|
Is this Overhyped Threat, or are we prepared for another Pandemic Flu? |
|
Written by Faysal Sikder
Apr 26, 2009 at 08:38 PM |
|
|
This virus is spreading fast around the world. Are we prepared, if this thing becomes a pandemic? The last big flu pandemic killed millions around the world. The "Asian Flu" was a category 2 flu pandemic outbreak of avian influenza that originated in China in early 1956. It spread to Singapore in February 1957, reached Hong Kong by April, and US by June. Death toll in the US was approximately 69,800. Estimates of worldwide infection rate vary widely depending on source, ranging from 1 million to 4 million.
UPDATE:
Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5
29
April 2009 -- Based on assessment of all available information and
following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's
Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert
from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately
activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective
and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection
and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.
Level 6 is full blown Pandemic.
News from around the World about 2009 Swine Flu Outbreak:
- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns of possible new influenza pandemic.
- Mexico canceled schools nationwide on Monday and warned the death toll from a swine flu epidemic believed to have killed 149 people. People have been urged not to travel to Mexico as the death toll rises.
- South African health authorities are on high alert as the deadly swine flu sparks panic across the globe. Airlines’ shares, along with those of hotels and cruise lines, plummeted amid concerns that passengers would cancel their travel plans in fear of contracting the virus.
- Scottish health minister confirms two people have tested positive for swine flu in Britain.
- The Centers for Disease Control said Monday afternoon that 40 cases of the swine flu strain H1N1 have now been confirmed in five states in the U.S. The agency said 20 new cases have been confirmed in New York City since Sunday, all of which were part of a group of high school students who recently traveled to Cancun, Mexico. Currently cases have only been reported in California, New York, Texas, Ohio and Kansas.
Check out the CDC site for more information.
|
Comment by Jabbaha on 2009-04-28 13:58:05
This outbreak is being blown way out of proportion.
As the second point point states, "flu believed to have killed 149 people". The number of deaths at that time had not all been confirmed moralities to swine flu.
All I can say is remember SARS, remember bird flu.... this too will hopefully pass. People just need to not freak out. It takes thousands of cases worldwide in many countries to have a disease labeled as a pandemic. Swine flu, with our new advanced public health monitoring agencies, shouldn't stand a chance. The counties in the Washington DC metropolitan area all have procedures for dealing with an influenza outbreak if one were to occur in the area. We are fortunately prepared for the worst. |
Comment by DestroyGreenTechnologyEnd on 2009-04-27 18:24:20
let the zombie outbreak begin. |
|
