2009 H1N1 Flu: International Situation Update

Error processing SSI file

January 08, 2010, 3:00 PM ET

This report provides an update to the international situation as of January 8, 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 flu cases and deathsExternal Web Site IconExternal Web Site Icon on its Web page. These laboratory-confirmed cases represent a substantial underestimation of total cases in the world, as most countries focus surveillance and laboratory testing only on people with severe illness. The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus continues to be the dominant influenza virus in circulation in the world. For the most recent period in which data are available, from December 20 to December 27, 2009, 86% of positive influenza specimens reported to WHO were 2009 H1N1, 0.4% were seasonal A (H1), 1.7% were A (H3), 5.8% were influenza A viruses that were not subtyped, and 6.2% were influenza B viruses. In temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, sporadic cases of 2009 H1N1 continue to be reported but no sustained community transmission has been observed. In the temperate and tropical regions of the Americas, 2009 H1N1 activity continues to decrease or remain low. Transmission of 2009 H1N1 continues to be active in Western Europe and Southeast-, East-, and Central Asia, but overall rates appear to be low or declining.  Intense 2009 H1N1 activity exists in Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, and Georgia. And Egypt, Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal are experiencing increasing respiratory disease activity. 

Selected Highlights

  • The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is the predominant influenza virus in circulation worldwide.
  • According to WHO, the majority of 2009 H1N1 influenza isolates tested worldwide remain sensitive to oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used to treat influenza disease. 190 2009 H1N1 isolates tested worldwide have been found to be resistant to oseltamivir – 52 of these isolates were detected in the United States.
  • On September 17, 2009, several countries including the United States announced plans to donate 2009 H1N1 vaccine or funds to support vaccination campaigns in less developed countries.

International Resources for 2009 H1N1 Information

Health Organizations

World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Offices

Travel and 2009 H1N1 Flu

Human cases of 2009 H1N1 flu virus infection have been identified in the United States and several countries around the world. For information on 2009 H1N1 flu and travel, see the CDC H1N1 Flu and Travel website.

Reports and Publications

Contact Us:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    1600 Clifton Rd
    Atlanta, GA 30333
  • 800-CDC-INFO
    (800-232-4636)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348
  • Contact CDC-INFO