Vol. XI, No. 26 ~ EINet News Briefs ~ Dec 26, 2008

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2008
Bangladesh / 1 (0)
Cambodia/ 1 (0)
China / 3 (3)
Egypt / 8 (4)
Indonesia / 22 (18)
Viet Nam / 5 (5)
Total / 40 (30)

***For data on human cases of avian influenza prior to 2008, go to:
http://depts.washington.edu/einet/humanh5n1.html

Total no. of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1), Dec 2003 to present: 391 (247).
(WHO 9/10/08 http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html )

Avian influenza age distribution data from WHO/WPRO:
http://www.wpro.who.int/sites/csr/data/data_Graphs.htm (WHO/WPRO 12/16/08)

WHO's maps showing world's areas affected by H5N1 avian influenza (last updated 12/24/08):
http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/

WHO’s timeline of important H5N1-related events (last updated 12/8/08):
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/ai_timeline/en/index.html

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Global: EU panel supports innovative pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
An H5N1 influenza vaccine made by Baxter International could become the first cell culture–based H5N1 influenza vaccine to be approved for marketing, following its endorsement by a committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). Recommendations of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) are usually followed by the EMEA within a few months.

Most flu vaccines, including the two H5N1 prepandemic vaccines now licensed, are grown in chicken eggs, a process that takes about 4 to 6 months. Baxter's H5N1 vaccine, called Celvapan, is grown in Vero (monkey kidney) cells. Cell culture production is regarded as somewhat faster and much more flexible than the egg-based method.

CHMP also recommended EMEA approval of a Sanofi Pasteur seasonal flu vaccine that is injected intradermally (ID)—just beneath the skin surface—instead of into muscle. "This represents the first key step toward recognition of the ID route as a promising option for vaccine administration," the company said.

Baxter vaccine called mock-up
Baxter said its cell-based production technology is faster than the egg-based method because the virus used in the vaccine does not need to be modified to grow in chicken eggs. The company said EMEA approval of Celvapan would permit the vaccine to be used if the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. The vaccine is derived from an H5N1 strain isolated in Vietnam in 2004. The company described Celvapan as a mock-up vaccine—one that is identical to the future pandemic vaccine in composition and manufacturing but contains an existing flu strain, since the actual pandemic strain has not emerged.

"Once a pandemic strain is declared, this licensure allows for a fast track approval of the vaccine containing the actual pandemic strain," the company said. Health officials hope that vaccines based on existing H5N1 viruses will provide some protection if H5N1 evolves into a pandemic strain.

In May 2007 the EMEA approved a mock-up flu vaccine made by Novartis, called Focetria, to permit a faster start on production in case of a pandemic. The company said that vaccine would not be manufactured until a pandemic is declared.

Baxter said the antigen composition and structure of Celvapan "are identical to the actual virus circulating in nature," which eliminates the need to use adjuvants (immune-boosting chemicals) and the resulting potential for side effects.

Intradermal vaccine supported
The CHMP approval of Sanofi Pasteur's ID seasonal flu vaccine, called Intanza/IDflu, was announced 18 Dec 2008. "Vaccination via the ID route involves the administration of the antigen into the dermal layer of the skin," Sanofi said. "Due to the high concentration of specialized immune cells in the skin layer and their ability to effectively stimulate an immune response, ID vaccination provides direct and efficient access to the immune system."

The BD product consists of a prefilled syringe with a needle and a shield that allows the needle to penetrate only 1.5 millimeters into the skin. Previously, ID injections were done with the Mantoux technique, developed for tuberculosis skin tests. It said the Mantoux technique is not commonly used for vaccination, because it is hard to apply reliably and efficiently. The US flu vaccine shortage in the 2004-05 flu season stimulated interest in using ID vaccination as a way to stretch the vaccine supply.
(CIDRAP 12/22/08)

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The H5 virus is not dangerous to human beings and is different from the H5N1 variant, which has killed more than 200 people since it resurfaced in 2003.

