(0830 HRS PST)
The next update will be on Thursday September 3rd, at 08:30 PST.
The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6
Influenza A (H1N1) Cases and Deaths
Local/National News
Critical care specialists have said that experience to date suggests that the novel H1N1 flu may put a heavy burden on intensive care units (ICUs) in the coming months. ICUs in some of the hospitals hit hardest by virus nearly ran out of specialized equipment and skilled staff. The Public Health Agency of Canada has scheduled a meeting this week in Winnipeg to discuss the problem. CIDRAP
Manitoba's chief veterinary officer recently announced that the novel H1N1 virus has been detected on various pig farms in the province, according to a post on ProMED-mail, the Internet-based reporting system of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. No deaths were reported, but the animals showed mild flu-like symptoms. Movement of the pigs was limited to curb transmission, and veterinarians have been asked to help identify and report further outbreaks. ProMed-Mail Post
International News
In the southern hemisphere, most countries (represented by Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia) appear to have passed their peak of influenza activity and have either returned to baseline levels or are experiencing focal activity in later affected areas. A few others (represented by South Africa and Bolivia) continue to experience high levels of influenza activity. Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus continues to be the predominant circulating strain of influenza, both in the northern and southern hemisphere. WHO
The US federal government plans to provide H1N1 vaccine through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for eligible Washington residents who wish to be voluntarily vaccinated. DOH, working with Public Health in Seattle and King County, is pre-registering licensed health care providers in King County who are interested in providing H1N1 vaccine. Public Health – Seattle King County
Mexico's government projects that 1 million of its citizens will become ill this winter with the novel H1N1 virus. The country's health secretary, Jose Angel Cordova, said on August 28th that the number of cases is stable for now, with about 80 to 100 infections reported each day. He said the government is working on emergency plans on school closures, social distancing measures, and hospital preparations. Latin American Herald Tribune
Antiviral News
Antiviral susceptibility testing has increased in several countries, confirming that pandemic H1N1 influenza virus remains sensitive to the antiviral oseltamivir, except for sporadic reports of oseltamivir-resistant pandemic H1N1 virus. WHO
Vaccine News
The US pharmacy chain CVS has announced that seasonal flu vaccine will be available starting September 1st, 2009 at 500 of its stores, according to a company press release. Vaccine will be available to adults and children over 18 months without an appointment. The chain said it will host about 9,000 flu clinic events starting September 15th. With novel H1N1 vaccine expected to reach providers in October, the US CDC has said that people should receive the seasonal vaccine as soon as it is available. CVS Caremarx
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