Experience with pandemic infuenza A/H1N1 2009 at Tygerberg Children’ Hospital, South Africa

Abstract

This paper describes our experience of the novel H1N1 pandemic at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital. Twenty-six children with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confrmed H1N1 infection were hospitalised between 1 July 2009 and 30 September 2009. Seventy-three per cent (19/26) had underlying co-morbidities. Cough and/or dyspnoea (92%) and fever (54%) were the main presenting features. Seven children (27%) required intensive care management, with one death. Nosocomial transmission was suspected in 6/26 (23%) children. The H1N1 pandemic caused morbidity especially among low birthweight, premature infants. There is a need for continued vigilance, improved isolation facilities and appropriate immunisation.