After an emergency meeting, the World Health Organization (WHO) has finally declared a global flu pandemic, a first in 40 years after the 1968 Hong Kong flu that killed approximately 1 million people. Health authorities admit, however, that ‘the current pandemic seems to be moderate and causing mild illness in most people.’
Professor John Oxford, a flu expert, says that the virus spread of Influenza A (H1N1), formerly called swine flu, has indeed gone ‘global and fulfilling the requirements of a pandemic.’
‘Reports of several pockets of community spread’ have convinced WHO authorities to declare a level six pandemic. Another reason behind the latest declaration is that ‘the virus seems to be crowding out normal seasonal influenza’ in the southern hemisphere. The pandemic level alert also means that the ‘virus is spreading in at least two regions of the world.’ Swine flu cases have been rising in the UK, Australia, Japan, and Chile.
The WHO, however, has explained that the pandemic alert level ‘does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths.’
Since its first case in Mexico in April, the Influenza A (H1N1) virus has spread to 74 countries. According to the latest WHO update of 11 June 2009 14:00 GMT, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.
The vaccine specific to Influenza A (H1N1) is now under development. The earliest doses will be available by October.
Via BBC
