May 19, 2009. Pharmaceutical Companies Will Start Making Swine Flu Vaccine
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
On 19 May 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that pharmaceutical companies will not be able to start manufacturing an A/H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine until mid-July 2009 at the earliest. WHO officials had previously thought that production could begin in late May 2009, though vaccine experts have reportedly had difficulty growing the virus in laboratories. Emerging reports indicate that the WHO has asked pharmaceutical companies to continue manufacturing seasonal flu vaccines.
On 18 May Canada lifted an advisory urging Canadian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. Meanwhile, on 19 May Japanese health authorities closed down approximately 4,040 schools to contain an outbreak of the H1N1 virus, which has now infected 173 people in the country. By 18 May authorities had already closed down approximately 2,000 schools. Authorities indicated that the spread of the virus to Tokyo is almost certain, which could set off even more drastic measures in the country. In South Korea, on 19 May, a Japanese tourist was quarantined at Jeju International Airport (RKPC/CJU) after exhibiting symptoms of the virus. The Japanese traveler arrived from Kansai International Airport (RJBB/KIX) in Osaka, Japan, earlier in the day. Meanwhile, officials in South Korea indicated that a Vietnamese transit passenger who was quarantined at a local hospital tested positive for the type-A flu virus. The Vietnamese woman arrived in South Korea from Seattle on 17 May. Passengers who were sitting near either individual are being watched closely for symptoms.
Copyright © 2009, Air Security International, Inc.