LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

Pathfinder · Dec 20, 2013

Swine flu II

Virus that caused 2009 pandemic returns

Dec. 20, 2013 11:41 AM |
Written by Melody Brumble

The H1N1 virus is back with a vengeance.

H1N1, nicknamed swine flu, appeared in 2009. It subsided the past three years, but as flu season unfolds it?s again attacking children and young adults. Doctors in north Louisiana have reported more cases than most of the state since Oct. 1.

Nearly half of flu cases with an identified viral type in Louisiana came from the H1N1 virus through Dec. 7, according to state health department reports. That?s consistent with national trends.

?This is the same H1N1, so the risk for children, pregnant women, the people with underlying conditions and younger people is the same,? said Dr. Joseph Bocchini, director of the clinical virology lab at LSU Health Shreveport.

More...
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20131220/NEWS01/312200026/Swine-flu-II

Giuseppe · Dec 21, 2013

Re: Louisiana - Swine flu II: virus that caused 2009 pandemic returns

Re: Louisiana - Swine flu II: virus that caused 2009 pandemic returns

The problem with H1pdm09 (and the media) is that this virus has never gone away: it became a seasonal strain and thus its 'return' is the regular change in dominating strain during winter epidemics.

Pathfinder · Dec 30, 2013

Flu hitting Louisiana, metro N.O. area hard

Flu hitting Louisiana, metro N.O. area hard

Flu hitting Louisiana, metro N.O. area hard

Posted on December 29, 2013 at 6:26 AM
Antwan Harris / Eyewitness News

Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich says his days have been filled dealing with flu cases.

"This is the second year in a row where our flu has peaked early and it is hitting us hard," he said.
....
The CDC reports more than 1,600 new cases in the state last week.

"We are seeing tons of flu. Our offices are seeing over 100 patients a day. Anywhere from 25 to 40 of the patients being flu," Cvitanovich said.
...
One of the deadliest strains, the "H1N1" or ?Swine Flu,? has been reported in many of Louisiana's cases.

Cvitanovich said those who normally can fight off the virus are succumbing to swine flu.

"You have a young age group between 20 and 40 years old who normally we would not expect a death from the flu," he said.
...
Cvitanovich said, "Us having widespread flu this early is alarming to me and should be to everyone. Especially to people who haven't been vaccinated yet or to people who are in categories that cause us concern about complications."
...
http://www.wwltv.com/news/health/Flu-hitting-Louisiana-metro-NO-area-hard-237878241.html

Pathfinder · Jan 3, 2014

Louisiana - Flu cases explode - Local hospitals are running out of beds for patients

Louisiana - Flu cases explode - Local hospitals are running out of beds for patients

Flu cases explode

Local hospitals are running out of beds for patients
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Jan. 3, 2014
Written by
William Johnson

Flu season is in full swing, and Louisiana is one of the hardest hit states.

Tonya Romero, infection preventionist with Opelousas General Health System, said the problem is so severe that almost every bed in the hospital is occupied.

?Our census is very high. A number of our units are at capacity,? said Romero, who said some people are having to be turned away. ?We had four more people today who tested positive. We are definitely seeing an increase.?

She said the hospital started noticing an uptick in flu and respiratory-related illnesses in December. ?This has been going on the last three or four weeks,? Romero said.

She said the majority of people the hospital is seeing are testing positive for influenza type A. Type A is the H1N1 strain, known popularly as swine flu, which reached epidemic proportions in the state when it first appeared here in 2009.
...

http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20140103/NEWS01/301030004/Flu-cases-explode

Pathfinder · Jan 3, 2014

Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Please click on the summary Dr. Ratard compiled regarding influenza activity this year compared to 2009.
Influenza A H1N1 pdm09 is the predominant strain in Louisiana this year, the same as the 2009 pandemic
strain.

Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana

This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009.
Influenza can be a severe disease. The vaccine will help prevent complications and deaths

