This report was prepared based on the indicators in the document Human infection with pandemic (H1N1)2009 virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillance available at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/%20h1n1_surveillance_20090710/en/index.html
The qualitative indicators for surveillance of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 are described in Table 3 of this report. The information presented herein has been obtained through the official sites of the Ministries of Health of the countries in the Region as well as official reports submitted by the International Health Regulation (IHR) National Focal Points.
Update on the Qualitative Indicators
For Epidemiological Week 33 (EW 33), from 16 August to 22 August, 22 countries reported updated information to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding the qualitative indicators to monitor pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Table 1).
Regarding geographical spread of influenza, 17 of 12 countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, the United States and Venezuela) reported widespread of influenza distribution. Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis continue to report no activity of influenza. Bahamas, Brazil and Cuba reported regional spread of influenza (Map 1).
With respect of trends in respiratory diseases Bolivia, Ecuador, and Venezuela are the countries reporting an increasing trend for EW 33. Bolivia has been reporting an increasing trend since EW 30 (Map 2).
Regarding the intensity indicator, Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Paraguay reported high intensity of acute respiratory diseases. Argentina and Paraguay have been reporting high intensity since EW 30. The other 18 countries reported low or moderate intensity of acute respiratory diseases (Map 3).
On impact on health care services, 10 countries (Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru) reported a moderate impact, while 12 countries reported a low impact on health care services (Map 4).
The impact on health care services is the same as reported in the previous week. No country has reported a high impact on health care services since the EW 29.
In addition to reports received from countries, the following overseas territories have reported regarding the qualitative indicators to monitor pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Guadeloupe, French Overseas Community; Guyane, French Overseas Community; Martinique, French Overseas Community; Saint-Martin, French Overseas Community; and Saint Barthelemy, French Overseas Community. A description of those indicators is available in maps 1, 2, 3 and 4 and table 1.