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Swine flu illness in the United States and Mexico
Monday, 27 April, 2009
The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreak in North America a "public health emergency of international concern". The decision means countries around the world will be asked to step up reporting and surveillance of the disease implicated in dozens of human deaths in Mexico and at least 8 non fatal cases in the US. WHO fears the outbreak could spread to other countries and is calling for a coordinated response to contain it.At least 62 people have died from severe pneumonia caused by a flu-like illness in Mexico, WHO says. Some of those who died are confirmed to have a unique flu type that is a combination of bird, pig, and human viruses. The virus is genetically identical to one found in California. US authorities said 8 people were infected with swine flu in California and Texas, and all recovered.
Health authorities in Nova Scotia are confirming 4 cases of swine flu in the province. The province's public health officer, Dr Robert Strang, says the 4 infected people in the Windsor area are recovering from the illness. All of them had what he describes as "mild" cases of the flu.
As of 26 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 (8 in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio). All 20 cases have had mild Influenza-Like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. All 20 viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. Also as of 26 April, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.
WHO and the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are sending experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. WHO and its partners are actively investigating reports of suspect cases in other Member States as they occur, and are supporting field epidemiology activities, laboratory diagnosis and clinical management. On Saturday, 25 April, upon the advice of the Emergency Committee called under the rules of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.
