The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic. A Phase Six pandemic declaration is based on the sustained worldwide spread of H1N1, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the declaration was expected and reaffirmed that the departments are already doing the things needed to keep the public as safe and secure as possible.

To learn more about this declaration, go to the news release from HHS and DHS or to the statement from WHO.