Health and

2009 H1N1 Flu:

International Situation Update

November 30, 2009, 5:00 PM ET

Map of International Activity Estimates
(Including 2009 H1N1 Flu)

This report provides an update to the international situation as of November 30, 2009. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1 flu cases and deaths on its Web page. These laboratory-confirmed cases represent a substantial underestimation of total cases in the world, as many countries focus surveillance and laboratory testing only on people with severe illness. The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus continues to be the dominant influenza virus in circulation in the world. From April 19 to November 14, 2009, 70.5% of influenza specimens reported to WHO were 2009 H1N1 viruses and from November 8 to November 14, 2009, 89.4% of influenza specimens reported to WHO were 2009 H1N1. In temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere, little disease activity due to 2009 H1N1 has been reported. In tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, influenza activity due to 2009 H1N1 remains variable. In temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity due to 2009 H1N1 remains high across many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, though it may have peaked in most areas of the United States and in Canada.

Selected Highlights

• The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is the predominant influenza virus in circulation in most countries worldwide.
• The epidemiology of disease caused by 2009 H1N1 influenza in the Southern Hemisphere is very similar to that described in the United States in the spring of 2009.
• There have been no significant changes detected in the 2009 H1N1 influenza viruses isolated from persons in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to viruses isolated from persons in the Northern Hemisphere.
• According to WHO, the majority of 2009 H1N1 influenza isolates tested worldwide remain sensitive to oseltamivir, an antiviral medicine used to treat influenza disease. 75 2009 H1N1 isolates tested worldwide have been found to be resistant to oseltamivir – 23 of these isolates were detected in the United States.
• On September 17, 2009, several countries including the United States announced plans to donate 2009 H1N1 vaccine or funds to support vaccination campaigns in less developed countries.

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