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swine flu masks Swine Flu: WHO Raises Pandemic Alert Level to 5

The World Health Organization has just raised its pandemic alert to 5.  This is the 2nd-highest level, which means that the outbreak of the Swine Flu virus is nearing widespread human infection.

The rise in the alert level means that all countries are to "immediately" begin pandemic preparedness plans.

"This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharm industry and the business community that certain actions now should be taken with increased urgency and at an accelerated pace," said Dr. Margaret Chan, the U.N. agency's director-general.

The Pentagon is now forming a ask force that will assist with transportation, logistics and distributing medicinal goods should this escalate to a full-blown pandemic.  This special task force will work together with the CDC and local authorities.

The government is also distributing roughly 25 percent of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to all states, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said today.

It's important to note that these medications only work against Swine Flu if used in the early stages of the illness.

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Technorati Tags: H1N1 Flu, Swine Flu, Swine Flu Outbreak, WHO, World Health Organization

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