Influenza A(H1N1)2009 in the French Pacific territories: assessment of the epidemic wave during the austral winter.

Publication Type  Journal Article
Year of Publication  2010
Authors  Barbozan P; Baudon, C; Chérié-Challine, L.; Gastellu-Etchegorry, M; Gueguen, J; La Ruche, G; Grangeon, JP; Laumond-Barny,S; Noël, M; Pfannstiel, A; Chee-Ayee, A; Daudens, E; Frogier, E; Le, B; Mallet, HP, Pescheux, JP; Vergeaud, H; Lastère, S; Dut
Journal Title  Clin Microbiol Infect
Volume  16
Issue  4
Pages  304-8
Journal Date  2010
Abstract  

The three French territories in the Pacific (New Caledonia [NC], French Polynesia [FP] and Wallis and Futuna [WF]) have been affected by an outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)2009 during the austral winter of 2009. This wave of influenza-like illness was characterized by a short duration (approximately 8 weeks) and high attack rates: 16-18% in NC and FP, 28% in Wallis and 38% in Futuna. The number of infected patients requiring hospitalization in critical care services and the number of deaths were, respectively, 21 and 10 in NC and 13 and 7 in FP (none in WF). Diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, obesity in adults, neuromuscular diseases in children, and Oceanic origin were frequently observed among severe cases and deaths. A significant proportion of the population remains susceptible to A(H1N1)2009, making the occurrence of a second wave likely. A state of preparedness and control efforts must be implemented, based on preventive measures (immunization), as well as combined clinical and virological surveillance and health organization.

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