Influenza A/H1N1 - Situation Updates as for 1 December 2009 - Updated at 17.00 Hours CEST (Min Health, edited)
[Source RTF Document: LINK. Edited. Warning: Google Machine Translation.]
Press Release No 553 - 1 December 2009 - Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Policies - PRESS OFFICE
Updates
- About 494,915 people have been vaccinated to 22 November
- Today ended the sixth distribution of pandemic vaccines.
- A total of 5,030,851 doses of vaccine distributed.
- Total estimated cases of influenza since the beginning of the pandemic to 22 November: 3,064,933
- Total deaths related to influenza A new 1 December: 101
- Percentage of victims in relation to the total of patients with new influenza A: 0.0032 percent
- Cases which have needed respiratory assistance at 1 December: 345
- Percentage of cases that require respiratory assistance in relation to the total of patients: 0.011
Epidemic surveillance
Cases and incidence
Every Thursday we published the weekly update Influnet. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November).
The estimated weekly influenza cases in week 47 are approximately 680,000, which added to the cases reported weekly from the start of surveillance (October 19) give a total of 3,047,000 cases. For a total count since last May, these should be added about 17,000 cases reported previously by other surveillance systems for a total of 3,064,933 cases.
The regions where in week 47 has the highest number of cases in the population under observation are the brands with an incidence of 3.7 per cent, followed by Abruzzo (2.3) Emilia Romagna (1.9), Sardinia and Basilicata (1.5).
Also in week 47 of the most affected are children and adolescents from birth to 14 years, with an incidence of 3.3 percent (2.7 in children from birth to 4 years and 3.6 percent from 5 to 14). Among youth and adults ages 15 to 64 years the incidence of influenza has been 0.7 percent while among people aged 65 or over is equal to 0.1 percent.
Cases that require respiratory assistance
The regions have reported so far at the Ministry of 656 hospital admissions for severe cases of influenza, of which 345 have required ventilatory support: a fee equal to 0.011 percent of the estimated total of people who contract the new flu A.
Victims related to influenza A
The percentage of victims related to influenza A has been updated compared to the total number of cases estimated by Influnet and is equal to 0.0032 percent of patients, compared with 0.2 percent of the victims related to the normal flu. Must be considered that the percentage of victims being calculated considering the clinical cases reported to the surveillance system, because these are most likely underestimated, the value might be even lower than the estimate above.
At 17.00 hours on December 1, the victims are related to the new influenza A 101. This number includes cases for which the regional health authorities have confirmed the finding of infection by the new A/H1N1.
Situation in Italy
Total casualties 101
- Region
- Basilicata 1
- Calabria 9
- Campania 27
- Emilia Romagna 7
- Lazio 14
- Liguria 3
- Lombardia 7
- Marches 1
- Molise 3
- Piedmont 5
- Puglia 4
- Sicily 5
- Tuscany 4
- Umbria 5
- Veneto 7
- P.a. Bolzano 1
Situation in Europe (source ECDC)
Total casualties 858
in
- Great Britain 246
- Spain 135
- France 104
World situation (source ECDC)
Total victims 8568
of which:
- Brazil 1528
- United States of America 1265
- Argentina 613
Access to emergency
Every Thursday we published the weekly update of sentinel surveillance of access to the emergency room. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November.)
The network of sentinel emergency rooms reported that in 47 weeks (16-22 November), 7% of all persons who have turned to the emergency room was visited by acute respiratory syndrome. Of these, 23% were hospitalized.
Compared to 46 weeks, is decreasing the number of accesses for acute respiratory syndrome (from 10% to 7%).
The analysis, based on data from 49 of the 56 who joined the emergency room surveillance, while reflecting the different modes of access to the emergency room can be readily detected increased access to respiratory syndrome, an indirect indicator of increased activity of influenza viruses.
Vaccination of the population
Every Thursday we published the weekly update of vaccinations. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November).
In the 47 weeks were administered 161,549 doses. Start of the vaccination campaign, were administered a total for the categories as priorities for the first phase of vaccination, 494,915 doses
? health care workers, social and health that have been vaccinated 131,055, or 13% of the total estimated
? women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy were administered 14,943 doses
Currently, each region was asked to vaccinate as rapidly as women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and those aged 6 months to 64 years belonging to those at risk for pre-existing conditions, with priority for children belonging to these categories.
Vaccine distribution
Today, 1 December, ended the sixth distribution of pandemic vaccines, of 1,138,900 doses of pandemic vaccine in preparation multidisciplinary Regions and Autonomous Provinces. Overall, between 12 October and 1 December 2009, the doses delivered to the region was 5,030,851, and the next distribution, for a total of 2,692,530 doses (of which 239,730 Monod) will begin December 4 next.
