Laboratory-confirmed deaths caused by influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 in the Santa Catarina State, Brazil, 2009-2014

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
• Main Authors: Renata da Silva Cardoso Pereira, Emil Kupek
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT)
• Subjects: Influenza A (H1N1); Mortality rate; Brazil; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0045-2016; https://doaj.org/article/6314959aa8e4465c91edb126fef87a10

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Little information is available on the evolution of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09-related mortality in Brazil. METHODS: During the period 2009-2014, official epidemiological surveillance and mortality data were used to ascertain influenza-related deaths in the Santa Catarina State in Brazil. RESULTS: The highest overall mortality rate (2.3 per 100,000) was observed in 2009. Pregnant women constituted the highest risk group (mortality rate 18.0 per 100,000). Following vaccination of high-risk groups, the rate reduced sharply but peaked again in 2012. It subsequently decreased, albeit more gradually. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 mortality demonstrated a cyclic pattern, with two peaks followed by a gradual decrease.