"Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. […] On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history."
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From the statement by WHO Director-General, 29 April 2009, about Swine influenza.
Phase 5 means widespread human infection
. Sounds worse than it actually is, it’s translated to human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region
. I think the at least part is the key.
Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent, according to World Health Organization.
