This report provides an update to the international situation as of February 27, 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report updated 2009 H1N1 flu-associated laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths on its Web page.

During week 8 (February 21-27, 2010), influenza activity remained at approximately the same levels as last week in the U.S. 263 (6.4%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

FluView reports that for the week of February 21 – February 27, 2010, flu activity in the United States was relatively low, with most flu continuing to be caused by 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue for weeks. It's possible that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza.

These questions and answers summarize the current understanding of the impact of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza virus on Hispanics/Latinos, describe some of the barriers to uptake of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines, and outline potential strategies for improving health and increasing vaccine coverage in Hispanic/Latino communities.

The abbreviated Primary Care Office Template was developed by SME's in primary care, public health and emergency management during a stakeholder meeting in August 2009. Utilizing this template, primary care offices will be able to rapidly (within 1-5 days) develop a pandemic influenza plan and be encouraged to become integrated into community planning.

As of January 7, 2010, the cumulative pro rata allocation is approximately 136 million doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. As of January 5, 2010, approximately 111 million doses have been shipped, so supplies of 2009 H1N1 vaccine available to be administered are ample. Although the 2009 H1N1 vaccine was initially prioritized to certain target groups, due to the increase in supply most jurisdictions are now making vaccine available for everyone who wishes to receive it.

People come up to Aimee Mullins all the time and say, "you know, I have to tell you, you just don't look disabled."

This week, Dr. Charles Raison offers part two of his answer to the viewer question: Can a 9- or 10-year-old be bipolar?

Francisca Terrazas could not be left alone.

The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti caused massive mortality and countless injured who require surgery and trauma care. Many of the victims became disabled and will need specialized care. Homeless people gathered under improvised shelters or public spaces leading to overcrowding that, combined with poor living conditions, facilitates the spread of air-, water- and vector-borne diseases as well as the potential for epidemic diseases. The population has been strongly emotionally-affected and will require mental health and psycho-social support. The whole health system has been deeply affected in its infrastructure and organization affecting the capacity of the system to respond to the pressing health needs of the population. Livelihoods were lost, availability of food decreased, with particularly adverse effect on vulnerable groups including children. People with chronic diseases and HIV have been faced with the interruption of their treatment. SGBV is a looming risk. The rainy and hurricane seasons will start in the coming months, thus further complicating an already disastrous situation. The immediate risks include diarrhoea and waterborne diseases. Priority actions until May will focus on primary health care and mobile clinics to reduce morbidity and mortality among homeless people living in overcrowded conditions with poor sanitation. Specific preventive measures aiming at reducing the incidence of diarrhoea include the provision of adequate sanitation and in particular latrine building.

9 February, 2010 -- Intensive efforts are ongoing to detect potential disease outbreaks in earthquake-affected Haiti, and while there have been reports of acute respiratory infections and diarrhea, no outbreaks have been recorded.

Massive humanitarian health needs exist in Haiti following the 12 January, 2010, earthquake, and clear WHO guidelines are in place for the donations of medicines and other medical supplies to support the relief effort. WHO recommends that potential donors follow these guidelines to ensure appropriate supplies are being provided to match needs on the ground.

Doctors are pleasantly surprised by the picture quality of a pocket-sized ultrasound device called the Vscan.

A British woman became a mother for the first time just three hours after doctors discovered she was pregnant, The Sun reported Tuesday.

An electric power button symbol inched past other entries to win New York's condom wrapper design contest, the city said Tuesday.

As of 28 February 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16455 deaths.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued final guidance to help manufacturers who are developing safe and effective cell-based viral vaccines to address emerging and pandemic threats.

On February 24, 2010, the ACIP voted on updated recommendations for use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine for the 2010-2011 influenza season.

As of 21 February 2010, worldwide more than 213 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 16226 deaths.

The Emergency Committee held its seventh meeting by teleconference on 23 February 2010. The Director-General sought the Committee's views on the determination of the pandemic status.

As of 14 February 2010, worldwide more than 212 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 15921 deaths.

8 March -- On the occasion of International Women's Day, WHO encourages joining forces to fix the failures in health systems so that girls and women may enjoy equal access to health information and services.

4 March 2010 -- Over 85 million children under five years old will be immunized against polio in 19 countries across West and Central Africa in an example of cross-border cooperation aimed at stopping a year-long polio epidemic.

3 March 2010 -- WHO along with five other UN agencies, have signed a joint statement enhancing the rights of adolescent girls