Swine Flu Update 4.30.09 Update

Okay So here is today's Update:
More than a 100 confirmed cases in over 11 states, and there is more News Below.Okay so the Hog People don't want it called Swine Flu....well , the Fact is that the Feces from a Large Smithfield Farm, US Owned that slaughters over a million pigs a year in Vera Cruz Mexico is being examined and tested for SWINE flu....And there are concerns that the Excrement are part of the Chain of the Outbreak. Scientists are trying to determine if it is actual exposure to the Feces or if flies are involved in the process.Lab samples have been sent to the University of New Mexico. Now let's be real about this, from a hygiene standpoint Feces and fecal matter present health threats, whether it be Hepatitis or CMV or other organisms.....So it is scientifically relevant. I can only hope that all the workers in that little village are being tested and their work practices examined. The Nature Network Link below has more on the Farm and the photos of a less than hygenic facility.

TODAYS ' NUMBERS:::
Arizona 1 California 14 Indiana 1 Kansas 2 Massachusetts 2 Michigan 1 Nevada 1
New York 50 Ohio 1 South Carolina 10 Texas 26 and 1 death, by 11PM, it was up to 18 states, and as far as National news reported 7 hospitalized. ( CDC should report hospitalized numbers as part of incidence rate).
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Really Interesting Post explaining Historical Information, and also explains about Large Pork Farms, and explains more about the Smithfield Farm issue. Nature Network is a forum of Scientists that is very interesting and thoughtful.
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LA Times has latest tally an information.114 Confirmed cases, and atleast 28 possibles, and new testing ongoing- so results take a few days.
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And atleast now Migrants are being educated about it, which is wise since many are day travelers to Mexico, or have family there.
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Presidential Aide possible contracted Swine Flu when planning trip for Energy Secretary Steven Chu. He and his family are being checked.
Snippet:::
WASHINGTON ( huffpo) — "A security aide helping with arrangements during President Barack Obama's recent trip to Mexico became sick with flu-like symptoms and three members of his family later contracted probable swine flu, the White House said Thursday.The disclosure from press secretary Robert Gibbs comes days after the White House played down risks to the U.S. delegation on the two-day trip that started April 16. Gibbs remained steadfast that the president was never at risk of contracting the flu, which has quickly spread across the globe.The employee, who was not named by the White House, is an aide to Energy Secretary Steven Chu and helped plan the Mexico trip."This individual never flew on Air Force One," Gibbs said. "He was asked specifically if he ever came within 6 feet of the president and the answer to that was no."The aide arrived in Mexico on April 13, Gibbs said, and became ill on April 16. He developed a fever on April 17, the day Obama left Mexico for the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. The person in question flew back commercially to Dulles on a United flight on April 18; Gibbs had no details yet on whether people on that flight have been notified."
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The Latest from Washington State has 6 possible Cases, one a pediatrician that treated children. The one possible Spokane cases now can not be located. Seattle PI has more on the situation for the state.
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CDC Swine Flu Website
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Dr.Besser of CDC talking about Latest news on AM Shows.
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Guardian Swine Page
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Travel Precautions for people that have to Fly.
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Readers Questions answered NYT- thorough,smartly done.
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Later this evening I am setting up a blog just for the Swine Flu, as I am still trying to determine it's path, it's level of seriousness and the Facts.....stay tuned.

Swine Flu H1N1 Updates:::: Wednesday 4.29.09

Today I am posting all updates below and in the Comments. Please read the posts Below about HOW to take care of your self. I will update this throughout the day. I have also added new button on side bar for the DHHS that has really good information, it also has CDC De.Besser updates. As a nurse my goal is to continue to gather news from around the US and Abroad and share it. Being Educated is being Prepared, knowledge is always power. The Comments will have ALL Updates from all over, good sources, The Guardian continues to cover this well.
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WORLD HEALTH ORG WEBSITE
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CDC Swine Flu Website
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Dr.Besser of CDC talking about Latest news on AM Shows.
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Guardian Swine Page
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Travel Precautions for people that have to Fly.
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Readers Questions answered NYT- thorough,smartly done.
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Really Interesting Post explaining Historical Information, and also explains about Large Pork Farms. Nature Network is a forum of Scientists that is very interesting and thoughtful.
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This Mercola site is reputable and also shows that some of the Medical Community is skeptical and unsure of what is being presented.
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DrChan's WHO Press Conference raising the Pandemic Level to five, Conference at 11 PM in Geneva. BBC has more info and the Video.
4PM LIVEBLOGGING THE WHO CONFERENCE LIVE FROM GENEVA WITH DR.CHAN RAISING THE PANDEMIC LEVEL TO LEVEL FIVE, SHE IS TAKING QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS- LIVE ON CNN.

