The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the situation in regard to the Swine Flu is evolving very quickly, with more cases occurring in more areas of the world, and with the fact that the new strain of the virus (H1N1 A) has pandemic potential.

In Mexico, there are 22 lab confirmed cases of H1N1 swine influenza, and 3 deaths. 17 out of the 22 cases were genetically similar to cases found in the US.

In the US, there are 20 lab confirmed cases (7 in California, 2 in Kansas, 8 in New York, 1 in Ohio, 2 in Texas)

In Canada, 6 confirmed cases (4 in Nova Scotia, 2 British Columbia). Some cases from other countries are not yet confirmed and still under investigations.

Expecting to see more cases from new countries, WHO is leading ongoing epidemiological investigations that may help determine how the virus spreads, what is the transmission pattern, what it does to humans and whether or not it is going to cause severe disease, and what age group would be most affected.

Despite the fact that the new virus causing Swine flu is sensitive and responding to oseltamivir (tamiflu), there is no vaccine for H1N1 swine influenza in humans. It is not yet known whether seasonal flu vaccine can protect against this virus. In this respect, WHO is already discussing with its collaboration centers in preparing virus prototypes required for production of vaccines.

The WHO will convene a second Emergency Committee Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday 28 April, meanwhile the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office will convene a press conference for the regional and local media on the regional and global situation. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hussein Gezairy, will open the press conference. A technical presentation reflecting facts about the current situation will be given and an open discussion with the media people in order to clarify all details regarding the outbreak.