WHO Raised Swine Flu Pandemic Alert Level From Phase 3 To Phase 4

World Health Organization (WHO) mentions that the category of swine flu as 'very worrying'. WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan on 27 April 2009 is recommending, on the advice of the Committee, that all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. And even then 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.

Results of World health Organization meeting also request to all countries that have been infected this disease to overcome the problems immediately. U.S is also very concerned if the swine flu can be an endemic disease.

The researchers are currently trying to overcome the spread of swine flu and also learn how this virus can spread from human to human.

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.

In several days the disease has spread to the United States, Canada, Spain and Israel. Even last report mentioned that this virus has come to New Zealand, after 10 New Zealand students experienced symptoms of flue after returning from Mexico.

I hope that the spread of this Swine Flu viruses will not be up to Indonesia.