Following the dissemination of the new virus in the South hemisphere, the first cases were reported in Spain. By July 2009, a total of 737 cases had been declared to the Ministry of Health, with a peak on April 27th. A few cases of epidemic outbreaks in schools and a military academy were notified after that date. The first death in Spain was notified in June 30th , a 20-years old woman with asthma and 29-weeks pregnancy. The Ministry of Helath has established a network of physicians to provide data about the evolution of the infection in the country. After summer, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases detected by this network. As an example, during the week from October 25th to 31st, the estimated rate of flu cases was 292.45 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. With these estimations, we can calculate a total of 131,000 new cases of clinical flu in Spain during that week. Of all cases that were analysed, 97% were positive for the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Almost all cases are mild and respond to the usual therapetic measures.The mortality rate registered has been 0.13 deaths per 1,000 afected of influenza A (H1N1).

The sanitary authorities have informed that the vaccine will soon be available, and recommendation will be provided about the populations that must be vaccinated.

Marc Miravitlles
Fundació Clínic. Hospital Clínic
Barcelona, Spain