14th ICID - Poster Abstracts - International Society for Infectious ...

When citing these abstracts please use the following reference:
Author(s) of abstract. Title of abstract [abstract]. Int J Infect Dis 2010;14S1: Abstract number.
Please note that the official publication of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2010, Volume 14, Supplement 1
is available electronically on http://www.sciencedirect.com
Final Abstract Number: 28.046
Session: Influenza
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Time: 12:30-13:30
Room: Poster & Exhibition Area/Ground Level
Type: Poster Presentation
Response to pandemic influenza in the English and Dutch Caribbean
E. Boisson, B. Irons
Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO),
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Background: In June 2009, the first cases of pandemic influenza occurred in the English
Caribbean, just prior to the WHO declaration of pandemic level 6. Since then the virus has
spread rapidly throughout the sub-region.
Methods: In response to the pandemic, at the sub-regional level: alerts, updates and guidelines
were developed and distributed; a Situation Room was activated with two 24/7 emergency phone
lines; a multidisciplinary Flu Team was formed; the laboratory testing algorithm for influenza was
revised; there was a rapid increase in testing capacity; specimen collection kits, laboratory
supplies and reagents were sent to countries; and prepaid courier accounts were set-up
for shipment of specimens. Countries revised and implemented their pandemic influenza plans.
Results: As of November 18, 2009, there were 1,334 laboratory cases of pandemic (H1N1),
including 298 hospitalized cases and 18 deaths identified in 20 of 21 English and Dutch
Caribbean countries [Table 1]. Of the 18 deaths; 10 had underlying medical conditions, 9 were
obese and 3 were pregnant. Pandemic (H1N1) is the predominant circulating influenza virus
type, with seasonal influenza viruses (H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B) also circulating, but at much
lower levels. Most (> 85%) influenza cases had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections;
approximately 20% of cases had gastrointestinal symptoms; and approximately 40% had other
symptoms such as body pain, myalgia and/or headache. The age groups most affected by
pandemic influenza were those aged 0-14 years and 20-49 years. The least affected age group
was those aged >60 years.
The second wave of pandemic influenza appears to have peaked in the English and Dutch
Caribbean.
Conclusion: The Caribbean Community responded well to a rapidly changing pandemic
influenza situation. The major lessons learnt during this pandemic were the importance of:
continuous communication at all levels; efficient and timely surveillance with collaborative clinical,
epidemiological and laboratory input; and adequate intersectoral planning, with evaluation and
adaptation to meet the changing needs of the disease situation.
With another wave expected early in 2010, countries will need to continue to be adequately
prepared to deal with the expected increase in influenza cases.