The new influenza A (H1N1/09): symptoms, diagnostics, and autopsy results

Int J Legal Med. 2011 Mar;125(2):157-61. doi: 10.1007/s00414-010-0504-y. Epub 2010 Aug 24.

Abstract

The first infections of the new H1N1 ("swine flu") virus were announced in April 2009. Soon after, case numbers were observed to be climbing virtually worldwide. In most cases, infections appeared rather mild with typical flu symptoms. In contrast to the seasonal flu, however, cases with vomiting and diarrhea were also reported, and the affected age group seemed to be younger. Sudden and fatal progression affected mostly those under 60 years of age. The autopsy reports of two fatalities with the new influenza are discussed. Multiple postmortem swabs from the nose and throat area determined the H1N1-RNA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / complications
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis
  • Influenza, Human / pathology*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Myocarditis / complications
  • Myocardium / pathology