title: [Importation and spread of pandemic influenza virus A(H1N1) in autonomous province of Vojvodina in preepidemic period].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Influenza is the most frequently reported communicable disease, having epidemic and pandemic potential. The first influenza pandemic in this century started in Mexico and spread quickly throughout the world. This paper analyses importation of pandemic influenza cases and local transmission among population in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.
  
  
  METHODS
  According to the WHO guidelines and national recommendations, the influenza surveillance activities were conducted in Vojvodina in order to detect, isolate and treat affected international travelers and their close contacts. Patients whose pandemic influenza infection was laboratory confirmed were classified as confirmed cases, while those with symptoms who were epidemiologically linked with confirmed cases were classified as probable cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the period from the 24th of June to 17th of August 2009, 123 pandemic influenza cases were recorded in Vojvodina. Infection was imported through international travelers and our citizens coming from countries affected by influenza outbreaks. Majority of cases had mild clinical picture. Most frequently reported symptoms were high fever (above 38 degrees C) (85.6%), and cough (61.6%). Difficulty in breathing was recorded in 20 (16.0%) cases, while pneumonia developed in 4 (3.2%) cases but none of the cases required mechanical ventilation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The imported cases of pandemic influenza in the pre-epidemic period led to limited local transmission in general population and caused a small outbreak among visitors of International music festival called EXIT.
authors: Centar za kontrolu i prevenciju bolesti, Institut za javno zdravlje Vojvodine, Novi Sad. mioljubristic@yahoo.com
authors: Mioljub
authors: M
authors: Ristić
authors: Zorica
authors: Z
authors: Seguljev
authors: Jasminka
authors: J
authors: Nedeljković
authors: Svetlana
authors: S
authors: Ilić
authors: Dragica
authors: D
authors: Injac
authors: Jelena
authors: J
authors: Dekić
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D008875:Middle Aged; D058873:Pandemics; D014195:Travel; D055815:Young Adult; D015022:Yugoslavia / Q000453:epidemiology