Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (Swine Flu)
Last updated: 23rd April
The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a public health alert in April 2009 indicating that human cases of influenza type A (H1N1) virus infection had been identified. In June the WHO raised the alert level to phase 6 – declaring a pandemic. Pandemic means that a virus, new to humans, has appeared, is spreading and is causing disease in many parts of the world. Phase 6 means that there is increased and sustained transmission in human population. The WHO assessed the severity of the Pandemic (H1NI) as moderate. Immediately, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive implemented emergency plans to deal with the pandemic and commenced a significant vaccination programme.
In Ireland, as of 23rd April, 2010, a total of 4,585 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been reported. Children and young adults were the most affected groups with 80% of cases being less than 35 years of age. 1,069 cases of confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been hospitalised to date and 100 admitted to ICU. There have been 26 deaths, all but one of which were in the at risk groups and most involved other substantial underlying medical conditions.
All indicators of influenza activity in Ireland remained at low levels during week 15 2010. The influenza rate in week 15 of 2010 (12th – 18th April) is 2.4 per 100,000. This compares with the reported Influenza Like Illness (ILI) rate for week 43 of 2009 (19th – 25th of October) when it reached it’s peak in Ireland at 210.9 per 100,000 population. As the current rate is below the influenza threshold level, this indicates that influenza is no longer circulating widely in the community and in effect the first wave of this pandemic is over.
The vaccination programme finished at the end of March 2010 but vaccine will still be available for pregnant women through their GPs or maternity hospitals. Pregnant women from 14 weeks to 6 weeks after birth are still advised to be vaccinated. This is important, as in previous pandemics there have been second waves of the flu, and also it is very likely that pandemic (H1N1) will circulate again in the coming autumn/winter.
Other Useful Websites:
Further information for professionals and the public is available through the website www.swineflu.ie
If you have a question about Swine Flu or the Vaccine, please email infoline1@hse.ie or contact the HSE Information Line 1850 24 1850.
Health Service Executive and the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre
The Irish Medicines Board’s website provides detailed information on the vaccines in use.
Further information can also be obtained directly from
The European Centres for Disease Control
WHO and the
Centres for Disease Control in the US.