By the end of December 2009 is expected to deliver a total of 10 million doses of pandemic vaccine in various types of packaging.
Government Actions
Updates
- 20 November 2009: it was disseminated to the Regions and Autonomous Provinces Ministerial Circular "Distribution antiviral drugs to assist Territorial reaffirming the guidance for the administration of antiviral drugs and methods of distribution on the territory of the competent local firms .
- 20 November 2009: it was disseminated to the Regions and Autonomous Provinces the ministerial circular "Supervision of hospitalizations, the serious and complicated and deaths of New Avian influenza virus A (H1N1) viruses and detection of vaccine coverage for the pandemic vaccine," updating the reporting form and procedures for its transmission.
Background
The World Health Organization on 11 June 2009 has declared a state of pandemic influenza with the transition to the phase of maximum alert.
The infection is caused by a new influenza virus H1N1 that has spread from Mexico in March 2009 from around the world.
The government immediately took all measures to counter the spread of new influenza A and protect the health of citizens.
The Ministry has set April 24 a special Crisis Unit headed by Deputy Ferruccio Fazio. Here are the main actions:
Control and containment stage
In the first phase of the spread of the disease were applied to all measures of infection control and containment measures to limit the spread of the virus. This avoided in our country a first wave of summer 2009 epidemic first hand that occurred in other European countries. Among the preventive measures more effective, please note the early identification of cases in travelers from affected areas, prophylaxis of their close contacts, promotion of hygiene rules and protective equipment such as hand washing.
Vaccination of the population
The Government has set up a vaccination strategy to cope with the new wave of epidemic influenza A (H1N1) in place in the 2009-2010 influenza season and eradicate the epidemic of new virus A (H1N1) in our country. E 'planned vaccination of 40% of the Italian population from the employees of essential services like health care personnel, and groups at risk of complications (children and adults with chronic diseases in the age group 6 months to 64 years, women pregnancy in the second and third quarter). E 'active monitoring of the vaccination campaign.
Stocks of antivirals
The Ministry has forty million doses of antiviral drugs, including three in the form of the active powder which, as they have gradually become encapsulated Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute in Florence, are distributed to the regions. The Ministry has also issued specific recommendations for proper use of antivirals.
Management severe cases
The Ministry has provided a first guide operators in the management of serious and complicated by new influenza virus A (H1N1) and promoted by the regions and autonomous provinces to identify the centers that make for prospective patients suffering from acute respiratory failure. It also defines the criteria for the management of patients, particularly regarding access to the ICU and the next location within the intensive care centers that make up regional networks.
Epidemic surveillance
Starting from 19 October 2009, the influenza surveillance system is based on Influnet, which collects the cases of the network of sentinel physicians reported among its clients as well as data on viruses circulating the network of accredited laboratories. The ISS also conducts random confirmation of clinical cases of serious and deepening virologic to monitor the possible emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs and record any changes in the pandemic virus.
The Ministry also conducts monitoring of hospitalized cases, of serious and deaths.
Sentinel surveillance of access to Emergency
The Ministry of Higher Health Institute have launched in collaboration with the Regional Monitoring of accesses to a specific emergency room. The data will be transmitted on a weekly basis.
Pharmacovigilance
Part of action coordinated by the crisis, the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) has prepared a National Plan of Pharmacovigilance for monitoring the safety of pandemic vaccines and antivirals. The system has been running since October.
International Epidemiological updates
The World Health Organization November 20 reported that in Norway there was a mutation of the virus in some samples of the new AH1N1 influenza virus isolated in three patients, of whom two died. The mutation is charged with the hemagglutinin (viral protein surface) of the new influenza virus A/H1N1, and causes the substitution of a single amino acid (a glycine instead of aspartic acid). The same mutation was observed in sporadic cases, since last April, in several countries around the world both in patients with severe pneumonia and patients with benign course of disease. Following these reports, the National Institute of Health has reassessed the sequences of more than 100 strains identified by as many patients diagnosed in recent months in various Italian regions. The mutation has been found so far in only one patient suffering from a severe form of pneumonia resolved following treatment with ECMO performed in intensive care. None of the other patients examined, including those with serious or life-threatening events, showed that mutation. The Italian data confirmed that the mutation in question is not to be currently predominant in cases of serious or deadly new flu in addition, the same mutation has a sporadic and does not seem at this stage in the process of diffusion.
Read more
All information on government, the questions and answers, rules and documentation for operators on www.ministerosalute.it, games and interactive tests to understand and better combat the virus A/H1N1al site www.fermailvirus . com.
Information also via phone by calling the call center 1500 of the Ministry, available every day of the week, from 8.00 to 18.00.
