Questions & Answers

2009 H1N1 Flu In The News

November 24, 2009 6:00 PM ET

2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza Infections and Invasive Pneumococcal Disease

Some of CDC's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) sites have seen an increase in serious cases of pneumococcal disease coincident with increases in influenza-associated hospitalizations. CDC has been working with state and local public health officials in Colorado for example concerning its ABCs site in the Denver Metro area to collect additional data on pneumococcal disease cases.

There is good evidence that 2009 H1N1 influenza may be responsible for this increase in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in the Denver Metro area. (5-year average number of cases in October, ~20; total number in October 2009, 58).

The increase in IPD cases in the Denver Metro area is primarily among younger adults with 36 out of 58 (62%) cases occurred among 20-59 year olds. In a typical non-pandemic year, most IPD cases occur among persons 65 years of age and older.

What occurred in Denver is likely an indicator of what is happening in other parts of the country. Data shown below is preliminary and subject to change upon further investigation.

More information is available on preventing pneumococcal infections secondary to seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza.