Follow up to previous postings on swine flu, from the World Health Organization (WHO) today: “Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO’s Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.”

• Statement by WHO Director-General
• NPR – Swine Flu: On The Edge Of A Pandemic
• Full coverage of swine influenza
• New York Times graphic: Tracking Swine Flu Cases Worldwide – “Health officials continue to report mild cases of swine flu throughout the United States and worldwide. The number of deaths in Mexico that officials suspect to have been caused by the flu is 159.”