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| | | ![]() WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic WASHINGTON, DC -- August 11, 2010 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee declared an end to the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. This declaration was based on strong indications that influenza, worldwide, is transitioning toward seasonal patterns of transmission. In the majority of countries, out-of-season 2009 H1N1 outbreaks are no longer being observed, and the intensity of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus transmission is lower than that reported during 2009 and early 2010. Members of the Emergency Committee further noted that the 2009 H1N1 viruses will likely continue to circulate for some years to come, taking on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus. This does not mean that the H1N1 virus has disappeared. Rather, it means current influenza outbreaks -- including those primarily caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus -- show an intensity similar to that seen during seasonal epidemics. Pandemics, like the viruses that cause them, are unpredictable. WHO noted that continued vigilance is extremely important, and it is likely that the virus will continue to cause serious disease in younger age groups and pregnant women, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period. There are no changes for the United States in terms of CDC's recommendations for the upcoming influenza season and the United States is already proceeding with the understanding that the 2009 H1N1 virus is now part of seasonal influenza virus circulation. More information about the WHO declaration is available on the WHO website at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2010/h1n1_vpc_20100810/en/index.html. SOURCE: US Department of Health and Human Services
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