BajaNomad - Swine flu outbreak in Mexico!!!

Swine flu outbreak in Mexico!!!

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fishbuck - 4-24-2009 at 03:43 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090424/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_fl...

Bajahowodd - 4-24-2009 at 04:23 PM

Currently, no one is exactly certain about whether this is an old virus, that has just been identified because using modern, sophisticated techniques allowed it to be found. Second, it's still up in the air as to its source. Some think the point of origination was the American Southwest. That being said, it appears that for a flu, the mortality rate is quite low.

fishbuck - 4-24-2009 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Currently, no one is exactly certain about whether this is an old virus, that has just been identified because using modern, sophisticated techniques allowed it to be found. Second, it's still up in the air as to its source. Some think the point of origination was the American Southwest. That being said, it appears that for a flu, the mortality rate is quite low.

Go check it out and report back in. :lol:

Ford - 4-25-2009 at 07:48 AM

Just reported on the news last night that as of right now there are no travel restrictions to Mexico but the CDC is investigating the possabilty of instating one. Just what Mexico needed right now! Less people traveling....could it get worse for them?
Maybe this will mean cheaper flights?

flyfishinPam - 4-25-2009 at 07:50 AM

I watched TV on thursday evening (a rare event for me) and on hechos channel 13 news they constantly mentioned this flu. The secretary of health made a detailled announcement and warned citizens to avoid contact with other persons whenever possible, no greetings by kissing or handshakes, avoid crowds, when you blow your nose put the tissue into a plastic bag then into the garbage (don't throw it on the ground), wash hands with soap and water frequently...also the schools were closed on friday from Kindergarden through university in all of Mexico city and the state of Mexico... yeesh, how the hell do you avoid crowds in Mexico city?? but then they state these warnings are for precaution only there is no emergency. :?:

my other comments on this topic are in the off topic forum and may be considered to be non baja related to some
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=38412

[Edited on 4-25-2009 by flyfishinPam]

Bajahowodd - 4-25-2009 at 11:45 AM

They've gone a step further by virtually closing all places of public assembly such as movie theaters, sports venues and malls.

Hook - 4-25-2009 at 11:59 AM

From the Yahoo article...............

"The geographical spread of the outbreaks also concerned the WHO — while 13 of the 20 deaths were in Mexico City, the rest were spread across Mexico — four in central San Luis Potosi, two up near the U.S. border in Baja California, and one in southern Oaxaca state.

Ahhh, a 21st Century gauntlet..............

[Edited on 4-25-2009 by Hook]

DHS Report

bajaguy - 4-25-2009 at 12:41 PM

From US DHS...Yuma Sector, US Border Patrol 4-24-09 :

Mexico reports Over 800 cases of people with the symptoms of Swine Influenza (Flu)

The World Health Organization has expressed their concerns for the recent outbreak of the Swine Influenza (Flu). They are especially concerned with the outbreak in Mexico, where approximately 800 cases of the Swine Flu have been reported. As of April 24, 2009, the state of Distrito Federal, Mexico has reported 57 deaths associated with the Swine Flu.

The City of San Luis, Potisi, Mexico has reported 24 cases and 3 deaths associated with the Swine Flu. The Mexican Health Department reported that the majority of the cases involve young adults without any previous history relating to the Flu. They have only reported a small number of cases involving children and the elderly.

According to the report only two states in the United States have reported similar symptoms of the Swine Flu. California has reported 5 cases and Texas has reported 2 cases. There have been no reports of deaths relating to this in the United States to date.

The infected individuals were hospitalized for a few days and have fully recovered. The symptoms have been described as minor and similar to those of the regular Flu; fever, coughing, intense headache, muscular and joint ache, nasal dripping and red eyes. Officials in the United States have described the virus as a new sub-type of the (Cepa) H1N1.

Swine Influenza rarely affects humans and generally when humans are infected its agricultural workers or people who directly work with pigs.

Due to the situation, the Mexican Government has decided to cancel classes this Friday for all public and private schools and Universities located in Distrito Federal and Estado de México to prevent any more cases. Mexican Authorities have also recommended avoiding highly populated locations such as theaters and for residents to wash their hands often using soap and water.

Authorities advised residents to stay at home if they were ill and to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and to limit personal contact.

Swine Influenza (Flu)

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu do occasionally occur. Most commonly, human cases of swine influenza happen in people with direct exposure to pigs.

In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but since December 2005, 14 cases of human infection with swine influenza, including the two cases in California with onset of illness late in March 2009, have been reported.

While most instances of human infection with animal influenza viruses do not result in human-to-human transmission, each case should be fully investigated to be sure that such viruses are not spreading among humans and to limit further exposure of humans to infected animals, if infected animals are identified. Investigation into possible human to human transmission of swine influenza in the most recent two cases is ongoing.