LA TIMES First Paper to send Out the WHO Declaration:::
WHO raises pandemic flu alert level to phase 5 .The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level, meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.WHO says the phase 5 alert means there is sustained human-to-human spread in at least two countries. It also signals that efforts to produce a vaccine will be ramped up.
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4:40 PM W.H.O Conference still ongoing, it is 11PM there in Geneva Here is the WHO Pandemic Chart that explains the Pandemic Levels showing levels 4-6 that may help:::

"PHASE 4:: is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.

PHASE 5::: is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.
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Video about the Toddler that died in Texas, had been sick since April 4th and was being treated for pneumonia, and now workers at both hospitals are being monitored and tested.

7PM Update::::
Reuters has about 30 Quarnentined Marines and one Confirmed at 29 Palms.
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LA TIMES has more about 14 Newly Confirmed case and 17 Probable cases.
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Local Health Depts struggling to Cope with this Health Emergency...
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More about NYC Health Dept.
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Wash hands ****Wash Hand****Stay Home****Acquire Masks****Buy Antiseptic Wipes and Gel****Wipe Surfaces of Concern****
Stay Informed in your County and pay attention to Local Information and Incidence ***** Stay informed.

Mexico Shuts down Government and Private Business......read below, more later..

LA Times:::
Mexico's government is temporarily suspending all nonessential activity of the federal government and private business as the number of confirmed swine flu cases jumped.

Health Secretary Jose Cordova says nonessential federal government offices will be closed from May 1-5. He said all nonessential private businesses must also close for that period but essential services like transport, supermarkets, trash collection, hospital will remain open.Cordova told a news conference late Wednesday that confirmed swine flu cases have risen to 99, including eight dead.
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To be honest I am confused What are the True Numbers there ? and What is really going on ? And I wonder What is Non Essential Government ? The Health Dept ?
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Bloomberg asks Why is the Flu More Deadly in Mexico ( I repeat What are the true numbers in Mexico)

What To Do If You think You Have Symptoms of Swine Flu ?Let's talk about this.....and make sure Everyone is taken Care of...

First Symptoms::::
Fevers, Chills, Sore throat, and Dizziness, Cough and Headaches,some shortness of breath, and some people have had GI Symptoms Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea.If you have any of these symptoms follow the list below, but also avoid crowds and gatherings, especially ones with children, babies and pregnant women, elderly and Immune Compromised.Dr.Weil has more on this as well.

(1) Call Your Doctor's Office and ask What They are recommending and encouraging ?Are they sending people to ER or Health Dept ? Are they seeing Flu Patients Separately ? HOW is Testing to be done, are they shipping Tests to CDC in Georgia ? What are they recommending for treatment and Quarantine ? IF you do Not have Health Insurance, call the County Health Dept, and the State Health Dept. and ask Where you are to go. Federal Funds are supposed to cover Care and Testing of Residents in every state. No One should be told that they have to pay for the Tests or shipments of the Tests, or Tamiflu.It was declared an National Emergency 5 days ago.

(2) Call your Local Health Dept, County and ask What they are recommending,and also check their Website, and do See the NEW CDC /DHHS Button on my Side bar is full of very good information.

(3) Also ask HOW they are treating , and do they have tamiflu or Relenza Available for treatment.

(4) Once you think you have had, you can not and should not be Vaccinated.
(5) Once you have Symptoms, do wear Mask around other people and out in public you must wear, it is Droplet Spread as a Respiratory Virus. I the Nurse, DO recommend the Mask. Cover Mouth when you cough ALWAYS. And Wipe ALL surfaces and carry Antiseptic Wipes with you. Carry Antiseptic Gel with you. Wipe ALL Contact Surfaces with Antiseptic Wipes, this includes phones, doorknobs,keyboards and ATM"s etc. Do drink fluids and rest.

(6) Some People on MSM are saying it is "Just a Flu", that is Not exactly true,Regular Flu does not Normally kill people under 50,healthy people and children.We also do NOT know enough about the Mexico Victims- how many were young and Children.
That is WHY this is So Critical to know what to do.

