Evening Buzz: Swine Flu's Reach
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
Tonight on AC360°, we'll have the latest on the Swine Flu outbreak. Check out these numbers....
U.S. Cases .................... CDC Confirmed ............... CDC Suspected
California 7 1
Kansas 2 0
New Jersey 0 5
New York 28 0
Ohio 1 0
South Carolina 0 22
Texas 2 7
Total U.S. Confirmed: 40
Total U.S. Suspected: 35
All CONFIRMED cases or fatalities are sourced WHO or National Health Ministries
All SUSPECTED cases are sourced by National Health Ministries
Non-U.S ......... WHO .............. Govt. ............. Govt. ................. WHO ......................... Govt.
Cases ............. Confirmed ....Confirmed ..... Suspected .....Confirmed Deaths ... Suspected Deaths
Canada 6 0
Israel 0 2
Mexico 26 172 7 149
Spain 1 19
U.K. 2 17
WHO Confirmed: 35
Govt. Confirmed: 210
Govt. Suspected: 7
WHO Confirmed Deaths: 0
Govt. Suspected Deaths: 149
Total Confirmed Cases Worldwide: 75
Swine Flu in Pigs:
* Swine flu outbreaks in pigs mostly occur during the late fall and winter months.
* Swine flu is a constantly mutating virus. Pigs are susceptible to viruses from birds, humans and other swine. When these different influenza viruses strike pigs, the genes can mutate and new viruses can develop.
Swine Flu in Humans:
* Swine flu is not common in humans. Occasionally, human infections with swine flu occur in people who have been exposed to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
* Symptoms include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Other symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
* Drugs that treat swine flu in humans include: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Timeline:
* 1930 – The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) is first isolated from a pig.
* 1976 – Swine flu (Hsw1N1) breaks out among soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey. 13 soldiers are infected and one dies.
* 1976 – The U.S. begins a nationwide vaccination program against a type of swine flu known as Influenza A/New Jersey/76. However, the program is suspended after people die within hours of receiving the vaccination. More than 500 people develop Guillian-Barre syndrome after the vaccination and 32 people die.
* September 1988 – A woman dies of the H1N1 flu virus days after visiting a county fair pig exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.
* December 2005 – February 2009 – The CDC reports 12 cases of swine flu among humans.
* April 24, 2009 – The CDC issues an outbreak notice warning travelers of an increased health risk of swine flu in Central Mexico and Mexico City.
* April 26, 2009 – The U.S. declares a public health emergency as cases of swine flu in the U.S. increase.
* April 27, 2009 – The World Health Organization raises the influenza pandemic alert to a level 4.
That's the background. The number of cases keeps changing. We'll have the latest figures for you on the program and get even more details. Should you and your family be worried? What can you do to protect yourself? We're covering all the angles.
Share your thoughts on the outbreak below.
And, join us at 10pm ET for all the late breaking details.
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I notice your information does not include the outbreak of this flu in NZ where 26 children returned from Mexico with it
cheers
How many people have died from the regular influenza since this swine flu fever started its spread? Lets have some perspective.
I've been watching the courage on the news for several days now. We haven't had any big reports here yet. I work in the housekeeping department and suggest anyone working in this field as well to be extremely careful. We need to take extra time with cleaning every thing to keep this thing from spreading and mutating. Referring back to our osah manuals as much as possible will help keep our venues clean and safe for our customers. I wish for only the best of luck to all of us sanitation workers!
My daughter and new husband left yesterday morning at 6am to go to Puerto Vallarta Mexico for their honeymoon, we called all nite long to get answers and at that time the airport said it was very saft to go, I need answers to if they notify them when they need to leave. The resort keeps telling them to not worry. But with all the news coverage, it looks like they want to close the border, will they not let them come back if they do this. How do they get real answers for their safety. Since they allowed them to go yesterday, even when they arrived in Texas later in the morning, they asked the airlines what they should do and they still told them everything was fine, and at that time no refunds we being given out. Right after the plane gets in the air, they made the announcement of airline refunds. Us parents are trying to stay calm, but need answers to what to tell them. They keep getting told everything is fine there.
swine flu reached china?! so..is it already pandemic?
this may be one of the biggest conspiracy in the american history. one of the most dangerous work of the underworld drug cartels. while the both nation busy in setteling the epidemic,it would be easy to take care of business.
i can't figure out about traveling with in the usa. should we cancel our tickets to georgia? or do we go see the grandkids? everyone is scared about if we can carry something to them. will a dr. give out the tamiflu to us before we leave .....just in case?
I have a 32 foot by 12 foot aviary full of birds, 13 chickens that I have not been able to keep off of every entrance to my house and they poop all over my porches and decks, gunnea fowl of unknown numbers because they travel for miles at times, two peafowl that travel between several properties in my neighborhood, and before late last night a gold crowned conure of only three years old. Last night my conure was playing and talking and happy until late. Then I saw that she wasn't acting normal. Sort of like she was dizzy and an hour later she died. My neighbor has geese that run around with my outdoor birds and seriously I can't stop the poop from my porch! I open the door and they are all on my feet trying to get in!
