Craig S. Conover, MD, Medical Director for the Office of Health Protection and State Epidemiologist for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), released an update on the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) investigation on Monday. Dr. Conover asked that the information be disseminated to Illinois emergency physicians, family practice physicians, and pediatricians.

Please note that all data contained in the update is current as of Monday, May 5, 2009, at 4:30 PM.

National Update

There are 403 confirmed cases and 702 probable cases nationwide, with 1 resulting in death.

There have been 43 hospitalizations (4 percent of the total cases), which is a higher rate than typically seen for the seasonal flu. The severity of the illness among the hospitalized cases is not yet clear, as some cases may have been hospitalized for observation rather than due to severe illness.

Illinois Update

There are 82 confirmed cases and 40 probable cases, with 0 resulting in death to date. There have been 9 reported hospitalizations, with the severity of the illness among hospitalized cases not yet clear.

The 122 total cases are distributed among 11 counties; a list of the locations may be found at the IDPH website.

The age range of those infected is from 6 months to 61 years old, with a median age of 14 years.

Rapid influenza test results have been reported for 45 of the probable and confirmed cases. Positive results have been obtained for 82.2 percent (37 cases).

IDPH Labs are now able to do confirmatory testing for swine influenza on untypable Influenza A specimens. Approval for testing of non-hospitalized patients is required; call your local health department for further information. Routine testing is not recommended.

Physicians looking for more information are encouraged to check the following frequently for updates:

CDC H1N1 Microsite

IDPH H1N1 Microsite

A comprehensive review of swine influenza is also available from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP).