2009 SU Update: Statement by Dr. Rink, Chair FISU Medical Committee regarding the H1N1 Influenza

H1N1 Influenza

We are seeing in many countries the emergence of a new influenza virus (H1N1) that has not been previously known to infect humans. This influenza A is similar to the seasonal influenza but there are important differences. For example there has been more activity occurring in the summer months and most of the infections are occurring in younger people. In addition, the serious complications are occurring in younger people. This pattern is not what we see with normal seasonal influenza. We unfortunately have seen a great deal of unnecessary anxiety in association with this outbreak. There have been concerns regarding food, concerns about pigs, which is not warranted. Food is perfectly safe and pork has not posed a danger to humans.

FISU is working with the World Health Organization and with the Republic of Serbia to make reasonable recommendations regarding the spread of the H1N1 influenza and to assure maximum safety to the participants of the Summer Universiade.

As of June 9, 2009 the H1N1 virus has been detected in 74 countries. Serbia is not one of these countries. The WHO has declared this a Phase 5 pandemic alert which is “characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short. However we expect this could move to Phase 6 pandemic alert which means there is wider spread for the virus internationally. This does not mean that the virus has changed, is more virulent than originally thought or that there is greater danger to any one individual.

Although we do not know how this virus is going to evolve, we still expect the virus to fade in the summer months. However it could reemerge in the fall or winter months.

The Republic of Serbia Ministry of Health has issued recommendations for travelers and delegations attending the Summer Universiade.

The FISU Medical Committee and the FISU Executive Committee is working diligently with the Republic of Serbia to determine exactly what these recommendations mean to individuals and to delegations. We will do everything we can to cooperate with the Republic of Serbia and with their Ministry of Health. We are fortunate to have the quality of physicians that we have on the FISU Medical Committee and we are fortunate to have the full support of the Military Medical Academy of Serbia. The Military Academy is one of the largest and most respected medical centers in the European continent.

Following our upcoming meeting with the Serbian Medical Directors for the Summer Universiade and representatives of the Serbian Ministry of Health we will have further communication with all delegations proceeding to Serbia.

Lawrence D. Rink, MD, FACC
President, FISU Medical Committee

Dr. Larry Rink