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Avian Influenza Update
October 2006
Data from the last three years indicate pronounced seasonal variability for human cases of H5N1, with peaks in human cases occurring in the winter/spring (Northern Hemisphere) even in tropical climates. Given the abrupt spread of the virus into Europe and Africa last year, it is very likely that this year will be the worst yet.
Latest: Human bird flu vaccine shows promise
View current information 
Visit UPCPHP’s essential avian influenza (bird flu) information site. It’s updated regularly with the latest in avian influenza news, avian and human statistics, and links to experts around the world.
DHHS releases new guidelines on mask use in an influenza pandemic
This document augments and supersedes recommendations provided in Part 2 of the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan… Full
story 
Aerosol transmission of influenza...
Full
story
New drug blocks influenza, including bird flu virus... Full
story
U.S. needs pandemic vaccine research and development master plan... Full
story
Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) a two-year, $2.75 million grant to evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions against outbreaks of influenza in schools and homes.
The Pittsburgh Influenza Prevention Project (PIPP) is headed by Donald S. Burke (dean of GSPH and principal investigator) and Sam Stebbins (director of Pitt’s Center for Public Health Preparedness and co-principal investigator). PIPP will work closely with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and other partners to develop influenza prevention systems at schools and homes. More information
Risky Business
This conference covered many aspects of pandemic flu such as the impact on business, financial effects, and state and county planning. There are written transcripts, video of presentations, and a short documentary of the 1918 flu pandemic. More information
The University of Pittsburgh Center for Public Health Preparedness (UPCPHP) trains public health professionals, including professionals in related organizations, to respond to bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. Housed in the Center for Public Health Practice at the Graduate School of Public Health, UPCPHP is a project of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through cooperative agreement number U90/CCU324238.
