CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Info Service Message: Three Reports of Oseltamivir Resistant Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses
Summary
On July 7, 2009 the World Health Organization announced the identification of a third person with oseltamivir resistant novel H1N1 virus infection.
All three people fully recovered after uncomplicated illnesses and did not have contact with each other. Two of the three people are reported to have developed illness while taking oseltamivir preventatively after an exposure to a close contact with novel influenza A (H1N1). The third person had no known exposure to oseltamivir.
Results from ongoing testing of novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses indicate that oseltamivir resistance remains rare.
The interim recommendations for the use of antiviral medications for chemoprophylaxis and treatment have not been changed http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm.
Judicious use of antiviral medications is recommended to reduce the possibilities of the development and spread of antiviral resistant influenza viruses.
Use of zanamivir or oseltamivir should be focused on treatment of persons with suspected novel H1N1 influenza who are 1) hospitalized or 2) at higher risk for complications due to influenza, even if hospitalization is not required.
Personal hygiene practices such as hand washing and practices to prevent the spread of an ill person’s respiratory secretions should continue during treatment because an infected person may continue to shed virus in respiratory secretions while on therapy.
Use of oseltamivir for chemoprophylaxis should be reserved for certain specific situations, such as when a person at high risk for influenza-related complications is exposed to a person with influenza.
Monitoring for antiviral resistance is ongoing and clinicians and state health departments should continue to follow state and national guidance for submission and testing of clinical specimens from persons with suspected novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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