Here is an update on the global swine flu situation as of 29 April 2009. Not surprisingly, laboratory confirmed case counts continue to rise globally. There are 91 cases in the US in 10 states (Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Texas). There has been a laboratory confirmed fatal case in …
Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways: (1) by direct contact with infected individuals; (2) by contact with contaminated objects (called fomites, such as toys, doorknobs); and (3) by inhalation of virus-laden aerosols. The contribution of each mode to overall transmission of influenza is not known. However, CDC recommendations to control influenza …
Here are my answers to questions about swine flu sent by readers of virology blog: Q: Can you please tell me why there is a flu “season”. Influenza is seasonal in temperate climates because conditions found during winter, low temperature and humidity, favor spread of the infection. In the dry conditions of winter, virus-laden respiratory …
Here is an update on the global swine flu situation as of 28 April 2009. There are now 64 laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the H1N1 swine influenza strain, up from 40 the day before. States reporting cases are California (10), Kansas, (2), New York City (45), Ohio (1) and Texas (6). These are …
I have received several questions about my assertion that the northern hemisphere is safe, at least until the fall, from an epidemic of A/California/09/2009 influenza virus. Here are two representative questions: If I recall correctly, Spanish flu hit hardest during the summer and fall. As for the swine flu, is it impossible (and why?) to …
Swine influenza, seasonality, and the northern hemisphere Read More »
Here are some updates on the global status of swine influenza H1N1. As of Monday, 27 April, the US has reported 40 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza H1N1 infection in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas. Mexico has confirmed 26 human cases with seven deaths, Canada reports six cases, and Spain one …
