The H1N1 pandemic that began in the spring of 09 is now officially over, says the World health Organization (WHO). Speaking of Hong Kong on a conference call this afternoon, WHO Director Margaret Chan said "we are now entering the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course. "
The decision reflects the unanimous recommendation of the appointed WHO Emergency Committee, which based its conclusion on recent epidemiological and virological information, especially the southern hemisphere, where flu season is in full swing.
Although the new H1N1 virus is still there and will continue to cause illness, it has become much like any other strain flu, Chan said, not causing most cases of flu, or the outbreak of epidemics during the summer. most experts predict the virus will continue to circulate as an annual strain, and another influenza a strain called H3N2 and influenza B.
on the recommendation of the emergency Committee, WHO officially declared the pandemic 11 June 09, some 3 months after it is believed to have the virus claimed its first victims in Mexico. Since then, there have been some 18,500 laboratory confirmed deaths from the virus, flu expert Keiji Fukuda of the WHO told reporters today in Geneva. The actual toll is believed to be higher; Studies are underway to estimate the total number of excess deaths caused by the virus.
Chan again defended the decision of his agency against accusations that WHO had overreacted and publicized the threat. WHO has always stressed that the pandemic was of "moderate severity," she said, while warning that the virus caused a particularly serious disease in some pregnant women and young adults.
Asked about his feelings now that the episode is over, Chan said: "Do I feel happy that I feel tired, I feel at the time?". She warned that countries must remain vigilant, however, and monitor any unusual behavior by the virus.
The WHO has also been criticized for keeping secret the names of its Emergency Committee, a measure to shield those experts of the excessive pressure. Chan said the names will be published today, but so far they have not appeared on the WHO H1N1 website
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