Wales: H1N1 update – Two patients with Tamiflu-resistant strain at same hospital
Wales UK--Two immunosuppressed patients being treated for H1N1v Influenza virus (swine flu) at a South Wales hospital have been found to have developed resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The emergence of influenza A viruses that are resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is not unexpected in patients with serious underlying conditions and suppressed immune systems, who still test positive for the virus despite treatment.
Initial investigations suggest that the resistance developed during treatment and that the resistant virus has not spread from patient to patient. This is in line with findings throughout the world
The clinical consultation rate for influenza – not necessarily swine flu – in Wales during the week ending 15 November decreased to 36.0 cases of flu-like illness diagnosed by GPs out of every 100,000 people in Wales. This was 65.8 per 100,000 in the previous week. Current levels of flu in Wales remain higher than usual for this time of year.
According to the NPHS daily GP surveillance scheme, as at 17 November, the influenza consultation rate in Wales as a whole was 45.0 cases of flu-like illness diagnosed by GPs in the previous seven days out of every 100,000 people in Wales. This is the equivalent of 1,350 people contacting their GPs in the last seven days with flu-like symptoms.
Consultation rates for flu-like illness are highest in people aged between 1 and 4 years.
580 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported by NPHS Health Protection Teams in Wales since the start of the outbreak (as at midday on 18 November).
A total of 377 people confirmed with swine flu in Wales have been admitted to hospital since the start of the outbreak. 46 of these cases were still in hospital as at 17 November.
The Welsh Assembly Government has been notified formally of seven further swine flu-related deaths in Wales since the last report. This brings the total number of swine flu-related deaths in Wales to 21. We are also aware of a swine flu-related death of a person from Wales abroad. No further details will be released.
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