Epidemics and pandemics

New iPhone app locates, reports H1N1 outbreaks
New app pinpoints outbreaks that have been reported in the vicinity of the user and offering the opportunity to search for additional outbreak information by location or disease
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Swine flu virus does not mutate into "superbug"
Researchers find that some of the worst fears about a virulent H1N1 pandemic flu season may not be realized this year, but does demonstrate the heightened communicability of the virus
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Swine flu: 10 things you should know
A White House report from an expert panel suggests that from 30 percent to half the U.S. population could catch swine flu during the course of this pandemic and that from 30,000 to 90,000 could die
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Stanford researchers aim to stretch limited supply of flu vaccine
Stanford researchers begin trials which, if successful, it could mean that doctors would give people one swine flu shot instead of the anticipated two doses spread three weeks apart
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More swine flu cases at U.S. colleges as students return
CDC spokesperson: “I don’t think we’re surprised by the fact influenza is returning to these campuses. What is concerning to us is people becoming complacent about this and not taking the steps we know can protect them”
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Indian Schools screen kids for flu with sensors
Indian schools deploy heat sensors to check the temperature of kids as they walk into class; if the temperature is above 100 degree Fahrenheit, parents are informed immediately
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African governments neglect tropical diseases
To appreciate the staggering scope of African governments’ indifference to the welfare of their people, consider this: There are 890 million people on the African continent; an estimated 500 million of them are suffering from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs); these debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases produce profound physical and mental deficits in children
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WHO issue antiviral flu recommendations
The World Health Organization issued recommendations for antiviral treatment of both seasonal and swine flu; the guidelines represent the consensus reached by an international panel of experts who reviewed all available studies on the safety and effectiveness of these drugs
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Canada recalls some Sprouts Alive products
Canadian food inspection agency warns Canadians about salmonella contamination of Sprouts Alive products
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Scientists develop optimal flu vaccine priorities, question federal guidelines
Researchers find that vaccines targeted at groups more likely to transmit flu viruses, rather than those at highest risk of complications, would result in fewer infections and improved survival rates
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Government's flu season recommendations for companies
Toughing it out is not the solution; the U.S. government hopes that workers who think they may be coming down with something will stay home so as not to infect their coworkers
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Medical experts divided on swine flu precautions
Sixty public health officials, epidemiologists, and flu researchers worldwide about what, if any, personal precautions they have taken as the autumn flu season hits; there is no consensus
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1957-58 flu pandemic can offer clues to planning for H1N1
During the 1957 pandemic, 25 percent of the U.S. population became ill, and excess mortality due to pneumonia and influenza occurred; much can be learned from looking at this previous pandemic that had similar patterns
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U.S. human tests of swine flu vaccine begin
Nine academic sites in the United States will test swine flu vaccine on 2,400 volunteers; testing will involve two vaccines in five population groups and at two different strengths
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Flying prayers to stop H1N1 virus
Fifty Jewish dignitaries, including rabbis, religious scholars, and yeshiva students, recited special prayers and blew shofars while flying over Israel, aiming to prevent more Israeli fatalities from swine flu
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