flu in city, 1 dead (Link)

Sweden 
• Severe swine flu kicks off influenza season (Link)

Research 
• Study: Flu vaccine has limited impact on serious outcomes in seniors (Link) 
• Flu drug favipiravir to move into phase 3 trials (Link) 
• Flu-infected ducks have distinct fecal odor, finds study (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Qatar MERS Case Raises Hajj Concerns (Link) 
• Recombinomics: H7N9 In Shaoxing Zhejiang Has PB2 D87N (Link)

Oct. 17

Australia 
• Bird flu chickens will be destroyed (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza (93): Australia (NS) H7N2, poultry, OIE (Link)

Canada 
• The antiviral campaign: How flu clinics are seeking help from social media (Link)

China 
• China confirms new case of bird flu since August (Link)

India 
• Andhra Pradesh: Two swine flu cases reported in Mahbubnagar district (Link) 
• ProMED: Undiagnosed deaths - India (03): (GJ) (Link)

Qatar 
• New Case: Qatar announces the registration of new infections "Corona" 
(translated) (Link) 
• Qatar announced a new case of coronavirus MERS (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• WHO praises KSA efforts during Haj (Link)

Sudan 
• ProMED: Viral hemorrhagic fever - Sudan: (Darfur) RFI  (Link)

United States 
• Influenza expected to affect nearly 63 million Americans this season (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Spotty data suggest slow start to US flu season (Link) 
• Shutdown impact: Still partly closed, debt threat (Link) 
• CDC Director: In the Shutdown, 'We Are Juggling Chainsaws' (Link) 
• The Government Shutdown Is (Almost) Over, but the Damage to Science Will Last (Link) 
• FL: Flu season off to an early start, heath officials encourage vaccinations (Link)

Research 
• Avian influenza virus detection using smell (Link) 
• Positive Phase 2 Results for Flu Drug (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: Qatar MERS Case Raises Hajj Concerns (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Qatar Reports MERS-CoV Case (Link)

Oct 16

Australia 
• Family farm 'devastated' by bird flu (Link)

Canada 
• B.C. flu-shot policy faces legal protest (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Tourist from Middle East with respiratory symptoms tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Chinese man hospitalized with severe H7N9 flu (Link) 
• Hong Kong Bans Poultry Products From Italy Over Avian Flu Fears (Link) 
• ProMED: Avian influenza, human (122): China (ZJ) H7N9, alert (Link) 
• WHO update: Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus - update (Link)

Indonesia 
• 2 Residents of Jalan Manggis Bird Flu Suspects (translated) (Link)

United States 
• The Impact of a Severe Flu Season: Americans Missed 230 Million Work Days and Lost $8.5 Billion in Wages in 2012-13 (Link)

Research 
• Research Study: A Prospective Intervention Study on Higher-Dose Oseltamivir Treatment in Adults Hospitalized With Influenza A and B Infections (Link) 
• Triple Dose Tamiflu Beats Back H1N1 (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (58): WHO global update No.196 (Link) 
• Time Magazine In Depth Report:: As the Hajj Unfolds in Saudi Arabia, A Deep Look Inside the Battle Against MERS (Link)

Commentary 
• Recombinomics: H7N9 Case Confirmed in Shaoxing Zhejiang (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: PLoS One: Epidemiological & Clinical Description Of 6 H7N9 Cases - Shanghai (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: how tough is it? (Link)

Oct. 15

Australia 
• New South Wales: A strain of the Avian flu virus has been found in a flock of 400,000 layer hens in NSW's South West Slopes region (Link)

Canada 
• Alberta Health Link overwhelmed with flu calls (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Two additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link) 
• Zhejiang reports first case of H7N9 avian flu since April (Link) 
• China confirms new human H7N9 infection (Link) 
• Hong Kong CHP: Notification of additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Zhejiang (Link)

India 
• Gujarat: Undiagnosed deaths - India (02): (GJ) comments (Link) 
• Gujarat: Undiagnosed deaths - India: (GJ) RFI (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: WHO confirms two more Saudi MERS cases (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Vulnerable 11 times more likely to die if they skip flu vaccine (Link)

