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April 27th, 2009
09:16 AM ET
Swine Flu Outbreak
The World Health Organization is calling it a "public health emergency of international concern."
So are you worried the swine flu outbreak could become an epidemic? Are you making changes in your life as a result of the outbreak? Send us a comment.
The first case of the flu has already been confirmed in Spain. You can see it in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Why haven't you focused on Texas case...the CDC has mandatory closed down the school district and parks in the area....there are other places in the USA then New York that has this problem.
Hi there: In the very recent past, CNN reported the following story, and even though it was reported that the virus was "equine" in nature, could this new flu outbreak actually be equine rather than swine? Perhaps "mis-information" is being disseminated because it was a US research source that "lost" three vials of virus?
I keep wondering why all the journalists and news anchors don't ask more prudent questions? One statement in the story is "In 97 percent of cases, humans with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms, but it can be deadly in about 1 out of 100 cases, according to Caree Vander Linden, a spokeswoman for the Army’s Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases."
Please review the story below from LAST week:
=========================================
"Missing vials of a potentially dangerous virus have prompted an Army investigation into the disappearance from a lab in Maryland.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command agents have been visiting Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, to investigate the disappearance of the vials. Christopher Grey, spokesman for the command, said this latest investigation has found “no evidence of criminal activity.”
The vials contained samples of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, a virus that sickens horses and can be spread to humans by mosquitoes. In 97 percent of cases, humans with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms, but it can be deadly in about 1 out of 100 cases, according to Caree Vander Linden, a spokeswoman for the Army’s Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. There is an effective vaccine for the disease and there hasn’t been an outbreak in the United States since 1971.
The vials had been at the research institute’s facility at Fort Detrick, home of the Army’s top biological research facility, for more than a decade. The three missing vials were among thousands of vials that were under the control of a senior scientist who retired in 2004. When another Fort Detrick scientist recently inventoried the retired scientist’s biological samples, he discovered that the three vials of the virus were missing. The original scientist’s records about his vials dated back to the days of paper-and-pen inventories.
During the investigation, the retired scientist and another former Fort Detrick researcher cooperated with investigating agents and, according to Vander Linden, they came back to the facility to help look for the vials.
Vander Linden said the investigators know that several years ago an entire freezer full of biological samples broke down and all the samples had to be safely destroyed. But a complete inventory of what was in the freezer was not done before the samples were destroyed. Vander Linden said there’s a “strong possibility” the vials were in that freezer and destroyed, but that isn’t known for sure."
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As
is it possible to identify swine flu after the fact ?
Example: a young person who was very ill with all the symptons 10 days ago but is now better.
thanks!!
Usual routine. Wash hands, cough into sleeve.
I do have a question.
How is the flu outbreak affecting the pork industry?
Hello:
I understood you to say that experts feel that past immunization for flu could have some slight effect on this virus. I have had a pneumonia immunization. Could this help prevent me from getting the pneumonia that is causing the deaths attributed to the Swine Flue?
Thank You
Robin
No.
I disagree with the President saying "there is reason to be concerned, but not alarmed" to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, now the United Sates. I am very worried, alarmed, upset and scared of this possible pandemic. The swine flu is has killed hundreds of people in Mexico, thousands more are sick. So far luckily, no deaths from this virus in the United States, but that could change since there are more and more confirmed cases showing up. It's a scary, deadly virus and it's spreading worldwide, very fast. Americans need to be VERY alarmed and take all precautions possible to protect ourselves and our families. Every person needs to continue to stay informed and take all necessary measures to be safe. I AM A VERY ALARMED citizen, Sandra T. Northome, Mn.
Give it to me straight: Should I cancel my vacation plans to the Cancun area this week?
I've spent the weekend surfing the web and especially avianflu websites to get the latest info along with cnn news.
Ran over to the store yesterday to stock up on essentials, cleaning supples, filled my car with gas and emailed family to do the same.
