Analysis - Officials Prepare For Another Flu Pandemic ? Just In Case - H7N9

[sharon sanders]

hat tip Michael Coston

NPR Shots: The CDC?s Pandemic Preps ? Just In Case

A CDC scientist uses a pipette to transfer H7N9 virus into vials for sharing with partner laboratories for public health research purposes.


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From NPR?s Richard Knox this morning - a good look at the advance work being done by the CDC to prepare for the H7N9 virus ? just in case it should mutate into a humanized virus.

You?ll find remarks from Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, along with Daniel Jernigan, Deputy Director of CDC's influenza division, on why H7N9 has public health officials on guard.
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Well worth visiting.

Officials Prepare For Another Flu Pandemic ? Just In Case

by Richard Knox - May 08, 2013 2:49 AM

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For more on the CDC?s Preparedness efforts you may wish to revisit:

MMWR: Emergence of Avian Influenza A(H7N9)

H7N9 Preparedness: What The CDC Is Doing

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Posted by Michael Coston at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/05/npr-shots-cdcs-pandemic-preps-just-in.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2013-05-08T09:04:00-04:00">9:04 AM</abbr> 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: CDC, Fauci, Jernigan, NPR, Pandemic, Preparedness, Richard Knox

WHO WPRO: H7N9 Update



Credit WHO


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Meanwhile, the other emerging virus threat (H7N9) in China continues to simmer, albeit at a lower rate than a week ago, as evidenced by this update from the World Health Organization?s WPRO office.

Human Infection with Avian Influenza A(H7N9)

as of 8 May 2013

Situation update

• As of 8 May 2013, a total of 130 cases have been reported (129 from China's National Health and Family Planning Commission, and 1 from Taipei Centers for Disease Control). Of these patients, 31 have died. (Note: The map does not reflect 7 reported deaths and will be updated once information on the location of the reported death cases is confirmed.)
• WHO expects to continue to see sporadic cases of H7N9 in people.
• The source and mode of transmission remain unknown, but increasing evidence is pointing to poultry exposure.
• At this stage, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
• WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.

For some perspective on the slowdown in cases, and what it may ? or may not ? signify, I?d invite you to read Helen Branswell?s well-sourced and thoughtful piece from last night called:

Think H7N9 cases are slowing? Too soon to declare virus under control: experts

Helen Branswell / The Canadian Press
May 7, 2013
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As we?ve seen with other emerging viruses ? from HIV to H5N1, and most recently to nCoV ? their spread, and ultimate impact are always difficult to gauge, particularly early in their appearance.

Posted by Michael Coston at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2013/05/who-wpro-h7n9-update.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2013-05-08T08:11:00-04:00">8:11 AM</abbr>