WHO explains differences over case figures

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-03-2009 15:34

The World Health Organization has released nine consecutive newsreels on the Influenza A/H1N1 virus.

That's after the WHO confirmed for the first time that human beings had been found infected with the flu virus in Mexico a week ago.

Health workers prepare to fumigate against the swine flu at a subway station in Mexico City, Saturday, May 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

However, the figures of deaths or confirmed cases provided by the WHO are often lower than those issued by various countries.

In its ninth newsreel, the WHO says by six GMT on Saturday, May 2nd there were 17 deaths caused by the A/H1N1 influenza around the world. And also that there were 615 confirmed cases.

The WHO reported that Mexico had 16 deaths and 397 confirmed cases.

However, as early as a week ago, Mexican health authorities reported that 103 people were confirmed or suspected to have died of the virus in the country, along with 1,614 suspected cases.

The WHO has explained the differences relating to these figures.