That means it is a global….
Swine Flu has entered into the pandemic level to phase 6 which is the the final alert phase. this indicates that indicating that a global pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) is under way.
As per definition given by WHO, pandemic alert level phase 6 is characterized by “community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5.”
Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human transmission of the virus into at least 2 countries in 1 WHO region.
The decision was made today and it was announced by WHO Director Dr. Margaret Chan in a press conference.
“The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic,” she said. “The scientific criteria for a pandemic has been met.”
It should be mentioned here as well that another virus H5N1 is also in phase 3 pandemic status. That makes it two viruses coexisting which makes it an extremely unusual situation.
Dr Chan that the virus can change the rules without rhyme or reason at any time, and it will be important to see how the virus changes as it returns to the Northern hemisphere in the fall.
H1N1 virus is of “moderate severity” with most people making a rapid and full recovery often in the absence of treatment, and the number of deaths is small.
However, pregnant women are at increased risk for complications, and the virus preferentially infects younger age groups, under age 25 years. There’s been a disproportionate amount of pregnant women among those who have had infection. 57% of the cases have occurred in people aged 5 to 24 years
Till now, 30,000 cases have been confirmed from 74 countries.
The key goals are to determine where the virus is spreading and to reduce its impact. We need to remain vigilant.
