New agent strikes at respiratory syncytial virus replication May 6, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researchers have achieved promising results with a potential new weapon against respiratory syncytial virus, the most common cause of infant hospitalization in the United States ... Other authors of the paper (Inhibition of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections With Morpholino Oligomers in Cell Cultures and in Mice) include Dr. Shen-Hao Lai and Dr. Sui-Ling Liao of Chang Gung University, Taiwan, Republic of China; David A.... (EurekAlert!)
Study shows physician judgement important in reducing RSV-related hospitalizations May 6, 2008
HONOLULU, HI, May 5, 2008 MedImmune announced today that the company presented results from a retrospective chart review that evaluated the use of Synagis (palivizumab) as a preventive measure against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infants ... Synagis (palivizumab) is indicated for the prevention of serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children at high risk of RSV disease. (EurekAlert!)
Phase 3 Data Regarding Anti-RSV Antibody To Be Presented at Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Annual Meeting May 5, 2008
- In Clinical Trial, Motavizumab Reduced Hospitalizations Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus by 83 Percent Compared to Placebo - HONOLULU, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune today announced that researchers are currently presenting results from a MedImmune-sponsored Phase 3 study involving motavizumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody (MAb) that is being evaluated for its potential to prevent serious disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk pediatric patients. Kate... (PR Newswire)
Quick Way To Make Human Monoclonal Antibodies Against Flu Discovered May 2, 2008
"This research holds clinical potential for a host of infectious diseases including anthrax, respiratory syncytial virus and pneumococcal pneumonia," says Dr. Capra. Reference: J Wrammert et al. Rapid cloning of high-affinity human monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus. (Science Daily)
Respiratory infections in villages raise alarm Apr 3, 2008
Hospitalization rates for infants with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, were five times higher than the national average. The report suggests that better public health in the Bush might be as achievable as providing more villages with running water. (Anchorage Daily News)
Ear Aches Complicate Most Colds in Young Children Apr 1, 2008
Ear ache occurred in roughly half of the children with upper respiratory infection due to adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, or coronavirus and in approximately one third of those with upper respiratory infection due to influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus or rhinovirus. Based on this study, Chonmaitree and colleagues suggest that "for young children, the strategy to prevent ear aches should involve prevention of viral upper respiratory infection. The strategy may be more... (MEDLINEplus)
Flu kills Pennington County woman Mar 22, 2008
Officials at Rapid City Regional Hospital said their laboratories and clinics are seeing a downward trend in the number of cases of influenza A, influenza B, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. "Although there is a downward trend, we continue to recommend high-risk groups (the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases and compromised immune systems) continue to take precautions," hospital spokeswoman Melissa Kent said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Common Cold Linked To Ear Infections, Researchers Confirm Mar 15, 2008
Researchers also identified the types of cold viruses -- adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus -- that most often resulted in ear infection. "Because we now know that the common cold is the precursor to an ear infection, it is important for parents to make extra efforts to prevent their children from catching colds," Chonmaitree said. (Science Daily)
Function Of Molecular Switch Pinpointed In Severe Congenital Neutropenia Mar 10, 2008
8, 2008) Researchers have shown how to predict if a child who is infected with respiratory syncytial virus while being treated for cancer or another catastrophic disease is at high risk for developing severe. . (Science Daily)
Pioneer Manor restricts visitors Mar 5, 2008
Gillette doctors last week reported that a quarter of the children tested in the past three months have tested positive for RSV or respiratory syncytial virus, according to CCMH officials. The Pioneer Manor restrictions are more strict because of the age of its population. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Hospital restricts visitors because of flu and RSV Mar 1, 2008
Gillette doctors have reported that a quarter of the children tested in the past three months have tested positive for RSV or respiratory syncytial virus, said Baerbel Merrill, CCMH infection control officer. The three months before that, about 8 percent to 12 percent tested positive. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Read more. . Mar 1, 2008
Lorrie Antos, Department Manager for Med Surg, Extended Care, ICU, and Cardiac Rehab at Mercy Medical Center, said that they have been seeing an increase in both influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is an upper respiratory disease which has also been on the rise in other areas of the state, and young children under a year old are especially vulnerable. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Second flu death reported in South Dakota Mar 1, 2008
