Unless you are living under a rock -- and perhaps even then! -- you
know that we have an outbreak of
swine flu on our hands, with cases in multiple
countries, and Mexico as the starting point. This could turn
out to be a pandemic strain of flu. A pandemic is an epidemic
affecting people in multiple countries -- and in the case of a flu
pandemic, the entire world. An epidemic is the occurrence of
any condition at levels beyond the norm.
The U.S. has declared a public health emergency -- not out of
excessive alarm, but to mobilize resources to enhance preparations,
such as getting anti-viral
medication where it's most needed, and gearing up
to make new vaccines.
A travel advisory has been issued cautioning against non-essential
travel to Mexico. And in a move that experts here (and I)
consider way out of proportion to the apparent risks thus far, the
European Union has issued a general travel advisory for trips to
the U.S.
In accord with President Obama's comments today, I am
concerned, but not truly alarmed. But I don't know
quite where to put my level of concern on the spectrum from
almost-not-at-all to the next-best-thing-to-panic, because my
puzzle is missing one piece.
Why have so many people died of this infection in Mexico (if that
is what winds up being confirmed), whereas the cases elsewhere all
seem rather mild?
One theory I have is that perhaps the lethal cases in Mexico
involved direct transmission from of the virus from pigs to
people. Maybe the virus needs to mutate to travel
person-to-person, and in so doing, loses some of its deadly
punch. Maybe. At the moment, nobody knows.
Until that question gets answered, I will be a long way from panic,
but quite a ways from entirely at ease. Until we get that
missing piece of the puzzle, it's legitimate to remain a little
puzzled about just how bad -- or not -- this situation might
be.
More Ways to Reduce Your Swine Flu Risk:
De-Germ Your Home: 10 Worst Hot Spots to Know
Top 5 Foods for Killer Immunity
Could Your Purse Catch the Swine Flu?
Swine flu: Should you ditch your passport?
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