Situation update of identified cases and responses in Japan-5

May 16, 2009

Update on the first four confirmed cases and 48 detained people

Four confirmed cases are almost recovered from the illness, but some of them are still being hospitalized under the Quarantine Law and their PCR testing status for the virus.
Based on the policy change regarding the duration of the detention, 48 persons under isolation near the Narita International Airport (Tokyo Metropolitan Area) were already released as of noon, 16th May, 2009.

New confirmed case and cases under investigation

Three high-school students in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture are currently under investigation for the novel influenza A(H1N1). They are from the same high school, and the dates of onset of the symptom are May 11th, 12th and 15th, respectively. Initial tests at the local Public Health Laboratory were all positive for A(H1N1)swl. The specimens were sent to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, and one of the specimen was confirmed to be positive for A(H1N1)swl, as of noon, May 16th. The result of the two other specimens is coming shortly. These students are now hospitalized in the same designated hospital and in a stable condition.