2 Tamiflu-resistant swine flu cases reported in King County
Two people in King County are infected with Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 virus (swine flu), said the Public Health office of King County.
Tamiflu is the antiviral treatment used for the H1N1 virus and for patients to be resistant is rare, officials said.
The two patients, one a male teenager and the other a female in her 40s, have no links to one another and the infections are not believed to be related, but both patients had compromised immune systems. One patient is currently no longer ill from the virus and the other has ongoing symptoms and is being treated, King County health officials said.
"The vast majority of people with H1N1 virus continue to be treatable with Tamiflu, and in cases where it becomes ineffective, other options are available," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
He said viruses can develop drug resistance over time and that it's important for antiviral treatments only be used as recommended by a health care provider.
No changes in antiviral treatment recommendations have been made as a result of these two cases.
There is no evidence that health care workers or other contacts of these two people became infected with a Tamiflu-resistant virus.
The risk of infection to the general population is very low from these cases, but as a precaution, local and state health officials are working in collaboration with the CDC to conduct enhanced monitoring for antiviral drug resistant influenza in the community.
As of Aug. 11, a total of 11 novel H1N1 influenza viruses that are resistant to Tamiflu have been reported worldwide.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is being developed rapidly in anticipation of a resurgence of the H1N1 virus in the U.S. this fall. Federal officials are reporting that current plans are to begin delivering vaccine in October.
Two people in King County are infected with Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 virus (swine flu), said the Public Health office of King County.
Tamiflu is the antiviral treatment used for the H1N1 virus and for patients to be resistant is rare, officials said.
The two patients, one a male teenager and the other a female in her 40s, have no links to one another and the infections are not believed to be related, but both patients had compromised immune systems. One patient is currently no longer ill from the virus and the other has ongoing symptoms and is being treated, King County health officials said.
"The vast majority of people with H1N1 virus continue to be treatable with Tamiflu, and in cases where it becomes ineffective, other options are available," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
He said viruses can develop drug resistance over time and that it's important for antiviral treatments only be used as recommended by a health care provider.
No changes in antiviral treatment recommendations have been made as a result of these two cases.
There is no evidence that health care workers or other contacts of these two people became infected with a Tamiflu-resistant virus.
The risk of infection to the general population is very low from these cases, but as a precaution, local and state health officials are working in collaboration with the CDC to conduct enhanced monitoring for antiviral drug resistant influenza in the community.
As of Aug. 11, a total of 11 novel H1N1 influenza viruses that are resistant to Tamiflu have been reported worldwide.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is being developed rapidly in anticipation of a resurgence of the H1N1 virus in the U.S. this fall. Federal officials are reporting that current plans are to begin delivering vaccine in October.