While it is not new that Swine Flu has occurred in the border between Mexico and the United States of America, it has become an epidemic. Mexico has confirmed 20 out of possible 81 deaths. There have also been some changes in lifestyles.

According to W Radio of Mexico, there have been cancellations of social events and schools have been closed in San Luis Potosi, and Distrito Federal.  Franc Contreras who works as the correspondent for Al Jazeera in Mexico City have reported an increase in the purchase of surgical masks while the government has issued a state of emergency.

Under the state of emergency, the Government of Mexico receives power to regulate what comes in and out as well as quarantine those who are sick.

There have been reported cases in Kansas, California, New York, and New Jersey with the number of 19 cases in the USA. The WHO has declared a public health emergency and have asked the world to keep an eye on the endemic region of the border between Mexico and the USA.

Swine Flu according to the CDC is defined as a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A Influenza Virus. The Virus causes outbreaks of the disease between pigs. Humans receive infections via human to human transmission.

There have been 12 infections within the USA between 2005 and 2009 while there have been new cases since March 2009.  The methods of preventing is based on the use of common logic such as hand washing, covering the nose/mouth after coughing/sneezing, as well as avoiding contact with sick people.

The symptoms prevalent in adults are vomiting of a severe and persistent nature. Other symptoms include dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, with pain in the chest and abdomen.

The symptoms in children are a blue like colour, in the skin, fever, rash, not socializing, not drinking enough fluids, and irritability. The treatment is Anti Viral Medication such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. The Anti Viral Medications should be taken before the outbreak and two days after the outbreak.

At the date 2009-4-26 at 9:00AM EST, there have been the following cases reported in the United States of America: 7 cases in California, 2 cases in Kansas, 8 cases in New York City, 1 case in Ohio, and 2 cases in Texas. There will be further updates as the news continues to evolve. This will continue to play itself out.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/04/20094252052inues t21945233.html

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/04/200942682236962769.html

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

http://my.nowpublic.com/health/overall-review-about-swine-flu-epidemic