World Health Organisation prepared to handle flu pandemic

The World Health Organisation says that 24 countries have reported 2,384 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infections. Mexico, with 42 deaths and 1,112 confirmed laboratory infections, has the highest number of cases. But the world is prepared, says WHO.

"The good news is that 'the world is far better prepared than it was five years ago, 'says Dr Margaret Chan, its director-general. see "The World Health Organisation's stockpile has already shipped treatment courses to more than 70 countries in the development world." The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (214), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (5), Germany (10), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (6), Italy (5), Netherlands (2), New Zealand (5), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (81), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (32).

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Swine flu on the streets of Mexico

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WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care, they said. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza. Dr Chan said at a meeting of international health ministers that "the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history, thanks, in part, to your vigilance and diligence." She noted that 'years of alert and expectation mean that most countries now have preparedness plans. Vaccine manufacturing capacity has increased sharply. Large stocks of antiviral drugs have been produced and procured. Right now, treatment courses from the WHO stockpile are being shipped to more than 70 countries in the developing world. We are prepared... "We are, right now, gaining experience in the use of non-medical interventions, such as social distancing, to delay spread of the H1N1 virus. WHO and its regional offices have tested their alert and response plans, also in operational exercises. We are prepared." Influenza viruses are totally unpredictable... She said this is a time of great uncertainty for all countries, and great pressure on ministers and ministries of health. The only certain thing that can be said about influenza viruses is that their behaviour is entirely unpredictable. No one can say how the current situation will evolve.

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Swine flu precautions at airport

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Countries will, quite rightly, want to do everything possible to prevent the arrival of the virus or, once in a country, to delay its further spread and thus flatten the epidemiological peak. At the same time, it is important for countries to refrain from introducing economically and socially disruptive measures that lack solid scientific backing and bring no clear public health benefit. She has asked them 'not to drop the ball: "This virus is endemic in poultry in parts of the region. We have no idea how H5N1 will behave under the pressure of a pandemic. And H5N1 has conditioned the public to equate an influenza pandemic with very severe disease and high mortality. Such a disease pattern is by no means inevitable during a pandemic. On the contrary, it is exceptional. " "The decision to declare an influenza pandemic will fall on my shoulders. I can assure you, I will take this decision with utmost care and responsibility"," she assured the world's health ministers attending the conference.. see