Combating the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. II. Surveillance and non-pharmaceutical interventions

Intensive surveillance in Mexico, the US, Canada, Spain and the UK has resulted in the first data on the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. As of yet, it is still unknown if, how and where further transmission within the Netherlands will take place. Therefore, intensified surveillance in the Netherlands is essential. Information on individual patients and their contacts is available through the compulsory notification of the new influenza. The number of general practitioners and nursing homes participating in surveillance through national networks is extended. In addition mortality statistics and internet-based surveillance are being used (the Dutch Great Influenza Survey). Based on studies on previous flu epidemics and mathematical models we can estimate the expected effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions.The reduction of social contacts, in particular through the closure of schools, hand washing routines and wearing of facemasks if done correctly, are expected to be effective non-pharmaceutical interventions in slowing the transmission of the new influenza virus.