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02. 12. 09. - 16:00

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02. 12. 09. - 16:00

Health Minister questions WHO swine flu steps

By Thomas Hochwarter

Austrian Health Minister Alois Stöger has publicly questioned the World Health Organisation (WHO) over its handling of the swine flu outbreak.

The Social Democrat (SPÖ) said today (Weds) he had formally contacted WHO leaders questioning the justification of warnings of a pandemic earlier this year.

The organisation issued a worldwide swine flu pandemic warning in June this year.

Stöger said other countries were critical of the WHO’s step.

"There needs to be a connection between the severity of the disease and the measures that are taken," the minister added.

Two people – an 11-year-old Italian girl and a 41-year-old German - have so far died of swine flu in Austria.

Tens of thousands of people living in Austria have been vaccinated against the disease and waiting times of hours have been reported as people flock to specially set-up vaccination centres.

Austrian Times

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