The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this morning that a 23-month-old toddler died in Texas from the swine flu virus. As of publish time, 91 cases have been reported throughout United States: 51 cases in New York City, 14 cases in California, 16 cases in Texas, 2 in Kansas, Massachusetts and Michigan and 1 in Ohio, Nevada, Indiana and Arizona.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

In response to the intensifying outbreak, the WHO raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks.” The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

www.cdc.gov

www.who.int