Posted on 04/27/2009 10:02:54 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Avian flu and SARS rudely awoke the world to the possibility of a new pandemic. Could a seemingly more mundane bug now put the world to the test?
The swine flu virus that may have killed more than 80 people in Mexico and appears to have sickened hundreds more is still a mystery contagion. But this much is known: The virus is unusually made up of genetic material from avian, pig and human viruses; it can transmit from person to person; and in many people, it only triggers mild symptoms seen in garden-variety influenza.
The current virus is mainly sickening the young and the healthy, yet such bugs are notorious for their ability to evolve. "We are too early in our investigations to be able to address the lethality of the virus," said Keiji Fukuda, interim assistant director-general at the World Health Organization, said Sunday. "Properties of flu viruses can change -- they can go from mild to being more severe and can move from being more severe to less."
The WHO, a United Nations agency based in Geneva, said it may have been harder to detect the initial cases in Mexico because the outbreak started during flu season. But when Mexican officials noticed an increase in cases of pneumonia, including serious pneumonia, they launched an investigation and had the virus tested in labs in order to determine the actual strain.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
I know nothing about virology so maybe there’s a Freeper out there who can tell me.
Isn’t it a little strange to have a virus that comes from pig, human and avain flu strains?
It just seems odd to have such a unique combination in a strain of the flu.
I’m certainly not suggesting that this virus is a man-made one but it certainly seems possible.
Comments or opinions - anyone?
There is a Graphic on the Website ....showing that....and it is strange....how often do these mutations happen in the wild?
“Isn’t it a little strange to have a virus that comes from pig, human and avain flu strains?”
My thoughts exactly.
And if that is so, then perhaps the possibility that this is a man-made virus is the reason world governments are taking what appears on the surface to be a rather mild (IMHO) flu outbreak so seriously.
But at present this is only food for thought.
“(Swine Flu )”????
It is “The Mexican Flu”, or “
Mexican swine flu”
Coutry of origin is Mexico
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
| State | # of laboratory confirmed cases |
|
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 cases | |
| Kansas | 2 cases | |
| New York City | 8 cases | |
| Ohio | 1 case | |
| Texas | 2 cases | |
| TOTAL COUNT | 20 cases | |
| International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection See: World Health Organization  |
||
“Isn’t it a little strange to have a virus that comes from pig, human and avain flu strains?”
Well, there is also horse flu, dog flu, cat flu.
The swine flu and bird flu??? Did humans get from the birds and pigs? did we give it to the birds and pigs???
Here’s my concern. The CDC just stated that the median age of the flu victims in the US is 16.
Pandemics kill primarily those in the 25-45 age group. What happens when this spreads to the older population?
See the graphic at the end of the article. Animal-human viral hybrids happen frequently, which is why health authorities are on the lookout. Its not a conspiracy.
*****************************
Swine flu illness in the United States and Mexico - update 2
26 April 2009 -- As of 26 April 2009, the United States Government has reported 20 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 (8 in New York, 7 in California, 2 in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio). All 20 cases have had mild Influenza-Like Illness with only one requiring brief hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. All 20 viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The virus is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans.
Also as of 26 April, the Government of Mexico has reported 18 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza A/H1N1. Investigation is continuing to clarify the spread and severity of the disease in Mexico. Suspect clinical cases have been reported in 19 of the country's 32 states.
WHO and the Global Alert and Response Network (GOARN) are sending experts to Mexico to work with health authorities. WHO and its partners are actively investigating reports of suspect cases in other Member States as they occur, and are supporting field epidemiology activities, laboratory diagnosis and clinical management.
On Saturday, 25 April, upon the advice of the Emergency Committee called under the rules of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General declared this event a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions.
I thought it was more interesting that this virus seems to be attacking young, healthy people. Influenza is widely known for killing elderly and weak people; how does this variation occur? I mean, other than the tinfoil-hat theories (which don't seem as far-fetched these days...)
“Isn’t it a little strange to have a virus that comes from pig, human and avain flu strains?”
Not really. The flus at issue are all “cousins” so to speak. They trade bits and pieces all the time.
Any given combination is equally unlikely -— like the spin of a slot machine you always end up with a some combination.
Not sure if I explained that well or not.
I think you are referring to the 1918 Spanish flu which disproportionately killed younger people. One theory is that their immune systems were too good at reacting and it was that response that killed them. Such responses as swelling, etc. are immune responses. Too much isn’t good. Older people were spared because their systems weren’t as strong.
Is that due to social activity, daily routines, that sort of thing? Just curious.
Yes, that’s exactly what I’m referring to. The cytokine storm. My point being that we might not be seeing the deadly potential of the virus here in the US because the population affected so far is young.
So what is that?
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