[Influenza A (H1N1). fear of a pandemic]

As of July 1st 2009, 90300 cases of the new Influenza A (H1N1) have been officially reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in more than 80 countries. Venezuela does not seem to be the exception, but it was not until June 11th 2009, when the first case was reported; however, the Venezuelan sanitary authorities maintain active the epidemiologic monitoring and controls to avoid the propagation of the virus. A positive aspect, in this instance, is that the world is better prepared to confront an influenza pandemic; but it is generally accepted that the preparation against a pandemic requires the participation, not only of the health sector, but of all society. There are many challenges in the present and in the future, for the production of an effective vaccine against this new strain of the virus, which will create a sense of hope for the people who have not yet been affected by this disease.