William Atkins
Tuesday, 29 December 2009 19:45
Science -
Health
Page 1 of 3
The leader of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, that the pandemic called H1N1 influenza (flu) virus will likely remain a major health problem into 2011.
According to the 12.29.2009 Reuters article “
May take a year to conquer H1N1 flu pandemic: WHO,” WHO director-general
Margaret Chan stated (per an interview with the Geneva, Switzerland-based newspaper
Le Temps) that:
"I
think we must remain prudent and observe the evolution of the pandemic
in the course of the next six to 12 months before crying victory.”
The H1N1 influenza (flu) virus, formally called Influenza A (H1N1) virus and commonly called “swine flu,” is a subtype of influenza A virus.
Generally, swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic (prevalent) in pigs.
As of the end of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.
Dr. Chan, who is from the People's Republic of China, added,
"It is too soon to say that we have passed the peak of the (H1N1) flu pandemic on a worldwide scale... Winter is still long.”
Within the Geneva interview, Chan also stated that another flu virus, such as one from H5N1 bird flu virus, would be very difficult to confront by the world's countries while still in the grip of the H1N1 flu virus.
Chan stated,
"I say it without hesitation: we are not at all ready. I really hope that the world doesn't ever have to confront a bird flu pandemic.”
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