Article No.1 - Vol.28, No.3 - September 2009

The Regional Vaccine System (SIREVA): a Program with Multiple Implications

Introduction

There was very limited epidemiological data on the prevalence of invasive serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Latin America in the early 1990s. Several studies indicated that pneumococcus was the principal causative agent of childhood pneumonia, but the resources for diagnosis were limited. Acquisition of epidemiological information was important for the development of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for the different countries of the Region.

Article No. 1 - Vol. 28, No. 2 - June 2009

New virus Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic

Background

On 18 April 2009, the National IHR Focal Point of the United States reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) the laboratory confirmation of 2 human cases of new virus Influenza in two children of 9 and 10 years old living in the State of California (one in the County of San Diego and the other one in Imperial County). This virus has been described in the United States as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in pigs or humans.

Article No. 3 - Vol. 28, No. 2 - June 2009

Assessing the severity of an influenza pandemic

The major determinant of the severity of an influenza pandemic, as measured by the number of cases of severe illness and deaths it causes, is the inherent virulence of the virus. Even a pandemic virus that initially causes mild symptoms in otherwise healthy people can be disruptive, especially under the conditions of today’s highly mobile and closely interdependent societies. Moreover, the same virus that causes mild illness in one country can result in much higher morbidity and mortality in another.

Article No.2 - Vol.28, No.2 - June 2009

Human infection with new influenza A (H1N1) virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillance

All countries are encouraged to enhance their capacities for surveillance and diagnosis of influenza and other acute respiratory infections, building on existing surveillance structures and resources.

In countries with no or few cases, the main aims of surveillance remain the early warning of virus spread and the confirmation by a laboratory of virus circulating in new geographical areas. Daily reporting to WHO of newly confirmed cases, and deaths among those cases, is required from those countries. In the context of the current epidemic, it is likely that unsubtypable influenza viruses are new influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Article No.6 - Vol.28, No.2 - June 2009

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems

ICD-10, Three Volume Set
2008 Edition

This new edition of WHO's International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) has been fully updated for the second time. Originally published in the early 1990s, ICD-10 now incorporates all edits and updates since 1996 up to the end of 2008. In addition, the numbering system has changed and now clearly indicates the year that the updates were incorporated.

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