Pandemic Alert - Update - May 23, 2009
A new influenza virus has been reported in many countries. The official designation for this virus is Influenza A(H1N1). This virus has also been referred to as swine flu, North American Flu, and Mexican Flu.
At least 150 people, and possibly many more, have died of this virus within the past month. Victims were often young and otherwise healthy. The virus is spreading human-to-human and has likely infected many people who have yet to be identified.
In the United States, there are over 6500 confirmed cases. Over 300 people have been hospitalised. There have been ten confirmed deaths in the United States. Three people died in Texas: a two year old boy; a women in her thirties; and a man in his thirties. Three people died in Arizona: a woman in her forties in the Phoenix, Arizona area, a woman in her fifties on the Gila River Indian reservation and a 13 year old boy in Tucson. Other deaths: a man in his thirties in Washington state; a 55 year old man (a teacher) in New York City; a 44 year old man in St. Louis; and a 22 year old man in Utah. Community transmission in the US is common. Health care workers have been infected.
In Mexico, there are over 4,000 cases. The number of deaths is unclear. Because the virus began spreading in Mexico before it was identified, many likely died before it was possible to test. Estimates of deaths are over 100.
In Canada, there are over 800 confirmed cases. One woman in her thirties is confirmed to have died. At least one health care worker has been infected.
In Japan - over 280 cases.
In Spain - over 120 confirmed cases.
In the UK - over 100 confirmed cases.
In Panama - over 60 cases.
In Chile - 24 cases.
In Costa Rica, there are 20 confirmed cases. One man in his fifties is confirmed to have died.
In Australia, there are 14 confirmed cases.
In Brazil, there are 9 confirmed cases.
Sustained person-to-person spread is likely occurring in Mexico, Canada, the United States, Spain, United Kingdom and Japan.
There have also been confirmed cases in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the UK.
There are suspected cases in a number of other countries.
Most of the initial reports of disease in both confirmed and suspected cases were associated with travel to Mexico. An increasing number of cases are associated with schools. Health care workers in several countries have become infected. Community transmission of the virus is becoming more frequent.
Some countries have instituted travel advisories, screening of travelers and activated their pandemic plans.
The WHO has raised the pandemic alert level to 5: pandemic, widespread human infection
The US has declared a Public Health Emergency.
Those planning to bug out in a pandemic would well advised to review their plans. Last minute preparations for shelter-in-place should be made now. Spot shortages of hand-sanitizers, respirators and masks have been reported.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
