Objectives: This study describes the incidence
of all fatal cases associated with Pandemic Influenza
A (H1N1) in Yemen. It sets out to highlight
the factors associated with poor prognosis
to enhance the implementation of prevention
and control programs. Methods: The study is
based on retrospective analysis of available data
until 14 March 2010, as compiled by the disease
control and surveillance team in Yemen. Results:
Between 16 June 2009 and 14 March 2010, a total
of 33 laboratory-confirmed death cases associated
with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) were
reported to the Diseases Control and Surveillance
in the Ministry of Public Health and Population.
During this period, a total of 6049 suspected
influenza A (H1N1) cases were recorded.
With this denominator, the case fatality rate
(CFR) was 0.54%. During June through August,
H1N1 confirmed cases were infrequently detected,
including only 30; however, from September
through December, over 200 confirmed
cases were reported each month. Of the 33
cases recorded, 25 were male (76%) and 8 were
female (24%), male to female ratio being 3:1.
Overall median age of the death cases was 30.8
years (range 1 - 55). The most common diagnosis
upon admission was pneumonia. Out of the
deaths, twenty five (75.8%) had no documented
underlying diseases. Chronic cardiovascular disease
(9.1%) was the most commonly reported
disease and 2 deaths (6.1%) were recorded as
pregnant women. Conclusions: The most common
diagnosis upon admission was pneumonia.
Chronic cardiovascular diseases were the most
commonly reported underlying conditions, while
the most identified risk factor was pregnancy.
These findings should be taken into consideration,
when vaccination strategies are employed.