The H1N1 influenza (Swine flu) has not received as much attention here lately as it turned out to be less lethal than suggested in initial reports, and the spread has diminished as influenza season ended in North America. That doesn’t mean it can be forgotten. The World Health Organization has now declared it to be a pandemic:
The swine flu (H1N1) virus first emerged in Mexico in April and has since spread to 74 countries.
Official reports say there have been nearly 30,000 cases globally and 141 deaths, with figures rising daily.
Hong Kong said it was closing all its nurseries and primary schools for two weeks following 12 school cases.
It is the first flu pandemic in 40 years – the last in 1968 killed about one million people.
However, the current pandemic seems to be moderate and causing mild illness in most people.
Most cases are occurring in young working age adults and a third to a half of complications are presenting in otherwise healthy people.
Dr Chan said: “We have evidence to suggest we are seeing the first pandemic of the 21st Century.
While there remains no reason for panic, there is the danger that the virus can evolve and potentially become more dangerous and could become a more serious problem in the United States when we get into the next flu season. I previously discussed the H1Ni influenza in posts including here.