Free Republic

Republican Government Officials Infected with "Mystery Bug" PHILADELPHIA - Health officials are investigating an outbreak of illnesses at a Philadelphia hotel that recently played host to about 200 Republican leaders, including President Bush. At least 69 guests at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel - all attending a business conference - went to the hospital last week when a mystery bug caused dizziness and vomiting. More fell ill, but did not seek medical attention. In addition, two people at a GOP retreat to discuss party policy Jan. 29-31 - a member of House Speaker Dennis Hastert's staff and a second staff member's...

Outbreak of Killer Bug Traced to Chinese Medical Professor visiting Hong Kong [My Title -- ex-Texan] By M.A.J. McKENNA The Hong Kong government acknowledged Thursday that a visitor from the Chinese mainland sparked the epidemic of mystery pneumonia that has swept the world, belying weeks of disavowals by the Chinese government. The admission of the link to the mainland Chinese outbreak -- suspected for weeks by international health authorities -- came as the U.S. toll of suspected cases rose to 13 in 10 states and the worldwide count climbed to 306 cases and 10 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control...