Status of Influenza A(H1N1) in the Americas
The total confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) recorded in the Americas is as follows:
- USA, 2,532 confirmed cases with 3 deaths;
- Mexico has reported 2,062 confirmed cases, 48 deaths;
- Canada, 284 confirmed cases with 1 death;
- Panama, 15 confirmed case;
- Costa Rica, 8 confirmed case with 1 death;
- Brazil, 6 confirmed cases;
- El Salvador, 2 confirmed cases;
- Argentina, 1 confirmed case.
- Colombia, 1 confirmed case;
- Guatemala, 1 confirmed case.
The World Health Organization maintains pandemic alert of Phase 5. There is no evidence of sustained community level human to human transmission outside of the Americas.
Status of Influenza A(H1N1) in other Regions
As of today, 19 other countries have officially reported cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection worldwide:
- Australia (1), Austria (1), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Denmark (1), France (12), Germany (11), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (93), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and United Kingdom (39).
PAHO/WHO Response
The full report of the WHO technical consultation of 5 May 2009 on the severity of disease caused by the new influenza A(H1N1) virus has been posted on the web.
Oseltamivir from the PAHO/WHO contingency supply continues to arrive in Member Countries. PAHO/WHO is also supporting countries in obtaining other immediate needs such as laboratory diagnostic kits and Personal Protective Equipments (PPE).
A total of 54 experts from PAHO/WHO and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) partners, such as CDC (USA) and Institut Pasteur (France), were deployed from 24 April to date. At the moment there are 30 staff members from PAHO and partners in Mexico.
Recommendations
PAHO/WHO recommends that countries continue to review their national influenza pandemic preparedness plans, and address any gaps identified.
Resources
The WHO has guidelines for personal protection in both health care settings and community settings. They can be found here for health care settings, and here for community settings.
Pan American Health Organization website.
World Health Organization website.
For constant updates on the influenza A(H1N1) situation you can check the PAHO and WHO channels in Twitter. Through this service you can get regular updates in your mobile device.
Contact the PAHO EOC at +1 202 974 3399 or eoc@paho.org
