CDC updates swine flu cases to 91

ATLANTA The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the number of confirmed swine flu cases to 91 late Wednesday morning, up from 46 the day before, and confirmed one death.

Incidences of swine flu are now apparent in 10 states — Arizona (1), Califorina (14), Indiana (1), Kansas (2), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (2), Nevada (1), New York (51), Ohio (1) and Texas (16). The death occurred in Texas.

“The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally,” the CDC stated. “The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.”

CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus.

Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).

“This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available,” the agency stated.