Update 15th July 2009

As of July 14th, there has been a cumulative total of 144 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1) in Ireland, 10 of which are the result of in country transmission. The number of in country transmissions is still very low compared to states which are experiencing large scale outbreaks. However, because of the high levels of travel between Ireland, the UK and other effected areas, the Department of Health and Children will announce a new approach to flu pandemic manangement tomorrow. It is likely that this new approach will see HSE strategy move from a policy of containment to one of mitigation. So far, they have indicated that "major changes will be made with regard to the following:

• How diagnosis is made
• Treatment of cases
• Management of contacts
• Reporting and surveillance of cases

These changes are in line with moves being made in many other European countries. As of July 14th there has been a total of 14, 294 laboratory confirmed cases, including 16 deaths in the European Union and European Free Trade Area.

For a breakdown of case numbers world wide, you can refer to World Health Organisation Interactive Case Timeline. If you run your cursor over a country or region it will give you details of the situation there.