WHO Could Declare End to H1N1 Pandemic This Week

[indigo girl]

H5N1: Branswell: WHO could declare end of H1N1 pandemic this week

And, then again, they might not...Only WHO knows, and, they might be wrong. They could certainly decide to announce a lesser phase to be in effect. That would make sense. Then, they could reverse it, if they needed to do so, depending on the evolving situation.

The H1N1 pandemic is likely to be officially consigned to the history books in the next week or so, says Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization.

Chan suggests that the global health agency and the experts that advise it on this matter are feeling increasingly confident the virus responsible for the 2009 pandemic is acquiring the patterns of seasonal flu viruses.

The "all clear" could be sounded after that meeting, though outbreaks of H1N1 in schools in parts of New Zealand may delay the decision a little.

"We need to look at the situation. Another week or two? I cannot predict," Chan says.

The call will be made on advice from the emergency committee and with input of the countries currently most affected by H1N1 activity. New Zealand officials will be questioned on how the virus is behaving there. And the committee will likely want to hear from India, which is reporting quite a bit of H1N1 activity of late.

[indigo girl]

Classrooms Empty as Flu Strikes New Zealand

Classrooms empty as flu strikes - Local News - Hawkes Bay Today

Classrooms have been left empty as flu-like illnesses sweep through some Hawke's Bay schools.

Twyford school principal Ross McLeod said 50 children out of the school's 170 pupil roll had been away every day this week.

"It's like it's just suddenly arrived," he said.

Clive School principal Brian Eales said about 30 per cent of the school's roll were away two weeks ago, with some whole classes away.

(hat tip pfi/monotreme)

[indigo girl]

Pune, India

83 H1N1 deaths in India in past one week: Govt. | NetIndian | India News | Latest News from India | Breaking News from India | Latest Headlines

It's not over just yet over there. 83 dead in one week, but it is a big country.

It's not even flu season yet which makes me wonder what happens then...

As many as 83 people died of influenza A (H1N1) in India in the week ended August 8, an official statement from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said here today.

Of the 83 deaths, 51 occurred in Maharashta, 12 in Karnaaka, 7 in Gujarat, 6 in Andhra Pradesh, 2 in Orissa and 1 each in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

A total of 942 fresh cases of the flu were reported during the week, including 400 in Maharashtra, 200 in Karnataka, 106 in Delhi and 105 in Andhra Pradesh, the statement added.

(hat tip pfi/monotreme)