China Has Withheld Samples of a Dangerous Flu Virus

[demmiblue]

Despite an international agreement, U.S. health authorities still have not received H7N9 avian flu specimens from their Chinese counterparts.

For over a year, the Chinese government has withheld lab samples of a rapidly evolving influenza virus from the United States — specimens needed to develop vaccines and treatments, according to federal health officials.

Despite persistent requests from government officials and research institutions, China has not provided samples of the dangerous virus, a type of bird flu called H7N9. In the past, such exchanges have been mostly routine under rules established by the World Health Organization.

Now, as the United States and China spar over trade, some scientists worry that the vital exchange of medical supplies and information could slow, hampering preparedness for the next biological threat.

The scenario is “unlike shortages in aluminum and soybeans,” said Dr. Michael Callahan, an infectious disease specialist at Harvard Medical School.

“Jeopardizing U.S. access to foreign pathogens and therapies to counter them undermines our nation’s ability to protect against infections which can spread globally within days.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/27/health/china-flu-virus-samples.html

[PatSeg]

1. Thanks Donald

Is there anything you won't screw up before you depart the White House? Everything was going to be "so easy". What an idiot.

[demmiblue]

3. He doesn't understand the ramifications of his actions, even when briefed.

He completely lacks critical thinking skills. Plus, he just wants what he wants when he wants it.

[PatSeg]

4. And he doesn't listen

Well except for the whiny voice in his own head.

[Throck]

2. Great, the next Spanish flu pandemic at our door.

[NewJeffCT]

5. I'm tired of all this winning

WTF - this is life or death

[pazzyanne]

6. The next time a trumper complains to me about the flu

they will get an earful! Thanks for sharing, demmiblue.

[Nitram]

7. For a self-identified "germphobe" he certainly doesn't seem to understand much about disease.

Cutting funding for the CDC and now this?

[McCamy Taylor]

8. Chinese have a greater risk of catching bird flu since they handle live ducks

and chickens. Maybe China is afraid that the US under Trump will try to weaponize the bird flu and use it to attack China. Since Trump is a mobster, this is possible.

[Liberal In Texas]

9. They were too busy hacking Clinton's emails to share.

[Achilleaze]

10. I guess they don't like the republican draft-dodger pissing on them all the time

Dirty Donny is expert at making enemies for America

[sinkingfeeling]

11. Is this more winning?