First Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Case Detected Among Earthquake Survivors in Chile

Report Type:  Surveillance Report

Location:  Concepción

Disease Entity:  Influenza

On March 26th, the Chilean Ministry of Health reported the first confirmed case of pandemic H1N1 influenza among earthquake-affected populations.  The infected is a five-year-old male from Mocha Island who is currently receiving treatment at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital located in Concepción.  In response, the Ministry is reported to be expanding influenza vaccinations among risk groups and individuals living in temporary shelters. 

In our Initial Operational Biosurveillance Assessment of Chile following the February 27th earthquake, we noted an increased risk of pandemic H1N1 influenza transmission once conditions are optimized.   Daily-recorded temperatures in Concepción are transitioning to conditions favorable for increased transmission of influenza viruses and should be optimized in the coming weeks making current vaccination campaigns a key response measure.