05 May 2009

As the TBCSA team, we continue to keep our ear on the ground and as a follow–up on our special report on the Swine/Mexico Influenza we provide information on the latest developments.

Today, World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Officials in Mexico have reported that there is evidence of a downward trend although it may still be too early to tell if the disease is abating.

In South Africa, media reports are that the only person in South Africa thought to have swine flu has tested negative for the potentially deadly virus. The woman based in Mossel Bay woman was suspected of having contracted the illness after visiting Mexico. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed she does not have swine flu but it says she will remain on its suspect list.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

To date the following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18). 

It must be stressed that there is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.