Report
Note: Workshop Summaries contain the opinion of the presenters, but do NOT reflect the conclusions of the IOM. Learn more about the differences between Workshop Summaries and Consensus Reports.
In March 2009, a new H1N1 influenza A virus emerged in Mexico and the United States. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in response to the sustained global spread of the virus. President Obama, on October 24, 2009, signed an official proclamation declaring the 2009-H1N1 influenza A swine flu outbreak a national emergency in the United States. While the 2009 H1N1 pandemic appears to be the mildest pandemic of the past century, many scientific and policy questions related to this virus remain unanswered.
On September 15-16, 2009, the IOM's Forum on Microbial Threats held a public workshop to discuss the domestic and international impacts of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic. Participants explored the origins, evolution, and epidemiology of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus as well as prospects for development and distribution of vaccines and other mitigation measures. In addition, participants discussed the value of disease detection and surveillance in understanding the epidemiology of the virus and in evaluating the success of various interventions to reduce the virus's spread. This report summarizes the workshop's discussions.
Other Reports by this Activity
Displaying: 3 of 28 Reports
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The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology - Workshop Summary
The completion of the initial draft of the human genome sequence in 2001 represented a fundamental shift in the way biology was studied, and allowed for vast post-genomic possibilities. Until the past decade, the work was often painstakingly slow; however, new strategies combining engineering and biological techniques have enhanced researchers' abilities. These new synthetic techniques allow for genes and long chains of DNA to be designed and manufactured from scratch using a computer and relevant chemical compounds, rather than manipulating pieces of existing genes from living cells. The IOM’s Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop March 14-15, 2011 to explore the scientific and policy dimensions of recent developments in genetic engineering and their applications to emerging infectious diseases.
Released: November 23, 2011
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Fungal Diseases: An Emerging Threat To Human, Animal, and Plant Health - Workshop Summary
Fungal diseases have contributed to death and disability in humans, triggered global wildlife extinctions and population declines, devastated agricultural crops, and altered forest ecosystem dynamics. Despite the extensive influence of fungi on health and economic well-being, the threats posed by emerging fungal pathogens to life on Earth are often underappreciated and poorly understood. On December 14 and 15, 2010, the IOM’s Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop to explore the scientific and policy dimensions associated with the causes and consequences of emerging fungal diseases.
Released: September 9, 2011
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