The Racquette

Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: News

Media Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eneas Passengers on a subway wear in Mexico surgical masks to protect themselves from germs in crowded public areas.

As the swine flu pandemic circulates, communities locally and globally are preparing to quell the spread of the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 642 cases of the swine flu in the United States, but only two cases, both in Texas, have been fatal. The most heavily affected states are currently Illinois with 122 reported cases, New York with 97 cases and Texas with 61 cases. Every state has had at least one reported case of the H1N1 virus.

Recent steps to detect the virus have included the distribution of test kits. These kits will accurately detect the presence of the virus, which will help determine the burden of the virus on the United States, as well as other countries. Test kits are currently available to all states and Puerto Rico. According to CNN's Elizabeth Landau, more research is being conducted in both Mexico and medical labs to trace the roots of the virus, which may have in fact originated in the United States.

The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department has issued useful tips for the public to observe to reduce the chances of getting both seasonal flu and swine flu. These tips can easily be related to college campuses. Tips include avoiding sick people, washing hands often and covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. The biggest emphasis is placed on staying home and avoiding public places when sick. It is encouraged that people stay home from school and keep in close contact with their doctors when flu symptoms occur.

Steve Bragg, senior music education and performance major at SUNY Potsdam, is not concerned by the swine flu scare. "From what I know, there hasn't been a case of it in this area of New York." While Bragg is correct, it was thought that a case of the H1N1 virus had broken out last week in St. Lawrence County. The sample from the individual was sent out last Friday, and has already come back negative for the H1N1 virus. The CDC predicts that cases of the swine flu will increase in number and severity over the next few weeks.

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