Swine flu

Updates as of 26 April 2009

• In Mexico, 1455 cases investigated, 84 died. 22 cases were laboratory confirmed for H1N1 and 3 are fatal cases
• In the US, 20 cases have been laboratory-confirmed positive for H1N1 (7 in California, 2 in Kansas, 8 in New York, 1 in Ohio and 2 in Texas). The illness were all mild flu like and no deaths reported.
• Other laboratory-confirmed cases (no deaths): 4 in Canada
• Under investigation: 10 cases positive for Influenza A in New Zealand and 3 persons in Spain
• Pending verification of media reports in : Israel, France, Costa Rica

WHO Actions

• Sent experts to Mexico to provide assistance in areas of laboratory, virology, epidemiology, risk communications and logistics

• Vaccine task force has been set up
• On April 25 the International Health Regulation (IHR) Emergency Committee was formed and first meeting decision made to declare the event as a public health emergency of international concern. The second meeting decision on April 27 is the announcement by WHO of Pandemic Phase change from Phase 3 to Phase 4.
• Interim WHO guidance for surveillance of human infection with swine influenza A(H1N1) virus with case definition was forwarded to the IHR country focal points
• WHO is in regular communication with governments
• WHO Philippines country office will provide daily situation reports and advisories as necessary
  

For more info/reading materials, please feel free to email me at jdpcuevas@gmail.com. I will be glad to send you the following attachments.

• WHO Pandemic Phases
• Proper Handwashing Procedure
  
• Swine Influenza Frequently Asked Questions