Bird flu in Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, comprising an entire continent (the world’s smallest) and several islands in the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans. The continent has been inhabited by more than 42,000 years by the indigenous Australians. The British starting settling here in the 18th century. The six colonies federated in 1901 and Australia has maintained a stable democracy ever since.

Man cleared of bird flu suspicion in Adelaide

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006

A 50 year old man returning to Australia after a trip to China presented flu-like symptoms upon his arrival and was subsequently taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for further investigations. His symptoms included fever and breathing difficulties, so health authorities treated the case as a possible bird flu infection. However, further testing after the man was put in an isolation room has showed that such fears are not motivated. The Health Department has issued a press statement to clarify that the man was not a carrier of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Posted in Australia

Australia encouraged by successful vaccine trials

Sunday, July 2nd, 2006

Bird flu vaccines are being tested around the world, but the latest news comes from Down Under. An Australian vaccine has shown positive results in its preliminary testing and scientists are now moving into the human trials stage. They are seeking for 150 adults to volunteer for a study which will further analyze the effectiveness of the drug.

The vaccine, developed from a strain of the virus found in a Vietnamese avian flu victim, is said to have little side effects. If the Australian product proves reliable and safe, it will then be mass produced, to supply the stocks needed in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Australia is the only country in the Southern hemisphere to look into the matter and the government has understood the importance of such research, by funding the project and the development of the vaccine by the pharmaceutical company CSL.

Posted in Australia