I hope it is a swine flu sweeping through the Muslim world.
Dear Forgotten Man,
As you said: “I hope it is a swine flu sweeping through the Muslim world.”
There was only ONE version of the Swine Flu, (I know your jocularity in using that therm), HOWEVER ...
As one of those Dover AFB military personnel who actually DID HAVE the Swine Flu, I report:
Starting February 10, arrangements were made to study febrile respiratory disease patients at McGuire Air Force Base (adjoining Fort Dix) and at hospitals, emergency rooms, and physicians’ offices in the Fort Dix vicinity. Medical examiners were told to obtain specimens from possible influenza patients and surveillance was increased statewide. From January 9 to March 19, infection with influenza A/Victoria virus was documented in 301 persons by virus isolation (151 persons), CF or HAI serology (113 persons), or both (37 persons). Cases in New Jersey came from 19 of 21 counties, McGuire Air Force Base, and Lakehurst Naval Training Center. Delaware had 19 cases, including 5 from Dover Air Force Base. From January 31 to March 17, 10 civilian deaths in New Jersey were attributed to influenza. Influenza A/Victoria (H3N2) was isolated from all 10 patients.
It was NOT fun, as being near dead usually isn’t, and no, I did NOT grow a snout and a curly little tail.