WHO Pandemic Alert Level
What is a Pandemic?

Current Pandemic Alert Phase=6

Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO
Photo Courtesy of WHO

Pandemic Alert Levels 1-3

The first 3 phases are preparation pandemic phases:

1. Phase 1 - Influenza viruses are circulating naturally among animals—domestic or wild. None of the viruses has been known to infect humans.

2. Phase 2 - In this pandemic phase , there is an animal virus that is circulating among domesticated or wild animals, AND, it has caused infection in a few humans here and there. The persons infected get sick from contact with sick animals. At this phase, a virus becomes a potential threat.

3. Phase 3 - In this pandemic alert level, the recombination or re-assortment of genes has caused sporadic human cases or infection in small clusters (small groups of people who are closely associated with each other). There is limited transmission of the virus from person to person.

Increased Concern and Action
Pandemic Alert Levels 4-6

• Phase 4 - At this pandemic phase, there is definitely transmission of the virus from person to person. Localized communities are affected. A country experiencing this level of activity is supposed to contact the WHO (World Health Organization) so that they, along with the affected country, can further assess the situation.

  This is a definite forward step toward a pandemic. At this point, there is an effort to contain the disease. It does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is imminent.

• Phase 5 - At this stage you're getting pretty close to knowing what is a pandemic. There is rapid transmission of the virus among humans, and, at least 2 countries in a region are affected. Designation of Phase 5 is a strong indication that a pandemic is imminent!

  All kinds of government programs go into action at this point. Hospitals begin to mobilize. Institutions implement their pandemic plans.

• Phase 6 - Full scale pandemic. This occurs when the criteria in Phase 5 are met and, at least one other country is now affected. There is sustained human to human transmission. In previous pandemics, like the Spanish Flu of 1918 , millions lost their lives during this pandemic stage.

Post Pandemic Phases - A GOOD Sign

• Post Peak Period - This sounds like it's all over. But, don't be fooled. In previous pandemics, there were 1 or 2 additional waves. And, those who had recovered from the first wave of illness(or didn't get sick the first time around), sometimes became ill again. A pandemic virus can change genetically, and the 2nd or 3rd round of illness may be caused by a totally different virus.

• Post Pandemic Period - At this level, there may be infections at the normal rate for seasonal flu. It is now expected that the virus will behave as a normal flu. It will be watched closely, but the deaths should be no higher than for a normal flu season.

A pandemic alert level simply tells us how serious the situation currently is. As you can see, the higher the number, the more concerned we should be and the more action governments and institutions will take.

At Phase 5, the pandemic definition of sustained human to human transmission has pretty well been met. At this point, you need to make last minute preparations to keep your family safe and healthy—especially if you will be quarantined to your home!

More about Pandemics