Swine flu fears prompt quarantine plans, pork bans

[MotleyCH]

Just read that Egypt is going to slaughter all their Pigs, an estimated 350,000 of them.

[MORAY37]

36,000 people die each year from NORMAL Flu in the US--same crap happened in 1976....more people died from the vaccine than from the 'pandemic'...close border, don't eat out for a few weeks (and cancel that cruise to Cozumel )

This outlook is problematic.

While I don't disagree with you, the flippant attitude of your response shows exactly how much you know about the topic.  The 1918 Spanish Flu started out almost exactly like this... jumped on the scene in 1916/17 as a mild but easily transmittable influenza.  It took it about a year to run into an Avian based influenza that had a much higher virility.  Once the two exchanged numbers and genetic code, the 1918 virus was born, with around a 2.5% mortality rate.

I don't know that I must point out, there already IS a known virulent influenza virus out there.  H5N1.  Hanging with around a 60% mortality rate, localised in SE Asia.  Should these two strains meet.... One has EXACTLY what the other needs to be really dangerous.  H1N1 has mixed genetic markers, with human, pig and avian roots.  H5N1 is pretty much Avian.  H5N1 is highly virulent (it kills).  H1N1 is easily transmittable.

 If they find each other.... we could have serious issues.  

uman mortality from H5N1 or the human fatality ratio from H5N1 or the case-fatality rate of H5N1 refer to the ratio of the number of confirmed human deaths resulting from confirmed cases of transmission and infection of H5N1 to the number of those confirmed cases. For example, if there are 100 confirmed cases of humans infected with H5N1 and 10 die, then there is a 10% human fatality ratio (or mortality rate). H5N1 flu is a concern due to the global spread of H5N1 that constitutes a pandemic threat. The majority of H5N1 flu cases have been reported in southeast and east Asia. The case-fatality rate is central to pandemic planning. While estimates of case-fatality (CF) rates for past influenza pandemics have ranged from about 0.1% (1957 and 1968 pandemics) to 2.5% (1918 pandemic); the official World Health Organization estimate for the current outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza to date is around 60%. While the real H5N1 CF rate (what it would be if we had perfect knowledge) could be lower (one study suggests that the real H5N1 CF rate is closer to 14–33%); it is unlikely that, if it becomes a pandemic, it will go to the 0.1–0.4% level currently embraced by many pandemic plans.[1]

Treating this as a joke or with a flippant attitude is somewhat like stepping out onto a street without even a glance in either direction.  Sure, there's probably no traffic on this street right now.......

[jimson]

Well....all I know is I keep seeing THIS guy (Image removed from quote.)

Problem maybe ?

Oh No!!
Captain Trips!!!

[MORAY37]

Just read that Egypt is going to slaughter all their Pigs, an estimated 350,000 of them.

It's already too late for this.  The H1N1 virus already is demonstrably transmissible human to human (airborne)  Killing a lot of pigs right now is closing the barn door after teh horse ran out.

 They might have more of a problem than they are letting on, and the government is in plausible deniability mode.

[Rich46yo]

Treating this as a joke or with a flippant attitude is somewhat like stepping out onto a street without even a glance in either direction.  Sure, there's probably no traffic on this street right now.......

And treating it, in an Internet game forum, "seriously" is going to change what?

I dont drop a load in my pants everytime something in life crops up thats beyond my control.

[Xasthur]

And treating it, in an Internet game forum, "seriously" is going to change what?

I dont drop a load in my pants everytime something in life crops up thats beyond my control.

Woo hooooooo
 
Another smart outlook! 

What are you going to do? You get pig death and you die.... bugger. You get pig death and you don't die.... cool.

There's bugger all anyone can do for you right now... just stay away from Mexicans and you'll be right.

[DMBEAR]

This outlook is problematic.

While I don't disagree with you, the flippant attitude of your response shows exactly how much you know about the topic.  The 1918 Spanish Flu started out almost exactly like this... jumped on the scene in 1916/17 as a mild but easily transmittable influenza.  It took it about a year to run into an Avian based influenza that had a much higher virility.  Once the two exchanged numbers and genetic code, the 1918 virus was born, with around a 2.5% mortality rate.

I don't know that I must point out, there already IS a known virulent influenza virus out there.  H5N1.  Hanging with around a 60% mortality rate, localised in SE Asia.  Should these two strains meet.... One has EXACTLY what the other needs to be really dangerous.  H1N1 has mixed genetic markers, with human, pig and avian roots.  H5N1 is pretty much Avian.  H5N1 is highly virulent (it kills).  H1N1 is easily transmittable.

 If they find each other.... we could have serious issues.  


Treating this as a joke or with a flippant attitude is somewhat like stepping out onto a street without even a glance in either direction.  Sure, there's probably no traffic on this street right now.......

My name is BEAR, I live in Northern Mexico.  I just sneezed.  I am starting to get worried. 

Add it up. Man + Bear + Swineflu =



Now where did I leave my SARS mask?

[crazyivan]

Thought the gov. is calling it the H1N1 virus , so the swine's feelings aren't hurt. Kiddn guess they said not to hurt the pork industry.

School's out in Texas now. Spring Break round 2 ..

[crazyivan]

Nothing can nor will stop me from eating bacon, ever!

[bj229r]

This outlook is problematic.

While I don't disagree with you, the flippant attitude of your response shows exactly how much you know about the topic.  The 1918 Spanish Flu started out almost exactly like this... jumped on the scene in 1916/17 as a mild but easily transmittable influenza.  It took it about a year to run into an Avian based influenza that had a much higher virility.  Once the two exchanged numbers and genetic code, the 1918 virus was born, with around a 2.5% mortality rate.

