Update on the A(H1N1) Influenza

• As at 13th May 2009, thirty three (33) countries have officially reported 5728 cases of Influenza A/H1N1 infection in humans

• Mexico has reported 2059 confirmed cases with 56 deaths while, the USA has reported 3009 Laboratory confirmed human cases of Influenza A(H1N1) with 3 deaths.

• Canada has also recorded 358 cases with 1 death and Costa Rica 8 cases with 1 death

• The following countries have also reported laboratory confirmed cases but with no death: Spain (98), Austria (1), New Zealand (7), Israel (7,) Germany (12), the United Kingdom (68), Denmark (1), Colombia (6), El Salvador (4), France (13), Ireland (1), Republic of Korea (3), Switzerland (1), China -Hong Kong and China (3), Guatemala (3), Italy (9), Portugal (1), Netherlands (3), Sweden (2), Poland (1), Brazil (8), Argentina (1), Panama (29), Australia (1), Cuba (1), Finland (2), Thailand (2), Japan (4) and Norway (2).

• So far the deaths recorded have been from Mexico (56), the USA (3), Canada (1) and Costa Rica (1), making a total of 61 deaths recorded.

Current situation in Nigeria as at 13th May 2009.

1. As at 13th May 2009 Nigeria has not recorded any suspected case of Influenza A/H1N1.

The Federal Ministry of Health recommends routine precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

For more information, please contact Dr J.Y. Jiya, DPH, FMOH, Abuja . Tel 08060495210, e-mail: jiyajy@yahoo.com, Dr. A Nasidi, Director Special Project, FMOH, Abuja . Tel 08037006849, e-mail nasidia@gmail.com, and Dr Henry Akpan, National Epidemiologist, FMOH, Abuja. Tel 08037626718, e-mail: akpanhem@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Niyi Ojuolape
Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister of Health