WHO declares emergency of global concern

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-26-2009 09:31

The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreaks in Mexico and the US a "public health emergency of international concern."

The WHO chief Margaret Chan has urged all countries to increase their surveillance.

Director-general Margaret Chan says there is a risk of the new disease spreading to other countries.(CCTV.com)

The WHO made the decision after emergency talks with experts on Saturday.

Director-general Margaret Chan says there is a risk of the new disease spreading to other countries.

She urges health authorities worldwide to be on high alert for unusual flu cases.

Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, said, "I think that at this point in time, it is very important that all regions of the World Health Organization work with our countries to heighten surveillance so that we know exactly whether this new disease is causing infection in human being in countries other than the US and Mexico."