What is the situation in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region?
To date, WHO has been informed of 94 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with new influenza A(H1N1) virus from eleven countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Bahrain (13 cases), Egypt (26 cases), Jordan (2 cases), Kuwait (18 cases), Lebanon (11 cases), Morocco (3 cases), Palestine (2 cases), Qatar ( 3 cases),Saudi Arabia (14 cases), United Arab Emirates (1 case) and Yemen (1 case) .
Is there a concern that the new influenza A(H1N1) virus may mutate and reassort with avian Influenza virus H5N1 which is already circulating in some countries?
It is possible. The virus could mutate at any time and it could reassort with other influenza strains like H5N1.
WHO has declared pandemic alert phase 6, the highest on the pandemic alert system. However, you consider the pandemic as moderate... Can you explain this?
Phase 6 was declared because the criteria for declaring a pandemic have been met, i.e. the geographical distribution of the virus in different WHO regions. The degree of severity of the pandemic has to do with its health and social impact . The impact of a pandemic can range in scale from mild to severe. WHO assesses this pandemic, at this time, to be a "moderate" pandemic. However, we have to be prepared to face any increase in the severity of the pandemic that may occur as a result of change in the virulence of the virus.
When will the vaccine be manufactured?
We are very close to developing a vaccine. WHO is engaged in discussions with different pharmaceutical companies to ensure manufacture of sufficient quantities of vaccine to meet global needs. WHO will keep a strategic stock for distribution to the least developed countries and those who need it most. WHO will also work to support countries that have the potential to develop vaccines by facilitating transfer of the technology necessary for production.
What is meant by limiting medical interventions to the minimum?
This means limiting the use of the prescribed medicine to the patients who needs it, according to the advice of a physician. This is out of concern that the medicine might lose its effectiveness and the virus develop resistance against the medicine. For this reason WHO does not recommend individuals to keep the medicine in the home or to use the medicine without a doctor's prescription.
When to use a mask? Is there a recommended quality of mask?
- If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
- If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with
- that person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
- While in use, avoid touching the mask.
- Replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp.
- Do not re-use single-use masks
There are two main types of mask: a general one for use by the public and a specific one for use by health professionals. What is most important is to follow the correct method of use of the mask and to dispose of it safely so that the mask itself does not become a source of infection.
How long will the pandemic last?
It is difficult to know at this satge. Based on historical records, pandemics can last for years, and afterwards the pandemic virus may become one of the viruses causing seasonal influenza.
For the latest updates go to: http://www.emro.who.int/csr/h1n1/index.htm or www.who.int