Q. Seriously, why all the fuss?
A. Human outbreaks of swine flu - an illness caused by types of viruses that are typically endemic to pigs (hence the name) - can occur, but are typically rare. The last time there was major public concern over swine flu in the United States was in 1976, when a soldier at Fort Dix died and millions of Americans were immunized as a precaution.
The current outbreak of swine flu - involving a strain of the virus known as H1N1 - has alarmed public-health officials since it was confirmed in Mexico, with isolated U.S. cases, in late March. That's because it seems to spread quickly among humans, its symptoms develop quickly, and in Mexico the illness is killing previously healthy adults, primarily aged 25 to 45.
Q. What is the impact so far?
A. As of last night, there were 149 confirmed deaths in Mexico, and at least 40 confirmed cases in the United States. None of these were fatal, and 28 were reported in a cluster in one New York City prep school.
Q. Any cases in Philadelphia?
A. No. In fact, there have been no officially reported cases in Pennsylvania. Last night, however, health officials in New Jersey said that they've identified five probable cases - none serious, all among people who recently traveled to Mexico or California.
Q. I haven't been to Mexico, so should I not be too worried?
A. Right now, the bulk of U.S. cases appear to be related to travel to Mexico or southern-border states, but that could change quickly given the apparent speed with which the flu spreads.
For that reason, you should know the symptoms, which are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting.
Q. What are Philadelphia officials doing?
