Experts Discuss Scientific, Public Health Implications Of H1N1 Flu Outbreak At Special NYAS Symposium

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Respiratory / Asthma;  Public Health
Article Date: 28 May 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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As H1N1 (swine) flu continues to spread, it's clear that the worldwide outbreak of this new virus remains a rigorous test for science and public health. Regardless of whether the outbreak reaches pandemic levels, H1N1 has much to teach us about the evolving nature of such viruses and how to better prepare for future global outbreaks.

On May 28, the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) will host a symposium on H1N1 influenza, with leading experts in virology, epidemiology, public health, and vaccine development. The event will review the latest research on how this novel virus operates and efforts to track and treat the outbreak. Understanding the pathogenicity and transmission of viruses like H1N1 will be key to developing improved methods of prevention and control of future outbreaks.

This program will be webcast as a live Webinar, providing an opportunity for interested audiences outside the New York area to participate in this exciting and timely discussion.

WHAT
Human Swine Flu (H1N1) and Novel Influenza Pandemics, a NYAS symposium, organized by the Academy's Emerging Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Discussion Group, sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur, Centrum, Clorox and VaxInnate.

WHO
Leading authorities on virology, vaccine development and public health, including:

- Doris Bucher, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at New York Medical College, whose lab is one of just three worldwide that produce 'seed' viruses for the influenza vaccine (organizer).

- Nancy Cox, Chief, Influenza Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Director, World Health Organization Centre for Influenza Reference.

- Scott Harper, Medical Epidemiologist at the Zoonotic, Influenza, and Vectorborne Diseases Unit of the Bureau of Communicable Disease, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

- Edwin D. Kilbourne, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at New York Medical College; developer of the first genetically engineered vaccine (keynote speaker).

- Rino Rappuoli, Global Head of Vaccines Research, Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics.

- Kanta Subbarao, Senior Investigator at the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

- John Treanor, Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Director of its Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit.

- James Matthews, Sanofi Pasteur (moderator).

WHEN
May 28, 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm (reception to follow).

WHERE
The New York Academy of Sciences, 7 World Trade Center, 40th floor, 250 Greenwich St., New York, NY, 10007.

Source
New York Academy of Sciences