103 deaths from “Swine Flu” have been reported so far in Mexico, the country hardest hit by an epedimic that has hit North America and continues to spread. Over 400 hundred patients affected with the virus are currently hospitalized in Mexico and over 1,600 cases are being reported in the country.
In Mexico city the few that are venturing out in the streets are wearing surgical masks, a precaution that is now being urged in the United States where at least 20 cases have been reported, with no deaths resulting. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that schools begin planning for possible closures, while DHS chief Janet Napolitano prepares for flu outbreaks even if the “Swine Flu” isn’t the big one.
Friends in Mexico City tell me that the full extent of the epidemic is not being reported by the government, they expect that school and office closures will expand next week, with a possible directive to close public workplaces. Mexico has been struggling in the midst of the world-wide economic crisis that has damaged the financial system of it’s biggest trading partner, the US; the epidemic will likely hit the Mexican economy hard.
6 cases have been reported in Canada, 3 suspected cases have been reported in Spain, an Israeli man returning from Mexico was hospitalized in what may be the Middle East’s first case of the disease that could be sweeping the globe, and 10 cases are suspected in New Zealand.
Janet Napolitano said today that it is not yet necessary to begin testing travelers coming from Mexico to the US, and the Administration reports that Bio-Terrorism is not a likely cause of the “public health emergency.”
We’ll continue to watch the spread of the “Swine Flu.” Wash your hands, and stay home if your sick… Basic precautions are often the easiest way to prevent the spread of contagious diseases between people.
