Hitting the headlines recently has been the news of a “swine flu” outbreak starting in Mexico and the spreading internationally.
While swine flu has been diagnosed in humans before, most commonly in those who have had direct contact with pigs, the flu virus causing the present outbreak is apparently a new one; it is known as the swine influenza A, H1N1 strain. According to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), ‘the strain of swine flu includes genetic material from 4 sources: North American swine influenza viruses, North American avian influenza viruses, human influenza virus, and swine influenza viruses found in Asia and Europe.’ This combination is previously unknown and, as a result, humans have little or no immunity.
Twenty cases were initially diagnosed across 5 states of the USA. In Mexico, where it appears the outbreak started, there have been over 1,000 cases and many deaths. Mexico City, San Luis Potosi and Mexicali, along the US/Mexican border are most affected.
The seasonal flu usually causes more severe complications in the very young and the very old, but this H1N1 strain has been causing severe illness in healthy young people. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html
The good news is that 2 of the modern antiviral drug treatments are effective against this strain.
The CDC has some good information on its website about the outbreak and includes measures on how to limit the spread of the virus:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/04/24/health-flu-mexico090424.html
The following is the update taken today from the World Health Organisation website: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_07a/en/index.html
As of 18:00 GMT, 7 May 2009, 24 countries have officially reported 2371 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 896 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (201), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (10), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (6), Italy (5), Netherlands (2), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (81), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (32).
WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.
Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.