Spatiotemporal trends of cases of Influenza A H1N1 pandemic in Argentina, 2009-2012

CARLOS M. LEVEAU; OSVALDO UEZ; MARTA N. VACCHINO

REVISTA DO INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA TROPICAL DE SãO PAULO

INST MEDICINA TROPICAL SAO PAULO

Lugar: São Paulo; Año: 2015 vol. 57 p. 133 - 138

0036-4665

The aim of this paper was to analyze the spatiotemporal variations of cases of influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Argentina. A space-time permutation scan statistic was performed to test the non-randomness in the interaction between space and time in reported influenza A (H1N1) cases. In 2009, two clusters were recorded in the east of Buenos Aires province (May and June) and in the central and north part of Argentina (July and August). During 2011 and 2012 clusters near areas bordering other countries were registered. Within the clusters, in 2009 first high notification rates were observed in school-age population and then extended to older population (15-59 years). From 2011 onwards, higher rates of reported cases of influenza H1N1 occurred in children under 5 years in center of the country. Transmission of influenza A H1N1 has been characterized by two-stage spatio-temporal . A first stage with high rates of notification and a possible interaction with individuals from other countries through the major cities of Argentina (pattern of hierarchy) and a second stage with an increased interaction in some border areas without a clear pattern of hierarchy. These results suggest the need for greater co-ordination in the Southern Cone countries, in order to implement joint prevention and vaccination policies.