Avian Influenza News

Latest Avian Influenza News

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:51:07 +0100

Avian Influenza News updated every 15 minutes. Stay informed on latest Avian Influenza Avian Influenza H5N1 News.

American Ginseng Root : Approved to fight colds and flu

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:51:07 +0100

A major U.S. scientific review (monograph) of COLD-fX conducted by leading American cold/flu experts concludes the cold/flu remedy delivered "impressive" benefits to users.
COLD-fX is the result of intensive scientific research on a natural herb, American ginseng root. It is believed to be the first natural medicine in Canada approved to fight colds and flu by boosting the immune system.
Find out more about COLD-fX >>

FAO-funded project to study role of birds in avian flu

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:54:51 +0100

Migratory birds flocking at the Kodiakkarai sanctuary near Vedaranyam. NAGAPATTINAM: A project, to be funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, will study the role of migratory birds in the spread of ...

Project to study role of birds in avian flu

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:52:07 +0100

NAGAPATTINAM: A project, to be funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, will study the role of migratory birds in the spread of avian influenza, using tracking devices in three bird sanctuaries later ...

EGYPT: Contingency planning for an avian flu pandemic

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:59:06 +0100

Egypt, the country hit hardest by avian flu in the Middle East, is working on preventative measures to stop a potential human influenza pandemic.

Cleveland Clinic Recognizes New Strategies For Creating Vaccines For Avian Flu As A Top Ten Medical Innovation For 2009

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:58:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that its strategy for treating avian flu through genetically-engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) was ranked as a Top Ten Innovation at Cleveland Clinic 6th Annual Medical Innovation Summit. Novavax, Inc.

Avian Flu Virus Freed From Immune Recognition By Protein 'Tubules'

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 11:58:00 +0100

A protein found in the virulent avian influenza virus strain called H5N1 forms tiny tubules in which it "hides" the pieces of double-stranded RNA formed during viral infection, which otherwise would prompt an antiviral immune response from infected cells, said Baylor College of Medicine researchers in an online report in the journal Nature.

Genetic Evidence For Avian Influenza Movement From Asia To North America Via Wild Birds

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:58:00 +0100

Wild migratory birds may be more important carriers of avian influenza viruses from continent to continent than previously thought, according to new scientific research that has important implications for highly pathogenic avian influenza virus surveillance in North America. As part of a multi-pronged research effort to understand the role of migratory birds in the transfer of avian influenza viruses between Asia and North America, scientists with the U.S.

Conference Focuses On Avian Flu Threat

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:58:00 +0200

As the first globally co-ordinated plan for the planet's gravest health threats is hatched by government ministers from around the world this weekend, a new report sets out a 10-point plan for this new, globalised approach to infectious diseases such as avian flu.

USAID continues to bolster Sri Lanka's defence against Avian influenza

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:35:31 +0200

The US Agency for International Development (USAID handed over a real-time Polymerase Chain Reactor machine to the Veterinary Research Institute of the Livestock Development Ministry, which will dramatically improve the Sri Lanka's ability to diagnose quickly any possible outbreak of Avian influenza.

USAID continues to bolster Sri Lanka's defense against Avian Influenza

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 16:18:00 +0200

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today handed over a real-time Polymerase Chain Reactor machine to the Veterinary Research Institute of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which will dramatically improve the Sri Lanka's ability to diagnose quickly any possible outbreak of avian influenza.

Viet Nam seeks world help with avian-flu vaccination (Vi?t Nam News)

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:23:44 +0200

HA NOI ? Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Avian Influenza Control and Prevention Cao Duc Phat yesterday called for further assistance from the international community to help Viet Nam vaccinate poultry vulnerable to avian flu, at a meeting in Ha Noi.

Novartis MF59�-adjuvanted Vaccine Rapidly Induces Protective Antibody Levels Against Diverse Strains Of Avian Flu

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:58:00 +0200

A new study shows that individuals immunized six years earlier with an MF59 adjuvanted H5N3 (clade 0) vaccine mounted a protective immune response seven days after a single immunization with an H5N1 (clade 1) vaccine containing the Novartis proprietary adjuvant MF59. The immune response was broadly cross reactive and covered all H5N1 clades known to date. These data were presented at the Third European Influenza Conference in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Indonesia Update 43

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. The first is a 16-year-old female from South Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Province developed symptoms on 7 May, was hospitalized on 12 May and died on 14 May. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate exposure to sick and dead poultry. The second case is a 34-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province who developed symptoms on 26 May, and was hospitalized on 2 June and died on 3 June. Investigations into the source of her infection are ongoing. Of the 135 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 110 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Bangladesh

Wed, 28 May 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health, Bangladesh has confirmed its first case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza. The case was identified retrospectively as part of seasonal surveillance activities run by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDRB). The case is a 16-month-old male from Komalapur, Dhaka. He developed symptoms on 27th January 2008 and subsequently recovered. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the WHO H5 Reference Laboratory, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case was exposed to live and slaughtered chickens at his home. Specimens have been collected from his family members and neighbours. All remain healthy to date.

