The H1N1 influenza virus causing the outbreak has evidently never been seen before and has been described as having components of human, avian and swine sources in its genome. If true, this would strongly suggest multiple reassortant events in the past. A recent Pro-Med Mail posting, dated April 28, however disputes that, and claims that a Columbia University laboratory analysis revealed only components of swine origin. The actual origin of this virus is but one of the unknowns that await clarification. remain for the future. Meanwhile, the 2008-2009 seasonal influenza outbreak has all but ended. It consisted of mostly H1N1 and B infection, with very little H3N2. Hence there was no excess pneumonia and influenza mortality, and the other parameters of surveillance were quite mild compared to previous years.