Swine Flu – a pandemic in the wings?
If you are not aware of it there is a potentially serious outbreak of swine flu in Mexioco that has spread to humans ands appears to have a high mortality rate, even among previously healthy, non-elderly, adults.
THere is good coverage of this ongoing threat over at Effect Measure and Aetiology
In the interim here is some information from the World Health Organization. One of the things it is absolutely imperative to understand is that due to the “shrinking” of the planet through mass transportation as well as international trade in foodstuffs, the ability of a deadly virus to spread rapidly is much greater today than it ever has been in the past, including that of the deadly 1918 flu pandemic. A new pandemic that wipes out tens if not hundreds of millions of people in a very short time is not a question of if but one of when, and that when could be anytime.
Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan; Public Health Emergency of International Concern — Swine influenza
April 25, 2009– In response to cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), reported in Mexico and the United States of America, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan, convened a meeting today of the Emergency Committee to assess the situation and advise her on appropriate responses.
The establishment of the Committee, which is composed of international experts in a variety of disciplines, is in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
The first meeting of the Emergency Committee was held on Saturday 25 April 2009. After reviewing available data on the current situation, Committee members identified a number of gaps in knowledge about the clinical features, epidemiology, and virology of reported cases and the appropriate responses.
The Committee advised that answers to several specific questions were needed to facilitate its work. The Committee nevertheless agreed that the current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Based on this advice, the Director-General has determined that the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern, under the Regulations.
Concerning public health measures, in line with the Regulations the Director-General is recommending, on the advice of the Committee, that all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.
The Committee further agreed that more information is needed before a decision could be made concerning the appropriateness of the current phase 3.
And here’s the best trick for keeping yourself safe
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