World 'on brink of pandemic'

Global health experts are continuing to warn that the world is on the brink of a swine flu pandemic.

The threat from swine flu, which has killed 72 people, is expected to dominate discussions at the annual meeting of the World Health Organisation which began in Geneva last night.

With reports of the virus spreading in Spain, Britain and Japan, officials were to consider raising the pandemic alert and giving the go-ahead to produce vaccine.

The WHO raised its pandemic alert on April 29 to 5 on a scale of 6, signalling a pandemic was imminent. Proof the disease was spreading outside North America, where it originated, would trigger an increase to 6 an official pandemic.

New Zealand's response would depend on the local situation, the Health Ministry said. The Government has the power to close borders, restrict public gatherings, put patients in isolation and shut schools and work places.

The total number of confirmed infections in New Zealand stands at nine. Along with a further 10 "probable" cases, all have fully recovered. At present, there are 37 people with suspected swine flu.

- © Fairfax NZ News