As Nations Try to Contain Flu, N.Y. Cases Are Confirmed

By Mike Woodard
The swine flu has been confirmed. It has been confirmed in New York and Mexico and has possibly already traveled to New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Spain. It is believed that the outbreak started south of us in Mexico, "where 81 people have died and some 1,300 have been infected." (Healy) Countries are taking such actions of stopping pork imports with Mexico and checking air travelers for disease. The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed 8 cases of swine flu in the New York and 11 cases in California, Kansas, and Texas. At a news conference, Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated that these cases were real, but were mild. Luckily, there have been no deaths in the United States associated with swine flu yet. China is not taking and chances and is urging people not to travel to Mexico. People arriving with fever or respiratory symptoms are immediately being detained and tested. Hong Kong is possibly the most prepared city for an epidemic like the swine flu. They already have 1400 beds made for a possible outbreak of sars and have been prepared for an outbreak.