United States 
• OK: Shutdown could add to flu vaccine supply problem Vaccine supply 'tight,' health department says (Link) 
• TX: Dallas County Reports First Adult Flu-Related Death of Season (Link)

Research 
• Taiwan vows to develop first vaccine against fatal H7N9 avian flu (Link) 
• US: U of R Leading In Bird Flu Study (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (57): southern hemisphere 2014 vaccine composition 
Archive Number: 20131014.2001092 (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down Under: Influenza A(H7N9) virus case appears in Zhejiang province (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: Zhejiang Province Reports New H7N9 Case (Link) 
• Dr. Marla Shapiro: Flu season primer (Link)

 

Oct. 14

Indonesia 
• One Bengkulu Citizen Suspected to be Affected with Bird Flu (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Islam strictly forbids terrorism, says Grand Mufti in Hajj sermon (Link) 
• WHO update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update (Link)

Taiwan 
• Taiwan looks to first vaccine against fatal H7N9 avian flu (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Wales: Flu vaccines for children in Wales to stave off winter epidemic (Link)

United States 
• NV: Flu shot clinic hits new record (Link)

Vietnam 
• Thanh Nien: Vietnam finds bird flu at chicken farm - Thanh Nien (Link)

Research 
• Molecule discovery may help lower influenza-related deaths (Link) 
• New test aims to better detect viral infections (Link) 
• NY: URMC Enrolling Subjects to Test H7N9 Pandemic Bird Flu Vaccines (Link)

General 
• How sick is too sick to go to work during flu season? (Link) 
• What to do if you have the flu (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: Dr. Mackay: The Hajj begins (Link) 
• NewScientist - Debora MacKenzie: Don't let fear of bioweapons kill off science (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: URMC Outlines H7N9 LAIV Trials (Link)

 

Oct. 13

Canada 
• Saskatoon holds extra flu shot clinic because of 'popular demand' (Link)

China 
• China: No new H7N9 bird flu cases reported since August (Link) 
• Hunan: ProMED - Liuyang several butcher bird flu has been ruled out with a high fever swine flu (translated) (Link)

India 
• Gujarat: ProMED - Undiagnosed deaths - India: (GJ) RFI (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Two Million Muslim Pilgrims Begin Annual Hajj (Link)

United States 
• Track Flu Outbreaks in Your Area (Link) 
• What If a Flu Breaks Out When CDC Can't Track It (Link) 
• CA: SoCal doctors check holy land travelers for virus (Link) 
• IA: First Flu Cases In Iowa (Link) 
• KY: Dahhan: Flu season hits early (Link)

Research 
• ProMED:  Influenza (56): H17N10 and H18N11 in New World bats (Link)

Commentary 
• Maggie Fox:: New MERS virus + Hajj: Maybe not a recipe for disaster (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary:Aye, There's The Rub (Link)

Oct. 12

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

French Polynesia 
• Tahiti: Avian chlamydiosis - French Polynesia: (Tahiti) pigeon, 1st rep, OIE (Link)

India 
• Maharashtra: Swine flu suspect from Belgaum in Chhatrapati Pramila Raje Civil Hospital (Link)

Nepal 
• Pneumonia grips Saptari kids (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: Protein Sciences says its flu vaccine will be available in November (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Suspension of CDC flu tracking raises concern (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: Peruvian bats found to harbor novel influenza virus (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Study: Hematological & Biochemical Abnormalities In H7N9 Patients (Link)

Oct.11

France 
• CIDRAP: Survey: MERS advice for high-risk Hajj pilgrims often ignored (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Prudence mixes with fatalism over MERS at hajj (Link) 
• Pilgrims immune to Mers fears as they arrive in Mecca for Haj (Link)

United States 
• Bovine tuberculosis, human - USA: (NV) nosocomial spread, fatal (Link) 
• Shutdown alarms health officials amid MERS, flu threat (Link) 
• CDC shutdown: Mayo Clinic expert explains what it means for this flu season-and the next (Link) 
• SC: DHEC won't provide flu vaccines for insured patients (Link) 
• SD: 1st cases of flu reported in South Dakota (Link) 
• UT: First flu hospitalizations, but furloughed CDC can't track (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: (US) Scientists find new botulinum toxin, withhold genetic details (Link)

