Friday, May 1, 2009

Headquarters for Countermeasures against Pandemic Influenza

The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5 on April 29 (local time). In response, the 2nd meeting of the Headquarters for Countermeasures against Pandemic Influenza was held at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said, "The World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. We are getting into an extremely serious situation. Against the backdrop of the increasing number of cases of infection abroad, I ask that frontline measures be taken thoroughly and the utmost efforts be made to prevent the entry of the viruses into Japan. The first domestic case of suspected infection [with the pandemic influenza] was reported yesterday. Should we confirm a case of infection in Japan, it would be important that we provide information to the people in a swift and appropriate manner, and that we respond to the changing situation by taking measures, in an agile and flexible manner, to prevent the spread of the disease. I ask that each member of the Headquarters adequately respond to the serious situation for national crisis management based on the basic policy of the government's responses. I also request that every possible countermeasure be taken in order to ensure the people's peace of mind and safety in absolute terms."

Related Link

• Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
• Influenza A(H1N1) (World Health Organization [WHO])