H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) has possibly spread in a community based transmission from person to person in Japan with over 100 cases now. Since this is different from infections resulting from travel to the U.S or Mexico it may result in elevating the status to a  world pandemic. The H1N1 Flu is still considered mild in severity, even if it becomes labeled a pandemic.

The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus.