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DPHSS: Half Of All Influenza Viruses Detected Nationwide Now Believed To Be H1N1 Virus
Written by From News Release
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 18:01
Guam - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about half of all influenza viruses being detected through routine laboratory surveillance are Novel Influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
In its latest swine flu update, the Guam Department of Health and Social Services reports that although Guam continues to have no confirmed cases of the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a significant increase in seasonal influenza activity has been noted in the recent weeks.
The DPHSS update cites the latest CD report which indicates that significant influenza activity is still on-going in much of the U.S. and that is unusual for this time of the year.
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems.
It is thought that Novel Influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
Like in the case of seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.
DPHSS is being proactive in its laboratory surveillance efforts to send seasonal influenza specimens (not meeting the CDC criteria for the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus) for further testing to monitor for any potential changes in the local seasonal influenza strains. Laboratory test results are expected within 3 – 5 days.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov, the Department of Public Health and Social Services website at www.dphss.guam.gov or Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense website at www.guamhs.org. You may also call the Information Line at 735-H1N1 (4161).
Written by From News Release
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 18:01
Guam - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about half of all influenza viruses being detected through routine laboratory surveillance are Novel Influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
In its latest swine flu update, the Guam Department of Health and Social Services reports that although Guam continues to have no confirmed cases of the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus, a significant increase in seasonal influenza activity has been noted in the recent weeks.
The DPHSS update cites the latest CD report which indicates that significant influenza activity is still on-going in much of the U.S. and that is unusual for this time of the year.
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems.
It is thought that Novel Influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
Like in the case of seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.
DPHSS is being proactive in its laboratory surveillance efforts to send seasonal influenza specimens (not meeting the CDC criteria for the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus) for further testing to monitor for any potential changes in the local seasonal influenza strains. Laboratory test results are expected within 3 – 5 days.
For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov, the Department of Public Health and Social Services website at www.dphss.guam.gov or Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense website at www.guamhs.org. You may also call the Information Line at 735-H1N1 (4161).
