Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Swine Flu - Spreading Rapidly Across The World

Swine flu linked to hundreds of deaths since its detection in March, which now is affecting each and every country. The World Health Organization declared the first influenza pandemic in four decades in June 09.

Swine flu caused more than 800 deaths, and though the WHO no longer provides figures on the number of infected people worldwide, swine flu has spread to 160 of the organization’s 193 member states.

In addition to the death number, lives have become miserable, including school closings, changes in church rituals and warnings that vulnerable Muslims should not embark on the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The great fear among experts is that the virus can convert into a more virulent form and leave much damage in its wake. The disease is spreading in both southern and northern hemispheres.

The virus was first uncovered in Mexico and combines swine, human and avian influenza. Most deaths have occurred in the Americas, with the United States, Argentina and Mexico recording the highest number of fatalities.

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