As at 17:00 on August 11th over 215,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with 1,735 associated deaths, a mortality rate of 0.8%, remaining significantly below the mortality rate associated with seasonal flu.

As well as a widely reported decline in cases in the UK, case numbers are receding in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Argentina.  The National Pandemic Flu Service in the UK appears to be functioning well, with the authorisation and distribution of anti-virals experiencing no major difficulties.

There are early suggestions that case numbers are falling in New Zealand, although Australia is still experiencing an increasing number of cases, as well as an increase in seasonal flu cases.

There have been no signs that the virus is mutating and the virus has not developed resistance to anti-virals.  The majority of cases continue to be mild, with nearly all patients experiencing uncomplicated, self-limited illness.

South Africa has reported initial influenza activity attributed to seasonal A/H3N2, although A/H1N1 is increasing as proportion of cases.  Significant increasing activity is also being reported from China and Thailand.

In Europe, Germany has experienced the second highest number of cases in Europe (after the UK).  In Scandinavia, Norway is reporting widespread influenza activity.

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