In Rapid City, a Rapid City Regional Health spokeswoman said Friday that in the past week, there has been an increase in the number of cases of influenza B, parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Melissa Kent also said hospitals are still seeing influenza A cases, but the number has declined in the past week. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Bismarck hospitals flooded with children ill from RSV bug Feb 28, 2008
The bug - its full name is respiratory syncytial virus - is particularly hard on young children. All 14 pediatrics beds at Medcenter One were full Tuesday - 90 percent of them because of RSV. The 13 pediatrics beds at St. Alexius Medical Center were also full, and doctors there were taking RSV patients in the emergency room late into the night. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Western Alaska nailed by virus Feb 21, 2008
Respiratory syncytial virus, which hits every winter and has symptoms most people refer to as a common cold, has been spiking in Bethel and sending kids to Anchorage for treatment. So far this year, 47 children from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region have been hospitalized, state epidemiologists said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Badger Vac 45 Unveiled at Cattlemen’s Conference Feb 21, 2008
All calves must be vaccinated and boostered against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Parainfluenza III (PI 3, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and a 7-way clostridial. Products labeled as single dose immunization may require only one injection of product to provide adequate immunization. (Agri-View, WI)
Respiratory virus hits Helena kids Feb 10, 2008
Five children are currently receiving care at St. Peter s Hospital with what officials have identified as respiratory syncytial virus, the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 year of age. While it may seem like a high number of cases, health officials with the county said Friday that RSV is common this time of year, and there s little parents can do to protect their children, other than enforce hand-washing. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Four viruses peak in city Feb 8, 2008
Those four major viruses are Influenza A and B, parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly called RSV.. "Those viruses are very dangerous for babies, very dangerous for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems," he said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children Feb 5, 2008
Children receiving treatment for cancer who are under2 years and those with very low levels of immune system cells called lymphocytes are at higher risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus related disease. St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital investigators and collaborators have shown how to predict if a child who is infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while being treated for cancer or another catastrophic disease is at high risk for developing severe infection. (EurekAlert!)
Endangered great apes dying of human diseases Jan 31, 2008
All available tissue samples gathered from chimp victims tested positive for one of two germs human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) or human metapneumovirus (HMPV). These viruses often cause respiratory disease in humans. (Xinhuanet, China)
Visitors Restricted At St. James Healthcare (51) Jan 30, 2008
Both Influenza A and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) are spread through contact with secretions and droplets form coughing and sneezing. Persons with mild disease may transmit the infection to a patient who could become seriously ill. (Montana Standard, MT)
McMaster test detects the most prevalent respiratory viruses Jan 29, 2008
The FDA approval allows U.S. laboratories to use the test to simultaneously detect and identify 12 viruses and viral subtypes that together are responsible for more than 85 percent of respiratory viral infections, including influenza A, influenza A-H1, influenza A-H3, influenza B, Adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3, and rhinovirus. The test is also CE ("Conformit Europenne") certified to detect and identify 20 viruses and viral... (EurekAlert!)
Great Apes Endangered By Human Viruses Jan 26, 2008
Tissue samples taken from chimpanzees that had died in a series of outbreaks dating back to 1999 tested positive for two human respiratory viruses that are major sources of human infant mortality in the developing world, namely human respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus. Viral strains sampled from the chimpanzees were closely related to pandemic strains concurrently circulating in human populations as far away as China and Argentina, suggesting recent introduction from humans... (Science Daily)
New Test Screens for Flu and Other Viruses Jan 23, 2008
The ProFlu+ test can analyze a single sample for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, pneumonia and an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA clears Prodesse respiratory virus test Jan 22, 2008
The product has a platform that allows several tests to be processed using the same sample to detect influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and respiratory syncytial virus A and B (RSV). These viruses can cause influenza, an infection of the airways called bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, and all are among the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections. (WTN News)
By Greg Tammen Jan 16, 2008
What is surprising Family Practice doctors, though, is the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases that are showing up. While both influenza and RSV are spread through airborne droplets from an infected person to a surface then to a healthy person, unlike the flu, which is primarily seen in older children and adults, and causes overwhelming fatigue, achiness, temperatures above 101 degrees, runny nose and a cough, RSV is an illness most often seen in infants and young children, and... (McPherson Sentinel, KS)
