Swine FLu H1N1 News - H1N1 Swine Flu Cases Top 5000

The number of H1N1 Swine Flu infections continues to rise, and despite the recent cooling on the pandemic panic, WHO and CDC researchers are still concerned about the possibility of mutations in the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus that could lead to secondary waves culminating in a pandemic.

The number of worldwide swine flu cases on Tuesday passed 5,000, according to the World Health Organisation, as the virus spread to three more countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The highest number of cases has been reported in the United States with 2,600 infections, including three deaths, and Mexico with 2,059 cases, including 56 deaths. The global total stood at 5,251, the latest data posted on the WHO website showed.

The WHO raised its alert to five on a scale of six two weeks ago, signalling that a pandemic was “imminent” after Mexico and the United States showed sustained local transmission of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.

With the WHO confirmed death toll at 61, Costa Rica reported its first fatality from the flu — believed to be a mix of bird and human flu which came together in pigs — and the United States confirmed a third death.

The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

As of 06:00 GMT, 6 May 2009, 22 countries have officially reported 1516 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (165), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (9), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (57), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (27).