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| June 12, 2009: WHO Declares Swine Flu a Pandemic... |
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The World Health Organization formally declared on Thursday that the worldwide outbreak of the H1N1 virus known as Swine Flu has become a Phase 6 pandemic, whose spread is officially considered unstoppable.
It is the first time in 41 years the United Nations-sponsored organization has made such an announcement. WHO director Dr. Margaret Chan announced the move to Phase 6 worldwide alert after sending a notice to member countries. "The world is moving into the early days of its first influenza pandemic in the 21st century," she told reporters, adding that the agency was moving its global alert to Phase 6, the highest level. Chan added that experts at the meeting agreed unanimously that the Swine Flu was spreading more rapidly, and farther, than was being reported, particularly in Europe. The Swine Flu virus is presently sweeping through the continent nation of Australia, where more than 1,300 cases were officially reported Thursday, and Chile, where nearly 1,700 cases were confirmed. Both countries are located in the southern hemisphere, where the ordinary flu season is in full swing. In addition, although normally in the northern hemisphere the flu season does not begin until the autumn months, the virus continues to spread throughout the world, indicating H1N1 Swine Flu is a particularly virulent strain. According to the latest WHO statistics, the pandemic has now spread to 74 countries, infecting 28,774 people, since the first case was diagnosed in Mexico in late April. At least 141 people have died of the virus worldwide. Chan warned, “Countries where outbreaks appear to have peaked should prepare for a second wave of infection.” Countries that have not yet seen cases of the swine flu, or have only had limited cases, she added, should prepare for it. "The virus is not stoppable," she said. "I would advise them to maintain vigilance, enhance surveillance and be prepared for the arrival of the novel H1N1 in their country." The U.S., with its broken healthcare system, is hardest hit by the pandemic. At least 13,217 people have been infected and 27 have died of the virus in the US. Three deaths were reported Thursday in New York City, including a baby, a teenager and an unidentified adult in his or her 30s, bringing the city’s Swine Flu death toll to eight. E.&O.E. |
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