Brazzaville, 30 April 2009 - The Africa Regional Office of the World Health Organization (AFRO) has launched a programme to combat the potential spread to Africa of the swine influenza A/H1N1 which, as at 29 April, had been officially reported in nine countries. No cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 have been reported in Africa.

"We have established a crisis management team at the Regional Office in Brazzaville to monitor the situation and to respond if necessary to any swine flu outbreaks. We are also working with countries to bolster their disease surveillance systems and to strengthen their contingency and epidemic preparedness and response plans," WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, said on Thursday.

He added that Regional Office was also undertaking a strategic pre-positioning of stockpiles of Tamiflu® and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout the Region as well as mapping laboratory and human resources capability at country and regional levels to enable WHO to support Member States to respond rapidly to any suspected outbreaks.

"Monitoring, early detection and laboratory confirmation of suspected cases as well as rapid response constitute our main focus at this stage," Dr Sambo added.
As of 18:00 GMT on 29 April 2009, nine countries worldwide had officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).
Meanwhile, based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General on Wednesday raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5.

She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing flu symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Technical contacts:

Dr Adamou Yada
Tel: + 47 241 39582
E-mail: yadaa [at] afro.who.int

Media contacts:

Samuel Ajibola
Tel : +47 241 39378
E-mail : ajibolas [at] afro.who.int