W.H.O Declares World Pandemic for H1N1 Influenza Virus,Raises Level
Peter H. Scrooby
June 12, 2009
The World Health Organization has declared a world pandemic and raised the alert to phase 6 for the H1N1 influenza virus on Thursday.
The number of H1N1 cases has steadily increased since April,when the W.H.O announced the emergence of a influenza A virus that turned out to be this particular H1N1 strain that has not circulated previously in humans.To date some 28,774 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries world-wide resulting in 144 deaths.The virus was first detected in Mexico in February.
Dr.Margaret Chan Director-General of the World Health Organization issued a statement to the press Thursday stating that the level alert phase had indeed been updated from phase 5 to phase 6 confirming a world pandemic.
"I have conferred with leading influenza experts, virologists, and public health officials. In line with procedures set out in the International Health Regulations, I have sought guidance and advice from an Emergency Committee established for this purpose,"says Dr.Margaret Chan,"On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met.I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6."
Dr.Margaret Chan also added" The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch,"Dr.Margaret Chan also went on to say,"No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness."
Health officials are urging the people not to panic but continue to use good Hygiene habits and to use protective measures to curb the spread from person-to-person.
To help fight this flu, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you´re sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
As of 14:00 GMT, 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization current statics for the H1N1 influenza virus statistics are 28,774 infected with 144 deaths in 74 countries.
The number of H1N1 cases has steadily increased since April,when the W.H.O announced the emergence of a influenza A virus that turned out to be this particular H1N1 strain that has not circulated previously in humans.To date some 28,774 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries world-wide resulting in 144 deaths.The virus was first detected in Mexico in February.
Dr.Margaret Chan Director-General of the World Health Organization issued a statement to the press Thursday stating that the level alert phase had indeed been updated from phase 5 to phase 6 confirming a world pandemic.
"I have conferred with leading influenza experts, virologists, and public health officials. In line with procedures set out in the International Health Regulations, I have sought guidance and advice from an Emergency Committee established for this purpose,"says Dr.Margaret Chan,"On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met.I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6."
Dr.Margaret Chan also added" The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch,"Dr.Margaret Chan also went on to say,"No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness."
Health officials are urging the people not to panic but continue to use good Hygiene habits and to use protective measures to curb the spread from person-to-person.
To help fight this flu, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you´re sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
As of 14:00 GMT, 11 June 2009 the World Health Organization current statics for the H1N1 influenza virus statistics are 28,774 infected with 144 deaths in 74 countries.
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