The EU-funded VIRGIL network and National Influenza Centres have tested 1497 samples of the A (H1N1) flu virus strain between November 2007 and January 2008 in 18 European countries.
Preliminary results from surveillance of antiviral drug susceptibility among seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Europe show that some of the A (H1N1) viruses are resistant to the antiviral drug, generally known as Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
The proportion of A/H1N1 viruses that are resistant varies across Europe. The highest proportion of resistant viruses have been in Norway where 66% of the samples tested positive for resistance to Tamiflu. The country with the second highest proportion is France (39% of examined samples).
These are the first ever human influenza viruses resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) found transmitting in the community. Nonetheless, the experience in Norway suggests that people infected with the oseltamivir resistant strain of A (H1N1) do not seem to become more ill than those infected with "normal" seasonal influenza.
It is not possible at this stage to be precise as to how widespread and at what level the influenza virus resistance to Tamiflu is in Europe.
The significance of this latest data from the VIRGIL network is being assessed by experts from ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), the European Commission, and WHO. Authorities say an interim joint-assessment will be issued soon, based on the preliminary results.
For further information
ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
VIRGIL network
EPHA related articles
**Avian Influenza - Update January 2008**
**Updated** Animal Avian Influenza: new cases in Europe in June and July 2007
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