I haven't forgotten the gas lines, or run on staples in past years. It pays to be prepared for self and friends.
I am a nurse, living in Santa Barbara, CA. I will not be eating out or be in big crowds of people in the next 7-10 days and will see what happens. I will wash my hands more often and be conscious not to touch my face. If I get symptoms, I will call my physician rigt away. I will also try to increaste my immunity by eathing well, drinking enough fluids, getting enough rest, and will try to stay away from people who may be infected.
Although it is critical to keep the public informed. The Economic result of alarmist reporting will be critical.. The Fact that the anchor vacatiioned in Cancun over the weekend and never saw evidence of reaction to the outbreak there is a testimony to how large the country is and how it is an isolated area where the outbreak is and we should be careful to keep the brush stroke appropriate. With the EU announcing this morning that travelers should avoid NA is a huge overreaction and will be be felt in economic terms in all tourist hotspots.
Watching your map of yellow showing outbreaks all over NA is really overkill.
Didn't we hear a story a few weeks ago about the current flu being resistant to Tamiflu?
Now we have a NEW swine flu strain and viola, Tamiflu is now being prescribed. Of course there happens to be a huge supply of the stuff!
Coincidence?
We have booked a trip to Cancun before swine flu outbreak.. I currently have an upper respiratory infection and we were to leave this Wednesday. I have checked in with my Dr. and he has advised me not to travel. A four hour flight to Mexico would not be advisable at this time. Luck has it I purchased Insurance.
Tony,
It is because of sensationalizing this swine flu, and the overly-serious manner in which it is reported, that is spurring panic. The symptoms sound relatively mild as you've noted. Find some other news rather than scaring people into hysteria that is unnecessary...
Yes, I am making changes because of swine flu. I am turning of the TV. The constant coverage is mind numbing and rather irrational. The CIA Factbook shows 150,000 people die each day from various causes; ranging from natural causes to bathtub injuries. CNN: GET REAL!
My feeling is that because swine flu isn't killing that many people and I think zero people in the United States, that the U.S. isn't using his as an opportunity for some sort of containment drill. I remember in school going through fire drils like twice a year and there was no fire. So why don't they treat this like a drill and do what the would do if it were a virus like hiv/aids that spreads through a cough?? I think it's an excellant time to prepare for something more serious.
Like so many people in San Diego, where I live, I had dental work done in Tijuana last Wednesday at a fraction of the price in the US. It was a very upscale, clean office with professional staff and I was satisfied with the work (replaced a filling and cap). I was with someone who was getting his 7th implant. I will not go back, until the swine flu epidemic is resolved.
I am VERY worried about this flu outbreak. I have confirmed reservations to travel to Cancun Mexico on May 13. {Airline} is charging cancellation fees for anyone traveling there after April 30th of 150.00 per person. I spoke with the hotel directly a minute ago and they say it is not affecting their guests and do not see a rash of cancellations there. I spoke with the NYS Disease Control Hotline and that agent recommended I do not change my travel plans and just take precautions as for as increase in hand washing etc. I get conflicting reports on whether I should be concerned depending who you talk to. It appears that until the US says "do not go" it seems to be status quo. I am ready to take a vacation from this impending vacation!!!!
I live across from Byron Steele High School, where two students were reported to have the swine flu. Although the school and the Schertz Cibolo Universal City School District has closed all campuses for the week, what is being done to contain this flu strain? What can we as parents do to protect our youngest of children, if we don't know how it's being spread?
My mom is in Mexico right now (she is returning May 6th). We spoke earlier today, she said she will call us if she gets ill, but i am still worried. If she gets sick, will she be able to get on her flight?
With a public health emergency declared, I called {airline} to postpone my flight for one week. I am 70 years old and not particularly well. {Airline} would make absolutely no changes to its outrageous charges–it cost me $175 to postpone, not cancel, my ticket. The transaction was not complicated (same flights).
