WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Swine influenza - update 3

Swine influenza - update 3

27 April 2009 --

The current situation regarding the outbreak of swine influenza A(H1N1) is evolving rapidly.


As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths.


Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths.


Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.


Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.


It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_27/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza - update 3</cite>

[Giuseppe]

WHO | Swine influenza - update 3

WHO | Swine influenza - update 3

Swine influenza - update 3

27 April 2009 --

The current situation regarding the outbreak of swine influenza A(H1N1) is evolving rapidly.


As of 27 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths.


Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths.


Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.


Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.


It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_27/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza - update 3</cite>

[Giuseppe]

WHO | Swine influenza (Statement - April 27, 2009)

WHO | Swine influenza (Statement - April 27, 2009)

Swine influenza

The Emergency Committee, established in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005), held its second meeting on 27 April 2009.


The Committee considered available data on confirmed outbreaks of A/H1N1 swine influenza in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.

The Committee also considered reports of possible spread to additional countries.

On the advice of the Committee, the WHO Director-General decided on the following.

The Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.


The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to phase 3 or raise the level of alert to another phase.

This decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.

The Director-General recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel.

It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

The Director-General considered that production of seasonal influenza vaccine should continue at this time, subject to re-evaluation as the situation evolves. WHO will facilitate the process needed to develop a vaccine effective against A/H1N1 virus.

The Director-General stressed that all measures should conform with the purpose and scope of the International Health Regulations.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090427/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza</cite>

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Swine influenza (Statement - April 27, 2009)

Swine influenza

The Emergency Committee, established in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005), held its second meeting on 27 April 2009.


The Committee considered available data on confirmed outbreaks of A/H1N1 swine influenza in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.

The Committee also considered reports of possible spread to additional countries.

On the advice of the Committee, the WHO Director-General decided on the following.

The Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.


The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to phase 3 or raise the level of alert to another phase.

This decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.

The Director-General recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel.

It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

The Director-General considered that production of seasonal influenza vaccine should continue at this time, subject to re-evaluation as the situation evolves. WHO will facilitate the process needed to develop a vaccine effective against A/H1N1 virus.

The Director-General stressed that all measures should conform with the purpose and scope of the International Health Regulations.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090427/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza</cite>

[Niko]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

Transcripts for conferences are not available yet, but the audio is posted.

Swine influenza virtual press briefings

Audio files and transcripts from the briefings

27 April 2009 press briefing

Listen to the audio of the 27 April 2009 press briefing (22:00 GMT+1) [mp3 44 Mb]
With Dr Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General ai, Health Security and Environment

Listen to the audio of the 27 April 2009 press briefing (17:00 GMT+1) [mp3 26.3 Mb]
With Gregory H?rtl, Project Leader, Information Management & Communications, Health Security and Environment

[Niko]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

Video - Watch the video [wmv, 7min 13 sec]
<hr style="border: 1px none ; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 100&#37;;" align="left"> Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan
27 April 2009

Swine influenza


The Emergency Committee, established in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005), held its second meeting on 27 April 2009.

The Committee considered available data on confirmed outbreaks of A/H1N1 swine influenza in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada. The Committee also considered reports of possible spread to additional countries.

On the advice of the Committee, the WHO Director-General decided on the following.

The Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.

The change to a higher phase of pandemic alert indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable.

As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to phase 3 or raise the level of alert to another phase.

This decision was based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

Given the widespread presence of the virus, the Director-General considered that containment of the outbreak is not feasible. The current focus should be on mitigation measures.

The Director-General recommended not to close borders and not to restrict international travel. It was considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.

The Director-General considered that production of seasonal influenza vaccine should continue at this time, subject to re-evaluation as the situation evolves. WHO will facilitate the process needed to develop a vaccine effective against A/H1N1 virus.

The Director-General stressed that all measures should conform with the purpose and scope of the International Health Regulations.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090427/en/index.html

[Giuseppe]

WHO | Swine influenza - update 4

WHO | Swine influenza - update 4

Swine influenza - update 4

28 April 2009--

The situation continues to evolve rapidly.

As of 19:15 GMT, 28 April 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection.


The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths.

Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths

- Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).


Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_28/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza - update 4</cite>

[Giuseppe]

WHO | Swine influenza - update 5

WHO | Swine influenza - update 5

Swine influenza - update 5

29 April 2009 --

The situation continues to evolve rapidly.

As of 16:15 GMT, 29 April 2009, eight countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection.


The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death.

Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths

- Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.


