Recent News

By Region: Asia/Pacific

Model reveals quick spread of potential bioterrorism attacks

(HeraldSun)Scientists at Northeastern University in Boston hypothetically released smallpox in London, New York, Paris, and other major cities, and then simulated it being carried by travellers to other countries. They published their findings in Scientific Reports, saying they believe a deliberate smallpox infection would spread to up to four countries before doctors diagnosed it.These maps Read More »

July 25, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, Bioterrorism, and Research
Share

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus – update

(WHO) The National Health and Family Planning Commission, China notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. This is the first new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus since 29 May 2013. The patient is a 61 year-old woman from Langfang City in Hebei Read More »

July 22, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, North America, and International
Share

H7N9 influenza strain resistant to antivirals, but tests fail to identify resistance

(EurekAlert)Some strains of the avian H7N9 influenza that emerged in China this year have developed resistance to the only antiviral drugs available to treat the infection, but testing for antiviral resistance can give misleading results, helping hasten the spread of resistant strains. The authors of a study published in mBio®, the online open-access journal of Read More »

July 16, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Countermeasures, and Public Health
Share

Cambodia bird flu outbreak continues with 14th case

(GlobalPost) Cambodia’s outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza continues apace as the summer wears on, with a 3-year-old boy becoming the 14th victim this year and the 35th case confirmed in the Southeast Asian nation since records began to be kept. The Cambodian Ministry of Health has deployed a rapid response team to Prey Veng’s Kampong Read More »

July 16, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, International, and Public Health
Share

Scientist warns biosecurity at risk from new trade deals

(NewZealandHerald) A prominent agricultural scientist says New Zealand deserves only a half-mark for its biosecurity efforts – and warns that new free-trade agreements and increased tourism could pose a threat at the border. Former AgResearch manager John Lancashire has told a national forum the Government had much room for improvement in safeguarding our precious primary Read More »