Due to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) decision to cease using the term "Swine Flu" to describe the virus, in favour of the more technical term, Influenza A (H1N1), this blog will no longer be active.
In its place, the following blog will be used: http://h1n1flu2009.blogspot.com/
For more information regarding this change in terms, please see the article below:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090430/ap_on_he_me/un_who_swine_flu
Friday, May 1, 2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza A Update From GMS - May 1, 2009
Current WHO Pandemic Alert Phase: 5
H1N1 A Influenza Cases by Country (as of 8 AM PST May 1st)
| Country | Cases | Deaths | ||
| Lab Confirmed* | Increase from Yesterday | Lab Confirmed* | Increase from Yesterday | |
| Mexico | 156 | 130 | 9 | 2 |
| US | 141 | 32 | 1 | 0 |
| Canada | 34 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| UK | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Spain | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Germany | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Israel | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Austria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Netherlands | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*The number of confirmed cases is only from the WHO and the CDC, the number of cases includes deaths. .
In addition, several other countries around the world have suspected cases of swine flu, while the WHO announced that they will no longer report suspected cases.
Local/National News
- Currently in Canada, there are a total of 34 confirmed swine influenza cases: 11 cases in British Columbia, six cases in Alberta, seven cases in Ontario and four cases in Nova Scotia.
- All the cases reported so far have been relatively mild
- The BCCDC has posted an Interim Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities
International News
Latest from the U.S. Centre for Disease Control
- The CDC has posted several new guidance documents for health professionals:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites selling products that claim to prevent, treat or cure 2009 H1N1 flu virus
Latest from the World Health Organization
- WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
Antiviral News/Recommendations
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines with activity against influenza viruses, including swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs have been shown to be effective in treating and preventing infection from flu viruses.
- Mild cases do not require antiviral treatment
- Moderately ill people who are at high risk of influenza-related complications (such as those with chronic health conditions) may benefit from antiviral therapy
- Severely ill patients will need to be hospitalized
- The US CDC recommends to consider the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.
- The 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 U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced yesterday that the US Federal government will purchase an additional 13 million treatment courses
- The WHO has begun distributing part of its stockpile of Tamiflu to Mexico
A PPE Update:
There has been a lot of discussion in the media and elsewhere regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE); in particular facemasks and respirators.
What are face masks?Facemasks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that cover the nose and mouth. These include products labelled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, and laser masks.
Facemasks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them. They also keep sp
lashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the facemask. They are not designed to protect you against breathing in very small particles. Facemasks should be used once and then thrown away in the trash. 
A respirator is designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles, which might contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that most air is inhaled through the filter material. To work the best way, N95 respirators must be specially fitted for each person who wears one (this is called "fit-testing" and is usually done in a workplace where respirators are used).
While a respirator will offer greater protection for the wearer than a facemask, neither will give complete protection from the flu.
Do you need a mask?You should consider wearing a facemask if:
- You are sick with the flu and think you might have close contact with other people.
- You live with someone who has the flu (you therefore might be in the early stages of infection) and need to be in a crowded place. Limit the amount of time you spend in these crowded places and wear a facemask while you are there.
- You are well but need to be in a crowded place where there are confirmed cases of Swine/H1N1 flu (such as a hospital with known cases). Limit the amount of time you spend in these locations and wear a facemask while you are there.
You should consider wearing a respirator if
- You are well and you expect to be in close contact with people who are known or thought to be sick with pandemic flu. Limit the amount of time you are in close contact with these people and wear a respirator during this time. These recommendations apply if you must take care of a sick person at home.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/features/masksrespirators/
Additional information continues to be available at: www.global-consulting.ca/content
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu Update From GMS (April 30, 2009)
Current Situation
Yesterday, the World Health Organization’s Director General raised the Pandemic Alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5. This was triggered due to the community level outbreaks of swine/H1N1 flu in both the US and Mexico.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization’s Director General raised the Pandemic Alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5. This was triggered due to the community level outbreaks of swine/H1N1 flu in both the US and Mexico.
Phase 5 does not mean that a “global” pandemic is underway, but rather that there is a regional outbreak underway and that it is highly likely that a “global” pandemic will occur.
This change to a higher alert is a signal to the world’s stakeholders (governments, health agencies, and the business community) that planning and preparatory actions should be taken with greater urgency and speed. Effective measures should now include heightened surveillance, early detection, and treatment of cases, and increased infection control in all health facilities.
The full statement can be found here. In addition, several other countries around the world have suspected cases of swine flu.
| Country | Cases | Deaths | |
| Lab Confirmed* | Lab Confirmed* | Suspected | |
| Mexico | 26 | 7 | 159 |
| US | 109 | 1 | 0 |
| Canada | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| UK | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Spain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Germany | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Israel | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Austria | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Local/National News
- Currently in Canada, there are a total of 19 confirmed swine influenza cases: six cases in British Columbia, two cases in Alberta, seven cases in Ontario and four cases in Nova Scotia.
- All the cases reported in Canada so far have been relatively mild.
