H1N1 (swine Flu) Activity Remains Locally Intense

The World Health Organization (WHO) informs that H1N1 virus transmission continues to be intense in parts of New Zealand and India. During the first week of August, the national consultation rate in New Zealand for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased sharply, especially in parts of the country that were less affected by last winter's pandemic wave. Even so, overall national ILI rates and total numbers of severe and fatal cases of H1N1 are below 2009 pandemic levels, authorities report.

Most confirmed influenza virus infections in New Zealand in the current winter have been cases of H1N1 (2009), informally known as "swine flu".
H1N1 (2009) infections in India
H1N1 activity is described as "active" and "moderately intense" in some states, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, WHO informs.

From mid-June until mid-August this year, authorities in Maharashtra reported consecutive increases in the total number of new cases, as well as total fatalities. The epidemic has not yet peaked in Maharashtra, although the rate of increase has slowed down.

In other affected states the epidemic seems to have begun to decline or stabilize. Seasonal influenza B viruses are currently circulating in India, health authorities say - but less intensely than H1N1 (2009) viruses.
Flu activity elsewhere in the world
Overall influenza activity and rates of respiratory diseases remain low in other countries of the temperate southern hemisphere (where it is currently winter), with the exception of South Africa and New Zealand.

The number of reported cases of human infection with H3N2 seasonal influenza virus, as well as type B viruses rose from the beginning of June to mid-August 2010 in South Africa.

Argentinean media have written about localized influenza (uncomfirmed) outbreaks in some parts of the country.

Weekly update (Virological surveillance data)

Map of influenza activity and virus subtypes (JPG)

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Written by Christian Nordqvist

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