WHO Official Warns of a Growing Global Threat From Avian Influenza
SHANGHAI, China -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that greater efforts will be needed if the world is to head off the threat of an avian influenza pandemic springing from the presence of the avian influenza H5N1 virus in poultry in Asia. "Unless intensive efforts are made, a pandemic is very likely to occur," Dr. Shigeru Omi, WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, told a news conference in Shanghai.
Omi cited four reasons for concern:
-- the H5N1 virus causing avian influenza among poultry in Asia is
circulating more widely than initially believed;
-- the cyclical history of previous influenza outbreaks means a pandemic
is due;
-- virtually nobody would be immune to a new human influenza virus that
resulted from outbreaks in poultry; and
-- the increased global movement of people and goods means the virus
could spread far more quickly and extensively than in the past.
"We need to strengthen systems and human capacity so that countries can
detect, report and respond immediately to emerging threats," Omi said.
Since the first reported outbreaks of avian influenza in Asia at the
beginning of this year, there have been 39 confirmed human cases in the region,
28 of whom died. The latest case was on Sept. 8, when an 18-year-old man
died in eastern Thailand. He had been raising fighting cocks. H5N1 has been
confirmed in nine Asian countries, where tens of millions chickens have died
or been slaughtered.
When asked why Asia had been hit by diseases originating in animals, such as
SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and avian influenza, Omi explained
that one of the reasons was the "unhealthy" manner in which some animals were
being raised. For example, ducks and chickens should not be reared together,
he said.
Source: World Health Organization
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
