Cardinal Health’s response to swine influenza A(H1N1)

June 12, 2009 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has escalated the H1N1 (swine flu) virus outbreak to a Pandemic Phase 6 which, according to their newly revised definitions, means there is human-to-human spread of the virus in at least three countries across two different WHO regions. Designation of Phase 6 indicates that a global pandemic is under way and is based solely on the spread of the virus and not on the severity of illness nor the impact the virus has on human life. As stated by Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO Asst. Director General for Health Safety and Environment, this strain of the virus is a relatively mild flu and most people infected do not need hospitalization and can be treated at home, as is the case with the seasonal flu.

Cardinal Health has been closely monitoring the spread of the H1N1 flu virus since the first cases surfaced in April and has been diligently executing our Pandemic Preparedness Plans to ensure we stay ahead of the spread of the virus. The company has ample supplies of antiviral medications and flu-related products that we will continue to supply to health care providers to help diagnose and treat the H1N1 flu virus. We remain committed to maintaining communication among Cardinal Health facilities, customers, suppliers, governments and other key partners.