Pandemic 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Virus Illness Among Pregnant Women in the United States

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Abstract
On April 21, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 2 children from southern California were identified with a novel influenza A virus infection.1 Since that time, the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) has rapidly spread worldwide, and on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level to the highest level of 6.2 Although 2009 influenza A(H1N1) has generally been characterized as a self-limited uncomplicated infection, severe illnesses and deaths have been reported among some patients.3-5 Recent studies have shown that health conditions typically associated with risk for seasonal influenza complications were also found among individuals with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), including chronic lung disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, and pregnancy.4-6