The Belgian Federal Food Agency, which supervises the safety of the food chain, has ordered emergency measures to be taken in the two farms and surrounding areas. Some 5000 animals had to be slaughtered as a precautionary measure and all poultry within a radius of one km of the farms must be kept indoors. Transport of poultry is forbidden for 21 days.
(ProMED 12/24/08)

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Denmark: Avian influenza suspected on farm with free-range chickens   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
A flock of free-range chickens on a farm in south-western Denmark is suspected of being infected with bird flu, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said on 22 Dec 2008. "The suspicion arose following unexpected results in blood tests done as part of routine checks for bird flu," the agency said. The agency had isolated the flock pending further tests.
(ProMED 12/23/08)

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England: Surging influenza cases may herald tough season   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
While the US influenza season has started slowly, cases are surging in England, raising concern that the country could have its toughest season since 1999-2000. In England and Wales during the week of 15 Dec 2008, about 68.5 people per 100,000 saw a general practitioner for influenza-like illness (ILI), a 73% increase over the 39.5 per 100,000 the week before. The number is also 73% higher than the same week in 2007. Dr. Douglas Fleming, director of the RCGP Research Unit in Birmingham, said the increase was significant. "In the past 10 years, the only substantial outbreak was in 1999-2000," he said. "I think we could be looking at something that approaches that this year [2008]."

British public health officials define a flu epidemic as an ILI rate of 200 per 100,000. The last time that happened in England was in 1989-90. "That one caught everyone a bit off guard but there's been a big push on flu vaccination since then," virologist John Oxford of Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry stated.
(CIDRAP 12/24/08)

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Germany: Low pathogenic avian influenza outbreak continues in Cloppenburg County   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
The number of poultry holdings in Cloppenburg County infected by the low-pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N3 has risen to 20, as of 20 Dec 2008. Two suspected cases in the last few days have been confirmed by the official investigation. These confirmations relate to a holding in Friesoythe-Schwaneburg, where 10,800 turkeys had already been culled as a precaution, as well as a suspected outbreak reported on 18 Dec 2008 from the municipality of Garrel where nearly 15,000 turkeys have been killed.

Since the outbreak in Friesoythe-Schwaneburg has been officially confirmed, a 1000 meters radius zone has been declared as an exclusion zone around the farm. No additional poultry farms are located within the said zone, leading to a limited impact of the declaration.

A new suspected case was reported on 20 Dec 2008 from the municipality Bosel, where 17,500 turkeys have been killed as a precaution, according to the district. The official investigation's results are not yet available. So far, approximately 300,000 birds have been culled and destroyed.
(ProMED 12/21/08)

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China: Government efforts reduced the incidence of avian influenza in 2008   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
The number of birds and animals that fell prey to major epidemics in 2008 dropped to a three-year low because of government measures to check disease outbreaks, a senior Agriculture Ministry official said on 24 Dec 2008.

The number of birds infected with avian flu dropped by 60 percent, with 9000 birds falling prey to the virus, said Li Jinxiang, director of the ministry's veterinary bureau. "We've paid greater attention to animal epidemic control this year [2008], enforcing effective vaccination programs and surveillance," Li said. A general nationwide survey shows the free inoculation program for poultry and livestock covered 95 percent of the country's villages and towns, Li said.
(ProMED 12/25/08)

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China (Jiangsu): FAO announces that it will monitor avian influenza H5N1 outbreak   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
The United Nations played down fears over an outbreak of bird flu in China on 17 Dec 2008, saying a few cases in winter wasn't a worry. Authorities in China announced on 16 Dec 2008 that they had begun destroying and vaccinating poultry after the virus was detected in the eastern province of Jiangsu.

"We are going to see how it evolves. If for some reason there were more outbreaks and it was spreading, then I would say I am concerned, but today not at all," said Vincent Martin, senior technical adviser for the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FOA) in China. "Today we are just monitoring the situation. Having a few outbreaks in the winter time in this place is not a real concern."

The H5N1 strain of bird flu was found on a chicken farm in Dongtai city and in another farm in Haian County, China's Agriculture Ministry said. The discovery prompted local agricultural authorities to step up vaccinations, while culling 377,000 chickens in the area around the farms. The virus has not been detected in any other locations. Martin said the FAO had been notified by Chinese authorities on 16 Dec 2008 about the outbreak, which could have been triggered by migratory birds.