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[Source RTF Document: LINK. Edited. Warning: Google Machine Translation.]
Press Release No 553 - 1 December 2009 - Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Policies - PRESS OFFICE
Updates
- About 494,915 people have been vaccinated to 22 November
- Today ended the sixth distribution of pandemic vaccines.
- A total of 5,030,851 doses of vaccine distributed.
- Total estimated cases of influenza since the beginning of the pandemic to 22 November: 3,064,933
- Total deaths related to influenza A new 1 December: 101
- Percentage of victims in relation to the total of patients with new influenza A: 0.0032 percent
- Cases which have needed respiratory assistance at 1 December: 345
- Percentage of cases that require respiratory assistance in relation to the total of patients: 0.011
Epidemic surveillance
Cases and incidence
Every Thursday we published the weekly update Influnet. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November).
The estimated weekly influenza cases in week 47 are approximately 680,000, which added to the cases reported weekly from the start of surveillance (October 19) give a total of 3,047,000 cases. For a total count since last May, these should be added about 17,000 cases reported previously by other surveillance systems for a total of 3,064,933 cases.
The regions where in week 47 has the highest number of cases in the population under observation are the brands with an incidence of 3.7 per cent, followed by Abruzzo (2.3) Emilia Romagna (1.9), Sardinia and Basilicata (1.5).
Also in week 47 of the most affected are children and adolescents from birth to 14 years, with an incidence of 3.3 percent (2.7 in children from birth to 4 years and 3.6 percent from 5 to 14). Among youth and adults ages 15 to 64 years the incidence of influenza has been 0.7 percent while among people aged 65 or over is equal to 0.1 percent.
Cases that require respiratory assistance
The regions have reported so far at the Ministry of 656 hospital admissions for severe cases of influenza, of which 345 have required ventilatory support: a fee equal to 0.011 percent of the estimated total of people who contract the new flu A.
Victims related to influenza A
The percentage of victims related to influenza A has been updated compared to the total number of cases estimated by Influnet and is equal to 0.0032 percent of patients, compared with 0.2 percent of the victims related to the normal flu. Must be considered that the percentage of victims being calculated considering the clinical cases reported to the surveillance system, because these are most likely underestimated, the value might be even lower than the estimate above.
At 17.00 hours on December 1, the victims are related to the new influenza A 101. This number includes cases for which the regional health authorities have confirmed the finding of infection by the new A/H1N1.
Situation in Italy
Total casualties 101
- Region
- Basilicata 1
- Calabria 9
- Campania 27
- Emilia Romagna 7
- Lazio 14
- Liguria 3
- Lombardia 7
- Marches 1
- Molise 3
- Piedmont 5
- Puglia 4
- Sicily 5
- Tuscany 4
- Umbria 5
- Veneto 7
- P.a. Bolzano 1
Situation in Europe (source ECDC)
Total casualties 858
in
- Great Britain 246
- Spain 135
- France 104
World situation (source ECDC)
Total victims 8568
of which:
- Brazil 1528
- United States of America 1265
- Argentina 613
Access to emergency
Every Thursday we published the weekly update of sentinel surveillance of access to the emergency room. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November.)
The network of sentinel emergency rooms reported that in 47 weeks (16-22 November), 7% of all persons who have turned to the emergency room was visited by acute respiratory syndrome. Of these, 23% were hospitalized.
Compared to 46 weeks, is decreasing the number of accesses for acute respiratory syndrome (from 10% to 7%).
The analysis, based on data from 49 of the 56 who joined the emergency room surveillance, while reflecting the different modes of access to the emergency room can be readily detected increased access to respiratory syndrome, an indirect indicator of increased activity of influenza viruses.
Vaccination of the population
Every Thursday we published the weekly update of vaccinations. The last update was released on the 47 th week (16-22 November).
In the 47 weeks were administered 161,549 doses. Start of the vaccination campaign, were administered a total for the categories as priorities for the first phase of vaccination, 494,915 doses
? health care workers, social and health that have been vaccinated 131,055, or 13% of the total estimated
? women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy were administered 14,943 doses
Currently, each region was asked to vaccinate as rapidly as women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and those aged 6 months to 64 years belonging to those at risk for pre-existing conditions, with priority for children belonging to these categories.
Vaccine distribution
Today, 1 December, ended the sixth distribution of pandemic vaccines, of 1,138,900 doses of pandemic vaccine in preparation multidisciplinary Regions and Autonomous Provinces. Overall, between 12 October and 1 December 2009, the doses delivered to the region was 5,030,851, and the next distribution, for a total of 2,692,530 doses (of which 239,730 Monod) will begin December 4 next.
