Swine flu (H1N1) cases have doubled in the United States since May 1, from 141 confirmed cases to 286, with one death. Although there are 35 suspected cases of swine flu in Washington state, there are still none that have been “laboratory confirmed.”
One case was confirmed today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
During the past several days, truckloads of medication (Relenza® and Tamiflu®) and other medical supplies ( masks, gowns, and other medical supplies) have arrived in numerous locations throughout Washington state, according to the Washington state
Department of Health
. More supplies are expected to arrive over the next several days.
Department of Health
. More supplies are expected to arrive over the next several days.
These supplies are part of the federal government’s Strategic National Stockpile. This program was established to help states in any emergency — disease outbreaks, natural disasters or bioterrorism. Supplies have been requested by all 50 states to respond to the swine flu outbreak.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is doing an extraordinary job of responding to our state and working with our public health officials,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “In receiving these additional courses of medication, we are prepared to treat this illness, as needed.”
The state is receiving enough antiviral medication — Tamiflu® and Relenza® — to treat about 230,000 people. These medications must be prescribed by a health care provider.
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H1N1 Virus (Photo courtesy of the CDC) |
“We’re working hard to track and respond to this new flu strain, and we’ve asked for these supplies so we’re ready if we need them,” said Mary Selecky, the state’s secretary of health. “It’s important to know that these antivirals will be used to fill prescriptions to treat people who are sick only if commercial supplies run out.”
The CDC plans to send testing materials to the state laboratory in the next several days. These materials will allow workers to test for the new swine flu strain.
It’s important for people who are sick with flu-like symptoms to stay home or go to a health care provider if they become seriously ill. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu symptoms: fever, muscle aches, cough and sometimes troubled breathing.
The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak will be to treat people with severe flu illness.
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U.S. Human Cases
of H1N1 Flu Infection (As of May 4, 2009, 11:00 AM ET) |
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The CDC said on May 3 it completed “deployment of 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States.” These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the federal government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against the novel H1N1 flu virus.
World Health Organization
In its May 4 daily update, the World Health Organization stated that 20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (85), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).
There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
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. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