I took off this week to Volunteer at a Free Health Fair here in Ohio, and it has now been Cancelled due to with This Flu. So I am committed to getting ALL of us Help , email me if you need to....I am ready to help, or make Calls, and I have researched this very well. I think as of now I am one of the only RN's Blogging the Swine Flu.....( hundreds of articles down below...and Daily Updates will continue, because Education and Information is our best way to be prepared and take care of each other).
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CDC Swine Site linked in to the Title
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Good video explaining about Transmission and Incidence rates:::

Dr.Martin Blaser on CNN explaining What to do to Protect to Yourself, especially about Mask Protection::::

Mask Guidelines DHHS Updated on 4.27.09, I do reccomend trying to acquire or have ready, esp if you are in one of the effected States.
Wash Your Hands **** Wash Your Hands **** Wash Your Hands.........

Swine Flu Rising Internationally.....Tuesday Update 4.28.09

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WORLD HEALTH ORG WEBSITE
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CDC Swine Flu Website
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I PM Tuesday 4.28.09 Updates:::
LA Times has the latest International number rising to 90..BBC has reported that the UN has stated that The Flu can not be contained as new countries report new cases. ( BBC reported UK issued warnings yesterday about Travel to Mexico and the US.) The US Number stands at 68 have tested postive in five states, only five have been hospitalized, 3 in California and 2 in Texas. It still appears the more deadly form is in Mexico. Very few have had to be hospitalized abroad, and some have been quarantined to prevent spread. The Incubation is still thought to be 2-7 days. Dr.Besser of CDC is still giving daily press conferences, and the Travel Advisory still is requesting Travel to Mexico be limited to Only Essential Trips. As of today ALL states have requested some of the Supplies from the Strategic Stockpile in preparation. This includes non-medical supplies. I will update in the Comments the latest Morbidity and Mortality Stats from Mexico, as well as any Updates.

Bangkok Post has more of the Asian perspective of this epidemic and how it is being handled in Asia. More from The Mercury News has about the spread in Middle East and monitoring and surveillance in Asia.

Jason Linkins article about how the GOP Blocked Pandemic Funding really needs to be read,
as now the GOP's actions really have Global Implications as the International numbers rise.

Another post that is worth reading about the travel aspect is written by Fran over at Ramblings has a post called "Vacation to Die For" that really asks good questions, and certainly shows the angst that Travelers are facing right now looking at the Bigger picture.

Also Distributor Cap has an amazing post that explains the Pandemic Flu Outbreak of 1918 and also re-examines the Swine Outbreak of 1976.

Another article that is getting much focus is The Guardian Article that is zeroing in on the Possible Source of the Flu in Mexico. It centers around a small village in Vera Cruz, and the Large Corporate US owned Hog Farm. ( Yes, it is a Smithfield Farm). The Bigger question that is emerging about the Flu is the path of transmission Actual Contact with the excrement or is it the Flies that have excrement. ( Tests are being run on samples from the farm at University of New Mexico). The Guardian has an entire page dedicated to following up all angles of this Epidemic.
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** ? Enigma HOG WASTE Question ?***
As of 3PM::: Is the Hog Farm Excrement used to fertilize fruits and vegetables ? Because if it is then that path of transmission also needs to be examined ? I also have heard no discussion of whether Hog Farm Workers have been sick or tested ? It seems that would be a path of exploration. And sadly yes, it does raise questions about all the Hog Waste Issues and how it could possibly contaminate the food chain or reach people. Secretary of Agriculture Vlsak said that Pork Products are safe in HLS Presser today, he did not explain well enough Why pork is being scrutinized, he turned into a time to promote the Hog Industry.Sadly he is missing the point , that it is NOT just an Economic Issue, it is a Safety Issue- people want to be reassured that their MEAT is Safe. Sadly he caused confusion, claiming that it should not be called Swine Flu which will only cause confusion at this critical time. Sadly a Mixed Message can cause problems, Dr.Bresser of the CDC gave his presser earlier at 2 PM , and he still called it the Flu Swine Flu.)
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AP :: ;Latest Video about the Global Rise and the implications for International travelers, and even explains how they face Quarantine issues abroad. ( Linked to the title is BBC Video about travel and global spread, or you can watch here also.)

