T he World Health Organization (WHO) just raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing spread of the H1N1 flu virus. A Phase-6 designation is the highest level on the pandemic alert scale. It indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

It is important to understand that the Phase-6 designation means that the pandemic is spreading wider geographically, not that it is more severe.

Editor’s Note: One of our readers, Ms. Charito Escudero, RN, sent this media advisory as a public service. She is a member of the CAHF.

Also, the raise to Phase 6 does not change activity in the U.S. or require long-term care providers to do anything differently. However, the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) encourages its members to stay vigilant in their efforts to identify any possible cases of influenza and prepare to take action if the H1N1 virus is identified. Some experts are cautioning the public that we should be alert to the possibility of the H1N1 virus reappearing in the fall as our flu season begins again.

The CAHF continues to post updates and resources to its website at http://www.cahf.org/public/swineflu4-09.php 

P lease see the “References” section of that site for helpful materials related to the management of a respiratory disease outbreak in a long-term care facility at http://www.cahf.org/public/swineflu4-09-reference.php 

The CAHF will continue to monitor the status of the H1N1 virus and keep its members and the public updated on appropriate action to be taken.

California Association of Health Facilities

2201 K Street, Sacramento, CA  95816

916-441-6400