Health Alerts > 10/12/09 H1N1 update
GLOBAL UPDATES:
- The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus remains the predominant influenza virus in circulation worldwide and has not demonstrated significant mutation.
NATIONAL UPDATES:
Current Flu Epidemiology
National Week ending October 3, 2009
- 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses and minimal resistance to Tamiflu and Relenza have been identified.
· The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza was at the epidemic threshold. Rates for children aged 0-23 months, 2-4 years, and 5-17 years were 3.6, 1.6, and 1.3 per 10,000, respectively. Rates for adults aged 18-49 years, 50-64 years, and ≥ 65 years, the overall flu rates were 0.8, 0.9, and 0.7 per 10,000, respectively.
- Nineteen influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported last week. Sixteen of these deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and three were associated with influenza A virus, for which subtype is undetermined. There have been seventy-six deaths due to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infections and 29 of these have occurred since August 30, 2009.
Local Alerts: Alerts for 10/9, reported 10/10/09. Fever and GI syndromes in the age group of 5-17 years; Neuro and Respiratory syndromes for age group of 0-4 years.
LOCAL EFFORTS:
We received our H1N1 Flumist on Friday and immediately opened a clinic for healthy children between 2 and 24 years to be vaccinated. We had a great response from local schools of nursing to vaccinate and the public to be vaccinated. Our goal is to use the Flumist to immunize as many children as possible. We will continue to provide H1N1 Flumist as long as our supplies last and will be offering it to local providers this week in limited supply. Call Candy Staadt for more information 449-3516
We anticipate receiving our first injectable H1N1 vaccine on October 13th; we will begin to distribute this vaccine to healthcare providers to use for the priority groups (including themselves)
We have been authorized to release a portion of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) antiviral supply. This can be used for providing antivirals to the indigent. You obviously cannot charge the patient for the antiviral medication. Attached you will find the necessary documentation to be a provider of SNS antivirals. We will be working with local providers to provide antivirals to the indigent.
We have also been authorized to release a portion of the SNS Personal Protective Equipment as well. We will be contacting providers to inquire about interest.
We have been working with a group of local providers/hospital/first responders to establish triage guidelines in the event of a surge of cases that potentially will overwhelm the healthcare system. We will finalize this week and make available to providers.
211 became our local H1N1 hotline on October 6th. Check www.fighttheflu.org of call 2-1-1 for flu information
