Swine Flu Outbreak: Official Pandemic Warning and Outbreak Notice

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BREAKING NEWS: This is an update to our earlier coverage of the recent Swine Flu outbreak.

The CDC has just issued an official Swine Flu Outbreak Notice in the United States.

At 3:30pm on April 25, 2009, the CDC issued the following notice:

Current Situation

As of 6pm April 24 2009, 8 human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. This strain of influenza virus is unique because it is a combination of swine, bird, and human influenza viruses. Infected individuals report flu-like symptoms of fever, aches and pains, sore throats, coughing and trouble breathing. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. These cases may be linked to an outbreak of influenza-like-illness in Mexico.

At this time there have been no severe illnesses or fatalities seen in the United States. However, CDC and state public and animal health authorities are still in the early stages of the investigations.

Further updates to the US investigation and any related travel recommendations will be posted on www.cdc.gov/travel when available.

Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a worldwide pandemic alert and is urging countries around the globe to monitor all flu-like symptoms and cases of pneumonia.

On Saturday, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan had this to say:

“It has pandemic potential because it is infecting people. However, we cannot say on the basis of currently available laboratory, epidemiological and clinical evidence whether or not it will indeed cause a pandemic.”

BREAKING UPDATES:

At this hour, there are 2 possible NEW outbreaks are being investigated in Kansas. Things have also taken a turn for the worst in Mexico where government officials have authorized its health department to isolate patients and inspect the homes of those afflicted with the disease.

UPDATE 2:

New York

Relatives of students at the Queens School possibly affected by the swine flu have also reported flu-like symptoms.

Amazon is also now offering a Swine Flu Safety Kit that sells for $25.

The kit has been designed by the medical team at BP MEDICAL SUPPLIES in order to protect those citizens and officials who are working in areas where there is a higher risk of infection or contamination by Swine Flu.

The kit contains: