The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic as an epidemic of an infectious disease that is spreading human-to-human across geographical regions or worldwide. Initially novel H1N1 was not designated a pandemic influenza, but in June 2009 WHO raised the level of H1N1 pandemic alert to phase 6. This phase is characterized by community level outbreaks in more than one region of the world. Designation of this phase indicates a global pandemic is under way.
For more information, visit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization
Extension Disaster Education Network – Pandemic Influenza Issue Page