China has had several bird flu outbreaks in 2008, leading to the deaths of three humans. "The situation in China has been improving for the past four years, and during the last year, we had less outbreaks of avian flu," Martin said. "The Chinese government is doing quite a lot of surveillance, and they are also implementing a massive vaccination campaign."
(ProMED 12/22/08)

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Chinese Taipei: Report confirms October 2008 outbreak as avian influenza H5N2   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Taipei agricultural authorities confirmed on 21 Dec 2008 that they had slaughtered 18,000 chickens after an outbreak of bird flu. The authorities said that when a farm in Luchu, in southern Kaohsiung County, reported that some of their chickens had died of an unknown disease on 21 Oct 2008, they immediately banned movement of the birds from the farm.

An inspection report released on 20 Dec 2008 showed that the chickens had contracted the H5N2 strain of avian influenza, a less virulent strain than H5N1, which can be transmitted to humans. However, the findings of the report came too late for the 18,000 chickens on the farm that were slaughtered on 14 Nov 2008. The origin of the outbreak remains unclear.

Since the outbreak, 76 chicken farms within three km of the epicenter have been monitored to ensure the disease does not spread, he added. Taipei has suspended its poultry exports, but will be allowed to resume them if no fresh outbreak of H5N2 is reported within the next three months, officials said.
(ProMED 12/21/08)

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CDC Director Julie Gerberding, said, "There is no crystal ball here. We can't predict if this strain will end up being the most important one this year. It could fizzle out. . .We're giving a 'heads-up' to the clinicians, but we are not making drastic changes in our treatment and prevention recommendations." There is no way of knowing this early in the flu season if Tamiflu resistant flu virus will be this year's predominant cause of the flu. In humans, three different flu bugs are in circulation with type A H3N2 strain, one type B strain and the resistant bug is the type A H1N1 strain. Gerberding said the current flu vaccine protects against all three of the viruses and is an excellent match for the drug resistant bug.

Tamiflu which costs about USD 100 a box, has been the most attractive treatment because it is taken in pill form and can be given to children as young as one year old. There are alternatives for the flu such as Relenza, which the Tamiflu-resistant flu bug is still sensitive to as well as older drugs such as the adamantanes Flumadine and Symmetrel, although resistance to these drugs has been steadily increasing among type A flu viruses.

Relenza comes in an inhaler and cannot be used for children younger than seven years for treatment, and those younger than five years cannot use it for prevention. Moreover, Relenza sometimes causes lung spasms, so it cannot be used by people with lung problems.

Joseph S. Bresee, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch of the CDC's flu division said, "Even among hospital patients with the flu, more than half do not receive antiviral therapy. Tamiflu and Relenza are relatively underused at this point. He said that the current warning may actually see an increase in the use of flu drugs by increasing awareness in doctors on how to use them.

The complete text of the CDC advisory regarding the use of antiviral medications for influenza can be accessed at http://www2a.cdc.gov/HAN/ArchiveSys/ViewMsgV.asp?AlertNum=00279.
(ProMED 12/20/08, 12/24/08)

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Cambodia: Young man survives avian influenza H5N1 virus infection   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
A 19-year old Cambodian man has survived the H5N1 bird flu virus which has killed seven other people between 2005 and 2007 in the Southeast Asian nation, a health ministry official said on 21 Dec 2008. The youth, who became infected after eating dead poultry, was discharged from a Phnom Penh hospital on 20 Dec 2008 after being treated for ten days, Ly Sovann, deputy director of communicable disease control department, said. "He left safe and sound," Ly Sovann stated.

Cambodia began culling poultry near its capital last week, and ordered a three-month ban on poultry being moved from the province of Kandal, 50 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, after tests confirmed it had been hit by the virus.

The young man, the eighth person in Cambodia to have contracted bird flu since its first case in 2005, fell ill on 28 Nov 2008 but was only confirmed as having bird flu on 11 Dec 2008. All seven of Cambodia's previous human cases have died.
(ProMED 12/21/08)

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The Bali provincial administration has declared a condition of extraordinary occurrence following the confirmation that a brain sample from a dog in Kedonganan, South Kuta, tested positive to rabies. "This is an extraordinary occurrence or an emergency situation. We have to quickly work to restore Bali as a rabies-free area," said Dewa Ketut Oka, head of the Bali Health Agency.

However, only one brain sample of one dog tested positive, Oka said. The results of laboratory tests on the four people who died in Ungasan village, Uluwatu, recently after being bitten by stray dogs were not available yet. "But from the clinical symptoms of a victim, there is a strong indication they were infected by rabies," Oka said, referring to one of the four victims.

