WHO to re look alert system

Reported by: Yoko

The World Health Organisation may alter its pandemic warning system after some countries said that raising the alert over the current Influenza A (H1N1) threat could create confusion and cause a loss of confidence. The agency will ask a group of scientists and public health officials over the next few weeks for advice on how to improve the decade-old alert system, said Dr Keiji Fukuda, WHO's assistant director- general of health security and environment.

Cases worldwide have more than doubled in the pass two weeks as the virus became established in countries outside North America, where it was discovered about six weeks ago. Still, the WHO wants to see more evidence of a widespread community transmission before declaring the first influenza pandemic since 1968, Dr Fukuda said.

British Health Secretary, Alan Johnson said that WHO should have the flexibility to us emerging knowledge about the H1N1 flu in deciding whether the outbreak is sufficiently serious to raise the pandemic to the highest of its six level scale.

By yesterday, 48 countries had reported almost 13,500 cases, all which included 95 deaths. More cases were reported in Australia, Japan and South Korea. Singapore had reported also, its 4Th case and Bahrain reported its first case. All these numbers show how dangerous H1N1 is, and the public is strongly advised to practice good hygiene habits.

Labels: reports

WHO to re look alert system

Reported by: Yoko

The World Health Organisation may alter its pandemic warning system after some countries said that raising the alert over the current Influenza A (H1N1) threat could create confusion and cause a loss of confidence. The agency will ask a group of scientists and public health officials over the next few weeks for advice on how to improve the decade-old alert system, said Dr Keiji Fukuda, WHO's assistant director- general of health security and environment.

Cases worldwide have more than doubled in the pass two weeks as the virus became established in countries outside North America, where it was discovered about six weeks ago. Still, the WHO wants to see more evidence of a widespread community transmission before declaring the first influenza pandemic since 1968, Dr Fukuda said.

British Health Secretary, Alan Johnson said that WHO should have the flexibility to us emerging knowledge about the H1N1 flu in deciding whether the outbreak is sufficiently serious to raise the pandemic to the highest of its six level scale.

By yesterday, 48 countries had reported almost 13,500 cases, all which included 95 deaths. More cases were reported in Australia, Japan and South Korea. Singapore had reported also, its 4Th case and Bahrain reported its first case. All these numbers show how dangerous H1N1 is, and the public is strongly advised to practice good hygiene habits.

Labels: reports