The outbreak of H1N1 (Swine Flu or Mexican Flu) is believed to have started in March 2009 and was classified as meeting the criteria for the World Health Organization pandemic Phase 5 status on April 28. Local outbreaks of the virus were first detected in three suburban parts of Mexico, and other small rural areas throughout the country.
Mexico started with only three infected. That number has now spread to a suspected 2500 persons. Mexico responded by trying to treat those who did become contaminated for fear of the virus spreading to outer countries. By April 24 scientists found that the Swine flu (also known as H1N1 flu, or Mexican flu) was clinically identified as a new strain of the influenza virus.
On April 28, the WHO (World Health Organization) scientifically found cases that proved the virus had spread to Spain, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Israel. This spread of the virus is believed to be caused by the infection of several North American countries including U.S and Canada, both of who have major shipping ports throughout the world. With the U.S. believed to have a suspected 654+ cases and one confirmed death, and Canada following with a suspected 22 cases, it’s not sure to be expected whether or not a pandemic is expected.
Swine Flu hits even closer to home, as local news channels disclose that two St. Cloud schools are closed, Rocori Middle School, and St. Boniface Elementary School, and Cold Spring is closed, but there has been no confirmed case in Cold Spring, due to suspected cases of the virus.
Despite the scale of the alert, the WHO stated on April 29, that the majority of people infected with the virus have made a full recovery without need of medical attention or antiviral drugs. And with all of the buzz going on around the world, health experts suggest simply washing your hands often, and keep the hand sanitizer nearby. Go back to the simple rules of sanitizing to say safe. If you feel like you have flu like symptoms, relax, and call your local clinic to set up an appointment with a health professional.
Colm Macnab and Leah Petersen
