The 2005 revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR) came into force on 15 June 2007 and is legally binding on 196 countries, including all the Member States of World Health Organization (WHO). In the IHR, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) is defined as: “an extraordinary event that may constitute a public health risk to other countries through international spread of disease and may require an international coordinated response.” (World Health Organization, 2005). The IHR requires that countries notify the WHO of any public health event that meets any two of the following four criteria: Is the public health impact of this event potentially serious?; Is this event unusual or unexpected?; Is there the potential for international spread?; or Is there the potential for travel and trade restrictions?