# 3160
The number of confirmed cases continues to rise globally, although these numbers undoubtedly only reflect a small percentage of those infected.
As more countries become able to test for the virus, more cases will no doubt be added to the totals.
With nearly 100 cases confirmed in Spain, and more than 3 dozen in the UK, the WHO will have to decide what they are going to do about declaring a Pandemic Phase 6.
Under the rules established by the WHO, a pandemic level 6 is declared when a novel virus is seen to be spreading at the community level in countries from two different WHO regions.
Despite public misconceptions, severity of the virus is not (currently) taken into account when declaring a pandemic.
Just geographic spread.
There are calls, however, to change the WHO pandemic definition, to take `mild’ illnesses into account.
This update from the WHO as of 0730hrs GMT, May 10th.
Influenza A(H1N1) - update 24
10 May 2009 -- As of 07:30 GMT, 10 May 2009, 29 countries have officially reported 4379 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
Mexico has reported 1626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 45 deaths. The United States has reported 2254 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. Canada has reported 280 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Costa Rica has reported eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Argentina (1), Australia (1), Austria (1), Brazil (6), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (12), Germany (11), Guatemala (1), Ireland (1), Israel (7), Italy (9), Japan (4), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (7), Panama (3), Poland (1), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (3), Spain (93), Sweden (1), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (39).
WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.
Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travelers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza.
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO web site on a regular basis.
Related Post:
Widget by [ Iptek-4u ]