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| |  Total Confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) Cases Top 1,000 WASHINGTON, DC -- May 4, 2009 -- Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 21 countries have officially reported cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Based on combined reports from WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Canada, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the total number of confirmed cases is 1,085. Mexico has reported 590 laboratory-confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. In the United States, CDC has reported 286 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including 1 death. Influenza A(H1N1) now affects 36 states (detailed list provided below). No new deaths have been reported. Health Canada has reported 101 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1), affecting 7 provinces: British Columbia (29), Alberta (18), Manitoba (1), Ontario (16), Quebec (3), New Brunswick (1), and Nova Scotia (33). According to the ECDC, there are 94 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in 11 European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries: Austria (1), Denmark (1), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Italy (4), Netherlands (1), Portugal (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1), and United Kingdom (18). Of these cases, only 8 are a result of in-country human-to-human transmission. No sustained human-to-human transmission is known to date in the EU and EFTA countries. According to WHO, there are only 2 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in Italy. Other affected countries include China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), El Salvador (2), Israel (4), New Zealand (6), and the Republic of Korea (1). The 36 US states affected include: CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC will issue updated interim guidance for clinicians on how to identify and care for people who are sick with influenza A(H1N1). This guidance will provide priorities for testing and treatment. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) during this outbreak will be to treat people with severe illness. On 3 May, CDC is scheduled to complete deployment of 25% of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile to all states in the continental United States. These supplies and medicines will help states and US territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the US government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this novel A(H1N1) virus. WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. Nonetheless, the agency recommends that people who are ill delay international travel and people who develop symptoms following international travel seek medical attention. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Health Canada, World Health Organization
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