WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

[Niko]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

Video - Watch the video [wmv, 7min 13 sec]
http://www.who.int/en <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
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

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.
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​

<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

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.
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​

<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

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).
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<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.
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​

<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.
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​

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

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 10

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 10

2 May 2009 --

The situation continues to evolve. As of 18:00 GMT+1, 2 May 2009, 16 countries have officially reported 658 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.


Mexico has reported 397 confirmed human cases of infection, including 16 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.


The United States Government has reported 160 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.



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

• Austria (1),
• Canada (51),
• China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
• Costa Rica (1),
• Denmark (1),
• France (2),
• Germany (6),
• Israel (3),
• Netherlands (1),
• New Zealand (4),
• Republic of Korea (1),
• Spain (13),
• Switzerland (1) and the
• United Kingdom (15).

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_02a/en/index.html">WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 10</cite>

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 11

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 11

3 May 2009 --

As of 0600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 17 countries have officially reported 787 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.



Mexico has reported 506 confirmed human cases of infection, including 19 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.


The United States Government has reported 160 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.



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

• Austria (1),
• Canada (70),
• China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
• Costa Rica (1),
• Denmark (1),
• France (2),
• Germany (6),
• Ireland (1),
• Israel (3),
• Netherlands (1),
• New Zealand (4),
• Republic of Korea (1),
• Spain (13),
• Switzerland (1) and the
• United Kingdom (15).

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.

Canada on 2 May reported the identification of the A(H1N1) virus in a swine herd in Alberta. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian farm worker recently returned from Mexico, who had exhibited flu-like symptoms and had contact with the pigs. There is no indication of virus adaptation through transfer from human to pigs at this time.


There is 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.
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​

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_03/en/index.html">WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 11</cite>

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 12

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 12

3 May 2009 --


As of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.



Mexico has reported 506 confirmed human cases of infection, including 19 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico in the past 48 hours reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens.


The United States Government has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.



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

1. Austria (1),
2. Canada (85),
3. China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
4. Costa Rica (1),
5. Denmark (1),
6. France (2),
7. Germany (8),
8. Ireland (1),
9. Israel (3),
10. Italy (1),
11. Netherlands (1),
12. New Zealand (4),
13. Republic of Korea (1),
14. Spain (40),
15. Switzerland (1) and the
16. United Kingdom (15).

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.

Canada on 2 May reported the identification of the A(H1N1) virus in a swine herd in Alberta. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian farm worker recently returned from Mexico, who had exhibited flu-like symptoms and had contact with the pigs. There is no indication of virus adaptation through transfer from human to pigs at this time.


There is 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_03a/en/index.html">WHO | Influenza A(H1N1) - update 12</cite>

 

[Hoppit]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics - Update 14

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics - Update 14

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 14

4 May 2009 -- As of 18:00 GMT, 4 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1085 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths.
The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1),
Canada (101),
China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
Costa Rica (1),
Colombia (1),
Denmark (1),
El Salvador (2),
France (4),
Germany (8),
Ireland (1),
Israel (4),
Italy (2),
Netherlands (1),
New Zealand (6),
Portugal (1),
Republic of Korea (1),
Spain (54),
Switzerland (1)
and the United Kingdom (18).

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. 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.

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

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

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
Related links
Influenza A(H1N1) web site
Daily updates will be posted on this site.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_04a/en/index.html

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

Welcome Hoppit!

 

[Hoppit]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

Thanks

Nice community, doing a hard job!

kind regards from germany -
hoppit

 

[Hoppit]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics Update 15

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics Update 15

Influenza A(H1N1) - update 15

5 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 5 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths.
The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths -
Austria (1),
Canada (140),
China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1),
Costa Rica (1),
Colombia (1),
Denmark (1),
El Salvador (2),
France (4),
Germany (8),
Ireland (1),
Israel (4),
Italy (2),
Netherlands (1),
New Zealand (6),
Portugal (1),
Republic of Korea (1),
Spain (54),
Switzerland (1) and
the United Kingdom (18).

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. 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.

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

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

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
Related links
Influenza A(H1N1) web site
Daily updates will be posted on this site.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_05/en/index.html

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: WHO - Swine Influenza - Statements and statistics

WHO | H1N1 influenza situation: Statement made at the Secretary-General?s briefing to the United Nations General Assembly on the H1N1 influenza situation (May 4, 2009)

Statement made at the Secretary-General?s briefing to the United Nations General Assembly on the H1N1 influenza situation


Via videoconference from Geneva, Switzerland
4 May 2009

H1N1 influenza situation

Dr Margaret ChanDirector-General of the World Health Organization

His Excellency, Mr Miguel d?Escoto Brockmann, President of the General Assembly, Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations and your staff, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

First and foremost, let me thank Mr Secretary-General for inviting me to join this briefing. Let me thank the President for giving me this opportunity. I am speaking to you from the SHOC room in Geneva.

