[Outbreak of influenza pandemic virus A(H1N1) 2009 infections in Emergency Department, Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island. July-August 2009].

Introduction: The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus has emerged to cause the first pandemic of the 21st century. On July 3, 2009, novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) was identified in Reunion Island, French overseas department located in the southern hemisphere. The present study describes the characteristics and the impact of the epidemic on the activity of an emergency department (ED) from July 3 to August 31, 2009.

[Stonefish stings: difficult analgesia and notable risk of complications].

Introduction: Marine activities and water sports in tropical countries entail some dangers. In our emergency department, stonefish (Synancae verrucosa) stings are second only to those by sea urchins among the 400 consultations a year for wounds by marine animals.

Method: We retrospectively collected data for all emergency department visits for stonefish stings over a 5-year period from 2001 through 2005.

[Peripheral facial palsy secondary to middle-ear overpressure].

Facial baroparesis is an ischemic neurapraxia of the facial nerve. It occurs after airplane trips or prolonged diving. This paralysis is due to the tympanic promontory.