(0830 HRS PST)
The next update will be on Sunday, June 14, at 11:00 PST
The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6
Influenza A (H1N1) Cases and Deaths by Country (as of 8 AM PST, June 12th, 2009)
*This case map has been provided by the WHO’s latest Influenza A (H1N1) – Update #48. New case information can be found in both the local/national and international news sections.
- On June 12th, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) since June 8th has risen to 2978 from 2446. Ontario still has the most cases in Canada (1562), followed by Quebec (611), Saskatchewan (221), Alberta (195), British Columbia (151), Nunavut (96), Nova Scotia (78), Manitoba (56), PEI (3), New Brunswick (2), Northwest Territories (2), and the Yukon (1). Of the Canadian cases thus far, 138 required hospitalization and four deaths have occurred. PHAC
- The rising case totals in first nation communities in Northern Manitoba have led First Nations leaders to heavily criticize federal planning. According to Chief David Harper, “We are in a war with no artillery” and “The federal government says it has a plan in place, but that plan doesn't appear to include this part of the country.” The federal government did release guidelines for first nations pandemic planning two years ago, but there was no money attached according to Kim Barker, public health physician with the Assembly of First Nations. Globe and Mail
International News
- Friday, the WHO released its latest case count for novel H1N1 influenza worldwide: 29,669 cases and 145 deaths in 74 countries, up 1,932 cases and 4 deaths from Wednesday's numbers. Countries reporting the greatest increase in laboratory-confirmed cases since yesterday were Canada (532), Mexico (524), Britain (156), Spain (131), Argentina (87), Australia (83), Japan (33), and China (32). WHO
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported yesterday that the nation's count of novel flu cases has grown to 17,855, an increase of 4,638 from its last report on Jun 5. Deaths reported to the CDC over the past week rose by 18 to reach 45. Wisconsin, Texas, and Illinois have the most cases, while New York has reported the most fatalities (13). Current CDC numbers
- On Thursday, Hong Kong authorities ordered all primary schools in the city to be closed for two weeks after 12 students at a city secondary school were found to have contracted the H1N1 virus. AFP
Vaccine News
- On Friday, Baxter International Inc said that it is in full-scale production of an A/H1N1 flu pandemic vaccine that could be ready for commercial use next month. A number of national public health authorities have agreements with Baxter that allow them to place orders for a vaccine now that a pandemic has been declared by WHO, Baxter said. Baxter said it would also work with WHO to allocate a portion of the company's commercial vaccine production to address global public health issues deemed most urgent. Reuters
Today’s Key Question
How have national agencies responded to the phase 6 announcement?
In light of the recent World Health Organization (WHO) decision to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6, the Government of Canada, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), has responded with reassurances to Canadians that it will continue to implement the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan in close coordination with domestic and international partners in order to address the H1N1 flu virus.
“Since the beginning, Canada has taken decisive action to address the H1N1 flu virus and protect Canadians,” said Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq. “The decision by the WHO does not change our approach. Entering phase 6 means we will build on the surveillance and management measures that are already in place under the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan.”
PHAC and other federal officials have also said they will continue to advance the following activities as a result of the WHO’s phase 6 pandemic alert level:
- Ensuring that the National Antiviral Stockpile can be mobilized quickly so Canadians can receive the treatment they need
- Working with vaccine manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline to advance the process of developing and testing a vaccine in accordance with a pre-established standing contract
- Managing the National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) which contains hospital supplies, equipment and other pharmaceuticals (including a stockpile of anti-viral medication)
- Assessing implementation of community-based strategies aimed at mitigating potential impact on the healthcare system and society as whole
- Working with national professional organizations and non-government organizations to optimize and monitor essential health-related resources such as: medical supplies, antivirals, vaccines, sanitizers and antibiotics, health care worker availability, hospital occupancy/availability, and use of alternative health facilities
In addition, the Government of Canada has stated that since a proactive approach in addressing the virus has already been taken, the declaration of phase 6 will result in the continuation of several ongoing efforts, including:
- Monitoring the progress of the H1N1 flu virus and assessing incoming information to inform future actions
- Continuing to communicate widely with Canadians and ensuring information is easily accessible
- Providing health care professionals with updated guidelines and advice based on what is known about the disease
- Utilizing the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg to provide laboratory testing to the provinces and territories
- Sharing information with Canadians via the government website, http://www.fightflu.ca/, the media, and a 1-800 number (1-800-454-8302)
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