Review article

Epidemiologic experiences with pandemic influenza in the Primorsko-goranska County

Đana Pahor ; Nastavni zavod za javno zdravstvo Primorsko-goranske županije, Hrvatska

Abstract

The World health organization (WHO) has declared the pandemic of a novel A(H1N1) influenza on June 11th, 2009. Infectious diseases epidemiology service of the Croatian national institute of public health has brought on August 31st, 2009 a document on the Change of control and prevention strategy of novel influenza A(H1N1) in Croatia which has also been adopted by the Ministry of health and social welfare Headquarters for pandemic influenza monitoring. An active role in treatment of the diseased is played by primary health care with medication delivery
to the patient’s home. Only severe cases are hospitalized. Epidemiological surveillance is continued
as well as “zero” reporting of influenza – monitoring the presence of influenza on a daily basis having in mind that the report is also sent when no cases of influenza are reported. There is no transmission of influenza in the Croatian population.
Based on the experience of novel influenza cases in the Republic of Croatia and cases in the Primorsko-
goranska County, which number 58 until now, the epidemiological situation in our county
is favorable. The highest number of the diseased are linked to the groups of graduate high-school students returning from graduation trips from Spain. There is a total of 8 cases with laboratory confirmed A(H1N1) in Primorsko-goranska County, with symptoms very similar to those patients to whom the virus has not been virologically confirmed. The largest number of the diseased belongs to younger age groups, as is the case with seasonal influenza. The care of the diseased with a milder or moderate clinical picture is a responsibility of the 194 physicians in the primary health care and 21 pediatricians along with emergency medical services with each health centre in Primorsko-goranska County. The organization of medication distributions to the patients’ home is implemented in agreement and coordination of the physician and the Epidemiology
service. The Primorsko-goranska County health system has confirmed its preparedness for the activities related to the prevention and control of novel influenza as well as for further activities in accordance to the changes in epidemiological situation.

Keywords

epidemiološki nadzor; liječenje; pandemija gripe; prevencija; primarna zdravstvena zaštita; Primorsko-goranska županija

Hrčak ID:

45849

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/45849

Publication date:

1.12.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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