WHO Declares Swine Flu A Public Health Emergency
Posted April 25, 2009 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreak in North America an international public health emergency.
The virus has killed as many as 81 people in Mexico and may have sickened more than 1,300. Twelve non-fatal cases in the U.S. have been linked to the disease. And officials are concerned the outbreak could spread to other countries.
The WHO stopped short of raising its pandemic alert level, but is calling for a co-ordinated response to contain the disease.
Director-General Margaret Chan made the decision late Saturday after consulting influenza experts during an emergency meeting.
But Mexico has already been taking precautions. In a move to contain the swine flu, Mexico City has cancelled all public events for the next 10 days.
Tourists returning to Canada may have been affected as well. At least one man from Cornwall, Ontario became sick after coming back from a trip, but he’s since recovered and officials with the Public Health Agency of Canada have yet to confirm he had the disease.
For a Q&A on some of the most common questions about swine flu, click here.
Pandemic Threats: What Are The Risks?
This latest outbreak by no means signals a pandemic. But experts have long feared one is coming. Here’s a look at the phenomenon and what you can do to prevent it
What is pandemic influenza?
The word “pandemic” refers to a disease that is prevalent over the whole of a country or of the whole world. Pandemic influenza is an outbreak of influenza that spreads rapidly around the world. It would be a global health emergency. A pandemic can occur when a new influenza virus appears and people have little or no immunity to it.
When will an influenza pandemic happen?
The influenza virus historically causes pandemics about every 30-40 years. Pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968. International disease experts agree that an influenza pandemic will happen, but no one knows when.
Public Health experts and scientists from the World Health Organization monitor influenza activity around the world to identify and determine circulating virus strains.
How is the influenza virus spread?
The virus spreads easily from person to person through direct contact and through the air. It can cause serious illness and death.
The influenza virus is constantly changing and mutating. Every year, small changes in the virus cause outbreaks. During a pandemic, there would be two or three outbreaks during a period of several months.
Is there a vaccine or medicine available?
It’s hoped that once a pandemic virus has been detected, a vaccine will be available – but it will take several months to develop, test, manufacture and distribute a new vaccine.
There are anti-viral drugs that may be used to treat or prevent influenza in certain circumstances, e.g. for essential workers and high-risk individuals. The federal and provincial governments are purchasing and storing a limited supply of these drugs and will decide who receives them.
How can I protect my family and myself?
If a pandemic is declared, pay attention to public health messages about who’s at risk. In the meantime:
- Get an influenza shot every year.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- If you’re sick, don’t go to work or to school.
Source: Toronto Public Health
Members of the Mexican Army distribute face masks as prevention against the swine flu virus April 24, 2009. Photo credit Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images.
