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Swine flu outbreak reaches the U.S.
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An unusual new virus has crossed from Mexico into the United States, causing concern about a future swine flu pandemic. This virus is a combination of swine, bird and human influenza viruses and it has caused at least 59 deaths in Mexico so far. The virus has sickened 854 people in Mexico and there have been 11 confirmed cases in the U.S. as of this evening. These cases were confined to California, Texas and Kansas. A large number of students have become sick in a New York high school, including some who may have gone to Mexico for vacation, and there is concern that they may be infected with swine flu as well.
This new virus is spreading rapidly in Mexico and is resistant to older antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine. The CDC is recommending the newer antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir. The flu shot that you got last winter is not likely to protect you against this brand new virus.
Symptoms of infection include fever, cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat and occasionally diarrhea. Despite the multiple deaths in Mexico, no one in the United States has died thus far.
Previous cases of swine flu have resulted from human exposure to pigs. This time things are different. The people infected by this virus do not appear to have come in contact with pigs, so it is presumed that the virus is capable of human to human transmission. This is concerning because it increases the likelihood and speed of transmission. It is also unusual that this virus has targeted primarily young, otherwise healthy people, rather than babies and the elderly as the "regular" flu tends to do.
It isn't yet clear if this new illness will present a major health problem or simply fade away. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are actively monitoring the situation and have sent epidemiologists and medical officers to both California and Mexico. They have not issued travel advisories, though, so you are free to visit Mexico if you are feeling brave and strong.
Check the CDC website for updates about new cases and travel recommendations. And if you are visiting Mexico, California, Texas or Kansas, be sure to wash your hands frequently.
Be well,
For more info: Check out the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
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