H1N1 declared pandemic by World Health Organization

Published June 16, 2009
By Master Sgt. Kelley Stewart
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The World Health Organization declared the H1N1 influenza a pandemic and raised the alert to Pandemic 6 June 11.

According to the WHO, Pandemic 6 is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region. It is also characterized by human-to-human spread in at least two WHO countries.

"The virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another and from one country to another. As of today (June 11), nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries," said Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan.

According to U.S. Army Europe, H1N1 is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs.

Although it is rare for people to get the H1N1 flu, it does happen. There are now four new confirmed cases of H1N1 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the U.S. European Command to six.

"Nobody other than six patients has presented H1N1 influenza symptoms to date," said Col. Evelyn Barraza, European Regional Medical Command preventative medicine consultant. "We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch.

"No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness," Dr. Chan said.

The H1N1 virus infects younger people - usually people under the age of 25. Most of the severe cases occurred in people who have chronic conditions like respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and obesity. Pregnant women are also at increased risk for catching this virus.

Currently the WHO has recommended there be no restrictions on travel and no border closures. The WHO has also sent guidance to countries' health ministries or health departments on protective and precautionary measures.

EUCOM has not placed travel restrictions on people traveling around Europe either. However, it is recommended that if you're ill, do not use mass transit systems, fly or be in confined spaces so as not to spread germs.

In an April 29 Department of Homeland Security announcement, the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Agriculture are working to help stop the spread of H1N1 in the United States and to ensure there are no animal cases of H1N1.

It is recommended that people do the following to prevent the spread of germs that can cause the spread of respiratory illnesses:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissues in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- If you come down with flu like symptoms, call a health care provider. He or she can determine if influenza testing or treatment is required.
- If you do come down with influenza, stay home and limit contact with others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid spreading germs.

Go to www.eucom.mil to get common facts on H1N1. This site also links to the Centers for Disease Control, the WHO and the Department of Defense Pandemic Influenza Watch board. People can also visit the ERMC's Web site at www.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil to get more information on the H1N1 flu.

H1N1 influenza declared a pandemic