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* I just barely remember the 1976 Swine Flu panic, and these government TV ads didn’t jog my memory, either…
Background here. H/T: Sully and Patterson.
* And here’s an update from the Illinois Department of Public Health which just arrived in my in-box…
State Public Health Director Announces 9 Probable Cases of Swine Flu in Illinois
Proclamation issued to ensure medicine and medical supplies are readily available
SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health Director, announced there are currently nine probable cases of swine flu in Illinois: five in Cook County (all within the Chicago city limits), one in DuPage County, two in Kane County and one in Lake County. A probable case means the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has tested a specimen and found that it is positive for influenza A, but it could not be subtyped. The Department has shipped three of the nine probable cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform final testing to confirm if the cases are positive for swine flu, and the other six will be shipped later day.
The federal government has declared a health emergency and identified a potential threat to the health and safety of the citizens of Illinois. A Gubernatorial Proclamation issued by Governor Pat Quinn Tuesday allows for the mobilization of state assets, as the Governor deems necessary, to aid in the distribution of medical supplies and other actions needed to protect public’s health and safety.
How are you feeling? I’ve been sick all week. Can’t shake it. Maybe the guv can mobilize some services my way.
…Adding… Something to keep in mind while the media and politicians scream in your ear…
There had been no confirmed deaths in the United States related to swine flu as of Tuesday afternoon. But another virus had killed thousands of people since January and is expected to keep killing hundreds of people every week for the rest of the year.
That one? The regular flu.
Since I’m pretty sure I have the “regular” flu, I am not comforted at all by the above story.
* Roundup…
* Only 7 swine flu deaths, not 152, says WHO
* 2nd swine flu false alarm at O’Hare: The ailing passenger was examined, taken to a local hospital and ultimately determined to be suffering from strep throat, officials said.
* Pork Futures Fall on Swine Flu Concerns: The Center for Disease Control says swine influenza is not transmitted by food and that eating cooked pork and pork products is safe.
* Ill. spot for migrants vigilant about swine flu: An emergency services chief in a southern Illinois county where migrants gather each spring to work the apple and peach orchards says many there are concerned about the possible spread of swine flu linked to Mexico. But Union County’s Dana Pearson adds that there’s no need for anyone around Cobden to feel alarmed. He says the area so far only has a few families of migrants, and they’re from Tennessee and Texas.
* Israeli official: Swine flu name offensive: The outbreak of swine flu should be renamed “Mexican” influenza in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork, said an Israeli health official Monday
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:22 pm
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Woke up to find that my daughter got sick in her bed, and then she got sick at the breakfast table. She hasn’t had much of an appetite the last couple of days either. But, I’m not too worried about it being swine flu. Teething probably has a lot to do with it.
Comment by Desert Dweller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:30 pm
I just got home from Mexico about 2 weeks ago. No problems here.
Comment by Anonymous Coward Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:38 pm
Heh, I wonder what commercials would be produced for the current epidemic today!
Comment by Levois Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:53 pm
Can the swine flu be transmitted through blogs?
Comment by Sewanee Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:55 pm
Yes.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:56 pm
I have a vague recollection of the ‘76 swine flu panic, but only because of some other health related stuff that was going on in my family at the time.
What I do remember is, “Fears arose as to possible debilitating side effects of the vaccine (some claimed that it caused a neurological condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome), and the government proved unable to offer reassurance… (New Yorker).” And that is what I think of every. single. time. when flu shots get offered since then.
Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:57 pm
This shows one of the problems when the media picks up on medical issues and start running it endless on news. People get scared for no reason, my fiancee grandmother is panicked over the swine flu. The government and media should take steps to prepare the public and protect the public health, but they should not run on half truths and sensationalize speculation.
Comment by RMWStanford Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:57 pm
“The outbreak of swine flu should be renamed “Mexican” influenza in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork, said an Israeli health official Monday”
Yes, let’s defame an entire country and nationality, rather than pigs, which we don’t eat anyway. How about calling it the Irony Flu, since it seems to be killing that as much as people?
