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(AP) GENEVA ? The World Health Organization is declaring an end to the global swine flu pandemic.
WHO's director general says the pandemic is over since "the new H1N1 virus has largely run its course."
Dr. Margaret Chan said Wednesday the pandemic is considered over by WHO's emergency committee due to global factors and reports from several nations. She said she agrees with the committee but "this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away."
Chan said she expects swine flu to now act like a seasonal flu virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.
Lawmakers in Europe have accused WHO of overstating the danger of swine flu and playing into the hands of the pharmaceutical industry, which earned millions from the outbreak.
WHO's director general says the pandemic is over since "the new H1N1 virus has largely run its course."
Dr. Margaret Chan said Wednesday the pandemic is considered over by WHO's emergency committee due to global factors and reports from several nations. She said she agrees with the committee but "this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away."
Chan said she expects swine flu to now act like a seasonal flu virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.
Lawmakers in Europe have accused WHO of overstating the danger of swine flu and playing into the hands of the pharmaceutical industry, which earned millions from the outbreak.
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