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Colombian Prez Comes Down With Swine Flu

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 30, 2009 6:32 PM CDT
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(AP) – President Alvaro Uribe has the swine flu and officials are contacting other South American governments whose leaders attended a recent summit along with the Colombia leader, authorities said today. The 57-year-old Uribe began feeling symptoms Friday, the same day as a meeting of South American presidents in Bariloche, Argentina, and he was confirmed to have swine flu yesterday.

"This isn't something that has us scared," one official said, adding that Uribe was not considered a high-risk patient. Uribe is not under quarantine and none of his family members or close associates have shown symptoms of the disease, according to officials. Uribe spent Friday defending a plan to give US troops access to Colombian bases as part of the war on drugs.

Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe, second right, attends the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 28, 2009.
Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe, second right, attends the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Roberto Candia)
Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe talks to reporters before the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 28, 2009.
Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe talks to reporters before the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Friday, Aug. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia)
In this Aug. 28, 2009, file photo, Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe talks to reporters before the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
In this Aug. 28, 2009, file photo, Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe talks to reporters before the UNASUR summit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Newser001
Aug 31, 2009 2:22 AM CDT
Death panel, are we?!! What exactly has Uribe done to you to warrant such a despicable statement? Oh, I forgot - You listen to a Weiner.
Newser001
Aug 31, 2009 2:17 AM CDT
My doctor buddy bluntly told me, he won't take the vaccine, even though he's on the front line - Says its likely worthless as H1N1 mutates. Explained, it likely isn't necessary, especially if you're in your 30's-50's and reasonably healthy as our immune systems are primed. It's the very young that we need to be concerned with, as their immune systems are not yet primed through exposure, while others who may be deemed hardy and robust may find their immune systems turning upon themselves, if infected with H1N1. As far as those frail and older, their immune systems may not be up to the task...
cognitivefilter
Aug 31, 2009 1:29 AM CDT
so begins the fall hype. he will recover without having been vaccinated. do not take the vaccine. it is a scam.

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Colombia • Alvaro Uribe • swine flu • H1N1 virus

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