The 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new H1N1 influenza virus that combined genes from swine, avian and human flu viruses. It was first detected in Mexico and the United States in spring 2009 and spread quickly around the world by air travel, leading the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in June of that year. Most infections were mild, but the virus affected younger people more than usual seasonal flu does, and it caused many severe cases and deaths worldwide. Vaccines were developed within months, and some governments were later criticised for overestimating the threat or for stockpiling too much. The virus afterwards became one of the ordinary seasonal flu strains.
Before and after
- 7 January 2009Premiere of Masha and the Bear
- 15 January 2009US Airways Flight 1549
- 20 January 2009First inauguration of Barack Obama
- 3 February 2009Discovery of COROT-Exo-7b
- from March 2009 to August 20102009 swine flu pandemic
- March 2009Release of Uber
- 7 March 2009Launch of Kepler Space Telescope
- 6 April 20092009 L'Aquila earthquake
- 21 April 2009Discovery of Gliese 581 e
More in Society, economy & sport
- 24 October 1945Founding of United Nations Security Council
- 5 May 1949Founding of Council of Europe
- 1952Founding of European Parliament
- 15 June 1954Founding of Union of European Football Associations
- 1985Introduction of new shekel
- 1990Rise of K-pop
The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 21st century.