An Update on the Influenza A (H1N1) Survey

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic last 11 June 2009 due to the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) across the globe. The moved called for an organized response and monitoring of the pandemic. WHO spearheads about 99 countries, 128 institutions, and laboratories worldwide to monitor and combat the H1N1 virus.

As of September 2009, the United States have reported an increase in the activity of flu like illness. Canada on the other hand is still consistent with low cases of H1N1.

South and Southeast Asia are experiencing an increase in the reports of flu like symptoms while in India there is a jump in the cases of respiratory problems.

In Central Asia and Europe, the activity of influenza remains low but France is reporting a higher number of flu cases which is above the seasonal average. This is also true for Japan. Some countries like Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Georgia, and Luxembourg have reported localized increased in cases of the Influenza A (h1N1).

In Australia, the level of cases of H1N1 is continually decreasing. South Africa seem to have passed the second peak due to the pandemic.

Here are some of the latest figures from various sources:

• World: 388,569 cases of Influenza A(H1N1) with 4370 deaths
• The Top Five Countries Affected by H1N1
o United States – 44,522 cases with 694 deaths
o Australia – 36,21 cases with 172 deaths
o Mexico – 27,085 cases, with 220 deaths
o China (Hong Kong) – 22,500 cases with 16 deaths
o Germany – 19, 207 cases with 0 death

As of the third week of September, Malawi reports their first case of Influenza A(H1N1) infection.