•
changes in laboratory markers of antiviral sensitivity.
Clinical or virological samples from these investigations should be submitted to a WHO Collaborating Centre along with reports of investigation findings. In addition, countries and organizations with greater capacity for scientific investigation will be expected to assess and report their findings regarding other important pandemic related issues such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
optimum case management age specific mortality rates risk factors for severe disease and poor outcome incubation period carefully designed studies of transmission characteristics including R0, period of infectiousness, etc mode of transmission antiviral sensitivity viral antigenicity effectiveness of mitigation measures development and evaluation of tests for the pandemic virus duration of survival of the pandemic virus in the environment evaluation of infection control methods defining the primary mode of transmission models of transmission dynamics.
Results of these studies will help refine appropriate and effective management and control strategies. While WHO respects the rights of investigators to publish their results in peer reviewed journals, investigators are strongly encouraged to report findings to WHO prior to publication so that all Member States can be given appropriate guidance.
3.
Data analysis
In addition to the data analysis done in country, WHO will convene a special Virtual Network of experts to evaluate, analyse, and interpret submitted data. This network will convene on a regular basis with additional special sessions as needed during the pandemic. The findings of this network will be made available to Ministries of Health of Member States through the GIM web site.
4.
Information Dissemination
Reported information, interpretations, and summaries of the current knowledge about the pandemic will be displayed or linked through the GIM web site. The GIM will be updated with new information regularly and will graphically display information reported by Member States. It will contain links to other important sites that contain specific information and advice regarding the pandemic including: • • • • • •
IHR Event Information site for National IHR Focal Points Disease Outbreak News Travel Advice web site World Epidemiological Report (WER) WHO regional office web sites National reporting web sites.
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