Perfil epidemiológico de la mortalidad por influenza humana A (H1N1) en México

objective: to carry out the epidemiological analysis of 122 influenza a (h1n1) deaths confirmed by laboratory and help to improve the diagnosis and timely managing of cases. material and methods: a total of 122 clinical records were analyzed of patients with confirmed influenza a (h1n1) virus infection who died. results: fifty-one percent of patients were female and 49% were male. a total of 45.l% who died were between 20 and 39 years old. overall fatality was 2.2% and ranged between 0.3% for the l0 to l9 year-old group to 6.3% for the 50 to 59 year-old group. forty-three percent of deaths were concentrated in only two of the thirty-two states and 5l% received medical attention in social security institutions. only l7% received hospital attention within 72 hours and 42% died within 72 hours of hospital attention. discussion: novel influenza a (h1n1) virus produces higher mortality in young people whereas seasonal influenza has a greater impact on young children and older people. delay in medical care and the associated morbidity were relevant factors for death.