2009 swine flu outbreak: Health agencies giving full attention to swine flu

2009 swine flu outbreak: Health agencies giving full attention to swine flu

U.S. health agencies are giving full attention to the swine flu epidemic.

The flu has spread to at least 11 states from California to Maine and the number of confirmed cases is hovering around 100.

The only known fatality from it in the U.S. was a 23-month-old boy from Mexico. He developed symptoms soon after he and his family arrived in Texas April 4th and died Monday night at a hospital in Houston.

President Barack Obama calls the outbreak "cause for deep concern, but not panic." He says the government is prepared "to do whatever it takes" to control the outbreak. At his news conference tonight, Obama said health officials are not recommending that the U.S.-Mexico border be closed.

The government is also dipping into federal stockpiles of anti-flu drugs, shipping enough doses to treat 11 million people.

As a precaution, the state of Texas has suspended all public high school competitions until May 11th. That includes academic as well as sporting events.

Source: http://www.abc4.com/news