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AH1N1 viruses resistant to an anti-viral drug appear
The WHO reports that AH1N1 viruses resistant to an anti-viral drug have been identified in Denmark, Japan and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong in China.
- AH1N1 appears resistant to antivirals.
The agency says it has been informed by health authorities in these countries of the appearances of the viruses which are resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu, based on laboratory testing.
According to the agency, these viruses were found in three patients who did not have a severe case of the disease and have all recovered.
WHO points out that investigations have not found the resistant viruses in the close contacts of these three people.
The agency also says that while the viruses are resistant to Tamiflu, they remain sensitive to zanamivir, another drug used to treat influenza.
The UN health agency says at the moment there is no evidence to indicate the development of widespread resistance among pandemic H1N1 viruses.
Antiviral drugs remain a key component of the public health response when used as recommended, WHO maintained.
Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio.
Duration: 1' 08'
