WHO declares swine flu crisis a health emergency

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http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_12226439

WHO declares swine flu crisis a health emergency

The Associated Press

Posted: 04/25/2009 09:15:55 AM MDT

Updated: 04/25/2009 02:28:58 PM MDT

GENEVA—The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreak in

North America a " public health emergency of international concern. "

The decision means countries around the world will be asked to step up reporting

and surveillance of the disease implicated in dozens of human deaths in Mexico

and at least eight nonfatal cases in the U.S.

WHO fears the outbreak could spread to other countries and is calling for a

coordinated response to contain it.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan made the decision late Saturday after

consulting influenza experts during an emergency meeting.

She earlier told reporters the outbreak had " pandemic potential. "

But her agency held off raising its pandemic alert level, citing the need for

more information.