I think that charging that amount in the face of a public health crisis is outrageous. If I were, say, a relatively poor student with flu I would not change my ticket. I'd fly anyway.It isn't hard for a young person to disguise signs of illness. I'm flying next week no matter what or I will have to pay another $175.
What does the airline care?
According to the CNN report, the very young and the elderly die the most quickly. Sanjay Gupta's report just included that information, no surprise to anyone.
How about a little investigative journalism? Who is NOT responding to this crisis? WHY NOT?
We are scheduled to leave Atlanta on 4/30 for Cancun. We have a nonrefundable trip booked for Playa Del Carmen.
We are monitoring the news, CDC, and travel advisories.
We have read everything available on this virus.
We have GermX, Wetwipes, and of course Immodium packed.
At this point we still plan to travel. Apparently everyone on our flight also still plans to travel since the flight is nearly sold out.
I heard Dr. Sanjay Gupta mention that the Virus can live on inanimate objects. Should we do anything special when buying produce at the market which may contain vegetables produced in Mexico? Is this a concern and are there precautions to be taken in food preparation? The CDC site talks about ham preparation but nothing is mentioned about produce that I could find.
Dan
My mother lives in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico. (Border city near El Paso, TX) She was to come visit us in Oklahoma for my daughter's sixth birthday party in a week. We have since cancelled those plans. My husband and I do not want to risk our children's health one bit.
I've organized a USS Oriskany reunion in Las Vegas, and I'm more worried that people will over-react or panic, and that the economy could suffer even more if they cancel trips and avoid large events and shopping centers.
I'm a Canadian living in California. My sister and her children are supposed to come over to visit next weekend for a week. Because of the media alarming people, she hesitates now... I thought journalists learned how to cover medical stories without alarming the public since SARS... but I think mainstream journalists still need to work on that... Please, keep it to the facts and let the scientists (or journalists in science) do the analysis.
Mariève Paradis
science journalist, California
How often does this happen anyway? Are we only hearing about the Swine Flu because the name is simple and easy to remember, like avian flu?
I have not heard any reports so far explaining in detail the primary cause of death in the Flu cases in Mexico. What symptom of the flu is killing them. Is it a build up of fluids in the lungs leading to respiratory failure?
What I have been hearing is that this strain have been affecting young adults 20 – 30s more vigorously.
It sounds familiar to the Spanish flu of the early 20th century? Has anyone else been making these correlations?
There have been a lot of questions regarding whether we are looking at another 1918 event. It seems that question is getting danced around.
Currently, we are looking at an event with the H1N1 virus that includes avain and pig flus. So we are looking at an H1N1/Avian/Pig virus that is being called 'Swine Flu'.
Still 'out there' is the Avian H5N1 that is causing deaths. This is the flu that planners have been preparing for, which has the potential to cause a 1918-like event, in it's current state.
To be considered: What happenis if we have an easily transmitted H1N1 pandemic that crosses with the deadly H5N1 virus?
No wonder the media is skirting this question!
Why has 149 Mexican citizens died and zero Americans? Is there really that big of a difference in the type of medical treatment people receive between us and Mexico? Are we just healthier, or what? One hudred forty-nine people, that's crazy.
OMG! A whole 40 ppl have the swine flu in the US!
It's an epidemic! It's a nat'l health emergency! 40 Ppl!
A whole .00000625% of the population! We're all gonna die! Aaaaah! ;-(
I have a cruise booked to mexico coming up soon. I contacted the cl and their response is to do nothing. They have no problems aboard any ships. {Cruise line} told me the cdc has not issued any warnings to them. Therefore, they will not make any changes or cancellations or refunds.
{Travel company} is charging me 914$ to cancel my trip to cancun that departs tommorrow....april 28th..... ive been on the phone with them for 3 hours with no help.. {A Cancun} hotel is charging me for 1 nights stay.............i need HEEEEEEELP!!!!