ViraCor Laboratories Is First National Reference Laboratory To ... Jan 7, 2008
-- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A. -- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B. (FOX News)
Virus hits the Valley hard to begin '08 Jan 3, 2008
The bug of the moment is respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.Kaiser Permanente tested 700 people with respiratory complaints last week and found 271, or 39%, positive for the virus, said Dee Lacy, an infectious-disease doctor at the Kaiser hospital in Fresno. The virus causes a cough and sometimes fever and chills in adults and school-age children. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Colds, influenza pay holiday visit Dec 29, 2007
The Vista Community Clinic reports a modest rise in cases of the flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, said Dr. Kelly Motadel. RSV is the most common cause of bronchitis in infants and children, according to the National Center for Infectious Diseases. (North County Times)
Health alert: Seasonal virus can lead to pneumonia Dec 21, 2007
The girls developed Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV. It is a respiratory tract infection with symptoms that are much like the common cold or the flu. On a scan of a child s lungs, visible white spots are actually RSV cells attacking the lungs. (KHOU.com, TX)
Respiratory virus life-threatening for some kids Dec 19, 2007
After undergoing testing, Kamryn was found to have respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.. "For you and me it's a really bad head cold," says pediatric pulmonologist Burt Lesnick. (CNN)
With cold medicines gone, parents seek options for sick kids Dec 14, 2007
Emm, a pediatrician with Bloomington Pediatrics gy in Bloomington, has treated young children for croup, colds and even some cases of the respiratory tract infection RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Dr. Dirck Curry, program director of the BroMenn Family Health Clinic in Normal, has treated young children for colds and strep throat. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Kids' Respiratory Virus Season Off and Running Dec 8, 2007
THURSDAY, Dec. 6 (HealthDay News) -- The season for outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus -- the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children under 1 year of age -- is under way, with early case reports coming in from southern and northeastern states, U.S. health officials reported Thursday. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause infections throughout life, results in bronchiolitis or pneumonia in up to 40 percent of young children as well as between... (MEDLINEplus)
Make sure RSV isn't mistaken for sniffles Dec 4, 2007
Keep your preemie away from anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms (including yourself), crowded areas (restaurants, shopping centers) and group daycare during respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, season ... Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory infection and viral death among infants. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Beactica Announces Drug Discovery Collaboration With Arrow Therapeutics Nov 12, 2007
The company has a number of research and development programs, the most advanced of which target Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). For more information about Arrow Therapeutics, please visit http://www. (Canada Newswire)
Blocking effects of viral infections may prevent asthma in young children Nov 8, 2007
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common source of respiratory infections. In the United States nearly all children have been infected with RSV by two or three years of age. (EurekAlert!)
* Postnatal center closed after infection outbreak Nov 2, 2007
Virus culture tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that the infection was caused by the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), CDC deputy chief Shih Wen-yi (I) said yesterday. Although RSV is not considered a particularly dangerous disease and incidents do not normally need to be reported to the CDC, all cases of mass infections in institutions where people live in close proximity to each other have to be reported as soon as possible, Shih said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
MedImmune to present RSV surveillance and cost-effectiveness data at American Academy of Pediatrics Oct 27, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO, October 26, 2007 MedImmune, Inc. today announced it will present three abstracts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2007 National Conference ition, adding to the companys growing body of research into the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of hospitalization among infants ... Cost-Effectiveness of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis with Palivizumab Among Preterm Infants After Valuing a Reduction in Persistent Wheezing (Poster #P14) ... (EurekAlert!)
Many Babies Who Suffer From Bronchiolitis Are Inherently Predisposed Oct 20, 2007
Bronchiolitis frequently develops in infants suffering from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection ... 26, 2004) An international team of researchers has discovered that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cold virus causing bronchiolitis in children, can act as a 'hit and hide. (Science Daily)
Scientists find predisposition to bronchiolitis in some babies Oct 20, 2007
Bronchiolitis frequently develops in infants suffering from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Although most infants infected with RSV have only mild symptoms such as a cough and wheeze some develop potentially life-threatening bronchiolitis. (EurekAlert!)