General 
• Eurosurveillance, Volume 18, Issue 41, 10 October 2013: Hajj pilgrims' knowledge about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, August to September 2013 (Link)

Commentary 
• Virology Down under: Mycophenolic acid added to the study list of anti-MERS-CoV therapeutics? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: WHO: Call For Mercury-Free Health Care By 2020 (Link)

Oct. 10

China 
• Hebei enter the high season of influenza H7N9 bird flu prevention and control of this key (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi MOH Announces 2 New (Fatal) MERS-CoV Cases (Link) 
• Ahead of Haj, two Saudis die of MERS virus (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Reducing flu infections and mortality by expanding vaccination policies to include children (Link)

United States 
• This year's flu shot: 2009 (H1N1), A(H3N2) and B/Massachusetts (Link) 
• LA Times In Depth Report:: Virus hangs over Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (Link)

Research 
• The genesis and source of the H7N9 influenza viruses causing human infections in China (Link) 
• New Genomic Analysis Shows H5N1 (Bird Flu) Replikin Count Highest Among Five Influenza Strains (Link) 
• Vaccines provide suboptimal protection against H5N1 in ducks (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study - Statin failed to help patients with ventilator-related pneumonia (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Tests find H7N9 replicates well in human lung tissue (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Study finds low levels of hypersensitivity reactions to H1N1 vaccine (Link) 
• Human H7N9 Influenza A Viruses Replicate in Swine Respiratory Tissue Explants (Link) 

• Origin of MERS coronavirus identified (Link)

General 
• Is It Ever Too Early or Too Late for a Flu Shot? (Link)

Commentary 
• ProMED: Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Pakistan (06): comment (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is MERS-free...is it MERS-CoV free though? (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Low transmission potential for H7N9 that was....remains to be seen what will be (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: Low transmission potential for H7N9 that was....remains to be seen what will be (Link)

Oct. 9

Canada 
• Chronically ill left out of new swine flu program (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Two patients with respiratory symptoms and travel history test negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus  (Link)

Indonesia 
•  Indonesia confirms H5N1 death Human (Link)

Republic of Ireland 
• 1,000 could die from severe flu outbreak in Ireland (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi set for haj despite MERS virus fears (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Two critical swine flu cases in South (Link) 
• Govt orders 60,000 more H1N1 vaccines (Link)

United States 
• With the government shutdown, who will track this year's flu? (Link) 
• Flu season harder to track during government shutdown Thousands of CDC workers furloughed (Link) 
• Salmonella, Flu, Zombies, and the CDC in Shutdown Mode (Link) 
• Culture Shock: Unintended Consequences and Adverse Effects (Link)

Research 
• Innovations Expand Types of Seasonal Flu Vaccines (Link) 
• Age-specific and sex-specific morbidity and mortality from avian influenza A(H7N9) (Link) 
• Distribution of selected healthcare resources for influenza pandemic response in Cambodia (Link) 
• Child flu vaccination 'will save more lives' (Link) 
• American Society for Microbiology: The Novel Human Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Is Naturally Adapted to Efficient Growth in Human Lung Tissue (Link)

Commentary 
• Helen Branswell: Canada - Why do so few Canadians get a flu shot? (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: mBio: H7N9 Naturally Adapted For Efficient Growth in Human Lung Tissue (Link) 
• Virology Down Under: MERS-CoV update (Link)

 

Oct. 8

Cayman Islands 
• Cayman on alert for bird flu (Link)

China 
• Hong Kong: Patient with respiratory symptoms and travel history tests negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

Indonesia 
• Indonesia Reports 194th Human H5N1 Bird Flu Case Since 2005 (Link)

Pakistan 
• Crimean-Congo hem. fever - Pakistan (05): ex Afghanistan (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS: The Middle Eastern virus that's deadlier than SARS A frightening new disease has cropped up near Mecca (Link) 
• How great is the risk of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus to the global population? (Link)