My dogs run around in this poop and even eat it on a daily basis. My bird was super healthy yesterday! There was no egg binding, no long term symptoms. She just suddenly acted dizzy, went to the floor of her cage and died an hour later:-( Very heart breaking for a super healthy three year old bird that should have a very long life span:-( After she died I thoroughly examined her vent, eyes, nose and found no reason for her to die. I have a house mate that is a janitor at a very large mall.
I see no way to escape my birds and I'm worried. I'm pretty much surrounded by hundreds of birds of all different kinds. I cannot go outside without stepping in poop from at least two kinds of birds.. There are lots of predatory birds always flying over threatening my many birds. That was my worst threat before.
I am in OR. Should I be concerned about my dead bird? I mean can somebody get sick from her? I wrapped her in plastic and put her in the trash. Please let me know. I have a headache, sore throat and mild cough and I'm really hoping it's just a cold. There are three other people in my house and if there is concern I need to warn them. We are all healthy except for my cold, or at least I hope that's what you tell me this is:-(
Thank you
Scared in Oregon!
traveling to georgia next week. how safe is air travel? should we wear masks and gloves on aircraft? should we ask our doctor for tamiflu to carry just in case. we are elderly, and i have asthma.
What are the first signs of the swine flu and how does it progress?
What is the incubation period once exposed to the virus?
Do you guys know if the swine flu has affected other states in Mexico, or just Mexico City?
Experts seem to be at loss to explain why the Swine Flu is especially lethal in Mexico City, and not in the U.S. and elsewhere. I have a theory: As Mexico City is reputed to have the most polluted air of the any major metropolitan area in the world, could this not be a prime contributing factor. I would image that many Mexico City residents of all ages have compromised lung function, thus making them dangerously susceptible and vulnerable to the virus.
my two sons have been diagnosed with flu. We live in southern California, 2 hours from mexican border, but my doctor does not want to test for the swine flu. Should I get a second opinion?
What about past 2 months worth of cases!! Are we really getting the numbers right?
I'm certain me and my 16 year old son had swine flu 3 weeks ago. We both had 4-5 days of 100+ fever, extreme fatigue, body and headaches, and dry cough. His friends from school also had this type of flu in Feb.March timeframe. We all went to the doctors separately and were told we had viral flu. Now I know what serious and highly infectious illness looks like....and this was both!!
I'm numb to media drama but this is not hype!!
Hi, I'm a concerned parent. My family are going scheduled to go on a cruise next week to Mexico. My daughter is 5. My daughter's life is not worth a four day cruise. What should I do? Can I force a refund from cruiseline? Thank you. Linda in California
I never heard about the Swine Flu. I hear its deadly? Oh my, I'm a bit worry I know about 4 people in my house that have the flu. But I'm not sure if its the Swine Flu. And I'm IN CALIFORNIA. I hope they have this under control.
Neko
California Santa Barbara County
My 7yr old daughter has horrible flu symptoms, 104.5 fever, throwing up, aches and pains, this came out of nowhere, she was perfectly fine friday. I'm getting her tested tomorrow morning, I'm hoping I'm just a manic mother :)....
A thought on this topic... I thank God that I can take her to the Dr, to get tested. what happens to those that can't afford to go to the Dr. Sadly we live in the home of the brave, and sinking quickly, way too many can barely afford food let alone medical care. Many of these people, will get the flu and will spread it, and that is the sad part. A simple medication, poof gone! so where will they get there meds? I hope that somewhere in every community there are FREE swine flu testing centers, this would help to further get a handle on an already manic situation...I hope! FOR THOSE THAT GET IT OR HAVE IT...GET WELL SOON!
Will anti-bacterial hand sanitizers work as well as washing your hands keeping us safe from contracting The Swine Flu?
Is there any risk to spreading this through all the hand-picked produce that comes in from Mexico? Should we take additional precautions?
How long does the virus live on inanimate objects?
My mother told me that I was vaccinated for swine flu in the 70's. How does that affect me now? How does it affect my young children when it comes to resitance against the virus?
Thanks!
-J.C.
Would getting the pneumonia vaccine help prevent against pneumonia that results as a complication of swine flu?
biological warfare
Could this possibly be biological warfare from the drug cartels from Mexico? stevenraysigler@yahoo.com Alias Ziggy
I will have phone service tomorrow by vonage on the 28th 304 573-3020
I live in vancouver BC and i need to travel to méxico city next thursday. What can i do to protect myself ? Should i take some medicines ? Which ones ?
I was wondering if having a regular flu shot helps at all in regards to the swine flu?
i live in south texas and was just informed that 2 girls from rio grande city have been tested positive for swine flu. as for me i work with people from mexico everyday and not sure what precuations to take, and for the past 2 days i have been getting flu symptoms and not sure if i should go see a doctor or not? what should i do?
