The H1N1 virus reached pandemic status with the spread outside North America to a second region and a total of 74 nations

, the World Health Organization said. With more than 1,200 confirmed "swine flu" cases in Australia and 21,904 in North America, WHO increased the threat level to pandemic status, the first time it has declared such a threat in 41 years (since the Hong Kong flu). WHO did not recommend travel or trade restrictions and still considers the virus mild. Worldwide, WHO reported more than 28,774 confirmed cases of H1N1, including 144 deaths with most in Mexico (106), the United States (27) and Canada (4). Earlier this month, the Center for Disease Control issued guidelines for cruiselines and flight crews, but has not issued other travel guidelines.