LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization's flu chief says the swine flu virus is now the predominant flu strain worldwide.
Dr. Keiji Fukuda (KAY'-jee fuh-KOO'-duh) says in some countries, swine flu accounts for up to 70 percent of the flu viruses being sampled.
While most people recover from the illness without needing medical treatment, officials are also continuing to see severe cases in people under 65 — people who are not usually at risk during regular flu seasons.
Fukuda told reporters in London the swine flu virus appears to be fairly stable, and that samples from around the world remain very similar to when the virus was first identified in April.
Fukuda says the agency is also monitoring the impact of the virus on particularly susceptible populations.
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<<CUT …189 (11/05/09)>> 00:11 "the overall proportion"
Dr. Keiji Fukuda (KAY'-jee fuh-KOO'-duh), special adviser on pandemic influenza, World Health Organization
Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's top flu official, says swine flu has surpassed seasonal flu strains in all parts of the world.
<<CUT …190 (11/05/09)>> 00:11 "complications and death"
Dr. Keiji Fukuda (KAY'-jee fuh-KOO'-duh), special adviser on pandemic influenza, World Health Organization
Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's top flu official, says many people underestimate the effects of swine flu.
<<CUT …191 (11/05/09)>> 00:15 "and are young"
Dr. Keiji Fukuda (KAY'-jee fuh-KOO'-duh), special adviser on pandemic influenza, World Health Organization
Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's top flu official, says swine flu has surprisingly serious, or even deadly, effects on certain people.
<<CUT …192 (11/05/09)>> 00:10 "to fewer children"
Dr. Keiji Fukuda (KAY'-jee fuh-KOO'-duh), special adviser on pandemic influenza, World Health Organization
Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's top flu official, says a single dose of swine flu vaccine seems to be effective and supplies are limited, so as many children as possible should get a single shot.
On the Net:
www.who.int
