In light of the spread of A(H1N1) influenza, commonly known as swine flu, dpa cited World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan as raising the pandemic influenza alert to its highest level, Phase 6, Today evening in Geneva. Phase 6, the WHO said, means the virus, A(H1N1) influenza, has spread globally and was a "pandemic." "The scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met," Chan said, adding "I have decided therefore to raise the influenza pandemic alert form phase 5 to phase 6." "Further spread is considered inevitable," Chan said. She said, therefore, there should be "no restrictions on travel and no border closures." Chan also said governments should not impose trade bans. Regarding severity, she said the "overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid recovery."
