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Spread of Swine Flu 'Unstoppable': WHO

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 3, 2009 1:47 PM CDT
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(Newser) – World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan told a summit in Mexico today that, though most cases of swine flu were not deadly, the virus cannot be stopped, the BBC reports. “With well over 100 countries reporting cases, once a fully fit pandemic virus emerges, its further international spread is unstoppable,” Chan said—adding that public perception is also tough to control.

Chan told the gathering of international experts that most cases of the H1N1 virus—which has killed 300 worldwide—resolved themselves without treatment, but that pregnant women and the infirm were at risk. “For a pandemic of moderate severity,” she said, “this is one of our greatest challenges: helping people to understand when they do not need to worry, and when they do need to seek urgent care.”

World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan is seen on large TV screens as she speaks at the Lessons Learned and Preparedness of Swine Flu summit in Cancun, Mexico.
World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan is seen on large TV screens as she speaks at the "Lessons Learned and Preparedness of Swine Flu" summit in Cancun, Mexico.   (AP Photo)
Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization.
Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization.   (AP Photo)
World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan talks with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.
World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan talks with US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.   (AP Photo)
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Mexico's Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos, and World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan in Cancun.
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Mexico's Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos, and World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan in Cancun.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
riffran
Jul 4, 2009 10:48 AM CDT
oh and to make things oh so bright and cheery..lol...TB is making a comeback, (never was quite gone, but with the scope of multinational cultures getting more people from third world areas...it's getting worse)...
riffran
Jul 4, 2009 10:45 AM CDT
what pandemic was that?....just curious, U.S. or abroad?

 
United Nations • Mexico • Cancun • World Health Organization • summit meeting • pandemic • swine flu • Margaret Chan • H1N1 virus

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