H1N1 Strikes Again

In 2009 a virus called H1N1 also known as Swine Flu, embarked countries like United States and Mexico, on a hunt to end the virus. More than 18,300 people have died from Swine flu since June 2009. Doctors and scientist researched and produced a vaccine that was given to millions of people. The U.S government felt is it was a pandemic and children under the age of 2, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women should receive the vaccine. The estimated cost of medication and health professionals was approximately 14 billion dollars.

Despite their efforts, as of Tuesday July 20th 2010 six more cases of Swine flu have been found in West Bengal, India, bringing the total number to twelve. On July 15, 2010 a 59 year old man was admitted complaining of Swine flu symptoms. Unfortunately, the man died just two days afterwards. The Health Department has not issued any warnings yet, due to them still monitoring other cases.

The World Health Organization also known as WHO, general director Margaret Chan wants to wait until the southern flu season is over with before declaring that swine flu has ended. Other countries are still distributing vaccines among their people.