Every now and then we hear of diseases that are deadly and have the potential to become widespread. I think it’s that time of the year again, and this time, we are facing a potentially serious threat from swine flu. In fact, the World Health Organization has already stepped in and has declared a public emergency.
The current strain of swine flu originates from Mexico and is said to be different from the previous ones that we have encountered. In Mexico, it has been reported that 81 people have died from the disease and that more than 1,000 people are currently infected with it.
Swine flu, as the name implies, is transferred from infected pigs to humans. Humans who contract the disease exhibit the normal signs of flu – fever, respiratory problems, fatigue, and the like. However, the degree of the symptoms is more intense and can lead to death.
While the majority of reported cases are in Mexico, other cases have already been reported in other countries, particularly the United States. Texas, California and Kansas have reported cases and there are some suspected cases in New York City too. Recently, an airline crew member of the British Airways has been taken to an isolation unit as he disembarked from a flight from Mexico. He showed symptoms of swine flu.
If you have not been traveling, then you are most likely safe but you never really know who has been where so the best course to take would be to remain alert for such symptoms and immediately report it to the authorities if you suspect that you or anyone else has the disease.
Originally posted on April 26, 2009 @ 12:37 pm