It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_29/en/index.html">WHO | Swine influenza - update 5</cite>

[Niko]

Re: WHO - Swine Flu Virtual Press Briefings - Archive

Swine influenza virtual press briefings

Audio files and transcripts from the briefings

29 April 2009 press briefing

Watch the video of the 29 April 2009 press briefing (22:00 GMT+1) [wmv, 7min 13 sec]
With Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

Listen to the audio of the 29 April 2009 press briefing (22:00 GMT+1) [mp3 57 Mb]
With Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

Listen to the audio of the 29 April 2009 press briefing [mp3 37 Mb]
With Dr Keiji Fukuda, Assistant Director-General ai, Health Security and Environment

[Niko]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

<hr style="border: 1px none ; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 100%;" align="left"> Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan
29 April 2009

Swine influenza


Ladies and gentlemen,

Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5.

Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.

On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history.

Preparedness measures undertaken because of the threat from H5N1 avian influenza were an investment, and we are now benefitting from this investment.

For the first time in history, we can track the evolution of a pandemic in real-time.

I thank countries who are making the results of their investigations publicly available. This helps us understand the disease.

I am impressed by the work being done by affected countries as they deal with the current outbreaks.

I also want to thank the governments of the USA and Canada for their support to WHO, and to Mexico.

Let me remind you. New diseases are, by definition, poorly understood. Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour.

WHO and health authorities in affected countries will not have all the answers immediately, but we will get them.

WHO will be tracking the pandemic at the epidemiological, clinical, and virological levels.

The results of these ongoing assessments will be issued as public health advice, and made publicly available.

All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency, and at an accelerated pace.

I have reached out to donor countries, to UNITAID, to the GAVI Alliance, the World Bank and others to mobilize resources.

I have reached out to companies manufacturing antiviral drugs to assess capacity and all options for ramping up production.

I have also reached out to influenza vaccine manufacturers that can contribute to the production of a pandemic vaccine.

The biggest question, right now, is this: how severe will the pandemic be, especially now at the start?

It is possible that the full clinical spectrum of this disease goes from mild illness to severe disease. We need to continue to monitor the evolution of the situation to get the specific information and data we need to answer this question.

From past experience, we also know that influenza may cause mild disease in affluent countries, but more severe disease, with higher mortality, in developing countries.

No matter what the situation is, the international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.
Above all, this is an opportunity for global solidarity as we look for responses and solutions that benefit all countries, all of humanity. After all, it really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic.

As I have said, we do not have all the answers right now, but we will get them.

Thank you.
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http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090429/en/index.html

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[MHSC]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

<hr style="border: 1px none ; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 100%;" align="left">
Influenza A(H1N1) - update 6


30 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 17:00 GMT, 30 April 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 257 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (19), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Related links

Influenza A(H1N1) web site
Daily updates will be posted on this site.
<!-- include footer--> <!-- include ftr-->

[MHSC]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

<hr style="border: 1px none ; height: 1px; background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 100%;" align="left">
Influenza A(H1N1) - update 7


1 May 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 06:00 GMT, 1 May 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis. WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Related links

Influenza A(H1N1) web site
Daily updates will be posted on this site.

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | No rationale for travel restrictions

No rationale for travel restrictions

1 May 2009 --

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.


Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world.

Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

Influenza A(H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world.

The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally.

Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms.

Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease.

Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.

Travellers can protect themselves and others by following simple recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection.

Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care.

These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases and not only influenza A(H1N1).
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/guidance/public_health/travel_advice/en/index.html">WHO | No rationale for travel restrictions</cite>

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 8

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 8

1 May 2009 --

The situation continues to evolve. As of 19:00 GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially reported 365 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

• The United States Government has reported 141 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
• Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths -

• Austria (1),
  
• Canada (34),
  
• China, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (1),
  
• Denmark (1),
  
• Germany (3),
  
• Israel (2),
  
• Netherlands (1),
  
• New Zealand (3),
  
• Spain (13),
  
• Switzerland (1) and the
  
• United Kingdom (8).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.


Related links
Influenza A(H1N1) web site

Daily updates will be posted on this site.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_01a/en/index.html">WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 8</cite>

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 9

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 9

2 May 2009 --

The situation continues to evolve. As of 06:00 GMT, 2 May 2009, 15 countries have officially reported 615 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.


Mexico has reported 397 confirmed human cases of infection, including 16 deaths. The 241 rise in cases from Mexico compared to 23:30GMT of 1 May reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.


The United States Government has reported 141 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.



The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths -

• Austria (1),
• Canada (34),
• China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
• Denmark (1),
• France (1),
• Germany (4),
• Israel (2),
• Netherlands (1),
• New Zealand (4),
• Republic of Korea (1),
• Spain (13),
• Switzerland (1) and the
• United Kingdom (13).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.


Related links: Influenza A(H1N1) web site. Daily updates will be posted on this site.
-

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_02/en/index.html">WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 9</cite>