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2009 H1N1 Flu: International Situation Update

November 6, 2009, 4:30 PM ET

This report provides an update to the international situation as of November 6, 2009. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 flu cases and deaths on its Web page. These laboratory-confirmed cases represent a substantial underestimation of total cases in the world, as many 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. Since April 19, 2009, more than 60% of all influenza positive specimens reported to WHO have been 2009 H1N1. In temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, disease due to 2009 H1N1 has returned to below baseline. In tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, influenza activity due to 2009 H1N1 remains variable. In temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity due to 2009 H1N1 continues to increase across many countries in Europe and Asia, as well as parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Selected Highlights

  • The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is the predominant influenza virus in circulation in most countries worldwide.
  • The epidemiology of disease caused by 2009 H1N1 influenza in the Southern Hemisphere is very similar to that described in the United States in the spring of 2009.
  • There have been no significant changes detected in the 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses isolated from persons in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to viruses isolated from persons in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • According to WHO, the majority of 2009 H1N1 influenza isolates tested worldwide remain sensitive to oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used to treat influenza disease. Only 42 2009 H1N1 isolates tested worldwide have been found to be resistant to oseltamivir – 14 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

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