Flu epidemic rises globally amid concerns over H1N1 mutation

Researchers and health officials are monitoring an early and evolving influenza season across the Northern Hemisphere. In several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, positive test rates are appearing higher than usual for this time of year. In Japan, outbreaks in August and early September led to the closure of some schools.

Virologists at the University of Washington have identified an emerging mutation, G155E, in the H1N1 strain. This mutation was detected in 13 out of 17 H1N1 samples tested, raising concerns among specialists regarding how effective existing immunity will be against this variant. While the H3N2 strain was predominant last year, H1N1 is currently the primary subtype responsible for most cases in the United States.

In La Réunion, the flu epidemic has continued for five consecutive weeks. Surveillance data indicates that 75% of emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms involve children and adolescents under the age of 15. Health authorities have reported several severe cases, including six serious cases occurring within a single week, most of which involved unvaccinated individuals under the age of 65 with underlying risk factors.