The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level, meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.

WHO says the phase 5 alert means there is sustained human to human spread in at least two countries. It also signals that efforts to produce a vaccine will be ramped up.

WHO has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Britain, Israel, New Zealand and Spain. Mexico and the U.S. have reported deaths.

I have to admit that I was very dismissive of this whole Swine Flu situation at first.  I have been disensitized to this sort of thing.  After all, it was not so long ago that we were all suppose to die from SARS and Avion Flu.  However, as the days go by at Swine Flu spreads gloablly I am paying attention more and more.  And sadly today was the first US related death.  I'm still not ready to impose self-quarantine, but one has to start taking this thing serious.