The Largest International Influenza Conference is Coming to Cape Town, South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - March 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Options VIII will provide a global platform for the exchange of scientific ideas related to influenza, which will affect future research, policies, and guidelines for many years. Global leaders in influenza will be in attendance, including those from industry, academic research, and government. Options VIII will facilitate opportunities to collaborate with researchers and leaders around the world in order to further knowledge on the control of this widespread illness.

Nearly four years after the 2009 pandemic, the burden of influenza is still felt worldwide. While the global H1N1 outbreak did serve as a wake-up call for many, there are still lapses in, among other things, surveillance, reporting, prevention, and education in many countries. Furthermore, seasonal influenza is responsible for three to five million cases of severe illness and up to 500,000 deaths per year worldwide. Influenza is a significant problem that affects every country in the world.

In light of these global issues and in order to foster the spread of life-saving knowledge to researchers, clinicians, and policy makers around the world, the Options for the Control of Influenza VIII conference will take place in Cape Town, South Africa 5-10 September 2013.

The Options VIII Committees include influenza experts from around the globe.

Chairman:
• Marc Mendelson, President of the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of South Africa

Organizing Committee Chairs:
• John Watson of the International Society for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses and the Health Protection Agency, London, UK
• Neil Cameron of Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Scientific Committee Chairs:
• Wolfgang Preiser of Stellenbosch University and the National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Stacey Schultz-Cherry of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Registration for the conference is now open, and abstracts are currently being accepted.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Abstract Submission Deadline: 1 June 2013

**Scholarships Available**

Submit an Abstract: http://optionsviii.controlinfluenza.com/call-for-abstracts/

Registration Now Open

Regular Registration Now Available!

Register Now:  http://optionsviii.controlinfluenza.com/registration/

Photo:
https://www.prlog.org/12099602/1