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With 20 Sick, US Declares Swine Flu Emergency

Napolitano stresses declaration is 'standard operating procedure'

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2009 2:18 PM CDT

(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.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

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. (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. (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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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

johntitor

Apr 27, 2009 10:16 AM CDT

HMM stuck in blame mode are we? Theres no difference between Republicans and Democrats. Dont let the stage show fool you, its for your benefit and entertainment. Also find Democracy in the constitution, you cant, because we were never a democracy and never have been.

AdaptAndOvercome

Apr 27, 2009 9:44 AM CDT

Well, all I can say is that the Republicans were once again clueless. They didn't want to include funding for an epedemic outbreak. They were quick to take credit for quick thinking, etc from 911 and yet they don't actually have a clue of how things work. If 911 can happen, then why not an epedemic? Because it means carring and $$$. Both things they know nothing about when it comes to the average person. Maybe if the epedemics only hit people who make lots of $$$,$$$$,$$$$. Then they'd want to fund it.

riffran

Apr 27, 2009 9:18 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

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public health • infectious diseases • outbreak • Janet Napolitano • antiviral drugs • medical emergency • swine flu

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With 20 Sick, US Declares Swine Flu Emergency