The Outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico is Being Watched in US by the CDC
Mexico City closed schools across the metropolis of 20 million Friday after at least 16 people died and more than 900 others fell ill from what health officials suspect is a new strain of swine flu. World health officials worried that it could mark the start of a flu pandemic.
mexico-city-swine-flu-outbreak
CDC officials are trying to find out as quickly as possible whether the strain that affected seven victims in the US, is the same one affecting Mexico City. Apparently, the US strain combines viruses from swine, bird and humans, that has not been seen before. Most people are aware that swine flu has historically caused the vast majority of flu outbreaks. And virtually everyone is aware of the recent avian flu outbreak that occurred in Asia. The seven US victims are recovering and could possibly have some protection from vaccinations and/or antiviral medications.
Swine Flu Pig Testing
According to CDC officials, “the bug contains human virus, avian virus from North America and pig viruses from North America, Europe and Asia.” Since Mexico City has closed schools, this again begs the question of the possible effectiveness of health information technology in a possible pandemic flu environment. Remote accessibility to health records and health information is critical now. 16 people have died and possible 44 others. It has apparently been detected in at least two children in San Diego county, a popular thorughfare from Mexico.
Are the Hawaii Department of Health and hospitals ready for an outbreak? There is a stockpile of supplies as part of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s Emergency Management Program. Hawaii has 25,000 healthcare workers, but there are enough suits and respirators stockpiled for 50,000. Toby Clairmont, the Emergency Services Director for the Healthcare Association of Hawaii says “that’s more per capita than any other state.”
Here’s a link to the part 2 of Episode 1 of KHNL’s series on pandemic flu.
Vaccination rates throughout the world vary widely, and this is occurring very late in the traditional flu season. Typically swine flu is contracted by humans living in close proximity to pigs in agricultural areas of China, during the winter. As people emerge from close quarters and start to travel, these viruses are spread throughout other areas during the summer, eventually arriving in the US in the fall and winter. That’s why influenza immunizations are typically given in the fall. The main reason is that CDC officials and vaccine manufacturers have to wait to see what the most common influenza virus strains need to be developed into vaccines. The lead time from identification to administration is measured in months, not weeks.
In countries where vaccination rates are low, the pandemic could spread more quickly due to fear or difficulties with distribution. Some countries also have to deal with rumors and unwarranted fears about vaccines. Recently a huge vaccination program in Ukraine was stopped due to unfounded rumors about a child’s death following a vaccination.
Here’s a link the the CDC regarding swine flu. The count as of yesterday, April 25th.
| U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | # of laboratory confirmed cases | |
| California | 7 cases | |
| Texas | 2 cases | |
| Kansas | 2 cases | |
| TOTAL COUNT | 11 cases | |
| International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization  |
||
| As of April 25th, 2009 7:30 p.m. EDT | ||
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can to do preventing getting and spreading influenza:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For updates from the World Health Organization, here is a link to their website.
