H1N1 epidemic, pandemic as it is now, is unstoppable, and therefore all countries will need to have access to vaccine.
Marie-Paule Kieny • The director of vaccine research with the WHO, on the spread of the disease, which has killed 500 worldwide and sickened 1 million. Another scary note: Vaccine production yields have been poor, so supply isn’t as great as it should be. Another report notes that if Tamiflu becomes ineffective against the disease, things could get really scary: “Collectively, our findings are a reminder that (strains of swine flu) have not yet garnered a place in history, but may still do so.” • source
As we look at the data so far, we’re not seeing any sign that this is petering out. We’re still in the upswing of what we call the epidemic curve. We see ongoing transmission and we expect that to continue.
Richard Besser • The acting director of the CDC, on the chances of swine flu … er, H1N1 … going away anytime soon. He notes that even if it seems like nothing on the individual level, its real danger lies in its scale – it could affect billions. He also notes that the number is still going up. • source
It really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic. We do not have all the answers right now, but we will get them.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan • On yesterday’s Phase 5 alert, the second-highest one. We certainly hope they get the answers. Regarding Mexico’s status, part of what caused the high number of deaths is a general distrust of the health care system by the public, along with misdiagnosis of some cases. Part of what helps prevent the most serious effects of the disease is early, rapid treatment. • source
Residents long complained about the smell. The root of the current swine flu outbreak has its roots in Veracruz state, Mexico, where a 4-year-old boy got sick from what was later found to be swine flu. The boy lived near a massive pig farm with a large pool of manure nearby. Sound like a lot of fun? It’s not. The important part to take from this: The farm is partly owned by a U.S.-based company, Smithfield Foods, who will almost assuredly face scrutiny for starting the outbreak. source
The World Health Organization called an emergency meeting in response to the outbreak of swine flu that has gone from minor concern to major danger in a just couple of days. The disease has killed dozens in Mexico and sickened scores of others. source
WHO is debating raising the flu pandemic alert level from three (no/limited risk) to four or five (new flu virus in the wild and spreading) “This is a very high concern for us as the world’s global health organization,” said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl. source
Can the virus be stopped? While traditional flu vaccines designed to stem the flow of viruses are ineffective against swine flu, it appears that Tamiflu, a common drug well-stocked by Mexico and the U.S., fully remedies the virus. *Whew.* source