Enhanced surveillance of initial cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza in Ireland, April - July 2009

J Martin,P Mckeown,Collective ,N Murphy,D Igoe,J O’Donnell,L Thornton,S Cotter,G Cullen,A O’Hora,D O’Flanagan,M Fitzgerald

doi:10.2807/ese.14.38.19337-en

Abstract

From 28 April to 18 July 2009 there were 156 cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza confirmed in Ireland. During this time, Ireland was in containment phase, and detailed case-based epidemiological information was gathered on all cases presenting in the community and acute health care setting. Active case finding was performed among contacts of cases. Eighty percent of cases were in people less than 35 years of age and 86% were imported. The most frequent symptoms were fever, sore throat, myalgia and dry cough. Nine people were hospitalized, no fatalities occurred.

Highlights

In late April 2009, a novel influenza virus led to human infection in Mexico
We report on the enhanced case based surveillance of the first 156 confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza up to 18 July 2009, when the strategy changed from containment to mitigation, and detailed case based surveillance of all cases ceased
Recruitment of additional sentinel general practitioners (GPs); Methods GPs and hospital clinicians reported all suspect cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza to local departments of public health who in turn contacted and interviewed them

Summary

Introduction

In late April 2009, a novel influenza virus led to human infection in Mexico. A public health emergency of international concern was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 April 2009 [1]. Recruitment of additional sentinel GPs; Methods GPs and hospital clinicians reported all suspect cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza to local departments of public health who in turn contacted and interviewed them.

Results

Conclusion