posted on Apr, 26 2009 @ 09:38 AM
I don't understand why the WHO won't raise to a Phases 4. Clearly, people all over the globe are not immune to this strain. Who cares if they
aren't dying like those in Mexico, the flu can kill any time, anyone, any where. Not to mention that the more it spreads in humans, the higher the
chance of another mutation.
WHO states that Phases 3 is
"an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus has caused sporadic cases or small clusters of disease in people, but has not resulted in
human-to-human transmission sufficient to sustain community-level outbreaks. Limited human-to-human transmission may occur under some circumstances,
for example, when there is close contact between an infected person and an unprotected caregiver. However, limited transmission under such restricted
circumstances does not indicate that the virus has gained the level of transmissibility among humans necessary to cause a pandemic."
Phase 4 is
"is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level
outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any
country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made
by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of
a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion. "
There is definitely human to human transmission and Mexico clearly has a sustained "community outbreak."
[edit on 26-4-2009 by sickofitall2012]