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 35 (EW 35), from 30 August to 5 September, 22 countries reported updated information to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding the qualitative indicators to monitor pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Table 1). Only those 22 countries were included in this analysis.
Presently, 16 countries in the Region reporthaving widespread geographical distribution of influenza virus. Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis report no influenza activity this week (Map 1).
Barbados, Bolivia and Venezuela are the only countries which reported an increasing trend of respiratory disease this week; while 10 countries reported decreasing trends (Map 2).
Regarding the intensity of acute respiratory disease, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Paraguay continue to report high intensity of acute respiratory disease. The remaining 19 countries reported low or moderate intensity (Map 3).
Six countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador, Paraguay, and Venezuela) reported moderate impact on health care services, while 15 reported low impact (Map 4).
Bolivia continues to report widespread activity, increasing trend in respiratory disease activity, high intensity of acute respiratory disease, and moderate impact on healthcare services.
In Central American countries reporting updated information, the overall trend of respiratory disease is decreasing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any travel restrictions or border closings due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009.