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A Look Back at 2007

In recent years, Indonesia has been the center of the avian flu epidemic. This was consistent throughout 2007, with 42 reported cases and 37 subsequent deaths. The second most affected country was Egypt, with a total of 23 cases and six deaths. 

Reflecting on developments in 2007, Dr. Walter “Ben” Koppel, MEDEX Medical Director, states, “We have been fortunate that the avian flu has been in the background, as opposed to mutating and becoming more pathogenic to humans. The world pattern of dispersal through fowl has shown us that it is hard to predict where the disease is likely to strike next. We can only try to mitigate the interspecies transmission to humans.”

Noteworthy events that occurred during 2007 include:

January 2007 –
Nigeria confirms its first human case and casualty.

February 2007 –

1. Lao People’s Democratic Republic confirms its first human case and casualty.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report informing travelers about the risks of avian flu. In this report, they recommend knowing the threats as they pertain to your specific destination, staying up-to-date on your vaccinations, including the seasonal flu vaccine, traveling with a medical kit, knowing the in-country resources available to you, and checking coverage with your health insurance before you depart.*

April 2007 –
The Food and Drug Administration approves the first avian flu vaccine for humans available in the United States.  Since humans have little immunity to the virus, a vaccine could be crucial in saving lives should a pandemic occur.  The vaccine was developed by sanofi pasteur, Inc, and is not available commercially. Rather, it is being stockpiled by the federal government for distribution when and if it is necessary. In December 2007, Time Magazine cited the approval of this vaccine as the top medical development of the year.

June 2007 –
Vietnam confirms its first human case and casualty since 2005.

December 2007 –

1. Myanmar confirms its first human case and casualty.
2. Pakistan confirms its first human case and casualty.
3. The Director of the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization, Jacque Diouf, addresses the International Ministerial Conference on Avian and Pandemic Influenza in New Delhi, India. In this speech, Diouf warns that “the spread of avian influenza typifies the potential emergence of major health crises with an increased risk of pathogens traveling over large distances in very short time periods, favored by globalization and climate change.” He urges countries to be vigilant and develop prevention and control programs in order to contain and eradicate the disease. Read more about his speech and this conference. 

* Medical kits, information on medical resources and international medical insurance are all available through MEDEX. Simply visit www.medexassist.com for further details.

Bird Flu Vaccination Approved

In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine for the Avian Flu virus. This vaccine, manufactured by sanofi pasteur, is administered through two injections, given about a month apart. A study conducted in 2005 determined that the vaccine provided protection with minimal side affects to adults who received the highest dose.

Does this mean the end for Avian Flu? Should we stop worrying about a pandemic? Unfortunately, no. Influenza viruses are so resilient because of their ability to mutate and adapt to new environments. Influenza vaccines are developed based upon the type of virus that is most prominent that year. This is why people are encouraged to get a new seasonal flu shot each year. Chances are that an avian influenza vaccine produced now may not be as effective in a year or two.

You may now be wondering that, since the virus is likely to mutate, why does it matter that the FDA approved this vaccine? Should an avian flu pandemic occur, this vaccine may be effective in delaying the spread of the disease until a vaccine can be developed based upon the pandemic virus. The vaccine will not be sold commercially, but instead is being stockpiled by the U.S. government for administration to first responders in a pandemic event. The U.S. government currently plans to buy and stockpile enough bird flu vaccine for 20 million people.

OSHA and the Avian Flu

As the Avian Flu is still a prominent international health concern, American businesses and organizations are preparing for the possibility of a pandemic. The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently presented the OSHA Guidance Update on Protecting Employees from Avian Flu (Avian Influenza) Viruses. This revision of the original guide from 2004 outlines precautions and preparations for dealing with the avian flu.

Broken into sections based upon the types of organizations, OSHA’s update has information pertinent to poultry employees, other animal handlers, laboratory employees, healthcare workers, food handlers, airport personnel, travelers on temporary work assignment, employees stationed abroad, and other employee groups. Each section identifies particular employees who are potentially at risk, precautions these workers should take, and detailed information that relates directly to that section.

The sections in the guide that concern travelers and employees living abroad are similar to much of the information already found on MEDEX’s Pandemic Planning website. OSHA lists five ways travelers can prepare themselves for going to a destination that is affected by avian flu. As a leader in the travel assistance industry, MEDEX has solutions to all of these preparedness steps and can assist your organization in such travel planning.

Educate yourself about the disease risks and other travel conditions.

• Keep your vaccinations up to date and see your healthcare providers before traveling abroad.
• Travel with a medical kit that is suitable to your destination. View travel medical kits and supplies MEDEX offers.
• Develop a plan on the best location to receive medical care in your destination, just in case.
• Check with your health insurance plan or get additional insurance from MEDEX that covers medical evacuation.

Read the full publication from OSHA (pdf)