It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
With most people breathing easier about H1N1 flu, the World Health Organization finds itself in a bind about how to respond to the continuing spread of the virus whose effects have proved mainly mild.
The United Nations agency's guidelines state that as soon as the virus starts spreading freely in two regions of the world, its six-point pandemic alert should be raised to the top notch.
With infection numbers rising in Europe, public health experts are struggling to decide whether it is worth sounding the full alarm over H1N1, which is treatable with existing drugs and appears less severe than seasonal flu in most cases.
Source: Reuters. Does WHO need to declare flu a full pandemic? Reuters
Originally posted by fleabit
But really, what will level 6 achieve, other than to panic people?
Cases so far are connected to "institutions" (schools I guess) and people connected to the sick person. They want to see it is popping up in the community at large before going to phase 6.
It would honestly reflect the WHO's system: once a flu is "spreading freely in two regions of the world" it qualifies as a pandemic. It also clarifies that a "second wave" is more likely - allowing naysayers the opportunity to educate themselves and prepare.
Originally posted by CultureD
I think we'll see a WHO Level 6 in a day or so.
news.xinhuanet.com...
Originally posted by CultureD
I know there is money to be made- and a level 6 would COST money- my feeling is that everyone knows this was level 6 a while ago-
instead, "they'll" keep writing scripts, report only deaths, not those who've contracted the virus,
Seems all in charge are waiting for the burn this fall,
and are doing their level best to prevent Level 6 until they have the boosted pharma economics, a cowed population, and a new re-assortment to get all the lemmings to report for their vaccine.
In re-reading this I sound paranoid- but I think it's a fairly accurate conclusion- thoughts?
The World Health Organization has confirmed at least 8480 human cases of swine flu in nearly 40 countries, mostly in the US and Mexico, including 72 deaths.
Japan reports dozens of new swine flu cases
The Associated Press
Originally posted by soficrow
The focus is now on the Southern Hemisphere as it enters its winter flu season. Whether or not a lethal pandemic strain emerges in the next 3-6 months will depend on how H1N1 moves and evolves in the world's Southern climes. There's no guarantee either way.
Originally posted by Walkswithfish
Originally posted by soficrow
The focus is now on the Southern Hemisphere as it enters its winter flu season. Whether or not a lethal pandemic strain emerges in the next 3-6 months will depend on how H1N1 moves and evolves in the world's Southern climes. There's no guarantee either way.
Sofi, I'm wondering why it is that virus' are worse in winter or in the cold?
Is it simply because people stay indoors when it is cold, gather indoors and spread it?
Or does climate actually play a role in defining a virus?