Factbox - Worldwide spread of flu outbreak (18/06/2009)

Factbox - Worldwide spread of flu outbreak (18/06/2009)


<!--docTitle--><!--Attention ligne utilis?e pour l'impression--> Date: 18 Jun 2009

<!-- START BOTTOM Attachments links -->
<!-- END BOTTOM Attachments links --> <!--Attention ligne utilis?e pour l'impression-->
June 18 (Reuters) - South Africa has identified the first case of the H1N1 flu virus in the country, the Department of Health said on Thursday.
The WHO had declared an influenza pandemic and advised governments to prepare for a long-term battle against the virus.
Here are some details about the spread of the new H1N1 flu, a mixture of swine, bird and human viruses and which has infected nearly 41,000, according to the latest World Health Organisation and local health authority tallies.

DEATH TOLL: 168

CONFIRMED CASES: The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 is now at least 40,828. The World Health Organisation includes Taiwan and Hong Kong in China for its country tally.

COUNTRIES WORST AFFECTED:
DEATHS CASES
MEXICO 108 6,241*
UNITED STATES 44 17,855***
CANADA 7 4,049
CHILE 3 3,125**
BRITAIN 1 1,582****
ARGENTINA 1 918++
COSTA RICA 1 149
GUATEMALA 1 128
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1 93
COLOMBIA 1 53
AUSTRALIA 0 2,199+
JAPAN 0 700
SPAIN 0 499

NOTE: * = Mexico Ministry of Health figures.
** = Chilean health authorities.
*** = U.S. authorities estimate more than 100,000 cases; confirmed cases are only a sampling.
**** = British Health Protection Agency figures
+ = Australian government.
++ = Argentina's health ministry.

I remember when SARS hit. China witheld the true numbers for a while if I remember correctly.

I wonder how accurate these numbers really are.

I find it hard to believe Mexico's numbers are so much less than here in the US. And the death rate so much higher. Although that could be extrapolated as being due to hygeine, diet, health care services and whatever....it still seems that the numbers are not real elsewhere.

I wonder if there are countries sandbagging the numbers for economic reasons.

I know in some cases that the infrastructure allows for faster and more accurate info here in the US compared to elsewhere.

Something has me scratching my head on this stuff.....Spidy senses tingling again:)