The Gull - 4-25-2009 at 03:07 PM

Kissing pigs can be fatal?

Dennis, do you know this?

Hook - 4-25-2009 at 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Kissing pigs can be fatal?

Dennis, do you know this?

Not nearly as deadly as the avian flu that has apparently broken out on the Nomads board again.

No known cure for it, either...................

bajabillybob - 4-25-2009 at 07:11 PM

This is no joking matter. This might be the the one problem that closes the border to all traffic. I would head north and stay north of the line just in case it gets out of hand and the booster shots are not available in Mexico. No slight to Baja but your chances of survival are greater in the USA.

DENNIS - 4-25-2009 at 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Kissing pigs can be fatal?

Dennis, do you know this?

Shame on you, Gull. This is no time for humor.

Oh, God!

Dave - 4-25-2009 at 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabillybob
No slight to Baja but your chances of survival are greater in the USA.

We're all doomed. :rolleyes:

mulegemichael - 4-25-2009 at 09:06 PM

i'm gonna die!!!..eventually..

bajabillybob - 4-26-2009 at 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
i'm gonna die!!!..eventually..

Spoken like someone who is back in the states right now.

LB - 4-26-2009 at 08:01 AM

The BBC has a link to stories from doctors and people living in affected areas.
Reports show it to be MUCH MORE WIDE SPREAD than reported and MANY MORE
deaths. Please read.

bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/8018428.stm

bajabillybob - 4-26-2009 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabillybob
No slight to Baja but your chances of survival are greater in the USA.

We're all doomed. :rolleyes:

There are many in Baja who are not chained to a business like you who can decide that its better to go to a place that has the capacity to handle a medical emergency for the masses. I do not think that the standard nomad knee-jerk reaction is the way to deal with this issue that is compounding every hour.
It is obvious that those with a vested interest in a Baja business are the first to encourage sticking our collective heads in the sand rather than dealing with real issues with common sense and logic .
Go ahead and flame away.

DENNIS - 4-26-2009 at 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LB
The BBC has a link to stories from doctors and people living in affected areas.
Reports show it to be MUCH MORE WIDE SPREAD than reported and MANY MORE
deaths. Please read.

bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/8018428.stm

http://www.freerepublic.com/%5Ehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ta...

DENNIS - 4-26-2009 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabillybob

There are many in Baja who are not chained to a business like you who can decide that its better to go to a place that has the capacity to handle a medical emergency for the masses. I do not think that the standard nomad knee-jerk reaction is the way to deal with this issue that is compounding every hour.
It is obvious that those with a vested interest in a Baja business are the first to encourage sticking our collective heads in the sand rather than dealing with real issues with common sense and logic .
Go ahead and flame away.

Kinda heavy for a nice Sunday morning, isn't it BillyBob?

toneart - 4-26-2009 at 08:50 AM

I have all the symptoms except for intestinal problems. It started with a scratchy throat and bringing up phlem from the lungs. Now it is more concentrated in the lungs. So far, the coughing is not spasmodic. But coughing is useful for clearing the lungs...momentarily. Today, I have a mild fever, but overall, feel OK.

I did get a flu shot in November, but obviously, whatever I got was not covered by the shot, or maybe it lessened the impact. Probably not the Swine flu, but I am going to Dr. Dan tomorrow morning to let him check it out.

FYI I am in Mulege.

[Edited on 4-26-2009 by toneart]

LB - 4-26-2009 at 09:01 AM

Let us know toneart. I hope it is just the normal icky flu.

bajabillybob - 4-26-2009 at 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Kinda heavy for a nice Sunday morning, isn't it BillyBob?

Dennis,

You are right and I am sorry for my outburst.

Bill

Bajajack - 4-26-2009 at 09:51 AM

Wuss. :rolleyes:

shari - 4-26-2009 at 10:00 AM

about a month ago there was a very infectious icky flu bug going around Asuncion too...nearly everybody got it...scratchy throat, little fever, lots of coughing...after drinking garlic tea...it was all over.

LB - 4-26-2009 at 10:04 AM

Shari how do you make garlic tea?

BajaGringo - 4-26-2009 at 10:09 AM

Just a guess, but maybe...

1. Garlic?
2. Boiling Water?

:lol:

Sorry - I just couldn't resist. All this time with my head stuck in the sand has brought on some serious side effects, although it does seem to have kept me flu-free.

bajaguy - 4-26-2009 at 10:14 AM

Helpful information

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

LB - 4-26-2009 at 10:28 AM

Bajagringo you missed a couple ingredients. I got smart and goggled it

3 c water
3 cloves of garlic cut in half
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. Fresh lemon juice

Bring water and garlic to a boil. Turn off the heat when it comes to boil
and add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Strain.
Sip half a cup 3 times a day.

