Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised countries to be on high alert for the new H1N1 swine flu virus. The WHO raised its alert level to 5, on a scale of 6, indicating that a pandemic, an epidemic of infection that spreads through populations across a large region, is imminent.

 As of May 1, 2009, 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of H1N1 infection. In the United States, there are at least 141 laboratory-confirmed human cases, including one death. As of May 1, 2009, Mexico reported 156 confirmed cases of human infection, including nine deaths.

To date, the WHO has not advised restrictions of regular travel or closure of borders. However, they have indicated that it would be wise for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing flu-like symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

Although H1N1 is commonly referred to as the swine flu, there is no risk of infection from this virus from the consumption of well-cooked pork and port products. The WHO also advises people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis to prevent flu spread.

For regular updates on the swine flu situation, visit the WHO website’s Influenza A (H1N1) page at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

Source:

WHO Pandemic and Epidemic Alert and Response, 1 May 2009