30 April 2009
WHO raises the level of influenza pandemic alert to Phase 5; the second highest level of alert for human pandemic influenza
The WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, has decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from Phase 4 to Phase 5. “Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have taken this decision” Dr Chan said, adding that influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.
On a positive note, she stressed that the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any other time in history.
Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.
Travel restriction is not recommended by WHO at this stage because the virus is now being seen in a number of international locations. WHO’s travel advice is that people who are ill are urged to delay travel and that returning travelers who have become ill should seek medical attention in line with guidance from the national authorities. These steps are prudent for all diseases, not just swine flu.
The number of countries infected by swine flu has risen, as well as the number of reported laboratory-confirmed cases. The number of cases outside Mexico and the United States is relatively small, and all cases are among travelers returning from Mexico.
WHO reiterates that the situation is changing rapidly. Investigations are being continued to better understand the situation. At this stage, the immediate identification of every case is critical for monitoring the spread and evolution of the virus.
WHO also reiterates that swine flu is no longer an animal disease. In a press conference held at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Hussein A. Gezairy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, explained that with the virus now being transmitted from human to human, human exposure to pigs is no longer a factor in transmission. During the press conference, Dr Gezairy noted that although the Eastern Mediterranean Region remains free of swine flu cases to date, no country is safe from swine flu transmission. He stressed the importance of taking high-level preparedness measures and scaling up alert and response mechanisms. The Regional Director has continued to communicate the latest development s with the Ministries of Health in the region.
