Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome back to The Border!
Quick Links Announcements
| Home | Member's Blogs |

| Enter Chat Room |

| Today's active topics |


You can also see and join us at:

TPB's YouTube Channel ~ Click to Register
The Vampire Lair on Facebook
and
MonsterVisionTV on Facebook

TPB's Quote of the Day!

We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1
U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency in Wake of Swine Flu
Topic Started: Apr 26 2009, 07:13 PM (381 Views)
XNavyGunner
Member Avatar
Gunner

The United States has activated an emergency plan to combat swine flu as the Obama administration announced measures Sunday to contain the sometimes deadly virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the strain of swine flu and is prepared to distribute a quarter of the U.S. stockpile of 50 million doses of anti-viral medications in places around the country where swine flu has been located or may be expected to spread, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a briefing at the White House.

Travel advisories have not been issued by the State Department, Napolitano said, nor is the United States going to screen passengers on flights arriving from Mexico. She said funds have been freed up in case a larger response is needed.

Hand-washing, mask-wearing and other measures will help prevent the spread, Napolitano said explaining how the public can help slow potential contaminations.

"If you are sick, stay home," Napolitano said. "Take all of those reasonable measures that will help us mitigate and contain" the illness.

People who are ill should not go on airplanes, to school or other places, added Dr. Richard Besser, the acting head of the CDC.

Besser said the United States is working with the World Health Organization, Canada and Mexico as well as other organizations to reduce the spread of the virus, which appears to have originated in Mexico and has resulted in up to 81 deaths there.

The CDC has issued advice on its Web site on how to avoid the sickness and how to react if people think they are infected.

Click here for the CDC Web site.

"Every outbreak is unique" and it's very hard to say how long it will be before it's contained. But Besser said since it's near the end of flu season right now, a decline would be likely.

However, he added, "We view this more as a marathon. We do think this will continue to spread but we are taking aggressive actions to minimize the impact on people's health."

"Even if this outbreak is a small one we can anticipate that we may have a subsequent of follow on outbreak in several months from now," Napolitano said.

In a press conference held Sunday, New York Governor David Paterson said the eight potential cases in Suffolk County have been tested.

"It's a situation we're monitoring but it seems there's no real danger ahead," said Gov. Paterson.

Gov. Paterson said daily updates are being given to 25,000 physicians, hospitals and health care providers.

In the U.S., 20 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in California, New York, Texas, Ohio and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. Besser said that all the cases have resulted in recovery and one person remains hospitalized.

However, the same flu has sickened more than 1,324 in Mexico since April 13.

As the briefing was occurring, Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard announced that two more people died overnight in the capital of swine flu, and three other deaths are suspected to have been caused by the new strain. Ebrard said 73 more people have been hospitalized with influenza and authorities are investigating how many of them may have been infected with swine flu.

John Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security, said President Obama has offered his full support to the Mexican government and people. Brennan said early communications and quick response will be the key to combating an outbreak.

"Early identification is vitally important," Brennan said. "Communications have been robust and medical surveillance efforts are fully activated."

The incubation period for swine flu is 24-48 hours. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said despite reports Obama did not have a medical exam since it's been nine days since he left Mexico.

Gibbs said earlier Sunday that now is not the time to panic.

"We are increasing the monitoring and preparedness that we would need to have in place in order to deal with any sort of emergency, but it is of concern to the White House," Gibbs said on "Meet the Press."

Israel, New Zealand, Spain, France and Canada have reported suspected isolated cases after citizens from those countries returned home from Mexico.

The Israeli Health Ministry said the biggest concern is a spread of the disease from person to person.

"The main route of contamination would be from person to person and not from pigs. There is no swine flu in pigs in Israel. There are not many pigs in Israel," said Dr. Hagai Levin.

"You can not get the swine flu from eating pork," Napolitano said during the briefing.

Swine flu is dangerous because it changes its form and takes on characteristics like bird flu, and there is no vaccination, said Dr. Isador Rosenfeld, a FOX News contributor.

However, Baxter International Inc. of Illinois is working with the World Health Organization on a potential vaccine, the company announced Sunday.

"Baxter has the R & D pandemic planning and expertise to develop vaccines for emerging diseases and viruses," Baxter spokesman Christopher Bona told FOX News. "Upon learnign about the swine flu outbreak, Baxter requested a sample of the virus from the WHO to begin lab testing for developing a potential experimental vaccine."

Rosenfeld said swine flu is usually a mild infection. He suggested staying away from crowded places where people are sneezing and coughing and washing hands. But he said he's a bit confounded about why so many people in Mexico have died because swine flu does respond to Tamiflu and other anti-viral medicines.

