WHO declares H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 11 raised the alert
level of H1N1 (swine flu) to phase-6, or pandemic status.
The H1N1 outbreak has spread to 74 countries, and is the first outbreak to reach WHO's global pandemic designation in 41 years, according to The New York Times. As of June 11 there were 30,000 confirmed cases.
The WHO considers the severity of the H1N1 pandemic to be moderate, reflecting that:
"No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning," said Margaret Chan, MD, WHO Director-General. "The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness.
"We have a head start. This places us in a strong position. But it also creates a demand for advice and reassurance in the midst of limited data and considerable scientific uncertainty."
Visit AORN's H1N1 resource center for more information, including resources specific to perioperative nursing care.
Read more news in AORN Management Connections.
The H1N1 outbreak has spread to 74 countries, and is the first outbreak to reach WHO's global pandemic designation in 41 years, according to The New York Times. As of June 11 there were 30,000 confirmed cases.
The WHO considers the severity of the H1N1 pandemic to be moderate, reflecting that:
- Most people recover from infection without need for hospitalization or medical care
- Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A (H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions
- Overall, hospitals and healthcare systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some have been stressed in some localities
"No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning," said Margaret Chan, MD, WHO Director-General. "The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness.
"We have a head start. This places us in a strong position. But it also creates a demand for advice and reassurance in the midst of limited data and considerable scientific uncertainty."
Visit AORN's H1N1 resource center for more information, including resources specific to perioperative nursing care.
Read more news in AORN Management Connections.