BajaWarrior - 4-26-2009 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Helpful information

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

This could get bad...I'm interested in seeing the numbers of sick or dead people this afternoon...

bajaguy - 4-26-2009 at 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LB
Bajagringo you missed a couple ingredients. I got smart and goggled it

3 c water
3 cloves of garlic cut in half
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. Fresh lemon juice

Bring water and garlic to a boil. Turn off the heat when it comes to boil
and add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Strain.
Sip half a cup 3 times a day.

Wash it down with a double shot of brandy over ice

BajaGringo - 4-26-2009 at 11:03 AM

Just curious as to why you only sip a half a cup? A whole cup is detrimental? I really like bajaguy's idea. Alcohol has got to kill some of those nasty bugs, right???

:lol:

In fact maybe I'll just skip the tea step completely...

[Edited on 4-26-2009 by BajaGringo]

bajaguy - 4-26-2009 at 11:14 AM

I believe in keeping up the alcohol level in my blood stream...works wonders for killing germs.

BajaGringo - 4-26-2009 at 11:28 AM

You and I must go to the same doctor!

:biggrin:

DianaT - 4-26-2009 at 11:32 AM

Garlic Soup is popular a number of places on the Mexican Mainland and easy to make---it really is a great comfort food when ill. And you get the benefit of the chicken broth and the garlic.

Also, brandy with lemon, honey and heated can help---or al least it makes one sleep better.

Any flu virus is nasty and can cause problems, but this new variety is awful. Since it is late in the flu season, I hope it comes under control faster.

Diane

Garlic Soup

Chop whole bulb of garlic, yes not a clove, but the entire large bulb
Fry in a little olive oil until brown (really changes the flavor)
Add a quart or more of Chicken Broth---best if homemade.
Squeeze a few limes into it.

After it heats for a while, gently stir in some raw eggs just until cooked.
(Some places in Mexico serve the hot soup with a raw egg on top and then you stir it in and it cooks in your bowl.)

Serve with fresh chopped cilantro.

We also like fresh chopped onions and mushrooms in the broth.

These are JUST comfort items --I sure hope no one catches this Swine Flu---do be careful and take care

[Edited on 4-26-2009 by jdtrotter]

bacquito - 4-26-2009 at 11:34 AM

On the news this morning it was reported that the swine flu has shown up in New Zealand. Some students returned from a trip to Mexico and were believed to be infected.

Sallysouth - 4-26-2009 at 12:10 PM

I came down with the same symptoms that toneart is describing after a two week stay in Baja Sur.Came on strong on the plane ride home.Obviously, my family in Baja had gotten it before my arrival and all were sick when I got there! It is a nasty one to get rid of too.Don't think it is Swine Flu tho, more of a bronchial, chest infection.

DENNIS - 4-26-2009 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
Garlic Soup is popular a number of places on the Mexican Mainland and easy to make---

And, to add to the ease, Knorr now sells garlic broth cubes and onion broth cubes on the same shelf as chicken and beef broth cubes. I'd call them bullion cubes but, I don't know how to spell it.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2009 at 12:17 PM

It is quite possible that the Asuncion outbreak was this very same flu. They just confirmed 8 cases in NYC. More than 80 altogether in US. It just may have been making the rounds for quite some time before anyone in public health took note. This is especially true since the cases confirmed North of the border have been characterized as relatively mild, as far as flu goes. The quandry right now, is that they have supposedly matched the virus as being the same North and South of the border, so why the mortality in Mexico?

Dave - 4-26-2009 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
The quandry right now, is that they have supposedly matched the virus as being the same North and South of the border, so why the mortality in Mexico?

I would guess that it's a combination of poor sanitation, limited or inadequate medical facilities and reduced immunity.

I suspect this is just 'round one'. I would expect that come the fall and the beginning of flu season the virus will have likely mutated.

comitan - 4-26-2009 at 12:46 PM

More info:

http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-25-swine-flu-smithfield...

comitan - 4-26-2009 at 12:50 PM

And More:

The male death rates in 1918 far exceed the female death rates among adults. One of the most unusual aspects of the Spanish flu was its ability to kill young adults. The reasons for this remain uncertain. In general the rate of death is highest for the very young and older persons. The 1918 pandemic followed a strikingly different pattern, with the highest mortality in young persons 25-30 years old. With the Spanish flu, mortality rates were high among healthy adults as well as the usual high-risk groups. The attack rate and mortality was highest among adults 20 to 50 years old. The severity of that virus has not been seen again in humans.

