THE CENTRES for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported additionally confirmed human infections of the Swine Influenza in the United States and internationally.
The CDC says the swine flu has claimed its first victim outside of Mexico in the form of a Texan 23-month toddler.
The disease prevention group say the more recent illnesses, which have brought a higher rate of hospitalisations, suggest a pattern of more severe illness associated with the virus may be emerging in the U.S.
The CDC believes most people will not have immunity to the new virus and more cases, hospitalisations and even deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Emergency response has been implemented by the CDC with the goals to reduce transmission and illness severity and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public.
Young children and pregnant women are in the group who are at high risk of serious complications for seasonal influenza, and as such are of high risk of contracting swine flu.
The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.
There are now 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in 10 states, resulting in one death. The hardest hit is New York City with 51 confirmed cases while California has announced a confirmed 14. Texas has confirmed 16 cases with one resulting in death.
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