Swine Flu Situation Report - European Centre For Disease Prevention And Control

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Respiratory / Asthma;  Public Health
Article Date: 29 Apr 2009 - 8:00 PDT

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The number of countries reporting confirmed cases with novel flu virus infection (human swine influenza A(H1N1) or persons with influenza-like illness being investigated for such infection continues to increase. The report below is based on official information provided by the national public health websites, or through other official communication channels. In addition, media reports from credible sources are included.

European Union

One new confirmed case has been reported in the EU by Spain within the past 24 hours, totalling 4 confirmed cases (2 from Spain, 2 from United Kingdom). All of these have a history of travel to Mexico.

Compared to yesterday's update, 3 additional Member States reported persons being investigated for novel influenza virus A(H1N1) in their country, taking the total to 14 Member States having cumulatively investigated 146 persons.

Outside of European Union

Outside of the European Union, 124 confirmed cases of novel influenza virus infection were reported. These include 64 cases from the United States, 33 from Mexico and 13 from Canada. Most of these confirmed cases in the US and all of them in Canada have a history of travel to Mexico. In addition, confirmed cases have also been reported by Costa Rica (1), Israel (2), and New Zealand (11).

A total of twenty non-EU countries have reported persons under investigation. In Mexico, more than 2500 persons are suspected of being infected.

Mexico is the only country so far reporting 7 deaths among confirmed cases. Investigations are ongoing to assess reasons for severity of illness in reported cases in the country. Latest reports from the USA identified 5 persons being hospitalised.

Assessment of situation in the EU

Even though the present novel influenza virus has an animal origin, it is now clearly spreading among humans. As of today, it still seems that the disease is more virulent in Mexico than in other parts of the world. However, the outbreak should be closely monitored to timely identify changes in the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases.

This novel flu virus has already entered the EU, and it is inevitable that more cases will be detected. So far, all the confirmed cases have acquired their infection outside the EU - no transmission inside the EU has been reported. The current assessment is that the novel flu virus is not very virulent, but that it will certainly continue to spread. However, potential changes in the virus characteristics for e.g. virulence, need to be closely monitored.

European response

All EU Member States have implemented appropriate response measures in order to limit the spread of this infection. These include the provision of information to the general public and to travellers, and raising the alert on this situation among health care workers. In addition, several Member States have implemented enhanced surveillance and/or activated their national pandemic preparedness plan. On a European level, the implementation of these measures is coordinated by the European Commission.

In the past 24 hours, EU Member States, the European Commission and ECDC agreed on a common definition for cases of novel influenza virus A(H1N1) infections which will ensure a co-ordinated reporting in the EU.

A shared guidance for travellers to Mexico, the only country with known sustained human-to-human transmission, has been finalised and agreed upon.

A more detailed case-reporting system to support an in-depth EU epidemiological assessment is being prepared in addition to guidance on optimal use of antiviral drugs and vaccines in the EU.

ECDC, in collaboration with the Member States, the European Commission and the World Health Organisation, continues to closely monitoring this rapidly evolving situation, and provide daily updates on its website.

Source
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

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• References
• Citations