Viral Pneumonia Oct 14, 2007
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Adenoviruses. (Suite101.com)
Old-fashioned remedies better for young children Oct 11, 2007
Wheezing could be a sign of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The wintertime virus isn't a serious illness for most babies and children, but in some infants it can be life-threatening if it inhibits breathing. Babies with this virus need to be seen by a doctor. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Study: Flu shotsdo save elderly lives Oct 5, 2007
"Some of these deaths were probably due to other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, that can mimic influenza, but many probably represent vaccine failures," Treanor wrote in a commentary. The study of people enrolled in three health maintenance organizations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, New York and Washington state found that the vaccines always reduced the death rate, no matter what age group and whether the person faced a high risk of illness because of pre-existing medical... (MSNBC -- Health)
Medimmune announces phase 2 safety data for anti-RSV antibody and national RSV surveillance results Oct 5, 2007
SAN DIEGO, October 4, 2007 MedImmune, Inc. today announced results from two important studies presented at the 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 45th Annual Meeting adding to the body of knowledge about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ... In 1996, MedImmune launched the first anti-RSV drug, RespiGam (respiratory syncytial virus immune globulin intravenous (human) (RSV-IGIV)), which was a polyclonal antibody administered via four-hour intravenous infusion. (EurekAlert!)
From the brain to the heart to the foot Sep 23, 2007
Love's aunt, Naomi Triplett, said that although she found all of the booths to be helpful she really appreciated being able to learn about respiratory syncytial virus. One of the most common causes of lung infections, RSV commonly affects children ages 3 and younger, and has symptoms like that of a common cold. (Freeport Journal-Standard, IL)
FDA approves FluMist influenza vaccine for young kids Sep 21, 2007
Its flagship product, Synagis, prevents respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of pneumonia and other respiratory disease in infants and children. Besides FluMist, its nasal spray flu vaccine, also on the market are Ethyol, which treats side effects of chemotherapy and radiation; and Neutrexin, a treatment for a kind of pneumonia that often afflicts AIDS patients. (The Money Times)
Alnylam succeeds in sickening subjects so it can test drug Jul 27, 2007
Alnylam wants to develop a new drug to fight a pesky lung infection called respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. It's normally not serious but can be dangerous when it attacks infants and older people. In healthy adults, RSV looks so much like a cold that it's almost impossible to distinguish the two. (Boston Globe)
Therapy for Bronchiolitis: When Some Become None Jul 26, 2007
The annual rate of emergency department visits for bronchiolitis during the season of respiratory syncytial virus, the major cause of this condition, has been estimated as 22. 8 per 1000 for children 12 months of age or younger. (New England Journal of Medicine)
University of Colorado licenses two influenza virus detection discoveries to Quidel Corp. Jul 19, 2007
Marketed under the leading brand name of QuickVue, the portfolio currently includes tests that aid in the diagnosis of several disease or condition states, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, Fecal Occult Blood, Strep A, pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis, infectious mononucleosis, H. pylori and Chlamydia. Quidel's products are sold to healthcare professionals with a focus on the physician office lab and acute care markets through leading medical distribution partners on a worldwide... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
RSV Drug Starts Phase Ia Clinical Trials Jul 17, 2007
July 16 /PRNewswire/-- Biota Holdings Limited (ASX: BTA) and MedImmune Inc. today announced the start of a Phase Ia clinical trial for their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antiviral drug, BTA9881, with the goal of providing a treatment for RSV-infected infants and adults ... About respiratory syncytial virus Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects people of all ages, but particularly infants, causing similar symptoms to influenza ... Biota research breakthroughs have included a series of... (PR Newswire)
Roche and Alnylam Form Major Alliance on RNAi Therapeutics (2) Jul 9, 2007
The company is leveraging these capabilities to build a broad pipeline of RNAi therapeutics; its most advanced program is in Phase II human clinical trials for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. In addition, the company is developing RNAi therapeutics for the treatment of influenza, hypercholesterolemia, and liver cancers, amongst other diseases. (InfoBolsa)
Roche agrees alliance on RNAi therapy with US biopharma company Alnylam Jul 9, 2007
Last month Alnylam announced it had begun a phase II clinical trial of ALN-RSV01, a drug candidate intended to treat respiratory syncytial virus that infects the upper and lower respiratory tract, usually in children and people with weak immune systems. Drugs entering Phase II clinical trials are about seven years away from possible U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, according to industry averages. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Worse in Kids with Neuromuscular Problems Jun 23, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are prone to fare poorly if they also have neuromuscular impairments, German and US researchers report. Many children are infected with RSV in the first couple of years of life, and sometimes they need to be admitted to the hospital if they get into breathing difficulties as a result. (MEDLINEplus)
Doctors launch National Premmie Day Jun 12, 2007
The day has been launched with a warning about respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a common virus that causes about 6,000 children to be treated in hospital every year in Australia. The risk of infection is at its highest from May to October. (ABC Online)
Blood of bird flu victims offers treatment: study May 29, 2007
Antibodies taken from human blood can treat or prevent a number of infections, including hepatitis, rabies and respiratory syncytial virus. "The transfusion of human blood products from patients recovering from the 1918 'Spanish 'flu' was associated with a 50 percent reduction in influenza mortality during the pandemic," the researchers wrote in their study, published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine. (Scientific American)
The Hospital: Apr 7, 2007
RSV, it turns out, stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. From the point of view of Berkeley's infants, it might as well be the bubonic plague. (Slate)
Weak immune response critical to disease that causes most infant hospitalizations Apr 6, 2007
Research overturns long-held medical dogma on respiratory syncytial virus. GALVESTON, Texas -- The most common cause of infant hospitalization in the United States, respiratory syncytial virus, infects virtually all children by age two ... In advance of publication, the study, "Severe Human Lower Respiratory Tract Illness Caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Virus Is Characterized by the Absence of Pulmonary Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Responses," is available online now to Journal of... (EurekAlert!)
