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Swine Flu Alert Expected to Hit Highest Level

WHO prepares to issue pandemic warning

By Amelia Atlas,  Newser User

Posted May 3, 2009 7:28 AM CDT

(Newser) – Despite an apparent slowing of the pace of reported cases of swine flu, the World Health Organization is expected to raise its infectious disease alert to the highest level, reports the Los Angeles Times. The current Phase 5 alert level means the disease has spread to at least two countries with increasing outbreaks. But if there is more evidence of person-to-person transmission, WHO will declare a Phase 6 pandemic.

Thus far, there have been only a small number of cases outside of North America, but the increased alert levels are seen as a warning to less industrialized nations that they should be taking precautionary measures. WHO is sending developing countries antiviral drugs from its emergency supply as Italy and Ireland have confirmed cases. "We have to expect that Phase 6 will be reached; we have to hope that it is not," said one official.

Michael Ryan, WHO Director of Global Alert and Response, looks on prior to a press conference about the A H1N1 Flu at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland,  May 2, 2009.
Michael Ryan, WHO Director of Global Alert and Response, looks on prior to a press conference about the A H1N1 Flu at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, May 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Martial Trezzini)
The Malaysian government put its health dept. on high alert after the WHO raised the swine flu pandemic alert to level 5, even as no related case has been reported in this country sp far.
The Malaysian government put its health dept. on high alert after the WHO raised the swine flu pandemic alert to level 5, even as no related case has been reported in this country sp far.   (AP Photo/Gary Chuan)
A Navy sailor wearing full body protective gear guards the entrance to the area where people with swine flu-like symptoms are treated at the Naval hospital in Mexico City, Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
A Navy sailor wearing full body protective gear guards the entrance to the area where people with swine flu-like symptoms are treated at the Naval hospital in Mexico City, Tuesday, April 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jose Manuel Jimenez)
Workers put on masks and full body suits at a checkpoint before getting in Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in suburban Hong Kong Saturday, May 2, 2009.
Workers put on masks and full body suits at a checkpoint before getting in Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in suburban Hong Kong Saturday, May 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
Police officers wearing masks stand guard as they seal off Metro Park Hotel in Hong Kong Saturday, May 2, 2009 as the first swine flu victim in the city was confirmed to have stayed there.
Police officers wearing masks stand guard as they seal off Metro Park Hotel in Hong Kong Saturday, May 2, 2009 as the first swine flu victim in the city was confirmed to have stayed there.   (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)
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