Influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic in Fars province: a report from southern Iran, July-December 2009 (original) (raw)

Influenza A (H1N1) in Hamedan Province, Western Iran in 2009: A Case-Control Study

Background: The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus was first detected in March 2009 in Mexico and then disseminated to many other countries worldwide. In this study, we assessed the potential risk factors of swine flu as well as the most important clinical manifestations of this infectious disease among confirmed cases during early phase of pandemic H1N1.Methods: Subjects (cases and controls) were selected from those patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection who referred to health centers of eight cities throughout Hamedan Province, western Iran form July to December 2009. Characteristics of the participants were obtained by interviewers using pre-determined questionnaire. Cases were distinguished by pharyngeal soap speci-mens positive for influenza A virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Logistic regression model was conducted at 0.05 significance level using Stata 9.1 statistical software to assess the effects of various risk factors on H1N1 influenza infection.Results: Totally, 245 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza were compared with 388 controls. Case fatality rate of influenza infection was about 2.86%. In comparison with age group of 1-19 yr old, adjusted odds ratio estimates was 1.91 [95% CI: 1.06, 3.46] for age group of 20-39 yr old, 0.94 [0.37, 2.38] for age group of 40-59 yr old, and 0.34 [0.09, 1.37] for age group of 60-79 yr old. Adjusted odds ratio estimates of influenza A infection was 8.12 [95% CI: 3.11, 21.6] for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women; 1.84 [95% CI: 1.32, 2.86] for high educated individuals in comparison with low educated individuals; 2.11 [95% CI: 1.25, 3.57] for whose who had close contact with suspected influenza patients; and 2.15 [95% CI: 1.16, 3.98] for individuals with normal body mass index (BMI= 25-30) compared with underweight individuals (BMI< 20). There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations between cases and controls.Conclusion: The risk of influenza A infection is highest among children and adolescents, pregnant women, high educated individuals, and those who had close contact with suspected influenza patients during pandemic phase. In addition, there is no pathogonomonic sign or symptom to distinguish influenza infection clinically from other kinds of respiratory track infections.

Assessment of influenza a h1n1 vaccination among health sciences students

Introduction: Influenza is a respiratory disease with high transmission capability that disseminates easily in seasonal epidemics, characterizing its global distribution. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing the disease and morbidity, as it reduces the risk of horizontal transmission. Although research has explored influenza vaccination uptake in US and in Europe among college students and health care workers, there is a dearth of research in understanding influenza vaccination uptake and attitudes toward the vaccine among college students of the health sciences in Brazil. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to H1N1 vaccination campaigns among college students of health sciences in a private university in Brazil and to investigate the levels of knowledge, attitudes toward influenza vaccination and to identify the factors associated with reported seasonal influenza shots. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 353 students of five majors of health sciences-namely: Biomedicine, Nursing, Medicine, Psychology and Dentistry, at the University CEUMA, Campus Imperatriz-Maranhão, northeast of Brazil. Data collection (between July and August 2021) was performed using an online platform (Google Forms) questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions to identify age, sex, marital status, housing conditions, undergraduate course, knowledge about the H1N1 vaccine and the reasons for its acceptance or refusal. Results: Over 75% of the respondents were under the age of 24. Seventytwo percent declared themselves to be female; 62% white or Caucasian; 74% were medical students; 81% responded that they live with up to 4 people; 53% have health insurance, while 47% use public health services. Only 52% of students reported they had been immunized against H1N1, although 77% strongly agree with the vaccine's efficacy. Of the participants who reported receiving the vaccine, the majority were medical students with health insurance. There was found to be an association between

H1N1 Influenza epidemic in children in Baghdad… a hospital based study

Journal of the Faculty of Medicine-Baghdad

Background: A confirmed case of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an influenza-like illness with laboratory confirmed influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by real-time RT-PCR or viral culture. Objectives: To identify demographic and clinical predictors, and outcome of proved cases of H1N1 influenza epidemic in children. Patients and methods: This study was conducted in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital/ Medical City/ Baghdad on 67 hospitalized patients aged 1 month to 18 years with signs and symptoms suggestive of influenza during the period of outbreak of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) from 1st of October 2009 to 1st of January 2010. Demographic aspect, clinical coarse, laboratory investigations, treatment and outcome were reported. For each patient 2 nasal, 2 throat swabs and single blood sample were collected, and sent to Central Health Laboratory. All suspected patients received Oseltamivir for 5 days. The data were analyzed statistically by Chi-square (χ2) test and Fisher's Exact Test. Results: The median age for the studied patients was 7.7 years with a range of 1 month-18 years. 39 patients out of 67 (58.2%) were PCR positive. 34 out of 39 (87.1%) were <6-18 year old while 5 out of 39 (12.9%) were >3-6 years old. No case was reported in age group 1 month-3 years. Twenty eight patients out of 67 (41.8%) were PCR negative. 17/28 (60.7%) were <6-18 years old. 5 out of 28 (17.9%) were >3-6 years old. 6 out of 28 (21.4%) were 1 month-3 years old. Female: male ratio in PCR positive patients was 1.05:1 while it was 1.54:1 in PCR negative patients. Most of the children came from urban area in both PCR positive and negative results. Cough and fever had a higher frequency in both PCR positive and negative patients while headache was more in epidemic influenza. All PCR positive and 26 out of 28 (92.8%) of PCR negative patients improved while 2 out of 28 (7.2%) of PCR negative patients died. Conclusions: Children at school age were more prone to acquire epidemic influenza. Both genders were equally affected. Frequency was more in urban area .Cough and fever was the most frequent presentation. Headache was a more common presentation in H1N1 influenza than in seasonal influenza.

Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Pandemic in Fars Province: A Report from Southern Iran

Background: Influenza type A (H1N1) virus is considered as a major concern for health care system all over the world and imposes a considerable burden on the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of the disease in order to help health administrators in making decision for preventive measures.

Knowledge and preventive measures practiced by junior high school students from Mexico City regarding influenza A (H1N1)

Verónica Cruz-Licea, Fernando González-Domínguez, Laura Vargas-Parada, Mónica Hernández-Riquelme, Ana Flisser

Background: Influenza A (H1N1) is the most recent pandemic disease that has affected the human population. Objective: To evaluate knowledge and preventive measures related with this disease one year after the epidemic of Mexico- that took place in 2009. Material and methods: An epidemiologic survey regarding influenza A (H1N1) was conducted in June 2010 among 2541 students from the second grade of all public high schools in a borough in Mexico City. The questionnaire included items on the knowledge of the disease and practice of preventive measures. Results: Most students obtained the information from television, half of them from parents and only one fifth from teachers; 72% of the participants had a favorable knowledge about the disease and the measures to avoid being infected. However, only 37% practiced such preventive measures. Conclusion: Knowledge has a positive influence on practices towards health. Parents and teachers have an important role in health education, thus effort...

Mortality from Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Iran

Iranian Red Crescent …, 2011

BackgroundDue to worldwide spread of influenza A (H1N1) virus, the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of influenza in four decades. This study aims to report the mortality from pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Iran population and its epidemiologic and clinical characteristics up to December 21, 2009.MethodsThe data were obtained from all provinces and reported to center for disease control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) of Iran through nationwide surveillance system for influenza A (H1N1) was implemented by MOHME since April 2009.ResultsOf 3672 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Iran between 22 May and 21 December 2009, 140 (3.8%) deaths were reported, mostly in 15-65 year old (yo) age group (67%). The highest admission mortality rate was in > 65 yo group (107 deaths/1000 hospitalized cases). Of decedent patients, 54% had no long term condition or risk factor, 34% had one, 11% had two, and 1% had three. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions. The most common clinical pictures of death were acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral pneumonia. Although 66% of decedent patients received oseltamivir, enough information was not available about time of onset of antiviral therapy.ConclusionAs death due to influenza A (H1N1) occurs in all age groups and in those with and without any predisposing factors, we recommend health policy makers to provide influenza vaccination for people with underlying conditions and respiratory hygiene for all people.

Awareness of the Pandemic H1N1 Influenza global outbreak 2009 among medical students in Karachi, Pakistan

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2011

Introduction: This study aimed to assess student awareness of the pandemic pdmH1N1, including the students' attitudes and perceptions about treatment, severity of disease and preventive measures. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and results were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 396 medical students participated in this study with a mean age of 21 (± 1.4). About 365 (92.2%) were unaware of pdmH1N1. It was identified as a viral disease by 339 (85.6%) students, and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as a disease affecting humans and pigs. The most common source of knowledge was television by 259 (65.4%) respondents. Most common symptoms identified were fever by 287 (72.5%), sore throat by 169 (42.7%) and cough by 127 (32.1%). Regarding vaccine, 290 (73.2%) respondents replied that it is not available and 204 (51.5%) said there is no treatment available for pdmH1N1. In severity scale 162 (40.9%) students rated it as fatal disease. According to 205 (51.8%) respondents, avoiding close contact with sick people is an effective preventive measure followed by washing hands with soap 150 (37.1%). Conclusion: The awareness regarding pdmH1N1 was not adequate among students regarding disease transmission, preventive measures, vaccinations, and available treatment. As the pdmH1N1 has become a worldwide public health problem and Pakistan is at risk of outbreak, increased awareness would be a solution to avoid its spread and complications.

Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Iran: report of first confirmed cases from June to November 2009

Archives of Iranian medicine, 2010

Since the declaration of a swine flu pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a surveillance system to test all suspected cases, both in community and hospital settings. From June 1st to November 11th, 2009, there were 2662 (1307 females and 1355 males) RT-PCR confirmed cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) detected in Iran. Of these cases, 75% were 5-40 years-old. During this period, 58 patients (2.18%) died. Of the total number of cases, 33 were pregnant women with no reported mortalities amongst them. The prevalence of death had no significance correlation with sex and age (P=0.720 and 0.194, respectively). Geographic distribution of the reported cases showed the highest rates in central and eastern provinces of Iran. There were two disease phases until November 2009, including an initial exogenous wave which blended into a second wave of indigenous disease, with a peak of cases after the start of the educational year. A review of ...

Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic in Iran: Report of First Confirmed

2009

Background: Since the declaration of a swine flu pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a surveillance system to test all suspected cases, both in community and hospital settings. Patients and Methods: From June 1 st to November 11 th , 2009, there were 2662 (1307 females and 1355 males) RT-PCR confirmed cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) detected in Iran. Of these cases, 75% were 5-40 years-old. During this period, 58 patients (2.18%) died. Of the total number of cases, 33 were pregnant women with no reported mortalities amongst them. The prevalence of death had no significance correlation with sex and age (P=0.720 and 0.194, respectively). Results: Geographic distribution of the reported cases showed the highest rates in central and eastern provinces of Iran. There were two disease phases until November 2009, including an initial exogenous wave which blended into a second wave of indigenous disease, with a peak of cases after the start of the educational year. A review of the epidemiology of these initial phases of disease in Iran can help for better planning and more efficient action in future phases of the disease. Conclusion: It is of utmost importance to strengthen the surveillance system for this disease and appropriately transfer the resultant knowledge to the medical professionals, stakeholders and the general population, accordingly.