Global Swine Flu Outbreak Is Imminent

The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to phase 5 which means it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: April 29, 2009

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GENEVA (AP) - The World Health Organization has raised its
pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level, meaning
that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.
WHO says the phase 5 alert means there is sustained human to
human spread in at least two countries. It also signals that
efforts to produce a vaccine will be ramped up.
WHO has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United
States, Canada, Britain, Israel, New Zealand and Spain. Mexico and
the U.S. have reported deaths.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan made the decision Wednesday
to raise the alert level from phase 4 - signifying transmission in
only one country - after reviewing the latest scientific evidence
on the outbreak.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)