New strain of flu in Mexico and parts of the U.S.

[Edwina's Secretary]

How many had the flu vaccination last fall?

[Pinot's Mom]

"Sad to say the first Texas Death was Monday Night.. A 24 month old baby boy from Brownsville.. That is on the border of TX & MX.. The family had been in MX for the weekend & just come back across.. So Sad So Sad.. "

Actually the toddler was from Mexico and came to Brownsville for treatment. Below quote from the AP:

"Virulent swine flu spread to 10 U.S. states from coast to coast Wednesday and swept deeper into Europe, extending its global reach as President Barack Obama mourned the first U.S. death, a Mexican toddler who had traveled with his family to Texas. Total American cases surged to nearly 100, and Obama said wider school closings might be necessary.

The World Health Organization said the outbreak is moving closer to becoming a full-scale pandemic.

Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the organization's top flu expert, told reporters in Geneva that the latest developments are moving the agency closer to raising its pandemic alert to phase 5, indicating widespread human-to-human transmission. That's just one step below level 6, a full-fledged pandemic."

This is not to be messed with. Isabel; I hope your whole family is OK - prayers to stay safe!!

[momoffuzzyfaces]

How many had the flu vaccination last fall?

They were saying on the news yesterday that that flu shot probably won't protect anyone. It was not for this strain of the flu. and it only protects for a few months anyway.

[carole]

I heard there are 96 cases in NZ, that is way too many for my liking, however on the positive side those who have had it, were mild cases and have recovered well, so that is always good news.

[blue]

Swine influenza - update 5

29 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

..

[carole]

Thanks for posting that Blue, not what i heard on the tv this morning, but maybe i got it wrong, sure hope so, well there are only 3 confirmed lab cases here, phew I like those odds a lot better, hope it stays that way, perhaps the others are just not confirmed yet, will watch the news tonight for an update,hope everyone is well.

[blue]

Thanks for posting that Blue, not what i heard on the tv this morning, but maybe i got it wrong, sure hope so, well there are only 3 confirmed lab cases here, phew I like those odds a lot better, hope it stays that way, perhaps the others are just not confirmed yet, will watch the news tonight for an update,hope everyone is well.

The Media is hoping to drive panick to boost their ratings. "Never waste a good crisis".

[pomtzu]

The Media is hoping to drive panick to boost their ratings. "Never waste a good crisis".

I really don't think that's the case. From what I've seen, they are only reporting announcements as given by officials, and don't appear to be sensationalizing the issue. I'd rather be informed, than not!