Question

The outbreak of Novel H1N1 flu virus in 2009 caused widespread anxiety throughout the world. However, the incidence of this flu was lower than anticipated. You may read more about H1N1 and its progress at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/cdcresponse.htm. Briefly describe the timeline of this outbreak and how it was investigated. Discuss why you think the incidence was low; include human and environmental factors that could have contributed. Be sure to support your opinions with scholarly evidence from your readings.

Managerial Epidemiology Cases and Concepts , 3rd Edition

Steven T. Fleming

Answer 1

The outbreak of Novel H1N1 flu virus

The outbreak of Novel HINI flu virus was initially reported and detected in the United States of America in the year 2009. This virus was unique in that it was composed of influenza virus genes. It was neither related to animals nor human beings. The genes of this virus were closely related to Eurasian lineage swine and American swine lineage HINI. Due to this conflicting origins specialist argued that the virus was a swine-origin influenza origin. This was quashed after a thorough investigation which showed that the cases of the victims didn't have any direct contact with the pigs. Therefore it was concluded that this virus was among human beings and not among herders of Pigs in the US.

Why the incidence was low

The incidence was low. The virus was also not infectious since the difference between the first and second case were 130 miles apart.

World Health Organization exaggerated the total mortality, danger and spreading of the flue

There were few deaths and low transmission which resulted from the flue. In 2009 the global infection was 11%

Human and environmental factors that contributed to the flue.

Coughing and sneezing

The virus was transmitted from human to human. People who sick sneezed and coughed in public especially social gathering. This increased the transmission rate.

Touching of surfaces such as walls or objects

People touched objects such as trees and other surfaces with the virus on it then touch their faces

Lack of immunity to some population.

Some communities in different geographical areas lacked immunity to the disease

Animals

The HINI disease was being transmitted to animals which in turn spread the virus. These animals included cats, swine, and turkeys