Source: http://www.scientistlive.com/media/images/021208_homepage_flu.jpg

Maybe not pandemic…yet. There’s nothing like living in one of the towns where a new strain of the swine flu has been identified. Note this announcement from the Center for Disease Control:

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. Internationally, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico.
Source: CDC Influenza (Flu) | Swine Influenza Investigation

Only two cases reported in Texas but if San Antonio, Tx is the only place in Texas listed, I guess, both have happened here.

A strain of flu never seen before has killed up to 60 people in Mexico and also appeared in the United States, where eight people were infected but recovered, health officials said on Friday.

Mexico’s government said at least 20 people have died of the flu and it may also be responsible for 40 other deaths…The World Health Organization said tests showed the virus from 12 of the Mexican patients was the same genetically as a new strain of swine flu, designated H1N1, seen in eight people in California and Texas…Most of the dead were aged between 25 and 45, a health official said.

It was a worrying sign as seasonal flu can be more deadly among the very young and the very old but a hallmark of pandemics is that they affect healthy young adults. . .The CDC’s Besser said it was probably too late to contain the outbreak. “There are things that we see that suggest that containment is not very likely,” he said. Once it has spread beyond a limited geographical area it would be difficult to control.

Mexico’s government cautioned people not to shake hands or kiss when greeting or to share food, glasses or cutlery. Flu virus can be spread on the hands, and handwashing is one of the most important ways to prevent its spread.

Did I mention one of my favorite stories is Stephen King’s The Stand?

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