I don't know that I must point out, there already IS a known virulent influenza virus out there.  H5N1.  Hanging with around a 60% mortality rate, localised in SE Asia.  Should these two strains meet.... One has EXACTLY what the other needs to be really dangerous.  H1N1 has mixed genetic markers, with human, pig and avian roots.  H5N1 is pretty much Avian.  H5N1 is highly virulent (it kills).  H1N1 is easily transmittable.

 If they find each other.... we could have serious issues.  


Treating this as a joke or with a flippant attitude is somewhat like stepping out onto a street without even a glance in either direction.  Sure, there's probably no traffic on this street right now.......

Your view is the most prudent to take, but if more than 10 US citizens die of this, I'll mail you a $20 bill (the one death in Texas was a 2  year old who recently came up from Mexico)

[StokesAk]

Tell me when the schools in Maryland close.

[MORAY37]

Your view is the most prudent to take, but if more than 10 US citizens die of this, I'll mail you a $20 bill (the one death in Texas was a 2  year old who recently came up from Mexico)

That's one bill I don't wish to see sir, nor will I wager on that line.

The thing that is getting me.... There isn't a specific cause of death in any of the cases listed.  Usually Flu kills by a few different ways, but nothing is listed.  Pneumonia is common.  MODS as well.   Virologists I know are really getting a bit chafed over it.  The CDC won't come back with any straight answer.

In any case, whatever happens, it won't happen to the US or rest of the Northern Hemisphere till next season.  Temperatures and humidity are getting way too hot for a sustained flu outbreak.  The southern hemisphere flu season is just starting, so they'll get the brunt of whatever happens from here.  The bad part of that equation is that, should it go haywire in the southern hemisphere, it will be likely that H1N1 will have morphed into a resistant strain due to all the Tamiflu and Relenza that will have been thrown at it there.

[Pannono]

Confirmed case in AZ! Yikes! 

[oakranger]

Just got this from the Kansas department Health and Environment


www.kdheks.gov
From the State Health Officer
Six Things Every Kansan Should Know About Swine Flu
Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD, MPH
Kansas State Health Officer
By now you are probably aware that an outbreak of swine flu has occurred in Mexico, with a few
cases now being reported in the United States. You may be alarmed by what you have heard, or
you may be wondering why public health authorities are so concerned.
Many of you are asking good questions about swine flu. At this early stage in the outbreak, some
questions don’t yet have reliable answers. As each day passes we are learning more, and we are
becoming more certain about the advice we give.
As of today, here is what we know:
1. This is a new virus, never before recognized in the United States or anywhere in the
world. The new virus contains genetic pieces from flu viruses that infect pigs, birds and
humans. It appears able to spread among humans like the familiar human flu viruses that
circulate in our communities every winter. Because this virus is new, we believe that no
one has natural immunity against it. Immunization with the seasonal flu vaccine is not
likely to offer protection.
2. Disease caused by the swine flu virus appears to be mild so far. Among the confirmed
cases in the United States, only one has required hospitalization. All have recovered, or
are now showing signs of recovery. The ability of the virus to cause serious disease may
change over time, or it may infect people who are less able to resist it effectively. There
are reports of deaths associated with swine flu infections in Mexico.
3. The disease is present in Kansas. As of today, we are aware of two cases of swine flu in
our state. One case followed a trip to Mexico. The other resulted from household contact
with the returning traveler. State and local public health staff are currently working hard
to identify additional cases and provide supporting laboratory work to characterize the
extent of the outbreak in Kansas.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CURTIS STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 1000 SW JACKSON ST., STE. 540, TOPEKA, KS 66612-1368
Voice 785-296-0461 Fax 785-368-6368
4. Swine flu is treatable. While the new virus is resistant to certain anti-viral medications,
at the moment it remains sensitive to others. To be maximally effective in shortening the
length and severity of illness, these medications should be prescribed by a physician early
in the course of infection. As always, rest at home and drinking ample fluids is also
essential for a complete recovery.
5. Swine flu is preventable. While there is no vaccine that specifically protects against the
new virus, everyday steps that prevent the spread of germs are very effective in reducing
the risk of catching this disease. These include washing your hands thoroughly and often
with soap and warm water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers, staying at least six feet away
from people who are coughing and sneezing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a
balanced diet and plenty of rest and exercise. Those who develop flu symptoms must stay
home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible for a period of seven days
from the onset of illness.
6. We can beat this. Your state and local public health professionals, together with Kansas
health care providers, have been preparing and training for the arrival of a new flu virus
in our communities for years. Working with colleagues at the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, we will monitor the activity of this new infectious agent and take
all the necessary steps to curtail its spread. Your role in this is critical: to remain
informed, to consult your health care provider if you become ill, and to follow the advice
you receive on ways to protect your community. We will continue to update the KDHE
web site (www.kdheks.gov) and encourage you to use it as a resource for swine flu
information. Thank you all for your interest and support.
Dr. Eberhart-Phillips is the Kansas State Health Officer and the Director of Division of Health
in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
# # #
As the state’s environmental protection and public health agency, KDHE promotes responsible
choices to protect the health and environment for all Kansans.
Through education, direct services and the assessment of data and trends, coupled with policy
development and enforcement, KDHE will improve health and quality of life. We prevent illness,
injuries and foster a safe and sustainable environment for the people of Kansas.

[MrMeanie]

109cases in the us now CNN news chan