GALLIPOLIS — The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. was increased to 109 as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday by the Center for Disease Control, affecting 11 states and responsible for one death.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 5.

“Phase 5 is characterized as human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region,” a WHO statement said. “While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent.”

Going to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that they should start taking action, and refreshing their memories on the plans they have in place. At this phase, early detection, surveillance, treatment of cases and infection control is imperative.

The good news coming out of the situation is that the world has been preparing for another influenza pandemic for some time now. Plans were created and procedures have been implemented to get ready for what is happening now. Health officials are also able to track the evolution of a pandemic in real time, enabling them to stay on top of the situation from every angle.

For Gallia County, this is a great opportunity to ramp up preparedness and exercise resources used for response. The Gallia County Health Department and other county agencies have been working together on emergency operations plans to keep the community safe.

“It is hard to know how much of this situation will grow, or if we will see cases of swine flu here, but we are prepared in any case,” Health Commissioner Dr. Gerald Vallee said.

“We are not at a level for concern locally,” he added. “However, the Gallia County Health Department and local response partners along with the Ohio Department of Health will be monitoring the situation daily.”

What can you do? Here are some guidelines from the CDC, ODH and the Gallia County Health Department:

• Stay informed. The best defense in any situation is information. You can call (800)-cdc-info, the swine flu information line at (866) 800-1404 or the Gallia County Health Department at 441-2950.

• Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Influenza is thought to be spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include contact lists, storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand cleaners, and other essential supplies. Don’t forget to include necessary items for your pets as well.