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Ministers get H1N1 update

WHO updates Health Ministers on H1N1

Health ministers get H1N1 update from WHO expert

Dr Mike Ryan, Director Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response at the World Health Organization is updating Commonwealth Health Ministers about H1N1 influenza.

So far, six Commonwealth countries are affected: Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. There are 8451 cases worldwide.

Dr Ryan has highlighted the efficient and rapid spread from person to person – which he describes as a ‘developing situation’.

This virus differs from seasonal flu because it is affecting younger people with no previous immunity in the 5-45 year age group.

Schools were ‘lighthouses’ – showing the arrival of the virus and its establishment in the community, he said.

The vast majority were mild cases, but high risk groups do exist. We need to focus to ensure that those who do fall ill get adequate treatment, he said.

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