According to Xinhua News Agency, Geneva, May 19 (Reporters Liu Guoyuan and Yang Ling) - The World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan said on the 19th, while Japan confirmed cases of influenza A H1N1 influenza has risen dramatically, but the WHO's influenza pandemic warning level is still for 5, No 6 to the plan.

Margaret Chan, in the 62nd World Health Assembly, held outside the press conference said.

As for the circumstances under which a warning level will increase to six, which announced the arrival of an influenza pandemic, said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's influenza pandemic warning system is based on the H5N1 avian influenza virus to establish the relevant circumstances. H5N1 virus is very toxic, and human infection with mortality rates as high as 50% to 60%. However, the H1N1 influenza virus prevalence of clinical manifestations of the situation is entirely different, so far, with the exception of Mexico, the majority of cases diagnosed outside of less severe diseases.

She said that the current warning system for influenza pandemic is a major consideration of the geographical scope of the spread of the virus, without taking into account the toxicity of the virus and disease mortality. WHO officials to participate in the General Assembly on these issues were discussed, some members believe that an influenza pandemic is not only to reflect the geographical scope of the spread of the virus, the virus should also be reflected in rates of toxicity and death.

She said she would seriously listen to the recommendations of the participants, in the event of enhanced viral toxicity or pathogenicity in a particular population and a high degree of concern around the world the danger of the situation, WHO is bound to seriously consider and make appropriate decisions.