First USA death from pig flu. Would Britain be told?

As you can see, the writer's deep long standing concerns about the appalling health status of British pigs and the consequential human risks are well founded.

The hopeless performance of Britain's corrupt veterinary establishment, over many years, is a real cause for concern for us all.

The pigs remain sick after many years of desperate government veterinary cover-ups and associated underplaying of risks

The problems in the USA are firmly linked to pigs.

That should not be taken to mean that this variant has reached Britain, or our sick pigs, yet.

One thing for sure. The people paid to protect us would never willingly tell us.

Full American report here


CDC Reports More Cases, Hospitalizations and Nation’s First
H3N2v-Associated Death

Today, CDC is reporting 12 additional cases of H3N2 variant virus
(H3N2v) infection, as well as the first H3N2v-associated death, which
was reported by the state of Ohio. The death occurred in an older
adult with multiple underlying health conditions who reportedly had
direct exposure to pigs in a fair setting. While limited
person-to-person spread of this virus has been detected and likely
continues to occur sporadically, no sustained community transmission
has been found. CDC is monitoring this situation and working with
states to respond to these evolving outbreaks. The agency continues to
urge people at high risk from serious flu complications to stay away
from pigs and pig arenas at fairs this summer.

"We’re saddened to hear about the death of one person in Ohio
associated with the current H3N2v outbreaks," says CDC’s Dr. Lyn
Finelli. "Like with seasonal flu, we have been – and continue to be –
particularly concerned about people with factors that put them at high
risk of serious complications if they get the flu. These people should
absolutely not have contact with pigs or visit pig arenas at fairs
this summer." Dr. Finelli is Lead for the Surveillance and Outbreak
Response Team in CDC’s Influenza Division.

High risk factors for serious flu complications include: being younger
than 5 years (especially children younger than 2 years), or 65 and
older, pregnancy, and certain chronic medical conditions like asthma,
diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or
neurodevelopmental conditions. A full list of high risk conditions is
available on the CDC seasonal flu website.

"Anyone with a high risk factor should not only avoid pigs and pig
arenas at fairs, but they should also seek prompt medical attention if
they get flu-like symptoms, especially if they have pig exposure, but
even in the absence of pig exposure," Finelli says.

CDC has issued information for clinicians on H3N2v; guidance which
underscores the importance of rapid antiviral treatment of influenza,
including H3N2v virus infection, in high risk patients. The H3N2v
virus is susceptible to the influenza antiviral drugs oseltamivir
(Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®).

For seasonal flu, CDC recommends that it is best that people with high
risk conditions who develop flu-like symptoms contact their doctor,
tell them about their symptoms, and remind them about their high risk
status. For the current H3N2v outbreaks, if high risk people have
exposure to pigs, it’s especially important that they tell their
doctor about this exposure.

"Like with seasonal flu," Finelli says, "prompt antiviral treatment in
a high risk person can mean the difference between having a milder
illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital
stay or even death," says Finelli. "This message is critical not only
for people who are at high risk, but for America’s doctors who are
treating these patients. We want their suspicion for H3N2v to be high
right now. Ask patients with influenza-like-illness if they have pig
exposure, but regardless of whether they do, if they have a high risk
factor, treat them empirically with antivirals for influenza without
waiting for testing results."

The 12 new cases reported this week are from the states of Minnesota
(1), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), and Wisconsin (7). Cumulative totals
for 2011 and 2012 by state are available in the H3N2v case count
table.

Symptoms of H3N2v have been consistent with seasonal influenza and can
include some or all of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Like with
seasonal flu, it’s possible that not everyone will have a fever. This
may be particularly true in elderly people or people with weakened
immune systems, whose bodies may not mount as effective an immune
response to the virus infection.

Found in U.S. pigs in 2010 and humans in July 2011, this H3N2v virus
appears to spread more easily from pigs to people than other variant
influenza viruses. Most reported cases to date have occurred in people
who are exhibiting or helping to exhibit pigs at fairs this season
after close and prolonged contact with pigs. "So far more than 90
percent of cases have occurred in people who are exhibiting or helping
to exhibit pigs, or who are family members of these people. That is
why our message is so targeted," says Finelli. CDC has developed
recommendations and materials for people attending fairs this summer
and is working with states as well as organizations like 4-H National
Headquarters and the International Association of Fairs and
Expositions to disseminate these messages and materials.

CDC also has developed supplemental H3N2v guidance for schools. Last
year, there was at least one outbreak of H3N2v in a day care setting
in the fall and CDC believes it possible that localized outbreaks of
H3N2v, particularly in schools or day cares, may occur as the weather
turns colder and schools across the country are underway. "The
guidance document is a heads up for schools to be aware of, and on the
look-out for, illness with this virus," Finelli explains.

"It’s important to remember that this is an evolving situation that
could change quickly." Finelli concludes, "We’re constantly looking at
our data and re-evaluating."