What are the World Health Organization’s pandemic alert level phases?
The World Health Organization (WHO) (External link) currently identifies six stages of Pandemic Preparedness and Response (External link) . Phase 1: Influenza viruses are circulating in animals, especially birds. No reports of animal viruses infecting humans. Phase 2: Human infection by an animal influenza virus. Potential pandemic threat. Phase 3: An animal or animal-human influenza virus has caused limited disease in people. Isolated human-to-human transmission may occur – but not widespread. Phase 4: Verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal virus causing widespread or “community-level” outbreaks. Risk of pandemic is considered much higher but not a foregone conclusion. Phase 5: Human-to-human spread of the virus is confirmed in at least two countries in one WHO region. It is likely that a pandemic is imminent. Time to finalize organization, communication, and implementation of planned mitigation strategies is short. Phase 6: The Pandemic Phase. Community out
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