Worldwide Pandemic Alert for Swine Flu Raised to Phase 5

April 29, 2009 – The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level , indicating that a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.

The World Health Organization declared the Phase 5 alert after consulting with flu experts from around the world. This decision could lead the global body to recommend additional measures to combat the outbreak, including for vaccine manufacturers to switch production from seasonal flu vaccines to a pandemic vaccine.

In addition, the World Health Organization has stated that ALL countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. A Phase 5 alert means there is sustained transmission among people in at least two countries. Once the virus shows effective transmission in two different regions of the world, a full pandemic outbreak — Phase 6 — would be declared, meaning a global epidemic of a new and deadly disease.

The IAFF will be launching a comprehensive online resource center this week to provide tools and up-to-date information to help protect members from swine flu.

For the latest information from the Department of Health and Human Services, click here.