H1N1 Influenza Spreading Rapidly – Tracking Cases Futile, Says WHO
A report from the World Health Organization WHO stated that the H1N1 Influenza pandemic virus is now the most swiftly spreading pandemic virus to date and that asking member countries to survey statistical data on every case or even count new cases is futile. The WHO, a United Nations agency, has now asked associated nations not to bother reporting on total case numbers of the phase 6 pandemic virus. The newly revised plan is to have nations begin detailing illness clusters of more severe infections or groups of fatalities caused specifically by the pandemic flu as well as unique samples of illness.
The WHO sees continued case reporting as redundant and that further spreading of the virus as being unavoidable. The statement continued that the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 has now become a worldwide problem and its spread has been unparalleled in its speed. Earlier pandemics have required over six months to extend as far as the H1N1 virus has swelled in under six weeks time.
The International health organization claims it is nearing the impossible for its global health network to continue tracking cases of illness saying it is time consuming and diverting valuable resources such as laboratory staffing time and health services. It is no longer necessary nor supportive to count cases in order to establish the viruses risk levels.
The WHO also declared it would not be reporting worldwide statistical charts offering cursory details that established verified cases for all nations afflicted with H1N1 virus. The latest figures showed as of July 6th, 2009 to be 94,512 confirmed cases and 429 fatalities. Medical experts agreed the numbers were skewed due to the number of mild and moderate cases of illness that went untreated by physicians and therefore unreported.
It is well understood by the experts that H1N1 virus thus far has resulted in innumerably mild sickness that wound up resolving on its own within a week or so, they still believe continuing vigilance is vital to observe any strange patterns with the virus. They recommended local health officials monitor any surge in non-attendance from learning facilities, businesses and workplaces or runs at hospital emergency wards.
They want to continue to be advised by health services confirming initial cases of H1N1 virus in specific countries previously unaffected. In countries where there is already virus transmission at the community level such as Canada, tracking should center on any unique actions by the illness and observing any virus modification which could be critical to vaccine production.