The pandemic alert level of 5 out of a 6-point scale has been declared by the World Health Organization with regards to the swine or Mexican flu. The flu which was originally reported in Mexico has spread in the North American continent to infect people in the United States (91) and Canada (13). The first fatal case in the US was reported on Wednesday, 29 April in Texas.
In Europe and the rest of the world, the following confirmed cases have been reported on 30 April 2009, 08:00 CEST.
- Austria (1)
- Costa Rica (2)
- Germany (3)
- Israel (2)
- New Zealand (14)
- Peru (1)
- Spain (10)
- United Kingdom (5)
As of noon today, 30 April 2009, Switzerland announced its first confirmed case.
The rapidity of how the virus “jumped” continents is largely attributed to the ease of global travel nowadays. Almost all confirmed cases outside North America have been in Mexico recently.
It is very easy to get confused about all the reports coming different sectors, be it from the media, from health authorities to conspiracy theorists.
To keep yourself updated, check put the following recommended sites:
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). The CDC has done/is doing the following:
- implemented its emergency response and released part of its stockpile of medications for use.
- issued new interim guidance for doctors on how to care for children and pregnant women who might get infected.
- gives regular updates
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is issuing updates for Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has done/is doing the following:
- coordinates with health officials of different countries to facilitate reporting and monitoring
- issues alerts and updates
Some useful and practical info to prepare yourself (aside from what the aforementioned sites can give you) can be found at WedMD:
- How to protect your child
- Swine flu risks and prevention (video)
- Swine flu prevention (slide show)
The most important survival tip of all: be alert but do not panic!
Photo credit: stock. xchng
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