# 3463
We’ve word today that flu cases are nearing epidemic levels in Welllington, New Zealand . . .and that isn’t terribly surprising.
It is, after all flu season south of the equator.
But for flu cases to be approaching epidemic levels in London, England . . . in July, is more than a little unusual.
Clearly this virus is acting in ways we don’t normally expect from seasonal influenza, both in the summer pattern of transmission, and in the shift to younger aged victims.
So far, in terms of absolute mortality rates, the CFR (case fatality ratio) remains fairly low. But it is taking its biggest toll on young adults, children and teenagers – which makes each death more keenly felt.
The numbers used in this article are estimates – and officials admit that more people may be sick than they know, because many many not be seeing their GPs.
London days away from swine flu epidemic
Number of swine flu cases in the UK doubles in two days - bringing total number of deaths to 14
by: Kirsty Ross
9 July 2009
A nine-year-old has become the second Londoner to die after contracting swine flu
LONDON is just days away from a swine flu epidemic experts have warned, as the number of deaths in the UK doubled in just 48 hours.
Figures collated from doctors and NHS services in the capital indicate 180 cases of the flu per 100,000 people in the city.
In medical terms, when this figure hits 200 London will officially have an epidemic on its hands.
Actual cases of swine flu are so abundant that suspected cases are now no longer being sent for lab tests.
Across the rest of the country, the swine flu rate is only 51.9 cases per 100,000 people.
14 deaths in the UK and Britain now has the third highest number of confirmed cases in the world, behind Mexico and the US.
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson would not give details on where the five new cases were in the UK, but said all had also faced underlying health problems.
He said another 335 patients were in hospitals around England with swine flu – and a further 43 were in critical care.
But Donaldson said the true number of people with swine flu was unknown because many stayed at home rather than contacting their GP.
And a hat tip to Sally on FluTrackers for this link to a Radio New Zealand report.
Updated at 5:46am on 10 July 2009
A weekly flu report from the centre says flu rates are highest among children and teenagers.
Dr Sue Huang says it shows an alarming rise in the number of people with flu symptoms. Doctors are reporting their highest figures in 10 years.
She says about 80% of people with flu in the week to 5 July had swine flu rather than seasonal flu.
Weekly influenza reports are compiled each winter for the Environmental Science & Research agency. Dr Huang says they are particularly important this year because of swine flu.
Copyright © 2009 Radio New Zealand
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