WASHINGTON, DC -- 29 April 2009 -- Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level from 4 to 5, signaling an influenza A/H1N1 pandemic is imminent. The move prompts countries around the world to start implementing their national pandemic plans. Alert level 6 indicates a global pandemic.
In the United States, sustained human-to-human transmission is clear as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report additional confirmed infections, hospitalisations, and the country's first fatality from the outbreak - a 24-month-old Mexican child . Richard Besser, MD, acting director of the CDC, confirmed 10 US states are now affected:
New York: 51
Texas: 16
California: 14
Kansas: 2
Massachusetts: 2
Michigan: 2
Arizona: 1
Indiana: 1
Nevada: 1
Ohio: 1
TOTAL: 91
CDC says that the more recent illnesses and the reported death in Texas suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the United States. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalisations, and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
The influenza A/H1N1 virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are 2 groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and US territories to help them respond to the outbreak.
In addition to Mexico and the United States, 7 other countries have reported laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1: Austria (1 case), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4), and the United Kingdom (5). More cases in these and other countries are expected to be confirmed.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released a statement agreeing with the WHO decision to raise the alert level to 5, saying this is an "appropriate response," adding that though "influenza is a serious disease that kills many vulnerable people every year, Europe has never been better prepared for a pandemic." The EU health ministers are meeting tomorrow in Luxembourg.
WHO continues to advise against regular travel restrictions or border closures; though the agency does recommend that people who are ill delay international travel and that people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.
SOURCES: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
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