At the meeting a number of steps to curb the spread of rabies were taken, including culling stray dogs and vaccinating domesticated dogs in areas 10 km from Ungasan and Kedonganan villages. At least 20,000 doses of rabies vaccine for dogs have been sent from Jakarta. Dog owners are encouraged to fence their dogs so they are not infected by any other sick animals.

"Seventy-five stray dogs in Ungasan and Kedonganan have been put down by lethal injection in cooperation with the Yudhistira Swarga foundation for wild dog welfare," IB Ketut Alit, head of the Bali Livestock Husbandry Agency, said. "A similar program could be conducted throughout other regencies in Bali as the program to curb the population of stray dogs has been [conducted] on a routine basis," Katut Alit said.

Bali Tourism Agency chairman Gde Nurjaya said it was important to protect Bali's image as an international tourist destination. "The health of both humans and animals is very important here."
(ProMED 12/13/08)

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Indonesia: Health emergency declared due to spread of chikungunya outbreak   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
There has been a chikungunya health emergency declared in Kebumen Regency due to the quick spread of the chikungunya illness in the Ayah Subdistrict Kebupaten Kebumen. The illness not only became epidemic in the Argosari Village, but has spread in three other villages as well: the Jintung Village, Kalibangkang and Watukelir.

The number of residents who have been attacked by the illness has reached over 100 people. In the Argosari Village and Jintung, the number of sufferers of chikungunya virus infection that have been detected reached 62 people. In the Kalibangkang Village and Watukelir, around 50 people are suspected of being infected by the virus.

Health officials are following up by carrying out various steps, including wide-spread mass medical treatment, fumigation (fogging) and counseling of local villagers as well as a demonstration of abate [application of larvacide] that was carried out symbolically by the Regent. An entomological investigation was carried out. Results of that surveillance found mosquito breeding sites in the affected locations.

The Head of the Health Service doctor, HA Dwi Budi Satrio MKes said, "After the blood samples were sent to the Hall of the Health Laboratory in Yogyakarta, positive results for chikungunya were received. This was done to be able to confirm that a chikungunya outbreak had occurred in Argosari Village," said Budi Satrio.

The head of the Field Control for Health Problems, Kusbiyantoro SKM MKes, added, "This is just the first time that an outbreak of chikungunya has occurred in Kebumen. There has not been a report of cases of chikungunya before."

As for the risk factor, most residents have created pools when the rainy season arrived, which provided a place for expansion of mosquito breeding sites," said Kusbiyantoro. Regent Kebumen KH Nashirudin Am made a plea to the residents to continue to actively eradicate mosquito breeding sites.

The emerging chikungunya illnesses have been detected since 30 Nov 2008. The number of cases continues to increase and spread.
(ProMED 12/19/08)

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Malaysia: Battle against chikungunya epidemic continues   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
The number of residents in Kampung Baru Sung-kap Para affected by the chikungunya outbreak has increased to 32. State health director Datuk Dr Hasnah Ismail said five more villagers (three men and two women) were admitted to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital on 14 Dec 2008. They were admitted after they were found to have fever, joint pains, and rashes, all of which are symptoms of chikungunya virus infection.

All 32 patients have been transferred to Sungai Petani Hospital near the Kuala Muda District Health Department in Sungai Petani. "The transfer of the patients to the old hospital will enable our medical staff to continue to monitor and conduct checks on the victims. I would like to stress that all patients are in a stable condition," Ismail said.

After affecting 32 residents from Kampung Baru Sungkap Para, the chikungunya outbreak spread to another village. In Kampung Batu Lima, two villagers were admitted to Yan Hospital, in Yan, after they developed symptoms of chikungunya.

The Health Ministry has detected about 4000 suspected chikungunya cases nationwide in 2008, Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said on 17 Dec 2008. "So far, the chikungunya disease is still under control nationwide," he stated. He again called for public diligence in taking preventive measures since there is currently no specific medicine to treat the chikungunya fever disease spread by Aedes mosquito.

To contain the spread of the disease the ministry has taken several measures including intensifying the campaign to eliminate the Aedes mosquito and holding lectures on the outbreak. He said the disease was first detected to have spread to Malaysia from Africa in 1997.

