The World Health Organization (WHO) held a press conference on Thursday 11 June at which it informed about a global pandemic caused by the new influenza A(H1N1) virus, raising the level of pandemic alert to phase 6. In Finland the declaration of pandemic does not occasion any new immediate measures.

The transition to the pandemic phase does not reflect the seriousness of the disease but the geographical spread of the disease. Influenza A(H1N1) infections have been confirmed in altogether 79 countries.  According to the WHO's classification the pandemic is of moderate seriousness. In the industrialised countries the clinical pictures of the disease are similar to those of annual seasonal influenza. In this pandemic caused by a new variant of the virus a larger part of the population than in regard to a seasonal influenza however lacks the protection brought about by previous infections. 

In Finland the measures to contain the spread of the epidemic continue.  The measures for reducing the impact of the epidemic advance as planned.  Finland is preparing for the pandemic in accordance with the WHO's instructions, for instance by taking measures to ensure the treatment of those who have caught the A(H1N1) virus and by intensifying the monitoring of the situation.  

In the northern hemisphere epidemics caused by respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses, do not usually spread in the summertime, and it is therefore still possible to delay the spread of the disease in Finland.  The WHO has urged to undertake the measures occasioned by the influenza A (H1N1) virus as required by the national epidemic situation. 

Thus far seven cases caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus have been confirmed in Finland.

The epidemic caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus increasingly spreads in countries south of the equator, where the period of common seasonal influenza is about to begin. 

WHO does not recommend restrictions on travelling 

The WHO does not recommend any restrictions on travelling.  People should not however travel when ill. In Finland travellers are still urged to watch their health for seven days after returning from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Australia or Chile.  If a person who has returned from a journey falls ill with a febrile respiratory infection he or she should contact the nearest health centre by telephone.  

The National Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health follow closely the situation in regard to influenza A(H1N1). The social and health care services are also prepared to tackle a more extensive spread of the influenza in Finland.  

For further information contact

Tapani Melkas, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. (09) 160 73886             Merja Saarinen, Ministerial Counsellor for Health Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. (09) 160 74030  
Jouko Söder, Director of Preparedness, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. (09) 160 74363                      
Juhani Eskola, Director-General, Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. 020 610 6006
Petri Ruutu, Professor, Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. 020 610 8670