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September 11, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Flu Virus Mutating Into New Strains"

Press Association (UK) (www.pressassociation.press.net) (09/11/02); Wheldon, Julie

Details of a new flu strain that emerged last winter in Great Britain were shared by Dr. Maria Zambon, head of the Respiratory Unit at the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) Central Public Health Laboratory in Colindale, north London, at the annual PHLS conference Wednesday.  During 2001-2002, two existing flu virus genetically combined and formed H1N2, which was discovered by the PHLS and the World Health Organization's global influenza surveillance program.  Zambon says that because the new strain is genetically similar to ones that have been circulating for decades, the general population has good immunity to it and last year's flu vaccine also offered protection against it.  Dr. Zambon noted that flu surveillance is essential at both a national and worldwide level, so action can quickly be taken against any new strains that develop, including designing effective vaccines.

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