WHO made an emergency announcement on 30th April, 2009 that it will refer to the new influenza virus as Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.
It raised its alert to a phase 5 - its second-highest level - meaning there has been sustained human-to-human spread of the virus in at least two countries.
Until 1 May 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.\
WHO is working round the clock to avoid panic and issue up to date information regarding the swine flu virus. Some countries like Egypt began slaughtering thousands of pigs in a misguided effort to prevent the flu which led to immediate name change announcement by WHO today.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness
Netherlands is the latest country to announce its first H1NI influenza case confirmation today in a 3 year old child who returned from holidays in Mexico. He is recovering well after an in hospital treatment.
Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Once a human becomes infected via cross infection which is very rare, he or she can then spread the virus to other humans, presumably in the same way as seasonal influenza is spread (ie, via coughing or sneezing).
High morbidity and mortality are associated with this virus with 10 deaths reported so far in the world among the 331 infected cases so far in 11 countries.
Manifestations of swine influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Patients present with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including at least 2 of the following: Fever ,cough ,sore throat ,body aches ,headache ,chills and fatigue ,diarrhoea and vomiting
Persons with these symptoms should call their health care provider promptly. If an antiviral agent is warranted, it should ideally be initiated with 48 hours from the onset of symptoms. Illness typically lasts for 4-6 days. The infectious period for a confirmed case is defined as 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms to 7 days after onset.
Treatment is mainly supportive in the form of bed rest and analgesics for myalgias. Initiation of antiviral agents within 48 hours of symptom onset is imperative for providing treatment efficacy against influenza virus.
Drugs indicated for treatment of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus include neuraminidase inhibitors (ie, oseltamivir and zanamivir).
