Swine Flu Reaches Minnesota
May 1, 2009 • written by Frannie Sprouls
Over the past week, a new threat has entered the United States. It is not some extremist threatening to destroy a building or angry protests regarding the passage of same-sex marriage. This threat is something new and there has not been a threat like this since the avian flu in 2005. This threat is the swine influenza type A (H1N1), or the swine flu.
Practically overnight, this virus has spread through Mexico and into the United States and Canada. In Mexico alone, there are 300 confirmed cases and 12 deaths, while in the United States there are 109 cases and 1 death. The one death that occurred in the U.S., however, was a 23 month old boy from Mexico City receiving treatment in Texas.
This H1N1 influenza A has been asked to not be called the “swine flu” by the WHO. Because of the use of this nickname, it has caused widespread slaughter of pigs and bans on pork products. Even if pigs are killed, the virus will still spread. The virus did originate in pigs but scientists are unsure of how the virus jumped to humans.
The swine flu has even reached us here in Minnesota. It was feared that a worker at Rocori Middle School had the swine flu and was sent to the hospital to be tested. The case was confirmed on April 30 by the CDC and as a result, Rocori Middle School has been shut down for seven days.
“We’ll be taking a number of other measures,” says Governor Tim Pawlenty, “but principally focusing on the investigation in this area to determine the source as well as the impact in this community.” He reminds Minnesotans that “this is a situation that is a cause for concern but it is not a cause for panic.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this epidemic a Phase 5 epidemic. This means that there is an imminent chance at a global pandemic and the time to finalize measures is short. But here in the U.S., we have been fairly lucky. The cases here have only shown seasonal flu symptoms.
As for South Washington County, Barbara Brown, Director of Communications for South Washington County Schools, confirms that “there have been no reported cases of the H1N1 novel influenza in District 833.”
With that being known, if you are ill, stay home. Also remember to follow the common health procedures: wash your hands and use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Be sure to stay informed of any news of the H1N1 and follow any public health advice.
Visit the following sites for more information:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/swine/index.html
Filed Under News
Tagged: H1N1, minnesota, swine flu, swine flu in Minnnesota
Email This Story
Print This Story
Loading ...
To be honest with you, we’ve nothing to worry about, we’ve got the necessary things to keep everyone safe. If it really got bad we’d be able to do something about it. Worrying about it is just sort of dumb.