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Many are concerned about the severity of influenza this season in comparison with the previous years. The virus in circulation now is identical to the H1N1 pandemic strain from 2009 (now named H1N1pdm9). [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]It is interesting to look at the statistics from the 2009 pandemic influenza season in Louisiana: [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]-From October 4 to December 31[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]st [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]2009, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? the number of influenza cases was estimated at 85,000 cases, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? there were 187 hospitalizations for influenza confirmed by PCR [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? and 26 deaths among these 187 hospitalizations. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]-For the entire season, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]there were about 300,000 cases, with 2,409 cases for which there was PCR confirmation by the LA Public Health Laboratory. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? there were 736 hospitalized patients confirmed with H1N1pdm9 [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? among these 736, 205 were in ICU, this represent 28% of the patients hospitalized, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? among these 736, 125 were on ventilators, this represent 17% of the patients hospitalized, [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? among these 736, there were 50 deaths, this represents 7% of the patients hospitalized. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? Of these 50 deaths, 48 deaths occurred in ICU patients. [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]? the hospitalization affected proportionally more of the middle age groups as shown in the following table: [/FONT]
[/FONT]<TABLE dir=ltr border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width=567><TBODY><TR><TD height=28 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Age Group [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=28 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Proportion of the population [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]in this age group [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=28 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Proportion of the hospitalization [/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]in this age group [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=28 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]Ratio of these proportions [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]00_04 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]7% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]15% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]15/7 = 2.1 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]05_24 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]30% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]34% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]34/30 = 1.1 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]25_49 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]34% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]28% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]28/34 = 0.8 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]50_64 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]17% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]17% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]17/17 = 1.0 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]65P [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]12% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]5% [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="25%">[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]5/12 = 0.4 [/FONT][/FONT]

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

A ratio of 1.0 shows that the distribution of hospitalized was similar as the distribution of the population, meaning there was no excess and no deficit in hospitalztion. The ration of these proportion shows there was an excess distribution among the children and a deficit among the elderly. Maybe the elderly were somehow protected by some remnant of old antibody against a similar strain from the past.

<TABLE dir=ltr border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width=524><TBODY><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">The age group distribution of these patients hospitalized was the following: Age Group

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">Hospitalized

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">In ICU

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">% in ICU

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">Death

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">% Death

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">00_04

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">111

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">15

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">13.5%

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">0

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">0.0%

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">05_24

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">252

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">45

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">17.8%

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">14

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">5.5%

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">25_49

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">206

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">78

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">37.8%

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">18

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">8.7%

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">50_64

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">128

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">49

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">38.3%

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">15

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">11.7%

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">65P

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">39

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">18

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">46.1%

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">3

</TD><TD height=10 vAlign=top width="17%">7.7%

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets...r-CH/infectious-epi/Influenza/FluSeverity.pdf

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/1591

Pathfinder · Jan 7, 2014

H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

Swine flu outbreak in Louisiana

By Marsha Shuler
January 07, 2014

Louisiana physicians are seeing a ?big uptick? in flu-type illnesses as patients line up at doctor?s offices and hospitals across the state.

The rate is nearly three times what the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention projects as normal for the region.

And it?s virtually all the swine flu variety, known as H1N1 influenza, said Dr. Frank Welch, immunization medical director for the state Office of Public Health, adding, ?We expect it to continue.?
...
The normal rate for the flu in CDC counts, what the Atlanta-based federal agency calls the ?base line? is about 3 percent or 2.9 patients with flu-type illnesses per 100 patient visits to a doctor?s office or clinic. Louisiana is now above 8 percent, almost triple what the normal rate for this region.

The big jump occurred in the final weeks of 2013. Tracking started for the 2013-2014 period in October.
...
Louisiana statistics, like those around the country, are based on information submitted weekly by what are called ?sentinel? surveillance sites, including hospitals and the offices of doctors with both large and small practices. In Louisiana, there are 64 such sites doing the reporting to the CDC.

?From what we are seeing statewide it is really going widespread,? Welch said.

The last two flu seasons were fairly mild in Louisiana following a pretty bad October 2010 to September 2011 stretch when the number climbed to around 20 patients with flu-type illnesses per 100 patients seen by a doctor. The numbers that year started to climb in the last weeks of 2010 - registering about the same as they are today - and peaked in late January-early February 2011. Prior to that the worst numbers came in 2008-09 when the statistics hit 22 patients with flu-like illnesses per 100.
...

Full text:
http://theadvocate.com/home/8028589-125/swine-flu-outbreak-in-louisiana

NS1 · Jan 7, 2014

Re: H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

Re: H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

pH1N1 Drug Resistant Low Reactor
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />46 Cases over 49 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the 32 days covering 2013-10-17 to 2013-11-19, the United States CDC released a total of 49 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 46 human cases sampled from February 2013 to October 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, Africa, Asia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. 

The sequences in this Analytic Report describe a high level of genetic activity at the Hemagglutinin antigenic area between aa155 and aa158 with 5 amino variations and 4 silent revisions. HA 225G is present in quasi-species on 2 American samples and as dominant form in 2 tropical countries. The Dominican Republic HA 225G Low Reactor appears on a TamiFlu Resistant strain. Drug Resistance is also found in 2 US sequences and 1 South American case.
. . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

Re: H1N1 outbreak in Louisiana

pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the United States CDC released or updated a total of 32 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 29 human cases sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, India and Hong Kong. 

. . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

Shiloh · Jan 10, 2014

LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

Source: http://www.ktbs.com/story/24416881/bossier-parish-3rd-grader-dies-possibly-from-the-flu

Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1
Posted: Jan 10, 2014 11:55 AM EST Updated: Jan 10, 2014 1:19 PM EST
By Kelly Colvin - email

(source: Google Maps) (source: Google Maps)
BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTBS) -

KTBS 3 News has learned that a Bossier Parish 3rd grader has passed away from H1N1 also known as the Swine Flu.

8 year-old Kaitlyn Mills attended Central Park Elementary School in Bossier City. School personnel say Kaitlyn was in class on Tuesday and was rushed to the emergency room later that night. She passed away sometime Wednesday...

Pathfinder · Jan 10, 2014

Re: LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

Louisiana Confirms Pediatric Death from H1N1 Flu

Health Officials Expect Long Flu Season

Friday, January 10, 2014 | Contact: Media & Communications: Phone: 225.342.1532, E-mail: dhhinfo@la.gov

BATON ROUGE, La.—The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today confirmed the death of a Northwest Louisiana child in a Shreveport hospital this week due to H1N1 flu.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to this child's family and friends," said DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert. "It is important we all remain vigilant for symptoms of flu-like illness, and be serious about taking preventative measures against the spread of flu."

This is the first confirmed pediatric death in Louisiana this flu season. Federal law requires that states report all flu deaths in children to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death has been reported to the CDC, but will not show up in Louisiana's flu surveillance report until next week.

Since Oct. 1, 2013, high tech lab tests have confirmed at least 20 deaths statewide from influenza. However, hundreds of people die in Louisiana each year without ever being diagnosed with the flu or from other conditions made worse by influenza, so this figure does not represent the full risk to the population of the flu.

CDC evaluations, adjusted to the 2014 situation in Louisiana, estimate since October 2013 in Louisiana there may have been up to 300,000 cases, up to 500 hospitalizations, and up to 200 deaths caused by influenza. The statewide estimate by the CDC is based on their data adjusted for 2014. To understand more about how CDC produces their estimates please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm#categories

H1N1 is one of several strains of the flu that are circulating right now. All can be deadly. Louisiana's flu activity has spiked in recent weeks and continues to be widespread and very high. Health officials expect this year's flu season to continue into April. According to the state's most recent influenza surveillance data, flu symptoms accounted for about 7.6 percent of the state's doctor visits last week. The state's seasonal flu activity is most prevalent in North and Central Louisiana. Click here to view the influenza surveillance reports.

Because of the increases, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is strongly encouraging all residents who haven't already done so to protect themselves and their families by getting a seasonal flu vaccination. Each year, the flu kills more than 36,000 Americans.
"It's not too late to vaccinate," said J.T. Lane, assistant secretary for Public Health. "The flu shot only takes a few days to be effective, and people are usually protected completely within 7-to-10 days of getting the flu vaccine. Vaccines are the best preventive measure we have to help fight the spread of this illness. This year's vaccination will protect against the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus."

The CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get the flu vaccine. Medical studies show getting the flu vaccine has proven to be very safe and effective in preventing people from catching the flu.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine, vaccination is especially critical for certain groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Those groups include:

Children younger than 5, especially children younger than 2 years old
Adults 65 and older
Pregnant women
American Indians and Alaskan Natives, who appeared to be at higher risk of flu complications last flu season
People who have a weakened immune system or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease

"Vaccination is also important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk individuals to keep from spreading flu to people who may be especially susceptible to the virus' effects," said Dr. Frank Welch, director of the state's immunization program. "This includes anyone who works with babies younger than 6 months of age, who are not eligible for the vaccine, themselves. This year's vaccine is plentiful and available at many places, including health care providers, pharmacies, some employers and Louisiana's parish health units."

In addition to getting the vaccine, DHH encourages the public to take other preventive actions to stop the spread of the flu:

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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
While sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

For more information on flu activity by region in Louisiana and to find out how you can avoid being ill, visit www.FighttheFlu.la.gov.

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2942

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

pH1N1 Drug Resistant Low Reactor
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />46 Cases over 49 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the 32 days covering 2013-10-17 to 2013-11-19, the United States CDC released a total of 49 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 46 human cases sampled from February 2013 to October 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, Africa, Asia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. 

