WHO declares swine flu pandemic, raises alert to highest level

The move came as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.

In a statement sent to member countries, AP quoted WHO as saying it decided to raise the pandemic alert level from phase 5 to 6, meaning that a global outbreak of swine flu has begun.

The decision was made after the U.N. health agency held an emergency meeting on swine flu with its experts.