"This thing is treatable," he said.

Source
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
DONTEATUS
Member Avatar
Higher Species
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Already the panic is spreading small town stores and Gun shops even are running low on food stk`s and Ammo,The Hand Gun licencies are unbelivible the numbers of American`s armeing themselfs? Whats the World to Think about Us?
Here in Texas there are no more AKA`s to be found,and all the small cail,ammo is off the shelfs? Ever wonder what Physcos are next door?
We have way too many in Texas. Ever man woman and child in Texas has atleast two Guns.Now were going to shoot for our protection against the Swine Flu?
No wonder Texans are seen as Hillbillies.!
Its just a Flu ! maybe Mankind`s number is up again?2000, 2001,2012,2014? What day is it again? We all should go buy our Nike`s and drink that Koolaid.
Nah! I`ll stick around so to Keep all the Toys!
Edited by DONTEATUS, Apr 27 2009, 02:57 AM.
Posted ImagePosted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
War
Member Avatar
Higher Species
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Lol it was only a matter time really
When is the movie coming out?
Because we KNOW theres a movie in that story somewhere....
Posted Image
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
XNavyGunner
Member Avatar
Gunner

What's an AKA? And who are you to say who has too many guns? Also the stocking up of guns and ammo starerted when Obonga got elected. Get your facts straight. The flu had nothing to do with it.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delovely
Member Avatar
In Fine Artistry

B.C. swine flu cases holding at two

By Jeff Nagel - BC Local News

Published: April 27, 2009 3:00 PM
Updated: April 27, 2009 3:54 PM


Two Lower Mainland men who returned from Mexico with swine influenza have fully recovered and there's so far no evidence they've transmitted the virus to others here.

"So far in British Columbia we have no evidence of a second wave of transmission from these people who have come in," said Dr. David Patrick, of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

The agency isn't disclosing the locations of the two patients, between 25 and 35 years old, who recovered in their homes.

"They're doing well," Patrick said. "They had mild fever with coughs."

But Patrick, delivering an update to reporters Monday, said B.C. health officials remain on high alert for potential spread of the virus, adding more Canadian cases are likely.

More than 100 people are suspected to have died in Mexico from swine flu. There are more than 1,450 suspected cases there. School classes and major public events have been cancelled in that country to combat the spread.

The illness has been milder in the U.S. and Canada, and doctors aren't yet sure why it has been more dangerous to Mexicans.

It's feared the new strain of the type A, H1N1 flu virus could spread rapidly because people have never been exposed to it before and have no natural immunity.

In addition to the two B.C. cases, there are four confirmed in Nova Scotia and at least 40 cases in the U.S., most of them in New York.

The federal government has activated its Emergency Operations Centre.

Health officials across Canada are monitoring reports of unusual influenza-like illness, particularly in travelers returning from Mexico.

Federal citizen and immigration minister Jason Kenney said thousands of incoming Mexican seasonal workers, who are brought in each year to work on many Lower Mainland farms, will be subject to increased health checks.

Canada will require two doctors take each worker's temperature prior to leaving Mexico, Kenney said.

B.C. Centre for Disease Control officials said they're weighing how best to handle incoming farm workers to prevent further flu spread.

B.C. has "hundreds of thousands of doses" of anti-viral drugs stockpiled that appear to work well against swine flu, according to the CDC's Dr. Patrick.

"We do have an awful big buffer that way," he said. "We're also taking a look to see if we can bolster that supply in the event we need to."

Swine flu mainly spreads person-to-person by coughing or sneezing.

Patrick said school closures would only be considered if there was widespread community transmission causing a great deal of illness.

Officials are stressing personal responsibility – frequent handwashing, covering their coughs and sneezes, and not going to work sick.

Patrick said anyone with a fever and cough should stay home for seven days or until symptoms disappear.

Co-workers should encourage anyone sick to "take themselves out of circulation," he said.

"If we do that in Canada, we will make ourselves a very tough target for further spread."



Global pandemic risk rises

The swine flu outbreak, although only deadly in a small minority of mainly Mexican cases, has sparked concern the world is at the brink of a new pandemic.

The World Health Organization on Monday raised its pandemic alert level to phase four, two notches below six, which denotes an actual pandemic.

The elevated alert means the virus has shown a sustained ability to pass from person to person.

U.S. officials have declared a public health emergency and have started to distribute the national stockpile of anti-viral medication to state authorities.

"We are proceeding as though we are preparatory to a full pandemic," said U.S. Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano said Monday.

