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WHO Emergency Committee to reassess pandemic alert level

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-29 23:35

GENEVA -- As the swine flu situation continues to worsen, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Emergency Committee will meet for a third time to reassess the pandemic alert level, a WHO spokesman said on Wednesday.

"I'm just trying to find out whether the committee will convene today or tomorrow," spokesman Gregory Hartl said.

Full coverage:  Swine Flu Outbreak Related readings:  WHO recommends no border closure despite swine flu spread  Researchers race to develop swine flu vaccine  WHO raises global alert level on swine flu

Some media reports said the committee, composed of international experts, will meet late on Wednesday, but Hartl declined to confirm the date.

Following an advice from the Emergency Committee, the WHO raised the alert level from Phase 3 to Phase 4 on Monday, indicating a significant increase in the risk of a pandemic.

A further rise to Phase 5 will mean a pandemic is imminent.

Meanwhile, a scientific review is underway in the WHO on Wednesday in response to requests from the scientific community for more detailed scientific information on swine influenza.

Experts from the affected countries, including Mexico and the United States will provide an update on the current situation and discuss what is known about the disease from a virological, epidemiological and clinical perspective, a WHO statement said.

A report from the review will be posted on the WHO swine influenza page shortly after the meeting.