Blossoms Healthcare continues to monitor the 'Swine Flu' outbreak.

As of 06:00 GMT, 20 May 2009, 41 countries have officially reported 10,243 cases of influenza A)H1N1) infection, including 80 deaths.  The mortality rate of A(H1N1) is comparable with, although in most countries lower than, seasonal influenza.

Although the mortality rate remains low, Japan has developed community-level spread of A(H1N1), which as a region distinct from the Americas is a trigger for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Phase 6 level alert.  The criteria for Phase 6 are based upon "community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region".

The situation in Japan may meet these criteria, although the WHO is currently considering the situation.  In most European countries the virus has moved from person to person within the country, cases have been limited and mostly occurred between co-habiting people.

In response to a question on pandemic alert phase change yesterday the WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, explained that the definition of WHO's influenza preparedness phases was developed against the backdrop of H5N1 avian flu.

A(H1N1) has a very different clinical picture, which is so far mostly mild and self limiting, unlike H5N1, which has a 50% to 60% mortality rate.  Dr Chan also said that some Member States had asked that the WHO reflect criteria other than geographical spread before moving to Phase 6 (Japan and the UK have urged the WHO to reconsider its definitions given that A(H1N1) flu does not currently appear to cause severe illness in most people).

The most considered health advice remains to continue to maintain personal hygiene standards, avoid obviously sick people and seek medical support (by phone if possible) if symptoms present.

Blossoms will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and advice to clients when appropriate, however, please do feel free to contact our team at any time if there's anything we can do to help.