Apr 26, 2009
White House reacts to swine flu outbreak; declares “public health emergency”
The White House has formally declared a “public health emergency” at a press briefing today as news sites exploded with reports of a swine flu epidemic outbreak whose roots are currently being traced to Mexico.
Dr. Richard Besser of the Centers for Disease Control explained that there were 20 confirmed cases of swine flu at the time of the press briefing, adding that all U.S. cases of the flu were already in recovery.
Besser went on to explain the steps individual communities can take to prevent infection.
Very frequent hand-washing is something that we talk about time and time again and that is an effective way to reduce transmission of disease. If you’re sick, it’s very important that people stay at home. If your children are sick, have a fever and flu-like illness, they shouldn’t go to school. And if you’re ill, you shouldn’t get on an airplane or another public transport to travel. Those things are part of personal responsibility in trying to reduce the impact.
Besser also cited the CDC Web site as a good source for up-to-date information on the status swine flu in the U.S.
The AP has reported that 86 deaths are being attributed to the virus in Mexico and that confirmed cases have also sprung up in France, Israel, Canada, and New Zealand.
According to the CDC Web site, swine flu is a respiratory disease common among pigs. Swine flue does not normally infect humans.