Swine flu update – Alert from phase 5 to 6

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), on 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths. On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 (widespread human infection).

India is at the alert level of 4. As per officials of Ministry of Health, India has no reason to be alarmed. Only 15 confirmed positive cases have been reported so far.