World Health Organisation seeks to calm pneumonia worries
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has moved to reassure the international business community in the wake of the recent cases of atypical influenza recorded in the Far East.
So far, the organisation has issued an advisory alerting travellers to the outbreaks, but it has not warned them against travel. The message to remain calm was reinforced by David Heymann, head of communications with the organisation who said there was no need for panic over the outbreak. He also discounted fears that it could signal a new influenza pandemic. "This is not a disease that should interrupt travel or trade," Heymann asserted.
According to WHO, all reported cases to date have occurred in health workers involved in the direct care of reported cases or in close contacts, such as family members. There was no evidence to suggest that the disease is spread through casual contact, the organisation said.
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