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Content on this page was developed during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and has not been updated.

  • The H1N1 virus that caused that pandemic is now a regular human flu virus and continues to circulate seasonally worldwide.
  • The English language content on this website is being archived for historic and reference purposes only.
  • For current, updated information on seasonal flu, including information about H1N1, see the CDC Seasonal Flu website.

2009 H1N1 Flu: International Situation Update

August 9, 2010, 4:00 PM ET

This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through August 1, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 6.

Global Flu Activity Update

WHO continues to report laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 flu deaths and situational updates on its Web page. These fatal cases are an under-representation of the actual numbers, as many deaths are never tested for influenza or recognized as flu related.

Overall, flu activity due to 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza viruses is low worldwide.

Northern Temperate

In the Northern Hemisphere, flu activity has been low or sporadic during the past month.

Southern Temperate

In the Southern Hemisphere, levels of flu activity vary by location with the most active areas of pandemic transmission in parts of South Asia and in limited areas of tropical and South America. Overall seasonal and pandemic flu activity remains low in the temperate zone of the Southern Hemisphere, except in South Africa. East Africa and Southeast Asia continue to see circulation of seasonal influenza viruses, especially influenza A (H3N2).

Australia and New Zealand have reported increases in influenza like activity (ILI) rates for the past 6-8 weeks, particularly in recent weeks; however, rates are still below those seen in 2009. 2009 H1N1 is the most frequently reported influenza virus, with low level co-circulation of influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses.

Argentina and Chile are reporting overall low flu activity. 2009 H1N1 is the most frequently reported influenza virus in Chile, with low level co-circulation of influenza B and A (H3N2).

Tropical and subtropical

Latin America

Central America continues to report circulation of seasonal influenza viruses, especially influenza A (H3N2).

Asia

In Asia, the most active areas of influenza transmission are occurring in parts of India, predominantly 2009 H1N1? Any seasonal?. However, preliminary data suggests that the overall intensity and severity is lower than that observed during the first waves of 2009. Low levels of 2009 H1N1 activity are also being detected in several Southeast Asia countries, including Nepal and Bhutan.

Africa

Virologic data from South Africa suggests flu activity peaked in early July, mostly due to seasonal influenza B and A (H3N2) viruses. Sustained transmission of 2009 H1N1 was reported in Ghana during June and July 2010. In parts of Eastern Africa and Central Africa, data suggest that seasonal influenza A (H3N2) and B viruses continue to circulate. Low level circulation of influenza A (H3N2) has been reported in Kenya, and Cameroon has recently reported subsiding levels of influenza B.

Selected Highlights

  • According to WHO, the majority of 2009 H1N1 virus isolates tested worldwide remains sensitive to oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used to treat flu. Among 2009 H1N1 isolates tested worldwide, 302 have been found to be resistant to oseltamivir as of July 21st. Approximately 1% of U.S. 2009 H1N1 viruses tested by CDC since September 1, 2009, have been resistant to oseltamivir.
  • Globally 51.1% of subtyped influenza A viruses were 2009 H1N1, according to WHO data collected from July 18-24, 2010, and reported on August 5th.
  • On February 18, 2010, WHO published recommendations for the following viruses to be used for influenza vaccines in the 2010-2011 influenza season of the Northern Hemisphere:
    • an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;
    • an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus*;
    • a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

    * A/Wisconsin/15/2009 is an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and is a 2010 Southern Hemisphere vaccine virus.

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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