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3:30 PM Update::::
LA TIMES Governor declares Emergency:::
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency over the spread of swine flu, expediting state agency responses to the outbreak.State health officials have been aggressively working to combat the outbreak, and the proclamation is simply one more step in that effort, not an indication that the outbreak here has become more severe.The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also declared a local state of emergency today.
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"Carnival Cruises has Cancelled Mexico Cruises" ( AP: 2PM)
Carnival cancels Mexico cruise stops over flu fear//From Associated Press//April 28, 2009 1:51 PM EDT
MIAMI - Carnival Cruise Lines has suspended stops at Mexican ports over concerns about swine flu.The company says it canceled Mexico stops for three ships scheduled to visit the country Tuesday. It hasn't yet announced a decision on future stops there.Meanwhile, the company and competitors Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Lines tried to allay guest fears by emphasizing how thoroughly the ships are cleaned.Norwegian's Pearl is on a special voyage with Mexico stops. The company says it is monitoring the situation and asking passengers about their health before cruises start.Royal Caribbean says it's monitoring the situation but telling passengers not to worry because the outbreaks are inland, not in the Mexican coastal cities popular with cruise tourists.
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US CDC Numbers :: 2PM
California 10 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 45 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 6 cases
TOTAL COUNT 64 cases
( up above I listed 68- but that is what was is being reported on most news outlets and also foreign ones- so I am trying get a better updated number, important to note that the 45 number is based on person to person transmission- only 8 of those went to Mexico- so this is a true Cluster that shows Human to Human transmission).
Anderson Cooper updated his Blog tonight and interviewed Dr.Gupta.
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11PM
While reading about Sebelius Update;;::
I came across the Sentence in the story that says that the US Number is up to 64 ??? We will learn more tomorrow.
"But Sebelius will take office as U.S. health officials rush to prepare for a possible widespread outbreak of a new strain of flu that has killed scores of people in Mexico and sickened at least 64 in the United States."
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CBS is trying to educate people on this disease by having questions and education provided by Infectious Disease Physicians. Huffpost article explains more.
New WHO website

The Nurse has a Favor to Ask Each of You....Please read this post and help me if you can as I try to cover the Swine Flu in each of our States ?

I have been in contact with people from 3 states that have had Flu Symptoms and have different Flu Experiences and how they are being treated and tested, it concerns me that their experiences have been different. Once the Feds Declared this an Emergency, there should be funds released to the States so that Surveillance ( ie Testing ) should be paid for by the State Health Departments.AS A FLU SUSPECT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR TESTING OR EMERGENCY ANTI VIRALS, AND SHOULD BE TOLD HOW TO SELF QUARANTINE AND OFFERED MASKS AS THIS IS DROPLET SPREAD AS A RESPIRATORY INFECTION, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS GI SYMPTOMS.PEOPLE SHOULD BE BEING OFFERED TAMIFLU OR RELENTZA AS THE H1N1
ONLY RESPONDS TO THESE TWO ANTIVIRALS.

Please check your local State Health Departments and see WHAT people are told to do and What they are told about Testing. Also CDC should be in charge of telling the States HOW people are to be tested and WHERE the tests are to be sent. I am going to investigate this for the next few days as this is important.

This Link explains that there is ONLY one test for this Rare Strain, and test kits are to be sent to the CDC for now.
This Reuters article explains more how complicated it is to test.

As a Nurse I am trying to get as much Information on this Pandemic, not to scare, but to Educate all of us....so I will keep posting much on this issue. ( and don't worry I will return to political issues of importance like Torture in a few days.)

Please Post below or email about WHAT is being told to you in your state, or by your Health Dept and your experiences.....thank you.
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11PM CDC Numbers:::
California 10 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 45 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 6 cases
TOTAL COUNT 64 cases
( 5 hospitalized).
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11 PM Guardian Update 13 Cases in California.