By the end of December 2009 is expected to deliver a total of 10 million doses of pandemic vaccine in various types of packaging.
Government Actions
Updates
- 20 November 2009: it was disseminated to the Regions and Autonomous Provinces Ministerial Circular "Distribution antiviral drugs to assist Territorial reaffirming the guidance for the administration of antiviral drugs and methods of distribution on the territory of the competent local firms .
- 20 November 2009: it was disseminated to the Regions and Autonomous Provinces the ministerial circular "Supervision of hospitalizations, the serious and complicated and deaths of New Avian influenza virus A (H1N1) viruses and detection of vaccine coverage for the pandemic vaccine," updating the reporting form and procedures for its transmission.
Background
The World Health Organization on 11 June 2009 has declared a state of pandemic influenza with the transition to the phase of maximum alert.
The infection is caused by a new influenza virus H1N1 that has spread from Mexico in March 2009 from around the world.
The government immediately took all measures to counter the spread of new influenza A and protect the health of citizens.
The Ministry has set April 24 a special Crisis Unit headed by Deputy Ferruccio Fazio. Here are the main actions:
Control and containment stage
In the first phase of the spread of the disease were applied to all measures of infection control and containment measures to limit the spread of the virus. This avoided in our country a first wave of summer 2009 epidemic first hand that occurred in other European countries. Among the preventive measures more effective, please note the early identification of cases in travelers from affected areas, prophylaxis of their close contacts, promotion of hygiene rules and protective equipment such as hand washing.
Vaccination of the population
The Government has set up a vaccination strategy to cope with the new wave of epidemic influenza A (H1N1) in place in the 2009-2010 influenza season and eradicate the epidemic of new virus A (H1N1) in our country. E 'planned vaccination of 40% of the Italian population from the employees of essential services like health care personnel, and groups at risk of complications (children and adults with chronic diseases in the age group 6 months to 64 years, women pregnancy in the second and third quarter). E 'active monitoring of the vaccination campaign.
Stocks of antivirals
The Ministry has forty million doses of antiviral drugs, including three in the form of the active powder which, as they have gradually become encapsulated Military Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute in Florence, are distributed to the regions. The Ministry has also issued specific recommendations for proper use of antivirals.
Management severe cases
The Ministry has provided a first guide operators in the management of serious and complicated by new influenza virus A (H1N1) and promoted by the regions and autonomous provinces to identify the centers that make for prospective patients suffering from acute respiratory failure. It also defines the criteria for the management of patients, particularly regarding access to the ICU and the next location within the intensive care centers that make up regional networks.
Epidemic surveillance
Starting from 19 October 2009, the influenza surveillance system is based on Influnet, which collects the cases of the network of sentinel physicians reported among its clients as well as data on viruses circulating the network of accredited laboratories. The ISS also conducts random confirmation of clinical cases of serious and deepening virologic to monitor the possible emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs and record any changes in the pandemic virus.
The Ministry also conducts monitoring of hospitalized cases, of serious and deaths.
Sentinel surveillance of access to Emergency
The Ministry of Higher Health Institute have launched in collaboration with the Regional Monitoring of accesses to a specific emergency room. The data will be transmitted on a weekly basis.
Pharmacovigilance
Part of action coordinated by the crisis, the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) has prepared a National Plan of Pharmacovigilance for monitoring the safety of pandemic vaccines and antivirals. The system has been running since October.
International Epidemiological updates
The World Health Organization November 20 reported that in Norway there was a mutation of the virus in some samples of the new AH1N1 influenza virus isolated in three patients, of whom two died. The mutation is charged with the hemagglutinin (viral protein surface) of the new influenza virus A/H1N1, and causes the substitution of a single amino acid (a glycine instead of aspartic acid). The same mutation was observed in sporadic cases, since last April, in several countries around the world both in patients with severe pneumonia and patients with benign course of disease. Following these reports, the National Institute of Health has reassessed the sequences of more than 100 strains identified by as many patients diagnosed in recent months in various Italian regions. The mutation has been found so far in only one patient suffering from a severe form of pneumonia resolved following treatment with ECMO performed in intensive care. None of the other patients examined, including those with serious or life-threatening events, showed that mutation. The Italian data confirmed that the mutation in question is not to be currently predominant in cases of serious or deadly new flu in addition, the same mutation has a sporadic and does not seem at this stage in the process of diffusion.
Read more
All information on government, the questions and answers, rules and documentation for operators on www.ministerosalute.it, games and interactive tests to understand and better combat the virus A/H1N1al site www.fermailvirus . com.
Information also via phone by calling the call center 1500 of the Ministry, available every day of the week, from 8.00 to 18.00.
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