The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an update on November 13th on the worldwide pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus, current through November 8th.
What is the Current Reach of the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus?
As of 11-8-2009, according to the WHO, "more than 206 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009." This means the virus has spread over virtually the entire globe, as there are only 195 sovereign countries.
How Many Cases of H1N1 Symptoms Are There?
Because most countries have virtually quit testing in all but the more severe cases, the number of confirmed cases is likely significantly higher than the current figures.
The total number of cases worldwide confirmed to be H1N1 symptoms is just over 500,000. Close to half – over 190,000 – of those cases are from North America.
Total deaths worldwide from confirmed H1N1 swine flu symptoms is 6,260, but again this number is likely quite lower than reality, as many countries are not counting individual cases anymore. North America accounts for some two thirds of that number, at over 4,500.
Other Information of Note in the Update
- Canada has reported a sharp increase in the number of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) reported, confirmed H1N1 virus infections, and school absenteeism due to swine flu symptoms.
- In the US, ILI reports remain widespread, but largely unchanged from the previous week.
- Europe and Central Asia continues to have increasing numbers of flu symptoms reported. Although many cases were not tested, 99% of those that were, were H1N1, except in the Russian Federation, where it is closer to 90%. The remaining less than 10% were H3N2 and seasonal H1N1.
- Western Asia observed increased rates of ILI and acute respiratory illness (ARI), particularly in Israel and Afghanistan.
- East Asia also continues to have increasing influenza and ARI cases, particularly in Mongolia and Japan. The rate of influenza confirmed as H1N1 in China was around 80%.
- H1N1 swine flu activity in most of the Caribbean seems to have peaked, as there was a slight decrease in ARI symptoms.
- Most areas of Central and South America and South and Southeast Asia report continued declines in cases of both ILI and confirmed H1N1 swine flu