What brand of face mask should we purchase? Would normal medical supply stores have the type we need? Does anyone know what the incubation period is for swine flu?
Thank you
Anderson,
Very insightful and thorough coverage of the swine flu dilemma. I have a concern. I have a cruise planned for May 17th. It will be stopping at Belize City and Cozumel. I have heard reports that the main outbreak was in Mexico City. How concerned should I be? What precautions should do the doctors/experts on the show recommend I take? I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind regards
I received a live vaccine in the 70's for the Swine Flu. I have
not heard any report about the 1976 outbreak. Will that live
virus provide any protection for me now?
I have a trip planned for zacatecas mex. The virus hasn't hit there. Do u think it is safe to go. What kind of precautions should I take?
We don't know how this will play out yet, so I will do my best to take appropriate caution. But I do have one question.
This viurs originated in birds. Could it be that it can still infect birds, and can travel with the migratory path of the birds? Then morph into the human or pig version again?
Should the people of Mexico wear latex gloves ? When useing ATM machines ect. And should all the pigs be destroyed like the chickens in Hong Kong to prevent the spead
dear sir, we booked a vacation to cancun in the beginning of June, so we were wondering if it is safe
I'm 18 (and I'm concerned about the age group affected). I live in Ontario, Canada. I am currently vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. I left for my trip last Wednesday when I had no idea about any pandemics. Obviously I'm very concerned about its spread and I'm also worried about any border-closings due to the Swine flu. Should I quarentene myself when I get home or before I go even if I'm not infected?
If the concern of this virus is as great as it appears to be,
why wouldn' t the gov do more to prevent a possible pandemic?
A travel warning to Mexico, but just a watchful eye on the U.S Mexico
border?
Clear concise article and appreciate the updates you can provide here.
Is this swine flu ,a terrorist attack,if not you know benladin likes it.!
How are we so unprepared?
How can this flu ,pop-up with such deadly results,in any country or state..said too come from mexico ,,If thats so,why not close borders until the CDC,HAS MORE CONTROL OF THIS POSSIBLE,,Pandemic..
Lets not wait until its too late.
Please, enough with the indepth coverage of the Swine Flu. A panic will be inadvertently caused. Update the number of cases and remind people of how to stay vigilant of all flu type diseases. The segment lasted forever.....
I had to turn off the show tonight....it was just too much. There are so many other stories that need to be told. What about the couple killed by the Taliban? What about the war in Afghanistan? Is there not other stories that you guys can tell that haven't already been told all day long, over and over?
Also, please make sure the facts are correct. You guys put 6 deaths in Canada when it was actually 6 mild cases. That is quite the error. Not a good night for AC360, in my humble opinion.
I have a question about that medicine for the Swine Flu. You say that any child over that age of one. can take it. Okay i have a one year old little girl and about to be a newborn baby, What about those babies if the was to get it? What about our children under that age range? Please answer that for me. i want to know. Thanks
Don't you think when the officials turned off the water supply to Mexico City over Easter weekend has something to do with the Swine Virus. Residents did not have ruuning water to wash with. The timing is very interesting.
i've been watching news all day and its getting scarrier everytime i hear it, my parents just cancelled my flight and so many people in our country is scared even though our country is very far away from mexico..
but our no. 1 question is, when will the vaccine be created?
The issue isn't Americans traveling to Mexico but illegals coming in There is no way to stop them and no one seems to care. Congress is entirely composed of idiots.
I am a student at Georgetown University in Washington, my family lives in Mexico City and Queretaro, and precisely this weekend my father and brother traveled to Spain. Amidst this crisis that my family has seen unravel, our close family friend, a top pediatrician at Mexico's ABC "British" Hospital, has informed us on the reality of the medical situation. I want to inform you that they believe news have been blown out of proportion! The situation (although minimally spreading in comparison to last week) is largely being curtailed by the antiviral medication that has been found effective. There is a cure for this flue, there is not need for the particular vaccine to be developed to contain the spread, and the deaths were a result of the initial novelty of the virus when it was found. A premium Canadia laboratory has been set up in the city to quarantine and gradually decrease the spread, but this is definitely not a pandemic. It spread fast, but you will see the reality of all this numbers quickly disappear as days go bye.
Just a perspective for you to look into!
Cordially,
Pablo
Anderson please remind the guest of the disenfective for swine flu from Pure Bioscience (PURE) that you can spray on anything you touch (phones computer Bathroom door knobs). It really is the only "Green" Disinfectant that Meets CDC's Recommendation for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus in both Home and Healthcare settings
I need help ind deciding wether or not I will be going to Cacnun in May. We have a trip planned and paid for. We cannot get a refund unless united states closes the borders, that is the only way to get money back. What should we do go or cancell trip
kathi houchends
If you were vaccinated for swine flu during the 70's will that provide any immunity?