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Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 regional update 07 Aug 2009

Countries
Antigua and Barbuda
+ 36 more
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PAHO
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This report was prepared based on the indicators in the document Human infection with pandemic (H1N1)2009 virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillance available at this link.

The qualitative indicators for surveillance of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 are described in Table 3 of this report. The information presented herein has been obtained through the official sites of the Ministries of Health of the countries in the Region as well as official reports submitted by the International Health Regulation (IHR) National Focal Points.

Update on the Qualitative Indicators

For epidemiological week 30 (EW 30, July 26 to August 1) 16 countries have reported updated information to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding the qualitative indicators to monitor the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 . Data from the most recent week of notification is considered for the purposes of the analysis below (EW 27 - 30).

Currently, 22 countries in the Region report having widespread geographical distribution of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Three more countries (Colombia, Panama and Saint Lucia) have been added to this group during EW 30 Dominica reports no pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity during EW 30 (Map 1).

Regarding the trend of respiratory disease, seven countries report an increasing trend, namely Belize, Bolivia, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Peru, and Saint Lucia. From these countries, Saint Lucia is the only country which reported a change in trend when comparing with the previous epidemiological week (Map 2).

Regarding the intensity of acute respiratory disease, seven countries (Argentina, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Paraguay) inform having high intensity when comparing to the same period in previous years. The number of countries reporting high intensity remains the same as last epidemiological week.

Argentina and El Salvador have reported a change from very high to high intensity; while Chile and Uruguay have changed from high to low/moderate intensity (Map 3).

No countries report severe impact on health-care services, however, 7 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Paraguay) reported experiencing moderate impact and fifteen inform low impact on health care services (Map 4).

Of all 35 countries of the Region, Guatemala and Paraguay inform having higher levels of the qualitative indicators this week, with widespread geographic distribution, increasing trend, high intensity and moderate impact.

Conversely, El Salvador reports experiencing a lower category for trend, intensity and impact on health care services. Similarly, Chile and Uruguay lowered their indicators for intensity and impact on health care services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any restrictions to travel or the closing of borders due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009.