Members of the Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modelling Team in Canada in a CMAJ study say that mathematical modelling can help inform public health policy in outbreaks such as the H1N1 pandemic.
These models are useful tools for simulating plausible scenarios, developing control strategies and identifying important areas for immediate research.
Swine Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you''re safe this season.
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The Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modelling Team has helped characterize the epidemiology of the new H1N1 flu strain and advised on control strategies such as the use of antiviral drugs and school closures.
Mathematical models have shown that small seasonal variations in transmission of the influenza virus can drive large annual surges in the disease. Based on patterns of the 1918 influenza, models indicate that the H1N1 virus could become more severe in the fall. "Such models raise concern regarding the potential for the news S-OIV strain to cause serious epidemics in the near term in the southern hemisphere: South American countries, Australia and New Zealand will enter their upcoming influenza season without a vaccine against this strain," write Dr. David Fisman and coauthors.
![Swine Flu Arrives in Chandigarh]( "Swine Flu Arrives in Chandigarh")
Swine flu was detected in Chandigarh this week after two people including a doctor have tested positive for H1 N1 influenza here on Sunday.
The authors conclude that "making these models better understood and more accessible will provide a valuable additional weapon in the fight against emerging infectious diseases."
In a related article, Canada's first human-to-human transmission of the H1N1 influenza virus is presented in a research case study. The article looks at the cluster of cases in Nova Scotia in April 2009 and outlines transmission, diagnostic testing and public health measures to control the outbreak.
Source: Eurekalert
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Swine Flu Arrives in Chandigarh
Swine flu was detected in Chandigarh this week after two people including a doctor have tested positive for H1 N1 influenza here on Sunday.
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The authors conclude that "making these models better understood and more accessible will provide a valuable additional weapon in the fight against emerging infectious diseases."
In a related article, Canada's first human-to-human transmission of the H1N1 influenza virus is presented in a research case study. The article looks at the cluster of cases in Nova Scotia in April 2009 and outlines transmission, diagnostic testing and public health measures to control the outbreak.
Source: Eurekalert
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Tourist Arrivals From Asia To New Zealand Likely To Be Hit By Swine Flu Outbreak
Officials said that the number of Asian tourists visiting New Zealand has plummeted due to swine flu fears.
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 No Respite From Swine Flu In Central, South AmericaChile announced that the country's death toll from swine flu has risen from 40 to 68, as the virus cuts deeper across Latin America where hundreds of deaths have been linked to the pandemic. | Advertisement
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