MANILA, 13 May 2009, 1600 hrs—On 13 May, China confirmed that a 19-year-old man from Shandong Province had tested positive for the influenza A(H1N1) virus on his return home from university study in Canada. The case is the second confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in China, and takes to 18 the number of confirmed cases of the influenza A(H1N1) virus in the Western Pacific Region. No deaths from the virus have been reported in the Region.
The man was confirmed to have influenza A(H1N1) by lab tests at two national reference laboratories. Contact tracing is being conducted for the individual's close contacts.
On 7 May the man boarded a flight from Canada and arrived in Beijing at 14:30 on 8 May. While in Beijing for three days he developed a fever, sore throat and headache. On 11 May he took a train to Jinan City in Shandong Province and on arrival reported his condition to local health authorities, who transported him to Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital for treatment in isolation.
The man's condition is reportedly improving. China's Ministry of Health has dispatched a group of clinicians, epidemiologists and lab specialists to Jinan to help with treatment and control measures.
There are now 18 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in the Western Pacific Region:
- 1 in Australia, reported 9 May
- 2 in China, reported 11 May, 13 May
- 1 in Hong Kong (China), reported 1 May.
- 4 in Japan, 3 reported 9 May, 1 reported 10 May
- 7 in New Zealand, 3 reported 28 April, 1 reported 1 May, 1 reported 4 May, and 2 reported 9 May
- 3 in the Republic of Korea, reported 2 May, 5 May and 7 May
Global case count
As of 06:00 GMT, 13 May 2009, 30 countries have officially reported 5 269 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, with 61 deaths. Mexico has reported 2 059 laboratory-confirmed human cases of infection, including 56 deaths.
The United States of America has reported 2 600 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including three deaths. Canada has reported 330 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory-confirmed human cases, including one death.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths: Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (8), China (2), Hong Kong (China) (1), Colombia (3), Denmark (1), El Salvador (4), France (13), Germany (12), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Norway (2), Panama (16), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (95), Sweden (2), Switzerland (1), Thailand (1) and the United Kingdom (55).
WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.
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