title: 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in postpartum women in California.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study was to characterize severe illness because of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection in postpartum women.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed case reports of infected hospitalized postpartum (≤ 6 months from delivery) women identified through statewide surveillance in California. From April 23 through August 11, 2009, all hospitalizations and/or deaths were reported. After August 11, reporting was limited to cases requiring intensive care or deaths.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From April 23 to December 31, 2009, 15 cases were reported; 11 (73%) had symptom onset within 7 days postpartum. Of 10 hospitalized cases reported through August 11, 4 required intensive care, 3 required mechanical ventilation, and 2 died. Of 5 cases requiring intensive care reported after August 11, all required mechanical ventilation and 1 died. Overall, 6 (43%) received antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 2009 H1N1 can cause severe illness in postpartum women, especially in the first week following delivery.
authors.affiliation: California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA. janice.louie@cdph.ca.gov
authors.forename: Janice K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Louie
authors.forename: Denise J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.forename: Sonja A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000401:mortality* / Q000821:virology; D058873:Pandemics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000401:mortality* / Q000821:virology