The reasons for this difference are still poorly understood. It is believed that a subset of victims experienced a primary viral pneumonia which caused a very rapid clinical decline and death. It is widely belived that cytokine storming [Immune-complexes-mediated pathogenesis] could be one of the mechanisms that resulted in damaging the lung tissue. Normally, when the lungs are under attack from a virus, T-cells, defenders from the immune system, are then sent to the site of the infection. The presence of T-cells initiate a second immune system attack by chemicals, known as cytokines, that cause inflammation. A cytokine is a small protein released by cells that has a specific effect on the interactions between cells, on communications between cells or on the behavior of cells. The cytokines includes the interleukins, lymphokines and cell signal molecules, such as the interferons, which trigger inflammation and respond to infections. When the lungs are infected with the flu virus, the T cells release chemical signals that cause them to stay longer in the lungs. The systemic symptoms of seasonal flu are caused by cytokine release, which is part of the human immune response.

A Cytokine storm [a systemic inflammatory response syndrome] — immune system “friendly fire” — is believed to be the underlying reason for the high death rate among young adults. It results when too many immune cells are in an endless loop of calling even more cytokines. During the flu infection the immune system has an “all hands on deck” attitude to the viral assault. More T cells are always arriving, and they in turn release more signal and stay longer, leading to a build up of T cells and chemical signals. The exaggerated immune response produces inflammatory molecules that lead to too many cells clogging up the airways and preventing efficient transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. This Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS] is what makes the Cytokine storm so deadly in pandemic flu. It is suggested that the high death rate among healthy young adults was due to their strong immune systems producing a cytokine storm. The very young and very old would have had weaker immune systems, and thus weaker immune responses that would not result in a cytokine storm.

And more:

Dave - 4-26-2009 at 01:48 PM

The initial reports out of Mexico had an estimated 1000 infections with 60 deaths. That's a 6% mortality rate. The 1918 pandemic rate was 2.8%.

Have a nice day. :rolleyes:

Cypress - 4-26-2009 at 02:16 PM

Dave, That's an eye-opener!

Thanks for putting things into perspective.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2009 at 02:36 PM

Had a ham sandwich for lunch. Last one for a while.

Diver - 4-26-2009 at 04:20 PM

Mexico's swine flu toll rises to 86
Health News
Apr 26, 2009, 19:02 GMT

Mexico City

Mexico City - The number of people who have died of a new flu virus in Mexico rose by five to 86 Sunday, officials in the capital Mexico City said.

Twenty cases of the deadly swine flu have already been confirmed, while over 1,300 people have been admitted to hospitals for tests.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2009 at 04:42 PM

It is so strangely weird that international health officials have confirmed that it is the same strain of virus, yet zero deaths in the US, (in fact reports of mild symptoms), and 86 deaths in Mexico.

Frank - 4-26-2009 at 05:00 PM

When it rains, it pours.

Diver - 4-26-2009 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
It is so strangely weird that international health officials have confirmed that it is the same strain of virus, yet zero deaths in the US, (in fact reports of mild symptoms), and 86 deaths in Mexico.

They have confirmed that it is swine flu but not that it is the same strain or some new, more virulent strain, in Mexico.
It all seems to come from Mexico City.

Check out what the crazies are saying - beta version of new bioterror weapon ....

Hook - 4-26-2009 at 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
The initial reports out of Mexico had an estimated 1000 infections with 60 deaths. That's a 6% mortality rate. The 1918 pandemic rate was 2.8%.

Have a nice day. :rolleyes:

Trusting health stats from Mexico is like trusting police statistics from Mexico.

100% Chance of Fear Pandemic

rogerj1 - 4-26-2009 at 10:34 PM

The only thing we know for certain is that the media will bloat the risk of swine flu totally out of proportion to boast reader/viewership, and that some company will find a way to make money off people's irrational fears. Here's comments from 3 years ago about Avian flu that could just as easily be written today.

"Your chances of winning the lottery are about one in 14 million. Your chances of catching bird flu are more like one in 100 million."

"If Americans are afraid of avian flu now, imagine what will happen if a single scrawny, flu-ridden migratory bird somehow manages to reach our shores. This is how fear works, how the fear epidemic - as opposed to a flu pandemic - spreads. Fear is supposed to be our warning system against imminent dangers, but as a deep-rooted emotion, it interferes with our ability to make sound judgments. And if anything is contagious right now, it's judgment clouded by fear. Immediate government overreaction creates this cycle of fear: The public reacts and calls for action. Health officials, hearing the public and media cries, look to quiet these generated fears with knee-jerk health policy (such as stockpiling a product with a relatively short shelf life: Both Tamiflu and bird flu vaccines are perishable and will have to be discarded if not used in three years)."

