Swine Flu Updates

Stay up-to-date with H1N1 updates via the CDC

The virus is spreading on college campuses and new information has come forth that the infection is contagious for a week after symptoms begin. The vaccine is not yet ready, but they are predicting that a single injection will be used in the U.S. when it is. In the meantime, seasonal flu vaccine is available. Check with your local pharmacy or immunization clinic to find out where and when you can obtain one.

Swine flu infects North America

Canada is the third country to confirm cases of Swine flu, a strain that is now infecting the whole of North America. The human, swine, avian mixture strain has killed at least 68 and sickened more than 1000 in Mexico, with Mexico City as the epicenter of the outbreak.

California, Texas, and Kansas have confirmed cases, and a high school in New York City may be the next locale to be added to the list.

The U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared a swine flu emergency, freeing up resources to prevent further spread at the local level. No deaths have been reported in the U.S., but anyone suspecting to have the infection should see a doctor to receive treatment, preventing severe disease, and so the numbers can be properly recorded and tracked to head off a pandemic. The more the health authorities know about the spread, the better equipped they will be to stop it.

The strain is currently responding to Tamiflu treatment, and vaccine production is being evaluated. The symptoms are the usual for the flu - coughing, fever, fatigue, runny nose - in addition to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

According to press reports, students in New Zealand who recently returned from Mexico may add a fourth country to the infected list, and other countries are reporting that testing is under way to determine if they too have cases of the potentially pandemic strain.

Prevention methods include using a kleenex or your sleeve when sneezing, washing your hands frequently with warm water and mild soap (antibacterial products do not affect viruses and are not advised), staying away from public places when feeling ill, drinking plenty of fluids when starting to feel ill, and seeking medical attention.

Find out more on Twitter @CDCEmergency

Swine Flu Cases in the U.S.

The CDC has confirmed at least 8 cases of swine flu in California and Texas. Read more at the CDC website dedicated to this unusual outbreak.

First U.S. case of Marburg Fever

Marburg virus causes an hemorrhagic fever, an extremely serious illness that is similar to Ebola and Lassa Fever. It is carried by fruit bats and is indigenous to Africa.The virus was discovered in the 1960s during work in a Marburg, Germany laboratory that resulted in an outbreak among lab workers - work conducted by global health agencies on outbreaks of the newly discovered hemorrhagic fevers in Africa.

A Colorado resident sought medical help in January after returning from a trip to Uganda and feeling ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that he is the first U.S. case of Marburg.

The cave he visited, and where he presumably caught the virus, has been closed following the death of a tourist from the Netherlands, also due to Marburg fever.

The hospital followed containment procedures outlined for unknown infections and has stated that any staff members concerned over their potential exposure can be tested. The hospital does not believe there should be any public worry of exposure because it is spread via body fluids.

Marburg has an incubation time of 5-10 days with fever, chills, and headaches appearing as the first symptoms.