WHO declares end of swine flu pandemic

The decision has been taken by the Director General of the WHO on the advice of the Emergency Committee appointed by WHO to monitor the Influenza activity globally.

“As we now enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, it is expected that the H1N1 virus takes on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continues to circulate for some years to come,” the health ministry said.

The Department of Public Health Regulation said that with the cooperation of many people it had managed to take all the necessary actions to successfully mitigate the effects of this pandemic.

The Department will continue with its monitoring activities for influenza viruses as it has done over the past years.

“The general public is reminded that the precautions for the prevention of spread of disease so strongly advised during the pandemic are still recommended since these are good preventive practices which should be encouraged,” the ministry said.