WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/29/2009) - The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. Reports indicate the nearly two year old infant who died may have been a Mexican youth brought into this country for treatment. The statistics are as of 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the United States.

The statistics of laboratory proved cases of Swine Influenza show that the 91 people are in the following states: 1 case in Arizona, 14 in California, 1 in Indiana, 2 in Kansas, 2 in Massachusetts, 2 in Michigan, 1 in Nevada, 51 in New York City, 1 in Ohio, and 16 in Texas. The death of the Mexican infant took place in the State of Texas.

CDC's official stand is that most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus.

CDC has issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza.

In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is said to be susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.