What is H1N1

What is H1N1

H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak? CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has deployed staff to several states to assist with the investigation of the impact of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the severity of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including: Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified; Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected; Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected; and Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus. Latest will update soon