Influenza A(H1N1)2009 in the French Pacific territories: assessment of the epidemic wave during the austral winter

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2010 Apr;16(4):304-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03172.x. Epub 2010 Jan 28.

Abstract

The three French territories in the Pacific (New Caledonia [NC], French Polynesia [FP] and Wallis and Futuna [WF]) have been affected by an outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)2009 during the austral winter of 2009. This wave of influenza-like illness was characterized by a short duration (approximately 8 weeks) and high attack rates: 16-18% in NC and FP, 28% in Wallis and 38% in Futuna. The number of infected patients requiring hospitalization in critical care services and the number of deaths were, respectively, 21 and 10 in NC and 13 and 7 in FP (none in WF). Diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary diseases, obesity in adults, neuromuscular diseases in children, and Oceanic origin were frequently observed among severe cases and deaths. A significant proportion of the population remains susceptible to A(H1N1)2009, making the occurrence of a second wave likely. A state of preparedness and control efforts must be implemented, based on preventive measures (immunization), as well as combined clinical and virological surveillance and health organization.

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Heart Diseases / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / epidemiology
  • New Caledonia / epidemiology
  • Polynesia / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Seasons