Nations must remain on guard against H1N1 flu-WHO
Countries where the H1N1 virus appears to have peaked need to remain vigilant and prepare for a second wave of infections because the flu is so unpredictable, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said on Thursday.
“When you are over with the first wave, start preparing for the future,” Chan told reporters after the World Health Organisation raised its pandemic alert to phase 6 to indicate a flu pandemic is underway.
Officials said the move reflected the geographic spread of the virus but did not indicate the severity of the influenza (A) H1N1 pandemic. She said the WHO’s global assessment was that the pandemic was moderate.
WHO to work to ensure no H1N1 travel, trade bans
World Health Organisation Director-General Margaret Chan said on Thursday her agency would work with the World Trade Organisation and others to ensure nations do not impose travel and trade bans over the H1N1 virus.
Her comments came after the WHO raised its pandemic alert to phase 6 to indicate a flu pandemic was under way, a move officials said reflected the geographic spread - rather than severity - of the virus.
In doing so, the WHO stuck by recommendations against travel restrictions such as border closures and the restriction of movement of people, goods and services to contain the virus.
GENEVA (Reuters)
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