Articles: pandemics.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2012
Cardiac manifestations in patients with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection needing intensive care.
To characterize the cardiac manifestations in severe pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus [P(H1N1)2009v] infection. ⋯ In our cohort of severe P(H1N1)2009v infection, myocardial injury and dysfunction was frequent and associated with high mortality.
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Emerging Infect. Dis. · Feb 2012
Oseltamivir-resistant pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infections, United States, 2010-11.
During October 2010-July 2011, 1.0% of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses in the United States were oseltamivir resistant, compared with 0.5% during the 2009-10 influenza season. Of resistant viruses from 2010-11 and 2009-10, 26% and 89%, respectively, were from persons exposed to oseltamivir before specimen collection. Findings suggest limited community transmission of oseltamivir-resistant virus.
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J Public Health Policy · Feb 2012
Lessons from SARS and H1N1/A: employing a WHO-WTO forum to promote optimal economic-public health pandemic response.
No formal system exists to review trade restrictions imposed during international public health emergencies rapidly. Failure to put one in place creates disincentives for surveillance and reporting, thereby undermining protection efforts. ⋯ Yet they failed to allow for management of public health emergencies in a way that balanced threats to health and those to economies and trade. Establishment of a joint WHO-WTO committee to adjudicate these conflicts might better achieve that balance.
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In April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the emergence of a new influenza (H1N1) virus which led to the first pandemic declaration of the 21st century. Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) had a national preparedness plan in place at this time; however, the vaccination component of such plans was largely undeveloped. Nevertheless, countries were able to capitalize on the infrastructure of their immunization programs and widespread experience utilizing the seasonal influenza vaccine to prepare rapidly, developing H1N1 vaccination plans targeting individuals with chronic disease, pregnant women and health care workers, among others. ⋯ The number of severe adverse events reported in LAC was similar to those expected with the seasonal influenza vaccine. Risk communication was one of the key challenges countries faced, mainly due to concerns and misinformation spread regarding vaccine safety. Countries and the international community need to learn from the experiences gained during H1N1 vaccination in order to be better prepared for the next pandemic.