“There is a ‘sudden and sharp’ rise in the transmissibility of the swine flu virus this month. Usually, the virus transmission is not more than 1 or 2% during March. It is something unusual.”-A C Mishra, India’s National Institute of Virology

Indian health officials now reporting 211 cases from 5 states, and 16 deaths so far this year.

Some doctors say the virus is mutating fast: “…the virus itself has developed a new strain, which helps it to survive in warmer temperatures. While human beings develop immunity to the virus, the virus itself keeps transforming…”-Vijay Kumar Pawar, Aundh Civil Hospital

Some Indian states lack funding for health care, and as a result are actually ignoring cases of H1N1.

In the state of Ashok Gehlot the H1N1 death rate jumped from 5.87% in 2009-2010, to 27% for the 2011-2012 flu season!  Even though the state has finally set up facilities to monitor cases of H1N1, they have no vaccines available!

On March 19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 172 cases of H1N1 in the United States.

In the U.S. state of North Dakota, health officials say H1N1 has made itself known. Until two weeks ago flu cases were sporadic, now they are steady.

As of March 26, North Dakota has 365 influenza cases, four of which have been confirmed as H1N1.

“The good thing is the two viruses circulating most in the communities are in the vaccine. People that have been vaccinated would have protection against these viruses.”-Lindsey VanderBusch, North Dakota Health Department

In Corpus Cristi, Texas, a Nueces County woman died from H1N1, the first death since 2010.   She died on March 2, 2012.  She spent ten days in the hospital.  Apparently the information wasn’t made public until March 20.

In Mexico, health officials report 200 deaths from H1N1.  The Mexican state of Sonora reported its 6th death on March 14.  So far there are 274 H1N1 cases in Sonora, but that’s only 9th place compared to other Mexican states.

Guatemala is reporting 55 H1N1 cases, with four deaths.

Symptoms include sudden fever, running nose, sore throat, cough, problems in breathing, diarrhea or upset stomach, loss of appetite.  These are typical with many types of flu, however, if you have other health problems, or a weak immune system, you should see a doctor right away.