Imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the spread of H1N1 influenza, but would be highly disruptive to the global community, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a statement, WHO said that it does not recommend travel restrictions related to the outbreak of H1N1 because international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts of the world, making travel restrictions ineffective in stopping virus transmission.

WHO said that its focus was on identifying and treating cases.

"Although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travelers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms," WHO said.

"Scientific research based on mathematical modeling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point."

WHO instead issued recommendations related to travel aimed at preventing the spread of infection, such as asking people who are ill to delay travel plans and asking returning travelers who become sick to seek medical care.