WHO declares global swine flu pandemic
THE WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the first global swine flu pandemic in 41 years.
Health experts had widely expected the infection to be raised to pandemic level six, since it first emerged in Mexico and America in April.
In a statement released today, WHO said: "At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterised globally as being moderate in severity."
It urged nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade, adding: "(We) remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."
The last pandemic - the Hong Kong flu of 1968 - killed around one million people while the common flu virus kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
The new flu strain, dubbed A(H1N1), has spread to 74 countries around the globe, killing 141 people.
WHO has stressed that most cases are mild and require no treatment, but the fear is that a rash of new infections could overwhelm hospitals and health authorities, especially in poorer countries.
The move came Thursday as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.
The decision to raise the alert level from five to six was made after the U.N. health agency held an emergency meeting on swine flu with its experts.
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