The 2009 H1N1 "Swine Flu" Outbreak: An Overview
Abstract
On April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its influenza ("flu") pandemic alert level to Phase 5, one level below declaring that a global influenza pandemic was underway. According to WHO, "the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short." The WHO has increased the pandemic flu alert level in response to the spread of a new strain of influenza A subtype H1N1 virus. First identified in Mexico in March 2009, the novel flu strain has quickly spread to the United States, where, as of April 29, there are 91 confirmed cases of illness, including one death. Additional cases have been confirmed in several other countries. The new flu strain was initially dubbed "swine flu" because it contained genetic material from flu strains that normally circulate in swine. However, there has been no evidence to date that pigs are involved in the transmission of this virus. There have been concerns that the term "swine flu" has had unwarranted trade implications for swine and pork products, among other concerns. On April 30, 2009, WHO began referring to the new strain as influenza A(H1N1).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500418
Entities
People
- C. S. Redhead
- Sarah A. Lister
Organizations
- Library of Congress