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WHO Declares an Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic NEW YORK -- June 11, 2009 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has today declared an influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. The level has been raised from phase 5 to phase 6 -- the highest level. Margaret Chan, MD, Director-General of the WHO reported during a press conference today at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, that based on available evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. Nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported from 74 countries, according to Dr. Chan. "We are in the earliest stages of the pandemic…the virus is spreading under close watch." "The virus is stable," she said, but emphasised that the careful watch and monitoring will continue to detect any changes. "We do not know how this virus will behave in the conditions typically found in the developing world," she said. Based on the clinical features of the infection, the level of assessment at this time is moderate. The majority of patients have mild to moderate symptoms and most recover quickly, said Dr. Chan. However, severity can change over time and what we see now is not what we will see in a few months or a few years. It is prudent to anticipate a bleaker picture as the virus spreads to places with limited resources, she said. According to Dr. Chan, the majority of infections have developed in individuals aged younger than 25 years. However, most cases of severe infections have developed in adults aged 30 to 50 years. Approximately 1/3 to 1/5 of severe fatal care are occurring in previously healthy young and middle aged persons. Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. According to Dr. Chan, a vaccine will be completed soon. A specific date is not available, but it is estimated to be available sometime in September. When enough evidence is available in the coming weeks, a decision will be made as to which population will benefit from the vaccine. SOURCE: WHO E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version