The W.H.O. yesterday declared that the present outbreak of influenza A/H1N1 now has reached the level of a pandemic, i.e. a world wide epidemic. The W.H.O. consider the influenza to be moderately severe.
In the W.H.O. update from June 11th, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths.
Source: W.H.O.
Comment
The declaration that the influenza A/H1N1 outbreak has reached the level of a pandemic, a world wide epidemic, does not mean that the infection has before more serious, jut that it is spreading in many countries.
The declaration of a pandemic has so far not any implications for travellers, but travellers who want to avoid countries where the infection is spreading rapidly will find a daily update of the infection in each country at the W.H.O. website.
The W.H.O. do not recommend any restrictions on international travel, but individual countries could be tempted to introduce restrictions for instance using whole body scanners to screen for arrving passengers with fever, even though this will not prevent spread of the infection.
Planned travels should not be cancelled due to influenza in the country of destination, but if belonging to a risk cathegory which is recommended an immunization against seasonal influenza, the only measure which can be taken, is to bring either Tamiflu or Relenza for self treatment.