From the Paramecia Department

SARS and the Flu:

Looks like Toronto's got the chain of transmission for SARS really licked, now WHO is thinking ahead to the next influenza season. Flu looking a lot like SARS, especially to airport personnel. Besides, influenza can kill all by itself, you know.

As the global public health emergency caused by SARS appears close to an end, attention is focusing on the problems that are likely to arise during the next influenza season, when cases of influenza are likely to raise suspicions of SARS. The problems are of major concern, as a high level of suspicion is recommended by WHO at a time when vigilance for a possible seasonal return of SARS is particularly important. Although the behaviour of the SARS virus is impossible to predict on the basis of current knowledge, it is well known that many respiratory illnesses caused by a virus tend to die out when heat and humidity rise and then return when the weather turns cooler. Worldwide, influenza typically infects 10% to 20% of the total population during seasonal epidemics, resulting in from three to five million cases of severe illness and from 250 000 to 500 000 deaths.

Cholera, Again (this time, Liberia):

Between 6-29 June, 586 cases of cholera have been reported from those health facilities still operational in Monrovia. From 23-29 June, 50% of the admissions were from Bushrod Island and central Monrovia. Because of the security situation, exact numbers of cases and deaths are difficult to obtain.

WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health with control measures including mass chlorination in and around Monrovia. WHO is also providing drugs, medical supplies and chlorine to those nongovernmental organizations, including MERLIN and Medecins sans Frontieres (France and Belgium), working in Monrovia.