New name for swine flu

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says as from now the new influenza virus, currently tagged 'swine flu' will be known as influenza A(H1N1).

The WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases of influenza A (H1N1), monitoring the situation, providing up to date information on the potential threat of an influenza pandemic, tracking the situation as it evolves and offering access to both technical guidelines and useful information for the general public.

In the latest update as of the 30th April 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 257 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

In the United States there are 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death, in Mexico there have been 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths, 1 in Austria, 19 in Canada, 3 in Germany, 2 in Israel, 1 in the Netherlands, 3 in New Zealand, 13 in Spain, 1 in Switzerland and 8 in the United Kingdom - none of these laboratory confirmed cases have been fatal.

The WHO has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 but at present the WHO has not advised any restriction of regular travel or closure of borders but does say however that it would be 'prudent' for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

The WHO also reiterates that there is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products and recommends that people wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

In U.S. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also confirmed 109 cases - 50 in New York, 26 in Texas, 14 in California, 10 in South Carolina, 2 each in Kansas and Massachusetts, and 1 each in Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Michigan and Nevada.

Across the U.S. almost 300 schools are closed and many events have been cancelled or postponed.