Swine Influenza (Flu) Pandemic Alert

As you may have already learned from news reports, there is an outbreak of a novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

It has just been reported that the WHO Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4. The change to a higher phase of alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable. This decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 28, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
State - # of laboratory confirmed cases
California- 10 cases
Kansas- 2 cases
New York City- 45 cases
Ohio-1 cases
Texas 6 cases
TOTAL COUNT- 64 CASES
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization

As at 27 April 2009, there are reportedly 18 confirmed cases in Mexico, 20 in the United States (New York City, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio), and 6 in Canada (Nova Scotia and British Columbia). There are also reports of suspected human cases in a number of countries such as South Korea, New Zealand, Scotland, Israel, Spain, Brazil and Columbia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that this outbreak in Mexico and the US constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and has recommended that countries intensify their surveillance and precautionary measures. The US has also declared a public health emergency to deal with the emerging human swine influenza.

As of 27 April 09, there are no cases of human swine flu in Singapore. There are two cases referred to CDC for further assessment. One of them is an American from California picked up for higher-than-normal temperature by thermal screening at Changi Airport. The other is a local resident who had a travel history to the United States and flu-like symptoms, who presented himself at the polyclinic and was referred to the CDC. Preliminary tests for Influenza A for both were negative. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation closely and will update the public should there be any new developments.

In the meantime, we want to emphasize the health measures we can all take (adapted from the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). There is no vaccine available right now although development of one is underway. Current anti-virals are effective in the treatment of the disease.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of influenza. Of note:
First and most important: wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Stay in good general health.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Viruses spread this way.
Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

People are advised to postpone or avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. In the event that travel to Mexico is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas, avoiding coming into contact with sick persons, and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.

People are also advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of influenza, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting, within seven days of travel to cities where there are confirmed or suspected cases. If in doubt, check with your doctor. They should also disclose their travel histories to their doctors.

*Extracted from email (The National University Health System Singapore)