Taken from: www.bajainsider.com
The Online Magazine for Traveling & Living in Baja
Swine Flu in Baja - The Outbreak of H1N1 in Mexico
There has been an outbreak of a new virus initially named "Swine Flu" that appears to have originated near Veracruz, Mexico several weeks ago. Epidemiologists have traced the first know case of this new virus to a young boy in La Glorieta, which is located near one of Mexico's largest pig farms. The influenza spread rapidly in the dense urban population of Mexico City and has now begun to spread world-wide. More than 150 deaths have been reported in Mexico from the flu and as of this morning the USA had it's first confirmed death, a 2 year old who had traveled to Texas from Mexico.
This morning the World Health Organization raised the threat level for a potential pandemic to 5, on a 1 to 6 scale. This indicates that the flu is readily being transmitted from human to human and the chance of a world wide spread of this flu is becoming likely. Spokesmen for WHO stated that it is not possible to contain this outbreak, as it has already spread beyond so many borders, but efforts will be made to mitigate the effects of the flu. It does not expect that any borders will be closed or that travel will be restricted to any region of Mexico or the world. The disease as of the writing of this article as spread to more than 10 countries and 4 continents.
What is a Pandemic?
The World Health Organization defines the possibility of a pandemic when three events in the development of a virus occur:
• Emergence of a disease new to a population.
• Agents infect humans, causing serious illness.
• Agents spread easily and sustainably among humans.
It is becoming increasingly likely that this H1N1 Flu Virus will reach pandemic proportions. The government of Mexico and private interests have made moves to mitigate the effects of this virus. Schools have been shut down nation wide until May 6th and public gatherings in Mexico City have been suspended. Note that this is a holiday week here in Mexico and schools and businesses would be closed Monday anyway and many business will close Friday for the Labor Day celebrations. Here in Baja the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Rosarito Beach have been canceled.
Last night here in La Paz one of the most popular restaurants in the areas served only a handful of customers. This time, usually very popular with Mexican tourists has been particularly slow with the one two punch of the flu and the economy. Flights in and out of La Paz have a significant number of empty seats. Those to Mexico City were virtually empty.
The H1N1 Virus in Perspective
First, let us note that no one is predicting the Apocalypse as a result of this outbreak of Swine Flu. Since there are no other significant events currently breaking around the world, the press has jumped all over this story and brought panic to millions around the world. Looking at the facts, the level of hysteria is unjustified.
H1N1 Flu virus is a new virus, meaning that it has recently mutated from a previously known virus or series or viruses. Researchers have found human, pig and avian DNA present in the makeup of H1N1. Since it is new to the scene, there will be little or no immunity amongst humans to the new virus. H1N1 is an influenza - it is not the "Black Death", Small Pox or Polio. Although the mortality rate for the virus initially appear to be significantly higher than a standard outbreak of the flu it appears that this high mortality rate, particularly amongst 25-40 year olds is limited to the Mexico City area and may be a result of other medical and environmental factors present in those who succumbed to the disease.
I was astounded to learn that every year 36,000 people die in the United States as a result of standard influenza. Most of these fatalities are either in the very young or old, or otherwise medically compromised individuals. This was one of the initial concerns for H1N1, that it seems to attack strong and healthy individuals in their prime. WHO is backing away from this concern now, as further studies have been made.
The world wide mortality rate of this new strain of flu does not seem out of line with other strains of the flu virus which attack the world's population every year. We could just be looking at another strain of late season flu that will affect millions world wide with no greater impact that a usual flu season.
Prevention, Containment and Treatment
Surgical masks are virtually sold out in the US and Mexico. In Mexico City, military units are handing out surgical masks on the street in an effort to contain the disease. However, US health experts warn that a standard surgical mask will do little to prevent you from catching the flu. The size of the H1N1 virus will easily penetrate the standard surgical mask. It will however, contain the virus in a person already infected, when they speak, breath or cough.
The mask recommended for some protection from transmission is the N95 Surgical Grade mask. However, if you are not infected this will only protect you from inhalation of the virus. The virus can also infect your through your eyes and ears when wearing the mask. Experts recommend frequent washing of hands or use of hand sanitizer, particularly when using public facilities.
