Swine Flu Pandemic Warning Raised to Level Five

"All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans," said Chan, advising countries to remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

A father and child both wear protective masks in Mexico City. (Photo courtesy World Bank)

"This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency, and at an accelerated pace," Chan advised.

Nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of the swine flu A/H1N1 infection. A total of eight people are confirmed to have died of the disease. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths. The U.S. government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death.

The first confirmed swine flu death in the United States happened in Houston. A 22-month-old boy from Mexico City who was hospitalized earlier this month in Brownsville, died Monday night in a Houston hospital.

A preliminary investigation indicates that on April 4 the boy had traveled with his family on a commercial flight from Mexico City to Matamoros, Mexico, for a visit with relatives in Brownsville, just across the Mexico-Texas border.

Swine flu was confirmed in laboratory testing done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Doctors believe the boy contracted the swine flu before coming to the United States.

Though an investigation continues, state health officials said the boy would not have been infectious on the Mexico-to-Matamoros flight and that none of the boy's known close contacts have subsequently become ill with influenza-like symptoms.

Mexico's Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova told reporters Tuesday that of the 159 deaths from serious atypical pneumonia or serious respiratory insufficiency possibly associated with flu, seven have been confirmed as swine flu.

Seven other countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

At this stage, says the World Health Organization, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

On the Mexico City Metro, some wear masks while others do not. (Photo courtesy World Bank)

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities, the world health agency said today.

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, WHO said.

A newly sworn member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet will lead the U.S. effort to address swine flu.

Tuesday night, former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The swearing-in was conducted hours after the Senate voted to confirm her, and she resigned as Kansas governor, flew to Andrews Air Force Base and came directly to the White House.

"We wanted to swear her in right away because we've got a significant public health challenge that requires her immediate attention," said the President. "It is something that we have to monitor very carefully. Others are doing a great job but we need all hands on deck," he said. "I expect her to hit the ground running."

The Department of Health and Human Services Sunday issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered swine flu virus.

Back in Geneva, Dr. Chan said she has reached out to donor countries, to the international drug purchase facility UNITAID, to the public-private immunization access GAVI Alliance, the World Bank and others to mobilize resources.

On Sunday, World Bank President Robert Zoellick announced that the bank will support Mexico's efforts to fight the spread of the swine flu virus with more than $205 million in fast disbursing funds. Funds will be disbursed within a period of three to five weeks.

Swin flu is a respiratory disease of pigs that can be transmitted to humans. (Photo by Omar Alonzo)

At the closing press conference of the World Bank/IMF spring meetings, Zoellick made the announcement together with Mexico's Finance Minister Agustin Carstens.

"We're extremely grateful for the prompt response by the World Bank - such promptness is always very, very appreciated," said Carstens. "But beyond resources, what is also important is all the experience that the World Bank has accumulated in precisely having assisted other countries in this type of situation."

US$25 million will be re-directed to this purpose from the ongoing Mexico health project PROCEDES to meet urgent needs such as the purchase of drugs and supplies.

In addition, the World Bank has started the preparation of a US$180 million project under a Global Facility for Avian Influenza to help the government of Mexico finance the full range of strategic, epidemiologic, regulatory, institutional, and operational activities needed for an effective response and allow for retroactive financing which would allow financing expenditures being made currently.

"Our first, second, and third focus is on people's health and lives," said Zoellick. He explained that the World Bank is also helping Mexico with the lessons learned from other similar experiences in fighting SARS and bird flu.

"Part of what we're doing is also connecting Mexico with other governments that have had this issue. When a government gets hit by this, it moves fast. The best thing you can do is talk to somebody else who has been through this crisis."

The U.S. Agency for International Development is providing an additional $5 million to the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization in emergency support for efforts to detect and contain the disease in Mexico.

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