It makes no sense to make dramatic changes based on the news so far.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2009 at 10:58 PM

Next, we'll hear that Osama Bin Laden is behind this. Seems, according to news reports, that Mexico City is in a panic. But on a worldwide basis, is appears that this is a very mild flu. Of course, if you actually get , you won't agree.

robrt8 - 4-26-2009 at 11:06 PM

The number of deaths reported as being caused by the "new virus" are actually deaths due to respiratory infection that appear to be flu related. These are not confirmed cases of swine flu.

Bajahowodd - 4-26-2009 at 11:36 PM

Muchas gracias.

flyfishinPam - 4-27-2009 at 08:16 AM

I am seeing that the deaths were of otherwise healthy adults between 25 and 45 years old. Usually the flu virus affects the youngest and oldest persons but this one isn't doing the same.

This makes me think there may be a hormonal connection involved. And I do not think Tamiflu focuses on a hormonal solution to kill this virus.

I agree with roger about the pandemic fear levels rising. My pandemic fear level is about to rise because I realize that if DF shuts down, so does all of Mexico. Absolutely everything is done through DF, everything. Even our mail goes to DF first them gets distributed throughtout the country. Decentralization of government and beaurocracy is a different concept here and I have made the connection a long time ago that eventually it will hurt the country. This may be the example now.

Now that the health care workers and the rich and well-connected have their false sense of security with those Tamiflu injections.....

DanO - 4-27-2009 at 10:32 AM

Here's a link to a Google tracker of all swine flu cases worldwide. Can't get the link to work, but it will work if you cut and paste the url into your browser.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&...

[Edited on 4-27-2009 by DanO]

fdt - 4-27-2009 at 10:43 AM

No school was just announced nationwide until may6 or whenever.
Happy cinco de mayo.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30434921/

DanO - 4-27-2009 at 11:03 AM

Veratect, a company that does disease tracking for the CDC and WHO, has put up a twitter feed providing updates on swine flu cases.

http://twitter.com/Veratect

They also have a timeline that indicates that the disease may have originated on a factory hog farm in mainland Mexico.

http://biosurveillance.typepad.com/biosurveillance/2009/04/s...

Granjas Carroll, the operator of the farm, is a subsidiary of U.S. agribusiness firm Smithfield Foods.

http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/our_company/our_family/Granja...

Isn't the Internet wonderful?

bajalou - 4-27-2009 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DanO
Here's a link to a Google tracker of all swine flu cases worldwide. Can't get the link to work, but it will work if you cut and paste the url into your browser.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&...

[Edited on 4-27-2009 by DanO]

Interesting that so many are "Suspect" verses the number "Confirmed"

flyfishinPam - 4-27-2009 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
No school was just announced nationwide until may6 or whenever.
Happy cinco de mayo.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30434921/

yeah I just found out when we went to get the kids from school.

I have one happy 6 year old boy who now knows he can fish off the pier every morning now!

Woooosh - 4-27-2009 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
No school was just announced nationwide until may6 or whenever.
Happy cinco de mayo.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30434921/

I have heard and read that today too- but plenty of school children in uniform walking around TJ and Rosarito Beach.

:?:

Woooosh - 4-27-2009 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Next, we'll hear that Osama Bin Laden is behind this. Seems, according to news reports, that Mexico City is in a panic. But on a worldwide basis, is appears that this is a very mild flu. Of course, if you actually get , you won't agree.

I've been wondering outloud why the typical and predictable conspiracy theory hasn't erupted yet. Why haven't they blamed the USA and Obama for bringing it to Mexico City yet? After all, the Curator of the Museum in Mexico City that greeted and showed Obama around the place died from Swine Flu the very next day.

JESSE - 4-27-2009 at 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Oh trust me, theres already plenty of talk, except most people think this comes from outside america in order to hit the US and Mexico.

swine flu

chuckbolton - 4-27-2009 at 01:44 PM

what do you hear down there-- the media ( gag!!) here is throwing red flags here in the US. the schools havent closed but are all publishing bulletins--the flu has shown up in some very odd places-- 2 individuals in western ks? some on the east coast? do u see or hear much regarding this in baja?

DanO - 4-27-2009 at 01:50 PM

The WHO has raised the pandemic alert phase level to 4.

WHO PANDEMIC ALERT PHASES
Phase 1: No viruses circulating among animals causing infections in humans
Phase 2: Animal influenza virus causes infection in humans, and is considered potential pandemic threat
Phase 3: Influenza causes sporadic cases in people, but no significant human-to-human transmission
Phase 4: Verified human-to-human transmission able to cause community-level outbreaks. Significant increase in risk of a pandemic
Phase 5: Human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. Strong signal pandemic imminent
Phase 6: Virus spreads to another country in a different region. Global pandemic under way

The Sky is FALLING

MrBillM - 4-27-2009 at 01:52 PM

And we're all going to DIE.

The Government is intentionally spreading the Virus. The fact that this is a Combinant Virus consisting of three separate strains is proof that the Administration artificially created it in a secret laboratory for distribution via their Black Stealth Helicopters.

Be Afraid.

TheColoradoDude - 4-27-2009 at 01:53 PM

I've had the wine flu a few times.

Cypress - 4-27-2009 at 01:58 PM

Yea, Every time I eat a rack of BBQ'd ribs my stomach gets a little queezy.

This whole deal is getting weirder and weirder.

I'm smelling a world class scam.

Or? Maybe the health gurus are panicky. After all, that's their claim to fame.

DanO - 4-27-2009 at 01:58 PM

IMHO, the real problem will not be the virus and the illness, but the effect of the fear being generated by it. People staying home don't spend money, at a time when the global economy needs just that -- more people spending money.

DENNIS - 4-27-2009 at 01:58 PM

There are a few places in the Middle East that could use a good dose of this stuff.

Cypress - 4-27-2009 at 02:08 PM

The media / govt. reaction to this so called flu epidemic is looking like an episode of dumb and dumber.

Woooosh - 4-27-2009 at 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
There are a few places in the Middle East that could use a good dose of this stuff.

gods will

fdt - 4-27-2009 at 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
No school was just announced nationwide until may6 or whenever.
Happy cinco de mayo.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30434921/

I have heard and read that today too- but plenty of school children in uniform walking around TJ and Rosarito Beach.

:?:

It's that it was announced during the morning school hours.

Mexico's Pre-School thru University

Mulegena - 4-27-2009 at 02:29 PM

closed through May 6, country-wide.

Woooosh - 4-27-2009 at 03:18 PM

I thought only I was being casual about it...

Mexicans take swine flu lightly on U.S. border 27 Apr 2009 20:57:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

TIJUANA, Mexico, April 27 (Reuters) - Many Mexicans crossing into the United States on Monday at one of the busiest crossings on the border shunned advice to wear surgical face mask to curb the spread of a deadly new flu.

Most Mexican immigration officials at the Tijuana-San Diego crossing were using masks and surgical gloves, but Mexicans crossing by car and foot seemed unconcerned by the influenza scare and only a handful wore masks.

"I don't think anything will happen to me, it's old people and children we need to look after," said Gloria, a 35-year-old woman waiting to cross by car into California who declined to give her last name.

Many of the up to 149 people who have died of the new virus in Mexico have actually been aged between 25 and 45, a worrying sign as pandemics tend to target healthy young adults.

The World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert level to phase 4 over the flu virus as infections of the new strain spread to the United States, Canada and Europe.

U.S. Border and Customs Protection agents checking vehicles were equipped with masks and were checking travelers for symptoms. "We are isolating travelers with symptoms, offering them masks and alerting health authorities," said a customs spokesman at the San Ysidro crossing into California.

There are currently no travel restrictions between the United States and Mexico, the U.S. consulate in the northern city of Monterrey said on Monday, although Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged caution in traveling to Mexico.

Many residents of Mexico's densely populated capital, Mexico City, spent the weekend hunkered at home or went out wearing face masks distributed by soldiers.

In the northern business city of Monterrey, hundreds of people lined up at pharmacies to buy packs of face masks after initially playing down the threat of contagion from other parts of Mexico. (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana, Alejandro Bringas in Ciudad Juarez and Robin Emmott in Monterrey; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Choice

MrBillM - 4-27-2009 at 03:31 PM

One Health Professional summed it up:

"Whatever you say beforehand is going to be called inciting panic and described afterwards will be described as Inadequate".

The lesson of 9/11 seems to be CYA. Some poor Schmuck in a C150 cuts through the edge of the Prohibited Area over DC and everybody thinks it's a Terrorist attack.

Same philosophy here. Every Politico is afraid to be caught not responding.

Still, it COULD be a government conspiracy. Watch for the Helicopters.

Bajahowodd - 4-27-2009 at 03:37 PM

Correct. No government entity or official wants to be accused of lacking concern. The Chinese got a great deal of grief in the SARS epidemic because they waited three months to notify the WHO.

