Atlanta, GA–(ENEWSPF)–May 29, 2009.
Summary of Situation
Current Statistics
As of 11 a.m. (ET) on May 29, 2009, there have been 8,975 confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 influenza reported in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The U.S. confirmed death count attributable to H1N1 influenza is 15. State-specific data is as follows:
Alabama — 71 cases
Arkansas — 6 cases
Arizona — 540 cases and 3 deaths
California — 553 cases
Colorado — 68 cases
Connecticut — 149 cases
Delaware — 115 cases
Florida — 165 cases
Georgia — 28 cases
Hawaii — 71 cases
Idaho — 12 cases
Illinois — 1,002 cases and 2 deaths
Indiana — 138 cases
Iowa — 71 cases
Kansas — 34 cases
Kentucky — 50 cases
Louisiana — 114 cases
Maine — 11 cases
Maryland — 48 cases
Massachusetts — 416 cases
Michigan — 229 cases
Minnesota — 47 cases
Mississippi — 13 cases
Missouri — 29 cases and 1 death
Montana — 14 cases
Nebraska — 43 cases
Nevada — 84 cases
New Hampshire — 35 cases
New Jersey — 72 cases
New Mexico — 97 cases
New York — 553 cases and 4 deaths
North Carolina — 14 cases
North Dakota — 6 cases
Ohio — 18 cases
Oklahoma — 67 cases
Oregon — 132 cases
Pennsylvania — 123 cases
Rhode Island — 13 cases
South Carolina — 41 cases
South Dakota — 6 cases
Tennessee — 100 cases
Texas — 1,403 cases and 3 deaths
Utah — 122 cases and 1 death
Vermont — 3 cases
Virginia — 29 cases
Washington — 575 cases and 1 death
Washington, D.C.– 14 cases
Wisconsin — 1,430 cases
Wyoming — 1 case.
A New Influenza Virus
Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States. An increasing number of cases are being reported internationally as well.
It’s 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.
It’s uncertain at this time how severe this novel H1N1 outbreak will be in terms of illness and death compared with other influenza viruses. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, currently there is no vaccine to protect against this novel H1N1 virus. CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks.
Novel influenza A (H1N1) activity is now being detected through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systemsand reported weekly in FluView. CDC tracks U.S. influenza activity through multiple systems across five categories. The fact that novel H1N1 activity can now be monitored through seasonal surveillance systems is an indication that there are higher levels of influenza-like illness in the United States than is normal for this time of year. Most of the influenza viruses being detected now are novel H1N1 viruses.
CDC Response
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to the outbreak. CDC’s response goals are to reduce the spread and severity of illness, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this new public health threat.
CDC is issuing updated interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation.
Clinician Guidance
CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patientswith novel H1N1, in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs. Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel influenza H1N1 viruses. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat severe influenza illness, including people who are hospitalized or sick people who are considered at high risk of serious influenza-related complications.
Public Guidance
In addition, CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with novel H1N1. CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, a significant number of people also have reported nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing and people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.
Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect this novel H1N1 virus and has now distributed test kits to all states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The test kits are being shipped internationally as well. This will allow states and other countries to test for this new virus. This increase in testing will likely result in an increase in the number of confirmed cases of illness reported. This, combined with ongoing monitoring through Flu View should provide a fuller picture of the burden of disease in the United States over time.
Source: cdc.gov
