WHO Declares End to H1N1 Pandemic

(August 12, 2010) - The World health Organization (WHO) says the H1N1 flu pandemic is over. (Read about "Influenza") The so-called swine flu spread around the world in 2009. Surfacing first in Mexico and the United States in the spring. During the pandemic, the H1N1 virus crowded out other influenza viruses to become the dominant virus. WHO says this is no longer the case. Many countries are reporting a mix of influenza viruses, again as is typically seen during seasonal epidemics.

"The world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert. We are now moving into the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course, " says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. "As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come."

As of 1 August 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18449 deaths.

Recently published studies indicate that 20-40 percent of populations in some areas have been infected by the H1N1 virus and thus have some level of protective immunity. Many countries report good vaccination coverage.

The H1N1 virus is one of the viruses that will be in the flu vaccine this coming season. Doses are expected to be available in late September to early October.