WHO: Swine flu appears to be past peak activity

Jun 3, 2010, 12:17 GMT

Geneva - Swine flu is most likely past its peak activity, the World Health Organization said Thursday, but warned that surveillance was still needed.

The information was released following a closed-door meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee on Tuesday to judge the current state of the A(H1N1) virus, which was declared a pandemic last year by the health agency.

'After extensive discussions and questions, the Committee expressed the unanimous view that from a global perspective while pandemic activity is continuing, the period of most intense pandemic activity appears likely to have passed for many parts of the world,' WHO chief Margaret Chan said in a statement.

Chan said that while the 'period of most intense pandemic activity has passed,' cases of H1N1 would likely continue to occur. She said the committee would therefore meet again in July, after information from the southern hemisphere's winter was available, to decide on future steps.

The WHO said committee members believe health authorities should continue to 'maintain vigilance' regarding the virus.

An external review of the WHO's handling of the swine flu pandemic is currently ongoing, following criticism from some governments and health experts. Its report is expected next May.