Cases of A/H1N1 -- or swine flu -- continue to occur, with more than 200 countries throughout the world having reported cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic level is currently set at 6, the highest level. It should be stressed that this rating reflects the geographical spread of the disease, rather than its severity; the WHO considers the severity of the pandemic to be moderate. In January 2010 the WHO director-general likened the pandemic to those that occurred in 1957 and 1968 rather than the much more severe pandemic of 1918. The WHO has also concluded that, while virus transmission remains active, the pandemic has peaked and is easing in most of the northern hemisphere. International health officials still remain cautious about how the situation will develop when the southern hemisphere enters the winter season.
While A/H1N1-related fatalities continue to occur, most cases have been mild. Often, hospitalization is not required, and victims experience symptoms similar to seasonal influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue). A/H1N1 is spread by human-to-human contact. For most individuals, regular flu precautions should provide adequate protection. This includes avoiding close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms, frequent hand washing, using bacterial wipes to sanitize surfaces and other good health habits. (Please see the FAQ section on this Pandemic Planning site for more information on steps to limit exposure.)
Currently, no international agencies or national governments have travel bans in place due to A/H1N1. In an effort to control the spread of the virus, several countries introduced measures such as screenings at border crossing points and/or quarantines for travelers. In some locations the measures that were introduced when concern about the virus are at their peak have been withdrawn, but in some countries screenings continue. These policies may change with little prior notice and their implementation may be inconsistent. Before leaving for a trip, travelers should check as thoroughly as possible to see what measures their destination country is likely to use to limit the spread of the A/H1N1 virus.
MEDEX advises individuals and organizations to follow local public health recommendations.
MEDEX is continually monitoring the situation and will provide information as it becomes available. The latest open-source information available can be found in the Travel Advisories and the Intelligence Updates section on this Pandemic Planning site.
