Influenza A (H2N2) Situation
NOTE: This document is provided for historical purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information on this subject. For current flu information, please visit the CDC Flu Homepage.
Threat to Public Health from Influenza A (H2N2) is Low
CDC, HHS, and the World Health Organization are working with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and other providers of proficiency testing panels to ensure that influenza A/H2N2 samples sent to U.S. laboratories and laboratories in 17 other countries are destroyed immediately. The A/H2N2 samples sent out are similar to the A/H2N2 viruses that circulated in humans in 1957 at the beginning of the Asian influenza pandemic. More information is provided in the links below:- Q & A: Destruction of Influenza A (H2N2) Panels
- Q & A: Background Information
- CDC Health Update: Destruction of Influenza A (H2N2) Proficiency Testing Samples; Interim Guidance for Biosafety Level 3-Enhanced Biocontainment for Work with Human Influenza A (H2N2) Viruses
- Interim CDC-NIH Recommendation for Raising the Biosafety Level for Laboratory Work Involving Noncontemporary Human Influenza (H2N2) Viruses
- CDC Health Update: Instructions for Monitoring Health of Laboratory Workers and for Destroying Influenza A (H2N2) Samples
- CDC Health Advisory: CDC & WHO recommend that sample panels of influenza A/H2N2 be destroyed
Related Links
- Press Conference Transcript: Update on H2N2
- Press Conference Transcript: Update on Distribution of H2N2 Influenza Strain
- WHO Statement: International response to the distribution of a H2N2 influenza virus for laboratory testing: Risk considered low for laboratory workers & the public
- Page last updated October 6, 2005
- Content Source: Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases (CCID)
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)