If you are feeling sick - STAY CONFINED. Do not take your co-workers a case of the swine flu just to be a trooper and not miss a day of work or school. Unfortunately, the incubation period for the flu can be 3-5 days allowing 2-3 days where the new host can transmit the disease while not feeling particularly ill. If you feel you are coming down with something don't travel by air and use a surgical mask to contain your respiratory fluids, which spread the flu.
Treatment for the flu includes the usual bed rest and lots of fluids and anti-viral drugs such as Tamaflu are proving effective against the virus. Hospitalization has only been required in a small number of the cases, therefore the epidemic may be already more wide spread than thought and thusly less of an hysteria than painted by the media.
Reports of Swine Flu in Baja
As of the writing of this article there have been three reported cases of the new A/H1N1 virus in Mexicali. There are several cases being investigated in Tijuana as well, but not yet confirmed. As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Baja California Sur. Although we feel fortunate here in La Paz, this is unlikely to continue indefinitely.
In a mailer to his clients, Brian Westerland of Diamante Properties in La Paz forwarded this first hand information;
"We have been closely watching the US news, Mexican news and local Baja Sur news , my mother-in-law is the head of the Red Cross for our Baja Sur state and she has been keeping us up to date daily on the new developments here in the Baja Sur and in Mexico City. So far there have been no reported cases in our state, everyone has been taking precautions but common sense and calm is starting to kick in after the initial shock of hysteria provided by the media."
What to Do and How to React
For those of you over 45, you may remember the outbreak of the Hong Kong Flu in 1968 and 1969. The flu was forecast to devastate older or weaker persons and the government went to great effort to stem the spread and produce a vaccine. In the end, only 36,000 people died from the flu while 7,800+ died from reaction to the vaccine. The Hong Kong Influenza ended up being the mildest pandemic of the 20th century.
On the flip side, an Influenza pandemic swept the world in 1918 and was spread world wide for the first time by the returning troops from World War One. Hundreds of thousands died world wide that year, including a young wife who lived at the home later owned by my sister in Vermont. With improved medical treatment and anti-viral drugs available, no one is expecting a repeat of this medical disaster.
So, keep your head and take the same preventative measures you would take when traveling at the holidays when colds and flu are readily passed around the traveling public. If you contact the flu, limit your exposure to others and seek medical attention promptly should the illness persist for more than 4 days or significant lung congestion and coughing occurs.
Also:
Swine flu Q and A
What is swine flu?
Swine flu (short for swine influenza) is so called because it is a respiratory disease that normally only infects pigs. It is usually caused by a particular influenza virus known as swine influenza A (H1N1).
How is swine flu spread?
Humans who have been in contact with pigs, such as farmers, people visiting fairs, or others coming into close proximity of pigs, can on rare occasion be infected with the swine flu virus. Health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have determined that swine influenza A (H1N1) has somehow been changed so that it now can be passed from human to human.
The virus is spread through the air, by direct contact with a pig or human who is infected with the virus, or by indirect contact (e.g., by touching a surface that has been touched by someone with the virus). Some viruses can live for 2 hours or longer on surfaces such as tables and desks. Swine flu is not spread by eating properly cooked pork, heated through 71°C (160°F). People who are infected with swine flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular human flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and extreme fatigue. Some people may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Although most people have recovered on their own, some people with severe illness have gone on to develop pneumonia or respiratory failure, and a small number have died as a result of the infection.
Who is most likely to get swine flu?
The body can become immune to the effects of a virus if it is exposed to the virus and makes antibodies against it. Most of the population is at risk for getting swine flu because it is contagious and the majority have no natural immunity because they have not been exposed to the virus in the past.
How can I prevent infection with swine flu? Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent infection with swine flu. The best way to prevent any type of flu virus infection is to wash your hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based saitizers are also effective. If using alcohol gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry.
Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, because that is how germs are spread. Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash after you have used it.
What should I do if I get flu symptoms? Are there medications available for treatment?
If you live in an area where swine flu cases have been identified or you have recently visited such an area, you should contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of the flu. Let your doctor know that you were recently in such an area. Call your doctor’s office before coming in so they can prepare for your visit. Your doctor may test you for influenza and/or may provide treatment. Medications called antivirals can be used to treat swine flu. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are two antivirals that have been shown to be effective for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine flu viruses.
Tom Smiley
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