Swine Flu A.K.A. Pig influenza, swine influenza, hog flu and pig flu What is it? Any strain of the influenza family of virus that is endemic in pigs

Causes The most likely point of origination is a gigantic pig farm in Mexico. Called a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Mexican officials backed by the farm’s owners claimed that the centre of the outbreak in coincidental and that the disease actually came from China and just passed through.

Transmission The virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that are released from the nose and mouth during sneezing and coughing. These droplets land on surfaces where the virus can survive for up to a day, and anyone that comes in contact with these surfaces spreads the virus by then touching something or someone else

Transmission continued People usually become infected by touching contaminated objects then putting their hands near their mouth or nose. It is also possible to breathe in the virus if it is suspended in the air. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection.

Global Impact The WHO declared swine flu a pandemic on the 11 June 2009 because of the spread of the disease, NOT the level of danger it poses to the victims. The first cases were reported in southern California and Texas and Mexico. Children, pregnant women and older members of society are at most risk, however, relatively few people have actually died as a direct result of the disease.

Global Impact continued It caused chaos world wide, as there were rumours that there was no cure and that the virus was fatal. It resulted on a ban on the imports from Mexico to the EU. The number of deaths linked to swine flu in Mexico is 152, but other cases were reported in the US, Canada, Spain, UK, and New Zealand.