# 3148
Today’s numbers represent laboratory confirmed cases. There are additional `probable’ and `suspect’ cases not included in these numbers.
Not all those who are infected will be tested, or counted. We are well past the point of being able to count and track all of the cases.
While test kits have gone out to all states (and a large number of countries), much of the testing is still being done at the CDC. It takes time to bring these testing kits `online’, and so a substantial backlog of cases remain to be tested.
The CDC now shows 1823 probable & confirmed cases in 44 states. The median age remains 15.
Only about 10% of confirmed cases have a travel history to Mexico, providing further proof of ongoing human-to-human transmission.
There are 42 hospitalized out of the 896 confirmed cases (5%).
Moving forward, reporting on individual cases will cease and a more standardized system for tracking the flu will be put in place, similar to what we see for seasonal flu.
The CDC is looking at studies on viral shedding, transmission of the virus, the effectiveness of antivirals, and is trying to develop a rapid test for this new influenza.
The CDC is also looking at HCW (Health Care Worker) infections, trying to determine the best way to protect people working with those infected.
This is a marathon, not a sprint warns Dr. Besser, Acting Director of the CDC.
Daily briefings will continue for the time being, but at some point daily briefing may be dialed back. We should not take that as a sign that the threat has subsided.
Dr. Besser also warns that we don’t know what the fall will bring. It is possible the virus could come back in the fall, and people need to be planning how they will deal with it if it does.
He advises people visit www.pandemicflu.gov and begin to prepare for a potential impact later in the year.
For now, the CDC believes the spread of this virus is on the upswing, and they expect that to continue. People need to continue to wash their hands, use alcohol gel, cover their coughs, and stay home if sick.
Today’s CDC Briefing (audio & transcript) will be posted later today on the CDC website.
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