A new strain of H1N1 flu, described as a ‘dual mutant,’ has been detected in the United States, carrying two significant mutations making it highly resistant to oseltamivir. Global cases of this dual mutant strain have been reported across five continents, prompting the CDC to stress the importance of ongoing surveillance to monitor drug resistance and virus adaptability.
Dual Mutant Flu Virus Detection in the US
A new strain of H1N1 flu, described as a ‘dual mutant,’ has been detected in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that this strain carries two significant mutations, I223V and S247N, making the virus up to 16 times more resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir. The study, published in the CDC’s “Emerging Infectious Diseases” journal, indicated that at least two infections occurred in the US during the 2023-2024 flu season.
Globally, 101 cases of this dual mutant strain out of 15,000 infections analyzed were detected across five continents. Countries like the Netherlands, France, Bangladesh, and the UK reported the highest numbers, while the US, Australia, and Spain reported two cases each. Despite increased resistance to oseltamivir, the strain remains susceptible to other antivirals like baloxavir.
The CDC emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance of these dual mutant strains to monitor potential shifts in drug resistance and virus adaptability.
France Orders 200,000 Flu Vaccines Amid Pandemic Concerns
France has ordered 200,000 doses of the 665,000 avian influenza vaccines recently secured by the European Union. The vaccination campaign, aimed at preventing transmission to humans, targets livestock farmers and veterinarians in high-risk areas. This decision follows reports of human cases in Australia, Mexico, and the United States.
The French Ministry of Health is finalizing its strategy on whether to stockpile the vaccines or begin immediate administration upon arrival between October and December 2024. Virologist Bruno Lina highlighted the real, albeit small, pandemic risk posed by the avian flu virus, stressing the necessity of preparedness and response capabilities.
Mpox Deaths Reported in South Africa
South Africa’s health authorities reported two deaths this week due to mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The deaths involved a 38-year-old man in KwaZulu-Natal and another man near Johannesburg. Both cases were among six recent confirmed infections in men in their 30s, none of whom had traveled to outbreak regions, indicating local transmission.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla noted that all six patients had underlying health conditions, with one of the deceased also infected with HIV. Mpox is known to be more severe in individuals with compromised immune systems. South Africa last recorded a mpox case in 2022 and is currently considering a vaccination campaign in response to this local outbreak. The World Health Organization reported 186 mpox deaths globally since 2022, with a fatality rate of less than 1%.