Breaking news in OHIO:::PUBLIC HEALTHCARE EVENT PLANNED IN OHIO CANCELED DUE TO SWINE FLU OUTBREAK (will be rescheduled at a later date )

From Channel 3::::
CLEVELAND -- Health officials announced Tuesday afternoon that the Remote Area Medical or "RAM" Ohio event planned for this upcoming weekend has been cancelled.The "RAM" Ohio event was expected to draw thousands of people without health insurance to the Berea Fairgrounds to receive free medical, dental, and vision care.The Ohio Department of Health recommended the event be cancelled due to concerns over the swine flu outbreak. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is backing the ODH's decision.
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The event has been postponed indefinitely but organizers say it will be rescheduled once the swine flu outbreak dissipates....
I was going to work this Event this weekend, as it has been planned here for monthes, and publicized because there are millions here in Ohio without HealthCare, and it is an event that was planned to offer medical and dental care to those in need. It was to be held at Fairgrounds, 2000 Health Care Volunteers,including nurses and doctors had donated services and thousands were expected to show for care. ( I was also planning to report on the event and post on it with photos and videos, but mostly I am sad as many here are in need of this event. I know it will be rescheduled for a safer date- and this is a prudent action.)
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Swine Flu Update Monday 4.27.09 , 3:30PM - MN Please Check Comments for Updates::::

Please do read the Post below as it has Updates and Full information, Nursing Advice and Websites ( as well as Many Foreign Websites, Blogs and Papers.)
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4 PM Monday 4.27.09 UPDATES:::::
(1) World total is up to 75 Cases of Swine Flu, the total in NYC is now 28 ( was 8 last night), America total is now 40.Travel to Mexico Now being discouraged and Border Passive Surveillance in Place. Mexico has had 141 deaths ( up forty from last night), still unclear of True Numbers, 1600 seeking medical care for flu, and 400 still in hospital. ( The real question is in Mexico City of 20 million and many poor- how many have not sought medical care ? It is worth studying. And that issue also may present a problem in the States, unless Health Depts and Hospitals are willing to offer FREE Healthcare for possible Flu Victims.) Tamiflu can be used to treat this Flu, but it is unclear if it going to offered to prevent spread, or saved for Treatment. Please do read the post below for Self Preparedness.

BBC has more about the Situation.EU is advising against Travel to America and Mexico due to the Flu. Mexico Deaths are set to 150, and WHO has raised the Status to Pandemic Level Four , meaning that there is Sustained Human Spread.
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4:30PM
Jason Linkins is reporting for Huffpo that GOP STRIPPED PANDEMIC MONEY REMOVED FROM THE STIMULUS. ( They have endangered millions with their selfish ignorant shortsightedness, this same ignorance has left Millions without Healthcare.)
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7PM
This BBC site has reports from People and Medical people that are there.
And from CNN there is a whole page from Dr. Gupta who is there reporting for CNN and CBS.
The Guardian has More about the Possible Source of the Flu and where it started, in February
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BBC WHO map::::

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Mexico: 149 dead - 1600 Cases, and over500 in hospital
United States: 40 confirmed cases of swine flu ( 28 in NYC)
Canada: 6 confirmed cases
UK: 2 confirmed cases
Spain: 1 confirmed case
UK, Spain, Israel, Brazil, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand: suspected cases being tested.
Tonight Scotland has been added.
BBC has more on Travel Warnings.....
A new Website has good updates it is called the Pandemic Chronicle
GREAT POST about the History of Swine Flu and the Pandemic of 1918 ...and the Flu of 1976....read it, its a great history wrap up.
Guardian has a a whole page on Swine Flu with Updates and more information.
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10:30 PM Final Thoughts of the Night::::
Please Note that these top two posts are an attempt to locate solid information that will help us be informed and educated about this illness.....If we have to think on this, the GOP has held up Health Care and Health Insurance for OVER 50 Million People, People that now have been put at Risk, a huge Public Health Risk looms now, and Millions may have no way to be monitored or cared for ? Has anyone else worried on this yet ? and the ProLife GOP did not just hold up the Health Care for millions- they also tampered with Our Public Health System and Emergency Preparedness.
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4.27.09 Texas Updates::::

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11:30 PM DO Watch ABC Nightline They are Covering the Outbreak: The Facts.

