The World Health Organization has moved the alert level on the Swine Flu to level 4 out of a possible 6, but hasn’t requested for travel restrictions or border closures. Many companies that travel to and from Mexico have halted from going, until the spreading has gotten under control.

Dr. Nikki Shindo a W.H.O. flu expert said, “Swine virus has been found occasionally in human beings. The one thing we don’t really understand is why the cases in Mexico are so severe.” She continued by telling the Associated Press, “hundreds of thousands” of people in Mexico could be infected. The W.H.O. is looking into Mexican cases to see if there were underlying medical conditions that have caused people to fare worse there that the rest of the world.

Health authorities are also trying to remind people of threat of the swine flu. Flu deaths are common around the world and about 36,000 people in the U.S. alone die annually from flu-related causes according to the CDC.

In poorer countries such as Madagascar and Congo, they have outbreaks of seasonal influenza that can infect up to half of their population. Those cases have a mortality rate of one percent of the entire nation Dr. Shindo reminded.

California’s Impact

San Jose, California, a Branham High School student has tested positive for the swine flu, which has prompted school officials to close the campus for a week. Health officials confirmed that a 16 year old girl was diagnosed with Santa Clara County’s first case of swine flu.

Campbell Union High School District is alerting parents and students through its website on the positive test results and the possibility of the virus being spread. It asks parents to monitor their children for symptoms of the flu.

Lone Star Infected

The Cleburne Independent School District says Cleburne High, Team School and the Phoenix DAEP campus are all closed due to suspected cases of swine flu. It states that it will update their website of the latest developments to keep students, parents, and the public informed.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services has called for a new briefing on the morning of April 29th, due to confirming its first case of the Swine Flu.

The Dallas Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that Dallas County has 3 confirmed cases and 6 probable case of the Swine Flu. They go onto to says that the illnesses are not severe and the patients on April 28th were recovering well.

Prevention

The Swine Flu has similar symptoms to the common flu so there are several tips to help avoid contracting the virus. Health Officials recommend frequent hand washing, getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking fluids, and eating healthy foods. They also advise people to avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.

The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. There are also antiviral drugs that are prescription medicines that fight against the flu viruses.

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