Senior officials at the WHO stated yesterday that we can contain the Monkey Flu if we act today. They’ve even said that containing the virus in non-endemic countries can be done quickly as well.

The viral infection from Africa is being spread to non-endemic countries such as Europe and the United States. So far, throughout the world, there has been 20 cases where the virus was not previously circulating.

“We think if we put the right measures in place now we can contain it easily.”

Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness said.

Sylvie also stressed that there was a window of opportunity to prevent the spread. Transmission is being reported to be much slower so Sylvie has urged the general public not to worry too much. WHO officials said that there was no need for mass vaccinations but targeted vaccination where available for close contacts of people infected.

“Case investigation, contact tracing, isolation at home will be your best bets,”

Rosamund Lewis, WHO head of the smallpox secretariat, said.