status check - 1 - May 4th 2009

On Monday May 27th, 2009 the World Health Organization raised the global threat level of the current strain of Influenza virus to one notch below a full blown pandemic. The current threat level remains at 5. A threat level of 4 or 5 means that the virus is capable of spreading at an alarming rate. If the level were to reach 6 then the WHO will issue a call for "governments to set trade, travel and other restrictions aimed at limiting the disease's spread". On Wednesday May 29th, 2009 the first death from the current strain of Swine Flu occurred when a 23 month-old Mexican boy died in the U.S. while on vacation. The first official U.S. death was confirmed on Tuesday May 5, 2009 with the passing of a young teacher in Southern Texas. The woman, who was pregnant, had gone to see a physician on April 14 and was admitted to the hospital on April 19th. Between April 19th and May 5th when she died she gave birth to her child.


As of May 5th 38 states have reported over 400 cases of the current Swine Flu outbreak. World wide, 21 countries have reported 1490 cases of the outbreak. Mexico has the most as of now with 822 confirmed cases and 29 deaths, while Canada has the third most cases behind the U.S. with 140 confirmed cases and no deaths. It is interesting to note that North America has seen the most cases so far of the outbreak. Spain and the United Kingdom have reported 57 and 27 confirmed cases respectively; while 16 other countries from Europe, Asia, and Latin America have reported between 1 and 9 cases. China has confirmed cases but has not released any numbers, while Russia and Brazil have not confirmed or released any data.


The WHO has issued an advisory for individuals to take some precautions in preventing the spread of the current Swine Flu. The use of masks has been strongly suggested. In addition, people should also remember that "Clean hands protect against infection". The site also notes that pork not cooked or handled properly may transmit Influenza, the WHO say that "The influenza A(H1N1) virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C".