H1N1: Seed strain available during the second half of May (WHO)

300 views · Published 6 May 2009 · 1:16 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: United Nations · 2009 · News & Politics

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United Nations, New York, 6 May 2009 - On the influenza A (H1N1) virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that the number of lab-confirmed cases has increased to 1,658. That figure includes 30 deaths. Cases have now been confirmed in 23 countries, with Mexico still having the largest number of cases  at 946. WHO also noted increased cases in Canada, France, New Zealand, Guatemala, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
WHO added that it is still engaged in efforts to generate seed strains of the virus for manufacturers so that there can be progress on producing a vaccine. The agency believes that such a seed strain will most likely become available during the second half of May for any manufacturer that requests it. 
WHO also said it is talking to manufacturers about procuring vaccines for UN agencies -- as soon as they are produced  for the benefit of people in developing countries. It said it hopes to announce an agreement on that in the next few days.

News story:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30719&Cr=+flu+&Cr1=

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