Finland to Begin Bird Flu Vaccination Rollout for High-Risk Workers
Finland is set to become the first country to offer bird flu vaccinations, targeting high-risk workers next week. Approximately 10,000 doses will be administered to individuals in close contact with animals, including poultry and fur farm workers. Each patient will receive two doses of the vaccine at least a week apart.
This program follows an outbreak on 27 fur farms in Finland last year, affecting animals like mink and foxes and leading to the culling of 485,000 animals. The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) emphasizes the vaccine aims to protect those 18 and over who are exposed to avian influenza through their work, including lab technicians and veterinarians.
Vaccines will be sourced from CSL Seqirus, part of a larger European Union procurement plan. Despite no human infections in Finland so far, officials highlight the urgent need for this measure to prevent potential human cases.
U.S. Health Officials Warn About Rising Dengue Cases
U.S. health officials are urging doctors to remain vigilant as dengue cases increase globally, partly due to climate change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that dengue has surged, with countries in the Americas breaking records this year. Although less common in the continental U.S., cases have tripled compared to the previous year, primarily in travelers.
Dengue, spread by mosquitoes, often results in flu-like symptoms but can escalate to serious conditions like severe bleeding and shock. There is no wide-scale treatment available, and vaccines have shown limited efficacy due to the virus's four different types.
In Puerto Rico and parts of the U.S., local transmission of dengue is a growing concern. CDC advises doctors to be thorough in their evaluations and to consider dengue testing for patients showing relevant symptoms and travel history.