WHO may declare swine flu pandemic as global figures top 1,100

Vancouver – (Updated 8:50 a.m.. Monday) – New figures of Swine Flu outbreak in the U.S. have now carried the global confirmed cases to over 1,100. A top official with the World Health Organization indicated a global pandemic may be declared.

B.C. has a total of  29. That pushes Canada’s official tally to 101, one of the highest per capita figures in the world.

The latest U.S. figures appear to show a growing menace. The Centers for Disease Control reported 36 U.S. states have now reported infections in 286 people, but the only reported death is a toddler from Mexico who died in Texas.

At the same time, World Health Organization head Dr. Margaret Chan has warned a Pandemic declaration could be imminent. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais published Monday, she warned against “complacency” saying the Swine Flu virus is unpredictable and is changing.

“Flu viruses are very unpredictable, very deceptive … We should not be over-confident. One must not give H1N1 the opportunity to mix with other viruses. That is why we are on alert.” she was quoted as telling El Pais.

20 countries have officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, the World Health Organization said in an update at 06.00 GMT (Monday). But WHO figures do not include latest information released by countries. For example, WHO lists Canada at 85 but latest Canadian figures are 101 confirmed cases. Nova Scotia and B.C. lead the nation in number of cases reported. In addition to that, some 70 new cases reported by the U.S. are not included.

“Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. The United States has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (101), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (2), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (4), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (40), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (15).

These figures continue to be outdated rapidly as countries report their cases before the information gets to WHO.

WHO also discussed the latest complication in the global Swine Flu situation – the confirmed Swine Flu infection in 200 pigs in Alberta. The herd was infected by a human.

“Canada on 2 May reported the identification of the A(H1N1) virus in a swine herd in Alberta. It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian farm worker recently returned from Mexico, who had exhibited flu-like symptoms and had contact with the pigs,” said the statement from WHO.

“There is no indication of virus adaptation through transfer from human to pigs at this time,” the world organization said.

“There is 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.”

Related posts:

1. B.C. has highest swine flu cases in Canada
2. Less than half of Canadians concerned about catching Swine Flu: Poll
3. First case of pigs catching Swine Flu from humans reported in Alberta
4. B.C. warns about travel as Mexico shuts schools, public places to stop new flu virus

Posted by News Editor on May 3 2009. Filed under Canada, Health, More News, More News, Swine Flu. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry