Quick notes
SARS -
Please note!!! There is a lot of doom porn, rampant speculation, mis information and flat out fake reports out there. Please remember not to trust everything you read on the internet. With all this junk cluttering up the web it is hard to get a grasp on just what is really happening and the threat it poses. Quick review of what we know
1. China has instituted massive quarantines throughout the country affecting upwards of 60 million. Health services are overwhelmed and military being deployed to assist overwhelmed hospitals.
2. China is holding back critical information (IMHO) to lessen the extent of the infection.
3. Scientists indicate (based on data released) that the Ro (spreading rate) is between 2 - 4. Meaning each infected person infects 2-4 others.
4. Incubation period of 10-14 days. Can spread virus well before symptions are evident.
5. Mortality rate estimated 2-4% range. These numbers can potentially increase if China is suppressing real values.
6. Besides China, infections now throughout numerous nations.
7. Those at most risk are elderly (pneumonia) as well as those with weakened immune systems.
Basic precautions necessary. Hand washing, don’t touch eyes/nose. Avoid crowded areas. Stock up on over the counter flu related supplies (treating symptoms). Obtain some protective N95 masks and nitrile gloves. Store up some water (with back up purification methods) food and extra vitamin c.
Iraq -
Anti us protestors were in the street yesterday demanding US removal. These are pro-Iranian militia members and supporters. Same militias attacked an antigovernment protest in Baghdad killing and wounding many.
Israel/Gaza.
With reports that hamas was going to stop the IED balloon attacks, more were launched overnight. Israel has withheld response probably to give Hamas room to deal with it themselves first.
Taal -
Volcanologists report increased inflation and magma movement. Only minor steam blasts since its initial eruption. Everything still points to a potential major eruption in the near future.
SARS -
Time will tell. One noted modeler indicates that by the end of next week there will be 250k infections through China. Numbers I’ve seen still has a mortality rate of about 3-4 percent. Many nations organizing evacuations of citizens from quarantined cities.
Israel/Gaza.
Israel struck several Hamas bases tonight in response to continued ied balloons
Iraq -
In Iraq, celebration’s tonight take place in Tahrir Square, Baghdad due to the withdrawl of Muqtada al-Sadr backed militants from the protest areas. However, Al-Sadr has said that he is “disappointed” in the people participating in these protests earlier today. Earlier these Iranian supported militias fired into the anti government protesters.