Weekly Update

- In North America, acute respiratory disease activity remained above what is expected for this time of year; however, overall trends in acute respiratory disease are decreasing

- In the Caribbean, variable trends in acute respiratory disease are being reported

- Central America reported decreasing

I- Evolution of the pandemic

North America

In Canada, the national influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate slightly decreased compared to last week but remained above average for the sixth consecutive week. The number of influenza outbreaks remained high and these outbreaks were mostly reported

I- Evolution of the pandemic

North America

Widespread influenza activity and increased trends in acute respiratory disease continued this week.

In Canada, the national influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate increased again relative to the last week and remained above average for the fifth consecutive week. There was another

I- Evolution of the pandemic

North America

In Canada and the United States, spread of influenza continues to be widespread and trends of acute respiratory disease continue to increase.

In the United States, in EW 41, outpatient influenza-like-illness (ILI) activity continued to increase, remaining

I- Evolution of the pandemic

North America

In Canada, Mexico, and the United States, trends in acute respiratory disease continued to increase and the intensity of such diseases remained high this week. Canada has experienced increased national rate of ILI consultation, above what is expected for this time of year since EW 37.

- 8,869 new confirmed cases (146,016 cumulative cases in 35 countries).

- 158 new confirmed deaths (3,292 confirmed deaths in 25 countries).

- 98.9% of the influenza A viruses that were subtyped were pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

- South America experienced low intensity and a decrease or unchanged trend

- North America experienced an increasing trend despite low intensity of acute respiratory disease everywhere except for Mexico

- Central America experienced low or moderate intensity and a decreasing trend.

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

Caribbean Red Cross Program Transitions into Second Phase

A USAID/OFDA-supported Red Cross program to strengthen disaster preparedness in the Caribbean concluded its first phase in August and will begin phase two in October.

The program, "Readiness to Respond: Increased Disaster Preparedness through Enhanced Coordination and Community Awareness," is a joint effort between USAID/OFDA, the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Caribbean Red Cross societies.

USAID/OFDA provided more than $550,000

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