May 22, 2009. WHO Director Expects Numbers of H1N1 Cases to Increase Worldwide
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
On 22 May 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Margaret Chan stated that the WHO expects the number of cases of the A/H1N1 (swine flu) virus to increase throughout the world. However, Chan stated that the WHO does not expect a sudden rise in severe illnesses or deaths. Chan stated that she will not hesitate to raise the pandemic alert level to 6, the highest level, if there is evidence that the virus is a global phenomenon. Under the current definitions, a level 6 indicates sustained transmission in two or more WHO-defined regions. Chan has come under pressure from several governments to factor in the severity of the virus before she makes a decision, as the situation now appears less serious than originally feared. Most of the confirmed cases worldwide appear to be relatively mild and there is concern that raising the rating to a 6 would cause unnecessary panic. Chan has cautioned that the 5 and 6 levels are virtually identical in terms of measures that the WHO would recommend that governments take, including the development and production of vaccines in anticipation of the virus' spread. The WHO has confirmed more than 11,000 cases of swine flu and 86 deaths. The virus has spread to 42 countries.
On 21 May the Mexico City government lowered the swine flu alert level from yellow to green, the lowest level. The government has not confirmed any new cases of swine flu in Mexico City in the past week. Mayor Marcelo Ebrard stated that the risk of contagion is now low and that there is no longer any need to wear surgical masks in public. However, Ebrard stressed the need for residents to remain vigilant and use proper hand-washing techniques.
In the Philippines on 22 May, the Manila International Airport Authority stated that it is increasing its security measures at local airports due to the first case of the H1N1 virus being reported on the same day. Officials indicated that 10 additional thermal scanners have been deployed and that all passengers on international flights will have to undergo thermal scanning before they enter the capital city's main airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (RPLL/MNL), in Pasay City. Training programs have also been initiated for airport personnel. Two medical teams will be assigned to check all passengers coming from countries affected by the swine flu, including the United States, Mexico, Canada and Spain to name a few. The first confirmed case in the Philippines is a 10-year-old girl who arrived from the United States and Canada earlier this week. The girl's immediate family has been quarantined and prescribed flu medication. Seven additional individuals are currently under observation in capital; however, tests have yet to reveal whether or not they are infected with the H1N1 strain of the virus.
Meanwhile, in Australia on 22 May, the government raised the swine flu alert after 10 new cases emerged over the course of the previous week. The upgrade placed the country at a "contain" level versus that of its previous level of "delay." There are three additional levels of the government's pandemic response plan. As is the case with many government plans, the level increase will only apply to states that require it and will not be a basis for a universal countrywide response. Currently, one high school in Adelaide has been shut down for the next week, after authorities confirmed a student was infected with the swine flu. As a precaution, more than 40 students are being treated with an anti-viral drug to contain the virus.
In Taiwan, officials confirmed that a second case of swine flu was identified in a student who returned from the United States on 21 May. The health minister reassured the public that a mass outbreak was unlikely before the end of June. The student reportedly transited through Hong Kong and is currently quarantined at a local hospital near the airport. Other passengers on the flight from Hong Kong are currently being sought out and screened for symptoms.
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