Influenza and other respiratory viruses
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Sep 2014
Review Historical ArticleDeath from 1918 pandemic influenza during the First World War: a perspective from personal and anecdotal evidence.
The Meuse-Argonne offensive, a decisive battle during the First World War, is the largest frontline commitment in American military history involving 1.2 million U. S. troops. With over 26,000 deaths among American soldiers, the offensive is considered "America's deadliest battle". ⋯ Yet, it remains unclear whether 1918 pandemic influenza had an impact on the course of the First World War. Still, even until this day, virological and bacteriological analysis of preserved archived remains of soldiers that succumbed to 1918 pandemic influenza has important implications for preparedness for future pandemics. These aspects are reviewed here in a context of citations, images, and documents illustrating the tragic events of 1918.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Sep 2014
Sentinel surveillance of influenza in Burkina Faso: identification of circulating strains during 2010-2012.
Although influenza surveillance has recently been improved in some sub-Saharan African countries, no information is yet available from Burkina Faso. ⋯ This surveillance was the first confirming the circulation of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, A/H3N2, and influenza B viruses in humans in Burkina Faso.
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Influenza Other Respi Viruses · Sep 2014
Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries. ⋯ We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.