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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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With 20 Sick, US Declares Swine Flu Emergency

Napolitano stresses declaration is 'standard operating procedure'

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(Newser) – The White House declared today a public health emergency to fight the spread of swine flu, the New York Times reports. With 20 confirmed infections in the US, the declaration frees up money and resources for diagnosis, prevention, and antiviral medication. “We’re preparing in an environment where we really don’t know ultimately what the size of seriousness of this outbreak is going to be,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.

Napolitano tried to tone down the threat’s scale, terming the declaration “standard operating procedure,” Politico reports. A quarter of the government’s anti-flu stockpile will be released. Swine flu has already killed 81 Mexicans and infected at least 1000 more, with Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and other countries gearing up for a fight.

A masked Edison High School student who wished not to be identified leaves New York Hospital in Queens after being diagnosed with the flu, and will await test results to determine if it is swine flu.
A masked Edison High School student who wished not to be identified leaves New York Hospital in Queens after being diagnosed with the flu, and will await test results to determine if it is swine flu.   (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)
Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks in the White House Press Briefing Room during a news conference, Sunday, April 26, 2009.
Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks in the White House Press Briefing Room during a news conference, Sunday, April 26, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Director of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, right, with White Press Secretary Richard Gibbs, left, speaks in the White House Press Briefing Room during a news conference.
Director of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, right, with White Press Secretary Richard Gibbs, left, speaks in the White House Press Briefing Room during a news conference.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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We are seeing more cases of swine flu. We expect to see more cases of swine flu. As we continue to look for cases, I expect we’re going to find them. - Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control

So far there does not seem to be any outbreak. We don’t know if the spread will be sustained. What’s heartening is the people who tested positive have only mild illnesses. - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

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8 comments
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Ioptout
Apr 26, 09 3:10 PM CDT
*Sings* It only takes 20 ta get anther 20 and that other twenty aint ah really funny. Don't get me sick da da da dahhh.......... You little pirck.... bum bum bum bahhhh. Reply
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+1
TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 26, 09 4:17 PM CDT
So... how do we get our hands on the anti-viral med? Are doctors everywhere about to receive a 'bailout'? Reply
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-1
riffran
Apr 26, 09 9:59 PM CDT
Tamiflu is the current recommended RX ...Terrified C.....and yes Dr.'s do get some samples or issued meds depending on their practice....current recomendation is......if a patient is having upper respiratory symptoms, it is recommended to go to the ER or primary MD as soon as practical.........(then get ready for the ole flu swab up the nose...such fun) Reply
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inky
Apr 27, 09 1:19 AM CDT
Call me paranoid, but I suspect this is yet another lame excuse to close our borders. Reply
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riffran
Apr 27, 09 4:18 AM CDT
sorry inks...although being a bit paranoid can be a healthy habit (because ya might be right on something when it really counts)...the flu isn't lethal enough to justify THAT......intresting angle though Reply
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0

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