Category Archives Issue 302

The World Health Organization (WHO) this week raised its influenza alert to the second-highest level as an outbreak of H1N1 virus–also known as swine flu–continues to surface across the globe. First identified in Mexico, H1N1 has spread to the United States and several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have thus far confirmed 109 cases in 11 states, while Mexican officials have reported at least 2,500 suspected illnesses and 170 deaths. “All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans,” stated WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. “At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.” See GMA Press Release and FoodNavigator-USA. com, April 27, 2009; WHO Press Release, MSNBC.com and The London Times, April 29, 2009; The New York Times, May 1,…