H1N1 influenza: first case of Tamiflu resistance in the Netherlands

A first case of resistance to Tamiflu, the main antiviral drug against influenza H1N1 has been found in the Netherlands, said Wednesday the Dutch Institute for Health and the Environment (RIVM).

The virus-resistant flu "spreads less quickly,"  said Jessica Grootenboer, spokeswoman of RIVM. "There is absolutely no reason to panic," she added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified to date 39 cases of resistance in the world, according to the RIVM.

Ten people have died from infection with H1N1 virus in the Netherlands, that faces a "small outbreak", according to the RIVM. A thousand people die each year from seasonal flu in the country.

H1N1 influenza pandemic killed at least 5700 people since the onset of the disease in March-April, according to a report of the WHO released October 30.

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