Outbreak of Swine Flu

Since the first confirmed case of swine flu was found in Mexico, the horrible virus has spread out through 13 countries and regions from Americans to Europe and Asia. A baby in the United States became the first dead from swine flu outside the epicenter Mexico. Worse still, HongKong saw the first confirmed case in Asia. The situation in Mexico, on the other hand, is more serious with over 2500 suspected, 381 confirmed and 176 dead. The Mexican government declared a five-day holiday and the cancellation of any “non-essential” government activities and private business.

Though a lot of countries have taken quick action, swine flu is invading more and more countries in the world and witnessing a rapid increase of suspected and confirmed cases. Meanwhile World Health Organization (WHO) issued a level five alert, one level short of pandemic, which means the epidemic virus has been able to be transmitted from human to human and is very likely to be a pandemic disease. The government of Singapore is also taking an active part in preventing the disease from spreading in Singapore. Thermal scanners have been deployed in Changi Airport and crowded areas like Habourfront Center. Health Minister (MOH) raised its alert level to orange, two levels shy of pandemic. MOH announced it mandatory for tourists to report their travel history and leave detailed contact for phone calls to query their health. Anyone who has travelled to Mexico after Monday and has fever or some other symptoms of swine flu will be faced with seven-day quarantine. This rule has been applied to 26 students returning from an exchange programme in Mexico. The head of MOH revealed that they were considering closing schools to avoid a severer surge of swine flu.

The swine flu outbreak, in my eyes, releases a signal that virus is developing with the development of medicine technology. Human beings can never have a moment when all epidemic diseases are conquered by human beings. Actually the disease is to some extent a motion to push people to do further research and to find out more uncovered things in the world. Besides, the influenza warns people of minding personal hydrogen. Most of all we may be accordingly aware of the truth that health always comes first and without health all that we have is just nothing. Above all we should look on the bright side and work hand-in-hand to combat the terrible epidemic disease. I strongly believe we can make it as long as we are united and make our own contribution to defeat the influenza.