Legal Commentary

The Deadly Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico

By Jeralyn

The swine flu outbreak in Mexico may have killed 60 people so far.

Mexico City has closed universities and schools until further notice, suspended all major public events and advised people feeling flu-like symptoms to stay home from work. Mexico City's busiest subway stations are handing out face masks to passengers to use on crowded train carriages. The city government has closed museums, including the popular Anthropology Museum.

It is believed to have spread to the U.S. where 8 cases have been reported (Thankfully, no deaths among them.) This is a strain of flu that is quite dangerous and never been seen before.

The virus is an influenza A virus, carrying the designation H1N1 and is spreading from person to person. It contains DNA from avian, swine and human viruses, including elements from European and Asian swine viruses, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.

How do you get it? [More...]

The virus is being passed on by sneezing, coughing or physical contact. Though a link to swine flu was originally suspected, the Mexican government has now ruled out any risk of infection from eating pork.

How can you avoid it?

Authorities recommend people avoid crowded places and have cautioned people not to shake hands or kiss when greeting or to share food, glasses or cutlery.

The Center for Disease control is working on a vaccine.

Travel to Mexico is not yet restricted. The WHO is taking it seriously:

The WHO says it is ready to use rapid containment measures if needed, including antivirals, and said Mexico is well-equipped to handle the outbreak.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on April 24, 2009 (boomark / email).