The sequences in this Analytic Report describe a high level of genetic activity at the Hemagglutinin antigenic area between aa155 and aa158 with 5 amino variations and 4 silent revisions. HA 225G is present in quasi-species on 2 American samples and as dominant form in 2 tropical countries. The Dominican Republic HA 225G Low Reactor appears on a TamiFlu Resistant strain. Drug Resistance is also found in 2 US sequences and 1 South American case . . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the United States CDC released or updated a total of 32 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 29 human cases sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, India and Hong Kong. 

. . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Pathfinder said:
Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana.

This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009.

Influenza can be a severe disease. The vaccine will help prevent complications and deaths.

Many are concerned about the severity of influenza this season in comparison with the previous years. The virus in circulation now is identical to the H1N1 pandemic strain from 2009 (now named H1N1pdm9).

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets...r-CH/infectious-epi/Influenza/FluSeverity.pdf

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/1591

The pH1N1 circulating in Louisiana is far from identical to the 2009 genetics.

Current circulating pH1N1 in Louisiana shows multiple instances of TamiFlu Resistance and averages 20 changes on the Hemagglutinin segment and 14 changes on the Neuraminidase segment.

An average of 34 changes across just two of the key genetic components is something other than Identical.

Polymorphic Count for Louisiana

20 - Hemagglutinin
14 - Neuraminidase

More importantly, numerous severity markers found on various sequences in the High-CFR Upsilon sub-clade have accumulated onto single backgrounds. Accumulation of changes correlated to clinical severity and fatality merits investigation beyond drafting a press release.

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

pH1N1 Drug Resistant Low Reactor
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />46 Cases over 49 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the 32 days covering 2013-10-17 to 2013-11-19, the United States CDC released a total of 49 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 46 human cases sampled from February 2013 to October 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, Africa, Asia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. 

The sequences in this Analytic Report describe a high level of genetic activity at the Hemagglutinin antigenic area between aa155 and aa158 with 5 amino variations and 4 silent revisions. HA 225G is present in quasi-species on 2 American samples and as dominant form in 2 tropical countries. The Dominican Republic HA 225G Low Reactor appears on a TamiFlu Resistant strain. Drug Resistance is also found in 2 US sequences and 1 South American case . . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

NS1 · Jan 10, 2014

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

Re: Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana - This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009

pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the United States CDC released or updated a total of 32 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 29 human cases sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, India and Hong Kong. 

. . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

tetano · Jan 11, 2014

Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana ? State health officials have confirmed the death of a Northwest Louisiana child caused by the swine flu variety, known as H1N1 influenza, one of several strains currently circulating.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals say the child died Wednesday at a Shreveport hospital. It's the first confirmed pediatric death in the state this flu season.

Officials say the death has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as required by law, but it won't show up in the state's surveillance report until next week.

At least 20 people have died in the state from the flu since Oct. 1.

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/822ed7945d964451bf7ea218077d862d/LA--Swine-Flu-Death

Giuseppe · Jan 11, 2014

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

[Source: State of Louisiana Department of Health, full page: (LINK).]

Louisiana Confirms Pediatric Death from H1N1 Flu

Health Officials Expect Long Flu Season

Friday, January 10, 2014 | Contact: Media & Communications: Phone: 225.342.1532, E-mail: dhhinfo@la.gov

BATON ROUGE, La.?The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today confirmed the death of a Northwest Louisiana child in a Shreveport hospital this week due to H1N1 flu.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to this child's family and friends," said DHH Secretary Kathy Kliebert. "It is important we all remain vigilant for symptoms of flu-like illness, and be serious about taking preventative measures against the spread of flu."

This is the first confirmed pediatric death in Louisiana this flu season. Federal law requires that states report all flu deaths in children to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death has been reported to the CDC, but will not show up in Louisiana's flu surveillance report until next week.

Since Oct. 1, 2013, high tech lab tests have confirmed at least 20 deaths statewide from influenza. However, hundreds of people die in Louisiana each year without ever being diagnosed with the flu or from other conditions made worse by influenza, so this figure does not represent the full risk to the population of the flu.

CDC evaluations, adjusted to the 2014 situation in Louisiana, estimate since October 2013 in Louisiana there may have been up to 300,000 cases, up to 500 hospitalizations, and up to 200 deaths caused by influenza. The statewide estimate by the CDC is based on their data adjusted for 2014.

To understand more about how CDC produces their estimates please visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm#categories

H1N1 is one of several strains of the flu that are circulating right now. All can be deadly. Louisiana's flu activity has spiked in recent weeks and continues to be widespread and very high. Health officials expect this year's flu season to continue into April.