Avian Influenza Situation in Indonesia Update 42

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 3-year-old male from Wonogiri District, Central Java Province developed symptoms on 14 April, was hospitalized on 21 April and died on 23 April. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate exposure to sick and dead poultry. - Of the 133 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 108 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 10

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 2-year-old male from Al-Honsanya, Sharkea Governorate. He developed symptoms on 13 April and was hospitalized on 14 April and is currently in hospital. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3). Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 50 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 22 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 9

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 30-year-old female from Al-Matarya, Cairo Governorate. She developed symptoms on 2 April, was hospitalized and died on 11 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3). Investigations into the source of her infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 49 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 22 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 8

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 19-year-old male from Kafr El-Dawar District, Behera governorate. He developed symptoms on 30 March was hospitalized on 31 March and died on 4 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3). Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 48 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 21 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Pakistan Update 2

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

Two additional H5N1 cases were confirmed by serological testing, thus providing final H5N1 infection test results on a previously reported family cluster in Peshawar. These tests were conducted by the WHO H5 Reference Laboratory in Cairo, Egypt and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Atlanta, USA. 1) The preliminary risk assessment found no evidence of sustained or community human to human transmission. 2) All identified close contacts including the other members of the affected family and involved health care workers remain asymptomatic and have been removed from close medical observation. These laboratory test results support the epidemiological findings from the outbreak investigation in December 2007, and the final risk assessment that suggested limited human to human transmission likely occurred among some of the family members which is consistent with some human-to-human transmission events reported previously. This outbreak did not extend into the community, and appropriate steps were taken to reduce future risks of human infections.

Avian Influenza Situation in Indonesia Update 41

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:58:02 +0200

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced three new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. The first is a 15-year-old male student from Subang District, West Java Province who developed symptoms on 19 March, was hospitalized on 22 March and died on 26 March. The second case is an 11-year-old female student from Bekasi City, West Java Province who developed symptoms on 19 March, was hospitalized on 23 March and died on 28 March. The third case is a 21-month-old female from Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra Province who developed symptoms on 17 March, and was hospitalized on 22 March. She is presently recovering in hospital. The source of infection for all three cases is still under investigation. - Of the 132 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 107 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Vietnam Update 5

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is an 11-year old male from Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province. He developed symptoms on 4 March, was hospitalized on 9 March and died on 14 March. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness. Control measures have been implemented and close contacts have been identified. All remain healthy and will continue to be monitored. Of the 106 cases confirmed to date in Vietnam, 52 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 7

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is an 8-year-old male from Etsa District, Fayum Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on 3 March. He is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 47 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 6

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is an 11-year-old male from Menof District, Menofia Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on 26 February and was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratory and NAMRU-3 on 4 March. He remains in a critical condition. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 46 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 5

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 25 years old female from Sennoris District, Fayum Governorate. She developed symptoms on 24 February and was hospitalized on 27 February. Her death has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Population. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate that she had contact with sick poultry prior to becoming unwell. Of the 45 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 20 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Egypt Update 4

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 4 years old female from El-Edwa district, Menia governorate. She developed symptoms on 21 February and was hospitalized on 24 February. She is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate exposure to sick poultry in the week prior to onset of symptoms. Of the 44 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 19 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in China Update 2

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 44-year old female from Haifeng county, Shanwei city, Guangdong province. She developed symptoms on 16 February was hospitalized on 22 February and died on 25 February. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 25 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness. All contacts have been placed under medical observation. All remain healthy to date. Of the 30 cases confirmed to date in China, 20 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza Situation in Vietnam Update 4

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:58:02 +0100

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is a 23-year old female from Cam Khe district, Phu Tho province. She developed symptoms on 14 February was hospitalized on 19 February and died on 25 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness. Of the 105 cases confirmed to date in Vietnam, 51 have been fatal.

The Global Bird Flu Riddle

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:51:07 +0100

Bird flu patients die of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). What causes ARDS and what makes it fatal? Read it here …