Panic and political opportunism both threaten to exacerbate the current international economic crisis. In order for cooler heads to prevail lets all agree to help tamp down the fear by using a few of these important facts to add some perspective to discussions that we are part of over the next few months.1. A Pandemic is a world wide epidemic. We have an annual pandemic of the flu EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The question is always how serious is the pandemic NOT whether there is one.
2. The recent name change from Swine Flu to H1N1 Virus reflects the fact that we still do not know the actual origins of the flu but we know that it is genetically composed of viruses from past flu viruses including swine flue, avian (Bird) flu, SARS and possibly some others. In any case it is not spread by eating meat of ANY Variety. Calling it a swine flu has already had a serious detrimetal effect on pork producers, who have seen orders for their product plummet.
Additionally, always looking for a way to take advantage of an international crisis to violate world trade agreements and enhance their cash flow, countries like Russia are making a cynical play to close their borders to the importation of pork and in some cases other meats.
3. On any given year more than 36,000 people die from complications of the Flu in the US alone. So far, deaths from the H1N1 Virus are fewer than 300 in Mexico where it is believed to have started.
Before its all over, it could get much worse and there is no doubt that we should continue to operate as members of the Obama adminstration have said "with an abundance of caution",
Useful links:
Mapping the outbreak
Virus is 'a mild strain'
Your questions answered
Q&A: Advice about swine flu
Pelican Puppet
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