PAHO - H1N1 alert for Americas, flu in pregnant women

[tetano]

So far this year some countries in the Americas region have reported 2009 H1N1 outbreaks that, though limited in scope, have placed a demand on local health services, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said yesterday in an epidemiological alert. Though the outbreaks aren't surprising, because the virus is now considered a seasonal strain, countries should still keep their guard up, the agency added. Outbreaks of the 2009 H1N1 influenza this year have been reported in Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela, and over the past 3 weeks detections have increased in the Dominican Republic. PAHO said that, during the pandemic phase, the spread of the virus varied across the region. For example, circulation was intense in countries in the southernmost part of South America, with few detections over the winter of 2010. In some areas the proportion of the population that is still susceptible to the disease is high, which could lead to geographically limited sporadic outbreaks, the group said.

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/news/apr2111flunewsscan.html

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: PAHO warns of H1N1 spread in Americas region

Re: PAHO warns of H1N1 spread in Americas region

Epidemiological Alert:
On Probable Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 Outbreaks
(Published on 20 April 2011)

Current Situation
Since the beginning of 2011, in the region of the Americas, there have been significant outbreaksof influenza A (H1N1) 2009, that while geographically limited, have generated a significantdemand on health services.

For instance, there have been outbreaks in Ecuador (January 2011), Mexico and Venezuela(March 2011). In the past three weeks (SE 13-15), the Dominican Republic?s National Influenza Centre has detected an increase in the positive samples of influenza A(H1N1) 2009. In the last month, other sporadic detections have occurred in Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, Jamaica and El Salvador.

This situation is not unexpected. Since the end of the pandemic (2009-2010), the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus, continues to circulate on a global level like a seasonal strain, periodically causing important outbreaks in various continents.

In Europe in the winter of 2010-2011 the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus was the predominant strain. In some countries the morbidity rate was similar to that observed during the pandemic. On the other hand, in North America where during the pandemic, the transmission of A (H1N1) 2009 was much higher than what was expected, the predominant strains that circulated this winter were influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B.

In the Americas, the level of circulation and the impact caused by the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus, during the pandemic varied. In the countries of the Southern Cone and the southern region of Brazil the circulation of the virus was very intense during the pandemic, then resulting in a low detection of the virus during the 2010 winter. In other places of the tropical regions, where the predominance is not as defined, the circulation of the virus was not as intense; consequently, the proportion of the population susceptible is still high and this favors the appearance of geographically limited sporadic outbreaks.

Considering the possibility of an outbreak occurring on account of the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus in the countries of the Region, national authorities should be prepared to mitigate the resulting impact. It is recommended that all of the countries activate their National Preparedness
Plans for the pandemic and follow the WHO and PAHO recommendations. The PAHO?s Technical Area for Health Surveillance and Disease Prevention and Control is available to offer the necessary technical support as requested.

In light of this situation, PAHO/WHO recommends:
?Implementing the recommended measurements of the national preparation plan for prevention of an influenza pandemic.

?Implement a risk communication plan to prevent and/or reduce the population?s anxiety. The press has a key role in disseminating information. It is necessary to inform (disseminate) that the large majority of infections are asymptomatic or present non-specific symptoms. Only a fraction of those affected develop a medical case that requires seeking medical assistance. An even smaller fraction develops difficulty breathing which requires hospitalization. Deaths are very infrequent.

?The population must be informed that the primary form of transmission is via interpersonal contact. Washing ones hands is the most efficient way to diminish transmission. An understanding of ?respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette? also helps to avoid transmission. Persons with fever should avoid going to their workplace or to public places until their fever has disappeared

?Certain population groups require special attention because they are more susceptible to developing severe infection: pregnant women, persons suffering from chronic conditions, especially lung and heart related. These patients should be treated with antivirals (oseltamivir) at the onset of symptoms.

?All patients admitted for health services with respiratory difficulties should begin treatment with antivirals immediately. Laboratory confirmation is not necessary. The sooner oseltamivir is administered, the greater the chance of success.

Technical information on Influenza
Complete information on technical aspects related to influenza, as well as guidelines for the elaboration and implementation of operational plans for preparing and responding to pandemic influenza are available on the Panamerican Health Organization (PAHO) ?s website.
Please access the following link:
http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3353&Itemid=2470&to=2250&lang=en
You will find information on the following topics:
? Risk Communication
? Clinical management
? Laboratory and virology
? Surveillance
? Health Care and facilities

http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=12741&Itemid=