People in Mexico are dying because they don't receive treatment on time, they go to the hospital when they are in critical condition, they don't have money and they think they'll have to pay to receive treatment because the goverment won't tell them that they'll receive medications for free, they need to let them know so they can be treated early.
To Bonnie Posted April 27th, 2009 12:15 pm ET
Are you aware that the World Health Organization had delcared that BOTH the United States and Mexico are in a “public health emergency of international concern"?
Have you considered packing Tamiflu in your supplies if you do go?
Have you considered packing N95 masks, if you go?
If you take this trip, you should look into the necessary prep items, due to the health risk at hand.
Could the reason for this virus be do to the fact of bestiology practices?
I have very low inmune system cause of the medicine Humira.Can I get the vaccine against this virus.
We're worried about 40 cases and no deaths??? Here's the official numbers from the CDC on the REGULAR FLU...Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.
To Ann posted April 27th, 2009 10:27 am ET
I have the same question and I'd like somebody to answer. Thanks
I thought I'd heard it all, until some ID10T mentioned the flu outbreak is all George Bush's fault. How is that so. Is he the carrier?
Maybe it's time to consider closing all borders, especially with Mexico. What do you think Janet? Let's take care of our own for a change. And for those who go to Mexico, don't complain when you get sick too. What are you thinking?
I live on a small mesa in the monterey county, If there is a problem with people from mexico bringing over this flu then attention to this place is none. I know first hand at least four famalies that have been back and forth from that country. Funny enough people have been showing signs of flu syntoms for over a month.
They won't answer this question because that doesn't create viewers. The fact above is for the U.S. only...not the rest of the world. Also, the question as to why there is a deathtoll in Mexico City and not in the U.S. Has anyone ever been to Mexico City? It's filthy, that's why.
Please read about the 1918 pandemic to understand why the young people in Mexico are being affected more strenuously by this flu. It was found after much research , that the stronger the immune system, the stronger the immune reaction was to the virus. The immune reaction was how the 1918 flu attacked the sick person. So- the stronger the immune reaction, in effect, the sicker the person became. It killed most victims in the 20-40 age group much like they are seeing now. It is kind of amazing that no one in the media is investigating this and doing a story on it. Do you homework and get some facts out that are at least true, instead of just scaring people with nonsense.
I have been watching breaking news about the swine flu all day, but no one has addressed "when" it might be safe again to travel to Mexico. How long does a pandemic like this take to remedy and make it safe for travel again to Mexico? Thanks for any information on this matter.
Instead of Washington saying that they have had made provisions regarding the control of "Swine Flu" is ridiculous! Why can't they be definite on what their direction is? Sorry, but the Head of Homeland Security is not speaking with conviction and "dancing around" protecting the borders. In addition, why isn't this government making an effort to help those in Mexico with medical provisions? Why is this alway POLITICS AND MONEY, at the expense of the people getting hurt, whether you are Mexican or American?
Your ticker on the screen says that Canada had 6 confirmed DEATHS of the Swine flu. This is NOT correct – there are six confirmed CASES of the flu. Would you please correct this info on your file. Thank you
Irene Peters – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The ticker at the bottom of the screen on CNN continues to report 6 DEATHS IN CANADA AND 1 IN SPAIN. I wish someone would check the facts before putting something so WRONG on the airwaves. THERE ARE NO DEATHS IN CANADA BUT THERE ARE 6 CASES. THE STATION OF SENSATIONALISM AND MISINFORMATION.
FYI CNN – Have you seen this BBC site link?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/8018428.stm
My question is whether Mexican officials are being honest about the total number of cases and fatalities. Also who knows if these posters are real but BBC is usually pretty good.
The first wave of the disease will be mild. It's the second wave that is the worst. This happened with SARS and other epidemics. The people that are getting it now are probably the lucky ones as they will have some immunity. Flu viruses are constantly shifting and mutating... But, I am no expert on it. The new swine flu has been around in Mexico for months now, it is only when it is a crisis that we hear about it. They don't know where it originated in Mexico because response to it has been so shoddy. If there is a second wave of the epidemic, hopefully scientists have created a vaccine for it, by this winter.