Meanwhile, he said 63 health projects costing RM 458 million (USD 131,230,211) had been approved for implementation in Terengganu under the Ninth Malaysia Plan with some projects already underway.
(ProMED 12/16/08, ProMED 12/17/08, ProMED 12/20/08)

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Russia (Novosibirkaya Oblast): Rabies vaccination efforts continue   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
In total, 128 000 cats and dogs and more than 70 000 cattle have been vaccinated in the Novosibirkaya Oblast. Since the beginning of 2008, 64 rabies cases have been registered among wild and domestic animals in the Novosibirskaya Oblast. These cases are from 56 places in 20 rural regions and in the Novosibirsk [city] region itself. Rabies has been laboratory confirmed in 39 foxes, 10 dogs, 8 cattle, 3 cats, 2 rats, 1 sheep and 1 raccoon dog. Most cases were observed in the Toguchinski region.
(ProMED 12/19/08)

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The vaccine is required for US military members who are deployed to the Middle East, but some have objected to the vaccine because of side effects. The FDA's approval is based on early findings from a large multicenter trial that was initiated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2002. The goal of the study is to evaluate if as few as three doses of the vaccine administered over 6 months with booster doses up to 3 years apart will offer sufficient protection.
(CIDRAP 12/ 22/08)

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DENGUE   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
American Samoa
American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono will convene a meeting of key government officials to discuss coordinated action to control dengue fever in the territory on 22 Dec 2008. There have been 602 confirmed cases of dengue in American Samoa to date. "This is a very big effort for us, and everyone's participation is needed to wipe out this disease. It will be proposed to the governor at this meeting to declare January [2009] as dengue fever island wide Prevention [month],” said Dr. Ivan Tuliau, the territorial medical director.
(ProMED 12/23/08)

Australia
An outbreak of dengue fever in Cairns, in far north Queensland, continues to cause alarm, as the number now affected has reportedly reached 50 and appears to be rising. Queensland Health says another 12 people are awaiting blood test results, and 6 people have been admitted to hospital.

Worse hit suburbs for the mosquito-borne disease are North Cairns, Parramatta Park and Whitfield. Dr. Jeffrey Hannah from the Tropical Population Health Service is urging those who become sick to see their doctor. Some northern beaches suburbs are also affected, and it is suspected that the outbreak is spreading to other suburbs. Authorities are monitoring several more suburbs close to the infected zones or where properties are conducive to breeding dengue mosquitoes.

The public in all suburbs is being warned to clear stagnant water in potted plants, car tires, palm fronds and any other containers; to use insect repellent, to wear personal repellent during the day, and re-apply it according to the label, and to use plug-in mosquito zappers; and also to use cockroach surface spray under tables, chairs and beds in the home.
(ProMED 12/23/08)

Indonesia
As of November 2008, Indonesia had recorded 101,646 cases of dengue fever in 2008, a surprising 32 percent decrease from 149,321 cases in the same period of 2007, according to the Health Ministry. The incidence rate of the disease, which is typical for tropical urban areas, has also declined to about 44 cases per 100,000 people in 2008 from 72 cases per 100,000 people in 2007. The case fatality ratio has dropped slightly to 0.73 percent from one percent in 2007.

This decline, if it is correct and continues until the end of 2008, will be the first drop after five consecutive years of rises in the number of cases. Overall, Indonesia has been experiencing an almost consistently rising trend in dengue fever infections since they were first recorded in 1968, when the case fatality ratio was as high as 40 percent.

With the number of cases usually reaching its peak between January and March, it is likely the 2008 figure for dengue fever cases will indeed end up being lower than the number in 2007. The government claims that the drop in dengue fever cases is a consequence of its anticipative measures, which include improving epidemiological surveillance, improving the quality of dengue services management, intensifying vector control and providing quick responses to "extraordinary occurrence" cases.

But other experts have said the drop was very probably due to the cycle in the population growth of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that is the species vector of dengue fever virus. During the past 40 years, in about every decade showing a rising trend in cases, there has always been one year with a significant drop. If this drop is indeed part of this cycle, then in 2009 Indonesia will likely see another rise in infections.

As well as the disease's cyclic pattern, the threat of global warming could also boost the number of dengue fever cases in the future, as vector mosquitoes will be able to expand their territory to the highlands, which were once too cool for them to survive but are now growing warmer.
(ProMED 12/23/08)

Malaysia
A total of 1273 cases of dengue fever, including three deaths, were reported between 30 Nov and 6 Dec 2008, making it the week with the highest dengue cases reported so far in 2008. Most of the cases were recorded in Selangor, totaling 640, followed by Johor (102), Kedah (65), Sarawak (50), Pahang (42), Kelantan (31), Sabah (23) and 13 each in Perlis and Putrajaya.

