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Monthly Archives: November 2009
The Cryptic Virus – Determining the Origins of Pandemic H1N1
The term “swine flu” is often used to describe the virus causing the current pandemic of influenza. This is unfortunate because it implies that we know that this virus originated in pigs. We don’t. How can we tell where pandemic … Continue reading
Double-mutant – more lethal virus resistant to Tamiflu
The worst possible case is a virus that spreads easily, is highly lethal and is resistant to antivirals. This was a theoretical possibility. Until now. From channelnewsasia.com, November 27, 2009: Two patients who were infected by a H1N1 flu mutation … Continue reading
Posted in Outbreak, Science
Tagged China, France, H1N1, lethal, Norway, oseltamivir, pandemic, resistance, swine flu, Tamiflu, virulent
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The Mutation Hunt Begins
There have been recent reports of mutations in the H1N1 virus that may be associated with more severe symptoms in Ukraine and Norway. Similar mutations have been observed in other countries as well. The following is a typical example of … Continue reading
Posted in public health, Science
Tagged H1N1, Mexico, mutant, Norway, pandemic, sequencing, swine flu, virulence, virulent
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The “laboratory error” hypothesis, a review of the Gibbs paper
When the new H1N1 pandemic virus was first described in April, its unusual constitution was immediately noted. The 8 different genomic segments did not match any known virus. Instead, different genomic segments matched flu viruses that infected birds, pigs and … Continue reading
Posted in Science
Tagged Gibbs, H1N1, laboratory, origins, pandemic, swine flu, Webster
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Double jeopardy – Getting swine flu twice
One of the few advantages of getting pandemic flu is that you are won’t get it again. Or will you? Many members of the PFI forum have claimed to have been infected more than once with swine flu. In most … Continue reading
Unreported H1N1 deaths with hemorrhagic lungs in Iowa
The CDC is looking for clusters of people with hemorrhagic pneumonia. Perhaps they should talk to the coroner in Polk County, Iowa. From KCCI, November 20, 2009 Iowa has officially recorded 21 H1N1 deaths, including seven in Polk County alone. … Continue reading
Posted in pathology
Tagged bloody lungs, H1N1, hemorrhagic lungs, hemorrhagic pneumonia, Iowa, pandemic, swine flu
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Lethal cluster in Nacodoches, Texas
One of the signs that a more lethal H1N1 virus has evolved is a cluster of deaths. Two such clusters have previously been reported, one in Indiana and the other in Austin, Texas. However, in both cases, the clusters involved … Continue reading
The boiling cauldron – transmission, virulence, resistance
When shall we three meet again. In thunder, lightning or rain? Opening lines of Macbeth, by William Shakespeare Many virologists have a recurring nightmare: a virus arises which is easily transmissible, highly lethal and resistant to antiviral drugs. It spreads … Continue reading
Posted in Science
Tagged H1N1, pandemic, relenza, resistance, swine flu, Tamiflu, transmissibility, virulence
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China, Chan and Cover-ups
Figuring out what is going on in an authoritarian country renowned for its tight control over the press is always difficult, but it is especially challenging in China during public health emergencies. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, the government … Continue reading
2,000 dead Americans
There are now over 2,000 Americans who have died of pandemic H1N1. And flu season doesn’t start for two weeks.