She said closing the U.S. border would likely be ineffective because the virus is already present in a number of states.

"The containment issue doesn't really play out," she said.

Scientists have begun work towards a potential vaccine, but that's expected to take several months.

Doctors have one major advantage in fighting the spread of swine flu.

Unlike the SARS outbreak, which could go undetected for well over a week before symptoms showed up, swine flu has a short incubation period, showing symptoms usually within two days, up to perhaps a week.

Officials say eating pork is poses no risk.

The most devastating flu pandemic in modern times was the 1918 Spanish flu that was also a form of H1N1 flu. It infected an estimated 40 per cent of the world's population and killed more than 50 million.



PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the tissue.

- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people

- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to reduce the chances of infecting them.
Some things must be handled smoothly, quietly.

"When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of wisdom are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much."
~*~


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
XNavyGunner
Member Avatar
Gunner

Looks like it's really spreading worldwide. I read they have it in Spain now.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delovely
Member Avatar
In Fine Artistry

That's what I heard too, Gunner.

We have some students coming back from Mexico this week. They've been away for two weeks. Hope they're coming back as healthy as they left us. But we can't help but worry. I even made a joke this morning that we quarantine them first for assurance or let they stay home for a few days before coming back to school, lol. I mean hey, my daughter goes at the same school, same class even. Can't blame a mother now eh? :-)
Some things must be handled smoothly, quietly.

"When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of wisdom are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much."
~*~


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
XNavyGunner
Member Avatar
Gunner

Quarrantine is definitely an option. As long as it's done humanely.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delovely
Member Avatar
In Fine Artistry

Yea, of course. Just doing it for everyone's sake. :yes:

Gunner, have you seen the map? Click the title of that article I posted, you'll see which states/countries are infected atm.
Some things must be handled smoothly, quietly.

"When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of wisdom are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much."
~*~


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
XNavyGunner
Member Avatar
Gunner

Scary stuff! And it's only just beginning.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delovely
Member Avatar
In Fine Artistry

I know, right? Let's hope people takes all the precaution and that it stops soon.
Some things must be handled smoothly, quietly.

"When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of wisdom are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much."
~*~


Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Max
Member Avatar
Pickle barrel, pickle barrel, Kumquat!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Hey Roxanne.

It's a bit disquieting,isn't it? It's great that Tamiflu seems to help,but I know we all hope this burns out quickly.
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
War
Member Avatar
Higher Species
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
It is spreading like wildfire now!
None have been reported in Florida yet ,but it's only a matter of time before we get it here.

The only thing that seperates Florida from Mexico is the Gulf Of Mexico
And we have many Illegal immigrants that cross the border from Mexico into Miami ,Florida


48Confirmed cases of swine flu in New York, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio. Cases are suspected in Michigan and New Jersey.

149 Deaths so far in Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak with nearly 2,000 people believed to be infected.

Just stay away from crowds , hopefully they will get a handle on this before it turns into a real Stephens King's The Stand
Posted Image
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
DONTEATUS
Member Avatar
Higher Species
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
An " AKA" is a American Knuckle Apathy. Or better known as We cant Take it anymore.
Posted ImagePosted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
War
Member Avatar
Higher Species
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
We have it here now ...

ORLANDO, FL -- A news outlet is reporting the first case of Swine Flu in Florida.

Television station WFTV in Orlando says that a tourist from Mexico was diagnosed Tuesday morning with the disease.

WFTV spoke with a representative from Adventist Health System, who says the tourist came to Disney two days ago.

It is not clear yet which Disney park the person visited.

The Orange County Health Department has not confirmed the case. The report came from Adventist Health System's chief medical officer.

WFTV reports that Disney also has not confirmed the case.

No further details of the tourist have been released.

Prior to this case, officials throughout Orlando were getting prepared.

Because of the city's unique status as a tourist destination, and its large international airport, health authorities were already on alert.

The airport was placed on alert, and authorities were on the lookout for anyone displaying flu-like symptoms.

Anyone who looks sick is being given a card and asked to fill out all relevant information.

Cleaning crews are using extra care in the airport bathrooms and common areas as well.



Do you realize how many millions of people go to the Disney Parks on a daily basis?!
Can you imagine how many people that one guy must have infected?!
This is serious now they need to get this under control ASAP


Posted Image
Posted Image
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · News Forum · Next Topic »
Add Reply
  • Pages:
  • 1

Web Hosting Reviews
Web Hosting Reviews
Skin Created by Xarina of Rapture & Zathyus Networks Resources.
This theme is best viewed in firefox.