The first reported case of the flu was in Perote, Mexico where a five-year old boy was diagnosed with swine flu, but later recovered.

The World Health Organisation has issued a statement raising the level of influenza pandemic level alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4.

The decision to raise the alert phase was based on epidemiological data showing the virus could be transmitted from one human to another and that this could cause community’€“level outbreaks.

WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan has recommended no closure of boarders or the restriction of international travel. She advised for those who are ill to delay travel and for those developing symptoms following travelling to seek medical attention. She said production of seasonal vaccines should continue at this time, subject to re-evaluation as the situation evolves.

She said the WHO would facilitate the process needed to develop an effective vaccine against the A/H1N1 virus.

The South African National Health Department has issued a statement urging the public not to panic as they are working with various stakeholders including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Department of Agriculture and the World Health Organisation to closely monitor the situation should any cases be reported.

Health Department spokes person Fidel Hadebe assured Health’€“e that the department has put systems in place to tackle any signs of the flu should they arise.

‘€œAs in any case of an outbreak we have already deployed outbreak response teams who are operational in all provinces. We spread the word for all the hospitals to be on the look-out for any suspected human cases of the flu. However in all provinces no cases of the flu have been reported’€, said Hadebe.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) would not comment at the time of going to press and said it would release a statement.

What you need to know

How do you catch swine flu?

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

·  Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.

·  Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

· Yes, there are drugs which are available after consulting a doctor

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Everyday steps to protect your health:

·  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·  If you get sick with influenza, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

What should I do if I suspect I have swine flu?

The clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections. This includes fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea. When you experience the above symptoms, report to nearest health facility.

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

In Children:

· Fast breathing or trouble breathing

·  Not drinking enough fluids

·  Not waking up or not interacting

·  Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

·  Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

·  Fever with a rash

In adults:

· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

·  Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

·  Sudden dizziness

Can I get swine influenza when I eat pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. For more information go to www.who.int/