I have has the type A flu's in the past – it's like a brick wall suddenly lands on you, the sickest I've ever been in my life was in 2004 – fever 104 F.+ for days and severe lung pain, sweating and chills etc.. I think the heart problems I have now stem from the last bout. It took weeks to recover fully.
@ Ann and Minie – I would imagine there is some kind of antibody or blood marker that you have had the disease
according to this article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN21490866
I take the usual precautions: wash my hands regularly, use hand disinfectant that my employer provides, spray the office phone with disinfectant, cover my mouth when coughing or sneezing, and get my annual flu shot. When I do become sick, I do not go to work or shop, and I sleep in the guest bedroom.
I'm am ex-pat living in Mexico but I still rely on CNN for news. Not everyone visiting Mexico visits Mexico City. How about displaying a graphic of Mexico showing the number of confirmed flu cases in other Mexican states so we can assess the distribution of flu in all areas of Mexico?
Thanks
hi , my name is mellissa in alberta [edmonton] and i was woundering what the difference of the swine virus and the swine flu is as my sister has been quarentined to her home with the virus
I'm 5 months pregnant...do I have any extra concerns?? Do we know if the baby is at any extra rish from the Swine Flu versus our normal, run of the mill, flu?
Hey, we have a family vacation to Cancun Mexico plant on the 03May.
{Airline & their vacation co.} are saying we can push back our trip for 1 week, but that does not help us. We don`t want a refund just the option to postpone the trip to November with no change fees.
Other US, Canadian, European Airlines and tour operators are giving people the option to rebook or credit for future travel.
{Airline} needs to step up!!!! {This airline} requires travel by the 12May!!!
Hi Tony. I am wondering how long this flu virus survives on surfaces. If it lives for several days, couldn't food shipments be infected?
My family did not get the flu shot this year. Is there any benefit of getting the flu shot with respects to the Swine Flu?
Do you think the economy can affect peoples desicion to go to work rather than stay home safe from the swine flu? In mexico city it seems to be affecting the descion by keeping these enclosed areas open for business.
Does the Swine Flu epidemic only spread to the north? What part does Central or South America play in the story? It’s hard to believe that the virus has not spread to these countries. Do these countries have the same reporting abilities as the infected countries? Should we be tacking the virus or the source of the virus?
We know how the flu jumps between humans but there aren’t many people speaking about how the swine flu started? Where and how did it jump from an animal to a human? And what we can do to stop it. This is a good time for Robert Kennedy Jr. to promote his stance concerning water pollution and the transfer of mutant virus. An example of a mutant virus exist in the US and is found in ‘intersex fish.” The viruses spread from animal to humans via the water and the food supply.
From what I’ve read, it is very likely that the virus was transferred in the water that was originated in polluted from the hog wash run off from a {company’s} hog plant in Perote, Mexico.? We had similar issue with {that company}, in the US. http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/blogs/environmental-causes-of-the-swine-flu-epidemic Maybe it’s a NAFTA problem
We are now blessed with a powerful tracking system from Google. The tracking system is excellent, but it only tracks the virus after it starts to spread.
Let’s prevent the cause of the virus and possibly save on healthcare cost definitely save the world’s environment. I’m not a tree hugger but you must admit that this problem is just another reason to go green.
Will the flu shot I got last fall protect me from swine flu?
I just got over one of the worst attacks of flu ever. I had fever, chills, body aches, nausea, diarahhea and a terrible cough. It lasted about two and one-half weeks. I finally went to the doctor and he gave me meds for by then it had gone into bronchitis. I am now wondering if I did have the swine flu. It was a week before all this came out. It was one of the worst attacks of flu I have ever had, and I had a flu shot. My husband also now is sick. Did the doctor just miss this because all the news had not come out yet. I was afraid I had pneumonia therefore my reason for seeing a doctor.
