November 6 Flu Update--China brings three possible cases to the world's attention, asks for help.
Today, China asked for WHO assistance in determining if three new cases are H5N1, but the real news is the transparency the Chinese showed in bringing this to the world.As BBC notes, one of the three cases was fatal.
WSJ on the Chinese cases (courtesy Crofsblogs). Note, WSJ content is apparently free this week.
Helen Branswell writes about a fear in Canada--that the avian flu publicity could have a backlash and turn people off.
In an editorial that is more or less on the same topic, a Bloomberg writer says that Asian governments tend to "sit on" bad news, and its important that it stop.
The Vice-Premier in Beijing has said that localities have to be more resolute in fighting the flu.
The New York Daily News says NYC is woefully unprepared for the bird flu.
A Canadian take on the stories from Asian about economic struggles if a pandemic hits. As the economist in the story says, "there's no model to follow."
VOA on the bird flu summit starting Monday.
From Maine, the birdwatching column on Maine Today looks at the flu in wild birds.
51% of Canadians are worried about avian flu and how it could influence their health.
Here's another 1918 survivor story, from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.
GPs in Italy have been warned to be ready for the bird flu pandemic.
Here's a twist on an oft-repeated story....Asian companies now aren't saying they WILL make Tamiflu, they are saying they HAVE.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette notes that people are taking shots at the Bush plan.
US News and World Report interviews Secretary Leavitt on bird flu.
Note the comments on Tamiflu.
The federal plan calls for stockpiling Tamiflu for about one quarter of the population. Shouldn't we have more?
Would we want to? Tamiflu and other antivirals have a very important role in a comprehensive plan. But any idea that Tamiflu is synonymous with preparation is wrong. We have no certainty that Tamiflu will be effective against the H5N1 virus [the Asian strain of avian flu]. We have no certainty that it will be effective against the virus that ultimately creates the pandemic. By putting too much weight on antivirals, you have a situation where you cannot change your protective tool to match the threat. The foundation of our strategy is a vaccine.
Helen Branswell previews the upcoming International meeting in Geneva, with hopes it accomplishes more than a previous meeting in Ottawa.
posted by Orange @ 10:21 PM
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