Current Events

WHO Warns of Severe Form of H1N1 Virus

Aug. 29, 2009 - As the flu season approaches, The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a severe form of H1N1 ["Swine Flu"] goes straight to the lungs, causing severe illness in otherwise healthy young people.

Some countries are reporting that as many as 15 percent of patients hospitalized with the new H1N1 pandemic virus need intensive care, further straining already overburdened healthcare systems, WHO said in an update on the pandemic.

Source: Fox

Next step in H1N1 scare: Microchip implants

Aug. 22, 2009 - VeriChip, the world's first and only federally approved radio microchip for implanting in humans, is working with another company, Receptors LLC, to develop under-the-skin devices to detect 'bio-threats.'

According to a joint white paper released earlier this year by both companies called "An Integrated Sensor System for the Detection of Bio-Threats from Pandemics to Emerging Diseases to Bio-Terrorism," the research's goal is to transform existing glucose-detection technology into pinpointing viruses...

Source: WorldNetDaily

A 'time bomb' for world wheat crop

June 14, 2009 - Crop scientists fear that a wheat fungus could spread all around the world and destroy more than 80% of worldwide wheat crops. The disease is called Ug99 (Discovered in Uganda in 1999). It is airborn, and is being carried by the wind from country to country.

Experts say it is poised to enter the breadbasket of northern India and Pakistan, and the wind will inevitably carry it to Russia, China and even North America -- if it doesn't hitch a ride with people first.

Scientists are trying to produce a wheat strain that is resistant to the fungus.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Swine flu 'not stoppable,' World Health Organization says

June 11, 2009 - The World Health Organization has raised the alert for the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) to the highest level, Phase 6. By doing this, they declare the disease a "pandemic." The last previous pandemic occurred in 1968.

Increasing the alert does not mean that the disease is deadlier or more dangerous than before, just that it has spread to more countries, the WHO said.

So far, the virus had spread to 74 countries, infecting 28,774 and causing 144 deaths.

Source: CNN

WHO confirms 331 cases of swine flu worldwide

May 1, 2009 - According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are 331 confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1), which is being called "swine flu." WHO raised its alert level for a swine flu pandemic to 5. The next step would be a full-scale pandemic.

The United States has reported over 120 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 312 human cases of infection, including 12 deaths.

Source: RIA Novosti

Update May 20, 2009 - A/H1N1/ flu affects 8,829 people in 40 countries - WHO - Itar-tass

EU warns against swine flu panic

Apr. 30, 2009 - Androulla Vassiliou, the EU's health commissioner, told Europeans not to panic over the threat of swine flu, but to be vigilant and prepared.

The World Health Organization has raised the alert to level five, its second highest, and advised governments to activate pandemic contingency plans.

Source: BBC

Questions & Answers - Swine Influenza and You - CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mexico in economic shutdown as flu pandemic imminent - Reuters

More countries confirm swine flu

Apr. 28, 2009 - Infections by the swine flu virus have been confirmed in New Zealand and Israel. The US, Canada, Spain and Britain had already registered confirmed cases. The UN warns it cannot be contained.

Mexico has raised the number of probable deaths to 152, with 1,614 suspected sufferers under observation.

No deaths have been reported outside Mexico, where the virus was first reported. Swine flu is also suspected in Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Australia, and South Korea, and seven EU states. Testing is being conducted in these countries now.

Source: BBC

Swine flu anact of biological warfare? - WorldNetDaily

U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu

Apr. 27, 2009 - After cases of swine flu in five states, the U.S. has declared a public health emergency to prepare for a larger outbreak.. The five states with known cases so far are California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas.

Unlike in Mexico where the same strain appears to be killing dozens of people, cases in the United State have been mild — and U.S. health authorities can't yet explain why.

As part of the public health emergency, 12 million doses of the drug Tamiflu will be made available if needed.

Source:NewsMax

U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency in Wake of Swine Flu - Fox

Global alarm as killer swine flu spreads - Khaleej Times

CDC: How to Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu - Fox

Mexico Swine Flu Epidemic Worries World

April 24, 2009 - A flu epidemic in Mexico has infected some 800 people and resulted in 60 deaths. Sixteen of the deaths have been confirmed cases of swine flu, a new strain of the disease.

Alarmingly, the flu outbreak in Mexico is striking healthy young people -- a pattern that would be expected if a flu virus new to humans emerged.

In the U.S., CDC Acting Director Richard Besser, MD. says this is the same strain recently isolated from U.S. patients. The outbreak will be considered a pandemic if there is eventually "efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission" of a new flu virus.

Source:WebMD

Mexico Swine Flu Deaths Spur Global Epidemic Fears - NewsMax