Is the concern shown by authorities and health officials attributable to the fact that this swine flu is transmissible between humans, considering swine flu cases can be seen in those who handle pigs – such as farmers – but it is generally not human-to-human transmissible. Or is the concern because of a perceived increase in pathogenicity of the strain of virus responsible for this swine flu outbreak?
Hi Tony I am here in Mexico. My family and I live here. We are scared becase of the Swine Flu. Do you guys know another way to help Swine Flu other than wearing mask because their all out?
Hello Sidney & Tony...
Our local NBC station notified the public that we have 2 probable cases of the swing flu in SC. A school in Newberry, South Carolina has been closed for 2 day unti the center of disease confirmed. Apparently some high school students when on spring break to Mexico and a few were ill on the way home.
Tania
South Carolina
What is missing from this discussion is the subject of illegal immigration. Why has this not been mentioned? Okay, okay, "don't travel to Mexico...", but what about the untold numbers of people (infected/uninfected) sneaking over here?
The outbreak of Swine Flu or Asian Flu is created by man to get rid of
the population explosion.
Yes, i had to leave my school for the day, in south florida because i had a cough .
How did the swine flu start? Where is ground zero? Is there any truth that it is very likely that the virus came from the hog wash run off from an American owned hog plant in Perote, Mexico. The information that I have seen points to water pollution from an American owned company. The same company had a similar issue in the US within the past few years. This may be a good time for Robert Kennedy Jr. to promote his stance concerning water pollution and the transfer of mutant virus. For more information I’d like to reference the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Documentary concerning the world water supply.
The world is now equipped with a powerful tracking system which is being used by World Health Organization, (WHO). The tracking system is excellent, but it only tracks the virus after it starts to spread. Also, when this was written, there was still a little hole in the network, such as the tracking does not take the whole world into account. There is no or limited information available on any epidemic from any of the countries that are located in Central or South America. I have not seen one report concerning sickness in any of countries which are Mexico’s neighbors to the south. Did the virus only move to the south or did it start in the north and move south? Did a Canadian transfer the virus to Mexico? The Global Tracking Complex is being created but the completion date is somewhere deep into the future.
A solution that may be wiser is to take a stance on monitoring the world’s water supply. It would cost much less money than monitoring all the hospitals of the world. The world’s water monitoring would be predictors of chemicals, viruses and mutant life that can be created from water pollution. An example of mutants are the “intersex fish” that have been found in the US. How does the virus jump from animals to humans? One theory is via the waters supply. The water supply can become tainted by many things, one which is animal farming. The animal’s waste is runoff to the local water supplies, where it is put into the ecological system and penetrates the food supply. The humans drink the water, play in the water and eat the food then the transfer process is completed.
Let’s prevent the causes of water pollution which in turn would help prevent future viruses before the pandemics start. At the same time, we should always keep in mind that the 1918 Flu infected many people during the beginning of the year and then came back with fury during the following flu season
Dear Tony and Others at CNN:
I believe the reason Mexico has experienced the H1N1 virus more severely than the US is because the Mexican people consume more pork products in their regular diet. They cook with lard. They eat most of the pig, and this is not being disrespectful. Here in America, because many people have discarded pork products from their table, being more health conscious, I believe the virus has not taken such an effect on us. Please compare pork product usage in Mexico versus the same pork product consumption in the US. There is a radical difference.
On health care....
One of the questions read on air at noon asked "What are they going to do for ....me" regarding losing jobs and health care coverage.
Where do people get the idea that they are entitled to health care coverage or anything else? What happened to the idea of earning what you need to survive?
Seems we have an awful lot of people in this country who have come to be totally dependent on the government for their every want and need and seem to be doing little for themselves.
I wonder if folks wouldn't take better care of themselves if there were no health insurance plans for anybody. Maybe our government should start a personal responsibility program instead of a national helth care system!
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