Novel Influenza A (H1N1) weekly highlights (7-13 August, 2009)

For the upcoming influenza season, we are introducing a weekly summary of Influenza A (H1N1), swine flu, news highlights. These will be posted on Fridays and will cover the preceding 7 days.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the global confirmed swine flu case count was rapidly approaching 200,000.

• Iraq, Ireland, Mauritius, Nicaragua and the Palestinian Authority reported their first H1N1 flu deaths. In the US, Arkansas and Montana reported their first H1N1 flu deaths.

• Pakistan and Cameroon reported their first H1N1 flu cases.

• India reported its first H1N1 death late last week, but the number of deaths has rapidly increased to its current total of 21 (as of August 13, 2009). Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, has been the worst hit, recording the highest number (13) of H1N1 deaths in the country thus far. To control the spread of H1N1, starting on August 13, 2009, Mumbai, India's financial capital, will be shut down. All educational institutions and public places will be shut for one week, while malls, theatres and multiplexes will close for three days.

• Seven members of the Matsigenka tribe who live along the Urubamba river in the Peruvian Amazon have tested positive for H1N1, raising fears that the deadly H1N1 influenza virus could have a devastating impact on remote indigenous tribes, who have limited immunity to infectious diseases that circulate in the outside world.

• Swine flu was a hot topic at the North American summit attended by U.S. President Barack Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

• The US issued new guidelines for schools which urged them to stay open but separate sick and healthy students and staff. School boards across the country have begun preparations for the new academic year.

• Vaccine trials started in several countries, including the US and the UK, as the WHO assured the public that fast-tracking vaccines would not compromise safety.