Our hearts go out to all people in all countries affected by the new H1N1 influenza virus.

Ladies and gentlemen,Let me try to give you an overview of the current situation, of where we stand right now, and where the world may be heading.

Influenza pandemics are caused by a virus that is either entirely new or not known to have circulated among humans in recent decades. This means, in effect, that nearly everyone in the world is susceptible to infection. It is this almost universal vulnerability to infection that makes influenza pandemics so disruptive.

Large numbers of people falling ill can be highly disruptive to economies and to the functioning of routine medical services.

As of right now, WHO has received reports of 1003 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza from 20 countries on four continents. I wish to thank all countries reporting H1N1 cases to WHO for their cooperation and transparency.

All countries have acted in a very responsible manner. A special thank you goes to Canada and the USA who, alongside WHO, have assisted Mexico, especially with laboratory testing.

The world is in phase 5 now. This means that we need to maintain a high level of vigilance and monitor further international spread of the virus, and further spread in countries that are already reporting cases.

We do not know how long we have until we move to phase 6, which indicates we are in a pandemic. We are not there yet. The criteria will be met when we see, in one region outside North America, clear evidence of community-level transmission.

Although we face many uncertainties, we do know some things, which I want to share with you now.

Some of this knowledge comes from the behaviour of past pandemics. Other knowledge is specific to the new H1N1 virus and comes from the cases we are seeing in different countries and a look at the virus in the laboratory.

This helps us understand the situation, right now. However, experience during past pandemics warns us that the initial situation can change in many ways, with many, many surprises.

Historically, influenza pandemics have encircled the globe in two, sometimes three, waves. During the previous century, the 1918 pandemic, the most deadly of them all, began in a mild wave and then returned in a far more deadly one. In fact, the first wave was so mild that its significance as a warning signal was missed.

As we are seeing, the world today is much more alert to such warning signals and much better prepared to respond.

The pandemic of 1957 began with a mild phase followed, in several countries, by a second wave with higher fatality. The pandemic of 1968 remained, in most countries, comparatively mild in both its first and second waves.

At this point, we have no indication that we are facing a situation similar to that seen in 1918. As I must stress repeatedly, this situation can change, not because we are overestimating or underestimating the situation, but simply because influenza viruses are constantly changing in unpredictable ways.

The only thing that can be said with certainty about influenza viruses is that they are entirely unpredictable. No one can say, right now, how the pandemic will evolve.

This places health officials, at national and international levels, in the difficult position of needing to make far-reaching decisions urgently, yet without the kind of solid scientific back-up we normally like to have.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As you may know, several efforts have been made to estimate the impact of an influenza pandemic on the global economy today. These estimates vary greatly depending on the assumed virulence of the virus.

But all estimates agree on one point. The greatest disruption of the economy will come from the uncoordinated efforts of the general public to avoid infection. Again, it is incumbent upon us to issue advice and try to calm anxiety in the midst of great scientific uncertainty.

WHO is well prepared with plans that have been rehearsed, at headquarters and with its offices in all regions of the world. WHO is collecting information as the situation evolves and making this information public. Vigilance and solid data are critical at this stage.In terms of preparedness, the world is also fortunate to have the revised International Health Regulations. This treaty, which is designed to protect public health, also has provisions aimed at preventing undue interference with international trade and travel.

In this regard, let me make a strong plea to countries to refrain from introducing measures that are economically and socially disruptive, yet have no scientific justification and bring no clear public health benefit.

Rational responses are always best. They are all the more important at a time of economic downturn.

If this pandemic begins with a mild wave, this will give countries and industry an opportunity to build up stocks of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and other essential supplies.

But let me be frank. Global manufacturing capacity, though greatly increased, is still not sufficient to produce enough antiviral medication and pandemic vaccines to protect the entire world population in time.

This is the reality. But we can acquire the data that guides the wise and targeted use of these interventions, conserves supplies, and, in the case of antiviral medicines, reduces the risk of drug resistance.

An influenza pandemic is a global event that calls for global solidarity. As the chief technical and administrative officer of WHO, it is my job to do whatever is possible to ensure that developing countries are not left without protection.

