MANILA, 3 May 2009 1600 hrs—The Republic of Korea officially reported its first confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) infection to WHO on 2 May. The patient is a 51-year-old female who flew from Mexico City to Incheon through Los Angeles on 25 April and arrived in the Republic of Korea on 26 April. She developed symptoms of cough and fever a day before she arrived. On 27 April, she visited a health community center and has since then been isolated at home.

She was given Oseltamivir for five days and has not displayed any symptoms since 30 April. The authorities conducted contact tracing and monitoring of other passengers on the flight from Mexico and antivirals were given to her close contacts as prophylaxis.

The Republic of Korea is the third country in the Western Pacific Region to report a confirmed case. This announcement comes on the heels of the first confirmed case in Hong Kong (China). New Zealand has four confirmed cases.

The current influenza A(H1N1) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. WHO emphasizes the need for individuals to protect themselves and others and strongly urges people who are ill to delay their travel plans. Returning travellers who are or fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. Member States may have also issued recommendations, and people are encouraged to consult their government’s official website for information.

During public health emergencies, it is important to seek accurate information about the situation. For official information on this evolving situation and for technical and communication guidance for health administrators, health professionals and the general public, please click on the following links:

World Health Organization 

US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 

France

New Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines (2 May 2009)

Travel advice (1 May 2009)

New guidance on face masks (1 May 2009)

Considerations on influenza A(H1N1) and HIV Infection (April 2009)

Is an effective vaccine already available against the new Influenza A(H1N1) virus?

No, but work is already underway to develop such a vaccine. Influenza vaccines generally contain a dead or weakened form of a circulating virus. The vaccine prepares the body’s immune system to defend against a true infection. For the vaccine to protect as well as possible, the virus in it should match the circulating “wild-type” virus relatively closely. Since this H1N1 virus is new, there is no vaccine currently available made with this particular virus. Making a completely new influenza vaccine can take five to six months.

How important will Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines be for reducing pandemic disease?

Vaccines are one of the most valuable ways to protect people during influenza epidemics and pandemics. Other measures include anti-viral drugs, social distancing and personal hygiene.

Will currently available seasonal vaccine confer protection against Influenza A(H1N1)?

The best scientific evidence available today is incomplete but suggests that seasonal vaccines will confer little or no protection against Influenza A(H1N1).

How quickly will Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines be available?

The first doses of Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine could be available in five to six months from identification of the pandemic strain. The regulatory approval will be conducted in parallel with the manufacturing process. Regulatory authorities have put into place expedited processes that do not compromise on the quality and safety of the vaccine. Delays in production could result from poor growth of the virus strain used to make the vaccine.

Will Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines be effective in all population groups?

There are not data on this but there also is no reason to expect that they would not, given current information.

Will the Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine be safe?

Licensed vaccines are held to a very high standard of safety. All possible precautions will be taken to ensure safety and new Influenza A(H1N1) vaccines.

Will there be enough Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine for everyone?

The estimated time to make enough vaccine to vaccinate the world's population against pandemic influenza will not be known until vaccine manufacturers will have been able to determine how much active ingredient (antigen) is needed to make one dose of effective Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

In the past two years, influenza vaccine production capacity has increased sharply due to expansion of production facilities as well as advances in research, including the discovery and use of adjuvants. Adjuvants are substances added to a vaccine to make it more effective, thus conserving the active ingredient (antigen).

How can I protect myself from influenza A(H1N1)?

Practice general preventive measures for influenza:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What are the recommendations for face masks?

• If you are not sick, you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you should wear a mask. All home-made masks should be cleaned regularly.
• If you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with people.

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with people.

What should I do if I need medical attention?

• Contact your doctor or health care provider before travelling to a health facility, and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have influenza A(H1N1), for example, if you have recently travelled to a country where there is an outbreak in humans. Follow the advice given to you.
• If it is not possible to contact your health care provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of infection as soon as you arrive at the facility.
• Cover your nose and mouth during travel.

How do I care for an ill person at home?

• Separate the ill person from others, at least 1 meter in distance from others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or home-made materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
• Improve the air flow where the ill person is staying. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.
• If you are living in a country where there are infections, follow additional advice from your national and local health authorities.

• Home » 
• Media centre » 
• News