Estimation of influenza and severe acute respiratory illness incidence [burden] in three provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012 and 2013

There are few estimates of influenza burden in the WHO Region for the Eastern Mediterranean. In this study we estimated the burden of severe acute respiratory infection [SARI] and influenza-associated SARI [F-SARI] in selected provinces of Islamic Republic of Iran, the trends of SARI and confirmed cases of influenza [F-SARI] over 12 months [seasonality], and the age groups most at risk. Using the electronic Iranian influenza surveillance system and data of cases in sentinel hospitals of 3 selected provinces, we estimated the monthly trend [seasonality] of incidence for SARI and F-SARI, overall incidence of SARI and F-SARI and their disaggregation by age with the aid using the Monte Carlo technique. The age groups most at-risk were children aged under 2 years and adults older than 50 years

Mortality from pandemic influenza a [H1N1] in Iran

Due to worldwide spread of influenza A [H1N1] virus, the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of influenza in four decades. This study aims to report the mortality from pandemic influenza A [H1N1] in Iran population and its epidemiologic and clinical characteristics up to December 21, 2009. The data were obtained from all provinces and reported to center for disease control of Ministry of Health and Medical Education [MOHME] of Iran through nationwide surveillance system for influenza A [H1N1] was implemented by MOHME since April 2009. Of 3672 confirmed cases of influenza A [H1N1] in Iran between 22 May and 21 December 2009, 140 [3.8%] deaths were reported, mostly in 15-65 year old [yo] age group [67%]. The highest admission mortality rate was in > 65 yo group [107 deaths/1000 hospitalized cases]. Of decedent patients, 54% had no long term condition or risk factor, 34% had one, 11% had two, and 1% had three. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, chronic respiratory diseases and hypertension were the most common underlying conditions. The most common clinical pictures of death were acute respiratory distress syndrome and viral pneumonia. Although 66% of decedent patients received oseltamivir, enough information was not available about time of onset of antiviral therapy. As death due to influenza A [H1N1] occurs in all age groups and in those with and without any predisposing factors, we recommend health policy makers to provide influenza vaccination for people with underlying conditions and respiratory hygiene for all people