Swine flu, a global pandemic says WHO

Geneva, Jun 12: The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday, Jun 11 declared the first flu pandemic of the 21st century. The Swedish Health Ministry said that the United Nations agency was raising its pandemic flu alert to the top phase 6 on a six point scale, indicating the rate at which H1N1 influenza also known Swine Flu's is spreading.

This move by the WHO will trigger heightened health measures in the 193 member states as authorities brace for the worldwide spread of the virus that has so far caused mainly mild illness. The move to phase 6 states the fact that the viral disease was spreading geographically, but not necessarily indicate how virulent it is.

A pandemic could cause massive disruption to the business all over the world as workers stay home, because they are sick or to look after family members. Also authorities will restrict gatherings of large numbers of people or movement of people or goods.

World markets shrugged off the possibility of a pandemic, as investors focused on possible global economic recovery.

OneIndia News