Comment by Sacks Romana Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 2:59 pm
“Swine Flu” is offensive, but “Mexican Flu” is just peachy? Yeesh.
Comment by phocion Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:05 pm
===He says the area so far only has a few families of migrants, and they’re from Tennessee and Texas.===
Considering the recent secessionist movement, shouldn’t we be concerned about the Texans?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:11 pm
Hey Rich,
Animal Farm had this same video earlier this week and then it was in Mike’s morning shorts.
How very MSM of you.
Comment by Frank Booth Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:13 pm
‘Persnickety Porcine Pandemic’, perhaps?
Comment by Anonymous Coward Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:15 pm
–The outbreak of swine flu should be renamed “Mexican” influenza in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork, said an Israeli health official Monday.–
LOL. They don’t dig on swine.
And you wonder why there’s so much strife in that part of the world? Who knows? Maybe this is the issue that brings all the parties in the region together.
If it does, Arnold Ziffle should get the Nobel Peace Prize.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:24 pm
I fixed it, FB.
And, for the record, I’m a hybrid, neither totally MSM nor alt media.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:30 pm
Rich, did you get a flu shot? I get one every year and have not contracted it yet.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:51 pm
Texas is shutting down schools and canceling or postponing athletic events.
This after the Mexican infant died in Houston.
The threat level has been raised from 4 to 5.
I remember 1976. 100s died from the flu shot.
Comment by PPHS Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 3:58 pm
Rich, the CNN article said that 90+% of the deaths from regular flu are people over 65, most of whom were already weakened by other health problems. I know the Illinois legislature ages us all in dog years, but I think (and hope) you’ll be okay.
Comment by Kyle Boller's Clipboard Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:01 pm
=== 100s died from the flu shot.===
Your memory is faulty. That didn’t happen.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:13 pm
According to the material I’ve read, in 1976 about 25 deaths were linked to swine flu shots, and a total of about 400 claims for injury or disability due to the shots were eventually made against the federal government (which assumed all liability in order to persuade reluctant drug companies to make the vaccine). Only one person, however, died from the flu itself, an Army recruit at Fort Dix, N.J.
Comment by Secret Square Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:23 pm
I think the public health threat of a potential pandemic has to be taken seriously. No one can ignore the WHO Level 5 Pandemic threat assessment.
Comment by Captain America Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:40 pm
It’s all cover for Quinn’s tax hike. Just ask Rod.
Comment by Frank Booth Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:48 pm
All I remember about swine flu in 76 is Chevy Chase walking around on SNL with a big needle stuck in his arm while constantly falling down stairs and tripping over furniture. That’s how I remembered it was Ford and not Carter.
The Israeli quoted is dumb. The dietary laws are just that, dietary. A Jew can continue to be Orthodox and have a pet pig for goodness sake. As long as he doesn’t eat it, he’s kosher.
Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 4:53 pm
WHO threat assessment… I can almost envision what music video ‘plays us out’ Friday PM.
Comment by Anonymous Coward Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 5:20 pm
Rich: drink Gatorade, only thing that works
Comment by Bobs yer Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 6:29 pm
Rich, nice new selection of feeds off to the right…
(The Dome and STLToday)
Comment by Anonymous Coward Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 6:48 pm
I gotta do something when I’m sick.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 6:50 pm
Rich, the Swine Flu is nothing to be snorted at ! It starts with a subtle grunting and that is then punctuated by a plosive “oinking” sound. Listen to your body and be careful. A longing to wallow in a mudpuddle clinches it - then it is time to either go to your doctor or find the ugliest wom….. ?
Comment by A Citizen Wednesday, Apr 29, 09 @ 10:27 pm
…or man while wearing a pink feathered boa.
Forewarned is forearmed. lol
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 30, 09 @ 12:18 am