Technical guidance on mitigation and delaying (or ‘containment’)strategies as the new influenza A(H1N1) virus comes into Europe

As epidemics of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus are extending globally, some European countries are considering how robustly to undertake case-finding among the first cases and whether to pursue and treat contacts. This guidance paper describes the background and presents the evidence, experience and practical considerations to assist EU/EEA countries in making policy decisions regarding mitigation and delaying (or ‘containment’) strategies.