Phase 5

Flu Pandemic Alert Raised To Phase 6

11 June 2009 -- 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.

The Current WHO Phase Of Pandemic Alert Is 5.

29 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009,

Click On Picture To Enlarge

Current WHO phase of pandemic alert

Current phase of alert in the WHO global influenza preparedness plan

In the 2009 revision of the phase descriptions, WHO has retained the use of a six-phased approach for easy incorporation of new recommendations and approaches into existing national preparedness and response plans. The grouping and description of pandemic phases have been revised to make them easier to understand, more precise, and based upon observable phenomena. Phases 1–3 correlate with preparedness, including capacity development and response planning activities, while Phases 4–6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, periods after the first pandemic wave are elaborated to facilitate post pandemic recovery activities.

The current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 5.

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 New Zealander who contracted swine flu just over a week ago in Mexico City (17th April 2009) has described it as like being on fire. Derek von Sturmer, who is currently living in Mexico City.