In response to cases of swine influenza A/H1N1, reported in Mexico and the United States of America, Dr. Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation last Saturday 25 April, convened the first  meeting of the Emergency Committee to assess the situation and advise her on appropriate responses.  

The establishment of the Committee, which is composed of international experts in a variety of disciplines, is in compliance with the International Health Regulations (2005). According to reports from the WHO, after reviewing available data on the current situation, Committee members identified a number of gaps in knowledge about the clinical features, epidemiology, and virology of reported cases and the appropriate responses.

"The Committee advised that answers to several specific questions were needed to facilitate its work.  The Committee nevertheless agreed that the current situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern" the report indicated. Based on this advice, the WHO Director-General has determined that the current events constitute a public health emergency of international concern, under the regulations.

Concerning public health measures, in line with the Regulations the Director-General is recommending, on the advice of the Committee, that all countries intensify surveillance for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. The Committee further agreed that more information is needed before a decision could be made concerning the appropriateness of the current phase 3.