WHO Meets To Revise Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Guidance

Starting today, 150 experts from WHO, Governments, and other organizations are meeting until May 9th to discuss and make revisions on pandemic preparedness for influenza.

They have chosen to make these revisions after several important developments occurred since the first guidance was published in 2005.

Since 2005, there have been scientific advances, such as the development of H5N1 vaccines and greater experience with clinical treatment of H5N1 cases. Moreover, legal developments such as the entry into force of the new International Health Regulations will influence how Member States and WHO respond to potential and actual pandemic influenza threats.

Working groups will focus on areas such as disease control, surveillance, medical interventions, non-medical interventions (such as continuation of emergency services, organization of mass gatherings and school closures) and the role of communications during an influenza pandemic. Once the content is agreed upon, new draft guidelines will be circulated for comment. The guidelines are expected to be published by the end of 2008.

The WHO announced 2 hours ago that the threat of a bird flu (H5N1) pandemic is growing.

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Death Toll Climbs Rapidly In Burma After Cyclone

As the death toll passes 22,000 in Burma, the ruling military government publicly announces they will accept international aid and relief. At the same time, the government is quietly making it very difficult for aid and relief workers to gain access to the country.

The government refused aid after the tsunami hit the country and has currently turned down initial offers of immediate monetary aid of $250,000 USD and assistance from the navy for seach and rescue operations from the United States.

Aid workers are saying that the death toll may reach 50,000 and over 40,000 people are currently missing.

One of the deadliest parts of a cyclone or hurricane is the storm surge. Witnesses are saying a surge about 12 feet high came inland that was like a wall of water.

As you can see from the satellite images above much of the coast has been washed away and is still under water.

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Tornado Safety

Photo by Pingnews.com

I know that I touched upon this topic a few times already when we had some unusual and severe weather in the United States about a month ago.

However in recent days we have had a large number of tornado's that that struck and killed several people.

I would like to take the time to go over some facts about tornado's many people do not know the difference between a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Watch. Here is the difference:

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

What to Do During a Tornado:

If you are in a Structure:

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a Vehicle or Mobile Home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Other Safety Resources:
FEMA Tornado Safety
NOAA Severe Weather Safety
Tornadoproject.com

Also see my other posts on this subject here and here where you can see some great videos and get the warning signs of an approaching tornado.

Measles Outbreak, On the Verge of An Epidemic

We recently made a brief mention about a small number of measle cases in the United States Here and Here.

Now health officials are worrying about the rise in the number of cases as well as a decline in the number of children being vaccinated in several countries worldwide, including the U.S. due to what is being called unproven fears in which vaccines are said to be the cause of autism.

So far there have been 64 reported cases of the measles, the highest number since 2001, according the the CDC report.

Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing and is HIGHLY contagious. Symptoms can include rash, high fever, coughing, and runny nose. The disease can also cause more serious complications, such as ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) — even death.

Measles is on the rise again worldwide in areas where people are choosing not to be vaccinated against the disease.

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Boating Accident In Sydney Harbour

Boats collide overnight in Sydney Harbour Australia at around 2:30 AM killing 5 people as of this writing and injuring 9 others 1 critically.

Apparently one of the boats involved was taken without permission and was not designed to carry that many people. The boat collided into a fishing trawler and injured two people on the trawler as well.

Over 50 rescue personnel were involved in the rescue and the victims ranged in age from 18 to 31.

The owner of the boat that was taken without permission stated, "All my staff have been accounted for,"adding that "None of them work overnight."

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