GENEVA (Reuters) – The H1N1 pandemic is over and the global outbreak turned out to be much less severe than was feared just over a year ago, said World Health Organization director-general Margaret Chan.
She said the world had been lucky the virus had not mutated into a more deadly form and that a safe vaccine developed in record time remained effective against it.
“We are now moving into the post-pandemic period. The new H1N1 virus has largely run its course,” Chan said.
The H1N1 virus will continue to circulate as part of seasonal influenza for years to come, requiring health authorities to remain vigilant, she said.
“We need to continue to maintain our vigilance and not be complacent,” Chan said, noting that outbreaks continued in countries including India and New Zealand.
The behavior of influenza viruses is difficult to predict and no two pandemics are alike, flu experts say.
An estimated 350 million people worldwide have been vaccinated against H1N1. About 18,000 people worldwide died from H1N1.
