Health authorities unveil preemptive steps against influenza A, new strains

Health authorities on Friday unveiled a set of preemptive steps against influenza A and its potential new strains, citing concerns over human cases of infection with avian influenza. Under the measures, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said it will develop a new testing scheme that significantly reduces the test turnaround time. Although vaccines against influenza A, of which H5N1 is a subtype, are available, the KDCA said it will swiftly develop new vaccines against other possible subtypes of the virus. Health authorities also will secure antiviral treatments for 25 percent of the population, the KDCA said. "Preemptive measures are crucial because a pandemic not only impacts public health but also various sectors of society," KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee said. "We plan to sufficiently stockpile treatments and disease control supplies to effectively address the early stage of a pandemic," Jee added. Source: Yonhap News Agency