The World Health Organization has decided to use Influenza A(H1N1) rather than ‘swine influenza’ as the official name for the novel influenza virus which is rapidly spreading around the world.

The name change is partly an attempt to clarify any confusion as to whether pig-meat is safe to eat. On this issue WHO states: “There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.”

WHO’s latest sit rep reads as follows:

The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 06:00 GMT, 1 May 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.htm

•Date:1st May 2009• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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