Singapore 
• Health Ministry investigates report of six preschoolers infected with H1N1 virus (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• 2009 swine flu plan reactivated (Link) 
• Swine Flu vaccines distributed to hospitals (Link)

United States 
• Flu season may be starting, but feds on furlough can't track it (Link) 
• Utah sees first flu hospitalization; vaccine still available Public health » Flu season coincides with federal shutdown and furlough of disease surveillance experts (Link)

Research 
• New test aims to confirm viral infections Genomic fingerprints might help doctors ID cause of feverish illnesses (Link)

General 
• CIDRAP: ECDC report: Social inequalities affect infectious disease profile (Link) 
• Athenahealth Tracks Flu Outbreaks During Government Shutdown (Link) 
• Tips to guard against the flu (Link)

Oct.7

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

Indonesia 
• Although Still in a Coma, NKA is Indicated Negative (translated) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Saudi Arabia: Riyadh denies holding back Mers data (Link) 
• Beware of five viruses during Haj, warn docs (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Browne, Fuad at odds over swine flu (Link)

United States 
• HHS boosts national capacity to produce pandemic flu vaccine (Link) 
• ProMED: Circovirus, canine - USA (03): (MI) suspected (Link) 
• Flu pandemic hits D.C., Oct. 7, 1918 (Link)

Research 
• Rutgers scientists find molecules that could knock out flu  (Link) 
• Molecules that show promise for new anti-flu medicines Chemicals block ability of flu virus to replicate in cells; goal is to develop medicines that fight much-feared pandemic influenzas (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Indonesia Reports 9th Bird Flu Death This Year (translated) (Link)

Oct. 6

India 
• Haryana and Punjab: Cases of severe eye flu on rise in city (Chandigarh) (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• Crofsblogs: Saudi Arabia - Two suspected MERS cases in Al-Kharj (Link) 
• Crofsblogs: MERS closely watched as millions of Muslims gather in Mecca for Haj (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Swine flu vaccines arrive (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Scotland: Gelatine concerns delay latest Scottish flu vaccination programme for children (Link)

United States 
• ProMED: Circovirus, canine - USA (02): (MI) RFI (Link) 
• MD: First flu case in Maryland involves child, officials say Residents reminded to get vaccinations (Link)

Research 
• Indian scientist-led team set to develop universal flu vaccine (Link)

General 
• No, the thimerosal in the flu vaccine does not explain why autism rates did not go down (Link)

Commentary 
• Mike Coston, Avian Flu Diary: Pandemic Preparedness - Taking Our Cue From The Experts (Link)

 

Oct. 5

China 
• Six additional overseas cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome closely monitored by DH (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (74): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• CIDRAP: WHO confirms 6 MERS cases in Saudi Arabia (Link) 
• ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (74): Saudi Arabia, WHO (Link) 
• ID Week 2013 Opens with MERS-CoV, Controversies in HIV Care, and More (Link)

Thailand 
• Ministry: No Signs Of New Bird Flu Cases In Thailand (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Suspected new case in Sando (Link) 
• Sando patients get screened in tent (Link)

United Kingdom 
• Swine Flu: An Increasing Problem? (Link) 
• Wales: Needle-free flu fight (Link)

United States 
• Don't assume flu shot offers complete protection (Link) 
• MT: Health officials encourage flu shots (Link) 
• NY: First flu of the season reported in Madison County (Link)

Research 
• Compounds Extracted From Carrots Can Help Treat Flu, Other Ailments (Link) 
• CIDRAP: ProMED: Avian influenza, human (118): China, H7N9 low transmission potential (Link)

General 
• Flu vaccine gets a shot of innovation in design, delivery (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: The Perils Of Not Knowing Your Dose (Link) 
• Avian Flu Diary: ECDC MERS-CoV Epidemiological Update - Oct 4th (Link)

Oct. 4

Philippines 
• PHL bans all poultry from Taiwan on avian flu report (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• New Cases: Saudi lifts MERS infection toll to 136 (Link) 
• WHO update Oct. 4: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update  (Link) 
• Saudi Arabian health official deflects MERS questions (Link)

