Posted on 04/27/2009 12:06:34 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The suspected death toll from the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico rose Monday to 149 people as health authorities cancelled all schools across the country until May 6.
Mexican cabinet officials led by Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova gave a press conference today in Mexico City with the latest information they have gathered about the outbreak of a deadly new strain of swine flu that has halted many aspects of public life here and appears to continue to be spreading.
Since the first case of swine flu was reported, 1,995 people have been hospitalized with serious cases of pneumonia, said Cordova, and 1,070 of these people have been released. He said 20 of the deaths so far have been confirmed as swine flu, but that just two laboratories in the country, one in Mexico City and one in the state of Veracruz, are able to confirm this new strain.
"We are in the most critical moment of this epidemic, and the number of cases, unfortunately, will continue increasing," he said. "We will strengthen all preventative measures and attention necessary to contain it."
To add to the surreal nature of the day, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake centered south of the capital shook Mexico City and briefly interrupted the cabinet officials' press conference. There were no immediate reports of damage.
The Mexican states with the majority of the suspected swine flu cases are San Luis Potosi, Tlaxcala, Baja California, the state of Mexico, as well as Mexico City.
Schools in Mexico City and some other states have already been cancelled but officials decided to call them off nationwide.
"We will take advantage of the time so we scan all learn what we need to know to protect our health," said Alonso Lujambio, the Education Secretary.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Almost 7.5%
Each and every day, these people continue to cross our borders and work in a yard near you.
It’s only 7.5% if they have an accurate count of those who have it. My guess is that the 1000+ reported is grossly understated.
The citizens of this third world arm pit are so screwed.
I have serious doubts the death toll any place else, will be anywhere near what they are in Mexico. If not, then the government of Mexico is going to look very very bad indeed.
You mean the United States?
What’s the nation mentioned in the title Nick?
"Veratect, which is company that tracks epidemic outbreaks, has posted a timeline of events that also indicates that the Mexican swine flu outbreak may have started in Veracruz, Mexico near the Carroll Farms facilities. According to the Veratect timeline, more than 400 local residents at La Gloria, Veracruz and other nearby towns reported having strong flu-like symptoms days before the outbreak was reported by the media. Local health authorities in La Gloria and Perote have determined that this strange flu-like disease or new strain of the flu was spread to the local towns by flies that feed on pig feces. In the town of La Gloria, 60 percent of the 3,000 inhabitants have been infected."
Now a 5.6 earthquake hits the area.
P.S. The Rabbis in Israel say that "Swine flu" isn't Kosher. It's now called Mexiflu.
I’m provisioning for a hike to Boulder. Gotta stop by a farm on the way, though.
that’s one fatality per 13.4 cases.
“De acuerdo con uno de los habitantes de la comunidad, Eli Ferrer Cortés, los desechos fecales y orgánicos que produce Granjas Carroll no son tratados adecuadamente, lo que genera contaminación del agua y del viento en la region.”
Open sewerage lines, untreated hog sewage, and clouds of sh!tflies. Nobody that has ever been to Mexico is surprised. Carroll Farms will deny any culpability. Mexico will deny any responsibility. The good old U S of A is fixin’ to spend another $500 Billion taxpayer dollars. Aint Socialism on a global scale just grand?
bump for later reference
I was surprised at flies hovering on the meat in the open market and people actually buying it! I also couldn't believe people actually bought rotten looking bananas and other fruit with flies all around. GAG!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.