- The BCCDC has posted a BC Swine Flu Case Report Form for health professionals.
International News
Latest from the U.S. Centre for Disease Control- New guidance documents for health professionals have been released/updated:
- Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
- Guidance for Clinicians: Identifying and Caring for Patients with Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection
- Guidance for infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting (updated)
- Guidance for Clinicians: antiviral Recommendations for Patients and Close Contacts (updated)
- Information for concerned parents and caregivers has also been posted to the CDC website along with answers to common questions regarding the swine flu.
- Information for child care providers has also been posted.
- At 1:00 PM EST the CDC will hold a webcast to answer questions from the American Public.
- In addition to raising the pandemic alert level, the WHO also issued guidelines for infection prevention and control in health care in providing care for confirmed or suspected A(H1N1) swine influenza patients
Antiviral News
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE53S32A20090429
- Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG said Wednesday it was working closely with the World Health Organization to make its Tamiflu drug available to patients following the outbreak
- Roche said in a statement it had increased its preparedness level after the WHO increased its pandemic alert level
- Roche said Monday it was working on scaling up production of Tamiflu, but cautioned that the lead time for the drug from synthesis of the product to packaging was eight months.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aI0b818qm2j4&refer=home
- Several vaccine manufacturers are talking with world health authorities about how to speed production of a vaccine to meet the global swine flu outbreak. The companies may receive a sample of the virus within a few days.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Global's Mid-day Update
Current Situation
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director General has raised the Pandemic Alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5. This was triggered due to the community level outbreaks of swine flu in both the US and Mexico.
Phase 5 does not mean that a “global” pandemic is underway, but rather there is a regional outbreak underway and that it is highly likely that a “global” pandemic will occur.
This change to a higher alert is a signal to the world’s stakeholders (governments, health agencies, and the business community) that planning and preparatory actions should be taken with greater urgency and speed. Effective measures now include heightened surveillance, early detection, and treatment of cases, and increased infection control in all health facilities.
Global's Daily Update - April 29, 2009
Current WHO Pandemic Alert Phase: 4
Current SituationThe human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Additional reports of new cases of swine influenza have been confirmed, a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients have occurred, and President Obama has verified the first swine flu death outside of Mexico, in a 23-month-old child in Texas.
Current Laboratory Confirmed Cases (As of April 29th 8:00 AM PST)
Swine Flu Cases by Country (as of April 29th 0800 hours PST)
Swine Flu Cases by Country (as of April 29th 0800 hours PST)
Country | Cases* | Deaths | |
Lab Confirmed | Lab Confirmed | Suspected | |
Mexico | 26 | 7 | 159 |
US | 91 | 1 | 0 |
Canada | 13 | 0 | 0 |
UK | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Spain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
New Zealand | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Germany | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Israel | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Austria | 1 | 0 | 0 |
*Includes deaths
In addition, several other countries around the world have suspected cases of swine flu.
Latest from the World Health Organization (As of April 29th 8:00 AM PST)
- No restrictions on regular travel or border closures have been advised.
- Those who are ill are encouraged to delay international travel and those developing symptoms following international travel are advised to seek medical attention.
- There is no risk of infection with this virus from the consumption of well-cooked pork or pork products.
Latest from the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (As of April 29th 8:00 AM PST)
- Several new guidance documents for health professionals have been posted including the following:
- Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices
- Specimen Collection, Processing, and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection
- Guidance for Clinicians on Identifying and Caring for Patients
- Guidance for Clinicians on Prevention and Treatment in Young Children
- Pregnant Women: Considerations for Clinicians
- New guidance for the travel industry and public service announcements (PSA) have also been posted:
- Guidance for Airlines Regarding Flight Crews Arriving from Domestic and International Areas Affected by Swine Influenza
- Guidance to Assist Airline Flight Deck and Cabin Crew in Identifying Passengers Who May Have Swine Influenza
- Swine Flu Preparedness (PSA)
- Community Planning for Swine Flu (PSA)
- Hygiene Habits to Help Fight Swine Flu (PSA)
Latest from Public Health and Safety Canada (As of April 29th 8:00 AM PST)
- A travel warning was issued recommending Canadians postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico.
- A backgrounder on some of the actions the federal government is taking and the measures Canadians should take to protect themselves was posted and can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2009/2009_0428_a-eng.php. Actions of the federal government include:
- The elevation of the Government’s Emergency Operations Centre to full activation (Level 4), operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week
- Daily information sharing conference calls with provincial and territorial public health authorities and international partners
- The 24-hour, seven days per week operation of Canada’s National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg
Latest from BC Centre of Disease Control /Ministry of Health (As of April 29th 8:00 AM PST)
- Information for the public has been posted. Resources include the following:
- What is swine influenza or swine flu?
- Confirmed H1N1 case count in Canada
- Travel Health Notices
- Resources for Health Care Professionals have also been added to website:
Additional information continues to be available at: www.global-consulting.ca/content
If you would like more information about Global Consulting’s Swine Flu Advisory Services, please follow this link or email swinefluquery@global-consulting.ca
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