The Health Ministry's disease control director, Datuk Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman, said that this brings the number of cases due to dengue fever reported so far in 2008 to 44,494, including 98 deaths. He said the recent increase in dengue cases was due to, among others things, the rainy weather and the public's lackadaisical attitude in keeping their premises and surroundings free of Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.

He said that of the 969 premises inspected by health officials, 81 percent of them were found to contain breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, adding that a total of 45 compound notices, involving fines of RM 12,650 (USD 3329), and 78 notices to clean up had been issued.
(ProMED 12/23/08)

Mexico
So far in 2008, the municipalities most affected by dengue virus are Zapopan, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Tlaquepaque. The dengue outbreak in Jalisco state has not ended, even with the lower temperatures. The Secretariat of Health of Jalisco confirmed an additional 20 dengue cases in the state, and this time the most affected place is the El Pitillal area in Puerto Vallarta. The Jalisco Director of Public Health, Elizabeth Ulloa Robles, announced that the dengue prevention activities are continuing and will go on throughout 2009, as a new protection strategy for the population.
(ProMED 12/15/08)

Viet Nam
Ho Chi Minh City has so far in 2008 recorded nearly 14,000 cases of dengue fever or a 35 percent year-on-year increase, a senior city health official has said. Dr Nguyen Dac Tho, deputy director of the city's Preventive Health Center said that while the city has managed to control somewhat the spread of the mosquito-borne fever, the situation remained complicated. Districts 6, 8, 10, 11, Tan Binh, and Tan Phu are still the worst hit areas. Tho also cautioned district health agencies against ignoring malaria as a threat, noting a patient had recently died because it was discovered too late.
(ProMED 12/15/08)

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WEST NILE VIRUS   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Canada
Date: 19 Dec 2008
Human cases: no new cases reported after 18 Oct 2008.
Total clinical human cases in 2008: 36

USA
Date: 19 Nov- 16 Dec 2008
States newly reporting new human cases: None
The only states not reporting West Nile Virus presence are: Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine.
There have been a total of 1370 human cases and 37 fatalities to date in 2008.
(12/20/08)

Because West Nile virus (WNV) has become endemic in North America and cases can be expected to occur throughout the virus transmission season, APEC EINet will be reporting only newly detected virus and human cases in the US states and Canadian provinces for the current reporting period. Those wishing to see the complete summary for virus detection in birds, mosquitoes, sentinel animals, and equines, as well as a breakdown of human disease cases for 2008, can access that information on the following websites:

Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) human cases: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wnv-vwn/mon-hmnsurv-eng.php
Mosquitoes, equine numbers and bird species percentages: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wnv-vwn/pdf_nsr-rns_2008/wnvnr_200842-eng.pdf

USA
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, West Nile virus human cases: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/surv&controlCaseCount08_detailed.htm
Centers for Disease Control, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, and Geological Survey West Nile virus maps: http://diseasemaps.usgs.gov/index.html
West Nile infection data in equines from the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services National Animal Health Surveillance System (NAHSS): http://nsu.aphis.usda.gov/nahss_web/arbovirus_summary.faces

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Experimental Infection of Dogs with Avian-Origin Canine Influenza A Virus (H3N2)   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Song, Daesub et al. Emerg Infect Dis. January 2009; 1(1). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/1/56.htm.

Abstract
Susceptible dogs were brought into contact with dogs experimentally infected with an avian-origin influenza A virus (H3N2) that had been isolated from a pet dog with severe respiratory syndrome. All the experimentally infected and contact-exposed dogs showed elevated rectal temperatures, virus shedding, seroconversion, and severe necrotizing tracheobronchitis and bronchioalveolitis.

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Enhanced Hygiene Measures and Norovirus Transmission during an Outbreak   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Heijine, Janneke CM et al. Emerg Infect Dis. January 2009; 1(1). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/1/24.htm.

