GLIDE EP-2009-000084-MNG
This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Federation is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. The Mongolian Red Cross Society will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population.
Since its outbreak in mid-October, the number of people infected with H1N1 virus had risen to 929, according to the Ministry of Health. As of 9 November, the death toll of the virus had risen to nine. As the infection spreads very quickly all over Mongolia, on 3 November 2009 the government declared an emergency preparedness level–II, which is the second highest alert level. Restrictions apply to school and kindergarten operations, public events, crowded markets and transportation between the capital city and provinces.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the intensity of acute respiratory infections in the population of Mongolia is classified as very high. There are several factors such as limited capacity and resource of health and care system, high poverty rate and increased vulnerability to diseases that are contributing to the overall situation. The government is focusing on capacity building of health establishment and while conducting dissemination activities with purpose to educate the general public on preventative measures. Related international and national non-governmental organizations are assisting the government in its response and mitigation measures. The Red Cross has been actively monitoring the situation. A H1N1 mitigation and preparedness project was launched on 1 November 2009 with support from the International Federation.
The Situation
Mongolia has witnessed a serious epidemic of H1N1 since 12 October, and as of November 9, the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health indicated that a total of 929 people had been infected with this virus and nine people died, including two pregnant women. In comparison, the mainland China with the size of population 500 times larger than Mongolia, reported only nine deaths since its first cases in May 2009.
The first cases of H1N1 were detected in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Subsequently, the outbreak spread to other provinces within a very short period of time. As of 10 November, 17 provinces out of Mongolia's 21 provinces reported the laboratory confirmed cases. The number of reported H1N1 cases continues to increase every day; approximately 70-100 new cases per day have been reported in the past week. Up to 722 cases of H1N1 infections were registered in Ulaanbaatar and 207 in provinces.
As of 9 November, 1,166 people were tested for influenza-like illnesses. Data on the age profile of hospitalized people are not complete, but the majority of cases occurred among people aged between 20-59. Up to 137 out of 1,166 hospitalized people are pregnant. There are five patients currently under intensive care.
According to the government surveillance reports, the health facilities around the country have reported increased number of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) since the week of 5 October. The World Health Organization (WHO) in its latest weekly global H1N1 situation update (week of 19-25 October) categorized the intensity of acute respiratory infections in the population as very high1. It is not clear yet how many of those cases are severe.
