WHO reports 4,379 cases of Influenza in 29 countries
By Chukwuma Muanya
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday reported recording 4,379 cases of Influenza A (H1N1) infection, formerly called swine flu, in 29 countries.
According to an update on the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, Mexico has reported 1,626 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 45 deaths. The United States (U.S.) has recorded 2,254 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. Canada has reported 280 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death while Costa Rica has eight laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.
The WHO also reported that the following countries to 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 (UK) (39).
Director-General of WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, in an address to a special meeting of ASEAN+3 Health Ministers in Bangkok, Thailand, said the world was better prepared now for an Influenza pandemic than at any time in history, thanks, in part, to vigilance and diligence of countries.
"Years of alert and expectation mean that most countries now have preparedness plans. Vaccine manufacturing capacity has increased sharply. Large stocks of antiviral drugs have been produced and procured," Chan said.
She said that right now, treatment courses from WHO's stockpiles are being shipped to more than 70 countries in the developing world. "We are, right now, gaining experience in the use of non-medical interventions, such as social distancing, to delay spread of the H1N1 virus. WHO and its regional offices have tested their alert and response plans, also in operational exercises. We are prepared. In addition, we have the backing of the greatly strengthened International Health Regulations," Chan said.
The WHO boss noted that this was a time of great uncertainty for all countries, and great pressure on ministers and Ministries of Health.
She said the only certain thing that could be said about Influenza viruses is that their behaviour is entirely unpredictable and no one can say how the current situation will evolve.
Chan said countries would, quite rightly, want to do everything possible to prevent the arrival of the virus or, once in a country, to delay its further spread and thus flatten the epidemiological peak.
She, however, said it was also important for countries to refrain from introducing economically and socially disruptive measures that lack solid scientific backing and bring no clear public health benefit.
"The rational use of travel- and trade-related measures is always wise. It is all the more wise at a time of severe economic downturn," Chan said.
WHO said in a statement, said it was not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus.
"Individuals who are ill should delay travel plans and returning travellers who fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. These recommendations are prudent measures which can limit the spread of many communicable diseases, including influenza," it said.