Bajahowodd - 4-27-2009 at 04:15 PM

Lest I be accused of posting too much :tumble:

I spotted an interesting statistic from the Healthcare Risk Managers. Surprisingly, on average, in the United States, 36,000 people die annually from some form of influenza.

shari - 4-27-2009 at 04:16 PM

Just heard on baja sur radio station, there is not one reported case in the whole state. Seems folks in Vizcaino are a bit worried...LOTS of those little blue masks everywhere...only a handful of people on the bus from ensenada to Vizcaino overnight.

fishbuck - 4-27-2009 at 04:24 PM

Has there been any cases reported in Ensenada? I was there last weekend and now feel sick.
I have been suffering from a bad sinus infection so it could still be from that.
I am going to the doc on Wens but really to talk about the sinus infection. I guess it's really a hard thing to get rid of.
But was curious about any reported cases around Ensenada.

redmesa - 4-27-2009 at 04:25 PM

Just heard on MSNBC that masks don't stop the spread of viruses.
Don't know about the swine flu in Baja but we sure encountered some severe cases of flu while we were there this year. John just went to the doctor here and she rushed him out of the office when she heard he had had the flu in Mexico... Amazing amount of worry about this disease.
Glad you are safely home, Shari.

schwlind - 4-27-2009 at 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Has there been any cases reported in Ensenada? I was there last weekend and now feel sick.
I have been suffering from a bad sinus infection so it could still be from that.
I am going to the doc on Wens but really to talk about the sinus infection. I guess it's really a hard thing to get rid of.
But was curious about any reported cases around Ensenada.

My friend who lives in Ensenada told me yesterday, that as of that time there were no reported cases...

Bajahowodd - 4-27-2009 at 04:49 PM

There was some vague reference to a couple of cases in Northern Baja. That's all I saw. Be advised that the symptoms involve fever over 100, with lots of coughing and lung congestion. that being said, it would not surprise me that this flu has been spreading for quite a while. Our friend Shari mentioned folks in Asuncion have similar symptoms. Appears that for the US, at least, this flu has relatively mild symptoms which is probably why it's been around for awhile and not been reported. Not everyone runs to the doc when they have a fever or a cough for a couple of days.

Bajahowodd - 4-27-2009 at 04:57 PM

The mask thing. Note that when you go to most upscale Mexican grocers, the folks servicing the deli, seafood and meat areas wear masks. That's to prevent contaminating the food. In the case of flu, the dirty culprit is more often than not, the hand. Most viruses and bacteria make their way into your temple of God by way of your eyes and nose. Hence, the reminder to frequently wash your hands. Seems that most folks unconsciously need to touch their nose and eyes. I know I do it. So, in a way, wearing gloves is probably better than wearing a mask. Pero, lava sus manos.

[Edited on 4-28-2009 by Bajahowodd]

pacside - 4-27-2009 at 05:45 PM

Took 5 year old into the Todos Santos clinic today because he has been coughing at night. Good news is they checked him out and said his chest is clear and the fact he doesn't have a fever or been vomiting or doing the other end she said not to worry. Well I will keep a close eye on him.

The bad news is that they were all wearing those blue masks and told me to buy them for my todos familia. I asked why and the lady who seemed to know more than anyone else said in all seriousness that there have been 5 confirmed cases of this flu in La Paz and one muerte.

Went to three different pharmacias and no masks in stock. I gave up and figured I'm pretty isolated where I'm at and will just hunker down and probably wouldn't wear the mask anyway. A lady in one of the pharmacies in Todos Santos said she heard of one muerte in Cabo...not sure of number of cases.

Just passing this info along and of course can't vouch for the accuracy.

Schools closed nationwide...with an announcement to be made by the govt May 6th. So at this point we don't know when schools will reopen.

Also one person I spoke with said he was unable to obtain Tamifil from the mainland. Thinks govt only has 1m doses and saving for the most serious cases.

Mi esposo is able to get Tamifil from Target in NorCal but not the liquid kind for kids.

pacside

shari - 4-27-2009 at 06:12 PM

rumours are rampant...in vizcaino, a guy told me there were several cases there already so I asked a health nurse who confirmed that is NOT true...no cases...yet but rumours are catching like wildfire....run piggy run

Bajagypsy - 4-27-2009 at 06:16 PM

WE are still planning on going to Asuncion, we will be careful, but I am NOT missing this trip! :dudette:

flyfishinPam - 4-27-2009 at 06:52 PM

so far I only sasw ne small girl wearing a mask at my neighbors b-day party yesterday. I definately noticed it but never said anything to my family about it. less than an hour later the girl was playing with other kids mask pulled down under the chin.

Bob H - 4-27-2009 at 07:48 PM

Heard on the radio this afternoon that all of this started in the Cancun area... any word on that?

In San Diego, it seems that the average age of those infected is 16 years old. Lots of school aged kids, like those in New York, etc. Everyone in the States seems to be able to recover from this flu. Not so lucky in Mexico where I hear the death toll is rising quickly, last number I heard was over 125 deaths.