Sudan 
• Undiagnosed illness - South Sudan: (JG) fatal, RFI (Link)

Trinidad & Tobago 
• Six local swine flu cases confirmed: Health Ministry (Link) 
• 2 suspected Swine Flu deaths (Link) 
• Six Swine Flu cases confirmed in Trinidad (Link)

United States 
• Shutdown causes impact on flu season (Link) 
• MD: First case of flu confirmed in Maryland (Link) 
• MI: Deadly Dog Virus Appears in Michigan (Link)

Research 
• Impact of prior seasonal H3N2 influenza vaccination or infection on protection and transmission of emerging variants of influenza A(H3N2)v virus in ferrets (Link) 
• CIDRAP: Cell study shows potential for broad-spectrum antibiotics for MERS (Link) 
• New anti-flu molecules discovered (Link) 
• How the Shutdown Is Devastating Biomedical Scientists and Killing Their Research (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: Masks, MERS, and The Upcoming Hajj (Link)

Oct. 3

Bangladesh 
• Abstract: Live bird markets of Bangladesh: H9N2 viruses and the near absence of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza (Link)

Indonesia 
• Thousand of Ducks in Sibudondo Sudden Death (Link)

Kuwait 
• Hajj medical team orients pilgrims on Coronavirus prevention (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• MERS Knowledge Gaps Troubling to Many (Link) 
• MERS safety: Pilgrims must wear masks (Link) 
• Saudi minister unveils plans to ensure hajj pilgrims' safety (Link)

Sudan 
• Mysterious disease kills 15 SPLA soldiers in Pibor county (Link)

Thailand 
• Official insists no bird flu outbreak (Link)

United States 
• CIDRAP: IOM publishes standards of care toolkit for crises (Link) 
• Shutdown could affect 2014 flu shot strains  (Link) 
• WI: University of Wisconsin Launches Application Geared Toward Tracking Flu Outbreaks (Link)

Research 
• Universal flu vaccine could be created in five years (Link) 
• Broad-Spectrum Antivirals For The Emerging Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Link)

Oct. 2

Barbados 
• Barbados confirms one death among four cases of Swine Flu (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudi Arabia announces three more MERS cases (Link) 
• Saudi Arabia: MoH draws up contingency plan for pilgrimage sites (Link)

United States 
• CDC: Interim Guidance on the Use of Antiviral Medications for Chemoprophylaxis of Close Contacts of Persons with Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus Infection (Link) 
• HHS boosts national capacity to produce pandemic flu vaccine (Link)

Research 
• CIDRAP: US - Boston BSL-4 lab clears judicial hurdle (Link)

General 
• ProMED: Influenza (55): WHO global update (Link) 
• When diseases have a bad name, change is hard (Link)

Commentary 
• Crofsblogs: Canada - Woman at Ottawa hospital being tested for MERS (Link)

Oct. 1

Canada 
• Health Canada issues travel notice for Saudi area due to MERS (Link)

Qatar 
• MERS guidelines cause confusion in schools (Link)

Saudi Arabia 
• CIDRAP: Saudis report more MERS-CoV cases; serologic study draws blank (Link) 
• Saudi MOH: Discovery (3) cases of the virus (Corona) New in the Riyadh region (translated) (Link)

United States 
• Should American Consumers Worry About Chicken Imported From China? (Link) 
• No food poisoning, flu surveillance during shutdown, federal health agencies say (Link) 
• Government shutdown: CDC will be unable to monitor seasonal flu; vaccination not affected (Link) 
• CDC Shutdown: No In-Depth Investigations of Outbreaks (Link) 
• SC: Flu season picks up in Midlands with five cases (Columbia, S.C.) (Link)

Research 
• Differential host response, rather than early viral replication efficiency, correlates with pathogenicity caused by influenza viruses (Link) 
• US: Virginia Tech faculty receives NIH New Innovator Award to research on influenza transmission (Link) 
• Scientists make discovery about spread of viruses (Link) 
• Animal Viruses - Positive-strand RNA (Link)

Commentary 
• Avian Flu Diary: H7N9: Updated CDC Guidance For Antiviral Treatment (Link)