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| -Signs, Portents, and the Weather- |
| WHO declares first pandemic in 40 years |
| 2009-06-12 |
* WHO declares first pandemic in 40 years * Victoria a key trigger for move to phase 6 * WHO advises against border closures THE World Health Organisation declared the first flu pandemic of the 21st century early this morning (AEST) urging countries to shore up defences against the virus which is "not stoppable" but has proved mainly mild so far. |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #2 A pandemic declaration is based on the spread of the illness and not necessarily upon how deadly it is. Of the four influenza pandemics in modern times, 1918 Spanish Flu, the 1957 Asian Flu and the 1968 Hong Kong Flu, this outbreak appears to be the mildest. That could change but for now we have an influenza pandemic from a mild strain. This declaration puts national governments on the spot. Most have prepared a pandemic flu plan with the steps that they would take when a pandemic is declared. For many nations, this means expenditure of money and resources they do not have. As with many international agreements, the wealthier countries are far readier and able to comply. The United States plan can be found at PandemicFlu.gov. The plan provides for eventualities such as a very deadly illness that might require internal travel restrictions and quarantines. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are your best source for authoritative information about influenza, swine flu, and the steps you should be taking. |
| Posted by: Chuck Simmins 2009-06-12 10:26 |
| #1 Horse. Barn Door. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2009-06-12 08:03 |