• ABOUT RPRN
• NEWSROOM
• Plans and Pricing
• WRITING TIPS
• DIRECTORIES

President Obama: Swine Flu 'Not a Cause for Alarm'

April 27, 2009

WASHINGTON (RPRN) 27 April 2009 -U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States is closely monitoring cases of the swine flu, but the situation is "not a cause for alarm."Mr. Obama spoke Monday in Washington, as governments around the world are racing to avoid both a pandemic and global hysteria, as more suspected cases of swine flu emerge.

In Mexico, the outbreak's epicenter, swine flu is believed to have killed 103 people and sickened more than 1,600.

The United States has declared a public health emergency to allow authorities to spend federal money and release stockpiles of anti-viral medication. Mr. Obama said the declaration was issued as a "precautionary tool."

The United States has confirmed 20 cases of the illness; six cases have been confirmed in Canada. Spain confirmed its first case Monday, while suspected cases are being investigated in New Zealand and France.

The World Health Organization says the virus is "a public health emergency of international concern" with "pandemic potential." The International Red Cross says it "will spare no resources in tackling" the threat.

On Monday, the European Union called for an urgent meeting of EU health ministers, which is likely to take place Thursday. The EU health commissioner recommended avoiding travel to affected areas.

Quarantine officer monitors travelers with thermographic device at arrival gate in Narita International Airport, Japan, 27 Apr 2009
Quarantine officer monitors travelers with thermographic device at arrival gate in Narita International Airport, Japan, 27 Apr 2009
Meanwhile, countries throughout Asia and the Pacific are taking steps against the virus, including screening passengers arriving from North America, and warning against travel to Mexico. Other countries, including the United States and Russia, are screening incoming passengers from affected areas.

Health officials say they expect to see more infections in the coming days.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has suspended all visas and non-emergency services from Monday through Thursday. Some of those who are ill in other countries have recently returned from visits to Mexico.

The WHO says swine influenza, or "swine flu," is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. It says symptoms are generally similar to seasonal flu, but that cases have ranged broadly from mild infections to severe pneumonia resulting in death.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

• ABOUT RPRN
• SERVICES
• NEWSROOM
• WRITING TIPS
• TESTIMONIALS
• DIRECTORIES
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• CAREER
• ADVERTISING