The Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US government agency that deals with infectious diseases, environmental health and other health related issues, have official stated on their website that human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1) virus infections have been discovered both in the United States and in Mexico.The current count in the U.S. is up to 20 cases, with New York “leading” with 8 cases, followed by California with 7 cases, Texas and Kansas have reported 2 cases and one additional case was discovered in the state of Ohio.
CDC finds this problem serious enough to activate its Emergency Operations Center so it can coordinate this investigation. So far, lab tests have proven that the swine influenza A(H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription of the antiviral drugs “Oseltamivir” and “Zanamivir”.
CDC is now using these drugs to treat and prevent infection with the swine flu virus. In addition, they have given certain recommendations to the communities where the swine flu virus has been detected, containing guidance regarding how to care for sick people. Face masks are to be used in these communities.
The CDC considers this a “rapidly evolving situation” and promises to provide information “as it becomes available”. It is a good thing that CDC is planning to inform the population regarding this epidemic, especially considering the panic that has spread through Twitter (read here).