High expression levels of soluble glycoproteins in the allantoic fluid of embryonated chicken eggs using a Sendai virus minigenome system Apr 6, 2007
Soluble forms of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) fusion (F) proteins, lacking their transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, were produced in the allantoic fluid using the Sendai minigenome system. The first step was rescuing Sendai virus minigenomes encoding the proteins of interest in cell culture, with the help of wild type Sendai virus. (BioMed Central)
More Biotech Bets for the Fearless Mar 29, 2007
The company has only initiated an early-stage safety trial for its lead product candidate, a treatment for respiratory syncytial virus, but RNAi could be the bigger asset. Douglas Chow, an analyst with investment bank Caris, says, "I would compare it to the early stages of monoclonal antibodies technology in the early 1980s before people could figure out how to use monoclonal antibodies." He refers to another development, for which researchers also won a Nobel, that has provided the base of many... (BusinessWeek)
GenVec to work with NIH on vaccines for RSV Mar 21, 2007
GenVec has signed a research and development agreement with the to develop vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV.. The Gaithersburg-based company -- which is developing gene-based drugs and vaccines for cancer, malaria and other diseases -- says it will combine the scientific and clinical expertise of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with GenVec's experience in vaccine development and manufacturing. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Rural young ones hit hard with respiratory illness Mar 11, 2007
Vera Tagarook of Nuiqsut looks after her son John David Kasak, 6 months, following his treatment on a breathing machine for respiratory syncytial virus, Mar ... They're two of dozens of babies and toddlers around the state who have been hospitalized recently with respiratory syncytial virus, a common virus that's packing a nasty punch this year ... Cases of respiratory syncytial virus, a common virus that can lead to respiratory arrest or pneumonia in children, have risen sharply in recent... (Anchorage Daily News)
Vicious virus hits toddlers Mar 5, 2007
Respiratory syncytial virus -- the top cause of serious respiratory infections in young children -- has spiked in the community of 4,200 and some Inupiat villages, said Julian Gonzalez, a physician at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital. The regional hospital in Barrow has treated 26 cases of people hit with the virus this year, a notable increase over previous years, Gonzalez said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Illnesses plaguing valley's young, old Mar 4, 2007
Doctors are concerned about the large numbers of children with RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. The coldlike sickness is common in babies younger than 6 months, often causing only a runny nose, light fever and cough. (Modesto Bee, CA)
First warmer, then sicker Feb 28, 2007
One British study found that the number of children infected with a cold-like virus known as respiratory syncytial virus has been declining with warming temperatures. Combining meteorological data and emergency room admission rates from 1981 to 2004, physiologist Gavin Donaldson at University College London found each increase of 1. (The Standard-Times, MA)
Flu bugs parts of town Feb 24, 2007
And a number of other upper respiratory illnesses are circulating in the state, said state virologist Terry Schmidt in Fairbanks: common colds, parainfluenza viruses and something called respiratory syncytial virus that particularly targets infants and young children. The flu can descend on Alaska as early as October, and the upper respiratory virus season lasts through March or April, Schmidt said. (Anchorage Daily News)
