GMS INFLUENZA A (H1N1) Update as of June 18, 2009 (0830 HRS PST)
The next update will be on Friday, June 19, at 08:30 PST
The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6
The next update will be on Friday, June 19, at 08:30 PST
The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6
Influenza A (H1N1) Cases and Deaths
- Today, the World Health Organization released its latest case count for novel H1N1 influenza worldwide: 39,620 cases and 167 deaths in over 80 countries, up 3,692 cases and 4 deaths from Wednesday's numbers. Countries reporting the greatest increase in laboratory-confirmed cases since yesterday were Canada (1071), Chile (641), Argentina (390), Australia (289), the Thailand (281), the United Kingdom (235), and the Philippines (116), WHO
*This case map has been provided by the WHO’s Influenza A (H1N1) – Update #48, Monday June 12, 2009.
- On June 17th, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that the number of confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) since June 12th has risen to 4,905 from 4,049. Of the Canadian cases thus far, 284 required hospitalization and 12 deaths have occurred. PHAC
- The number of novel H1N1 cases in Chile surged to 3,125 today. The number is 1,431 more than the total for Chile reported by the WHO on Jun 15. Chile has reported two deaths from the virus, which seems to be striking children the hardest: 64% of infections are reported in the 5- to 19-year-old age-group. AFP
- Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon today raised the country's pandemic response level from "contain" to "protect". The level is a new phase that was created to address the moderate severity of the novel H1N1 pandemic and is in line with the WHO's phase 6 declaration, the government said. The "protect" phase calls for an emphasis on treating people who have severe infections. Roxon said states will phase in the new response level by Jun 26. Australian government statement
- On Tuesday night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $7.65 billion in new money to respond to the H1N1 flu pandemic. The money will go toward the purchase of vaccine, antiviral drugs, and other medical needs. Congress also stipulated that the funds be available for surveillance and to help assist international efforts. At least $350 million must be spent on “upgrading State and local capacity.” Science Insider
- A Spanish cruise ship was turned away from two Caribbean ports Wednesday because of fears of H1N1 flu among crew members, the vessel's owner said. Tour operator Pullmantur said its ship Ocean Dream with 759 passengers and 400 crew members was denied permission to dock in Grenada and Barbados after informing authorities there that crew members had flu symptoms. AP
- China plans to restrict movement in residential areas and shut down entertainment centres to prevent the H1N1 flu strain from spreading, under worst case contingency plans released by the health ministry on Wednesday. The ministry says stringent quarantine measures on incoming travellers have prevented the disease from spreading among the general population. With 264 cases as of Wednesday, and new cases cropping up around China, the ministry's new plan seeks to address possible outbreaks in residential neighborhoods. Reuters
- Health officials in New York City reported seven more novel H1N1 deaths, raising the total to 23. The report said all were between the ages of 25 and 64 and that most were hospitalized in late May at the peak of the outbreak. Overall, of the 20 deceased patients whose history was known, 16 had underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk. New York City Department of Health report
Vaccine News
- A Sanofi executive announced today at a health conference in Seattle that the company will donate 100 million doses of novel H1N1 influenza vaccine to the WHO to support its efforts to help the world's poorest nations respond to the pandemic. The company said that once vaccine production begins it will set aside 10% of doses to donate to the WHO. Sanofi press release
Should you worry about sending your kids to camp this summer?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guidelines to help day camp and residential camp administrators prevent and respond to novel flu outbreaks. The guidelines were released shortly after one of the first reported outbreaks of influenza A (H1N1) at a camp in Asheville, North Carolina.
The guidelines outline basic measures to be taken, such as educating campers and staff on staying home when sick, covering coughs, and washing hands frequently. Furthermore, the guidelines suggest the following:
- Establishing relationships with local health departments to assist with response planning, and to becoming familiar with illness reporting requirements
- Communicating with parents early on how illnesses will be handled
- Establishing methods to transport sick campers and staff members home from camp
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