Update: April 15, 2005

Update

Public Health Agency of Canada investigating additional distribution of H2N2 influenza virus for laboratory testing

Acting on additional information received from the College of American Pathologists in the US, the Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating the receipt of proficiency panels containing the H2N2 influenza virus by Canadian laboratories since October 2004.

The Agency is now requesting that all laboratories that received panels since October 2004 also destroy the panels, if they have not already done so as per routine practice.

PHAC has already received confirmation from laboratories across Canada that 2005 proficiency panels from the same supplier have been destroyed.

The Agency believes that the risk to laboratory workers and the general public is considered low, particularly given the length of time that has elapsed since the shipments of the panels, and safety procedures in place at the Canadian labs.

There has been no human infection with influenza H2N2 detected, and influenza activity is on the decline in Canada, in line with expected trends. As a precautionary measure, however, the Agency will continue to monitor influenza activity among workers in the labs that received the panels.

April 12, 2005

Statement

International response to the distribution of a H2N2 influenza virus for laboratory testing

The World Health Organization released the following statement today:

International response to the distribution of a H2N2 influenza virus for laboratory testing: Risk considered low for laboratory workers and the public

Laboratories within Canada received these materials. They have been advised to take the following actions:

• Immediately destroy the panels and materials derived from them;
• Confirm within 24 hours to the College of American Pathologists and the Public Health Agency of Canada that the specimens have been destroyed;
• And monitor the health of lab workers who have worked with the panels and test anyone who had symptoms of respiratory illness for H2N2.

All laboratories in Canada that received these materials have now destroyed them.