Swine flu illness in the United States and Mexico - update 2

April 26, 2009

26 April 2009 -- As of 26 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 (8 in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio). All 20 cases have had mild Influenza-Like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. All 20 viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.

Also as of 26 April, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.

WHO and the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are sending experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. WHO and its partners are actively investigating reports of suspect cases in other Member States as they occur, and are supporting field epidemiology activities, laboratory diagnosis and clinical management.

On Saturday, 25 April, upon the advice of the Emergency Committee called under the rules of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.

For more information contact:
Thomas Abraham
Communications in English
World Health Organization
Phone: +41 79 516 3136
Email: abrahamt@who.int
Website: www.who.int

Fadela Chaib
Communications in English and French
World Health Organization
Phone: +41 79 475 5556
Email: chaibf@who.int
Website: www.who.int

Gregory Hartl
Communications in English, French, German and Span
World Health Organization
Phone: +41 79 203 6715
Email: hartlg@who.int
Website: www.who.int