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Experts warn local outbreaks of swine flu could remain across Europe this year as the weather changes.
Another H1N1 pandemic is unlikely though, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The virus would probably spread at low levels during 2010’s spring and summer, the latest flu risk assessment concluded.
During the winter flu season it is likely to be the dominating threat.
“It seems unlikely that there will be another spring/summer pandemic wave in Europe unless there are significant unrecognised uninfected populations or the virus changes and becomes more transmissible,” the ECDC said.
“ECDC’s advice to EU citizens remains to accept influenza vaccination when it is offered to them,” it said.
In June last year – after swine flu was discovered in Mexico and the United States and spread around the world within six weeks – the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the first influenza pandemic in 40 years.
Copyright Press Association 2010
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