Swine Flu Updates Starting 4.26.09 ( Preparedness tips and Updates in the Comment Section as well)

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*{first posted 4.26.09 at Noon}*
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WORLD HEALTH ORG WEBSITE
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CDC Swine Flu Website
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WHITEHOUSE PRESSER ON SWINE FLU AT 12:43 PM on Sunday 4.26.09
First Gibbs spoke, then Brennan ( he is Obama's Chief Security person), then Dr. Besser from CDC spoke and explained about how this is being handled, it sounds like it will be examined state by state. This is being declared a Public Health Emergency by the Dept of Homeland Security by Napoliteano. ( She said this is how any emergency is treated so that Funds can be released ).
Dept of Defense has 7 Million Tamiflu doses available.
(It is a shame that DHHS did not get Sebelius confirmed, as that dept needs leadership at this time.Obama might have to Emergency Appoint ?)
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California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 8 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 20 cases as of Sunday Eve.4.27.09
They did encourage hand washing, covering mouth with cough. Nothing was said about Wearing Mask or other precautions, or whether it is droplet spread, I will try to find more research on this. CDC FLU page is linked to the title.
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Saturday 4.25.09 Updates:::
Huffpo
and there is more
USA Today has more.
BBC is also following closely.
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LA Times Update 1PM Sunday 4.26.09::
Los Angeles Times | April 26, 2009 | 10:05 a.m. PT
Government declares public health emergency over swine flu
The U.S. is declaring a public health emergency to deal with the emerging new swine flu.
The precautionary step doesn't signal a greater threat to Americans. But it allows the federal and state governments easier access to flu tests and medications.Federal health officials say 20 cases of swine flu have been reported in five states so far. Officials expect more cases and more severe illness among Americans. About 12 million doses of the drug Tamiflu are being released from a federal stockpile so that states can get it if needed. The 20 cases reported so far are in New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and California.
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Sunday Night NYT article explains symptoms and treatment really well.
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Monday 4.27.09 2am
Very Thorough BBC Article has updates here that are helpful
And more from Mexico Update as of Sun.4.27.09 McCLatchey and Christian Science Monitor
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IMPORTANT LINKS WITH UPDATES :::
BBC IN THE TRENCH REPORTS From Medical People in Mexico
*** Google Earth Mapping ***
Interesting Sidney Herald Article explains disease from Micro level with cell photos.
and the newest update 4.27 Monday Morn Boston Globe update
11AM Update::::
NYT reporting that Europe is urging halting travel to US and Mexico.
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3 PM Monday 4.27.09
WHO is issuing a Report and Warning at 4PM.
Now the NYC Numbers has climbed ( varying reports 28-40 all related to the Highschool in Queens- One Cluster, although over 150 last week out of 2700 reported to the Nurse Sick). Mexico did have another 40 die during the night. MORE Updates in the Comments Section.

HLS HAS NOW ISSUED Travel Advisory about Mexico- NO Unneccessary Travel. ( Clinton was on earlier saying that Situation was being reviewed). Napoltaneo and Brennan are now giving presser at 3:15 PM ( right after Gibbs). Napolitano says that we are at Level 3. ( Level 6- is FULL Pandemic Level).
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BBC video explains more...

*****ENIGMA NURSE NOTE and SOME ADVICE******
1 PM Sunday 4.26.07.....I have to go to work. But I will update this when I get home, This post will be kept at the top and updated during the day.I will post articles down below with more information, I will also update in the comments as well. I don't know enough at this time, even though I have been reading. My concern is that the Situation in Mexico is serious, 1300 sick, and 81 deaths. I do think the past 8 years Health Issues have been handled in a deplorable manner ( ie the salmonella etc). So I am hoping that the Obama Administration is trying to be proactive on this....so we don't have a Mexico Situation here.

Wash Hands Thoroughly and Often with warm soapy water, buy some of that Disinfective Gel, and Chlorox Wipes and even keep Lysol handy for cleaning surfaces and yes that means carry in car and briefcase, purse .....Wipe surfaces, ATM, phone, don't leave your coffee mug in the lounge with other mugs. If you share computer or phone with other workers wipe atleast twice a day. Also if religous- esp Catholic I would discourage taking Communion- it is not a coincidence that the Spike in the Cluster rose AFTER Easter ( this also happened with the SARS epidemic.). I also encourage people to check on your neighbors, especially those that might not have Cable or are elderly.

** And yes, I would encourage people to acquire MASKS or buy them now- as we might need them, and yes, I am serious. I think it is best we be prepared and informed and careful with this as it bears close monitoring , I say this as an RN with 20+ years including Community Health Experience, ER and Disaster Training. Stay Calm, Stay Informed.Be Prepared.
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*** DO READ THE COMMENTS SECTION AS I AM POSTING UPDATES THERE FROM INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL SOURCES ON A FREQUENT BASIS.****