According to the state's most recent influenza surveillance data, flu symptoms accounted for about 7.6 percent of the state's doctor visits last week. The state's seasonal flu activity is most prevalent in North and Central Louisiana. Click here to view the influenza surveillance reports.

Because of the increases, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is strongly encouraging all residents who haven't already done so to protect themselves and their families by getting a seasonal flu vaccination. Each year, the flu kills more than 36,000 Americans.

"It's not too late to vaccinate," said J.T. Lane, assistant secretary for Public Health. "The flu shot only takes a few days to be effective, and people are usually protected completely within 7-to-10 days of getting the flu vaccine. Vaccines are the best preventive measure we have to help fight the spread of this illness. This year's vaccination will protect against the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus."

The CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get the flu vaccine. Medical studies show getting the flu vaccine has proven to be very safe and effective in preventing people from catching the flu.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine, vaccination is especially critical for certain groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Those groups include:

Children younger than 5, especially children younger than 2 years old
Adults 65 and older
Pregnant women
American Indians and Alaskan Natives, who appeared to be at higher risk of flu complications last flu season
People who have a weakened immune system or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease

"Vaccination is also important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk individuals to keep from spreading flu to people who may be especially susceptible to the virus' effects," said Dr. Frank Welch, director of the state's immunization program. "This includes anyone who works with babies younger than 6 months of age, who are not eligible for the vaccine, themselves. This year's vaccine is plentiful and available at many places, including health care providers, pharmacies, some employers and Louisiana's parish health units."

In addition to getting the vaccine, DHH encourages the public to take other preventive actions to stop the spread of the flu:

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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
While sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

For more information on flu activity by region in Louisiana and to find out how you can avoid being ill, visit www.FighttheFlu.la.gov.

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NS1 · Jan 12, 2014

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Pathfinder said:
Influenza H1N1 pdm9 is the main strain seen this year in Louisiana.

This year it is not more and not less severe than in 2009.

Influenza can be a severe disease. The vaccine will help prevent complications and deaths.

Many are concerned about the severity of influenza this season in comparison with the previous years. The virus in circulation now is identical to the H1N1 pandemic strain from 2009 (now named H1N1pdm9).

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/assets...r-CH/infectious-epi/Influenza/FluSeverity.pdf

http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/1591

The pH1N1 circulating in Louisiana is far from identical to the 2009 genetics.

Current circulating pH1N1 in Louisiana shows multiple instances of TamiFlu Resistance and averages 20 changes on the Hemagglutinin segment and 14 changes on the Neuraminidase segment.

An average of 34 changes across just two of the key genetic components is something other than Identical.

Polymorphic Count for Louisiana

20 - Hemagglutinin
14 - Neuraminidase

More importantly, numerous severity markers found on various sequences in the High-CFR Upsilon sub-clade have accumulated onto single backgrounds. Accumulation of changes correlated to clinical severity and fatality merits investigation beyond drafting a press release.

NS1 · Jan 12, 2014

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

pH1N1 Drug Resistant Low Reactor
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />46 Cases over 49 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the 32 days covering 2013-10-17 to 2013-11-19, the United States CDC released a total of 49 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 46 human cases sampled from February 2013 to October 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, Africa, Asia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. 

The sequences in this Analytic Report describe a high level of genetic activity at the Hemagglutinin antigenic area between aa155 and aa158 with 5 amino variations and 4 silent revisions. HA 225G is present in quasi-species on 2 American samples and as dominant form in 2 tropical countries. The Dominican Republic HA 225G Low Reactor appears on a TamiFlu Resistant strain. Drug Resistance is also found in 2 US sequences and 1 South American case . . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

NS1 · Jan 12, 2014

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

Re: Louisiana - DHH confirms child dies of swine flu strain, known as H1N1

pH1N1 Drug Resistance & Vaccine Escape
CDC Fall 2013

Map - Active and Detailed

<div style="text-align: center;">
<hr style="width: 30%;" />29 Cases over 32 Sequences<hr style="width: 30%;" /></div>
Introduction

In the week from 2013-11-22 to 2013-11-29, the United States CDC released or updated a total of 32 pH1N1 sequences at GISAID on 29 human cases sampled from July 2013 to November 2013. Geographic surveillance includes America, India and Hong Kong. 

. . .

Read the Open-Access, Full-Text
Investigational Analytic
including Genetic Details

LA: Bossier Parish 3rd grader dies from H1N1

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