Swine Flu Epidemic Update 9 Day 12

1. Swine is continuing to spread slowly - internationally and nationally in the U.S.
2. There have been 2 officially confirmed deaths in the U.S.
3. South Carolina is now in 7th place with 16 confirmed cases (due to the Newberry cluster).
4. I read an interesting commentary which essentially said that because of prior serious outbreaks, from diseases like Hanta virus, AIDS, and SARS, we all react strongly to the notion that another disease may become an epidemic. The data so far indicate that swine flu is normally not likely to be fatal or severe in most people. This is good news. I agree with this hypothesis. Time will tell if it is true.