Abstract
Control of norovirus outbreaks relies on enhanced hygiene measures, such as handwashing, surface cleaning, using disposable paper towels, and using separate toilets for sick and well persons. However, little is known about their effectiveness in limiting further spread of norovirus infections. We analyzed norovirus outbreaks in 7 camps at an international scouting jamboree in the Netherlands during 2004. Implementation of hygiene measures coincided with an 84.8% (95% predictive interval 81.2%–86.6%) reduction in reproduction number. This reduction was unexpectedly large but still below the reduction needed to contain a norovirus outbreak. Even more stringent control measures are required to break the chain of transmission of norovirus.

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School Closure to Reduce Influenza Transmission   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Koonin LM, Cetron MS. Emerg Infect Dis. January 2009; 1(1). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/1/137.htm.

Letter to the editor
Cowling et al. reported on the effects of school closure in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, during March 2008 in response to influenza-related deaths of children. The influenza epidemic started in January 2008 and peaked in late February, but the 2-week school closure did not begin until March 12. Consequently, the school-based epidemic was on the decline by the time officials closed schools. Other studies have suggested that early school closures can help reduce influenza illness in the community and among school children, especially during a pandemic. However, surveillance systems that rely on school absenteeism or deaths would likely provide information too late during the outbreak for school closure to effectively reduce influenza transmission. (Excerpt with references removed.)

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Personal Protective Equipment and Risk for Avian Influenza (H7N3)   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Morgan, Oliver et al. Emerg Infect Dis. January 2009; 1(1). Available at http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/15/1/59.htm.

Abstract
An outbreak of avian influenza (H7N3) among poultry resulted in laboratory-confirmed disease in 1 of 103 exposed persons. Incomplete use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was associated with conjunctivitis and influenza-like symptoms. Rigorous use of PPE by persons managing avian influenza outbreaks may reduce exposure to potentially hazardous infected poultry materials.

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For additional information please visit http://depts.washington.edu/einet/symposium.html. Presentations by each participating economy and a six minute video can be viewed at this website.

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Nobel Prize winner D Carleton Gajdusek dies at age 85   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
D Carleton Gajdusek, a virologist and anthropologist who won the 1976 Nobel Prize for his work on the infectious brain agents now known as prions, died on 12 Dec 2008 in Tromso, Norway. He was 85.

Full obituary can be accessed at http://www.the-scientist.com/templates/trackable/display/blog.jsp?type=blog&o_url=blog/display/55284&id=55284. (Free registration required.)

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2009 International Conference on Biocontainment Facilities   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Las Vegas, USA; 9-10 Mar 2009

Program overview
Get the new findings, planning models, and developments to plan for:
* Proactive plans for increased regulatory oversight of safety & security
* New models for facility operations and maintenance
* Successful commissioning, validation, and startup strategies
* Economical operations with research animals - Level 3 and 4 ABSL & BSL-Ag
* Reduced energy use
* More informed decisions on design and construction
* New solutions for HVAC systems, controls, and mechanical systems
* Successful training and retention programs for support staff

Who should attend?
Research Program Directors, Veterinarians, Lab Directors - Research & Diagnostics, Virologists, Microbiologists, Pathologists, Medical Center Planners, Capital Project Managers, Directors of Planning & Construction, Facility Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, Operations Managers, EH&S/OH&S Officers, Biosafety and Biosecurity Officers, and Animal Resource Managers.

Additional information on registration and the conference agenda is available at http://www.TradelineInc.com/BIO2009.

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Grand Challenges in Global Health Initiative request for proposals   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
The McLaughlin-Rotman Centre for Global Health (MRC) and its Ethical, Social and Cultural Program (ESC) for the Grand Challenges in Global Health (GCGH) Initiative are pleased to invite individuals, institutions, organizations and companies from the developing world to submit proposals to carry out projects that will facilitate the implementation and use of technologies in the developing world that arise from the GCGH projects.

The goal of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select and commission research on strategies that will facilitate the implementation and appropriate use in the developing world of technologies that arise from the GCGH projects related to diagnostics, modified insect vectors, nutritionally enhanced foods, and vaccine delivery. Visit www.mrcglobal.org/rfp for further information. The deadline to submit proposals is January 16, 2009.

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XI International Symposium on Respiratory Viral Infections   PRINT THIS EMAIL THIS
Dates: 19-22 February 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand

World opinion leaders will address key topics including epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical, vaccinology and prevention, antivirals and therapeutics, as well as a minisymposium on avian influenza H5N1 animal-human interface.

Additional information available at www.themacraegroup.com.

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