Thursday, June 11, 2009

Update On Swine Flu Outbreak

World Health Organization Image Credit: Ben Heine Flickr

WHO to Member Countries: Flu Pandemic Has Begun

Today the World Health Organization is expected to issue an update to their previous alerts informing member countries that the flu pandemic has begun. This means that WHO has scientific verification that the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) is circling the globe. While WHO believes that this is a moderate outbreak and does not advocate that countries close their borders, they do state that 74 countries have reported 27, 737 cases that include 141 deaths. Agents of WHO have made it clear that most cases are actually mild and no treatment is required other than the standard flu medications. The scientific community is being urged to create a vaccine as early as possible but the greatest threat remains to poorer countries without access to adequate healthcare facilities.
Follow this link to get the latest numbers and figures from around the world at the World Health Organization.

We do not need to panic but use common sense and take precautions. Use good hand washing techniques and cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Also avoid close spaces and large crowded areas.

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