communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Marianne Hopp
[This is confirmation by WHO that the outbreak of acute respiratory illness throughout Ukraine is an extension of the global influenza (H1N1) 2009 pandemic. So far in Ukraine, 11 of 30 patient samples have tested positive for influenza pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Confirmatory tests are in progress in another WHO Collaborating Centre. As of 30 Oct 2009, a total of 2300 people (including 1100 children) have been hospitalised, and as of 31 Oct 2009, there have been 38 fatalities. The Ukrainian authorities seem to
have been unprepared for an outbreak on this scale, and WHO involvement in the control of the outbreak will be considerable. No travel restrictions are envisaged.
Misure pubbliche adottate in Ukraina dal ministero della sanità:
Public health measures recommended by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine across the entire country include: social distancing (school closures and
cancellation of mass gatherings); enhancement of surveillance activities; increased respiratory hygiene; and continuation of the vaccination campaign against seasonal influenza targeting at-risk groups.