It is my duty to help ensure that people are not left unaided simply because of the place where they were born. I am working aggressively and constantly with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure access to affordable drugs and pandemic vaccine, should that be required.

Again, let me thank all countries, and all partners, also within the UN system under the leadership of the Secretary-General, for helping us maintain our vigilance, as we gear up our response.

Thank you.
-
​

<cite cite="http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2009/influenza_a_h1n1_situation_20090504/en/index.html">WHO | H1N1 influenza situation</cite>

 

[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"> Address to the ASEAN+3 Health Ministers? Special Meeting on Influenza A(H1N1)
Bangkok, Thailand
(Via videoconference)
8 May 2009


World is better prepared for influenza pandemic
Dr Margaret Chan
Director-General of the World Health Organization



Honourable ministers, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for convening this special meeting of health ministers, and thank you for giving me an opportunity to address you.

Above all, thank you for your diligence all these years in tracking the H5N1 virus in humans and animals, in reporting and treating so many cases, and in dealing with so many tragic deaths.

For five long years, you have kept this avian virus under watch, and largely under control.

As we know today, the virus with the greatest pandemic potential, the H1N1 virus, has sprung up from another source, on another side of the world.

But H5N1 taught the world to expect a pandemic, and to plan for this event.

The world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history, thanks, in part, to your vigilance and diligence.

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, 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.

In addition, we have the backing of the greatly strengthened International Health Regulations.

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.

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.

The rational use of travel- and trade-related measures is always wise. It is all the more wise at a time of severe economic downturn.

Ladies and gentlemen,

On this occasion, let me make two additional requests.

First, do not drop the ball on monitoring H5N1. 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.

Second, 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.

From past experience, ASEAN+3 countries know what it means to be at centre-stage during the outbreak of a new disease. We must battle misperceptions with the facts, and respond to the disease with the facts. I know you will help me on this front as well.

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.

Thank you.


http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2009/asean_influenza_ah1n1_20090508/en/index.html

 

[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"> Opening remarks at the Intergovernmental Meeting on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Geneva, Switzerland
15 May 2009


Sharing of influenza viruses, access to vaccines and other benefits
Dr Margaret Chan
Director-General of the World Health Organization



Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

I will be very brief. We are meeting at a critical time.

For five long years, countries in several parts of the world have been closely responding to outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in animals, and sporadic cases in humans.

I thank health officials, clinicians, and scientists in all these countries, and the many experts and laboratories located elsewhere, for their unflagging vigilance and diligence in keeping close watch over this virus.

Today, we know that a virus with great pandemic potential, the new strain of the H1N1 virus, has emerged from another source on another side of the world. This virus has quickly demonstrated its capacity to spread easily from one person to another, to spread widely within an affected country, and to spread rapidly to additional countries. We expect this pattern of international spread to continue.

This is a time of great uncertainty, and great pressure on governments, ministries of health, and WHO. I take it as my personal responsibility to keep the world informed, to adjust our recommendations as the situation evolves, and to prepare for a multiplicity of future scenarios.

Many critical measures are under way, for enhanced preparedness and for mitigation of the health effects. As I have consistently stated, gaps in response, coping, and mitigation capacities in different countries must be a top priority for WHO and the international community. We are all in this together.

Fortunately, countries with confirmed H1N1 cases have launched aggressive responses to the new virus. Their timely sharing of viruses for risk assessment and analysis, and for making seed vaccine is commendable.

We are getting new data daily, and we are beginning to get an early picture of the clinical spectrum and patterns of spread.

Outside Mexico, where the outbreak is not yet fully understood, the overwhelming majority of cases have been mild and self-limiting, with no need for treatment. Cases of severe or fatal infections have been largely, but not exclusively, confined to people with underlying chronic conditions.

We do not know if this partly reassuring picture will be maintained. Dr Fukuda will brief you fully on the current situation.

Apart from the intrinsic mutability of influenza viruses, other factors could alter the severity of current disease patterns, though in completely unknowable ways. Let me draw your attention to just two.

First, scientists are concerned about possible changes that could take place as the virus spreads to the southern hemisphere and encounters currently circulating human viruses, as the normal influenza season in this hemisphere begins.

Second, as all of you know, the H5N1 avian influenza virus is endemic in poultry in some parts of the world. It is out there, entrenched. No one can predict how the H5N1 virus will behave under the pressure of a pandemic.

As I said, we are meeting at a time of crisis that could have global implications. What the world needs most, right now, urgently, is information at all possible levels.

I wish you a most productive and fruitful meeting.


Thank you.


http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2009/pandemic_influenza_preparedness_20090515/en/print.html


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