20 July 2009

NATIONAL: Cases of laboratory confirmed and probable H1N1 flu as of 11:00 am 17 July 2009 (Source: CDC).

40,617 Cases 263 deaths 55 States and territories

Note: These Update will no longer contain a State by State breakdown of confirmed and probable cases. The high number of cases now renders this type of information relatively useless, at least for epidemiological purposes. For those of you who still wish to review this information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm

MARYLAND:

732 cases of laboratory confirmed and probable H1N1 flu. Three deaths, the most recent of which was an adult from the Eastern Shore with a serious underlying medical condition who died in June. The final cause of death was not determined to be associated with H1N1 until recently. As per DHMH practice, no further details released on this patient to protect the privacy of the resident and the resident’s family.

CARROLL COUNTY:

Other than the two confirmed cases reported on 10 June 2009, nothing new to report.

OTHER NOTES:

· WHO’s Global Pandemic Phase remains at SIX (The highest – full pandemic). Measures spread, not severity. In addition to Phase SIX, WHO has just proclaimed the H1N1 virus as “unstoppable.”

· WHO has stopped releasing case counts.

· Last week the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary announced plans for a voluntary vaccination program in the Fall, assuming availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

· The CDC continues to tinker with the list of Tier 1 (highest priority) groups to be vaccinated. Generally, CDC seems to be favoring young children, pregnant women, non-elderly adults with underlying medical conditions, health care workers and the emergency services sector. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice is scheduled to meet on 29 July to make the final decision on the Tier 1 groups.

CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A CARROLL COUNTY RESPONSE:

· Nothing new to report