A returning cruise ship to San Diego this moring from Cabo - they would not let anyone leave the boat and everyone missed their flights back home - all were very upset about it. When questioning the Customs folks, they said there was a problem with the number of passengers on the boat - more than what was supposed to be on there, and it was taking them longer to figure everything out. But, one has to think it might be that they are checking everyone for this flu virus.

Bob H

[Edited on 4-28-2009 by Bob H]

rogerj1 - 4-27-2009 at 10:47 PM

I've heard reports of "flu like symptoms". When you read about a pro ballplayer suffering from this, it usually means he was too hungover to play. I wonder how many hangovers are being upgraded to potential swine flu?

fishbuck - 4-27-2009 at 10:53 PM

Back in my Oceanfront Newport days we use to call it Newport flu. Guaranteed to catch it once a month at least.

Now that I live up the hill I never catch it. Except in Baja but I think it's a different strain. :lol:

[Edited on 4-28-2009 by fishbuck]

News on the Pandemic

The Gull - 4-28-2009 at 08:27 AM

The virus is spreading fast as the blue masks have all been sprayed with the virus. It is an Al Queda plot.

I heard the entire village of Todos Santos was wiped off the map, last night. One Nomad who was planning to leave, soon, did not escape in time.

fdt - 4-28-2009 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
The virus is spreading fast as the blue masks have all been sprayed with the virus. It is an Al Queda plot.

I heard the entire village of Todos Santos was wiped off the map, last night. One Nomad who was planning to leave, soon, did not escape in time.

Just his luck :lol:

He won't get to rest in peace. :saint:

Bob H - 4-28-2009 at 09:30 AM

Funny stuff... but, I'm not too sure this is a laughing matter.
Just my opinion.
Bob H

Remember

MrBillM - 4-28-2009 at 06:42 PM

That it's the Same Government telling us there is no cause for alarm that told us a few about Housing, Banks, Bailouts and a lot of other things.

If Nappy told me the Sun was coming up tomorrow in the East, I'd want to verify it before taking her word.

comitan - 4-28-2009 at 06:52 PM

MrBillM

Are you not converted yet.

wavedad - 4-28-2009 at 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Just curious as to why you only sip a half a cup? A whole cup is detrimental? I really like bajaguy's idea. Alcohol has got to kill some of those nasty bugs, right???

:lol:

In fact maybe I'll just skip the tea step completely...

Dont skip the tea. Fact is that even if it doesn't help with the cold, the garlic will keep the fleas off ya!

[Edited on 4-26-2009 by BajaGringo]

Bajahowodd - 4-28-2009 at 11:13 PM

Like no one thinks caboron is going to spin the Vegas aspect of Baja?
:biggrin:

Masks dont work

BajaDanD - 4-28-2009 at 11:18 PM

The masks do nothing except make people feel safer. The virus is small enough to go right through those masks without even slowing down.
Besides direct human contact exchanging money is the easiest way to spread a virus.
It goes from there to our eyes or nose the two main places we are always sticking our fingers without thinking about it.

fishbuck - 4-28-2009 at 11:22 PM

I was wearing one of the masks today. It's just a little cloth mask with elastic ear straps. I seriously doubt if it's air tight around the edges.

[Edited on 4-29-2009 by fishbuck]

Sharksbaja - 4-28-2009 at 11:52 PM

FYI and I was surprised to read that some of those cheap looking masks are effective.
Flu Masks

Virusus are very small >.03 microns. Which will pass easily through any of those filter they show. What they consider is the droplet size from a sneeze etc.

~0.02-0.30 µm for viruses,
~ 2.0-5.0 µm for fungal spores
~ 0.3–10 µm for most bacterial cells/spores

Their size, in conjunction with the carrier matrix upon
generation from a source, changes as they are
aerosolized and exposed to environmental factors (RH,
temperature) that favor desiccation or hygroscopicity.
With rapid desiccation, the resultant smaller aerosols can
remain airborne longer, while larger aerosols may initially
fall out and then become re-suspended after desiccation.

"Respiratory disease
are expelled from the
respiratory tract within a
matrix of mucus and other
secretions that typically begin
to desiccate upon expulsion
by coughing, sneezing,
talking, or singing.
The dried residuals of these
large aerosols are termed
droplet nuclei (0.5-12 µm)"

" Particle size and shape determine
behavior of the agent suspended in air.
Airborne particles, regardless of size or
shape are referred to in terms of their
equivalent (or aerodynamic) diameter."

Here is the rest:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/announceme...

You be da judge.

[Edited on 4-29-2009 by Sharksbaja]

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