Swine Flu Emerging In South America

By Aaron Richardson-Talk Radio News Service

With the flu season just beginning in the southern hemisphere, the H1N1 virus, better known as the swine flu, is showing no signs of going away. Dr. Jon Andrus of the Pan American Health Organization said earlier today that the spread of the virus is increasing and that its future impact remains uncertain.

“What may be happening in Chile is what happens with the usual evolution of a pandemic.” said Andrus.

According to Andrus, the World Health Organization is expecting an outcome similar to the pandemics of 1957 and 1968, in which 1 million to 4 million people may have died. While saying that the outbreak is moderate, the World Health Organization will soon increase the virus to phase six status, making it is a world-wide pandemic.

On June 1, the WHO met with health experts from over 30 countries to discuss how to help the public understand the meaning of the phases. “This virus is so unpredictable” said Andrus, who said he could not predict when the virus will peak. The Pan American Health Organization will be monitoring the new cases being reported in the upcoming months.