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

**carole** · 04-29-2009, 06:13 PM

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** · 04-29-2009, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by WHO

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** · 04-29-2009, 10:03 PM

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** · 04-29-2009, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**pomtzu** · 04-30-2009, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by blue

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!

**Medusa** · 04-30-2009, 08:44 AM

I get blue's point, though. I read that 250,000 - 500,000 people contract seasonal flu every year. How many of those result in death, I don't know, but the number of cases are much higher than this swine flu that's currently being reported.

**pomtzu** · 04-30-2009, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Medusa

I get blue's point, though. I read that 250,000 - 500,000 people contract seasonal flu every year. How many of those result in death, I don't know, but the number of cases are much higher than this swine flu that's currently being reported.

True, but I think there's a lot of concern since there is no vaccine for it yet, as there is for other flu strains.