June 12th, 2009: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared the global outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) to be in Phase 6. The announcement which was made by WHO Director General Dr Margret warns the 194 member nations to expect the arrival of the new flu strain, which is likely to infect up to one-third of the population in the first wave and return in later waves over the next several years. On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for influenza pandemic have been met, WHO said. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference.

This particular H1N1 strain has not circulated previously in humans. The virus is entirely new, she remarked adding that the virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another, and from one country to another. As of today, nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries. "This is only part of the picture. With few exceptions, countries with large numbers of cases are those with good surveillance and testing procedures in place", Chan warned. "We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch," she added.